Delaware’s AT Exchange

Beth Mineo Mollica, Ph.D.Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

University of Delaware

What am I going to do

with that used device?

I sure do need a new

device…

AT Exchang

e

Just the Facts…

No cost to use service

Created for Delawareans, but amenable to regional listings

All equipment types except things that pose a safety/hygiene threat

Original Motivation

Provide a vehicle for the exchange of equipment

Broker rather than middleman Limitations on staff time Liability Storage constraints

Newsletter carried information

Limitations

Quarterly update of list

In interim, reliant on staff to recognize potential “matches”

Difficulty tracking outcome information

The Next Iteration

Web-enabled

More direct (and 24/7) access for posters

Submissions screened by staff

Navigation by equipment categories

Enables email exchange between parties

Associated Costs

AT Act State Program FundsStaff time – review submissions and track

outcomes (<5% FTE)Staff time – website design and

development (significant!)Newsletter costs (≈$4,000/yr)

Real Choice Systems Change GrantWebsite development (≈$60,000)

Challenges

Privacy issues Some personal information accessible Trade-off: privacy vs. outcome data

Focus on Beneficiary

Info about equipment exchanged no longer sufficient

Now need: Info about transaction Identity of recipient Means to contact recipient Location information (rural/non-rural) Response from recipient about cost, motivation for

using exchange, and intended use for equipment

Challenges

Privacy issues Some personal information accessible Trade-off: privacy vs. outcome data

Marketing

Not everyone is honest Bogus identities Equipment ownership issues

Our Responses

Privacy issues Data will only be shared with registered

users Email addresses never revealed by us User anonymity to be sacrificed for access to

data Marketing

Go where potential users are Raise awareness among “gatekeepers”

Our Responses

Honesty issues Internal mechanisms to trap for bogus IDs Considering extension of continuum to

include recyclingChanges to website

More identifying information captured Addition of features such as pictures More efficient system administration Ability to specify eligibility per device

Benefits

Fiscally and environmentally sound Opportunity to “pass it on” Additional access alternative Some amazing bargains! Heightened awareness of some troubling

realities, paving the way for establishment of a recycling program

Benefits

Evidence for the power of COOPERATION and COLLABORATION Avoid unnecessary duplication Significant cost savings Substantial return on federal investment

Advice…

Clarify your objectives, customer base, and scope.

Consider whether multiple interests can be served by a single system.

Don’t reinvent if you don’t have to! Extend existing networks or build on existing strategies.

Advice…

Automate operations whenever possible for efficiency.

Keep listings current.

Design universally - don’t disenfranchise those without web access…