Specialist Disability Service

Examples of our services include:

• 24 hour posture management for people with physical disabilities
  
  • Wheelchair seating
    
  • Static seating (e.g. armchair or classroom)
    
  • Bed positioning
    
  • Bespoke shower chairs / commodes
• Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) services
  
  • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (communication aids)
    
  • Environmental Control Service (Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes)
    
  • Computer Access Service
    
  • Specialist wheelchair controls
    
  • Mounting EAT equipment to wheelchairs
• Mobile arm support services
  
• Baby care advice for people with physical disabilities
  

For more information please see:

Specialist Disability Service patient leaflets.

Much of the equipment recommended needs to be made specifically for an individual and often agreement has to be obtained to pay for the equipment.

This means there can be a delay between initial referral and final provision of equipment.

The team

The service has an interdisciplinary team approach, with the team including:

• occupational therapists
• physiotherapists
• speech and language therapist
• therapy technicians
• clinical scientists
• rehabilitation engineers

Location

The service is located on the ground floor of OCE, although many patients are seen in their own homes where appropriate.

Referrals and funding

Most patients referred to this service are already under the care of a local rehabilitation specialist service who have identified the need for further expert assessment in relation to particular problems or potential solutions.

Some of this is funded through national specialist commissioning, and the service covers most of the south of England.

Before any action is taken on a referral, we always need to establish that there is suitable funding available. Although this is often quick and easy, for a significant number of referrals this may take some time.

How to make a referral