Information about the equipment available and whether your child is entitled to access the equipment.
Hearing aids
- You will need to provide supporting evidence from an approved hearing aid provider before a grant can be considered.
- You will need to be means-tested to see if you can have a grant towards your child's hearing aid(s).
Wheelchairs
- The Occupational Therapy Service will give you advice to make sure that you are given a wheelchair that is suitable for your child's needs.
- Some of the things the Occupational Therapist will talk to you about will be:
- Assessing your child's needs and talking about the activities your child will do when using the wheelchair and where he/she will use the wheelchair.
- Advising you on the wheelchair type/model that meets your child's needs.
- Signposting to the funding sources available to buy the wheelchair.
- Your Occupational Therapist may involve the Wheelchair Specialist Occupational Therapist and others if the wheelchair is complex
- You can ask your GP or any health and social services professional involved in your child's care to make a referral directly to the Occupational Therapy Service.
- There is no charge for the assessment, but the cost of the wheelchair is not included. You may be able to get financial assistance from Social Security if you receive Supplementary Benefit.
- There are some charities which may fund the wheelchair but each charity has its own process.
- The Occupational Therapy Department is open Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm and can be contacted by phone, tel. 725241 ext. 4085.
Support from Social Security to access equipment
- You do not necessarily need to be on benefits. Social Security may be able to help people with special needs, even if they do not qualify for cash benefit. Assistance with the payment of medical expenses or purchase of equipment can be provided. Social Security can also, in exceptional circumstances, award grants or loans towards the alteration of property in relation to medical need.
- For more information you can contact Social Security by phone, tel. 732500.
How do I get an assessment?
- Social Security (tel. 732508) can do a quick 2-page assessment over the phone to see if you are entitled to support.
- If you are, then the advisor will arrange an appointment for a full assessment.
- Generally you will be seen within 2 weeks.
Loans to purchase equipment
- It may be possible in some circumstances for Social Security to arrange a loan with an agreement for repayments.
- For more information you can contact Social Security by phone, tel. 732500.
St John Health Care Shop
- If you need equipment to help care for your child, St John Health Care Shop has equipment available for hire and some products for sale.
Sensory Toy Library
- The National Autistic Society Guernsey Branch has a sensory toy library and equipment is available to borrow for all children who have autism and/or sensory needs.
- Equipment includes specialist lights and projectors, motor skills equipment such as spinning tops and wobble boards, musical instruments and lots more.
- There are fortnightly drop in sessions on Sunday afternoons for browsing and borrowing.
- A full list of equipment available can be found on their website.