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![TMCNet: Assistive technology: Lending program for medical equipment adds quality to life [Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.]](http://images.tmcnet.com/siteart/invisible.gif)
Assistive technology: Lending program for medical equipment adds quality to life [Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.]
(Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 11--Medical supplies are so expensive for people. They're not luxury items; they are a necessity, so it should be priced appropriately. I hate it that people have to pay so much for medical devices," said Mike Scott, Assistive Technology Advocate at FREED Center for Independent Living.
Scott's position at FREED is multi-faceted, but its purpose is to help people with disabilities find or maintain the tools they need to live their lives. Also known as "assistive technology," these tools range from electrical jar openers, communications devices, personal medical information devices or wheelchairs, to name just a few.
He said that when people call or stop in to request a wheelchair, for example, he tries to guide them to where they can find the type they need and can afford.
If they're asking where they can get their equipment fixed, Scott tries to steer them in the right direction.
"I don't really have list of where people can get devices, but I do refer them to places like Sierra Health, the major drug store, and even Lowe's, because they have things like shower chairs, grab bars and that sort of thing.
"It really depends on what (the clients) are looking for. I can suggest places where they can get what they need," Scott said.
"I've had people call for some strange things. For example, a parent, whose son is autistic, called. Their situation was that the young boy was growing up and he's a runner; he wants to get out and see things. Right now, he's happy and secure in a stroller, but he's getting too big for it -- so they were looking for a stroller big enough for a 50-pound kid.
"What I did was research it on the Internet, that's my main source for odd items, and found them four or five sources where they could get what they needed for their son."
He also helped another family who had to move a person who was unable to get out of bed. They wanted a gurney. Mike researched it and found a business that transports patients and is low cost.
But what people most often want is something free, and that's why Scott's most active program is the agency's recycle closet.
"Whatever people donate, we give back to the community -- free of charge." He said this includes items such as wheelchairs (powered and pushed), commodes, crutches, walkers, etc. Scott explained the agency is given all this equipment -- despite much of it being in like-new condition -- because much of it has no resale value, and people see donation as a way to dispose of it while also helping someone else.
"The recycle closet is where people can get the devices they need -- because we don't charge," Scott said.
A second category is the CATE "California Assistive Technology Exchange" program. Scott explained that while CATE is a three-part program, he's most involved in the free lending library, where people or organizations can try out different devices, whether to get them through a time of temporary need or to try them out to see if the equipment fills their needs without the expense of purchase.
This worked well for Children's Hope Foster Family Agency in Yuba City.
"During my more than four years here, we've gotten foster children with different disabilities. And recently, I had a boy added to my case load who is deaf. That meant there was no way to communicate with him during my weekly visits. So I contacted FREED to see if they had any suggestions or devices that could help me. That's when Mike (Scott) showed me the UbiDuo," said social worker Merisa Gonzales.
She explained that UbiDuo consists of two wireless keyboards that allow her and her client to be face-to-face while typing their conversation without the need for anyone else to be involved.
"I used it last week, and it worked really well. It helps me do my job when I check in with him and have a confidential conversation because we don't have to use his foster mom as a sign language interpreter. This way, he's more open to discussing issues or problems."
She said she would consider getting one for her office, but considering its very tight budget and the cost of the equipment, that would be difficult.
Scott said it's important to have a source of assistive technology, especially for older persons on fixed incomes, because according to a 2006 study, 41 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
CONTACT John Hollis at 741-2400 or jhollis@appealdemocrat.com .
Examples of assistive technology
--Can and jar openers: "One Touch"
--Voice recorder: "Plex Talk"
--Communications board: "Zak Communicator," for persons who have difficulty talking
--Photo phone: Programmed so person taps the image without dialing, for persons with memory problems
--Sound magnifier: "Pocket Talker"
--Doorbell-activated strobe light: For persons who are hard or hearing or deaf
--Computer screen reader: "Window Eyes"
On the Net
To find out more about California Assistive Technology Exchange, go to http://cate.ca.gov/
To see more of the Appeal-Democrat, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.appeal-democrat.com.
Copyright (c) 2010, Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
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