These are busy, busy days at REquipment. We are getting ready for our expansion. Soon assistive technology (AT) will be available free in our inventory to Massachusetts residents, and we couldn’t be more excited. Of course, we ask for your patience as we work out the kinks and wrinkles. Here’s what’s happening: At the start of October, we will make our new website live. (You’ll notice it’s still us, don’t worry). There you’ll find all… Getting Ready for Assistive Technology!
Andrea Dominovic was determined to tell this story. It took several weeks to get permission from her workplace, but “Nurse Andrea” (as she is known) never gave up. She says it’s what her patient would have wanted, and so she made time to talk with us during her busy workday. Last spring, her patient, “Nary,” passed away from metastasized colon cancer. She was 38 years old and left behind a fiancé and three children: a… A Wheelchair for Cambodian New Years
Now in our Inventory–an Unprecedented Device Donation “We are a small start-up based in Vancouver and are presently trying to launch our products in Canada,” Vijay Atawane wrote REquipment Program Director Dan Perkins. “I believe donating our first batch of cushions is a good way to start our business. It will earn us blessings of 551 recipients and also some good karma.” This is how it began — the addition of an unprecedented 551 brand-new… Banking Blessings With ARISTA Seating Solutions
REquipment is proud to learn that our gently used, durable home medical equipment is supporting the mission of Louison House in North Adams, Massachusetts. Louison House provides unhoused neighbors and those facing housing insecurity with creative housing solutions and “innovative special services” (says the Louison House website). Those services include tapping our equipment inventory for their shelter residents. “When I know we have a resident coming who needs something, I start looking on your website… REquipment Means Dignity for Unhoused North Adams Residents
Congratulations to Jeremy “Jem” Patrick! This year’s competition was fierce. We had some extraordinary applicants. In the end, however, Jem Patrick’s application surfaced with just the right blend of academic commitment and community engagement—fueled by personal experience—to take the prize. Jem is pursuing a BS with a self-designed concentration in assistive technology (AT). They discovered the AT field when they joined the school’s Disability Culture Club. From there, they found their way to support students… Drum Roll Please! Announcing This Year’s Jennifer Baker Scholar . . .
A few years ago, Massachusetts State Senator Walter Timilty (Norfolk) recognized his neighbor, Brendan Cook, on the cover of REquipment’s annual report. This was during the annual Southeast Regional Legislative Breakfast (hosted by Easterseals and Old Colony Elder Services), an event designed to inform lawmakers of the value of disability programs for their residents. It was, needless to say, a lovely moment for our program. On our cover, Brendan stands smiling with support from a… State Senator Timilty, Brendan Cook, and a Lovely Moment for REquipment
On Friday, July 7th, REquipment was delighted to host a site visit from State Senator Robyn Kennedy (Worcester). Sen. Kennedy, who co-chairs the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, visited our Worcester reuse site located within the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) Central MA administrative offices. We were thrilled to share with her our unique public/private collaboration with DDS, particularly as the legislature’s Conference Committee works to finalize the state budget. REquipment… A Visit From State Senator Robyn Kennedy
Hoo-ray! Starting June 30th, REquipment will begin accepting donations of gently used assistive technology to refurbish for our online inventory. That’s right, REquipment is expanding from durable and home medical equipment to a broader range of empowering gadgets and devices. What is Assistive Technology (AT)? Any device used by persons with disabilities to better perform functions that are otherwise difficult or impossible. AT improves quality of life, reduces frustration, and bolsters independence and confidence. What… Wanted — Assistive Technology!
We often hear from people looking for a scooter in our inventory. No wonder. Scooters can be great; they allow longer-distance travel if a user has trouble walking, assisting drivers in getting out into their community, running errands, and socializing. But owning a scooter requires careful consideration. Before you take on equipment that may be hard to maneuver or care for, read on. Thank you, Dan Perkins, REquipment Program Director, for informing these scooter insights.… Eager for a Scooter? Perhaps Think Twice …
REquipment’s fiscal year 2022 (FY22) annual report is now available, and the numbers are impressive. The report is dedicated to our late program director, Jen Baker, who passed away at her desk in January 2022. However, it’s Dan Perkins, our current program director, who is the focus of this post. REquipment provided 1,554 pieces of refurbished durable medical equipment valued at $2.2 million to Massachusetts residents in FY22. This is slightly more than what we reassigned in FY21 and 49% more… Our Annual Report is Out and We’re Hiring!