Making your kitchen easier to use (view report contents)
Getting advice
Make sure you get some expert advice before you order a new kitchen or appliances. Where possible, try things out before you buy
Disabled Living Centres (DLCs)
There are more than 40 around the UK. They are non-profit-making, demonstration and information centres where aids for elderly and disabled people can be tried out. Therapists or specialist staff are available to advise, and information can be given by phone. Most do not sell products but can tell you where to buy them. DLCs vary in size, the services they provide and their opening times – it is best to book before you visit.
To find your nearest contact the Assist UK
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
The London Disabled Living Centre is based at the Disabled Living Foundation. They also have a national information service which provides advice and information. They keep a comprehensive list of aids, equipment and other useful products and services. Similar information services in Northern Ireland from Disability Action, Scotland from UPDATE and Wales from Disability Wales.
Home improvement agencies
There are around 250 home improvement agencies, sometimes called Care & Repair or Staying Put schemes. They advise elderly and disabled people (mostly owner occupiers and private tenants) on getting repairs or adaptations carried out; they help with getting surveys done, applying for grants and finding reliable builders. They will also tell you if there is a Handyperson scheme in your area - people who will carry out small DIY jobs for you. There may be a small charge. In Britain contact Foundations for details; in Northern Ireland contact your local Housing Executive Home Improvement Grants Office.
DIAL
DIAL have 140 local advice centres around the country, all run by disabled people.
Centre for Sensory Impaired People
have a resource centre and showroom where you can try out and buy equipment and get advice.
Partially Sighted Society
gives information and advice. Sell products by post and telephone. Contact the Doncaster office for a catalogue.
Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB)
demonstrates and sells products for visually impaired people at its resource centres. They also have a display kitchen in their London office.
REMAP GB
If you can’t find an aid which helps you, REMAP may be able to help. It is a voluntary organisation of engineers who invent, design and make equipment for disabled people if no commercial product exists which meets their needs. Members give their services free.
Keep Able
This is a commercial company with a number of stores where hundreds of
products are on sale. Therapists are also available to give advice. Keep
Able also sell by mail order and have an online shop.
www.keepable.co.uk
Report Contents
Getting
Started
Topping
up the units
What’s
cooking?
Eat,
drink and be comfy
Water
power
Keeping
cool
Let
there be light
From
floor to ceiling
Money
matters
Useful
gadgets
Getting
advice
Helpful
organisations
Major
mail-order companies
Manufacturers
What
B&Q can do for you
