According to the Congressional Budget Office, more than 45 million Americans are currently without health insurance, and large percentage of this group has a disability. To a person with a disability, insured or not, a mobility device is often crucial.
But, as any person with a disability knows, the costs of a wheelchair, scooter, walker or any other mobility device can be astronomical. Even if they qualify for assistance, the equipment can often take months to be approved and even longer to be delivered.
This is where wheelchair recycling programs can help.
The Wheelchair Recycler
The Wheelchair Recycler is a non-profit organization that does just what its name indicates. The company recycles and refurbishes pre-owned electric wheelchairs and scooters for resale at a fraction of the cost or at no cost to those whom the government and insurance have let down. The Wheelchair Recycler also provides services to those who find that their equipment maintenance is not covered or will take too long to complete.
David Heim of Marlborough, Massachusetts, began the Wheelchair Recycler in January of 1998 after doing a favor for a friend. David was supposed to pick up a chair from a repair shop and deliver it to a friend in rehab. When he picked up the wheelchair – a "sip-and-puff" for a high-level quad – he noticed what disarray it was in. David took the chair home, cleaned it up and added a few finishing touches that the repair shop had forgotten.
David had worked as a machinist and fabricator until his own injury in late 1995. Being naturally mechanically inclined has helped David in repairing pre-owned chairs and even come up with some designs of his own. Being in a wheelchair himself allows David to bring a unique perspective to his business.
Since its inception in 1998, the Wheelchair Recycler has given away, or sold at low cost, 700 refurbished power wheelchairs and scooters.
Wheelchair Recycling Program
The Wheelchair Recycling Program was designed to be a safety net for those who need more assistance than insurance can provide in obtaining mobility devices and other medical equipment. It was established in 1988 in Madison, Wisconsin, as an all-volunteer effort to send medical equipment overseas. WRP soon realized that there was a serious need in its own state and began to focus their efforts locally.
Unlike the Wheelchair Recycler, WRP refurbishes all types of medical equipment, not just wheelchairs and scooters. Some of their inventory includes canes, crutches, hospital beds and overbed tables. All the equipment WRP refurbishes is donated by individuals, businesses, hospitals and other non-profits and every dollar collected from the lo-cost resale of the equipment goes right back into the program.
Do a quick Google search to find a wheelchair recycling program in your area.
Ebay and Craigslist
As much as we all hate to admit that we are less than altruistic, many people place their used wheelchairs up for auction. Consider placing an ad on Ebay or Craigslist to find a new owner for your old chair.
Even if your old wheelchair needs repairs, it will no doubt cost much less than a new chair would. Many people are willing to pay for the repairs needed in order to save what can amount to thousands of dollars on a new wheelchair.
Megan Abrams - I have lived with the effects of a childhood stroke for more than half my life and offer a uniquely personal perspective on disability.
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