These devices help to sustain their self-reliance. There are two basic categories of devices: low-tech and high-tech devices. Low-tech devices are products that have one or no moving parts and rarely have any electronic components. These devices mainly serve only one function and their prices are usually low. The user does not require much training to know how to use the devices. On the contrary, high-tech devices tend to have several moving parts and consist of some complicated electronic components. They can perform many functions and their prices are high. Training is required for the user to know how to use the device effectively. High-tech devices are usually recommended to the patient by the doctor or physiotherapist.

A wide variety of low-tech products are now available. Examples of kitchen utensils are specially designed can-openers, peelers, knives, spoons and other easy to grasp utensils. There are also dishes with curved edges that make picking food easier. Buttonhooks and zipper pulls are widely available. Currently, toothpaste comes in tubes equipped with pushbuttons that are easier to use than the traditional squeeze types. Velcro straps are also available for use in wrapping utensils or other tools to make them easier to grasp and manipulate. Wide handled utensils, garden tools and other devices for household use are also available.

Some low-tech products have special purposes. An example of these products is the car door opener which enables people to open doors with one open hand. This can also work for doors of refrigerators and cabinets. Another example would be a soda can cuff which allows a person with quadriplegia to wrap the hand around the object and lift it effectively. A pen cuff also acts this way. A sandwich cuff helps a person eat sandwich independently. Other examples include braces, clutches, splints and other walking aids.

Helpful low-tech devices for people suffering from arthritis would be wide-handled utensils, garden tools, pencils and pens. These devices need less pressure and make household chores and writing easier. Special low-tech products include braces, crutches and canes, which can make walking easier. Splints may be used if necessary during inflammation of the joint to align the joints and protect it from injury.

For people who are suffering from cancer and are particularly weak, they can make use of wheelchairs to help them move around. Wheelchairs are also help for people suffering from cardiac conditions. These devices help them to move around with less strain. Some people suffering from diabetes have amputations due to the complications of the disease. Hence, they need mobility aids as well as orthoses and prostheses. An orthosis is something that enhances a body part while a prosthesis replaces a body part. For more information, please visit Homecare and Elderly.