Wheel It Forward volunteer urges Danbury officials to expand medical-equipment lending

Nancy Rhodes, a volunteer with the not‑for‑profit Wheel It Forward, told the Commission for Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 9 that the group operates a regional lending library of durable medical equipment and can deliver sanitized items to residents who cannot access online services. "You can always go to wheelitforwardusa.org or call the number ... and they will do everything without you even going on the computer," Rhodes said.

The presentation matters because several attendees described how mobility and information barriers crease daily life for people with disabilities in Greater Danbury. Isabelle Domber, who said at the meeting, "I'm legally blind," described mounting obstacles to transportation and to using updated medical and benefits apps that she said are now harder to read. Domber told commissioners she has unsuccessfully sought replacement compression stockings, screen‑reader support and volunteers for rides; she said she plans to contact federal disability enforcement if accessibility problems persist.

Rhodes walked commissioners through Wheel It Forward’s operating model: four regional warehouses that receive donated walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, commodes and similar items; volunteers inspect, clean and sanitize equipment; and short‑term loans are arranged by phone for clients who cannot use web portals. Rhodes noted the group does not typically accept motorized scooters with batteries because of maintenance and liability issues, but it will accept many common mobility aids and arrange delivery when needed.

Commissioners and attendees discussed complementary options. Rhodes recommended the Lymphedema Association for compression stocking procurement and described a local "Seniors Helping Seniors" program that hires vetted local drivers for nonmedical rides and companionship. Domber and others raised assistive‑technology needs: Domber said recent app redesigns and smaller on‑screen text have reduced her ability to use online portals and that some screen‑reader functions on her older phone do not work reliably.

Chair John Gentile said he would circulate Wheel It Forward’s flyer and contact information to commissioners and try to post referral information on the Danbury City website. Rhodes said she would provide an electronic flyer to the commission. The meeting record shows commissioners agreed to keep outreach and resource posting as follow‑up tasks.