Disabled Children, Adults & Seniors: Lives Enhanced by FODAC

Keeping people with disabilities moving!  We’ve distributed over 25,000 “like-new” recycled wheelchairs, hospital beds and walkers at little or no cost. We’re providing independence while protecting our planet!

Why do we exist?

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) is a faith based non-profit that is the primary provider of recycled Home Medical Equipment (HME) in Atlanta and the Southeast. FODAC’s mission is to expand access to HME for the population of low-income, uninsured and underinsured disabled individuals. Many disabled individuals find it difficult to access HME;  deductibles and co-pays are prohibitively high or the wait for  benefits is extremely long. While waiting to secure the necessary equipment, often these individuals have lessened mobility inside or outside their homes, which can lead to falls and other physical dangers. The individual’s mental health can suffer as well; lack of mobility causes missed doctor and therapy appointments, inability to work as well as separation from social and family events, all of which can lead to depression.

FODAC addresses the limited access to home medical equipment for individuals with any type of disability, whether caused by disease, injury or age. By providing medically necessary equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds and walkers, at little or no cost.  FODAC gives back to the recipients and their caregivers a renewed sense of independence and an improved quality of life.

FODAC pioneered the concept of recycling home medical equipment. FODAC takes donated equipment, sterilizes, refurbishes and repairs it, and then redistributes it to disabled individuals who are lacking the resources to buy it themselves. FODAC’s work is supported by cash and material donations as well as a team of dedicated volunteers who donate their skills and time. Because of the generous material and financial support FODAC receives from its volunteers and donors, the organization is able to minimize overhead costs while maximizing the contributions to the disabled community. For every dollar FODAC takes in as material or financial donations, it is able to send $10 worth of equipment and services into the community.  At any given time, approximately half a million dollars in donated equipment is being readied for distribution.

FODAC’s HME program clients do not wait six to nine months for equipment they need immediately for everyday living. Equipment repairs that would normally take 30 business days just for approval through an  insurance or other agency can be made in just a few days at FODAC, at little or no cost. Most repairs cost no more than $25.00 at FODAC.

FODAC is the only major organization in the Southeast providing this kind of service for the disabled community, and receives no direct funding from Medicare/Medicaid. FODAC serves as a valuable resource for hospitals, clinics and disability groups. FODAC serves approximately 2,000 unique clients annually, many of them receiving multiple items throughout the year; the retail value of equipment and supplies distributed annually totals over $9 million. FODAC has also pioneered a green initiative in the HME industry; its recycling program keeps approximately 185 tons of products out of the local landfills each year through the re-use and recycling of unusable parts and batteries.

FODAC's HME Program was the impetus of the organization and remains the largest aspect of its work, with 85% of the  annual budget. Since its founding in 1986, FODAC has added many additional programs and services, such as home and vehicle modifications. The organization also operates a thrift store, the revenues from which help support FODAC’s mission.

What have you accomplished?

Since 1986, FODAC has issued over 25,000 wheelchairs and 6,500 hospital beds to disabled individuals without the necessary resources to secure these on their own.  We are active in the Veteran community by recycling gently used equipment funded by the VA, and by re-distributing equipment to Veterans.

 In 2010, the demographic breakdown of FODAC’s clients in 2010  for 2009 and  was: 46% adults, 42% over 60 and 12% under 21. Of those, the breakdown by ethnicity was 47% African American, 37% White, 5% Hispanic and 11% Other. With FODAC’s assistance, 883 of our clients were able to attend critical medical appointments; 174 could attend school; and 135 could continue work.

Some recent client “thank you” notes are below.  More can be found on our Friends of Disabled Adults Facebook page.

“Received walker: I will be able to walk better. I will be able to get around on my own, Thank you for this wonderful place.”

“Kahliyah was so happy to be placed in her gate trainer. She was running every where. She loves it.”

“This organization has been truly a life saver during these financially challenging times”

“Thank you so much for assisting my mom with the walker w/ the seat which allows her (to)sit when needed.”

“This bed will keep Dawson from falling out of the bed because he turns around in his sleep.”

“My cane helps me step out in confidence and style.”

“ I am having a hip replaced and the equipment will keep me from falling and injuring my surgery. What a blessing you are to those of us who can be helped by your services.”

“My mom suddenly couldn't walk. I was very over whelmed until I was told that (FODAC) could give me a walker with wheels at no charge.”

“It will help her tremendously to be able to chase her 3 siblings. She also will be able to ”walk” down the aisle at her brother's wedding in August instead of using her wheelchair. Thank you for giving Celia the gift of mobility.”

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