Functional Assessment

You must always go to the FNL visit if you apply for the following technical aids:

• Electric mobility technical aids (electric wheelchairs, scooters)
• Alternative communication technical aids
• Primary prosthetics for upper and lower extremities

In these cases, a detailed functional assessment is mandatory, as specialists need to evaluate both safety and suitability for the specific assistive device.

Specialists assess each situation individually and invite for a visit if it is necessary to clarify information or evaluate functional abilities in person.

This category includes:

• Orthopedic shoes and orthoses with enhanced functionality
• Initial upper and lower limb prostheses
• Seating systems and adapted car seats
• Electric traction wheelchairs
• Orthoses
• Orthopedic shoes
• Permanent prosthetics
• Initial prosthetics for upper limbs

In these cases, the client can also be called if there are uncertainties or if additional evaluation is needed to make an informed decision about the allocation of technical aids.

When the doctor has determined that you need a technical aid, the specialist commission invites you for an in-person visit to:

• ensure that the chosen technical aid corresponds to your health condition and daily needs;
• help find the optimal solution for your functional limitations;
• address urgent or disputed situations if the technical aid is needed urgently;
• conduct the mandatory assessment for those types of technical aids that, according to regulations, can only be granted after the commission's opinion.

General Terms

• You must be reachable and able to listen to the specialists' instructions and follow them.
• Specialists use your data from Datamed, E-health, and NRC "Vaivari" systems.
• Additional medical information (discharges, conclusions) that you bring along can help make the most favorable decision for you.

Before the assistive device is granted, specialists evaluate whether it will be safe, suitable, and effective for your specific situation. Each committee includes different tasks and checks that help determine functional abilities, safety risks, and the most appropriate technical solution.

Below is described what exactly will need to be done, what to bring, and what aspects will be evaluated in each group of assistive devices, so you can prepare for the visit without unnecessary stress.

What you will need to do:
You will need to take a test ride with an electric wheelchair or scooter.

What to bring:

• Two completed self-assessment questionnaires.
• Glasses, if you use them.

Important:
Specialists will ask about epilepsy seizures and assess whether you can safely operate the equipment.

What you will need to do:

• You will be asked to demonstrate how you move: sit down, stand up, walk.
• It is preferable to be able to walk at least 10 meters with the assistive device.
• The condition of the amputation stump and the skills of fastening will be checked.

What to bring:

• Existing prosthesis (mandatory).
• Elastic bandage.

What you will need to do:

• You will need to try various devices to determine the most suitable one.
• Image recognition and fine motor skills will be assessed.
• If gaze control is required, the ability to maintain gaze on a single point for at least 5 seconds will be tested.

What to bring:

• Self-assessment questionnaires.

Important:

• Do not purchase a computer or tablet before the visit — specialists will provide precise recommendations.

What will be done:

• Muscle strength, joint range of motion, and gait will be measured.

Objective:

• To ensure that the selected shoes or orthoses will help reduce pain, stabilize gait, or prevent the progression of deformities.

What will be done:

• The ability to maintain a seated position and the condition of the spine/joints will be assessed.

For children:

• Specialists will check the ability to maintain the torso and head.

It will be explained why a regular store-bought seat is not safe or suitable.