Assistive | Special Needs

One of the main aims of the specialist care team assigned to children and adults with special needs is to promote independent living. As the spectrum of disorders and conditions covered by the term special needs is so broad, people with special needs will have very different levels of independence. Some people with special needs may require round the clock care, while others will live very active, independent lives.

Occupational therapy

People with physical disabilities and health conditions that affect their ability to carry out everyday activities may still be able to live an independent life. They may just require a little additional help. Occupational therapists play a very important role in promoting independence. They carry out a range of different roles, from assessing an individual’s home to sorting out specialist equipment. Someone with a physical disability may be able to live completely independently if their home is adapted to enable them to move around freely and use appliances in the kitchen and bathroom, for example. Similarly, people with health conditions may be able to live comfortably on their own, if somebody is able to come in once a day to give them their medication, for example.

Transport

Transport is often key to independent living; transport gives people the opportunity to get out and about but some forms of transport are not accessible to everyone. If you struggle to get out and about, you may be able to benefit from community transport services. There may also be cheaper deals for public transport.

Financial support

Living alone can be expensive but there is support available for some people with special needs and disabilities. You can find out about benefits and financial support from your local authority. There may also be money available for any equipment that may be needed.

Student living

Living as a student is notoriously difficult when it comes to money. Students are forced to live on a tight budget and this may be particularly true for students with special needs as they may not be able to take on a job, as well as their studies. There is financial support available for students with special needs. Students tend to get bigger student loans and many universities and colleges also offer bursaries, grants and scholarships; you can contact individual institutions for details of their financial packages.