What Is Adaptive Equipment?

Adaptive equipment is equipment designed to help a person complete an everyday activity when disability, injury, illness, ageing or other functional changes make that activity difficult, unsafe, uncomfortable or less independent.

The equipment may change how an activity is completed or provide additional support while completing it.

This can range from relatively simple daily living equipment through to more specialised equipment requiring detailed Occupational Therapy assessment, trial and prescription.

Examples may include equipment to assist with:

• showering and bathing
• toileting
• dressing
• eating and drinking
• preparing meals
• getting in and out of bed
• transfers
• sitting and positioning
• mobility
• pressure management
• household activities
• accessing different parts of the home
• completing other meaningful everyday activities.

The most appropriate equipment depends on the individual person.

Something that works well for one person may be uncomfortable, unsafe or unsuitable for someone else.

That is why an Occupational Therapy assessment can be an important part of selecting adaptive equipment.

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The Right Equipment Starts With the Right Assessment

Adaptive equipment should solve a real functional problem.

Before recommending equipment, an Occupational Therapist considers what is actually happening during the activity.

For example, if getting on and off the toilet is difficult, simply choosing a toilet aid from a catalogue may not address the problem.
The OT may need to consider:

• the person's mobility
• balance
• strength
• coordination
• motor planning
• transfers
• sitting balance
• pain or fatigue
• cognition
• height and body dimensions
• the height and position of the existing toilet
• surrounding space
• where support can safely be provided
• whether another person assists
• whether mobility equipment needs to fit within the space
• how needs may change over time.

The solution might involve equipment, a change to the environment, a different way of completing the activity, support from another person, or a combination of these.

Our approach is based on the relationship between the person, the activity and the environment rather than starting with a particular product.

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When Might an Adaptive Equipment Assessment Help?

An Adaptive Equipment Assessment may be useful when everyday activities have become difficult, unsafe, tiring, painful or dependent on assistance from another person.

You might consider an assessment if you or someone you support is experiencing difficulty with:

• getting in or out of the shower
• standing safely while showering
• getting on or off the toilet
• dressing
• putting on shoes or socks
• eating or drinking
• preparing meals
• getting in or out of bed
• changing position
• standing from a chair
• transferring between surfaces
• moving around the home
• maintaining a comfortable or safe sitting position
• managing pressure
• completing household activities
• using existing equipment safely
• completing everyday activities without excessive fatigue
• maintaining independence as functional needs change.

An assessment can also be useful when existing equipment no longer meets the person's needs.

How Does an Occupational Therapist Assess Equipment Needs?

The assessment process depends on the person and the equipment being considered.
It may involve:

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Understanding What Matters to You
The OT starts by understanding the activities you need or want to complete and what is currently making them difficult.
This helps ensure equipment recommendations are connected to your actual everyday goals rather than simply being based on a diagnosis.
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Assessing Your Functional Abilities
Depending on the equipment, the OT may consider areas such as:

• mobility
• transfers
• balance
• strength
• coordination
• motor planning
• range of movement
• posture
• positioning
• cognition
• vision
• sensation
• pain
• fatigue
• communication
• ability to learn and use equipment safely.

Not every assessment involves all of these areas.
The assessment is tailored to the functional question being addressed.

Looking at the Activity
The OT considers how the activity is currently completed.
This may include observing the task and identifying where difficulties or risks occur.

Assessing the Environment
Equipment needs to work in the place where it will actually be used.
The OT may therefore need to assess:

• available space
• access
• floor surfaces
• doorways
• bathroom layout
• bedroom layout
• furniture
• existing equipment
• transfer space
• storage
• access for carers or support workers
• compatibility with other equipment.

For some equipment, a home assessment can be particularly valuable.

Considering Support From Other People
Where relevant, the assessment may also consider the needs of family members, carers or support workers who assist with the activity.
Equipment should not only be appropriate for the person using it. It may also need to support safe assistance and handling by others.

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Adaptive Equipment Trials

Where appropriate, trialling equipment before prescription can be an important part of the process.

A product may appear suitable based on its specifications but work very differently when used by a particular person in a real activity.
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A trial can help assess:

• whether the equipment fits correctly
• comfort
• positioning
• ease of use
• safety
• stability
• whether the person can operate it
• whether it actually improves the activity
• compatibility with the person's home
• compatibility with other equipment
• whether carers or support workers can use it appropriately
• whether another option may work better.

Depending on the equipment, trials may occur at home, in the community, through an equipment supplier or in another appropriate setting.
Not every item requires a formal trial.
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The OT will consider what is appropriate based on the equipment, the person's circumstances and the level of clinical risk involved.

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Occupational Therapy Equipment Prescription

Equipment prescription involves more than identifying a product someone might find useful.

Where Occupational Therapy prescription is required, the OT uses assessment findings and clinical reasoning to determine an appropriate equipment solution.

Depending on the equipment, this may include consideration of:

• equipment type
• dimensions
• size
• adjustability
• positioning
• features
• accessories
• compatibility with other equipment
• environmental requirements
• safe use
• future needs
• support requirements.

The level of assessment and documentation required will vary considerably.

A relatively simple piece of daily living equipment may require a very different process from complex seating, mobility or transfer equipment.

What Types of Adaptive Equipment Can Occupational Therapists Assess?

The exact equipment an Occupational Therapist assesses and prescribes depends on their professional scope, experience and the person's needs.
Examples can include:

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Bathroom & Shower Equipment

Equipment may help with safety, transfers, positioning or independence when showering and bathing.
This may include:

• shower chairs
• shower stools
• bath equipment
• transfer equipment
• bathroom seating
• other adaptive bathroom equipment.

Where the bathroom itself creates significant barriers, equipment may need to be considered alongside changes to the environment.
Explore Home Modification Assessments

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Toileting Equipment

Adaptive toileting equipment may assist with transfers, positioning, personal care and safe use of the toilet.
Depending on individual needs, this may include:

• toilet surrounds
• raised toilet equipment
• over-toilet equipment
• commodes
• other toileting supports.

The person's transfer method, mobility, positioning and bathroom environment are important considerations.

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Dressing Equipment

Adaptive equipment can sometimes help people complete dressing tasks with greater independence.
This may include equipment to assist with:

• putting on socks
• putting on shoes
• managing clothing
• reaching
• fastening items.

Whether equipment is appropriate depends on why the dressing activity is difficult.

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Eating & Drinking Equipment

Adaptive equipment may assist with eating and drinking when movement, coordination, grip, positioning or other functional factors make these activities difficult.
This can include specialised:

• cutlery
• cups
• plates
• bowls
• grips
• positioning equipment
• other eating and drinking aids.

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Kitchen & Meal Preparation Equipment

An Occupational Therapist may explore adaptive equipment to support safer or easier meal preparation.
This may include equipment that assists with:

• gripping
• cutting
• opening containers
• reaching
• stabilising items
• food preparation
• accessing commonly used kitchen items.

For more significant environmental barriers, the OT may also consider whether kitchen modifications are required.
Explore Home Modification Assessments

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Transfer Equipment

Transfer equipment can help someone move safely between positions or surfaces.
This might involve transfers:

• in and out of bed
• on and off a chair
• on and off the toilet
• into or out of the shower
• between other surfaces.

Transfer equipment can involve significant safety considerations.
Assessment may need to consider the person's abilities, environment, support requirements and the people assisting with transfers.

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Beds & Bedroom Equipment

Equipment may help with:

• getting in and out of bed
• positioning
• changing position
• comfort
• pressure management
• personal care
• assistance provided by another person.

The appropriate solution depends on the person's individual needs and environment.

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Seating & Positioning

Suitable seating can affect comfort, posture, function, pressure management and a person's ability to participate in everyday activities.
More complex seating needs may require specialised assessment and equipment trials.

Explore Seating & Wheelchair Prescription Tips & Guides

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Mobility Equipment

Occupational Therapists may assess some types of mobility equipment depending on clinician scope.
More complex mobility equipment may require a detailed Assistive Technology assessment.

Explore Assistive Technology Assessments
Explore Electric Mobility Equipment Assessments

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Pressure Care Equipment

Some people may require equipment to assist with positioning or management of pressure-related risks.
This can involve specialised assessment and should be based on the person's individual clinical circumstances.

​​Explore Pressure Care Management

Adaptive Equipment vs Assistive Technology - What's the Difference?

The terms adaptive equipment and Assistive Technology are often used together.

Assistive Technology is the broader concept.

It includes equipment, devices and technology that can help a person perform activities or participate in everyday life.

Adaptive equipment generally refers to equipment that has been designed or selected to help a person perform a particular activity more safely, independently, comfortably or effectively.

For example, adaptive equipment might include a shower chair or dressing aid, while the broader Assistive Technology category can extend to more complex mobility, communication, environmental control and other technologies.

There is considerable overlap between the terms.

You do not need to know which category your equipment falls into before contacting us.

If you require a broader or more complex Assistive Technology assessment, we can help determine the appropriate assessment pathway.
Explore Assistive Technology Assessments

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Simple Equipment vs Complex Equipment

Not all equipment requires the same level of assessment.
Some equipment is relatively straightforward and low risk.
Other equipment may be:

• highly individualised
• adjustable or configurable
• used for transfers or mobility
• important for positioning
• integrated with other equipment
• used for long periods
• associated with greater clinical or safety risks
• expensive
• expected to meet changing or long-term needs.

As equipment becomes more complex, the assessment, trial and prescription process may also become more detailed.

Complex equipment may require collaboration between the Occupational Therapist, participant, family or carers, equipment suppliers and other health professionals.

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What If Equipment Alone Isn't Enough?

Sometimes the difficulty is not caused solely by the person's abilities.

The environment itself may be creating the barrier.

For example, a person might have appropriate mobility equipment but still be unable to access their bathroom because:

• the doorway is too narrow
• there is insufficient circulation space
• the shower cannot be accessed safely
• fixtures are positioned incorrectly
• transfer space is inadequate.

In situations like these, the OT may need to consider equipment and the home environment together.

This may lead to consideration of a Home Modification Assessment.

Explore Home Modification Assessments

For more substantial structural changes:
Explore Complex Home Modification Assessments

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Adaptive Equipment for Children & Teenagers

Adaptive equipment can help children and teenagers participate in everyday activities at home, school and in the community.
Depending on the child and clinician scope, equipment may be considered for activities such as:

• eating and drinking
• dressing
• toileting
• bathing
• sitting
• positioning
• mobility
• participating in routines
• accessing environments.

Assessment should consider the child's abilities, developmental needs, family routines and the environments in which equipment will be used.

​Growth is also important.

Equipment that is appropriate now may need adjustment or review as a child grows or their needs change.
Explore Paediatric Occupational Therapy

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Adaptive Equipment for Adults

For adults, adaptive equipment may support independence, safety and participation across everyday activities.
This may be relevant following:

• disability
• injury
• neurological change
• changes in mobility
• changes in strength or coordination
• changes in functional capacity
• increasing support needs.

The purpose is not necessarily to make someone completely independent.

For some people, appropriate equipment may reduce the amount of assistance required. For others, it may make an activity safer or more comfortable while another person continues to assist.

Explore Occupational Therapy for Adults

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Adaptive Equipment for Older Adults

Functional needs can change with age, health conditions, injury or changes in mobility.

Adaptive equipment may help an older person continue completing everyday activities safely and comfortably in their own environment.
An Occupational Therapist may consider equipment alongside:

• mobility
• transfers
• falls risk
• home safety
• daily routines
• existing support
• the home environment.

Where appropriate, equipment may form part of a broader approach to maintaining participation and safety at home.
Explore Occupational Therapy for Older Adults
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Explore Home Safety Assessments
Explore Falls Risk Assessments

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NDIS Adaptive Equipment & Assistive Technology

For NDIS participants, adaptive equipment may fall within the broader area of Assistive Technology where it relates to disability-related functional needs.

The assessment and evidence required will depend on the equipment and the participant's individual circumstances.

Where Occupational Therapy evidence is required, an OT may assess:

• the functional problem
• how the equipment relates to the participant's disability
• the activity the equipment is intended to support
• available alternatives
• suitability
• safety
• the participant's environment
• expected functional benefit.

Depending on the equipment and funding requirements, supporting documentation or recommendations may also be required.

The Occupational Therapist provides clinical assessment and recommendations. Funding decisions are made by the relevant funding body.
Explore NDIS Occupational Therapy
Explore Assistive Technology Assessments

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Private Adaptive Equipment Assessments

You do not need to be an NDIS participant to access Occupational Therapy equipment assessment.

Suitable private referrals may also be accepted.

This can be useful when someone wants professional advice about equipment to support everyday function, safety or independence.

The assessment required will depend on the equipment and the person's circumstances.

Contact our team if you are unsure whether Occupational Therapy assessment is appropriate before purchasing equipment.

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Why Have an OT Assess Equipment Before You Buy It?

There is now an enormous range of daily living and disability equipment available online and through equipment suppliers.

That choice can be useful, but it can also make selecting the right equipment difficult.

The fact that a product is marketed for a particular disability, age group or activity does not necessarily mean it will be appropriate for an individual person.

Poorly matched equipment may:

• not solve the original problem
• be uncomfortable
• be difficult to use
• not fit the person
• not fit the environment
• interfere with other equipment
• create additional risks
• be abandoned after purchase.

An Occupational Therapy assessment can help determine what problem needs to be solved first, before deciding whether equipment is the right solution.

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Home-Based Adaptive Equipment Assessments

For some equipment, assessing the person in the environment where the equipment will actually be used provides valuable information.
A home visit can allow the Occupational Therapist to look at:

• the activity itself
• available space
• access
• transfers
• existing equipment
• furniture
• bathroom or bedroom layout
• environmental barriers
• how family members, carers or support workers assist.

Mobile Occupational Therapy services are available across different parts of Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah and the Peel Region, depending on clinician location, scope and availability.

Travel conditions and charges may apply.
Find an OT Near Me

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Can Equipment Be Assessed Through Telehealth?

Some parts of the equipment assessment process may be suitable for telehealth.
For example, telehealth may sometimes be useful for:

• discussing current difficulties
• gathering background information
• reviewing existing equipment
• follow-up
• education
• discussing recommendations.

However, equipment that requires physical assessment, measurements, detailed environmental assessment, hands-on trials or observation of transfers may require face-to-face assessment.

The Occupational Therapist will determine what is clinically appropriate for the particular referral.
Explore Telehealth Occupational Therapy

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Do I Need to Know What Equipment I Need Before I Enquire?

No.
In many cases, it is better to start with the activity that is difficult rather than a particular piece of equipment.

For example:
“I'm having trouble getting in and out of the shower.”
or:
“Dad is finding it increasingly difficult to get out of his chair.”
or:
“My participant needs more support with dressing and personal care.”

This gives the Occupational Therapist an opportunity to understand the functional problem before considering possible solutions.
​
You do not need to choose the equipment yourself before seeking Occupational Therapy support.

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Start With a Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet
Not sure whether an Adaptive Equipment Assessment is the right service?

You can start with a Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet where a suitable Occupational Therapist is available.
This introductory conversation gives you an opportunity to:

• explain what activity is difficult
• discuss the type of equipment you are considering
• ask questions
• understand the OT's approach
• explore whether the clinician and service may be suitable.

No obligation to proceed.

The Meet & Greet is an introductory conversation. It is not a formal Occupational Therapy assessment, treatment session, equipment prescription, report or diagnostic opinion.

Book Your Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet

​What Happens When You Enquire?

1. Tell Us What You Need Help With
You do not need to know the name of the equipment.
Tell us:

• who requires the equipment
• their age
• their suburb
• the activity that is difficult
• whether particular equipment has already been suggested
• whether existing equipment is being used
• your funding arrangement
• whether there is a specific timeframe.

2. We Match the Referral With a Suitable OT
Equipment scope varies between Occupational Therapists.
We will consider the person's age, location, equipment needs and the type of assessment required when determining whether we have a suitable clinician.

​3. Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet
Where suitable, you can speak with the Occupational Therapist before deciding whether to proceed.

4. Assessment
The OT assesses the person, activity and relevant environment.
The exact assessment depends on the equipment being considered.

5. Equipment Options & Trials
Where appropriate, potential equipment options may be identified and trialled.

6. Prescription & Recommendations
Where equipment is appropriate, the OT can provide recommendations or prescription within their scope.
Supporting documentation may also be provided where required as part of the agreed service.

7. Education & Review
Depending on the equipment and service, education, follow-up or review may be appropriate to help ensure the equipment is being used safely and continues to meet the person's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Adaptive Equipment Assessment & Prescription

What is adaptive equipment?
Adaptive equipment is equipment that helps a person complete an everyday activity more safely, independently, comfortably or effectively when disability, injury, illness, ageing or another functional change makes the activity difficult.

What does an Occupational Therapist do with adaptive equipment?
An Occupational Therapist can assess the person's abilities, the activity they are trying to complete and the environment where the equipment will be used. Depending on the person's needs and the OT's scope, this may include identifying equipment options, arranging or participating in trials, prescription, supporting documentation, education and review.

What is equipment prescription in Occupational Therapy?
Equipment prescription is the clinical process of selecting and recommending equipment based on an individual assessment. Depending on the equipment, the OT may consider factors such as function, fit, dimensions, positioning, safety, environment, adjustability, accessories and future needs.

Is adaptive equipment the same as Assistive Technology?
Adaptive equipment generally falls within the broader concept of Assistive Technology. Adaptive equipment often refers to equipment used to help complete particular everyday activities, while Assistive Technology can include a much broader range of equipment, devices and technologies.

What kinds of adaptive equipment can an OT assess?
Depending on clinician scope, this may include bathroom and toileting equipment, dressing aids, eating and drinking equipment, kitchen aids, transfer equipment, beds, seating, positioning equipment, mobility-related equipment and other daily living equipment.

Do I need an OT assessment before buying adaptive equipment?
Not every item requires an Occupational Therapy assessment. However, assessment may be particularly valuable when equipment needs are individualised, there are safety concerns, the equipment affects transfers or positioning, the environment needs to be considered, the equipment is complex or clinical evidence is required for funding.

Can an OT help me choose a shower chair?
Potentially, yes. An OT can consider why showering is difficult, transfers, balance, mobility, positioning, available bathroom space and other relevant factors before determining whether a shower chair or another solution may be appropriate.

Can an OT help with toileting equipment?
Yes, where this is within the clinician's scope. Toileting equipment assessment may consider transfers, positioning, mobility, personal care, the bathroom environment and support provided by another person.

Can an OT assess transfer equipment?
Yes, suitable Occupational Therapists may assess transfer equipment. Because transfer equipment can involve significant safety considerations, the assessment may need to consider both the person using the equipment and anyone providing physical assistance.

Can an OT help with adaptive kitchen equipment?
Yes. Depending on the person's needs, an Occupational Therapist may consider adaptive equipment that supports gripping, cutting, opening containers, stabilising items, reaching or other meal preparation activities.

Can you assess complex equipment?
Some Belong Health Occupational Therapists provide more complex Assistive Technology and equipment assessments. Scope varies between clinicians, so contact us with information about the equipment required and we can determine whether we have a suitable OT.

Can I trial equipment before it is prescribed?
Equipment trials may be recommended where appropriate. Whether a trial is required depends on the equipment, the person's needs, availability of trial equipment and the clinical risks involved.

Can you assess equipment in my home?
Yes, where a suitable mobile Occupational Therapist is available in your area. Home-based assessment can be particularly useful when the equipment needs to work within a specific physical environment.

Does the NDIS fund adaptive equipment?
Some adaptive equipment may potentially be considered Assistive Technology within the NDIS where it meets applicable NDIS funding requirements. Whether an item is funded depends on the participant's circumstances and the relevant NDIS funding decision. The Occupational Therapist provides assessment and recommendations but does not determine funding approval.

Do you provide adaptive equipment assessments for children?
Belong Health has Occupational Therapists working with different age groups. Whether we can provide a particular equipment assessment for a child depends on clinician scope, location and the type of equipment required.

Do you provide adaptive equipment assessments for adults?
Yes. Belong Health has Occupational Therapists who provide equipment-related assessments for adults, subject to clinician scope, location and the type of equipment required.

Do you provide adaptive equipment assessments for older adults?
Yes. Suitable Occupational Therapists can assess equipment needs for older adults, depending on clinician scope, location and the type of equipment required.

Can I have a private adaptive equipment assessment?
Yes. Suitable private Occupational Therapy referrals can be accepted. Contact our team to discuss the equipment or functional difficulty and we can determine whether we have an appropriate clinician.

Do I need to know which piece of equipment I need?
No. You can contact us by explaining the activity that is difficult. The Occupational Therapist can assess the functional problem before determining whether equipment is appropriate and what options should be considered.

Can I speak with an OT before booking an assessment?
Yes. Where a suitable clinician is available, you can start with a Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet. There is no obligation to proceed. The Meet & Greet is an introductory conversation and is not a formal assessment, treatment session, equipment prescription, report or diagnostic opinion.

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Find the Right Equipment for Everyday Life

The right adaptive equipment should be selected around you and the activities that matter in your everyday life.

Whether you are looking for equipment for yourself, your child, a family member or an NDIS participant you support, our team can help determine whether an Occupational Therapy equipment assessment is appropriate.

Belong Health Occupational Therapists provide services across different age groups and locations, with equipment scope varying between clinicians.

You do not need to know exactly what equipment you need before you contact us.

Start by telling us what activity is difficult and what you would like to be able to do more safely, comfortably or independently.

Enquire About Adaptive Equipment Assessment & Prescription
Book Your Free 20-Minute OT Meet & Greet
Find an OT Near Me

Contact Belong Health
Phone: 08 9586 3934
Email: [email protected]
Belong Health
13 Littleton Street
Falcon WA 6210

​Last reviewed September 2026