Session Code: ET-14

Expanding Access to Computers

and Mobile Devices through Reuse

February 1, 2013 | 9:20 am

Liz Persaud

Carolyn Phillips

Learning Objectives

To explore how computer and mobile device

reuse can benefit people without access to

technology through “usual channels”

To learn how the appropriate AT device can

expand a person’s experience of the world and

reuse can make these experiences available to

greater numbers of people

To identify and explore issues specific to reuse of

computer and mobile devices

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Types of AT Reuse Activities

• Device exchange – matching donors and users without intervention

by a third party. This often takes the form of searchable databases on

the Internet.

• Refurbish/repair – taking a used device and restoring it as nearly as

possible to the original manufacturer specifications

• Reassign – making a used device available to a new owner

• Open-ended loan – making a device available for an indefinite period

of time while retaining ownership

• Recycle - disposal of an item at the end of its useful life, breakdown

into parts or disposal as waste

• Remanufacture – modifying device from original manufacturer

specifications; not recommended for reuse programs

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Who needs computer reuse in a country where

new computers cost only $400?

• People for whom $400 is unaffordable: • Senior citizens living on fixed incomes so small that they couldn’t consider

buying a computer

• Students without access to a computer at home because the family income is too limited who need computers for learning

• People struggling to survive in an economy with high unemployment

• School systems that cannot afford ENOUGH computers to meet the needs of all students

• People with disAbilities who often cannot afford all of the assistive technology that would make their lives better

• People in nursing homes whose transition to independent living could be aided with computers and mobile devices

Income is the most significant factor in access to

computers and the Internet.

4

Access to computers at home by age

5

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55 andover

Handheld computer,smartphone or otherwireless

Desktop/Laptop

U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Oct 2010

Key factors in access to computers: • Age:

• Lowest level of access was 65.8% in over 55, but access remained directly related to income level; affluent seniors had access levels comparable to other age groups

• Education: • 44.0% less than high school graduate

• 68.8% high school graduate or GED

• 83.2% some college

• 92.1% bachelor’s degree or higher

• Household Income: • 65.9% less than $50,000

• 92.9% $50,000-$99,999

6

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Why do computers matter?

The ‘digital divide’ refers

to the gap between

those who have access

to technology and those

who don’t. Computer

usage and access has a

major impact on

employment and

income.

Computer usage on the job

For more info . . .

National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d08/tables/dt08_432.asp

0 20 40 60 80 100

High school dropout

High school graduate

Some college

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate or professional

The percentage

of people who

use computers

increases by

education levels

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Computer usage on the job and Income levels

For more info . . .

National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d08/tables/dt08_432.asp

020406080

Percent , 75.0 People in higher

income jobs are

more likely to use

computers in their

work. The usage

levels increase with

income levels.

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Computers and people with disabilities: 2000

• People with a disability were only half as likely to have access to

the Internet as those without a disability: 21.6% compared to

42.1%. And while just under 25% of people without a disability

had never used a personal computer, close to 60% of people

with a disability fell into that category.

• Among people with a disability, those who had impaired vision

and problems with manual dexterity had even lower rates of

Internet access and were less likely to use a computer regularly

than people with hearing difficulties.

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Falling Through the Net: Towards Digital Inclusion

U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Oct. 2000

How reuse is helping to minimize the disparity

For over a decade, programs have focused on :

• Students who need access to computers and digital devices for education

• People with disAbilities who need computers and Internet access as a key to equal access and independent living

• Senior citizens, especially those with low incomes, who lack computer access for information and social interaction

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Who engages in the reuse of computers

and mobile devices?

• Some state AT Act Programs and their

partnering organizations

• Nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing

expanded computer access

• Centers for Independent Living that recognize

the need for digital tools for active participation in

learning, work, recreation and other activities of

daily living

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PASS IT ON CENTER

Take advantage of our free resources to

support AT Reuse

www.passitoncenter.org

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15

Use the Reuse

Locations

Database to

find a computer

program in

your area; over

100 programs

indicate this

service.

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT

REUSE PROGRAMS AND THEIR

PARTNERS

REUSE OF COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL DEVICES THROUGH

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AT Act Programs and reuse

In FY2011, the Tech Act programs reported reuse

of 38,611 devices valued at $17,330,533.

One category, computers and related devices,

accounted for 9,697 devices, or 24% of the total

number.

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Some examples of programs and partnerships:

• Tennessee Technology Act Program (TTAP) and Signal

Centers • Refurbishes donated desktop and laptop computers

• We’ll look at one success story.

• Assistive Technology of Ohio • Computer Refurbish Program since 2004

• Has distributed over 2,500 computers

• DC Shares, the Tech Act program for the District of

Columbia, partners with Capital PC Users Group, to

increase access to refurbished computers.

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Computers and AT have huge impact for the

education of people with disabilities

One success story:

Jill Shelton, diagnosed

with an adolescent form

of macular degeneration

(Stargardt’s disease) at

age 14, became a Signal

Centers customer and

has used digital

technology to enable her

journey to a doctoral

program in experimental

psychology. (See notes page.)

View her story and others at http://www.signalatcenter.org/stories/

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

REUSE OF COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL DEVICES BY

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Nonprofit Kramden

Institute assists

motivated students

in North Carolina

• Based in Durham, NC, Kramden was the outgrowth of a suggestion of a 13-year-old to his father that they refurbish computers for middle school honor-roll students who could not afford them.

• That was nine years and over 12,000 computers ago.

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Mark and Ned Dibner, 2003

Kramden depends on donated equipment,

financial contributions and volunteer time

• Refurbishing a

computer requires

about 4.5 hours.

• Volunteers provide

technical skills for

refurbishing.

• Kramden has

workspace for about 50

volunteers at a time.

Eligibility:

Be in grades 3-12

Not have a working

computer at home

Be nominated by an

educator who attests

that student is

academically motivated

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CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT

LIVING

REUSE OF COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL DEVICES BY

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In December 2012, Pass It On Center hosted

the first National Conference on Assistive

Technology Reuse and Centers for

Independent Living.

We heard exciting stories about reuse

from our CIL friends. This is just one.

Sometimes people have disabilities that prevent the use

of a computer without a significant number of

accessibility features. The Independent Living Resource

Center of San Francisco (ILRCSF) is exploring a

different access model. 25

Providing an Accessible Consumer Computer Workstation to Facilitate Transitions to Independence

A Program of

The Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF)

Funded by the California Communications Access Foundation (CCAF)

When ILRCSF applied for funding from the

California Communications Access Foundation, it

anticipated that 50 consumers would use the work

station in one year’s time. It’s clear that it will

easily surpass this estimate.

The Accessible Consumer Computer Work

Station can be whatever consumers want and

need it to be, to suit their needs.

Accessible Computer Workstation equipped with:

• Skype software, as well as a high-quality webcam. Skype can

be especially useful for consumers who are deaf because it

enables them to have conversations with friends, family and

colleagues.

• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader and a 27” Widescreen Monitor, for

people who have low vision.

• QualiEYE software and wireless headsets, a LightIO Touchless

Keyboard, a Vertical Mouse and an Orbitrack, for people who

have difficulty using a traditional keyboard and mouse.

• An IntelliKeys keyboard, which can be useful for people with

learning disAbilities, cerebral palsy, and other disAbilities.

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Consumers can use the workstation to:

• Write resumes

• Conduct employment and housing searches

• Do schoolwork

• Work on personal writing projects

• Research and purchase Assistive Technology

• Apply for benefits and other services online

• Correspond with legislators

• Communicate using Email, Facebook, Skype, and

other forms of social networking

The accessible workstation:

A tool for transition to independent living

Juan has quadriplegia, and, with ILRCSF’s support, is thinking about making the move from a nursing home to community living.

ILRCSF recently arranged for Juan to try using the Accessible Consumer Computer Workstation, which is fully equipped with peripherals specifically designed for users with minimal mobility.

Alicia Contreras of ILRCSF teaching Juan to use the Accessible Workstation.

Using a mouse

and keyboard he

controlled with

his mouth, Juan

was able to get

started on the

computer right

away.

The adjustable

computer desk

and widescreen,

high definition

monitor made it

easy for Juan to

get comfortable,

and get on his

way to starting a

Skype account.

The wheelchair and other

implements related to Juan’s

disability do not define him.

He has many interests. He is

curious. He’s social. He’s

determined to achieve

independence and get things

done.

Juan is still exploring, trying to

figure out which of many

adaptive devices is best for

him.

ILRCSF offers him resources

and options, including access

to a computer he can use.

Independence First, a Milwaukee-based CIL,

also participated in the conference

• IndependenceFirst distributes computers to people

with disAbilities who cannot afford to purchase

them, and has a long wait time because they need

more computers

• In addition to a refurbished computer, they provide

training in using the computer and the Internet to

assist people in using the computer to seek

information, develop skills and seek employment.

ISSUES FOR REUSING COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL DEVICES

In addition to the application of Indicators of Quality for

AT Reuse in general areas, a number of the Indicators

have specific implications for programs that refurbish

computers.

Then there are legal, financial, and operational issues.

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STARTING A COMPUTER AND MOBILE

DEVICE REUSE PROGRAM:

What works and why? • If you have a target group in need of computers, consider the

options for meeting that need: • Locate funding to purchase new computers for those customers (tough

assignment!)

• Contract with existing computer refurbishing programs to meet your program needs – if they have the capacity

• Or, establish a refurbishing program

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Starting Small

• Secure workspace for at least one technician

• Workbench with adequate power and lighting

• Specialized tools, software for data removal, and safety gear

• Technician, even if volunteer, with at least A+ certification

A start-up program needs staff and space for

program administration (which might be shared

with an existing reuse program), and:

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Planning considerations

• Establish program scope:

• Scope (age, geographic area, specific group, etc.)

• Eligibility requirements

• Computer specifications

• Staffing and training for application, distribution and recordkeeping (volunteers, contractors or employees, or usually a staff involving all of those roles)

• Tracking outcomes

• Planning for sustainability

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• Will an individual, a company or an existing

program donate consulting services or provide

them at a reasonable cost?

• Can you partner for resources (e.g., with a

technical school training program or a local

company)?

• Have you identified a source for used computers

– companies, organizations, schools, or

individuals?

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Identify resources to facilitate start-up:

Indicators of Quality for Digital Reuse

• Many general and several specific

Indicators of Quality for AT Reuse apply to

the refurbishing of computers and other

digital devices.

• The entire IQ-ATR and an Online Program

Assessment Tool are available at

www.passitoncenter.org/IQATRreuse

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IQ-ATR 3.4 – Device Tracking

The program uses an accurate and efficient method

to track the inventory of available devices. • Unique ID for every donated device

• Ability to determine availability by type

• Assignment of inventory value to each device

• Ability to identify devices subject to recall or warnings

• Ability to identify recipients of devices subject to recall or warning

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IQ-ATR 3.5 – Device valuation

The program has written procedures to

value donated devices for inventory and

reporting.

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Obtaining Equipment

What types of equipment are accepted?

What to do with equipment that can’t be used or does

not fit your purpose?

IQ-ATR 3.7 – Donated Equipment:

Acceptable Devices The program has written policies and procedures specifying types of

devices that will be accepted for donation. • Hardware specifications

• Performance specifications

• Capacity requirements

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IQ-ATR 3.9 - Evaluation of used devices

The program has written, device-specific

procedures for evaluating the repair and

refurbishing needs of donated equipment. • Does it meet the requirements specified for donated

devices?

• How much refurbishing is required?

• What is the cost to bring the device up to minimum specifications?

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Refurbishing a computer or digital device

• Sanitize to make safe for refurbishing and future use

• Remove stored data to comply with standard

• Restore or load legally licensed software only

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IQ-ATR 3.12 – Data removal

The program has policies and procedures to

remove stored data from computers. • Properly trained technicians are available to refurbish

computers.

• Proper software tools are used to remove data in a manner consistent with DOD standards.

• If volume warrants, equipment will be available to perform disk wiping on multiple devices simultaneously.

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IQ-ATR 3.13 – Software licensing

The program has written policies and procedures for

the loading of licensed software that: • Ensure compliance with current law

• Comply with the software publisher’s licensing agreements

• Track the purchase and assignment of licenses

• Reload programs only if the original software is provided with the computer

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3.17 End-of-life Recycling

The program has a written procedure that is legally compliant and

applied consistently for disposal of end-of-life and non-usable

equipment/AT.

• Key Factors for Consideration

The program has written policies and procedures for end-of-life

disposal and recycling and has identified and uses recyclers that

comply with environmental regulations.

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Evaluating for end-of-life disposal

• Broken beyond repair?

• Too expensive to repair?

• Unsafe to reassign?

• Does not meet acceptable specifications?

• Usable parts that can be removed for reuse?

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End-of-life disposal

• Consider breakdown into components: • Set aside usable parts to repair other devices

• Identify components that may have value for resale (specific metals such as aluminum or copper)

• Options for disposal (recycling) of unusable devices and parts • Waste systems operated by local government

• Commercial recyclers

• Some manufacturer programs

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Save useful components for spare parts

• Some devices that are

no longer useful can

be cannibalized for

spare parts.

• Those parts are stored

for use in refurbishing

other computers or

mobile devices. Parts storage at Tri-County Independent Living

Center

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Electronic devices and environmental issues

• Potential harm to human beings and the

environment can result from e-waste “leakage” or

breakdown of toxic substances into groundwater

or air

• Use of land

• Cost of landfill disposal

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The challenge of e-waste disposal

E-waste – a term for waste

comprised of devices with electronic

components

• Compliance with federal, state

and local laws designed to protect

the environment

• Affordable disposal depends on

location and availability of

responsible recyclers

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Financial issues: end-of-life

• Possible expenses: • Cost of storing useless devices or parts

• Possible fees for disposal of e-waste

• Transportation of waste to recycling facility

• Potential income or savings: • Recovery of spare parts for refurbishing other devices

• Sale of some metals to recyclers

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Storage

• Where will you store

the materials awaiting

disposal?

• How will you avoid

being overwhelmed

with e-waste?

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Resources

• For more information, see the Knowledge Base at

www.passitoncenter.org/content • Business Planning tools

• See Organization module, Business Plan Guide and other articles

• Refurbishing computers • See Program Operations/Refurbishing Computers

• E-Waste memo for legal guidance

• Presentations about E-waste and recycling

• How to Locate Reputable Recyclers (ATK)

• Other useful websites: • www.electronicsrecycling.org

• http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/wastewise/index.htm

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Reuse at a small Independent Living Center

• Tri-County Independent Living Center (ILC) in

Eureka, California • Serves three counties in a rural area

• Center’s program refurbishes 20-30 computers per year

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Donation guidelines:

Accepts desktop computers, mice, keyboards

• Not older than five years (3 to 4 preferably)

• Should be in decent working order

• Should be relatively free of clogged fans or intake vents

• Should have all the required components (power supply,

motherboard, processor, RAM, HD, optical drives).

No cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors

No printers

Disposal of E-waste at Tri-County:

• THE CHALLENGE:

Rural area with no local

e-waste facility

• THE SOLUTION:

Collect e-waste and hold

for the county’s annual

free e-waste collection

day. Rent a truck and

get in line.

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National and State Resources

• State Assistive Technology Act programs:

http://www.resnaprojects.org/scripts/contacts.pl?ga&&State

• National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)

http://www.ncil.org

• Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (April)

http://www.april-rural.org

• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability

http://www.ncwd-youth.info/topic/hjsht

• America’s Promise Alliance: http://www.americaspromise.org/

• Community Foundations: http://www.communityfoundations.net/

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Questions?

Thank you for attending this session

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• Handout link remains live for three months after the conference ends.

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Contact us

Carolyn Phillips Carolyn@passitoncenter.org

Liz Persaud Liz@passitoncenter.org

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DISCLAIMER

Pass It On Center is supported under cooperative agreement #H235V060016 awarded by the U.S. Department of

Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and is administered by Tools for Life, Georgia’s

Assistive Technology Act Program, a program of the Alternative Media Access Center of The Georgia Institute for

Technology (Georgia Tech.) However, the contents of this publication do not necessarily represent the policy or

opinions of the Department of Education or Georgia Tech, and the reader should not assume endorsements of this

document by the Federal government or Georgia Tech.