Jaime Simpson and Amy Foster have been friends since kindergarten and although life took them down different paths following graduation in 1994 from Augusta High School, they are now collaborating on a new and exciting project.
The two are co-founders of newly launched website, KidsDMExchange.org.
Amy is a pediatric physical therapist with an early childhood program in Sedgwick County and Jaime is the owner of Necessities Media Group, an advertising agency.
Both are passionate about helping special needs children.
Jaime and husband Steve adopted their first daughter, Jai, in 2005 and four months after her birth, their child was displaying signs of physical delays. That’s when Amy became instrumental in Jai’s initial diagnosis.
“Amy was the first to suspect a stroke in utero. She has been so much support for us,” Jaime said.
Following several tests, doctors determined that Jai had indeed suffered a stroke in utero, which weakened her right side. She also had hearing loss in her left ear and a weak right eye. The diagnosis came just two months before Jaime gave birth to the couple’s second daughter.
In late 2008, Jaime was searching for a gait trainer for Jai. They had been using a traditional walker, but Jaime knew more progress could be made with a gait trainer -- equipment designed to provide support and stability to children who need more than a conventional walker to begin exploring their world in the standing position.
Unfortunately, gait trainers usually retail around $1,800 and the Simpson’s insurance company informed them that at gait trainer wouldn’t be covered by insurance. Jaime decided she would attempt to find a used one.
“Children outgrow their durable medical equipment, right? There just had to be used equipment available somewhere,” Jaime added, “I had no luck, so I tried an auction website and found a lightly used gait trainer.”
The process helped her realize that many families fall through the cracks when it comes to durable medical equipment for children with special needs.
She explained, “Many families earn too much to receive assistance, but not enough to easily write a check for $1,800...I began wondering what happens to the children that can’t get the equipment they need. It’s not their fault.”
That’s when she came up with the idea to create a website for free listings of durable medical equipment and supplies. She contacted her good friend Amy for advice and assistance.
“We decided to list all of the items for free so the families could continually exchange the equipment...they can borrow and use for as long as they need to and then put it back on the site for others to use,” Amy explained.
In addition to providing families a way to find durable medical supplies, the website also features a message board and chat room.
“We want to provide a network and support for the parents. I work everyday with families and I know that many times they feel alone. The medical system can be scary to navigate,” Amy added, “We’ve had some very positive feedback already.”
“Many people understand, but they don’t take it home with them. In the world of a parent of a special needs child it’s nice to find free equipment, free emotional support and sometimes to just vent -- it’s therapy,” Jaime said.
The website is not responsible for arranging the exchanges. Those using the site contact each other directly via email. Shipping is up to both parties. There are safe exchange sites -- businesses willing to lend a safe place for users to make local exchanges.
The website also has a ‘wish list’ of desired equipment. Not surprising are the retailers that are getting on board with donations.
Jaime stated, “There’s a need for this. We’re just trying to help others. It’s our way of giving back. Life with a special needs child can be expensive. Our most important goal is to give these kids all they need to be happy, healthy and productive.”
Whether someone is in search of children’s durable medical equipment, looking for a place to learn more about special needs children, or wanting to go “green” with their child’s durable medical equipment by exchanging, they are invited to visit www.kidsdmexchange.org
Augusta, Kan. —
