Pass it OnPass it On

National Conference National Conference

On Reuse of On Reuse of

Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology

May 9, 2006May 9, 2006

Atlanta, GeorgiaAtlanta, Georgia

ESTABLISHINGESTABLISHING

AT REUSE AT REUSE NETWORKSNETWORKSKen Knorr, Director

Virginia Assistive Technology System

Virginia’s Approach to Creating a Virginia’s Approach to Creating a Statewide AT Reuse Network.Statewide AT Reuse Network.

To assist grass root organizations &

agencies understand the advantages

of & strategies for establishing a

Statewide network of community

recycling efforts

Session GoalSession Goal

Why Virginia established a recycling network ?

What is the Process used ?

Who are the Partners & their roles ?

What Challenges are faced ?

What Creative solutions have been

identified ?

What are the Benefits ?

Advice?

Session topics include:Session topics include:

Interest and support from Administration

Abandonment increasing while consumer needs are unmet.

Stretches limited state and federal resources

Opportunity to extend existing recycling programs to other areas

Positive impact on people with limited resources

Most efficient approach

Why Virginia Chose to Establish Why Virginia Chose to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Networka Statewide AT Reuse Network

The Process to Establish a Statewide AT The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse NetworkReuse Network

Identify stakeholders in local community

Provide a forum for communication among the stakeholders

The Process to Establish a Statewide AT The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse NetworkReuse Network

Statewide Collaborative Forums Hosted by SHHR Purpose - encourage localities to

establish reuse programs Representatives from medical,

business, and disability communities Creating partnerships with existing

successful recycling programs to provide effective approaches for consideration

The Process to Establish a Statewide AT The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse NetworkReuse Network

Present model recycling initiatives for consideration

Establish planning teams Assess communities level of interest

and commitment Determine if additional players are

needed Identify all recycling initiatives in

communities for inclusion in network

The Process to Establish a Statewide AT The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse NetworkReuse Network

Assist planning teams to identify challenges and find solutions

Help communities secure resources to support the program

Provide mechanism for network partners to share equipment

Strategies for Identifying Potential Network Strategies for Identifying Potential Network PartnersPartners

• CILs• DSA • DSBs • VDA • AAAs • CSBs• Case managers• Advisory Councils

• MS Society • Easter Seals• United Way I&R• SRC• Churches• Civic Organizations• ESOs

Contact disability-related agencies & organizations:

Strategies for Identifying Potential Network Strategies for Identifying Potential Network PartnersPartners

Consumer Advocacy Organizations

Disability-related agencies

Newsletters

Presentations to civic clubs

Articles in local newspapers

Partners and Their RolesPartners and Their Roles

VATSVATS Identify all network partners

Catalyst for expanding the network of recycling

Provide tools for networking – i.e., web-based databases

Identify resources to implement and sustain reuse initiatives

Technical assistance to support these efforts

Partners and Their RolesPartners and Their Roles

Established Reuse ProgramsEstablished Reuse Programs Provide reused equipment to consumers

Identify all network partners

Coordinate services including transportation, refurbishment and AT assessments

Replicate model programs in other communities

Technical assistance to recycling teams

Partners and Their RolesPartners and Their Roles

Community Reuse TeamsCommunity Reuse Teams Role

Identify key community stakeholders

Determine community interest

Develop reuse implementation plan

Identify resources for implementation

Partners and Their RolesPartners and Their Roles

Network PartnersNetwork Partners Role

Provide information on population served, eligibility criteria, and inventory

Share AT among network partners

Provide basic data on acquisitions and uses of equipment

Partners and Their RolesPartners and Their Roles

Civic Clubs and Missions Civic Clubs and Missions OrganizationsOrganizations

Role

Identify community players Ship surplus equipment to developing

nations Fund raising

Overall solution is communications and info sharing among all the Tech Act Programs.

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

State AT Programs:

Best source of creative solutions.

Selflessly share ideas, solutions & resources

Overall solution is communications and info sharing among all the Tech Act Programs.

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge: Finding a champion

Solution:

FREE’s approach

Community recycling teams

Community leaders

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge: Collection & distribution of equipment

Solution:AT usersGoodwillLawn care serviceLocal vendorsGoodwill

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge: Lack of storage space

Solution:GoodwillRecycling team membersChurchesHospitals

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge:

Lack of staff expertise for assessments

Solution:

Rehabilitation centers (protocols)Hospitals Vendors

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge:

Control types of AT received Solution:

Advertise need for high end AT only

Post restrictions at collection points

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge:

What to do with surplus equipment

Solution:

Send to developing nationsRotary ClubMissions organizations

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge:

Finding start-up funds

Solution:

State AT Programs

Community leaders

Foundations

Grants

Agencies

Challenges & Creative SolutionsChallenges & Creative Solutions

Challenge: Sustaining programs

Solution:Consumer AdvocacyVATS Advisory Council - legislative

agendaOther disability-related councilsPartnersGovernor’s budget

BenefitsBenefits

Stretches limited state and federal resources Encourages sharing of AT among network

partners Reduces abandonment of AT purchased by

state Allows people stay at home safer and longer Encourages public/private partnerships Provides communities a way to give to others Responds to the AT needs of persons with

limited to no resources

Virginia’s Approach to Creating a Virginia’s Approach to Creating a Statewide AT Reuse Network.Statewide AT Reuse Network.

Thank You