Cheapest Assistive Devices for the Disabled

More than 50 million Americans have a disability and many will need some assistive device to perform everyday activities like walking or reading. Not all disabilities require advanced medical equipment that can cost thousands of dollars. Disabilities related to vision, cognitive skills and physical well-being can be remedied partially or even fully with basic equipment available at a low cost.

Vision

• Not everyone can afford the high cost associated with visits to eye doctors and specialists. Vision insurance is not available to everyone and out-of-pocket expenses for eyeglasses can be too high for some people. Visit a local pharmacy or a retail store like Walgreens, Target or Walmart and ask about off-the-shelf reading glasses that are not customized for a particular patient but are available at a lower price than prescription reading glasses.

Canes and Crutches

• Canes and simple crutches can be purchased off the shelf without having to be customized. Many walking-support options can be found in materials ranging from wood to metal. These devices can be adjusted to fit a person's needs, offering more individuality than a non-adjustable device.

Braces and Slings

• Braces and slings are available at retailers without a prescription. People without major bone injuries can use over-the-counter items for a couple of reasons; they can offer support for long-term physical problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and knee and joint pain and they can help to heal sprains over time by holding limbs in the correct position.

Software

• Most personal computers and many smart phones have accessibility software that can help people perform tasks easier. Type sizes can be easily adjusted to make them easier to read, and some programs will read aloud what is on the screen. Screen background colors can be adjusted with high contrast to make monitors and phone screens easier to see with these types of software.