Free Wheelchair North Carolina (2021) – 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. 

The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter Equipment Loan Program accepts donations and houses six types of durable medical equipment. The purpose of the program is to benefit those with no insurance, those unable to order their power wheelchair, or those awaiting delivery of an ordered power wheelchair.

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.

Bank of America access loans are designed for customers with special vehicle needs. Whether you’re buying or refinancing, we want to help you afford that new or used accessible car, van or light-duty truck. Terms up to 72 months are available, so you have the flexibility to obtain financing that fits into your specific budget.

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.

Easterseals UCP provides meaningful and exceptional services so that children, adults and families living with disabilities, behavioural health challenges and autism can live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Easterseals provide funding to individuals for DME, assistive, or smart technologies if and when grant monies are available. Application required with copies of clinical evaluations of the item requested. Permanent, long-term disabilities, developmental disabilities, and all ages. Co-payments are not eligible for funding. Waiting list requests.

The Medical Loan Closet of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides durable medical equipment at minimal cost to residents of Henderson County and surrounding counties who are facing recovery from illness, surgery, accident or other medical crisis.

Volunteers and staff at the MLCHC work with clients and their caregivers to help ensure they are loaned medical equipment that suits their needs.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, formed in 1950, combats muscular dystrophy and diseases of the nervous system and muscular system in general by funding research, providing medical and community services and educating health professionals and the general public. 

Some of the services they provide include funds for clinic visits at UNC, Duke; funds for the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication devices and the repair of devices.

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.

The Special Assistance In-Home (SA/IH) program provides low income, North Carolina residents who are eligible for Medicaid with a monthly cash benefit to help them remain living in their homes. This program is intended to prevent the unnecessary or premature placement of persons in residential care facilities if they have the desire and ability to live at home with assistance. This program is also open to individuals who currently reside in assisted living, adult foster care, or another form of residential care and wish to move back into their homes.

This program is under the direction of the NC Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services and is administered locally by each county's Department of Social Services. It is also referred to as the State/County Special Assistance In-Home Program for Adults.

The State/County Special Assistance In-Home Program for Adults (SA/IH) provides a cash supplement to low-income individuals who are at risk of entering a residential facility. SA/IH provides additional support services and income to individuals who would prefer to live at home.

The case managers work directly with the recipients, families and other caregivers to develop a care plan that enables the recipient to live at home. The case managers, working with the recipient, establish the amount of the SA/IH payment and determine how the payment will be used.

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.