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Glossary

Adaptive Equipment

Everyday items redesigned so people with limited strength, range or coordination can use them independently.

Adaptive equipment refers to modified everyday objects that let a person perform a task they would otherwise struggle with: long-handled sponges for people who cannot reach their feet, button hooks for those with arthritic fingers, non-slip placemats and weighted cups for shaky hands, raised toilet seats after hip surgery. Unlike high-tech assistive technology, adaptive equipment is usually low-cost and low-training. OTs are the clinicians most often trained to assess for, recommend, source and train the use of adaptive equipment in Malaysia.