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Frequently asked questions: Equipment

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Where can I find out about buying disability equipment?

UPDATE can provide information on companies in Scotland that manufacture, sell or hire specific disability aids and equipment.

We can also provide information on other agencies that provide specialist advice on disability aids, such as the Disabled Living Centres and The Disabled Living Foundation.

Disabled Living Centres

Assist UK leads a UK wide network of locally-situated Disabled Living Centres. Each centre includes a permanent exhibition of products and equipment that provide people with opportunities to see and try products and equipment and get information and advice from professional staff about what might suit them best.

There are five Disabled Living Centres in Scotland. For more information and to find out where your nearest Disabled Living Centre / Independent / Assistive Technology Centre is in their National Network, logon to their web site at www.assist-uk.org

Disabled Living Foundation

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) provide impartial advice and information on disability equipment and Assistive Technology for independent living. Contact their Advice Services Helpline on 0845 130 9177 or logon to their web site at www.dlf.org.uk

It is also worth remembering that some disability equipment for daily living can also be supplied through your local social work department. They will undertake a community care assessment to assess your needs and can also offer advice on useful equipment.

Where can I find out about buying and selling second hand disability equipment?

The Disability Equipment Register is a specialist directory for people wishing to buy, sell or exchange second-hand equipment. Items are advertised in a monthly magazine and on the website. Items for sale can be viewed at no charge, via their web site at www.disabilityequipment.org.uk

To advertise an item for sale or register a subscription, contact the Disability Equipment Register by telephone on 01454 318 818 or email disabreg@blueyonder.co.uk

Disability magazines, such as Disability Now have a section for second hand disability equipment. To view items for sale logon to their web site at www.disabilitynow.org.uk

Another useful website is Equipmentdirect.org.uk which lists a number of web sites for finding second-hand equipment for disabled people. Many of these websites also offer the opportunity to sell equipment you have bought in the past but no longer need. For more information logon to their website at www.equipmentdirect.org.uk
When looking at second-hand goods of any description it is advisable to take a few precautions before you agree to buy. This web site also has a useful section offering advice and things to check for when purchasing second hand equipment.

When can I buy equipment without paying VAT?

Some goods and services that are bought specifically for use by a disabled person can be exempt from VAT. Goods and services that are exempt include equipment and appliances designed solely for use by disabled people, building work that adapts a house to be used by a disabled person, installing or adapting goods, medical and surgical appliances, or motor vehicles. The goods are bought without the VAT added on, which means that a written declaration has to be made to the seller that the goods are to be used by a disabled person. Further information can be found in, "Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people" which is on the HM Revenue and Customs web site www.hmrc.gov.uk.

They also have a National Advice Services helpline for general enquiries, telephone 0845 010 9000, or contact your local advice agency for more information.