Support funding for Easterseals Assistive Technology and the Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Programs. Change line item 4120-4000 MRC in the FY24 Budget. Include earmark-“provided, that not less than $2,420,000 shall be expended for assistive technology services.”
Easterseals Assistive Technology (AT) uses clinical expertise to help people with disabilities expand their independence by using devices to achieve greater access to education, employment, and their community. Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) specifically focuses on providing devices and tools for individuals who have difficulty using speech for communication. Easterseals MA has been a leader in the field of AT for 30 years, and our clinicians are committed to providing the very best service and meeting the community’s AT needs. Our AT Regional Centers (ATRC) have loaned out over 8,100 AT devices and have performed demonstrations for 12,280 clients. Our Alternative Finance Program (AFP) has loaned out $15.5 million to 2,050 clients and we have provided 12,500 clients with essential AT services to help keep people living safely in the community.
The REquipment Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program, coordinated by United Cerebral Palsy of Western MA and REquipment, Inc. in partnership with 5 nonprofits and 3 state entities, collects and refurbishes gently used durable medical equipment (DME) for distribution to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities of all ages. First piloted in 2014, the program has reassigned over 9,173 pieces of refurbished DME statewide, representing significant savings to Medicaid and other insurance programs. More than $15.6 million worth of devices, ranging from power wheelchairs to shower benches, have gone to residents free of charge to assist with their activities of daily living. People who request our equipment come from all over the state and use it to maintain their independence, keep their jobs, and stay safe in their homes and out of facilities. Reuse Site locations are in Canton, Worcester, Amherst, and Pittsfield with drop-off locations in New Bedford, East Bridgewater and Salem.
Please call or email your legislators, https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator and request that they:
Support funding for Easterseals Assistive Technology and the Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Programs. Please change line item 4120-4000 MRC in the FY24 Budget to include earmark-“provided, that not less than $2,420,000 shall be expended for assistive technology services.”
