Lawton Public Library partners with ABLE Tech to accept medical equipment donations

Published July 19, 2023

Mary Grace Pewewardy | Multimedia Specialist

The Lawton Public Library has partnered with ABLE Tech to operate as a permanent donation site for citizens to drop off their durable medical equipment (DME). ABLE Tech aids in acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities and their families. They aim to make life accessible to all Oklahomans of all ages and abilities.

This collaborative effort came about after staff from Lawton Public Library attended an ABLE Tech training for web accessibility. Our staff were intrigued by ABLE Tech’s services to Oklahomans, so they reached out to learn more about the program. “We are beyond excited to have this collaboration. ABLE Tech has several partner drop off sites across the state, but this is the first partner to collaborate in this part of the state!” ABLE Tech Program Manager Shelley Gladden said.

“It is amazing all ABLE Tech does.” Lawton Public Library Deputy Director Kathy Hines stated, “If you need any medical equipment, you can contact ABLE Tech and they will deliver it to your doorstep.” ABLE Tech ensures items are free to drop-off and free to request through them.

When DME is brought in to be donated, a library staff member will receive the equipment, where they bag and label it before contacting ABLE Tech to coordinate a pick up date. ABLE Tech comes down to retrieve the donated DME, take it to their Oklahoma City warehouse and begin the process of repairing, refurbishing, cleaning, and sanitizing the equipment. ABLE Tech then looks at applications received for anyone who is in need of any equipment they refurbished.

“The entire process is free!” Gladden emphasized. “Once equipment is matched with an individual, coordination of delivery or shipment will be made and it is completely free to the individual. The program is donation based, so inventory is solely dependent on what is being donated.”

If you have DME to donate, small items can be brought in during library hours. Large items such as hospital beds and patient lifts are also accepted but the library must be contacted to make arrangements for dropoff. 

For a list of small items, the library accepts blood pressure monitors, shower chairs, four-wheeled walkers, bedside commodes, CPAPs, braces, nebulizers, pediatric devices, and many more. If you have something else, contact the library to see if they will take it.

Any questions, please contact Lawton Public Library at (580) 581-3450 or email @email.