February 26, 2016

ICAN Assistive Technology

Sean McIntosh with the Arkansas Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN) visited Pine Bluff today to give an overview of the services provided by this program. ICAN provides assistive technology equipment, information, and training to help Arkansans with various types of disabilities to live more independently. A person does not necessarily have to be diagnosed with a medical disability to benefit from these services. All you have to do to qualify is be an Arkansan! Products offered include wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, bedside commodes, bath chairs, communications devices, and much more.

One service they offer that would be helpful to many of our home caregivers is that they loan out medical equipment for FREE! The loan period is for 6 weeks, and the only cost a person would incur would be the cost of driving to their office in Little Rock to pick up the equipment. This is a great option for people who are in need of special medical equipment temporarily, such as for a few weeks after being discharged from a hospital stay. They also offer free pick-up of medical equipment for people interested in donating unused items.

Most of these items are available for loan without a doctor’s prescription or note, with the exception being mobility devices. For these devices, they are required to receive a written prescription or note from a doctor or other applicable medical professional. They also offer training on the use of assistive devices and community resources available to help people acquire them. All equipment goes through a thorough sanitation process before being loaned out to the public.

To learn more about this program and to browse what equipment is currently available, visit their website at www.ar-ican.org or give them a call at 1-800-828-2799.