Equipment Loan Program
This chair that I was donated made life so much easier for me. The slide board - it's just made a whole difference. I’m able to go out in my yard. Things are so much easier on me and my wife. I don't know how I can put into words how much I appreciate all the help you guys have given me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." - Testimonial from person living with ALS
Most people diagnosed with ALS experience difficulty with speech and movement during the progression of the disease. Our goal is to use technology to help with communication and mobility, enabling them to continue to be an active participant in their family and community, provide independence, and help make informed medical decisions. This technology includes Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Here at The ALS Association Florida Chapter, we understand how expensive it can be to care for a person living with ALS and recognize the importance of the equipment required to provide the best quality of life. Our Equipment Loan Program offers temporary loaner equipment to Florida residents with a verified diagnosis of ALS who are uninsured, underinsured, who cannot access the benefits of their insurance (while in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or hospice), or who are waiting for insurance approval. Please note that loaner equipment is subject to availability.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a person in need because of certain medical conditions and/or illnesses. This equipment is meant to be durable enough to withstand repetitive use. DME includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs (manual and electric), transport chairs, patient lifts, and ramps.
The Florida Chapter collaborates with DME companies to provide their services to people living with ALS. The following companies manage the Chapter’s loaner equipment throughout Florida and have specialists knowledgeable about the progressive equipment needs of the ALS community:
Ability Medical and Numotion donate their time and services to help us fulfill our Equipment Loan Program, providing temporary loaner equipment to Florida residents in need with a verified diagnosis of ALS.
Contact your Care Services Manager for help navigating the insurance system to obtain durable medical equipment and/or to arrange for loaner equipment. They may also be able to assist you with additional questions or concerns you may have regarding your equipment needs. Out-of-state patients may obtain resources for rental equipment by emailing care services at southeastcareserv@als.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Equipment safety is our number one priority. Please consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment and/or ask your Care Services Manager to help assess your equipment needs. To avoid unnecessary injuries, people living with ALS and caregiver(s) should receive training from a physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by those with a wide range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as ALS and Parkinson's disease. AAC can be a permanent addition to a person's communication or a temporary aid. The ultimate goal of an AAC device is to assist a person in effectively communicating their wants and needs. Some examples are pictured below.
Access to AAC equipment requires an application process which must be filled out by a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). To access the AAC Application, please click here. *Any information provided in this survey will NOT be submitted to a third party (i.e. insurance company) or be entered into a medical record. Healthcare providers, please answer questions to the best of your ability.
Contact your Care Services Manager for help navigating the insurance system to obtain speech-generating devices (SGDs) and/or to arrange for loaner equipment. Should you have additional questions or concerns regarding AAC, your Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), Care Services Manager, or The ALS Association Florida Chapter's Program Manager will be able to assist you. Call (888) 257-1717 ext. 118 or email southeastprograms@als.org.
To learn more about AAC, click here.
Please Note: The ALS Association Florida Chapter provides training only on speech-generating devices (SGDs) that are within the Chapter’s Assistive Technology Loan Program. Contact your Care Services Manager for help navigating the insurance system to obtain training with your SGD.
