If you're looking for free wheelchairs in Vermont, we've got you covered!
This page is a complete resource for free assistive devices (wheelchairs, scooters, and more) and independent living resources in the state of Vermont.
Check out the resources below, and if you have a resource to add, please contact us!
Free Wheelchairs & Assistive Devices in Vermont
1. Vermont Assistive Technology Program and Vermont Family Network
The Vermont Assistive Technology Program is Vermont’s federal AT Act Program. The AT Act programs operate under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Community Living.
The AT Act Programs help individuals of all ages find accessible solutions to overcome barriers at home, work, and in the community as related to disability and aging-related needs. AT Program will loan equipment in the inventory to you for 30-days, free of charge. It can be shipped directly to you for free.
2. Grace Cottage hospital
The Valley Health Council has a “Loan Closet” of durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, commodes, toilet seat extenders, and shower chairs, which they lend out free of charge. This service saves those in need of such equipment for only a short time from having to purchase the item.
They also have a transportation service; to visit Springfield on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, call Liza at 874-4258 to make a reservation. To go to Brattleboro on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, call Tom at 365-4406 to reserve a seat.
3. Points North Physical Therapy
Points North PT offers Medical Equipment Donations Stowe, a free orthopedic equipment donation and lending service. Orthopedic equipment, including but not limited to crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, knee braces, rocker boots, and positioning equipment, frequently is used for a very limited time and winds up in a closet or a dumpster when someone else with limited financial resources could greatly benefit from it.
This service benefits those who no longer need an assistive device in their home but don’t know what to do with it, as well as those seeking an assistive device for short or long term who are having trouble finding one or cannot afford to purchase one.
4. Putney Community Cares, Inc.
Putney Community Cares has a loan closet that allows people who cannot afford such equipment to access it at no cost to them. Each item donated has been evaluated, accepted, cleaned, logged into the inventory, and finally placed in the storage room.
A potential borrower just needs to call to inquire if their desired item is available. If the equipment is not available, they put the individual on a waitlist for that item and contact them when the item is back in stock.
5. The C.I.D.E.R. Equipment Closet
The C.I.D.E.R. durable equipment storage unit has wheelchairs, walkers, rollators (walkers with a seat), shower chairs, tub transfer benches, crutches, canes, bedside commodes, and other equipment available for short or long term use. Like all C.I.D.E.R. services, there is no charge to the individual but donations are welcome and appreciated.
6. The Med Shed
The Med Shed has become a valuable resource across central Vermont for loaned medical equipment and supplies to anyone who can’t afford to pay for them.
For the past 25 years, the Toolans, now both in their 70s, have offered the local service that helps individuals to remain self-sufficient, independent and in their own homes.
The Med Shed has motorized hospital beds that would cost $800 new; simple walking canes that can cost $15 to $30; walkers costing $20 to $50; and crutches costing $40 to $50.
Other equipment includes: shower chairs, transfer seating benches and commodes.
7. Central Vermont Council on Aging
Central Vermont Council on Aging, in partnership with Green Mountain Transit, Rural Community Transportation and Stagecoach, helps older Vermonters get to medical appointments, senior centers and meal sites, the grocery store and other important destinations.
Often a 48-hour notice is required to secure a ride. To learn more about the transportation options in your community, contact the transportation provider directly.
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