Used Assistive Devices get new life!

 January 9, 2012

Used Assistive Devices get new life!

Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area (ILS) is a local, not-for-profit, charitable organization, founded in 1976 that exists to provide support and services to adults with physical disabilities or limitations to assist them to lead dignified, productive and independent lives. 

In 2008, the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integrated Network (NSM LHIN) supported the creation of the Accessibility Resource Centre (ARC) to guide mature adults through health transitions requiring assistive devices and other accessibility needs to continue to live safely at home.  Since its inception, ARC has assisted hundreds of seniors in obtaining financial support, through government and community sources, to purchase assistive devices which enable them to live safely and independently within the community. 

There is a growing demand for assistive devices and an increased need for financial assistance to purchase those devices. Many pieces of equipment are no longer being used. These assistive devices are often stored in basements and garages gathering dust, and cluttering homes, or they are dumped in local landfills. ARC is excited to announce a brand new service to address this issue.

The Assistive Device Exchange is a website, developed with the generous support of Community Connections and United Way of Greater Simcoe County, which allows used equipment to be re-used.  People with equipment, they no longer need, may list the equipment either for sale, or offer it for free. People who need equipment can search the website to obtain equipment at reduced or no cost.  

Re-use of equipment helps everyone:  De-clutter homes! Save money! Reduce waste!

Find, sell or give away equipment on the Assistive Device Exchange website today at www.assistivedeviceexchange.ca

Quotes:

Alison Pickard, CEO of United Way of Greater Simcoe County:

“This program is exactly what we mean when we talk about Community Impact.  It neatly fits the definition - identify a problem that impacts people’s safety, health , lack of finances and independence (one or two would work but especially when they ALL do) , grab it, research it , think creatively in  finding a solution – embrace partners along the way and be courageous in finding a unique solution. When the solution involves the environment as well - reduce, recycle and reuse - even more value is added.” 

Jill Tettmann, CEO NSM LHINLHIN:

“Finding ways to help North Simcoe Muskoka residents receive the support they need in order to stay in their homes is what community care is all about.  We believe the Exchange will enable everyone to come together with that common goal, and we applaud the initiative and innovation that brought this about.”

Dan McGale, E.D. Independent Living Services of Simcoe County

“The ability to use the support of various funders has assisted in developing a local solution to address this community problem.  The cooperation and partnership with community groups, and service clubs, has been essential in pulling this project together.  We look forward to its continued operations in Simcoe Muskoka.”

Quick facts:

Close to 2 million Ontarians have a disability – the majority involve mobility and require assistive devices.   - Stats Canada 2006

The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.9 million, or 14.2 per cent of population in 2011, to 4.2 million, or 23.6 per cent, by 2036.  By 2017, for the first time, seniors will account for a larger share of population than children aged 0–14. - Ontario Population Projections Spring 2012

The government will help 90,000 more seniors to receive care at home and fund an additional three million Personal Support Worker hours over the next three years.  – Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthcare

For further information on Independent Living Services, and the Assistive Device Resource Centre, please visit www.ilssimcoe.ca or mtizzard@ilssimcoe.ca at 705-737-3263.