If you have a piece of equipment which you have been using for your elderly loved one, but no longer need, it’s a great time to let someone else who may be less fortunate benefit from it.
Where can I donate a shower chair ?
You can donate a shower chair to –
- State Assistive Technology Programs
- Online equipment exchanges
- Reuse centers
- Loan closets
- National and international nonprofit organizations
- Goodwill Stores
- The Salvation Army
- Charity thrift stores
- Classified Ads
- Local church groups
- Senior Centers
- Veterans’ Centers
I have listed over 80 programs (including all the State Assistive Technology Programs) and charities, and suggested many other institutions that you can also check with in your neighborhood for local projects to donate to.
Contents Overview & Quicklinks
National charities and nonprofit organizations
State Assistive Technology Programs
Medical equipment loan closets
Recycling/ Refurbishing / Reuse Programs or Centers
Organizations working nationally, or internationally
Where to donate medical equipment near me ? Listing by State
Where to donate a shower chair in your neighborhood ?
Online listing sites where you can donate medical equipment near you
Agencies and groups near you, who may know where you can donate a shower chair
National Charities and nonprofit organizations
These are organizations which have a national network, or an international mission, or both. I am including organizations like Goodwill who have stores all over the US, and others who collect equipment all over the US, but who then distribute in less developed countries.
State Assistive Technology Programs
As their name suggests, these are statewide programs which are present in almost every state in the US.
The US government gives a federal grant to each state to increase access for the disabled and the elderly to what are known as Assistive Technology Devices.
Assistive Technology Devices are devices which help enable individuals to complete tasks, and medical equipment is part of this. Also known as AT, it is pretty much synonymous with the term Durable Medical Equipment for our purposes.
The different AT state programs work in their own ways with their grants, but they will very often work with local community groups who have their own networks for collecting medical equipment to be refurbished and re-distributed to those in need.
You can find what programs are running in your state by going to this website CATADA – Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance – https://catada.info/state.htm
Step 1/ – Here’s a screenshot of the page you will go to
To start you can your state on the map, or use the drop-down menu, and click on “Go to state”
– I chose Florida for this example
Step 2/
You will see that I have outlined the name of the “Program Title” and if you click on this you will be taken – in general – to the website for the state AT program.
Before you do that though, you should just take a glance at the 5 sub-categories below this, and in particular these three –
- device re-utilization
- device loan
- device demonstration
You would think that you would always find these categories on the main website for the state program, but it’s not the case.
Quite often, state AT programs partner with nonprofits or community groups run by volunteers who have networks across the state which are already in place and functioning well, and they may run their own websites.
In a nutshell, you need to take a look here to see what you have to go look for on the main website, and if you can’t find it, you’ll find it on the websites of the partners mentioned in these three sub-categories above.
You will be looking for online equipment exchanges, reuse programs, loan closets and any stores through which the programs are either selling recycled equipment at low cost, or distributing the equipment to those who can’t afford it.
You’ll be happy to know though that I have prepared a list of what is available in virtually every state in the US.
If you wish to skip the section on national and international charities and nonprofits, and go straight to the state programs, just click here.
Step 3/
Once you click on the link for the Assistive Technology Program website (the one I outlined in red), you will find their contact information as I did on the Florida Assistive Technology Program website.
Online Equipment Exchanges
As part of their assistive technology programs, a large percentage of states have online equipment exchange programs.
Some states run them on their main site, or they are run by a partner program with its own site, or on the national provider AT4All, but you should find a link to the exchange on the main site.
Even if you don’t find a mention of one, it is a good idea just to enter into the site search “equipment exchange” in case you can’t find it.
Basically, an equipment exchange is an online listing of classified ads where you can post up any equipment in your state, and you can sell, donate, buy, or put up a request for equipment. In most cases it is a process which is handled between individuals without any interaction with the program, they just provide the platform.
This is not always the case though, sometimes a state will refurbish equipment and then post it on an exchange, rather than distributing it through centers and groups in the community.
As I have already said, I have listed all the exchanges I could find in the section on statewide programs here.
Medical equipment loan closets
A loan closet is a resource of equipment which is loaned out either long term or short term to residents of the area that the loan closet functions in also
Loan closets may work with lots of different partners – AT programs, nonprofits, charities or other – or can be small charitable affairs just operating in one town rather than across a state or region.
In general, to use a loan closet, you have to be a resident of that area or state.
If you have trouble finding one, you can also search for “Medical Equipment Lending Closets” or “Medical Equipment Lending Libraries”.
If you don’t know where to search other than online, check with –
- your local authority “department for seniors”
- your “County Office on Aging”
- your local public Senior Center (this will be open to all comers in the residential area of the center)
- your “Area Office on Aging” – they are connected with many providers and resources for both the elderly and carers
Recycling/Refurbishment/Reuse Programs
These centers may be small independent groups manned by community volunteers, or they can be larger nonprofits, or companies, partnered with a government program, such as a state AT project.
Some run large chains of outlets, or centers, sell equipment at a low cost, or distribute it to those who can’t afford to buy it.
They will typically have standards of sanitation, and won’t want equipment which is too old or too damaged.
Very often, if you just want a center where you can drop off equipment near you, you will find these are good places to start.
I have listed the ones which operate statewide in my list of statewide projects here.
Organizations working nationally or internationally which accept donations of medical equipment, including shower chairs
Some organizations listed below such as Goodwill and Easterseals have stores and affiliates all over the US.
You will be able to use the store locators on their websites to find the nearest one, so you can easily drop off your shower chair at their locale.
Some of these organizations may organize a pickup, or you may have to pay to send the shower chair if you can’t get there.
Advocates for World Health
Donations of medical equipment are accepted and sen to the developing world.
To find out about donating, use the link here – https://awhealth.org/donate-medical-equipment/
Easterseals
There are affiliates all over the US with centers you can donate equipment.
For your local Easterseals affiliate, go here – https://www.easterseals.com/connect-locally/
Esperenca
You can donate equipment and medical supplies.
The page for donating is here – https://www.esperanca.org/donate-supplies/
To see their equipment wishlist, visit here – https://www.esperanca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Medical-Supply-Wishlist.pdf
Esperenca works mostly with projects in Latin and Central America.
Global Linksa
The organization accepts donations of medical equipment, distributes it to under-sourced hospitals in developing countries.
For Global Links information on donating this is the website page – https://www.globallinks.org/our-work/programs/medical-surplus-recovery-program/individual-and-community-surplus-recovery
Global Mobility USA
The organization accepts donations of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, ramps and physical therapy and occupational therapy equipment.
Here’s the link to their donations’ page with all the information – http://www.globalmobilityusa.org/equipment-and-in-kind-donations
They don’t take shower chairs, but you may have something else they do accept which you would like to donate.
Goodwill
Donations of shower chairs are accepted in their local Goodwill stores all across the US.
To find your local store, go to this page on their website – https://www.goodwill.org/locator/
HERO Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization
Hero recycles and sells in its local store and also distributes equipment around the world with medical mission teams.
Donations have to be dropped off at their store, which will be a little difficult if you aren’t local to Fargo, North Dakota.
This is the donation page for individuals on their website – https://www.herofargo.org/wp-content/uploads/IndividualSupplies.pdf
Med Share
MedShare accepts donations of medical equipment and distributes to communities in need around the world.
There are three MedShare distribution centers where you can donate equipment.
Check this on the MedShare website – https://www.medshare.org/
MedWish
The organization accepts donations of medical equipment from individuals at their warehouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
You can find out more about donations here – https://www.medwish.org/give/
Medical Bridges
The organization accepts all kinds of durable medical equipment including shower chairs which sends to communities around the world.
To donate, you need to visit this page on their website – http://www.medicalbridges.org/donate/medical-supplies-and-equipment
Project Cure
The organization distributes donated medical equipment to the developing world.
Here is the page on donating – https://projectcure.org/donate-supplies-equipment
REMEDY – Recovered Medical Equipment for the developing World
REMEDY furnishes medical supplies and equipment to global aid to help to those in need.
REMEDY accept donations of durable medical equipment from individuals, which they then redistribute through global aid.
Use this web page to donate to REMEDY – https://www.med-eq.org/Login/form.aspx?type=donate&quick=1
Salvation Army
You can donate all types of medical equipment.
To find out how to donate, go here – https://satruck.org/
You can even schedule a free pickup !
The Partnership for Quality Medical Donations
You can donate medical equipment, which will be given to underserved communities.
To donate, go to this website page here – http://www.pqmd.org/pillars/donation-guidelines/
Where to donate medical equipment in near me ?
If you click on your state, you will see the options available for donating medical equipment, including shower chairs, near to where you live.
Alabama
Alabama Assistive Technology Resource (STAR)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
STAR supports five centers which recycle AT devices and DME for disabled members of the community.
The centers and the contact details are all listed on this web page – http://www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-and-families/star/assistive-technology-centers
There is an online Assistive Technology Exchange in Alabama which you can access here – http://al.at4all.com
You can exchange, buy, sell, or donate directly to those who need the equipment.
Alaska
Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The Alaska Assistive Technology Trading Post or AK Trading Post is
- an equipment exchange
- a reuse program with loans, giveaways and sales
Call about the equipment exchange and donating on – 907 563-2599
Their website is here – https://www.atlaak.org/
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Alaska Center for Children and Adults (ACCA)
ACCA is a nonprofit assisting individuals with disabilities.
ACCA runs a loan closet which has “adaptive mobility equipment” – so no shower chairs, but you may have something else for them at another time.
This is the loan closet website page – http://alaskacenter.org/loan-closet/
For information, Call – 456-4003
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Access Alaska – Loan Closet
Access Alaska is a another nonprofit organization assisting people in the community with disabilities.
You can donate medical equipment to the Access Alaska Loan Closet here – https://www.accessalaska.org/dme-loan-closet
Arizona
Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
AzTAP has three programs giving access to recycled AT equipment –
1) The Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX)
Here’s the exchange website – https://www.azatexchange.org/home.php
2) AT & Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Reuse Coalition
This site provides a listing of Arizona programs involved in activities of equipment reuse, including medical equipment loan closets.
The website is – https://www.azatreuse.org/
You fill out a quick form to locate a participating reuse program near you to donate your equipment.
3) Open-Ended, Long Term Device Loans
AzTAP offers some equipment which is still in good condition for free – these are open-ended long term loans.
The web page is here – https://aztap.org/at-reuse/open-ended-device-loans/
Arkansas
Increasing Capabilities Access Network (iCAN)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
iCAN has with –
- a Device Recycling Program which takes a wide range of donated equipment
- the Equipment Exchange is an online exchange of ad listings of used equipment for sale, donation, or exchange
To find out more, go here – https://ar-ican.org/about-ican/
or,
California
Ability Tools
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
Ability Tools has an Assistive Technology Exchange for donating and receiving medical equipment and AT devices across California.
Here’s the website page for the exchange – http://abilitytools.org/services/at-exchange-transition.php
Ability Tools and Reuse programs
Ability Tools partners with reuse programs and posts their available inventories on the AT Exchange.
Here you can find out about the reuse centers – http://abilitytools.org/services/reuse-programs.php
You can call and donate equipment to the centers if you don’t wish to get involved in the online exchange.
Colorado
The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado
The State Assistive Technology Program
The web page is here – https://www.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/colorado-assistive-technology-act-program
To find out about donating equipment, call – 303 315 1280
For those looking for equipment, the program runs a reuse website called ATFinder.org, but it is currently under reorganization, so it is not accessible at the time of writing.
The AT Finder service is mentioned here – https://www.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/colorado-assistive-technology-act-program/tech-act-services-during-covid-19
Connecticut
Connecticut Tech Act Project
This is the state Assistive Technology Program.
CCTAP offers refurbished equipment through their community partner agencies –
1) New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center at Oakhill.
If you wish to donate equipment, visit this website page to find out all about it – https://assistivetechnology.oakhillct.org/equipment-to-donate/
The equipment they accept changes, so at my time of writing they do not take raised toilet seats, but when you check they may do.
2) Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging also accepts donations for the western region of Connecticut – call 203-757-5449.
Website – https://wcaaa.org/programs/assistive-technology-center
3) Eastern CT Assistive Technology Center also accepts donations of lightly used equipment – call 860 423 4534
Website – https://wrccct.org/eastern-ct-assistive-technology-center/
4) Access Independence – also has an assistive technology program which you can contact – 203 378 6977
Website – https://accessinct.org/services/core-services/
Delaware
Delaware Assistive Technologies Initiative (DATI)
This is the state Assistive Technology Program.
DATI has an Assistive Technologies Exchange on which you can donate your equipment if you are a resident of Delaware.
This is a link for the AT Exchange – http://www.dati.org/v3/home.php
Florida
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technologies (FAST)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The FAST website address is – https://faast.org/
The Florida AT Exchange website page – https://faast.org/listings/
Florida’s residents can post medical equipment they wish to donate on the exchange once they have registered on the site.
You will find all sorts of AT devices and medical equipment on the exchange.
Georgia
Tools for life
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The lending libraries accept donations of durable medical equipment.
The website has huge resources, but is a nightmare to navigate, so here are the contacts for their loan closet network.
Tools for Life runs lending libraries within their Assistive Technologies Resource Centers –
1) Disability Connections
Phone – 478 741 1425
Website – https://www.disabilityconnections.com/
2) Tools for Life AT Solutions Lab @ Georgia Tech
Phone – 404 894 0541
Website – https://gatfl.gatech.edu/tfl.php
3) Walton Options for Independent Living
Phone – 706 724 6262
Website – https://www.waltonoptions.org/
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Friends of disabled adults and children (FODAC)
You can donate durable medical equipment, including bedside commodes, to FODAC and their teams will refurbish it and find people who need it.
The equipment donation page on their website is here – https://www.fodac.org/dropoff
Hawaii
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
There is an Assistive Technology Exchange which is online, and you just contact them if you wish to participate, by donating used equipment for others.
The website page for the exchange is – https://www.atrc.org/assistive-technology-exchange
Idaho
The Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The website – https://idahoat.org/
The program has lending libraries to which you can donate, and an online AT Exchange, on which is for –
- equipment redistribution
- equipment loans
- lending library items
- selling, donating, no longer needed items
The lending of equipment is dealt with through the exchange, as well as individuals selling and donating.
Idaho AT4All Equipment Exchange
This is an online Assistive Technology Exchange, available to all Idaho residents.
You post your donation on the online exchange.
The equipment exchange page is here – https://www.idaho.at4all.com/welcome.aspx
Illinois
Illinois Assistive Technology Program (iATP)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The IATP has a device recycling service, which distributes the items to those in need.
The main website address in here – https://iltech.org/
The website page on donating equipment is here –
You can donate items, directly to the Reuse program by dropping them off –
but you need to call in advance – 217 522 7985
The website page on donating equipment is here – https://iltech.org/how-we-help/device-recycling/
Or you can use the Assistive Technology Exchange webpage, where you can list your item that you wish to donate and deal directly person-to-person on the exchange, with someone who needs that item.
You can buy, sell or donate on the Exchange.
The webpage is here – https://exchange.iltech.org/Home.aspx
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Great Lakes Loan Closets
The Great Lakes Loan Closets serve residents of Michigan, Wisconsin, Northern Indiana and Northern Illinois.
You can donate medical equipment to the different loan closets in your area.
On the home page of the website, you will see a link to donate equipment – https://loanclosets.org
Indiana
Easterseals Crossroads INDATA Project
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The INDATA Project is run by the Easterseals Crossroads for the State of Indiana.
The website is page for donating items – device re-utilization – is here – https://www.eastersealstech.com/our-services/device-re-utilization/
To donate an item, you drop it off by appointment, or arrange a pickup, call 317 466 2013
There is a vast array of items that you can donate, anything from visual aids to hospital beds can be found in the device loan library.
To borrow devices, there is an online device loan library which users from Indiana can join, and then use, to borrow equipment – there is a video also, which explains how to join, and how to use the library.
The website page for the device loan library, along with the video, is here – https://www.eastersealstech.com/device_loan_library/
Great Lakes Loan Closets
The Great Lakes Loan Closets serve Michigan, Wisconsin, Northern Indiana and Northern Illinois.
You can donate durable medical equipment to the loan closets
On the home page of their website, there is a link to donate equipment – https://loanclosets.org
Iowa
Easter Seals Equipment Loan
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
Donations of durable medical equipment are accepted – you can give them a call.
“The Assistive Technology Center is located at Easter Seals Iowa Camp Sunnyside, 401 NE 66th Ave. in Des Moines, Iowa 50313. To make an appointment to pick-up or donate medical equipment, tour the Demonstration Center or visit the Lending Library, please call 1-866-866-8782 or 515-289-4069 (TTY) or email atinfo@eastersealsia.org.”
Source: their website.
Use this link to fill out their form to donate equipment – Donate equipment to Easterseals Iowa
The main website is here – https://www.easterseals.com/ia/our-programs/assistive-technology-center/
Kansas
Assistive Technology Kansas – Kansas Equipment Exchange
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
You can donate all kinds of equipment to this state AT program – it is divided into 6 areas.
To donate, the website instructs you to either
- call 800-526-3648
- or to email your AT Access Site
To find out which is your AT Access Site and which of the 6 areas you are in, you can visit this web address – http://atk.ku.edu/contact-atk
To send an email or to telephone the AT access location which serves you, all the contact information you need is on the page I listed above.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
You can donate all kinds of equipment and devices to KATS.
You can read about all their services here – https://www.katsnet.org/services/
There is a reutilization program which collects and refurbishes durable medical equipment and AT devices. The program organizing this is CARAT – Coordinating and Assisting with the Reuse of Assistive Technology
You can find CARAT on the KATS Network website – https://www.katsnet.org/services/at-reuse/
You will see a button for donating on the above link, where you will find out about equipment drop-offs if you don’t want to use their online exchange.
KY Assistive Technology Locator
This is an online exchange for equipment and devices – the KY Assistive Technology Locator
The exchange is here – https://katsnet.at4all.com/
This serves several purposes –
- you can donate or sell durable medical equipment and AT devices as on any other medical equipment exchange I have listed so far
- the CARAT inventory of medical equipment available is there
- there is a lending library program of short term loans of equipment to “try it before you buy it”
Louisiana
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
Latan operates the AT Marketplace Louisiana’s Assistive Technology Classifieds.
The AT Marketplace has a range of all types of durable medical equipment.
You can either
- donate equipment to LATAN to be posted on the AT Marketplace, or
- you can post medical equipment and AT devices on the exchange yourself
The AT Marketplace page is here on the Latan website – https://www.latan.org/at-marketplace/
Maine
Main Cite
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
The Main Cite website page for Equipment Reuse and donating equipment is here –
https://mainecite.org/equipment-reuse/
You can donate a huge range of equipment.
Main Cite works with a number of partners to loan devices, and you can see them all here on the website page “Devices For Loan”, here – https://mainecite.org/devices-for-loan/
As you will see, each company posts devices which are available for loan in Maine on the – https://at4maine.org/
Maryland
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
MD TAP is – http://mdod.maryland.gov/mdtap/Pages/MDTAP-Home.aspx
MD TAP has a directory of loan closets, so you can call the one closest to you and find out about donating equipment.
You can download the loan closet directory here – http://mdod.maryland.gov/mdtap/Pages/Equipment-Loan-Closet-Directory-.aspx
Facebook group in Maine
There is a Facebook in Maine where to donate equipment you can join and offer the equipment to other members of the group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/443254832860014/
Massachusetts
MassMATCH – Massachusetts Maximizing Assistive Technology in Consumers Hands
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
On the MassMATCH website, there is a list of local community groups that you can donate to in Massachusetts – https://www.massmatch.org/find_at/borrow.php#Device_Loan_and_Reuse_Programs
MassMatch also has an online equipment exchange listing where you can post DME for donation. You just need to register and then post what you wish to donate on the site.
The exchange is found here – https://getatstuff.massmatch.org/
Requipment is a durable medical equipment re-use program to which you can donate durable medical equipment and AT devices, including shower chairs.
Requipment have instructions on how to donate equipment to them here – https://dmerequipment.org/
Michigan
Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MTAP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
MTAP is incredibly lucky to have the Great Lakes Loan Closets in Michigan, and it advises individuals to get all their short term loans of medical equipment there.
Website – https://mdrc.host5.nicholascreative.com/assistive-tech-program/
Michigan has an AT Exchange – ATXChange – here – https://atxchange.org
Great Lakes Loan Closets
The Great Lakes Loan Closets for the residents of Michigan, Wisconsin, Northern Indiana and Northern Illinois.
The loan closets have durable medical equipment – but each one may have its own eligibility requirements and loan period.
You can take the round about way of getting to the loan closets using the MATP website, or just click the following link if you wish to donate equipment to them – https://loanclosets.org/michigan
You will see a list of counties, and each one has a bunch of loan closets you can donate to.
Minnesota
Minnesota STAR Program
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The website page for STAR is here – https://mn.gov/admin/star/
Minnesota Star has a new online device library – MN.AT4all.com
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Goodwill-Easter Seals
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which accepts donations of a vast array of different kinds of equipment.
Their website home page is – https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org
You can locate a donation point on this page of their website – https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/donate/find-donation
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HERO: Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization
HERO does accept donations of raised toilet seats and a lot of other equipment as well.
HERO is a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes healthcare supplies to those in need locally and globally.
Their page about donations on the website is here – https://www.herofargo.org/donate
This is a PDF about what they do and don’t accept and where to bring the equipment – https://www.herofargo.org/wp-content/uploads/IndividualSupplies.pdf
Mississippi
Project START (Success through Assistive Rehabilitation Technology)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
You can find the website here – http://www.msprojectstart.org/
You can donate lightly used durable medical equipment to START through their Device Reutilization Program – you have to contact them to find out more and their contact page is here – http://www.msprojectstart.org/contact-us
There are three main branches to the program for assistive technology and durable medical equipment –
The Mississippi Equipment Connection Program – an online recycling database – I couldn’t find it on the website, or anywhere else for that matter, but if you use their contact page you can ask them.
There is a short term loan testing library, but they don’t say if this is part of the online database or not, but it is there, so you can test before you buy low cost recycled equipment. The address for this is – https://www.myatprogram.org/SearchInventory.aspx
Device Reutilization and Computer Refurbishment Program – in-home placements of refurbished computers for people with disabilities.
You need to contact them through this page on their website — http://www.msprojectstart.org/contact-us
Mississippi Re-Tech Project – this program works to educate and increase access to assistive technology in poorer areas of Mississippi.
The program partners with churches, local health departments and durable medical equipment companies.
The goal is to increase access to equipment.
Missouri
MoAT Missouri Assistive Technology Program
The State Assistive Technology Program.
This is an Assistive Technology Program which accepts donations of equipment.
This is the homepage of the website – https://at.mo.gov
The main points are –
1) Individuals and agencies can borrow equipment through the ETC Program, Equipment Technology Consortium – https://at.mo.gov/device-loan/
This is the website page about recycled equipment – https://at.mo.gov/recycle-reuse
2) MoAT works with 9 Missouri “Recycling Locations” to provide the equipment for their programs, and they also invite donations directly to their centers –
a) Accessibility Medical
Recycled Durable Medical Equipment Program – Assistive Technology Center
311 Delaware St. # 102 A
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone – 816 822 7432
Website: https://www.accessibilitymedical.org/
b) Paraquad
Paraquad Assistive Technology Reutilization Program
5240 Oakland Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Phone – 314 289 4338
Website: https://www.paquad.com/
c) Living Independently for Everyone (LIFE)
LIFE AT Reutilization Program
725 E. Karsch Blvd.
Farmington, MO 63640
Phone – 573 756-4314
Website: https://www.lifecilmo.org/
d) Rural Advocates for Independent Living (RAIL)
1100 S. Jamison
Kirksville, MO 63501
Phone – 800 681 7245
Website: http://www.railkv.org/
e) Services for Independent Living (SIL)
SIL Assistive Technology Reutilization Program
1401 Hathman Place
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone – 573 874 1646
Website: https://www.silcolumbia.org/get-help
f) SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI)
SADI Assistive Technology Reutilization Program
1913 Rusmar Avenue
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone – 573 651 6464
Website: https://sadi.org/programs/assistive-technology-programs/
g) empower:abilities
empower:abilities Assistive Technology Reutilization Program
2864 S. Nettleton
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone – 417 886 1188
Website: https://empowerabilities.org/actt-assistive-tech/
h) The Independent Living Center
The Independent Living Assistive Technology Reutilization Program
2639 E. 34th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone – 417 659 8086
Website: https://ilcenter.org/aboveandbeyond
i) On My Own
428 E Highland Ave,
Nevada, MO 64772
Phone – 417 667 7007
Website: https://omoinc.org/
j) NEILS (Northeast Independent Living)
4500 Paris Gravel Rd.
Hannibal, MO 63401
Phone – 573 221 8282
Website: https://www.neils.org/
3) The program has an equipment exchange called the “Swap ‘n Shop” Exchange Program.
The website page if you wish to learn about, and use their “Swap ‘n Shop” Exchange Program – https://at.mo.gov/recycle-reuse/swap-n-shop-disclaimer.html
If you wish to list equipment, you can call (816) 655-6700 or email at info@mo-at.org
It is full of equipment, with lots of good photos of the equipment.
There are 11 categories of equipment, and it is really clearly laid out.
To offer your donation here, you need to send three photos by email – info@mo-at.0rg
Montana
MonTech
The State Assistive Technology Program.
Community Buy-Sell – “Sell, give away, exchange, or list a need for Assistive Technology or Adaptive Equipment free of charge”
Do it all here – https://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/community-buy-sell/
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Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain
Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which accepts donations of a vast array of different kinds of equipment.
Their website home page is – https://www.esgw.org
You can locate a donation point on this page of their website – https://www.esgw.org/locations-hours
Nebraska
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The main website for the state program is here – https://atp.nebraska.gov/
The ATP –
- run an online assistive technology exchange and classifieds – it is low cost or free
- has a ReUse Network, and you can contact them to donate equipment
The Online Exchange
To find it, go here – https://atp.nebraska.gov/services/equipmen., and then click on the link which says at4all.com.
The exchange has listings for –
- Demonstration and short-term loans
- Used equipment for sale
- Free donated items
- List items to sell or donate – this is what you want if you wish to post your shower chair on the exchange.
You will of course need to register on the exchange, and then you can put up your post.
The ATP ReUse Network
You can contact them to donate equipment to the ReUse Network – you can find that here – https://atp.nebraska.gov/services/reuse-network
There is a list of partners in their ReUse Network program organized by area with all the relevant contact information.
Nevada
Nevada Assistive Technology Collaborative (NATC)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
NATC runs –
- an equipment-recycling program called CARE Chest, which refurbishes medical equipment
- an online equipment exchange
CARE Chest
The CARE Chest website is here- https://carechest.org/site/
For donations to CARE Chest, use this link – https://carechest.org/site/donate-2/supply-donations/
The Online Equipment Exchange
The NATC online equipment exchange – which is here
– https://www.nateproject.com/welcome.aspx
New Hampshire
ATinNH
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The website is here – https://iod.unh.edu/areas-emphasis/assistive-technology
ATinNH has an online equipment library at – https://atinnh.at4all.com
The library has equipment for loan, demonstration and reuse.
The equipment reuse program works with four programs to help people get refurbished equipment at very low prices. The program below is one of those programs, and you can find the others here – https://iod.unh.edu/assistive-technology-new-hampshire-atinnh/services
Refurbished Equipment Marketplace
The REM, a non-profit organization, works with ATinNH (New Hampshire Assistive Technologies Program) with grants to refurbish donated durable medical equipment, which is then sold at low prices to people who need it, but can’t afford expensive equipment.
According to their donations page, they do not accept raised toilet seats, but they accept a lot of other types of equipment that you may have.
The donation page on their website is – http://rem.crotchedmountain.org/Donation-Policy_ep_42.html
New Jersey
Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The main ATAC website is here – http://www.drnj.org/atac/
The ATAC operates
- the “Back-in-Action Equipment Exchange Program” which matches people with equipment for sale or donation, with those in need – it’s an online exchange
- the recycling of donated equipment through Goodwill Home Medical Equipment
The Online Equipment Exchange
You can post a range of equipment, including durable medical equipment, so shower chairs are accepted.
You have to register with the site, and then you can post your equipment.
The website for the exchange is here – http://backinaction.drnj.org/home.php
Goodwill Home Medical Equipment
This is a nonprofit organization in Ewing, New Jersey.
If you want to find out more about donating here rather than going on the online exchange, then go to this web page – https://goodwillnj.org/material-donations/
To find the equipment drop off center nearest to you, go here – https://goodwillnj.org/goodwill-donation-site/
New Mexico
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The reuse program is called Back In Use and is run for NMTAP by a nonprofit organization, Adelante Development Center.
Donations of all types of durable medical equipment, including shower chairs, are accepted.
To donate equipment, go here- https://goadelante.org/disability-services/assistive-equipment-biu/backinuse-donate-equipment/
New York
The New York State Assistive Technology (TRAID) Program.
The State Assistive Technology Program.
TRAID-IN is an exchange service in New York State, connecting people who need equipment with those who want to donate or sell.
You can donate durable medical equipment, including shower chairs.
The main website is here – https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/traid-program
North Carolina
North Carolina Assistive technology Program (NCATP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The NCATP operates device and equipment loans through 9 centers across North Carolina.
The contact info of the 9 centers are here – https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/north-carolina-assistive-technology-program/ncatp
To donate your equipment, you contact the center nearest to you .
North Dakota
North Dakota Assistive
The State Assistive Technology Program.
To quote the site here – https://ndassistive.org/equipment-reuse-program/
“North Dakota Assistive provides an online database called ND AT4ALL where anyone can list assistive technology equipment for sale, rent, trade, or donation.”
You can also create want ads for items you are looking for.
You can read about it at the link above, and you can visit the ND AT4 ALL here – https://nd.at4all.com
North Dakota Assistive also uses NDAT4ALL to list all of its equipment available for long term and short term loans.
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HERO: Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization
HERO does accept donations of shower chairs and other medical equipment as well.
HERO collects and distributes healthcare supplies to those in need locally and globally.
Their donations’ page is here – https://www.herofargo.org/donate
HERO has a PDF about items which they do and don’t accept, and where to donate the equipment – https://www.herofargo.org/wp-content/uploads/IndividualSupplies.pdf
Ohio
AT Ohio – Assistive Technology of Ohio
The State Assistive Technology Program
The device re-utilization page of their website is here – https://atohio.org/additional-programs/device-refurbishing-and-reutilization-program
AT Ohio offers an equipment re-utilization program through their partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio / ECRN+.
Donations of equipment are accepted and redistributed for free to those with disabilities.
You can contact them by calling – 614 389 3880
Or you can email them by using the email form on this page of their website – https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/ecrn/email
Oklahoma
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The website home page – https://www.okabletech.org
ABLE Tech has –
- an online equipment exchange
- device reutilization centers
Online Equipment Exchange
The Equipment Exchange information is here – https://www.okabletech.org/guide-to-all-services/device-reutilization/oklahoma-equipment-exchange
Donating to the centers
To donate equipment to the centers, you will have to submit an online donation form here – https://www.okabletech.org/guide-to-all-services/device-reutilization/apply-for-dme/donate
There are eight Drop-Off Locations listed where equipment can be taken on the web page linked to above.
Able Tech does do some pick-ups as well.
Oregon
Oregon Statewide Assistive Technology Program
The State Assistive Technology Program.
OSAT refurbishes medical equipment and AT devices and sells them as recycled equipment.
There is also an online exchange program in Oregon where you can post any equipment that you wish to donate. They allow AT devices and durable medical equipment.
To find out more, go here – https://www.accesstechnologiesinc.org/about/oregon-statewide-at-program
Pennsylvania
TechOWL PA – Tech for Our Whole Lives
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The program is a part of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.
The TechOWL website can be found here – https://techowlpa.org/
The TechOWL lending library for statewide device loans is here – https://myatprogram.org/home/42
One particular program, run by TechOWL, called REEP (Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership) collects, refurbishes and redistributes equipment across Pennsylvania.
You can find out about donating to the REEP program here – https://techowlpa.org/reep/
TechOWL helps to then redistribute the equipment to those who need it in Pennsylvania.
There are a number of Assistive Technology Resource Centers where equipment can be dropped off –
Community Living and Support Services – Good Use Program – https://www.classcommunity.org/services/adult/good-use-program/
Transitional Paths to Independent Living – EquipAbility –https://www.classcommunity.org/services/adult/good-use-program/
Changing Hands – https://www.ucpcentralpa.org/services/assistive-technology/changing-hands/
You can also donate equipment to TechOWL’s Partner Programs –
Reuse It – https://scalucp.org/services-available/reuse-it/
Disability Options Network – https://scalucp.org/services-available/reuse-it/
Life and Independence for Today – http://www.liftcil.org/programs/reuse.html
UMPC Life Changing Medicine – https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/horizon/about/giving/equipment-recycling
Abilities in Motion – https://www.abilitiesinmotion.org/leap
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania
The program is supported by TechOwl, which is the Commonwealths Assistive Technology Act Program.
The UCP website is found at this address – https://www.ucpcentralpa.org
Changing Hands –
(run by UCP of Central Pennsylvania and supported by TechOWL)
Changing Hands is an equipment exchange program which supplies refurbished home medical equipment and AT devices to residents of Pennsylvania on a first come, first served basis.
Residents of Pennsylvania of all ages who have a need for equipment, but who do not have the means to get it, are eligible to participate in the Changing Hands equipment exchange program.
Many types of equipment are accepted, and the page for donations is here – https://www.ucpcentralpa.org/services/assistive-technology/changing-hands
You need to fill out an online form to donate, or call them – all info is on the above link.
Rhode Island
Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
ATAP contracts with Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) to provide a device exchange program and you can donate your equipment and devices there.
OSCIL has equipment for short, or long term loan.
The OSCIL website is here – http://www.oscil.org/assistive-technology.html
To donate you will need to contact them, and the information for that is on their website.
South Carolina
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The SCATP runs the South Carolina Assistive Technology Exchange. The exchange is a free online exchange where anyone can post equipment for free or sale.
The SC AT Exchange website page address – https://scatpexchange.net
There is also SC Assistive Technology Reuse, which collects used medical equipment and re-distributes it. You can find a PDF about that service here.
To donate your equipment to SC Assistive Technology Reuse, you can call SC Assistive Technology Reuse on 803-935-5273.
You can donate shower chairs and other durable medical equipment to both the exchange and the Reuse program.
South Dakota
DakotaLink
The State Assistive Technology Program.
There is an AT Exchange site to which you can donate used medical equipment and assistive devices.
You can find it here – https://www.dakotalink.net/at-activities/recycling-reuse/ or here – https://www.sd.at4all.com/welcome.asp
South Dakota Medicaid Reuse Program
“DakotaLink” has a program for the reuse of durable medical equipment and other Assistive Technology Devices purchased for individuals eligible for Medicaid.
A pilot program site has been established in Sioux Falls, SD.
For more information, contact Merrinfo@dakotalink.net or call 605-271-5074 or 866-274-2594.
You can access the pilot site brochure here – https://www.dakotalink.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/MERR-Brochure-20181004-1.pdf
For donations, you will need to email or call to find out more.
Tennessee
Tennessee Technology Access Program
This is a State Assistive Technology Program.
TTAP is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Webpage – https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html
The above page is not very useful to find out about donating equipment.
You need to look up the regional Assistive Technology Centers.
The following is all conducted through regional Assistive Technology Centers –
- Device Demonstration
- Device Loans
- Device Re-utilization
The Centers are –
1) Mid-South Access Center for Technology – Memphis
Website: http://act.memphis.edu
2) The STAR Center – Jackson
Website: http://www.star-center.org
3) Signal Centers Assistive Technology Center – Chattanooga
Website: http://www.signalcenters.org/assistive-technology-services
4) SPARK – (Formerly East Tennessee Technology Access Center) – Knoxville
Website: https://www.sparktn.org/
5) United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee (UCP) – Device Reutilization Only – Nashville
This site is for device/equipment re-utilzation only and an Equipment Exchange.
Website: http://ucpmidtn.org/programs-and-services/equipment-exchange/
You can find the website page with the Centers here – https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/office-locator-trc-ttap.html
The centers are on the second half of the page, and you will find their service areas, so you will know which one is yours to donate equipment to.
You will need to contact the center.
Texas
Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
TTAP is another state assistive technology program. It is partnered with Project Mend in San Antonio.
Project Mend accepts donations of shower chairs and other types of medical equipment and AT devices.
Project Mend makes long term loans of refurbished medical equipment to persons with disabilities.
The donations’ page is here – https://www.projectmend.org/donate/
To schedule a pickup or drop off for equipment at their warehouse, you will need to call them.
Utah
Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP)
This is the State Assistive Technology Program.
You can donate equipment through the statewide device exchange, you can simply register and post your donation on the listing.
This is the website device exchange- http://www.uatpat.org/classifieds/
You can also donate equipment to UATP at their different site
To donate a device to the organization at the different sites, you need to contact them.
You can get the contacts here – http://www.uatpat.org/device_reuse/
For Salt Lake City, you can get donation info here – http://www.uatpat.org/uatp-slc/
Vermont
Vermont Assistive Technology Program
The State Assistive Technology Program.
Vermont has an Assistive Technology Equipment Exchange where you can donate all kinds of medical equipment.
The website address for the Vermont AT Exchange is – https://vt.at4all.com
This is the Vermont Assistive Technology Program Information sheet –
https://atp.vermont.gov/sites/atp/files/documents/VATP%20One%20Pager%202018.pdf
Virginia
Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
The Virginia Reuse Network (VRN) Equipment Exchange is an AT Equipment Exchange.
To donate, on the VRN Equipment Exchange, you need to visit this page here – http://www.vats.org/apps/inquiries/Default.aspx
Virginia Reuse Network(VRN)
VRN operates with durable medical equipment reuse sites across the state, to which you can donate used durable medical equipment.
The sites for donations can be found here –http://www.vats.org/ATrecycling.htm
Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment Endowment (F.R.E.E.)
The F.R.E.E. Foundation has a number of reuse sites which reuse durable medical equipment and AT devices, and partners with the VRN.
To donate equipment to F.R.E.E.
The information is found here –http://www.free-foundation.org/donate-equipment
The Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC)
The WWRC works with the VRN as well, and has a site where equipment is recycled.
You can donate durable medical equipment to this site also.
You can find out about it here – https://www.wwrc.net/
Washington
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
The State Assistive Technology Program.
This program accepts kinds of durable medical equipment, including shower chairs.
WATAP has online equipment exchange of classified Ads.
You can register and place a post with the equipment you wish to donate on the exchange.
The online equipment exchange is here – https://www.myatprogram.org/Default.aspx?state=53
WATAP works with community reuse providers to expand its programs. You can donate all kinds of durable medical equipment and AT devices.
To donate your equipment to a reuse provider, contact one of the centers listed on this page – http://watap.org/device-reuse
West Virginia
The WVATS Loan and Exchange System
The State Assistive Technology Program.
West Virginia Assistive Technology System runs an equipment reuse program which takes donated medical equipment and assistive devices.
To donate to the program
To donate equipment directly to the program, contact them here – http://wvats.cedwvu.org/contact-us/
Online Equipment Exchange and Loan Library
The Virtual Loan Library and Exchange is an online equipment exchange where you can also post your donation of used medical equipment.
The website page is – https://vll.cedwvu.org/welcome.aspx
Other Re-utilization Programs
WSVATS contracts with two existing re-utilization programs –
Ark of Mid-Ohio Valley, have thrift shops where you can donate your used medical equipment – http://thearcmov.org/wp/thrift-shops/
North West Virginia Center for Independent Living, which offers support and distributes equipment.
Wisconsin
WisTech
The State Assistive Technology Program.
WisTech (Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program) supports two statewide device re-utilization programs
The web page is here – https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wistech/index.htm
Device re-utilization – items are refurbished and put on the online Exchange – a combination of items for purchase and free items – – https://wisconsinat4all.com
It is not clear if private individuals can post items on here – I do not live in Wisconsin and cannot access the site, so I can’t say.
As well as being listed online, the equipment is distributed to individuals through Independent Living Centers and other nonprofits. You can also try donating to one of these centers.
To find an Independent Living Center near you, go to the following page and click on your county, and you will get all the information you require to call about donating equipment – https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/physical/ilcs-contact.htm
Otherwise, contact the WisTech program to donate your equipment – 608 514 2513.
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Wisconsin DNR – Department of Natural Resources
The DNR recommends the following organizations in Wisconsin for donations of DME –
H.E.L.P. Lending Closet – https://www.goodnewswi.com/get-involved/medical-lending-closet/
Independence First Inc. – https://www.independencefirst.org/home/
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Great Lakes Loan Closets
The great Lakes Loan Closets are designed for the residents of Michigan, Wisconsin, Northern Indiana and Northern Illinois.
“Loan closets typically have durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, bedside commodes, walkers, crutches, canes, and high-rise toilet seats. Some may also have hospital beds or electric wheelchairs available. Each loan closet is unique, with its own set of eligibility requirements, equipment, and loan period.” – Source – the Great Lakes Loan Closets website
You will find a link on the home page of the website if you wish to donate equipment –https://loanclosets.org/
Wyoming
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR)
The State Assistive Technology Program.
Once again, this is a state assistive technology program.
There are two options here –
- you can donate directly to the WATR
- or you can use the online exchange
To donate directly to the WATR and not post your equipment on the exchange, you need to fill out a Donated Device Form here – http://www.uwyo.edu/wind/watr/reuse/donate.html
To exchange online, sell and recycle gently used equipment – the web page for the online equipment exchange is – www.wy.at4all.com
District of Columbia
DC Assistive Technology Program
This is the Washington DC Assistive Technology Program.
There is a reuse and recycling program – you can call them about donations at 202 547 4747 Ext 400.
Website – https://www.atpdc.org/
Where to donate a shower chair in your neighborhood
Now that I have gone through all the statewide programs, I want to take a more local approach and suggest places near your home which may either need equipment or be able to tell you who else does.
This is a list of places in you may like to look into –
- Local Hospitals
- Emergency Rooms
- Private Clinics
- Thrift Stores
- Senior Centers or Elderly Day Care Centers
- Veterans Group Homes
- Retirement Homes
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Nursing Homes
Online listing sites where you can donate medical equipment near you
Other than the assistive technology program state exchanges, you have the more well known sites on the internet where you can put up a classified for sale or donation.
But please don’t offer to let people come and pick it up, as there are unsavory people out there who may be trawling the online ads to find victims, especially if you are caring for an elderly person.
You should also create a throw-away email address, so that you don’t get inundated with spam emails – so don’t use your regular private email for this.
You can give away used medical equipment on these sites –
- Craigslist
- Freecycle
- UsedHME.com
- Nextdoor.com
- OfferUp.com
I have guides on how you can donate on each of the sites above, and you can read each of them here –
Craigslist.com – “How To Donate Used Medical Equipment Near Me On Craigslist ? An Illustrated Guide”
Facebook.com – “How To Donate Used Medical Equipment Near Me On Facebook ? An Illustrated Guide”
Freecycle.org – “How To Donate Used Medical Equipment Near Me On Freecycle.org ? A Very Quick Illustrated Guide”
Usedhme.com – “How To Donate Used Medical Equipment Near Me On UsedHME.com ? An Illustrated Guide”
Nextdoor.com – “How To Get Free Medical Equipment Near Me On Nextdoor.com ? A Quick Illustrated Guide”
OfferUp.com – I haven’t written an article on this, as there is a very good video showing how to use OfferUp, see below.
Agencies and groups near you, who may know where you can donate a shower chair
Here are a few more agencies and community organizations where you might be able to get ideas or contacts for your donation.
Area Agency On Aging
Area Agencies on Aging is the first place I would go, as they are deeply involved in the community activities for the elderly and their caregivers, and actually support many programs.
To find your local Area Agency on Aging, you can use their locator tool – click here to do so.
Area Agencies on Aging will also know if there are any loan closets, recycling centers or community groups near you to which you can donate used medical equipment.
Social Services
Your local social services should be aware of any programs that are accepting donations of durable medical equipment.
Churches
Your local church officials and active members of the congregation will doubtless know of charitable community projects which are accepting donations of durable medical equipment.
Local authority Department of Senior Services
At your local town hall or council offices, you will have a Department of Human Services, and usually within this a Department of Senior Services, or one with a similar title. This administration will likely have information of local loan closets and nonprofit organizations operating in your local area.
Tax deductions on donations
If you donate to a registered charity, you may want to make sure that you get a receipt, which you can use for taxes.
This is if you would like to get a tax deduction for your donation, because the IRS will require a receipt for the item.
