Support
MND Equipment Library
Motor neurone disease (MND) brings unique challenges, especially as the disease progresses. For people living with MND in Victoria, having access to specialised equipment/ Assistive Technology can make an invaluable difference. MND Victoria’s Equipment Loan Library is designed to bridge this gap, offering a comprehensive range of aids and devices that support safety, independence, and quality of life.
MND Victoria's Equipment Loan Service
MND Victoria runs an equipment loan library. This service assists people living with motor neurone disease (MND), live safer, more engaged and independent lives.
Who is the Equipment for?
MND Victoria’s Equipment Loan Library of Assistive Technology is a service accessible to all Victorians living with MND.
Benefits of the MND Equipment Library
The equipment library includes a wide variety of Assistive Technology to benefit people living with MND.
- Cost-effective access to essential Equipment: Purchasing specialised equipment can be costly, and many items may only be needed temporarily as symptoms progress. The Equipment Loan Library removes this financial barrier, allowing people to borrow equipment without the commitment of a purchase. This helps those living with MND and their families focus on what truly matters, without the added financial burden.
- Adaptable support for changing needs: The progression of MND often brings changing physical requirements. The Equipment Loan Library is adaptable, offering flexibility as each person’s needs change. Equipment can be returned, exchanged, or upgraded as new needs arise, ensuring people with MND have access to the most suitable aids over time.
- Increased safety and comfort: Assistive Technology in the library is carefully selected to promote both safety and comfort, supporting people in their daily routines and reducing the risk of injury. From mobility aids to communication devices, each item is designed to improve the user’s comfort and overall wellbeing.
How does the Equipment Library help?
- Assistive Technology/Equipment is provided following a request from an Allied Health Professional (AHP).
- The MND Victoria Equipment Service operates on a loan library model and can provide a range of Assistive Technology (AT).
- People with MND must be registered with MND Victoria and be a Victorian resident.
- Equipment may be provided for as long as required at no direct cost to you.
Learn more about our Equipment Service
Watch "Keep Us Moving," our 2025 Tax Appeal video.
Types of Equipment Available
The library includes a wide variety of items custom to the specific needs of each person with MND.
Mobility Aids
Mobility aids such as walkers, manual and electric wheelchairs, and scooters, support safe and comfortable movement. These aids allow people with MND to navigate their homes and communities more freely.
Daily Living Aids
Essential items like adaptive cutlery, shower chairs, bed rails, and lifts, make day-to-day tasks more manageable. These aids provide people with greater independence in activities like eating, bathing, and getting in and out of bed.
Communication
Communication challenges can arise as MND affects speech and muscle control. The library offers devices like text-to-speech tools and voice amplifiers, which help people maintain communication and stay connected with their loved ones.
Breathing Support Equipment
If respiratory symptoms develop, breathing aids such as BiPAP machines support oxygen intake and improve respiratory comfort. These devices are available for those who require additional respiratory assistance.
Positioning Equipment
Specialised beds, cushions, and recliners are available to help maintain comfort and proper posture. These aids reduce pressure points, prevent strain, and support restful sleep, promoting overall physical wellbeing.
Wheelchair Accessible Loan Vehicle
Wheelchair accessible loan vehicle available with no hire cost through the MND Victoria Equipment Service. The vehicle can be booked for as little as one day or up to two weeks, making it a flexible option for appointments, family visits, or short trips away. The van can hold up to 6 additional people (including the driver). To make a booking, please speak with your MND Advisor & Support Coordinator, or contact the Equipment Service directly on 8930-2122 (press 1 for Equipment).
How to access the MND Equipment Loan Library
Accessing the Equipment Loan Library is simple, and MND Victoria’s team is dedicated to guiding people through the process. Here’s how to get started:
Do you have an NDIS plan?
If you have an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan, your MND Victoria Support Coordinator may have recommended the inclusion of a Flexible loan bundle into your NDIS plan. This allows you to access all Equipment in the Loan Library.
Are you waiting for an NDIS plan?
You can still access all equipment from the MND Victoria Equipment Service. MND Victoria is a registered provider of Assistive Technology under the NDIS.
Note: If you do not have an NDIS plan or are not eligible, don't worry. We will still provide you with the same service at no cost to you.
Do you have Support at Home funding for Assistive Technology?
MND Victoria accesses funding through the Support at Home High Tier Assistive Technology Budget for equipment supplied to eligible clients.
Are you waiting for Support at Home Funding?
You can still access equipment before becoming eligible for Support at Home.
For more information, please review our Equipment Bundle and Loan Library Client Fact sheet.
1. Connect with Allied Health Professional Team
Your Allied Health Professional team are your first point of contact in assessing your equipment needs. They can provide expert advice on which items would best support your lifestyle and mobility goals. The will work with you to determine which equipment is most suitable and how it can enhance your daily life.
2. Apply for Equipment Loan Services
Once your needs are assessed, your Allied Health Professional will apply for an equipment loan request through the library. This includes selecting the right items and ensuring they’re properly fitted for comfort and usability.
3. Equipment Delivery and Setup
MND Victoria ensures a smooth delivery and setup process. Once approved, equipment can be delivered directly to your home, and trained professionals assist with the setup, making sure everything is installed safely and comfortably.
Equipment available on request
Find out more about the range of equipment available, the provision of equipment or further details on placing a request.
Equipment user manuals and instruction sheets
Below are the user manuals and instruction sheets for some equipment items that are available through our equipment loan library. This information is for people living with MND and their therapists if they need support with operating certain pieces of equipment.
- Invacare Single Electric Etude Bed - user manual
- Sigma King Single Electric Bed with Trendelburg - user manual
- Invacare Electric Hoist - user manual
- Liberty Nebuliser - instruction manual
- ROHO Cushion Quadtro - instruction sheet
- ROHO Cushion Single Valve - instruction sheet
- Magic Mobility power wheelchair manual
Equipment Service FAQs
MND Victoria’s Equipment Loan Library provides a diverse selection of Assistive Technology and equipment specifically for individuals diagnosed with MND. The library offers a practical, cost-effective solution for accessing high-quality items without a significant financial investment. Through this service, people can borrow the necessary equipment on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on their needs.
Yes, the library’s flexible lending options allow for equipment exchanges or upgrades as your needs change. You can work with your MND Advisor and Allied Health Professional Team to adjust your equipment loan as required.
MND Victoria’s Equipment Loan Library is offered at no direct cost to people living with MND. However, equipment availability and loan terms may vary based on demand.
MND Victoria provides home delivery and setup assistance for all loaned equipment. Our team ensures each item is safely installed and adjusted for your comfort. Your Allied Health Professional team will then set up the equipment for your specific needs and train your carers in how to utilise it.
The library accommodates both short-term and long-term needs. Equipment can be borrowed for as long as needed, and the duration can be modified based on your situation.
Yes - people over 65 can access the library. Once you become a Support at Home client with High Tier Assistive Technology funding, MND Victoria will access this funding.
Power wheelchair FAQs
Power wheelchairs can help those with MND live safer, engaged and independent lives, however we understand that sometimes with these powerful pieces of equipment, there may be some hiccups.
Not to worry though, here are some common issues and questions people can run into.
Remember: Please contact the Equipment Service if there is an issue with a powerchair rather than the therapist or the advisor via emailing equipment@mnd.org.au or phoning 1800 777 175
Power wheelchairs are fitted with all terrain tyres.
Please refer to tyre pressure chart below. It depends on the client’s weight as to what they should be set to, but yes, they should have some give in them so that they can gain traction.
There should be a small bracket that clamps around the leg rest that the calf pad drops into. You will need to back the bolt off slightly, turn the bracket toward the front of the chair and then do the nut back up.
NOTE: When the docking pin is down all speeds are set to slow and there is a little yellow turtle on the screen.
Try the following:
- Turn controller ON
- Push mode button display to change the settings
- Tap left or right to bring up the DOCKING PIN on the display
- When the docking pin displayed on controller PUSH UP to retract
- Finally, push MODE to go back to driving.
Speeds should be back to normal.
As a car member of RACV, your client can add a wheelchair OR they can join the RACV as a wheelchair user.
In an emergency, your electric wheelchair is equipped with a manual freewheel lever mounted on each motor. They are easily identifiable by their bright yellow tip. These levers allow you to disengage the drive motors so that you can push the chair manually.
No, if your client has an OMNI controller, they cannot have a tray table on the powerchair. This is due to both slots on the armrest being used by the controller and joystick, therefore there is no channel underneath the armrest to allow room for a tray table.
For further information regarding the below questions visit The Magic Mobility Frequently Asked Questions site:
- How do I get emergency help for my wheelchair?
- How do I care for my batteries and how long will the batteries last?
- How do I best care for my wheelchair?
- How fast and how far can my wheelchair go?