Spark
(formerly ETTAC, East Tennessee Technology Access Center)
The mission of Spark is to connect people with disabilities in East Tennessee with the adaptive tools and technology needed to live life with maximum independence and dignity. Spark does this by providing medical equipment to children and adults with disabilities; providing tech and tech assistance to people with disabilities or low-income; adapting equipment and toys for children with disabilities; and providing additional resources to anyone who comes through our doors.
Permobil SmartCheck® by ROHO® Cushion Monitor
New in our inventory is a Permobil cushion inflation monitor / cushion feedback system intended to assist the user by saving an inflation range during cushion setup. This is a seating and positioning accessory for use with cushions for wheelchairs and power wheelchairs.
During subsequent inflation level checks, Smart Check® is intended to indicate whether adjustments are needed to remain in the saved range. Smart Check must be connected to a ROHO® Single Compartment Cushion with Sensor Ready® Technology.
Winco (c) “Care Cliner Clinical Recliner
We currently have a Winco (c) clinical recliner. This would typically used in a clinical setting, such as dialysis, but it can be useful in a variety of other situations as well. The arms drop to seat level for easy transfers; it adjusts to three reclining positions for rest of treatment, and features the ability to adjust for infinite back positions, including Trendelenburg. The wide armrests provide ergonomic forearm support in reclined position.
Automatic Bath Lift Chair
We currently have a Maidesite electric bath chair lift with handheld remote control. This is a collapsible reclining automatic bath lift, rated for up to 300 lb. It is fully rechargeable and 100% safe for use in the bathtub, as well as anyplace where this type of chair could be helpful. Seat width 28.5″, seat back height 26″, base width 16″, seat height 19.5″.
Zippie™ Voyage Pediatric Stroller
Spark currently has this Zippie™ Voyage pediatric early intervention stroller. It is designed to support healthy spinal development for the newborn or toddler. The portable stroller-style base provides for a variety of options to simplify daily care to enable a parent or caregiver to spend more time interacting with a child.
As always, spread the word so a deserving individual can benefit from this unique product, and as with anything in our inventory, Spark will greatly appreciate a donation to help us continue to serve our community.
We are unable to do pickups 🙁
Spark appreciates your donations of durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, collators, hospital beds, etc.) so that we can provide them to others in our community. When we provide such items, we ask for a modest donations that keep the lights on, our doors open, and continue our work. We’re a small almost entirely volunteer non-profit. We truly appreciate large items (hospital beds, powered wheelchairs, etc.) but we do not have the resources to come get them. If you can bring such items, or arrange to do so, again, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your understanding.
Oxygen Concentrators
Do you or someone you know need an oxygen concentrator? We currently have several from which to choose. Pictured (left to right) are a few examples: an Invacare Perfecto 2, Philips Respironics, and DeVillbis. We have several more, however. We also have nasal cannulas and extension tubing in sealed packages.
Please call, email, or visit us to find out what we have.
Dignity Lifts DL1 Available
Here at Spark is a virtually new Dignity Lifts DL1, fully operational, with charger. The DL1 is very similar to its successor, the Dignity Lifts DL2. The lithium-ion battery charges properly, and the charger and documentation are included. This is a quality product from a highly-respected domestic manufacturer. Please contact us if you or someone you know would be interested in this item.
Stander Security Pole Available
We just recently received a stander security pole, also sometimes referred to as a security pole. This is a floor-to-ceiling tension-mounted grab bar which can be helpful to individuals who might require some assistance with stability, particularly during daily living activities in a bathroom environment, such as when bathing etc. It might be useful in other situations as well.
Many Thanks!
Subsequent to placing an appeal for wheelchairs here on our web site, we received a remarkable number of donations of wheelchairs and transfer chairs, thus enabling us to meet the demand. Spark wishes to thank everyone for their donations. We also want to remind everyone that wheelchairs remain one of our most-requested items, so if you or someone you know has any to spare, we have room for more, and we’d love to make them available.
A Word About Laptops / Computers
We are sorry, but Spark can no longer provide laptops or computers. This has been a difficult decision for us, but we want to let you know why.
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As a small non-profit, we do not have adequate funding, time, personnel, and/or resources to continue to offer this service.
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We were able to provide Microsoft™ Windows™ 10 for a while, but after October 14, 2025, Windows™ 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. This means a Windows™ 10 PC could be more vulnerable to security threats and malware. Further, we do not have funding to obtain Windows™ 11 licenses.
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The age and condition of laptops and computers we receive as donations for re-use are such that many require time, labor, expertise, and, often, parts, all of which, again, are beyond our means. Further, most cannot run Windows™ 11.
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Most importantly, perhaps, this activity detracts from what we believe is our core mission, durable medical equipment.
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One alternative to Windows™ is Linux, a family of free-and-open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel. For some users, it could provide the resources (web browser, productivity apps, e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) one might typically need. Unfortunately, for the typical Windows™ or Apple™ user, it would take some getting used to. We might occasionally have a Linux laptop or desktop, but at this time, we cannot provide training or support.
Let’s Talk About Email
Here at Spark, we receive email – lots of it! If you’ve emailed us and haven’t heard back from us yet, we apologize. Spark is a small (but mighty) team consisting of a part-time paid bookkeeper and a couple of unpaid volunteers. We’re doing our best. However, if you’d like to come and answer the phone for an hour or two, that would be a huge help, so please call or visit. Thanks!
Our Services
Spark is proud to offer a variety of services led by a team of qualified individuals who are committed to excellence. We are united in our commitment to support the needs and goals of people with disabilities in East Tennessee.
Spark’s work is substantially funded by private donations. Your financial support helps us help others in our community!
Assistive
Technology
Assistive Technology encompasses a broad range of low-tech and high-tech devices that allow people with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be too difficult.
Mobility (DME, durable medical equipment)
Spark provides loans of durable medical equipment including items such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, crutches, etc. These items provide mobility and caregiver assistance for individuals and service providers.
Community Programs
Community programming creates a safe, welcoming, and engaging space for people with disabilities to build social skills in an inclusive environment and to express themselves in artistic and diverse ways.
Meet Sparky
Sparky is the newest member of the Spark team, filling the position of mascot. Sparky is a salamander whose unique abilities represent many of Spark’s principles. Salamanders can regenerate tails and limbs symbolizing rebirth and renewal. They can also withstand fire, demonstrating incredible determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Sparky is a native amphibian of East Tennessee and has a cousin, the Tennessee Cave Salamander, who is the official state amphibian for Tennessee!
How we’ve made a difference.
“Great organization that has been servicing East Tennessee for over 30 years. Congrats on the new look and your next 30 years.”
“Awesome place! We were in a spot and needed a wheel chair. Got one on the spot, no questions asked! THANK YOU!”
“Such compassion and willingness to help those in need. What a great benefit for East Tennessee!”
