How to Obtain a Device
Obtaining Your Assistive Technology Device
There are many options for obtaining and financing assistive technology for you, your loved one, or the person you are supporting professionally. Understand it is not enough that a particular vendor sells a piece of equipment you are needing. The consumer-responsiveness, professionalism, and service orientation provided by the dealer should be an influential part of your decision process. From a financing perspective, it's critical to know your options - and there are options! The Obtaining Assistive Technology brochure will dive deeper into priority considerations as you advance the attainment of your assistive technology needs.
Download Brochure
Device Recycle-and-Reuse Services
As you advance your financial options, know that the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Center takes in donated, used devices and durable medical equipment such as hospital beds, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and more. These sanitized and refurbished devices are provided to Iowans with disabilities for a small service fee for as long as needed - together, we pave the way to establishing a more inclusive environment for those we serve.
The Easterseals Iowa Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program is not an emergency program. Every effort is made to respond to requested needs in a timely manner, including picking up equipment, matching equipment with borrower, and delivering equipment. These services will not be available for an overnight or emergency need.
The Easterseals Iowa Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program does not repair equipment nor does it repair or replace CCTV's should damage occur.
Please contact the Assistive Technology team at 515-309-2395 to schedule your donation. At this time we request that all donations are scheduled in advance. Download the donation form below to begin advancing your donation today.
Consider Donating
Application for Equipment (PDF)
Spanish Application for Equipment (PDF)
Application for Equipment (Word)
Spanish Application for Equipment (Word)
Loan Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Steps to donate equipment
Steps to loan equipment
Through a collaborative effort with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa, a Ramp Program is being offered. This program offers recycled modular ramps to Iowans residing in Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Winnebago, Worth and Wright counties, that meet the requirements, as outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. For more information, please contact Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (H4HNCI) at (641) 424-8978 or programs@habitatnci.org.
RAMP Program Application
RAMP Program FAQs
Iowa Assistive Technology Exchange Program
Easterseals Iowa also connects families with a free online listing of used devices that people are selling and looking to buy. You can contact the Exchange Program to see available devices or list a gently used devices through the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Inventory Site. This "classified ads" feature connects Iowans with the assistive technology they are in need of statewide. Iowans with assistive technology equipment they no longer use are eligible to create an account and post these items for sale as a part of the Exchange Program. Iowans in need of Assistive Technology may view the listing and contact the seller directly You will find a community of people here working to take on disability together.
Whether looking to donate durable medical equipment or learn more about a used device our assistive technology team is here to help.
Contact a team member for support
Questions to Ask
Understanding the right questions to ask will be beneficial as you explore vendors to purchase from, financing, and more. A sampling of key questions to ask are outlined below. For a more in-depth list please reference the Obtaining Assistive Technology brochure.
Vetting a Vendor
- How long have you been in business?
- What is your knowledge of particular disabilities and the equipment being sold?
- Do you provide training or refer to sources for training?
Determining a Financial Approach
- Am I eligible for the particular funding channel I'm looking at?
- How much time do I have to secure funds versus the amount of time it will take me to receive funding from this particular source?
- What required documentation is needed to advance funding options?
In addition to connecting with our team of resources at Easterseals Iowa, we also invite you to explore a connection with Able Up Iowa (formerly known as Iowa Able Foundation). Able Up Iowa helps people of all abilities become more independent by providing solutions to financial needs and empowering them to achieve their financial goals.
As you advance this process, our team of specialists are here to assist. Just ask.
Ask Our Experts
Additional Device Resources
When you start to lose confidence, our team is here to build it back up. We recognize success does not happen immediately. We understand you may need to be motivated to continue your journey. While we are here to support you, a part of that is ensuring you understand all resources available to you - not just what our Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program can provide. Below are just a few of those additional resources.
Iowa Compass
Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa. Access thousands of local, state and national programs for people with complex health-related conditions and disabilities.
Learn More
Ask JAN
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.
Learn More
Assistive technology can range from “no” or “low-tech” to “high-tech” devices. There are many options for “Do It Yourself’ or DIY adaptations. Such approaches can range from using an egg carton as a playing card holder to using PVC pipe to build a tablet stand. The Easterseals Iowa assistive technology team offers training for DIY opportunities.
Questions? Just ask.
Contact Us
Selecting Assistive Technology
The Assistive Technology Program offered through Easterseals Iowa provides all individuals in need with extensive information on a wide range of devices and adaptations. The team can discuss your needs with you and furnish information about specific devices and manufacturers as well as help direct you to additional sources of information or to vendors in your area. Before investing in a device, it's important to know the steps to select the right device.
Learn More About Device Selection
Funding Your Assistive Technology
Finding assistance with funding may take considerable time and effort, so you should begin to investigate funding sources at the same time you start looking at technology. Our team can help advance this effort with you. As a starting point, we invite you to explore some first-step financing considerations right here on our website.
Learn More