Medical Equipment for Kids
Category: Client Story
January 22, 2025
Need for Pediatric Medical Equipment
Parents know the struggle: kids quickly outgrow toys, clothes and shoes. But what about outgrowing a walker, wheelchair or other costly medical equipment? Kids often outgrow their equipment before insurance companies can approve necessary upgrades. Or sometimes it’s not covered at all. Our team partners with local organizations to help families get medical and adaptive equipment for kids in our services.
One group that we work with regularly is CPATH (Cerebral Palsy Awareness Transition Hope). CPATH is an Austin-based nonprofit that helps individuals with cerebral palsy get resources, support and education. One way they help families is with their equipment closet. The medical, adaptive and therapy equipment is available for free to anyone in the community who needs it, not just kids with cerebral palsy. Our therapists and case managers work with Nobel Craig. Nobel runs the equipment closet, and can easily check inventory and submit requests based on kids’ needs.
“We have children that may only need a piece of equipment for a few months before they progress to the point they no longer need it. It is wonderful to be able to provide the equipment immediately. And then they progress faster and no longer have need for it.” Lauretta Jackson, Early Childhood Intervention Physical Therapist
Collaborating with partners like CPATH allows us to meet critical needs for kids in our services. Children with disabilities can use the equipment immediately, instead of waiting monthsfor approval from health insurance. Through using “recycled” equipment, families can save thousands of dollars. In many cases families are also allowed to use equipment as an assessment tool before ordering something custom.
In all these ways, we’re able to give children the best tools to live a fulfilling and independent life.
Fabian’s Story
Fabian was born with hydrops fetalis, or fluid build-up in an unborn or newborn baby. Despite two strokes and a stay in the NICU, he was able to go home where he had a mostly uneventful few months. When he was 6 months old, his mom Sandra noticed some uncharacteristic head movements and rushed him to the hospital. An EEG confirmed that he had infantile spasms and epilepsy. Fabian had many doctor appointments and hospitalizations.
It was an eye doctor who told Sandra about Any Baby Can’s Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program. Fabian was able to get vision therapy, as well as occupational and physical therapy through ECI. Fabian learned a ton through his therapies! He was moving more, gripping toys, and his development was finally improving.
Much More Than Equipment
In addition to these services, Fabian was able to get many pieces of equipment thanks to our therapists and CPATH. A standing frame has helped with his skeletal and respiratory systems and enables him to be upright and interact with his siblings. The gait trainer helps Fabian move around the house and yard, which boosted everyone’s spirits. He uses a “tomato chair” to sit with some support. Fabian also has a feeder chair that positions him during meals so he can be a part of the family and learn to eat solid foods. Many of these pieces are not covered by insurance. It’s not just equipment—these are life-changing devices that bring the whole family together!
“They helped me a lot with the exercises I needed to be doing with Fabian. They helped Fabian, and me, learn a lot. I love Any Baby Can and I would HIGHLY recommend them to other families in need,” says Sandra, Fabian’s mom.
There is also a list of inventory items available. All items are free to anyone in the community who needs it. If you have a piece of medical equipment you would like to donate to the CPATH equipment closet, please contact Nobel Craig at equip@cpathtexas.org.
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