Equipment Loan Program
The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter has a very extensive loan program. We recognize the importance of proper equipment and assistive devices in maintaining the safety, comfort, and maximal functioning of people living with ALS.
Often there is a long wait to obtain equipment and assistive devices through insurance funding. The equipment loan program can be used as a bridge to provide needed equipment until their insurance company funds the item.
Also, there are certain items that are not covered by medical insurance that are beneficial to those living with ALS, and the loan program is a place to find these items, free of charge.
The Equipment Loan Program provides short term and extended loans of recommended Durable Medical equipment and Assistive Technology to individuals with ALS. Access to loaned equipment may be necessary because of delays in acquisition through insurance, or some items may not be covered by insurance. In either circumstance the Equipment Loan Program provides the equipment at no cost to the recipient or family, as quickly as possible.
Examples are equipment loans include, but are not limited to:
- Tilt and Recline Power Wheelchairs
- Transport and Standard Manual Wheelchairs
- Full Electric Hospital Beds
- Power Patient Lifts and slings
- Sliding Tub Benches
- Eye-Tracking Communication devices and mounts
- Laser Pointers for communication with a letter board
- iPads with communications apps already loaded
Many items in the program are donated. Each item is assessed to be sure it is in good usable working order. The items are stored, then delivered when requested. Pickup services are also provided when an item is no longer needed, or obtained through insurance.
If you have any questions about our equipment loan program, contact our Equipment Loan Coordinator at equipment_loan@als-ny.org or call the office at (212) 720-3058.
Assistive Technology is the field that represents items that enable a person with a disability to maintain their functional capabilities. Examples are:
- Someone with diminished typing capabilities, may be able to control the phone or computer with their voice.
- Someone with a soft or weak voice, may be able to tap on a button to 'call' for assistance with a chime or bell.
- Someone who cannot be understood when speaking, may be able to spell by pointing to letters with a laser pointer attached to a visor worn on one's head.
Encountering a diminishing functionality is a stressful change for anyone. Our staff and assistive technology personnel listen to what someone is experiencing and respond with appropriate suggestions. Some of which may include items from our Equipment Loan Program. Other solutions may include existing features in one's own phone or computer, to which we would instruct how to access. And other solutions may require a referral to obtain the equipment elsewhere.
To request more information from the Assistive Technology Department contact Ben Lieman at blieman@als-ny.org
Not too long ago, Environmental Controls referred to a specially adapted mechanism to enable a person with a disability to turn electronic items on and off. A lamp, a TV, a radio.
This technology (now referred to as Smart Home Technology) has become universally available enabling one's voice (or touch of a button) to change the channel on a TV, select from a variety of movie channels, control the temperature of a room, open a door, or even see who is outside the door.
For someone with ALS, Smart Home Technology enables continued participation in these activities. performing these activities possible for people living with ALS.
There are some stand-alone environmental control systems available. These are very costly items, but they have the benefit that they are not dependent on any other system, such as a computer or communication device. Each of these systems had different pros and cons. If you need help choosing one of these systems, please call the Assistive Technology Specialist at The ALS Association, Greater New York Chapter.
The Greater New York Chapter of the ALS Association occasionally hears of equipment that could clearly benefit someone with ALS. Though it may be too large for us to manage in our loan closet, we do notify families who may be about to arrange the pick up of these items. Examples are;
- High-End Hospital Beds
- Wheelchair Accessible Vans
- These items are not as readily available, but we keep a waiting list so that when one becomes available, we know who might be interested.
If you are interested in this type of equipment, contact our Equipment Loan Coordinator at equipment_loan@als-ny.org or call the office at (212) 720-3058.
Candidates for the program must:
- Have a diagnosis of ALS
- Reside in the Chapter's coverage area - New York City (all 5 boroughs), Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Long Island, or Northern New Jersey. (If you do not live in our catchment area, please get in touch with us to see if notable exceptions could be made.)
- Have applied, or be in the application process, for coverage of equipment from their insurance, or have no insurance coverage for the requested item
- All items are provided to those with ALS free of charge
To request a loan of equipment through any of the loan programs, contact our Equipment Loan Coordinator at equipment_loan@als-ny.org or call the office at (212) 720-3058.
Please be aware that some items can be loaned out simply through a phone conversation with the Chapter staff, but most items will require the involvement of a health care professional to choose the most appropriate item.
The Equipment Loan Program provides hundreds of beneficial pieces of Durable Medical and Communication Equipment at no cost, to persons with ALS every year. We pick up, maintain, store, and deliver this equipment throughout the year. The Equipment Loan Program's success depends on the availability of donated equipment in good to excellent condition.
The Greater New York Chapter (also covering central and northern NJ) is grateful for each item donated.
Below is a list of items we accept:
- Eye Tracking Communication devices
- Mounts (Rolling and wheelchair) for communication devices
- iPads, and other tablets
- Positioning stand for iPads, tablets, and phones
- Power Tilt and Recline wheelchairs (Must be four years or newer. Batteries must be chargeable, meaning they still work and keep a charge.)
- Full Electric Bed (three functions through the remote) head, legs, and entire bed raise and lower through the remote, not a crank
- Low Air Loss and Alternation Pressure Mattresses
- Tilt Manual Wheelchairs
- Standard manual wheelchairs
- Transport wheelchairs
- Power Patient Lifts (also known as Hoyer Lifts)
- Roho cushions
- Sliding tub benches. Clean, no rust
- Voice amplifiers
- Your donation is tax-deductible. Equipment will be accepted for donation if the donor family owns it, is in demand, and is determined by the Chapter to be in usable condition.
The Chapter will make delivery and pick-up of equipment. Those wishing to donate equipment should contact Equipment Loan at equipment_loan@als-ny.org or call the office at 212-720-1400.
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