Adaptive Equipment

Creating Solutions

With the proper support equipment in place, the life of a child with special healthcare needs improves dramatically. That’s why ChildServe’s Adaptive Equipment Program works to provide durable medical equipment and adaptive solutions for central Iowa children and young adults. Our goal is to help children live a great life by increasing their independence, mobility, and comfort. ChildServe’s adaptive equipment specialists educate parents and caregivers in how to use assistive technology safely for each child.

Why choose ChildServe?

Multi-disciplinary Team

ChildServe’s Adaptive Equipment specialists and multi-disciplinary team ensure that each child or young adult has multiple specialists from different departments considering what is best for the whole person.

Partnership

Our Adaptive Equipment Program works in partnership with the other services we provide, both inpatient and outpatient.

ACHC Accredited

The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) recognized ChildServe as an organization that meets rigorous guidelines for service and quality. Our accreditation in durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care to families in Iowa.

Who We Serve

ChildServe’s Adaptive Equipment Program provides solutions and increases independence for children with special healthcare needs caused by the following conditions (and more)::

Traumatic Brain Injury

Spinal Cord Injury

Stroke

Developmental Delays

Our Approach

We Know Kids

Our entire organization is built around kids! The adaptive equipment specialists at ChildServe have specialized knowledge and skills to help kids and young adults maintain or increase movement and independence. Our facilities and equipment are designed to make kids comfortable, safe, and inspired.

Improving Comfort and Safety

ChildServe’s adaptive equipment specialists and therapists complete home and adaptive equipment assessments to improve the daily lives of central Iowa children and young adults. Pressure mapping not only improves seating and positioning decisions, but also allows us to design molded seating systems for safety, comfort, or long-term health. We help children avoid bedsores or unnecessary stiff muscles and joints.

Increasing Independence

ChildServe’s certified adaptive equipment specialists complete our seating and mobility assessments. Together with our therapists, they provide children with aids to daily living such as standers, feeding chairs, car seats, bath safety equipment, and mechanical patient lifts. ChildServe’s adaptive equipment specialists educate parents and caregivers in how to use assistive technology safely for each child.

Life with More Mobility

ChildServe provides services and equipment to increase mobility. Examples include manual or power wheelchairs; walkers, standers, crutches; switch access assessment, and provide follow-up services to wash wheelchairs and make repairs if needed. Finally, our adaptive bikes and switch-controlled toys allow children to participate in recreational activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who serves children through the Adaptive Equipment Program?

Along with our RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional, ChildServe’s team-focused approach means that multiple healthcare professionals will give insight to the decisions made for each child’s needs. RESNA stands for Rehab Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.

Who is eligible to receive Adaptive Equipment?

Children who receive services at through any of ChildServe’s inpatient or outpatient programs are also eligible to receive support from adaptive equipment as recommended by their physician.

How are referrals made?

Referrals can be made calling our Operations Coordinator at 515-331-4518. Our Operations Coordinator will help identify a funding source and send out an application for services.

How are services authorized and funded?

Therapy services are funded through Iowa Medicaid, private insurance, or private pay. Services are authorized by the individual’s payor source and require a physician’s order, which ChildServe can help the family find. The fees for each specific child and service will be discussed during the intake process.

Where are services provided?

ChildServe – Ames
ChildServe – Johnston

We also offer on-site adaptive equipment support for children enrolled in childcare at the ChildServe Childcare Center in Johnston or children receiving Day Health services at our Des Moines location.

When are services provided?

Hours of operation for Johnston and Ames:

Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

View our Annual Outcomes

ChildServe regularly gathers child and family satisfaction feedback, quality reports, and census data to monitor our services and continuously improve the care and services we provide.

Download Outcomes

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131

515-727-8750

ChildServe – Ames

1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010

515-232-7220

If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please call the location of your choice or email communications@childserve.org.

ChildServe - Johnston

ChildServe - Ames

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of more than 5,600 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.