Linda’s Equipment Crossing Program

Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, scooters, bath seats, and many other pieces of assistive equipment are essential for the daily lives of people living with a disability. Adaptive equipment including bikes, sleds, strollers, and others contribute to their overall wellness and their families.

Insurance plans and government programs often do not include these much-needed items.

There are many pieces stored in basements and garages which are now outgrown or no longer needed but still have plenty of good life left.

A gap in the availability of equipment was recognized and a new program offering used equipment free of charge was created. The equipment program was inspired by the life of a little girl, Linda Bartlett who lived with cerebral palsy and benefitted from a similar program established in Ottawa. Linda was born in Ottawa and lived her first few years there. Her family originally from St. John’s moved back in 2000. Sadly Linda passed away in 2002 but sparked by her memory her family approached Easter Seals NL and together with support from Katie McCormick of AIM Services a new program was created, It offered used assistive devices and adapted equipment Families donated equipment and they were made available free of charge on a first come first-served basis.

In the early day’s equipment was stored at the former Transport Museum located on Mt. Scio Road, currently the site of Easter Seals House. Linda’s grandfather worked as part of the transportation industry for the Canadian National Railway. As a dedicated union leader he supported railway employees and their families. There were railway crossings peppered throughout Newfoundland communities where residents traveled and goods were distributed.

In a similar way, through the new program, much-needed equipment crossed hands throughout the community and so the program became known as “Linda’s Equipment Crossing”.

“Linda’s Equipment Crossing” has supported many families who have a member with a disability. Idle quality equipment was appreciated once again and saved families much valued resources. They have found equipment to use while traveling through airports or during family adventures. Equipment was borrowed on a trial basis before making a significant investment. School field trips were made inclusive for students with a disability to enjoy adventures with their classmates.

If you have a piece of used adaptive equipment that you are no longer in need of, consider donating it to “Linda’s Equipment Crossing”. Any equipment donated is eligible for a tax receipt if submitted with an official appraisal from AIM Services or Eastern Medical for its depreciated value. Once the equipment is borrowed by the individual/family they can make any adjustments needed to make the best use of the equipment. There is no time limit for these loans, equipment can be borrowed for as long as an individual needs.

To inquire about available equipment and to book a loan please contact our Recreation Programs Coordinator, Emily Murphy, at emily@easersealsnl.ca or (709) 754-1399 ext 220.

Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador | ESNL Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador | ESNL

Programs that change lives.

  • Making a Difference for Over 80 Years

Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador is a charitable organization that has operated in NL since 1937; it is dedicated to maximizing the abilities and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

  • Stories of Success

“When my son was younger he and his friends used to play all the time. As his friends grew up they started to play stand-up sports and he began to feel left out. This all changed when he found Easter Seals. Here he feels included with life-long friends. I can’t describe the pride I feel when I see him laughing at wheelchair basketball.”

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Our goal is to provide people of all ages with physical, cognitive, and any other disabilities with the opportunity to participate in programs and services that aim to build inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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