As a person with a physical disability and being non-verbal it is essential I have the right equipment to enable me to live in essentially an abled-bodied community. Literally, my day stops if the equipment is not available. The flip side of this however is that with the right equipment the world is my oyster and I can get on with living my life. While I (and many others) advocate for the world to catch up with universal design the reality is the equipment we have can allow us the opportunities we may not have access to without. 

Here are 5 tips on navigating equipment we require:

1. Get advice from many  - Technology such as wheelchairs are meant to liberate us and essentially are an extension of our bodies.  As a user of technology, you are your best critic and judge of what does and does not work for you. In this day and age of constant reporting often we are faced with advice from people who may have just met us. Trust your own instincts and speak to people who assist you with the technology first and foremost. While a professional is paid to assist in the recommendations consider your circle of people around you to offer advice as well. You are your best professional!

2. Do your homework – We are blessed we live in a day and age where technology may assist but this can often come with confusion of what is best. There are many options out there and the best may not be what is being shown to you. Try a few different options and do your own investigations on options.  This piece has got to last a while so the cheapest might not be the best but likewise, the most expensive piece may not as well.

3. Trialling and choosing the right equipment – It is essential to think of the bigger picture with things like wheelchairs, talking devices or other pieces of equipment. Not all bits of equipment will work in all environments. This is why many people with disabilities have so much equipment stashed away in cupboards and garages. I personally have three wheelchairs currently and endless other pieces stored away. Trialling equipment is vital and by trialling I don't mean 1 hour consult then have it scripted up. Obviously, trials vary for different equipment but for something like a chair it could be a massive problem trialling something for less than an hour. Unfortunately, I have learnt this the hard way and in hindsight would have insisted on a longer trial for a vital piece I currently have. Don't be afraid to ask for longer trials, especially for the vital pieces that will open up your world.

4. Maintaining equipment – Equipment is only good if it works. When choosing equipment it is important to also see the companies that have provided it and their track record of aftercare for that product. In my experience cheapest isn’t always best but having expensive equipment isn’t always the best either.  In this day of social media and online reviews, it pays to see how companies are reviewed and what their track record for maintenance and repairs are.  Equipment repairs and maintenance are essential and need to be done in a respectable time. Maintenance of equipment is vital for people with disabilities.

5. Remain open to new technology and ideas – We live in an exciting time where technology is getting better as we go.  I recall my first talking device cost over $35000. It sat in the cupboard a lot wasn't very reliable and I found it very frustrating to use. All these years on I am Apple's biggest consumer and the simplicity of an Ipad pro among other things works wonders for me. You know what they say “An apple a day...” I love seeing new technology and am always open to what is coming in the future. 

Technology is something people with a disability have a love-hate relationship with. If it fails we love to hate it. When it works OMG we can get on with our lives and contribute to the world in which we live. I recently moved into my new home, which was specifically made with technology in mind. My unit is controlled by my Ipad and I LOVE it. I have a fridge where I can save my favourite recipes, order the ingredients and get them home delivered at the press of a button. I can turn on lights and adjust the blinds and so much more. While I like technology and equipment my flatmate is less impressed when I crank his air-con in his room in winter as he attempts to sleep in. But meh ……that is the one benefit of living in a world where technology can open your world up. I am blessed I have the technology that allows me to be free. 

About the Author: 

Marlena Katene is Australia’s most unique entertainment journalist. Having Cerebral Palsy Marlena communicates via an ABC Board and iPad. After completing her Bachelor of Communications degree Marlena has been blessed to interview a wide range of people ranging from Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and even the Dalia Lama. While her journalism focuses mainly on music she also has written on other issues and freelance writes for a variety of magazines. Apart from her journalism work, Marlena is an avid traveller and adventure seeker. In 2016 she became the first person in the world with Cerebral Palsy to Base jump, achieving this feat by jumping off the 421 metre KL Tower in Malaysia. Addicted to travelling she is always seeking the next adventure and place to explore.