I think many of us get requests to help pass along equipment that clients have outgrown or may no longer need, or have otherwise discovered useful equipment gathering dust in storage. I got a great question recently about how to inventory and share information about equipment.
Basic information to include:
- Photo!
- Description- item name, brand, size, year (if known), function
- A unique identifying number or code (that is also marked on the item)
- Item category tags can be helpful
- Location
- Contact person/information
Also a general reminder to be clear when loaning/exchanging you cannot make any guarantees or take on liability for the equipment and that it would be up to the user to assess that condition and fit are appropriate.
Vermont sharing ideas:
- AT Exchange (operated by the Assistive Technology Program). The AT Exchange is a free site for Vermonters to exchange (or sell) gently used durable medical equipment. You can post a needed or available item by creating a free account.
- They sort items into the following categories:
- computers and related
- daily living
- environmental adaptations
- hearing
- learning, cognition, and developmental
- mobility, seating, and positioning
- recreation, sports, and leisure
- speech community
- vehicle modification and transportation
- vision
- They sort items into the following categories:
- PedsPro listserv: Members often send requests for items or share that items are available!