Getting to Know the ATXChange

1. Getting to Know the ATXChange Aimee Sterk, MSW Michigan Disability Rights Coalition aimee@prosynergy.org (616) 797-9769

2. A note about our webinar • It works better if you shut down all other windows that are open on your computer • Please use the chat function on the right hand side if you have a question or comment • Questions and comments are encouraged and expected!

3. A free way for people with disabilities to locate used Assistive Technology and buy, sell, or give it away online. People can also post an item that they are looking to buy. ATXchange is basically a craigslist for Michigan AT. www.atxchange.org What is the ATXchange?

4. What am I going to do with that used device? AT Xchange I sure do need a new device…

5. Have you used ATXchange? • How did you hear about it? • What has been your experience?

6. Michigan’s State Plan for Assistive Technology under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 Administered in the Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Department of Education Funding for the ATXchange

7. Proving our success • Original prices of the items vs. sales price will help to demonstrate savings through the program • We tried to streamline this process and make it as user-friendly as possible • Please bear with us and help us collect data whenever possible so we can show how useful this program is!

8. We will be contacting buyers and sellers to: • Confirm sales • Evaluate satisfaction • Identify the purpose of the AT (education, community living, employment) • Determine the reason people chose to use the ATXchange (only way to afford the AT, only place AT was available, or regular channels were too complex/lengthy)

9. ATXchange Works! • Last quarter (April, May & June 2010) • 7 devices were exchanged • There were 1,462 hits on the site • 107 people contacted sellers through the site • 91 new users signed up • The devices that were exchanged saved Michigan community members with disabilities $10,000!

10. Features of ATXchange • Can browse anonymously…must log in to get full contact information • Navigation by equipment categories • Printable search results • Enables email exchange between parties without revealing email addresses

11. Features, continued • Enables upload of pictures • Highlights new listings • Auto-notification of listings • Ability to bookmark listings

12. Accessibility • Michigan is using the same program for the ATXchange as 18 other states • The developers have assured accessibility to screen reading and other assistive software • Please contact us if you have any problems or questions!

13. Using the ATXchange

14. Searching for Items • Create an account & log in • Use your own account if you are browsing for yourself • Assist people to create their own account • You may want to have a standard way of creating accounts with the same password for all • Use the persons first initial and last name (lowercase) as the id and a password of atx • Search parameters – type of AT, geography, & cost • If an item you want is not on the site, post it as an “item needed”

16. Posting Items • Do not post an item for someone under your own id and password. Create an account for each person. • Check out the “items needed” section to see if someone is looking for what you have • Read & accept the disclaimer and terms and create an account • Keep track of your id and password! • Check out the FAQs

18. Posting Items • We need the address and contact information for people posting the items for tracking purposes and for buyers to get in contact with sellers. • Select how buyers should contact you • Email—not listed on the site, but through a form with registered buyers • Phone—listed on the site for registered users. • Select how ATXchange should contact you if we have any questions or to follow-up and check on item sales

19. Posting Items • Create the most obvious title possible for your item. • Give a good description! • Condition, color, shape, size, etc • Decide on price. • MSRP helps us with the federal data requirements.

20. Posting Items • Decide on how widely available you wish to make an item (throughout the state, local area, just to consumers in the agency you are affiliated with) Decide on contact information (default, or specific to item) • Submit description • Add picture and edit • Photos must be of type gif, jpg or png and must be less than 2000 KB in size. Photos will be automatically resized. • Confirm submission and await final approval of your item

21. Safe Online Transactions—when you find an item or sell your item • Options for Payment • Check or Money Order • Credit Card • Online Payment Service • Cash is not recommended unless paying in person • Always get a receipt

22. Is this the right device for you? • Things to consider when buying: • What is the condition of the item? • Pictures • Contacting the seller for more information • How far away is the item located? • What will the shipping costs be?

23. Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund • Low-interest loan program for people with disabilities, seniors, and their family members • Use your loan to buy AT • You may borrow up to $30,000, flexible loan terms • Make monthly loan payments back to the credit union • Visit www.michiganloanfunds.org or call 1.800.828.2714

24. Want to learn more about AT? • Information on the vast variety of AT available • www.abledata.com • http://assistivetech.net • To read more about Michigan’s AT Program and the Tech Act • www.copower.org