SI07: The Trend of Reused AT for Sensory Disabilities

1. SI07: The Trend of Reused AT for Sensory Disabilities Carolyn Phillips, Director Pass It On Center and Sara Sack, University of Kansas November 3, 2011

2. A Closer look at AT Reuse Programs that serve: • Deaf • Disabilities related to Hearing • Deaf-Blind • Blind • Disabilities related to Vision

3. Trends to consider: • 5 years ago – • 5 Programs with primary focus on AT Reuse for Sensory Equipment • Now 16 Programs! • Increasingly integrated into AT Reuse Programs – 48 Programs • Types of equipment: • Hearing Aid • CCTVs • Smart Phones • GPS • Perkins Braillers • Braille Displays (FS)

4. AT Reuse takes several forms: • Exchange between seller or donor and buyer or recipient • Refurbishment of devices for minor repairs to restore original function • Reassignment to new users • Device loans for trial or to fill the gap while waiting for a new device • Recycling: breakdown for parts or end-of-life disposal • Remanufacturing: Please don’t!

5. State AT Act Programs Fiscal Year 2010 Reutilization Data April 2011

6. 2006 to 2010 Comparisons April 2011

7. Cost Savings April 2011

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10. Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/chicagohandouts

11. Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/chicagohandouts

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14. Kansas Reuse • Assistive Technology for Kansans tracks assistive technology devices for short-term loan and device demonstration using an online database. • ATK tracks the transactions of over 5,200 devices as they are borrowed by consumers and service providers across the state. • Based partially on ATK’s ability to track inventory, Kansas Medicaid and ATK agreed to collaborate on a durable medical equipment reuse program – donated equipment is refurbished and given to eligible Kansans.

15. Reuse of Low Vision Devices • Kansas Rehabilitation Services (VR) changed its service delivery system for individuals who are blind or have low vision in 2009. • KRS moved from a center-based intensive residential training model to a community-based training model. • KRS contacted ATK to discuss possible dissemination of vision-related assistive technology devices to • Kan SAIL consumers – ages 55 years and older with low vision • Income eligible Kansans who have low vision or are blind

16. Eligibility Criteria • Documentation of low vision or blindness from a qualified professional that is no more than six month old • Individual income of $55,000 or less • Priority given to adults, 18 years and older

17. Vision Inventory • Close circuit televisions – some new, some used • Portable video-magnifiers – some new, some used • Low vision aids for daily living for personal care, health management, financial management, cooking, recreation • Braille note-takers – used • Braille printers – used

18. Process • Individual called toll-free number to request a device that met barriers encountered due to vision loss • Income and vision eligibility documentation obtained • Devices were demonstrated then given to the individual • Device can be kept as long as it is needed • Individuals are encouraged to return devices that are no longer needed so they can be used by others

19. Inventory Management • Equipment was evaluated to verify all components were present, the device worked, and was in appropriate condition to be reutilized • Each device was bar-coded and entered into the ATK-KEE database • When a device is reassigned to a customer: • A customer record is entered in the database • A transaction is entered on the equipment record to link it to the customer • This process allows follow-up to see if the device is working and needed

20. Additional Services • ATK staff may provide additional services depending on the • Individual’s degree of vision loss, • Level of support/ isolation faced by the individual, • Type of assistive technology needed • Other unique factors for the individual

21. Services (1 of 2) • Assessment of individual’s needs at appropriate environment – AT Access Site, home, work, community setting • Person-centered: Individual explained what he wanted to be able to do • Usually at home or work to take into consideration environmental factors, lighting, glare, color contrast, organization/clutter, safety • Demonstration of devices that could meet the individual’s needs

22. Services (2 of 2) • Reutilization – individual receives a refurbished, sometimes new, device that meets their needs • Training – ATK staff show the individual and others (family member, personal attendant, co-workers) how to optimally use and maintain the device

23. KRS Supports • Provided the inventory for reutilization • Hosted events to introduce ATK staff to low vision specialists and other relevant service providers in the state • Provided a press release announcing the change in service delivery and who new service providers were

24. KRS Funding Support • Provided funds for • Limited refurbishing and replacement of devices as needed • Mileage reimbursement for device delivery • Limited salary and fringe reimbursement for ATK staff specializing in low vision • Low vision clinics hosted by ATK staff and low vision specialists • Provided service authorizations to support assessment and training for individuals who are Title I eligible • 22 high end devices were funded through other resources

25. Dissemination Data (July 2009 – September 2011) • 76 CCTVs • 36 video-magnifiers • 158 low vision aids for daily living • 5 braillers • 8 braille note-takers • Value $17,395 in year 1; $108,745 in year 2 • Total 283 devices valued at $126,140

26. Vision Services(July 2009 – September 2011) • 50 – Assessment • 40 – Device Loan • 173– Device Demonstration • 257 – Funded Devices • 58 – Information & Assistance • 51 – Training • 14 – Donated devices

27. Questions? • Contact • Sara Sack • ssack@ku.edu • 620-421-8367

28. Thank you for attending this session • CEUs – Session Code: XXX-YY • More Info at: www.atia.org/CEU • For ACVREP, AOTA and ASHA CEUs, hand in completed Attendance Forms to REGISTRATION DESK at the end of the conference. • For general CEUs, apply online with The AAC Institute: www.aacinstitute.org • Session Evaluation • Please help us improve the quality of our conference by completing your session evaluation form. • Completed evaluation forms should be submitted as you exit or to staff at the registration desk. • Handouts • Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/chicagohandouts • Handout link remains live for 3 months after the conference ends. Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/chicagohandouts