Funding

We are committed to growing the adaptive sports community and engaging anyone who wants to experience the fun and challenge of an active lifestyle. Figuring out what equipment is best for you and acquiring the funding for that equipment can be a major hurdle. Fortunately there are a variety of resources available that can help you test out gear as well as find funding for your own. Below you will find information about testing, adaptive programs, and funding resources. If you do not see something you are looking for or have any questions please contact us!

Testing Equipment

A great way to figure out what will work for you is to get out and test some equipment! We recommend linking up with an adaptive sports program because their trained and knowledgeable staff will be able to safely teach you about the equipment and how to use it. Most programs have a variety of gear and that will help you learn what possibilities are available for your disability type.

Move United has a great program locator where you can find adaptive sports programs in your area! If you don't find one near you on their locator don't be disheartened.  Many of the adaptive sports programs in the US are small and may not be listed on DSUSA's site. If you don't see a program advertised near your location then call the local ski areas and ask about their adaptive sports programs. Most adaptive programs also have summer activities. If skiing is not your thing be sure to ask about other recreational opportunities such as biking, climbing, fishing, horse back riding and kayaking.

Spinal cord and traumatic brain injury hospitals and rehabilitation centers are another resource that may have options for getting out on adaptive sports equipment. These facilities often have programs for introducing patients to adaptive sports.

ET Interest Free Payment Plan

If you do not have the means to pay for new equipment now, we understand. We offer our customers the ability to order any product now and pay in negotiated installments that fit your budget. You can pay over time with no interest or fees. Once the product is paid for in full we will ship your equipment to you.

Veterans Administrations

Enabling Technologies is a certified provider in the VA's network. We work closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs because they fund ski equipment and crutches for Veterans. Each Veteran's case is handled individually through that Veteran's local center. Be sure to contact your physical therapist or case worker at your VA center about the possibility of getting your adaptive equipment or crutches funded. In addition, the VA sponsors many skiing and other adaptive sports programs where you can learn to ski, use equipment, and get information on activities in your area. 

Non-Profit Foundations

There are many great non-profit organizations out there that empower people with disabilities to live an active lifestyle! Some foundations provide funding for equipment and lessons while others work to introduce people to adaptive sports. Checkout some recommended foundations below. There are more foundations than what is listed here. Get out and research more in your local area and you may find more opportunities!

  • Adaptive Adventures - provides progressive outdoor sports opportunities to improve quality of life for children, adults and Veterans with physical disabilities and their families.
  • Adaptive Spirit - provides financial support for the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team and funds the pursuit of National, World Cup and Paralympic glory.
  • Challenged Athletes Foundationprovides opportunities and equipment to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.
  • Great Non Profits - this website is an excellent source for tracking down and researching information about foundations.
  • High Fives Foundation - supports the dreams of outdoor sports athletes by raising injury prevention awareness while providing resources and inspiration to those who suffer life-altering injuries.
  • Kelly Brush Foundation - works to inspire and empower people with spinal cord injuries to lead active and engaged lives.
  • Move United - a resource for grants, programs and other information.
  • Triumph Foundation - works to help children, adults, and Veterans with spinal cord injury/disorder to triumph over their disability and to inspire them to keep moving forward with their lives by pushing themselves to get better every day.

Crowd Funding

Crowd funding is another way to raise money for equipment. By using a crowd funding platform an individual can share their story through a fundraising campaign and reach out to their community for assistance with the cost of equipment. Some of the most popular crowd funding sites are listed below. Be aware that most sites require payment of a fee or a portion of the total donations raised.

Private Health Insurance & Medicare 

Health insurance companies and Medicare will sometimes cover a portion or the full cost of your new crutches. Some steps for getting your crutches covered by insurance are outlined below.

  • Contact your medical insurance provider to find out what your "Durable Medical Equipment" (DME) coverage is. This is the amount they will cover towards your Superlite Crutches used to aid your disability.
  • Obtain a doctor's prescription for "superior crutches". This is a good second step that you can provide your insurance provider to show why you need Superlite Crutches. If your insurance provider requires more information then supply them with our website, contact info, and/or justification letter. 
  • Insurance companies will sometimes require a justification letter explaining your crutch needs. Currently ET is not a designated provider on any insurance network, so each case is handled individually.

Note: Enabling Technologies can not deal directly with insurance providers. We only work with customers, which means you will need to pay for the purchase and then seek reimbursement through your insurance provider.

Paying with a HSA or FSA Card 

Customers can now pay for medical equipment with their HSA/FSA cards at checkout. Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Savings Accounts are generally applicable towards medical equipment such as crutches, crutch tips, grips etc.

Even if an account is enabled to accept HSA/FSA payments, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that a card won’t be declined. Card issuers are at liberty to authorize or decline any payments.  If an HSA/FSA cards is declined, it is often due to insufficient funds or certain usage rules that are put in place by the card issuers. 

Note: If a payment is declined, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that full payment is provided to Enabling Technologies. Enabling Technologies will not reach out to the HSA/FSA card issuers about declined payments. If a customer’s card is declined, the customer will need to seek clarification by reaching out to their card issuer directly.

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