Text By Superadaptoid
Know a disabled person in need, who can not afford to purchase the new adaptive equipment solutions. Here is a strategy to secure donated and second- hand adaptive equipment from your local community sources and resources.
Every day, someone, somewhere, has something useful to give away. Beyond yard sales, classifieds, and trips to the dump, these items are destined for "donation".
Nationally, in almost every small town or major city, there are community service organizations supported through donations to Thrift Stores and second- hand shops. Remember donated goods that are "less than perfect", un- identified, or not sold" generate "no income" and will cost more money to pay the dump fee. Look for the following organizations in your community, or nearest major etro- area:
B. Describe who needs the item(s). A physical description of the person in need. A personal resource assessment. A general income to living- costs statement.
C. Describe what is needed. Detail what the minimum requirements for each item. Of possible specify and Identify by make as well as model numbers.
Second Contact Follow-Up:
Time may be required to find the special equipment requested.
Be sure to take names and make follow- up contacts on a regular schedule.
The objective is to keep your name "familiar" and your equipment request
"active".
Alternative Approaches:
Some community service organization Thrift Stores [such as St Vincent
De Paul], do not resell medical and physical assistive equipment
donations. These are items that are "loaned" at no cost.
Contact Client Social Services and/or Donations Processing Department
Superviser to identify who is the person responsible for the daily sorting
of special equipment .
Some community service organization Thrift Stores located in small towns, outside Metro areas, can be contacted through the Store Manager. Follow the same first contact proceedures [listed above].
B. "Free Is Only A Good Price". Batteries for electric carts and wheelchairs by the time they reach the Trift Store have been stored in someone's garage for months and/or years. Batteries un- used are dead and should be replaced.
The least expensive option is "Rebuilt" lead/acid batteries cost about $ 50.00 each. Be sure to get "deep drain" golf cart type replacements.
Electric carts and wheelchairs come with battery chargers; which may have been lost. A 12 volt replacement chargers cost under $ 50.00. A 24 volt replacement chargers cost over $100.00.
C. "Even Free Has Costs". Maintenance and repair for wheelchairs and carts can be hard to find as well as costly when serviced by Medical Equipment Suppliers. Look for locat Bike Shops, as well as Volunteer Coomunity Bike Clubs and Bike Chinic(s).
For "chain driven" electric cart maintence go to your local gas station garage. They can lub- joints, fix flats, change tires, and repair battery motors.