Assistive Technology Reuse
The Center For Independence’ Reuse Program is an equipment exchange program that provides restored and refurbished home medical equipment and assistive technology devices to San Mateo County residents of all ages. All our equipment is distributed on a first-come, first served basis, and is provided free of charge.
• Do you know of a piece of home medical equipment or a type of assistive technology that could make life easier for you... but you simply can’t afford it?
• Do you wish there were such a device or piece of equipment, but you wouldn’t begin to know where to find it?
• Do you have equipment or aids that have served your purpose and still have a lot of life left... but you don’t know where or how to donate them?
Relax, you’ve come to the right place.
If you or someone you know has a need for such items, but you don’t have the financial means or a funding source to obtain them, contact CID - Center For Independence.
• Individuals of all ages with a short or long-term physical disability.
• Seniors who are experiencing age-related or mobility issues.
• Post-rehab individuals of any age who may have range of motion issues or other mobility concerns.
• Current U.S. Military or veterans in need.
• Individuals receiving hospice care.
CID has been in the business of helping individuals achieve maximum independence for over 33 years. Our staff have a long history of providing professional, reliable assistance and advice that has enhanced the lives of thousands throughout the county.
AT Reuse Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Equipment for a Family Member or an Individual in my Care?
Yes. Family members and caregivers should call CID at 650-645-1780 ext. 115
Who Can Benefit from the AT Reuse Program?
• Individuals of all ages with a short or long-term physical disability.
• Seniors who are experiencing age-related or mobility issues.
• Post-rehab individuals of any age who may have range of motion issues or other mobility concerns.
• Current U.S. Military or veterans in need.
• Individuals receiving hospice care.
The redistribution of equipment will be handled in one of three ways:
1. The individual or a family member picks up the equipment.
2. CID makes arrangements to transport the equipment.
3. If the individual or family member is unable to collect the equipment independently, CID will help identify someone who may be able to assist.
Where Does the AT Reuse Program Operate?
If you have an item or items that you would like to donate to Changing Hands, please contact us directly to make arrangements to drop the item(s) off. If we know of someone who is in need of the particular type of item you wish to donate, we may coordinate delivery of the item directly between you and the end user.
Does CID Accept Insurance?
No, CID does not accept insurance. Nor do we loan equipment. If a consumer is awaiting funding approval, he or she may accept our equipment as their own, and then donate it back to the program once funding for their new equipment becomes available.
How Long has CID Been in Operation?
CID has been in the business of helping individuals achieve maximum independence for over 30 years. Our staff have a long history of providing professional, reliable assistance and advice that has enhanced the lives of thousands throughout San Mateo County. We can do the same for you and your loved ones.
If you have an item or items that you would like to donate to CID, please contact us directly to make arrangements to drop the item(s) off.
Five Quick Arguments for AT Reuse
Why is the Reuse of Assistive Technology a Great Idea?
1. Reuse Provides Devices To People Who Are Uninsured or Underinsured
Wheelchairs in closets, walkers piled high at the local salvage yard, old prescription eyeglasses, devices in the garage after the original user passed on, the computer abandoned for a newer model, the cell phone that isn’t the latest and greatest. These devices are the reality of our daily lives -- unused assistive technology that could help someone participate in the activities of daily life, whether work, learning, play or family. Many people do not have insurance coverage or money to acquire the AT they need.
2. Even Those Who Have Access To Funding May Need An Interim Solution
How long might a person wait for private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid to approve and provide a needed AT device? Wouldn’t it be great to borrow a device from a reuse program until the permanent device becomes available?
3. Reuse Is A “Green” Idea
Reusing assistive technology keeps devices out of landfills. That saves taxpayer money and ultimately reduces the impact on the environment. It reduces the “carbon footprint” of the industries that need to keep making more AT devices. It saves resources for future use.
4. Reuse Can Reduce Healthcare Costs
Reusing those lightly-used devices can keep down the cost of healthcare provided through taxpayer dollars. This is not to argue that people should not get new devices, but that there is a role for reuse in the process. Many AT devices are needed only for a short period of time to assist in recovery from injury or illness.
5. Reusable Devices Can Be A Blessing In Disasters
Sometimes disasters require evacuation so quickly that an invidual cannot bring the equipment. Sometimes it is damaged in a disaster. Sometimes disasters cause injuries that result in the need for assistive technology for more people. That can be true here or elsewhere.