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Borrow AT

Device loans allow people to 'test drive' AT before deciding what to buy. Short-term loans are also helpful for assessment, meeting interim needs when equipment is being repaired, and for training purposes.

Device Short-Term Loan Program

MassMATCH has two AT Regional Centers where anyone can learn about and try out the latest equipment. The Centers are also referred to as DLRC's for "Demonstration Loan Regional Centers."

Eastern Massachusetts:

Easter Seals Technology & Training Center

Katie Krusinski, DLRC Coordinator

Catherine Bly, DLRC Associate

89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111

617-226-2640 or 800-244-2756

DLRC@eastersealsma.org

 

Western Massachusetts:

United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County

Dawn Perotti, AT Demo and Loan Coordinator

208 West Street

Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-442-1562

dperotti@ucpberkshire.org

 

Assistive Communication Technology (ACT) Center

The ACT Center houses an equipment loan program of adaptive educational and assistive communication technology. The Center serves adults and children with communication difficulties living in western Massachusetts. Low and high tech devices (from switches to computers) are available. At the Center adaptive equipment may be:

  • Used on site for learning purposes.
  • Borrowed to determine appropriateness for individual needs of children or adults.
  • Used in conjunction with assessments.
  • Used for training purposes for parents and professionals.

Workshops are also held for learning to use adaptive equipment and for making low-cost equipment and adaptive toys.

Contact: the ACT Center Coordinator

754 Russell Road, Westfield, MA 01086.

413-562-5678

actcenter@abilitiesunlimited.org

Ayers Helping Hand Equipment Loan Program

Ayers Handicap Conversion Center in North Quincy houses and manages an equipment loan program for durable medical equipment (DME). Donated durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, special bathroom equipment and other ambulatory healthcare aids) are available for loan for up to 3 months to residents of Quincy and the South Shore (Scituate, Hanover, Pembroke, Hull, Hingham, Norwell, Marshfield and Cohassett). Helping Hand is free thanks to the generosity of people who have donated the equipment they no longer need.

440B E Squantum St # 10
Quincy, MA 02171

617-328-0102

Directions to Ayers Helping Hand

 

Central Massachusetts Hearing Aid Loaner Bank

The Hearing Aid Loaner Bank loans hearing aids to adult and elderly residents of central Massachusetts who are not covered by public or private health insurance. There is a $60 fee (after audiological evaluation and report). They will provide a one year hearing aid loan with a reevaluation at the end of the one year period. They ask that patients take that year to investigate other loan possibilities.

Tina Coderre

Peak Rehabilitation Group
Audiology Department
15 Belmont Street
Worcester, MA 01605-2650
508-792-8700 Voice
508-792-8727 TTY
508-792-8722, 8723 Fax

DMR's Adapted Activities Library

The Adapted Activities Library is a program of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), Metro Region, Occupational Therapy Department.  It serves the entire Metro Region as well as the Fernald Center with over 300 commercially available products for use by individuals with mental retardation.  The collection is unique because all products have been researched and selected for their proven usefulness with people with mental retardation.  Products are loaned on a trial basis so that they can be evaluated for use by an individual in their home, day program or work environment. The library is located on the grounds of the Fernald Center in Waltham, Massachusetts and is open part time by appointment only. To view a sample of available products, go to the Adapted Activities Library website.

Contact: Linda Einis, Library Director

The Fernald Center

200 Trapelo Road

Waltham, MA 02452-6302

781-894-3600 Ext. 2518

linda.einis@dmr.state.ma.us

 

Dept. of Mental Retardation Adaptive Technology Centers

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) provides services to adults 18 years of age or older who have mental retardation, and children under 18 years of age with a developmental disability. AT services provided by the DMR range from assessments and evaluations to demonstration, design, fabrication, modification, and repair of equipment and devices. Services address mobility, environmental, vocational, leisure and communication needs. Equipment loan is available. Referrals to a DMR Adaptive Technology Center are necessary through an individual's DMR service coordinator.

 

Greater Boston:

The Fernald Therapeutic Equipment Center

Contact: Meliny King, PT, ATP-Director

200 Trapelo Road

Waltham, MA 02452-6332

781-894-3600 x 2517

781-894-3600 x 2523

781-894-3600 x 2521

Meliny.King@massmail.state.ma.us

 

Northeast Massachusetts:

Kelley Assistive Technology Resource Center

Contact: Tom Mercier-Director AT Center

Hogan Regional Center, DMR Northeast Region

450 Maple Street

Hathorne, MA 01937

978-774-5000 x 505

978-739-0422 FAX

Thomas.Mercier@dmr.state.ma.us

 

Southeast Massachusetts:

Assistive Technology Resource Center

Contact: Dottie Rother-Director

Wrentham Development Center-DMR

Emerald Street

Wrentham, MA 02093

508-3116 x 2434

508-384-5524

508-384-5612 FAX

Dottie.Rother@state.ma.us

 

Hospital Equipment Loan Program (HELP)

H.E.L.P. is a program of the Freemasons. Durable medical equipment is available to borrow free of charge for home use only from the Masonic Lodge in Malden. You do not have to be a Freemason to borrow equipment. Equipment for loan includes items such as canes, commodes, tub seats, walkers, wheelchairs, transfer benches, hospital beds, and a Hoya lift. H.E.L.P. is open Saturday mornings only.

H.E.L.P. is located at the rear entrance of the Malden Masonic building. Take a left into the driveway beside 123 Exchange Street (next to the Shadow Box). Open 9 a.m. to 12 noon only, Saturdays.

 

Brother Geoff Bemiss

781-322-1052

GABemiss@aol.com



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