Voice Amplifiers from Zygo and Chattervox; Dynavox Maestro, NovaChat7
Do you know someone with ALS who needs assistive technology (AT)? If they live in MN, Eastern SD, ND or Superior, Wisconsin, help may be available! The following two programs in relation to AT are provided by the ALS Association-MN/ND/SD Chapter and are made possible by donations and fundraisers. If you do not live in this region, check the national ALS website to see if there is help near you.
Durable Medical Equipment Loan Pool
If therapist or doctor recommended durable medical equipment is not available through your insurance company, this Chapter may be able to provide equipment of this type. Some examples of devices they have are:
- Mobility aids: canes, walkers, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs
- Bathroom items: raised toilet seats, commodes, shower chairs, bath benches
- Hospital beds and a variety of mattress overlays
- Lift chairs
- Patient lifts and a variety of slings
- Transfer boards & pivot discs
- Over-bed tables
- Threshold ramps, portable ramps, (to be used for special occasions, on a temporary basis)
- Respiratory equipment: oral suction machines, nebulizers, etc.
For more information on this program, please call 1-888-672-0484 or contact Nancy Felicetta, nancy@alsmn.org, Cheryl Meyers, OTR/L, cheryl@alsmn.org or Lisa Kronk, R.N., lisa@alsmn.org at the Chapter office in Minneapolis or download a Durable Medical Equipment Program Sheet for more information.
Hrbek-Sing Communication and Assistive Device Program
If you are in need of AT to communicate, to access a computer, and/or to control your environment, this Chapter has one more program that may assist you. Complete the Application and mail it to: The ALS Association, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter, 333 N Washington Ave, Suite 105, Mpls, MN 55401 or fax it to: 612-672-9110.
The Chapter will contact you and schedule an evaluation with a speech pathologist and/or occupational therapist once the paperwork is processed. Your appointment may be at a center or clinic or at your home if you are unable to travel and will consist of the evaluation, speech and/or occupational therapy, equipment loan, and/or training on the equipment.
The services are funded by insurance whenever possible. Equipment from the loan closet is loaned at no charge and must be returned once you have finished using it, so others may benefit.
For more information on this part of the program, please contact Care Services Coordinators, Cheryl Meyers, MA, OTR/L cheryl@alsmn.org or Lisa Kronk, R.N. lisa@alsmn.org at the Chapter office 1-888-672-0484.