Assistive technology and assistive devices are broadly called "AT."
AT refers to items, pieces of equipment, or computer programs/applications that individuals use to increase, maintain, or improve their functional capabilities.
For more detailed information regarding the use of assistive technology in dysautonomia, see our Assistive Technology Handbook.
Below is a short list of commonly helpful AT for those with dysautonomia:
Shower Chair/Tub Bench
If you have orthostatic intolerance, standing for a prolonged time in a hot shower can cause your blood vessels to dilate, increasing your risk of dizziness or fainting.
Long-Handled Sponge/Razor
If you have orthostatic intolerance, standing for a prolonged time in a hot shower can cause your blood vessels to dilate, increasing your risk of dizziness or fainting.
Long-Handled Shoe Horn
A long-handled shoe horn can help put on your shoes easier by helping slide your heel in your shoes when bending forward exacerbates fatigue and lightheadedness.
Sock Aid
A sock aid makes putting on socks easier, when bending forward increases lightheadedness or when grasping your socks is difficult.
Compression Stocking Donner
A compression stocking donner is designed to make putting on compression stockings easier when bending forward to reach your feet is difficult. It also helps to correctly position and hold open the compression stocking, which may be difficult on joints.
Elastic/No Tie Shoelaces
Elastic/No Tie shoelaces come in a variety of types of laces that can be added to any shoes with laces, so they are easier to slip on to your feet. This reduces the amount of time and energy needed to bend forward to put on your shoes when experiencing fatigue and lightheadedness.
Reacher
A reacher is designed to increase your ability to grab things that are out of reach above your head or on the floor. This could be helpful when trying to reach something overhead from your closet or to pick up clothing items off the floor without the need to bend forward. It can also be useful for pulling up pants or adjusting socks while seated.
Jumbo Pill Organizer
Brain fog and fatigue can make managing your medication routine difficult. This product can help organize your pills in a large container with the ability to hold a greater number of pills. Pill organizers can assist you in remembering which medications you need to take when and can help you see if you already have taken them for the day.
Medisafe App
The free Medisafe app is a medication management app that provides medication and refill reminders.
For more detailed information regarding the use of assistive technology in dysautonomia, see our Assistive Technology Handbook.
Reviewed by Medical Content Experts, 2021