Equipment Loan Program

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 and Semi 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 us at careservices@alsaco.org or 303-832-2322

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 care team will 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, contact us at careservices@alsaco.org or 303-832-2322

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. 

For questions, contact careservices@alsaco.org or call 303-832-2322

The Rocky Mountain Chapter 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 in need to arrange the pick up of these items. Examples are;

• High-End Hospital Beds
• Wheelchair Accessible Vans
• Stairglides
• Verticle Lift Systems
• Modular Ramps

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 us at careservices@alsaco.org or call us at 303-832-2322.

Candidates for the program must:

• Have a diagnosis of ALS and registered with us.
• Reside in the Chapter's coverage area – Colorado, Utah or Wyoming.
• 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 us at careservices@alsaco.org or call us at 303-832-2322. If you are unsure what you might need, give us a call to discuss the challenges and we may be able to make some suggestions. 

Please be aware that some items can be loaned out simply through a phone conversation with the Chapter staff, and other 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 Rocky Mountain Chapter is grateful for each item donated.

Below is a list of items we accept:

• Eye Tracking Communication devices
• iPads, and other tablets
• Positioning stand for iPads, tablets, and phones
• Power Tilt and Recline wheelchairs (Must be two years or newer. Batteries must be chargeable, meaning they still work and keep a charge.)
• Full & Semi-Electric Beds 
• Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattresses
• Standard manual wheelchairs
• Transport wheelchairs
• Power Patient Lifts (also known as Hoyer Lifts or Sit to Stands)
• 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, is determined by the Chapter to be in usable condition and the donor family can drop it off.

Those wishing to donate equipment should email us at careservices@alsaco.org.