Assistive devices are products designed for people with disabilities. Assistive technology can also refer to methods and new technology.
Assistive devices can:
- prevent future loss of function or ability
- improve or preserve function or ability
- compensate for deteriorated or lost function and ability to cope with
everyday living.
Approximately every fifth Swede has a disability, and about half of these
individuals use assistive devices. Assistive devices are funded by tax revenues.
As a means of improving opportunities for individuals to choose their own
assistive devices, pilot studies have been performed in a few county councils and municipalities whereby people with disabilities have been allowed to choose assistive devices to supplement their regular prescription.