Our Chapter offers a full range of services to guide and assist you as you learn more about ALS. Download our Chapter Services Brochure for information on programs for patients, families, caregivers and allied health professionals. Our staff is here Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us for more information.

Through the outpouring of support from the Ice Bucket Challenge, The ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter has established the ALS Care Grant Program.

The ALS Care Grant Program offers up to 50 grants per quarter for up to $500 per grant. Clients must reapply every quarter to be reconsidered. Grants must be utilized for services related to patient care, including durable medical equipment purchase/copays, transportation assistance, speech generating device purchases/copays, home modification, and much more. Download the application and materials below, or to have materials mailed to you, contact the Chapter office at 216-592-2572 or 888-592-2572 or [email protected]. 

ALS Care Grant Program Guidelines & Application

ALS CARE GRANT EXPENSE FORMS

Verification of Diagnosis Form 
(This form only needs to be completed once and is included in the above application packet.) 

For additional information, contact your regional care coordinator or call the Chapter office at 216-592-2572 or 888-592-2572.

Eligible patients must reside in the Northern Ohio service territory. Some exclusions apply. See guidelines for details. 

The Chapter realizes the value of a short-term break for caregivers, who are caring for their loved ones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through the Respite Care program, the Chapter can reimburse each patient up to 8 hours of in-home respite care each month. A brief break helps caregivers stay healthy and able to bear their heavy responsibilities. Download the Respite form below, or to have materials mailed to you, contact the Chapter office at 216-592-2572 or 888-592-2572 or contact your regional care coordinator.

Respite Care Program Overview

Respite Care Program Form

For additional information, contact your regional care coordinator or call the Chapter at 216-592-2572 or 888-592-2572.

Eligible patients must reside in the Northern Ohio service territory. Some exclusions apply.

The Chapter's Equipment Loan Closet makes used and donated medical equipment available to persons living with ALS. A confirmation of diagnosis may be requested before loans can be approved. Interested families should contact the Chapter to request loaned equipment at [email protected] or call 216-592-2572 or 888-592-2572.

Please note: equipment availability is subject to change frequently. Except where noted below, all loans remain the property of the Chapter and must be returned when no longer used.

Some items may need approval or recommendation from a specialized therapist such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, speech pathologist or nutritionist.

In most cases, items must be picked up and returned to the office. Items must be clean and sanitized before accepted into the loan closet. Delivery is sometimes available for larger items, however, it can take several weeks to arrange. 

Manual Wheelchairs: styles and sizes vary, and may range from transport models to standard models to large, non-folding custom seating with tilt/recline

Power Wheelchairs:  styles and sizes vary and subject to change. NOTE: All power wheelchair loans require a seat evaluation by a licensed OT, PT, seating specialist or ATP. If you do not have insurance, the Chapter can provide assistance with the cost of an evaluation.

The Association helps clients who are uninsured or under-insured or those who are awaiting insurance funding and delivery of their own custom power wheelchair. Therefore, the following wheelchairs are the most in demand for persons with ALS:

Complex, high-end power wheelchairs with power backrest tilt/recline and power elevating legs with rehab seating. Makes and models include Pride Quantum (Q6 edge or similar) Permobil (M300 or 600 or C series or similar). Donations of  wheelchairs must be 2 to 3 years of age, in good working condition with working batteries and all working parts.

Power scooters: styles and sizes vary and subject to change

Rollator style walkers: (rollators are walker with a seat and hand brakes) styles and sizes vary

Bedside Commode and Roll in Shower Chairs: limited quantity.  (these cannot be returned to the loan closet once used)

Bed cane/handle to provide a grab bar to turn in bed or to aid in standing

Suction, BiPAP and cough assist machines

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

Hospital beds

Hoyer lifts (portable lifts may be accepted if space is available)

Lift chairs/recliners/LaZBoy

Power wheelchairs not in working order (accepted chairs must have working batteries, motor, tires, etc)

Used commodes and shower chairs

Enteral formula (for feeding tubes), Ensure, Boost, and other formulas

Food thickeners 

Gauze pads and feeding tube supplies

Incontinence products: blue pads, disposable underwear, Depends and Poise pads

Supplies for suction and cough assist machines

Clothing and linen

As an alternative for items not accepted in our loan closet, we recommend MedWish International, Services for Independent Living, Holy Family Hospice, or your local nursing or hospice facility.