Devices That Help People Function

• Grab bars on the side and back of the bathtub or toilet for people with balance problems or weak legs
• Shower chairs for people who cannot stand for a long time because of weakness or dizziness
• Bathtub benches for people who have balance problems or who have difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub because of pain or weakness in the legs
• Raised toilet seats and chair leg extenders (which make the chair's seat higher) for people who have trouble standing up
• Eating utensils, shoehorns, and other tools with large, built-up handles for people with a weak grip
• Weighted eating utensils, cups with lids, and swivel spoons for people with tremors
• Plates with rims and rubber grips (to prevent slipping) for people who have coordination problems
• "Grabbers" that can pick items off the floor or from a shelf for people whose reach or movement is limited
• Tools with spring-loaded or electronic controls for people with hand problems
• Devices that turn electrical appliances (such as lamps, radios, and fans) on or off at the sound of the voice for people whose movement or coordination is limited
• Computer-assisted devices for people whose arms and legs are paralyzed or who have other disorders that greatly limit function
• Larger dials on telephones for people with impaired vision
• Telephones and doorbells that display a flashing light when they ring for people with hearing loss
• Automatic dialing on a telephone, devices that remind a person about when to take a drug, and pocket devices that record and play back messages (reminders, instructions, and lists) at the appropriate time for people who have trouble remembering