HDS FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
People have called our HDS MEDALLION®, Distinctive CarryAll Bags, by a variety of names whether it be walker bags, scooter purses, power chair accessories, wheelchair bags or accessories, scooter pocketbooks, mobility device accessories or any other combination.
WeWe've answered the questions we've been asked a lot about our various bags below. For your convenience, they are grouped by topic. Just click on the topic name to go to the first question in that category. If you have any additional questions not answered, please contact us.
| Bag Construction | Bag Uses & Devices |
| Bag Design | Returns & Exchanges |
| Bag Care | Purchasing A Bag |
| Premier Bags | Reeve Foundation Donation |
Bag Contruction
Q: What is the bag made of?
A: The first comment we tend to hear when people see an actual bag is how nice the fabrics are visually and tactically. They are all 100% cotton, 60 x 60 threads per inch minimally, and are soft and smooth to the touch. This is the same quality of fabric used by quilters for heavy use. We use these high quality materials that will stand up over time as many women use their bags daily.
The last member of our original focus group has been using her bags for nearly four years now. Take care of the bag and you may get the same usage. However, even if you had to get a new one every year or every season, it’s still a great value if you use it all the time.
The last member of our original focus group has been using her bags for nearly four years now. Take care of the bag and you may get the same usage. However, even if you had to get a new one every year or every season, it’s still a great value if you use it all the time.
Q: Why isn’t there a zipper to close the bag?
A: Many seniors and disabled people with certain conditions have difficulty opening and closing zippers. If a person with a walker tries to open or close a zipper with two hands while standing, she has to release her grip on the walker. This could be a safety hazard. Each HDS MEDALLION® bag can be securely closed by a 1½ inch velcro-like strip on both sides of the interior of the bag. Most people can open and close it one-handed while still holding on to their walkers or scooter and power chair controls.
A: Many seniors and disabled people with certain conditions have difficulty opening and closing zippers. If a person with a walker tries to open or close a zipper with two hands while standing, she has to release her grip on the walker. This could be a safety hazard. Each HDS MEDALLION® bag can be securely closed by a 1½ inch velcro-like strip on both sides of the interior of the bag. Most people can open and close it one-handed while still holding on to their walkers or scooter and power chair controls.
Based on your feedback, we are designing a larger bag with a zipper now for those who require a zipper.
Q: Is your bag made in the U.S.A.?
A: Yes, our manufacturer is based in the Fall River, Massachusetts area. We like the ability to actually see the bags manufactured and to perform quality control onsite. Plus we prefer supporting jobs for people in the U.S. rather than abroad. We hope you support our efforts to keep jobs here even though this adds to the cost of the bags.
A: Yes, our manufacturer is based in the Fall River, Massachusetts area. We like the ability to actually see the bags manufactured and to perform quality control onsite. Plus we prefer supporting jobs for people in the U.S. rather than abroad. We hope you support our efforts to keep jobs here even though this adds to the cost of the bags.
Q: What is the purpose of the medallion on each bag?
A: The medallion is our way of assuring you that the bag you bought is a genuine HDS MEDALLION® CarryAll Bag both now and in the future. If you see a bag and want to verify its authenticity, check the medallion’s front and back. The front has our logo and the back has our website address. The tag on the inside pocket of the bag should also be HDS MEDALLION®and show our website, www.hdsmedallion.com.
A: The medallion is our way of assuring you that the bag you bought is a genuine HDS MEDALLION® CarryAll Bag both now and in the future. If you see a bag and want to verify its authenticity, check the medallion’s front and back. The front has our logo and the back has our website address. The tag on the inside pocket of the bag should also be HDS MEDALLION®and show our website, www.hdsmedallion.com.
We chose the medallion as symbolic of excellence and honor. Medallion also signifies decoration which are descriptive of the fashion in our bags. Our name also honors our Mother by using her initials (HDS). We know she would love having her name attached to the product she inspired!
Q: Does the bag have a place for my cell phone or wallet?
A: Each bag is constructed like a small tote bag, creating sufficient space to carry personal items. Additionally, a single pocket is sewn on the back of the bag, large enough for glasses or a cell phone. Two large pockets are found inside the bag. To make the inside pockets easier to find for people who may have diminished eyesight, we’ve made them out of fabric that contrasts with the lining, a unique feature of our bags.
A: Each bag is constructed like a small tote bag, creating sufficient space to carry personal items. Additionally, a single pocket is sewn on the back of the bag, large enough for glasses or a cell phone. Two large pockets are found inside the bag. To make the inside pockets easier to find for people who may have diminished eyesight, we’ve made them out of fabric that contrasts with the lining, a unique feature of our bags.
But you can carry some unusual items also. One lady in our early test group, used her bag to carry her small oxygen tank. Another friend with cancer used it for her GI bag. Having suffered the indignities associated with her treatment, she felt overjoyed to be able to go on an outing and feel pretty with her colorful and stylish bag. She just dropped the GI bag in her HDS MEDALLION® Bag and wrapped the tube in colorful duct tape.
We also just received a testimonial from a younger woman who was recovering from a major ankle injury and surgery (6 to 9 months on a knee walker) who told us that her bag did a great job holding her handheld vac while she cleaned. That was a new one for us!
Care of The Bag Bag Care
Q: How can I clean the bag?
A: If something is spilled on the bag, we strongly recommend using a water-based product to spot clean the bag because of the decorative trims or features. Most of our bags are 100% cotton, so the fabric can take washing, but the trim may or may not be washable. Our customer with the knee walker recently spilled something on one of her two bags and washed it inside out. Told us it came out well.
A: If something is spilled on the bag, we strongly recommend using a water-based product to spot clean the bag because of the decorative trims or features. Most of our bags are 100% cotton, so the fabric can take washing, but the trim may or may not be washable. Our customer with the knee walker recently spilled something on one of her two bags and washed it inside out. Told us it came out well.
So we started testing all of the bags in a washing machine and dryer. We cannot guarantee results, but if you choose to handwash or machine wash the bag, please use cold water, delicate cycle and turn the bag inside out to protect the embellishments. Then pin it shut with a safety pin. If your bag has a detachable flower, it must be taken off prior to washing. If you use a dryer, it should be on the gentle/delicate cycle. Most of the bags did not even require pressing, but if they do, use a steam or cotton setting on the iron and be careful of any embellishments.
One visitor recently asked if the bag could be dry cleaned. So we checked with our dry cleaners who said they would try it, but would take no responsibility for the outcome. They indicated they would turn the bag inside out as well.
Bag Uses & Devices
Q: Do they work on all walkers, power chairs and scooters?
A: Classic Bags: if the adult mobility aid has a solid bar that is reachable by the person using it, then our Classic CarryAll Bags should work on it, especially walkers. The vast majority of these bags are hung on a front bar of a walker or on scooter handles, but they can also be hung on the side of a frame walker or over an armrest of a transport wheelchair or power chair as long as the arm is 8 inches long and not too thick. They even work on some cane-chairs. The only caution we would give you is that if your walker has joints, be sure to center the bag between the hinges to avoid getting the material caught in the hinges.
A: Classic Bags: if the adult mobility aid has a solid bar that is reachable by the person using it, then our Classic CarryAll Bags should work on it, especially walkers. The vast majority of these bags are hung on a front bar of a walker or on scooter handles, but they can also be hung on the side of a frame walker or over an armrest of a transport wheelchair or power chair as long as the arm is 8 inches long and not too thick. They even work on some cane-chairs. The only caution we would give you is that if your walker has joints, be sure to center the bag between the hinges to avoid getting the material caught in the hinges.
Premier Bags: recently introduced, these versatile bags work on a large variety of mobility devices including wheelchairs (manual and electric), power chairs (thick, thin and short armed), scooters, walkers, etc. Their adjustable, detachable straps and an internal system of D-rings that the straps can hook onto allow you to configure the bag to fit your device and even to be converted to a regular shoulder or handbag.
See our Compatible Devices page in the Home Section for a detailed discussion with pictures relative to both types of bags.
Q: Can the bags be used on a wheelchair?
A: Our HDS MEDALLION Premier CarryAll Bag works on the back of main stream wheelchairs. It will also work on power chairs including the thick armed ones. We are also pleased with the innovative design that allows you to switch strap locations and lengths and use it as a shoulder bag away from your mobility device. It looks terrific so far! Take a look at our product page.
Our Classic CarryAll Bag easily works on a walker and on a transport or travel wheelchair with its small wheels. These bags work easily on a power chair that has armrests as long as they are 8 inches long and not too thick. TO THE TOP
A: Our HDS MEDALLION Premier CarryAll Bag works on the back of main stream wheelchairs. It will also work on power chairs including the thick armed ones. We are also pleased with the innovative design that allows you to switch strap locations and lengths and use it as a shoulder bag away from your mobility device. It looks terrific so far! Take a look at our product page.
Our Classic CarryAll Bag easily works on a walker and on a transport or travel wheelchair with its small wheels. These bags work easily on a power chair that has armrests as long as they are 8 inches long and not too thick. TO THE TOP
Returns & Exchanges
Q: What if the person I bought this for either does not like it, does not want it, or wants a different bag. Can I return or exchange it?
A: See our return policy. We will be happy to honor that policy with no questions asked within the first 30 days as long as the bag is in good condition. If the hangtag is still attached, that’s even better. We would be happy to exchange the bag, if it is in appropriate condition. If the bag has a defect after being used for less than 90 days, please contact us and discuss the problem. We will try our best to fix it or replace it! On a sidenote, we only had one return in our first year.
A: See our return policy. We will be happy to honor that policy with no questions asked within the first 30 days as long as the bag is in good condition. If the hangtag is still attached, that’s even better. We would be happy to exchange the bag, if it is in appropriate condition. If the bag has a defect after being used for less than 90 days, please contact us and discuss the problem. We will try our best to fix it or replace it! On a sidenote, we only had one return in our first year.
Purchasing A Bag Purchasing A Bag
Q: What is the nearest location to me that carries HDS MEDALLION® Bags?
A: Our bags have only been sold online at this site or through our customer service department at 1.877.646.1941 until we exhibited them at The Abilities Expo this May in New Jersey. We are contemplating attending other expos and shows in the future to introduce our bags to more people.
A: Our bags have only been sold online at this site or through our customer service department at 1.877.646.1941 until we exhibited them at The Abilities Expo this May in New Jersey. We are contemplating attending other expos and shows in the future to introduce our bags to more people.
Q: What determines the price of the bags?
A: The price of an HDS MEDALLION® bag is primarily a function of the cost of its materials plus the manufacturing cost to make the bag, and the cost of order fulfillment. We have chosen to use quality materials and strive to obtain them at a fair price. Our test group ladies affirmed that quality matters. For example, most people who use walkers, power chairs and other mobility devices tend to use them every day, so our fabrics must be of high enough quality to look good day in and day out. The same is true of each bag’s embellishments. Some competitors skimp on fabrics, especially lining fabric, but we learned that this shortcut doesn't hold up over time.
We’ve taken care to use strong interfacing throughout the bag and in the straps to give it a soft shape that will last. The quality velcro-like hook & loop strips are wide and strong enough so that, if it is attached correctly, the Classic bag stays securely on the device even over time. The metal snaphooks and D-rings on our Premier Bags are made of strong metal coated in black, brass or nickel and are made in the U.S.A. Additionally, our American manufacturer does quality work in the construction of each bag.
We are also proud of our order fulfillment people who really do answer the phone and emails and mail the bags for all orders during the week. If they receive an order by 2 pm on a business day, it is mailed on the same day. That's their guarantee. These all add up to a quality product for the price.
We are also proud of our order fulfillment people who really do answer the phone and emails and mail the bags for all orders during the week. If they receive an order by 2 pm on a business day, it is mailed on the same day. That's their guarantee. These all add up to a quality product for the price.
Although these quality choices add to the bags' cost, we think our customers deserve a quality product that is well made and a good value for the price. In some cases, the woman with the mobility device may be on fixed income and be unable to buy the bag. We have seen family members pitch in and buy the bag as a wonderful holiday or birthday present. She'll use it every day! So take a look at our available bags, a great value for your money.
THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Q: Why is HDS MEDALLION supporting the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation?
A: We believe that every business should support good causes and this foundation supports thousands of people who are paralyzed due to accidents, injuries, etc. We encourage you to go to their website and read about them and their good work. Our bags are shown in The Reeve Store - just follow the links to their partners page and we're about 4th or 5th down.
A: We believe that every business should support good causes and this foundation supports thousands of people who are paralyzed due to accidents, injuries, etc. We encourage you to go to their website and read about them and their good work. Our bags are shown in The Reeve Store - just follow the links to their partners page and we're about 4th or 5th down.
The Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and to improving quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. HDS MEDALLION is proud to support their efforts.