EQUIPMENT

For individuals with Angelman Syndrome and their caregivers, specialized equipment can significantly improve daily life, encompassing adaptive feeding tools, communication aids, mobility devices, and home modifications for safety and accessibility. Work with your occupational therapists (OTs) and other assigned specialists to assess individual needs and determine the most appropriate equipment and modifications. Most items will be fully funded, however extras on your wish-list may need to be purchased privately. There are many charities in Aotearoa NZ that offer grants to fund more expensive items. 

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Home Supports: Feeding, Clothing, Bedding & Personal Care

Adaptive Feeding Tools: Easy scoop bowls, adaptive spoons and forks, slip-proof trays, and extra-long bibs can make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable. Weighted spoons to help with tremors: and non-spill cups to teach straw drinking can also be beneficial.

Safe Seating: Height-adjustable seats with harness straps and a tray will make table-activities safer.

Waterproof items: continence and bedwetting products include waterproof mattress protectors, fitted mattress protectors, incontinence sheets & pads, bed pans, absorbent washable underwea, a wide range of disposable underwear, nappies and incontinence pads.

Special Toothbrushes: Consider special toothbrushes designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities or challenges with fine motor skills. 

Personal Care Equipment: Includes bath chairs, bath lifts, commodes, shower rails, toileting support such as a raised foam toilet seat with foam backrest and side rails.​​

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Mobility & Transportation

Wheelchairs and Strollers: These need to be customised and appropriate for the individual's needs and abilities, potentially including all-terrain options and a tray. 

Car Seats/Harnesses: Ensure safe and secure car travel with options like the EZ-ON Harness and Vest  

Walking Aids: Consider walking frames or ankle braces and splints to help with gait and walking ability. 

Adaptive Bikes: These are great to encourage cyclic leg movements, exercise, circulation, and a social outdoor hobby. Adults can also use these for work - to deliver pamphlets or other items. There are many variations of adaptive trikes available in NZ: Trikes 

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Therapeutic:

Sensory Dynamic Orthosis (SDO) Suits: Made-to-measure Lycra garments help with sensory processing and motor control. The Sensory Dynamic Orthosis (SDO) is a Lycra Garment (Class 1) medical device that provides dynamic compression to increase sensory and proprioceptive feedback as well as provide musculoskeletal support. See also TheraSuit Method® (Australia) ​

Adaptive Equipment: tricycles, gait trainers, and mobile standers.

​Weighted blankets: Deep Pressure Stimulation for those living with sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, autism, insomnia, ADHD and PTSD. ​

(See Orthopedic issues related to Angelman Syndrome - a private Facebook group for parents whose child has gait/orthopaedic/orthotic/scoliosis/skeletal complications)

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Sensory Activities

Sensory Toys/Water-play/Trampoline/Music: Help individuals relax, improve focus, exercise/move, and calm down. ​

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Communication

Communication Devices: Utilize communication devices & apps, and other AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools to facilitate effective communication. 

Communication Apps: Explore apps like PODD software (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display), Proloquo and Pictello. 

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Home Modifications

Ramp Access: Use portable ramps or install ramps for wheelchair access to the front door and other areas, as well as all emergency exit routes. 

Wider Doorways: Ensure doorways are wide enough for wheelchair accessibility. 

Safe Bedrooms: Due to the sleep disorder so prevalent in AS, enclosed beds or portable safety-sleepers can ensure safety at night, especially for individuals with epilepsy, or who require 24/7 supervision due to roaming at night. A child monitor and safety gate at the door can also be installed as additional security measures. 

Sensory Rooms: Create a calming sensory room with various textures, lights, and sounds to help regulate sensory  processing. ​

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Adaptive Equipment for Classrooms

Seating & Table Supports: At school the OT will assess what seating and table supports are needed for each student in the classroom. Many ideas for basic support equipment can be easily accessed or even made by a handy staff member or parent.

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NZ Suppliers 

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• AccessAble - Serving the Te Tai Tokerau (Northern) and Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) regions, Accessable provides equipment, vehicle and housing modifications to support people with disabilities and injuries to lead mana enhancing lives.

• Allied Medical: NZ Medical Products - based in Auckland, with team members in Waikato, Wellington, Masterton, Christchurch and Dunedin.

• Independent Living Mobility Equipment & Services - Stores at Royal Oak, Botany South, Browns Bay, and online to anywhere in NZ

• Mobility Centre - New Zealand's Mobility Aid and Equipment Centre

• Northable Equipment Plus - Northland’s largest supplier of equipment and products to support people who may have a temporary or permanent impairment.

• StayDry - New Zealand owned and operated

• Brolly Sheets - waterproof products designed and made in NZ

• SensorySam - Sensory Products & The Disability Support Funding Infohub!

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