Transportation, assistive technology and equipment

Accessibility aids for people living with neurological conditions

A neurological condition can make many aspects of daily life difficult – but the right resources and equipment can help. Here, you can find information about local transportation options, assistive technology for different needs and more.

Transportation resources

Having access to transportation is vital for getting to medical appointments, and it can play a key role in maintaining independence and quality of life. If you are no longer sure whether you can safely drive on your own, our Driving Ability Program  can provide you with assessments and specialized driving instruction. There are also local ridesharing opportunities in Minnesota that can help you get to appointments and other locations. Check with your insurance to see if they may cover costs associated with transportation to medical appointments.

Resources in Wisconsin

If you live in Wisconsin, contact your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for medical and nonmedical transportation resources.

Disability parking

Both Minnesota and Wisconsin offer parking permits for people with temporary or permanent disabilities.

An older woman holds a wheelchair steady for her husband as he gets out of the backseat of a car.

Mobility devices

If you’re living with a neurological condition that limits your ability to walk, you may benefit from devices that support mobility. These can include unpowered options – such as canes, crutches, walkers, rollators or manual wheelchairs – as well as powered wheelchairs or scooters. Your physical therapist can work with you to determine the most effective equipment for your needs and help you adapt to using it, such as through our Wheelchair Seating & Mobility program. You can find mobility devices at common retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens or CVS, as well as our Health & Care Stores.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

We have a lot of ways that we can communicate, even when speech is difficult or impaired. In addition to manually writing, drawing and using pictures or symbols, technology can help you communicate your thoughts more clearly.

AAC devices include things like applications for smartphones, iPads and other general-use tablets, specialized communication tablets and speech-generating devices. For many people, the most helpful AAC device is one that they already own and use regularly, such as their phone. A speech therapist can help you optimize your existing devices to suit your needs, or recommend a specialized device if they think it will be more effective.

Adaptive equipment

From dressing aids and bathing equipment to toilet modifications, there are numerous devices that can help streamline the activities of daily living. Your occupational therapist may recommend certain devices over others based on your situation and ability. Adaptive equipment is available through our Health & Care Stores, and you can find a list of possible recommendations below, along with local vendors throughout Minnesota.

Leisure and recreation

A disability is no reason to stop doing the things you love. Many recreational programs and businesses offer discounts for people with disabilities. There are even organizations like AbleGamers and the Courage Kenny Institute that specialize in hosting adaptive recreation events or providing adaptive equipment for specific activities.

Many state and national parks also offer mobility device loans to help people get out into nature. To research similar opportunities online, use the term “adaptive equipment for” with your activity of choice, or “adaptive recreation in” with your state, city or county.

More resources for assistive technology and equipment

The Minnesota Department of Administration’s System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) program works to connect Minnesotans with assistive technology. They offer device loans, demonstrations and many other forms of support for people living with disabilities. Additionally, Disability Hub MN provides information, educational tools and other resources for assistive technology and other topics, such as managing your health, finances and more.