Now Available: Toolkits for Healthcare Providers
Get resources to educate your patients about the benefits and possibilities of adaptive equipment
At the IFOPA we believe that maintaining independence can improve both physical and emotional well-being. As a healthcare provider, you are in a position to increase awareness about the use of adaptive equipment and the need for home modifications. This can decrease reliance on caregivers and promote balance in the lives of families affected by FOP. This is the focus of the IFOPA's Ability Toolbox Program.
While some tools can be homemade or easily purchased, there are some items or home modifications that are too expensive for some families. The IFOPA's Quality of L.I.F.E. (Living Independently with Full Equality) Award Program provides each person living with FOP a $1,800 grant to support the purchase of adaptive equipment or other items (including home renovation) that supports a better quality of life. More details about the L.I.F.E. Award Program
Your clients will look to you for guidance on how to manage life with FOP. Our hope is that you will use this Toolkit to introduce your clients to adaptive equipment before their FOP significantly progresses and reduces their mobility.
Sample Tools
Inside the Toolkit, you will find a variety of commercial and homemade tools commonly used by people in the FOP community to help with daily routines and to maintain their independence. Please keep the items in the Toolkit and do not give them away to families.
Instructional Flashcards
The flashcards have information about each tool’s purpose, special features, and how the tool is used. Flip through these cards with your clients to prompt a discussion about using adaptive equipment with FOP. Please keep these flashcards in the kit and do not give them away to families.
Brochures and Handouts
Please provide these handouts and brochures to your clients and families with FOP. You can request additional handouts and brochures as needed or download PDF versions (link at the bottom of this page).
Please don’t forget to reference the Ability Toolbox Online Guidebook!
To view a much larger sampling of tools, including video demonstrations and shopping links, check out the Online Guidebook. This is an ever-growing database that can be translated in any language and features a wide variety of adaptive equipment and home modifications all in one place. Use this Guidebook as a reference when educating your clients about adaptive equipment, tips, and home modifications. Make sure to provide them with the link
Download Virtual Resources
Adaptive Equipment Handout
Ability Toolbox Brochure
L.I.F.E. Awards BrochureFor additional support with your Toolkit, contact Melissa Davis, Family Services Coordinator, at [email protected]
Thank you for helping to increase awareness of the benefits adaptive equipment can provide those living with FOP. We hope you will encourage your clients to connect with the IFOPA and take advantage of our resources that can educate and support them.
