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Borrow AT

Short-term device loans allow people to 'test drive' AT before deciding what to buy; they are also helpful for assessment, meeting interim needs when equipment is being repaired, and for training purposes. Long-term device loans allow borrowers to use the equipment for as long as it is needed.

Long-Term Device Loan Program for Low-Cost Devices

MassMATCH has partnered with Easter Seals-MA to provide devices valued less than $500 to income-eligible people with disabilities. The program is also known as the AT Mini-Loan Program. Applicants who demonstrate financial need are provided the low-cost devices they need for as long as they need them. This is a one year pilot (launched in 2009) and in its initial phase the program is purchasing new devices for people with disabilities to live more independently. Eventually these devices will be returned and made available to new applicants who qualify. The program is available to residents of Massachusetts with a disability and family members who are applying on behalf of their relative with a disability.

To learn more or fill out an application contact:

Jason M. Luciano, Ph.D.
Easter Seals Massachusetts
(800) 244-2756 ext. 428 or 431 (VOICE)
(800) 564-9700 (TTY)
info@massatloan.org

AT School Swap

AT School Swap LogoJoin the MassMATCH AT School Swap! This is our online AT exchange program exclusively for Massachusetts school systems. Members of the AT School Swap upload their AT inventory and make any equipment they are not using available to other Massachusetts school systems. You can also use the AT School Swap site to reliably track your school system's inventory without making equipment available for loan.

Visit AT School Swap and read the FAQs or Request an Account. Members with a user name and password can log in and browse what is available.

 

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

Dept. of Developmental Services Adaptive Technology Centers

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services to adults 18 years of age or older who have intellectual disabilities, and children under 18 years of age with a developmental disability. AT services provided by the DDS 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 DDS Adaptive Technology Center are necessary through an individual's DDS 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, DDS 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-DDS
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

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Equipment Loan Program

The MDA provides recycled wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment (DME) in good condition for long term loan. Individuals requesting equipment must have a prescription for the DME due to a neuromuscular disease. Should the DME no longer be needed, individuals or their families are encouraged to return it to MDA for use by others. Through its local chapters and field offices, MDA accepts durable medical equipment for distribution through the Association's loan program. Find your local MDA chapter at www.mda.org.

Catherine Hughes
MDA Health Care Services Coordinator
617-368-9155
chughes@mdausa.org

or

Mary Leeman
ALS Health Care Services Coordinator
508-898-3375
mleeman@mdausa.org