Treatment & Intervention > Therapy Equipment
Therapy Equipment
The equipment below spans a spectrum from simple low-tech adaptations to high-tech communication and mobility devices. Selection should be guided by the patient's functional level, medical status, available equipment at your institution, and goals for the session. Many high-tech solutions require an SLP or assistive technology specialist consult — early referral is key.
Low Tech
Foam Tubing / Built-Up Handles
Slip over toothbrushes, combs, utensils, or Yankauer suction to increase grip diameter and reduce the fine motor demand for ADL tool use.
Universal Cuff / ADL Cuff
Pocket sewn onto a palm strap to hold utensils, pens, or grooming tools for patients with limited or absent grip. Can be constructed from a shoelace in a pinch.
Dycem / Non-Slip Mat
Stabilizes meal trays, bowls, and grooming items for patients with one-handed function or tremor.
Oral Swab vs. Toothbrush
Oral swabs are useful for early oral stimulation and hygiene in patients at high aspiration risk or with limited mouth opening. Progress to a soft toothbrush as appropriate.
Rolled Towels & Positioning Wedges
Maintain alignment, offload pressure areas, support limbs in functional positions, and facilitate upright tolerance at the bedside.
Laminated Communication Board
Low-cost yes/no and basic needs board for intubated or voiceless patients. Can be customized with patient-specific vocabulary and kept at the bedside.
Adapted Call Light
Oversized or pillow-style call lights reduce the fine motor demand for patients to summon nursing independently.
Middle Tech
iPad / Tablet
Versatile platform for AAC apps, cognitive tasks, visual scanning, leisure, and family communication. See the Phone & Tablet Apps page for recommended apps by category.
Sip & Puff Call Light
Activates the call light via breath control. Appropriate for patients with high-level SCI, severe UE weakness, or locked-in syndrome who cannot use a standard call light.
Switch-Adapted Devices
Single or dual switches can activate call lights, tablets, fans, or environmental controls for patients with very limited voluntary movement (e.g., a single finger, toe, head turn, or eye blink).
Amplified Telephone / Speakerphone
Enables patients with reduced voice volume (post-intubation, trach, or neurological) to connect with family for orientation, comfort, and social engagement.
Electronic Reading Device
E-readers or tablets allow patients to adjust font size and contrast for leisure reading as cognition and vision improve — supports orientation and routine.
High Tech / AAC
Dedicated AAC Device
Speech-generating devices (SGDs) provide robust, customizable communication for patients with severely limited or absent verbal output. Requires consult with SLP or assistive technology specialist. Examples: Tobii Dynavox, PRC Accent series.
Eye Gaze Communication Device
Camera-based system that tracks eye movement to allow patients with little to no motor function to select words, phrases, or symbols on screen. Appropriate for locked-in syndrome, high cervical SCI, late-stage ALS, and severe DoC with preserved eye movement. Requires AT/SLP evaluation.
Environmental Control Unit (ECU)
Allows patients to control room lights, TV, nurse call, and other devices via switch, voice, or eye gaze. Supports independence and reduces caregiver burden for long-stay patients.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
Emerging technology that translates neural signals into communication or device control without voluntary movement. Currently available in specialized research and clinical settings.
Mobility Technology
Passive standing aid for patients who can bear weight but cannot actively participate in a stand-pivot transfer. Useful for Level II–III patients beginning standing trials.
Powered standing and raising aid that supports patients with minimal weight-bearing ability. Includes a sling for partial support during transfers.
Multifunctional device that functions as both a standing aid and a tilt-table style chair. Allows progressive mobilization from supine to upright for very low-level patients.
Friction-Reducing Devices (Slide Sheets)
Reduce friction during lateral transfers and repositioning in bed, minimizing shear forces on skin and reducing staff injury risk.
Hoyer Lift / Ceiling Lift
Full-body mechanical lift for patients who are non-weight-bearing or too medically fragile for active transfer. Coordinate with nursing for sling type and placement.
Stryker TruRize / Reclining Chair
Motorized reclining chair useful for graded upright tolerance in patients who cannot sustain unsupported sitting.
Tilt Table
Electrically controlled table that gradually brings a patient from supine to near-standing. Used for orthostatic tolerance training. Monitor BP, HR, and symptoms closely during use.