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Children: Assistive Technology

Children: Assistive Technology

Last checked: July 2026

For play and learning opportunities at home, your child will usually need an assessment by a Specialist in Assistive Technology. Their OT or physio will be able to tell you about local services and potential funding.

If your child needs specialist computer access at school, this should be assessed through their Education, Health and Care Plan > and be provided through education services.

If an item can’t be funded by the health or local authority but your OT or other specialist can confirm your child would benefit from having it, you may be able to get help with funding. See Tab 15. Funding for Equipment >.

Read more about the huge range of possibilities in the tabs below 

These can be built into smartphones, laptops and wheelchair control pads. They can include control of:

  • lights
  • heating
  • electric profiling beds (if the existing controls are difficult to use)
  • computers
  • door openers
  • telephones
  • television
  • radio.

Often an ECS can be controlled by only the smallest movement. It can also be set up for your child to call for help.

Your Local Authority and community OT can advise you. They will usually involve an Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) Service provider with in-depth knowledge of latest developments. Between them they will advise what funding might be available and how to apply. You may be eligible for an assessment and services from Regional Environmental Control Equipment Services  – see Tab 3

An ECS may be included in an application for a Disabled Facilities Grant – read more in Tab 7. Help to pay for adaptations on the Your Home page > 

These providers offer a wide range of products and services:

This is a way of accessing your computer or communication aid using a mouse. The system follows your eyes to see where you’re looking on the screen. You can then select the item you’re looking at by ‘dwelling’ or staring at the screen for a length of time, blinking or clicking with a switch.

Eye gaze systems work by having lights and cameras that are constantly sending and receiving information. The camera picks up light reflections from your pupils and translates the movement of your eyes into mouse cursor movements. They’re ideal systems for anyone who has limited hand and arm movement and / or communication difficulties that make it difficult to operate a computer otherwise.

You may want to consider an assessment by a specialist in Assistive Technology. If an item can’t be funded by the health or local authority but your OT or other specialist can confirm it’s suitable and beneficial for you, you may be able to get help with funding.

See the list of  providers in Tab 1. 

RECES is a regional service that’s part of the NHS. It provides environmental controls and other IT-based solutions to children, teenagers and adults who:

  • have a long-term, limiting condition
  • could benefit from accessible ways to control aspects of their environment.

Equipment is provided free of charge on a long-term loan basis.

Referrals can be made by health and social care professionals including your GP, a specialist consultant, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or specialist nurse. Charity support workers may also refer clients.

Each RECES covers a large geographical area, and has its own referral procedure.

Once RECES has your referral, they make a full assessment of your needs. This is usually at your home.

Once the equipment has been prescribed and installed, its use is reviewed on a yearly basis. Reviews may be more frequently if someone has a condition where their needs are changing rapidly.

Regional Environmental Control Service Contacts

England

North Thames & Herts

Covers North London, Hertfordshire and Essex
Email: thh-tr.RECES@nhs.net
Phone: 0300 555 1049

Essex and Outer NE London

Email: reces@nelft.nhs.uk
Phone: 0300 555 1049

North East & North Cumbria

Email: walkergatepark@ntw.nhs.uk
Phone: 01434 612 710

South West:
Email: awp.carsteam@nhs.net / awp.asccteam@nhs.net
Phone: 0300 555 0224

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust:
Email: uhd.environmentalcontrolservice@nhs.net
Phone: 03000 19 5278

NHS England: For general inquiries: 0300 311 22 33

Scotland

Southeast Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Technology 
Professional referrals only
Email: LOTH.SmartReferrals@nhs.scot
Phone: 0131 537 9177 (option 6) or 0131 537 9423 (no keypad use required)

NHS Highland (Scotland)
Email: nhsh.environmentalcontrol@nhs.scot
Phone: 01463 704167

Wales

Services cover the South East Wales region, including Aneurin Bevan, Cardiff and Vale, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Boards, and Velindre University NHS Trust, with considerations for neighbouring areas.

National Centre for Electronic Assistive Technology (NCEAT) at Rookwood Hospital, Llandaff, Cardiff.
Email: info.eat@wales.nhs.uk

Phone: 029 2031 3976 (Environmental Control)

  • AbilityNet > – advice and training on computer technology for disabled people
  • Everyone Can > – helps disabled people to make the best use of information and communication technology by providing information and support on all aspects of disability computing
  • Special Effect > – adapted gaming controls

If your health or local authority can’t fund an item, you might still get help. If your OT or specialist says it’s suitable and helpful for you, funding support may be available.

For more information see Tab 15. Funding for Equipment >