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The Adelante Development Center's Back-in-Use program is accepting wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices to be reused by those in need. | klimkin/Pixabay

Back-in-Use program aims to recycle assistive devices: 'People with disabilities and seniors deserve to be a part of the community'

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If you have a wheelchair or some other assistive device you no longer need, there is a New Mexico program eager to put it to use.

The Adelante Development Center’s Back-in-Use program collects and then distributes assistive devices to those in need.

“People with disabilities and seniors deserve to be a part of the community, and these devices make that possible for them,” Adelante’s Jill Beets told KOB4 News.

All the donated devices are cleaned and inspected before being given to those who can’t afford to purchase new equipment or need to replace the equipment they already have.

"They often don’t upgrade or have what they need, but here we have the equipment,” Beets told KOB4 News. “I keep saying 'for people with disabilities and seniors,' but we even have pediatric equipment. Children outgrow it very quickly.”

With growing awareness comes growing demand. The program is constantly in need of a variety of devices that are important to those who need them.

“Some of the things that we definitely need are rollators, which are a fancy kind of walker that has four wheels and a seat where you can rest,” Beets told KOB4 News. “We’re low on those, we’re low on regular wheelchairs, and we are also low on shower chairs and transfer chairs.”

Those wishing to donate such devices can find more information on Adelante's website.

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