In 2023 Rainbow Connection approved the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) for $36,000 in aid to create a space and to purchase additional medical equipment frequently used by Tuscarawas County schools’ physical and occupational therapists. After more than a year of preparation and coordination between the agencies, the Tuscarawas County Lending Library for Related Service Providers is open for business.
Having identified a county-wide need for this resource, ECOESC’s Allison Hoffman and Julie Adelman partnered with TuscBDD’s Kathryn Ganz and Farrah Raines to create a single location that will allow Tuscarawas County students and staff to trial items prior to purchasing, provide materials needed for short-term use, and allow access to materials for training.
The library is housed at TuscBDD and opened to providers on October 1. Through an online form, providers will register with the library to search the entire catalogue of equipment, which includes more than 500 items related to service assessments, assistive technology, sensory needs, and physical therapy equipment. They can then reserve and check-out up to five items at a time for a 30-day loan period. After the loan period, the item can be renewed or, if the provider feels like the device will best serve the student on a permanent basis, the school or family can then purchase the device with the comfort of knowing it’s the right fit.
Beyond providing the space for the library, TuscBDD is also assisting with the sanitation of the items. While most items will be sanitized by the borrower prior to their return to the library, TuscBDD Superintendent Nate Kamban said students in Starlight School’s Activities for Daily Living (ADL) program will provide laundry services as needed. Additionally, Rainbow Connection Executive Director Perci Garner said the agency’s board of directors will regularly review requests for additions to the library.
One item currently looking for a borrower is The Rig, an off-road electric ‘not a wheelchair’ device that is built specifically for people with mobility impairments. Constructed with an aluminum frame and four-inch off-road bike tires, The Rig can travel 10-20 miles on a single battery and is able to transport the individual’s wheelchair on the back. Families of children who are interested in applying for this device can contact Rainbow Connection at 330.343.8686. The child must live in Tuscarawas County and be 54”-72” tall and weigh no more than 225 pounds.
Humble Vending, Inc., owned by Kyle Hall, donated the electric mobility device to Rainbow Connection during the 2024 Telethon fundraiser to be used by a Tuscarawas County child who wants to enjoy the outdoors but has limited mobility. The funds were raised for this cause through a breakroom vending machine at ProVia’s Strasburg facility.
During the October 10 meeting of its Board of Directors, the Rainbow Connection awarded $52,463.43 in assistance to Tuscarawas County residents, nonprofits, and schools. Rainbow Connection has awarded more than $304,000.00 of the over $328,000.00 raised at its March 2024 Telethon. If you or someone you know needs support with health-related expenses, call 330.343.8686 or visit tuscrainbow.org. Donations for the 2025 Telethon celebrating 75 years of The Rainbow Connection can be made at tuscrainbow.org or 119 3rd St. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.