Hilltown Families 
Medical Equipment for Children with Special Needs
Pass It On
Last year my son, Ivan, was in dire need of a special stroller for kids with low muscle tone. He was using a mainstream stroller at the time, but it just wasn’t giving him the support he needed. The poor guy was slumped over whenever he was in it!
We tried going through our insurance, but because Ivan was small (less than 30 pounds), the insurance company felt he was fine with the stroller he had. Our PT then told us about Pass it On, a charitable organization in Mashpee, MA that provides gently-used medical equipment to families with special needs kids. We gave them a call, got on their
waiting list, and in less than a month Ivan was strolling about town in his new (at least for us) Convaid Cruiser. And all it cost us was the small delivery charge of $25!
If you’re looking for medical equipment, definitely give these guys a call. They’re always happy to help and if they don’t have the item you’re looking for they’ll put you on a waiting list. If you have an old wheelchair or gait trainer that your child no longer uses, consider donating it to Pass it On so another family can use it. And they always accept money donations to keep the operation going, too!
Pass it On does not have a website of their own, but I have put together all their information on my site: www.wonderbaby.org
They’re a little-known treasure and definitely worth the phone call if you’re in need of some help!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amber lives with her husband and son in Watertown, MA. Originally hailing from Hawaii, Amber and her family moved to Watertown to be closer to the Perkins School for the Blind where her son attends preschool. She has a Master’s degree in English from Tufts University and spends most of her “free time” writing about being a parent of a disabled child on WonderBaby.org or about the family’s musical adventures around Boston on BostonChildrensMusic.com. But really most of her time is spent caring for and playing with her little boy. info@bostonchildrensmusic.com.
Where do you live, Cathie?
Best, Sienna ________
Sienna Wildfield Executive Director Hilltown Families P.O. Box 98 West Chesterfield, MA 01084 http://www.HilltownFamilies.org hilltownfamilies@gmail.com
hello, my name is Cathie i have a 6 year old daughter she has ortho problems had between 7 to 8 surgery’s she does not fit in a stroller so please if anyone can help me or know of someone with a pediatric special stroller can please let me know email me @ jrbriana@aol.com thank you very much!!!!!!!!
I have a baby, bath bed with wheels, good for a walk-in shower. Also, Have a brand new child-size toilet and bath chair combination.
Amber responds: “Pass it On is a great organization and they can get you on a list for a chair. You just need to call them and tell them what you’re looking for. It’s a good idea to speak to your PT first so you have a pretty good idea of what your child needs (in terms of size and design). As soon as they get the chair you need in, they’ll give you a call. However, it can take a while to get what you need because you have to wait until someone else donates the chair you’re waiting for. You can find info for Pass it On here: http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/pass-it-on.html
“MassHealth is also absolutely wonderful at covering durable medical equipment and wheel chairs are rarely denied. This is another process that can take a while, but you’re sure to get exactly what your child needs. Children with disabilities are eligible for MassHealth services regardless of income. You can fill out an application here: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/masshealth/appforms/mbr.pdf“
My name is Shannon Deveau and i live in Mansfield Mass.My son Shane is 6 years old and has cerebral palasy and is blind. I am having a real hard time getting the equipment he needs. I was at an appointment at childrens hospital this afternoon and asked another mom where she got her chair and she told me about you guys..I am desperate to get a new chair for Shane before his up coming surgery. please please contact me as soon as you can so we can see about getting a new chair.. also i have a small stander that he grew out of i would like to donate… thanks
Hi Rita – You will need to contact them directly. Best of luck!
hello,
I am raising a grand daughter with cp.I am at wits end .She needs so much and I cant seem to be able to either find it or afford it,Please put her on your waiting list.She needs so badly a shower/tub seat.I have a small one and she is out growing it.I am also loooking for any kind of activity table/chair.As of right now she is climbing out of her hospital bed.The side rails do nothing to stop her.So if you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it.Thank you for Abigail………….rita gibson