Free Wheelchair North Carolina (2020) – Where to Get Assistive Devices for Free in North Carolina

Assist M.E. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Charlotte, North Carolina.  They take in gently used medical equipment and distribute them to low income, uninsured patients in the community.  Assist M.E. accepts donations of wheelchairs, bedside commodes, walkers, shower chairs and other medical equipment from individual donors and organizations. 

Better Health is a nonprofit, charitable organization and relies upon local foundation, community and donor generosity for its funding. Medical Equipment Loans are available free of charge.  Loans are for 3- 6 months, depending on availability. Better Health currently has over 700 items on loan and assists over 500 clients per year through this program. Some of the equipment they loan include Walkers Canes and crutches, Wheelchairs, Bathroom assistance devices, Bedside commodes, and Hoya lifts.

The purpose of this organization is to provide basic needs of food, clothing or spiritual guidance as may be appropriate during crisis situations to residents of Lee County. They have a Medical Equipment program too where durable medical equipment is available for as long as client-need exists.

DisAbility Partners is a private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organization by and for people with all types of disabilities with the goals of maintaining civil rights options, controlling choices and the freedom to participate fully in our communities. They are a center for independent living that serves the seven western most counties of NC. Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain.

The Eblen Charities is a non-profit organization whose outreach extends throughout the counties of western North Carolina and through its numerous programs has helped thousands upon thousands of families each year with medical and emergency assistance. They offer medical, medication, and equipment assistance for adults that are diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability.

The goal of the Assistive Technology Exchange Post hosted by NCATP is to put AT equipment that is not currently being used in the hands of someone who can benefit from it. Only residents of North Carolina may list assistive technology items for sale on the Assistive Technology Exchange Post. The program is designed to facilitate equipment exchange between individuals and is not for the use of vendors or distributors.

There are a lot of organizations in North Carolina that provide durable medical equipment on loan. North Carolina 2.1.1 maintains a directory of those organizations. And If you need additional assistance after reviewing the results, the North Carolina 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 from any phone.

he North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is a state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services statewide to people of all ages and abilities. NCATP leads North Carolina's efforts to carry out the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 by providing device demonstration, short-term device loans, and reutilization of assistive technology. We promote independence for people with disabilities through access to technology.

Senior Adults Association organizes a lot of programs for seniors. Among those programs is a transportation program. Regional Coordinated Area Transit System (RCATS) vans provide transportation for various activities to all senior centers, medical appointments, human service agencies, grocery stores, employment, and other public transportation needs. There is no charge for those 60+ and a small fare for those underage. Those on Medicaid are not charged for rides for Medicaid-eligible services.

The Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville is an interfaith ministry of volunteers which champions and sustains adults who are aging or with disabilities.

They offer loans of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, portable toilets, walkers, and more. They are available for loan on a 3-month renewable basis for as long as needed.

ADRCs are in place nationwide to supply disabled and senior citizens with reliable information about the services and benefits to which they are entitled. They are collaboratively run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the US Administration on Community Living.

The Council is governed by a majority-disabled, Governor-appointed board tasked with promoting systems change to allow individual with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families to participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services and supports, as well as other assistance and opportunities, which promote inclusive communities. The Council doesn’t provide grant money to individuals for vehicles or vehicle modifications, but it’s a good contact for guidance.