Are you or someone you know recovering from surgery, in need of mobility devices, looking for a communication device or other piece of adaptive equipment? The TRAID (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) Program of Upstate Cerebral Palsy may be able to help! TRAID operates an equipment lending library for persons of any age with any disability, whether temporary or permanent. TRAID equipment includes wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, bed rails, leg lifters, magnifiers, switch-operated toys, special educational software, communication devices, iPads, durable medical equipment, plus hundreds of other devices. TRAID also provides information and referral services.
In 2019 alone, the TRAID Program provided opportunities for individuals, therapists, and educators to use over 1,900 pieces of equipment and devices free of charge for short term needs or for trial before purchase. This service provides a tremendous cost saving to people from the community interested in temporarily using or trying different pieces of equipment.
According to TRAID Assistive Technology Manager Jean Ronan, “Although we have a vast lending library, people do not need to know which equipment to request – they can simply tell us what activities they are having difficulty with, and we take it from there. Equipment loans are generally for 60 days but can be extended for longer periods on a case by case basis. TRAID allows people to receive the often life-changing equipment they require in a timely manner and free of charge.”
TRAID customer Antonia Cardona of Utica reflects, “The TRAID program is a wonderful blessing. My family members and I have borrowed equipment in the past and we are very grateful for the flexibility TRAID provides in letting us try certain items out so we can see what works for us.”
The Upstate Cerebral Palsy TRAID Program is free and open to the public and serves residents of Oneida, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery counties. For questions, consultation, or to request equipment, please contact or visit TRAID, located at 675 Catherine Street in Utica, at (315) 292-1968 or at traid@upstatecp.org. Upstate Cerebral Palsy Inc. is a multi-faceted health and human services organization that provides a broad range of supports and programs for children and adults of all abilities and their families. Upstate Cerebral Palsy Inc. supports people and creates opportunities to fulfill life choices…one person at a time, through everyday miracles.
Pictured left to right: Jean Ronan, Assistive Technology Manager, helps Antonia Cardona choose a walker.”
