Descrição
The term aid comes from the Latin auxilium and indicates a device that provides support to a damaged organ, helping it to perform its functions. In the medical and rehabilitation fields, aids play a fundamental role in improving the autonomy of people with disabilities and promoting their social inclusion. According to Andrich's (2000) ‘four A equation’, autonomy is the result of the combination of an accessible environment, technical aids and personal assistance. Assistive devices not only facilitate the person's adaptation to the environment, but also promote social relationships, becoming tools for self-expression. The choice of aids can have a significant impact on the user's life, influencing daily dynamics, relationships and self-perception. It is therefore essential to adopt a person-centred approach to ensure that the aid effectively meets the needs of the user and promotes the highest possible degree of autonomy.
