Friday, March 9, 2007

Where to buy and sell used home care equipment

There’s is a new service on the internet that will allow people to buy and sell equipment for individuals with disabilities-with free listings. If you have some equipment that you no longer need---like a wheelchair, grab bar for the shower, hospital bed, tub seat, lift chair-there is now an "assistive technology" website with free listings.
The Assistive Technology Exchange of New England offers any device that helps a person with a disability to live more independently or safely. Supplies and equipment such as ventilators, oxygen equipment, and catheters will not be accepted. Items posing hygiene or safety risks also will not be listed.
The goal of the AT Exchange in New England is to put equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it. People from states outside New England can list. The listings on the Exchange will include items for vision, hearing, speech communication, learning, cognitive, developmental, mobility, seating and positioning, daily living, environmental adaptations, transportation and vehicle modifications, computers, recreational, sports and leisure. The Exchange is not for vendors or distributors, it’s for the individual who has an item, or is looking for an item. Companies are welcome to donate equipment.
Anyone can browse the AT Exchange on the internet, but to sell or buy, you first have to register, which is easy to do. Each person who signs up gets a unique user name and password. Every listing submitted is reviewed by a staff person at the Exchange for approval. Staff at the AT Exchange can help review current listings for you, or post items on your behalf. You must update your listing at least once every 90 days, or it will be removed from the Exchange. Items posted within the last 7 days are identified with a "new" symbol . You can even search for items that have been added within the past 7, 14, or 30 days. Currently, there are only a few items listed, but check out this new service, and spread the word. In a few months, you may find something you really need for a loved one, or a friend.
To contact The Assistive Technology Exchange in New England, go to their website at http://www.getatstuff.com/ or, you can reach them by email at ATinMA@getatstuff.com or by phone toll free 1-866-682-9955 (in state), 617-204-3851 (voice), 617-204-3815 (TTY), 617-204-3887 (FAX).