If we’ve sent you to this page, or you’ve found it on your own, you may be seeking additional resources beyond what MALL can provide. We’ll do our best to connect you with the support you need. This page contains many external links, which we’ll try to keep up-to-date, but we’re not responsible for their content.
Mobility Aid and Medical Equipment Resources
Free Medical Equipment Outside Our Service Area
If you need free medical equipment in Indiana but live too far from MALL, try these resources.
- Access-Ability — Columbus, IN
- Hendricks County Senior Services — Danville, IN
- Turnstone — Fort Wayne, IN
- Rehab Equipment LINK — Noblesville/Hamilton County, IN
- Wheelchair Help — Elkhart, IN
- Got DME — Directory of other free medical equipment organizations all over the United States
Where to Get/Buy Used Mobility Aids in Bloomington
If MALL doesn’t have what you need in stock, please check the following places for used medical equipment for free or for sale.
- Area 10 Agency on Aging — has free basic medical equipment such as canes, walkers, commodes, and manual wheelchairs. No power chairs.
- Facebook Marketplace — the best place to find used folding/portable electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Durable Medical Equipment Providers in Bloomington
- Anderson’s Medical Products — the best local business to work with if you need a power wheelchair and have private insurance, Medicare, and/or Medicaid.
- Williams Brothers Pharmacy — a great local business for those in need of basic equipment such as a shower chair or manual wheelchair.
Electric Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Guides
- How to Get Insurance to Pay for a Power Wheelchair — Whether you’re just starting the process or you’ve been turned down and want to try again, this guide can help.
- Types of Power Mobility Devices — and how to decide which one is best for you.
- Folding Electric Wheelchair Guide — Tips for buying a portable power mobility device
Public and Commercial Transportation
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
These resources can help you make your vehicle accessible.
Vehicle Hitch Mounts
If you don’t have an accessible vehicle, you can consider a trailer hitch platform. New accessible vehicles typically cost $10,000 to $30,000 more than a regular van, so a trailer platform is really the only semi-affordable option. MALL does not generally have trailer hitch platforms available, but here are some options to consider that cost about $200:
- GoPlus Hitch Mount (Amazon)
- Titan Ramps Hitch Mount (Amazon)
Adapted Vehicles
Here are some local and semi-local places to buy a new or used van with a ramp or lift.
Home Accessibility
If you need to make your home more accessible for a senior or person with a disability, check out these resources.
Legal Resources
If you rent, your landlord is required under the federal Fair Housing Act to allow you to modify your home for accessibility — but you’re usually responsible for covering the cost.
- Fair Housing and the Rights of People with Disabilities — know your rights!
- Housing Discrimination Help
- HAND — Addresses housing issues for City of Bloomington residents
Design Guides
- Wheelchair Ramp Guide — Our co-president Karin Willison wrote this guide about ramps and how to choose one.
- Low-Cost Home Accessibility Guide — Tips to make your home more accessible without major remodeling.
Funding
These programs can help cover the costs of remodeling your home for accessibility.
- SAWS — builds free ramps for Hoosiers in need
- Indiana Home Modifications Funding Guide
Healthcare and In-Home Support
Contact these organizations if you or a loved one needs assistance with accessing healthcare, and/or help with everyday tasks.
- Bloomington Fire Department Mobile Integrated Health Unit — A patient-centered care model that allows the MIH unit to meet patients where they are; whether that’s at a residence, at a nursing home, or on the street.
- Area 10 Agency on Aging — Helps with Medicaid, home care, housing, and more. Not just for seniors!
- Stone Belt — Provides and coordinates services for people with developmental disabilities.
- Centerstone — Provides and coordinates services for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
- Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living — Helps people with disabilities access services to live and thrive.
Advocacy
Get involved to help make our community more accessible and inclusive!
- Council for Community Accessibility — The CCA promotes awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and advises the City of Bloomington and local businesses about accessibility.
- The Arc of Indiana — Advocates for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Hoosier Action — Advocates for health care legislation and against cuts to Medicaid and social services.