Ideas for Sustaining AT Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs

1. Ideas for Sustaining AT Device Demonstration and Device Loan Programs Assistive Technology for Kansans Sara Sack, Director Sheila Simmons, Coordinator February, 2007

2. Presentation Road Map • Demo – Loan funding history • Review guiding practices regarding equipment acquisition & securing funds • Other ideas

3. Children Ages 0 – 3 Years • Infant Toddler Services, Department of Health and Environment • 13 year history • $35,000 annually ($450,000+) • Provides equipment, shipping, maintenance • Equipment purchases are based on tracking unmet requests during the year • Equipment can be loaned to anyone but is prioritized for children ages 0 – 3 years

4. Children Ages 0 – 21 Years • Special Health Care Services, Department of Health & Environment • Periodic donations based on funding of SHS and the Special Bequest Foundation year • $5,000 - $7,000 annually ($35,000) • Provides shipping costs

5. Children Ages 3 – 21 Years • Kansas State Department of Education • One time “end of the year” support ($125,000) • Periodic financial support for demonstrations

6. Transition to Working Age Adults • Kansas Rehabilitation Services • Periodic support • $45,000 - $110,000 ($370,000) • Provides equipment, shipping, maintenance • Equipment purchases are based on tracking unmet requests during the year • Equipment can be loaned to anyone but is prioritized for transition age students and working age adults

7. Adults with Developmental Disabilities • Division of MR/DD/Substance Abuse • Periodic support • Provided state general funds that could be used for a federal match with other agencies • $70,000 - $120,000 ($350,000) • Provides equipment, shipping, maintenance • Equipment purchases are based on tracking unmet requests during the year • Equipment can be loaned to anyone but is prioritized for adults with DD and cognitive impairments

8. Kansans with Disabilities • Targeted Case Management, Kansas Medicaid • Ongoing support of AT services to Medicaid eligible Kansans • $120,000 SGF annually for past 9 years (used for federal administrative match drawdown) • Provides support of staff time for demonstrations and other AT services, including assessments (allows for hiring of additional staff)

9. Guiding Practices for Equipment Acquisition & Securing Funds • Clear vision of what you’re trying to do • Use your data to figure out where the gaps are • Match potential partners with your needs • Consider political environment, economic conditions, demographic changes, and related organizations • Select your partners carefully • Consider if the effort is worth the potential outcome • Don’t waste your time and resources, especially chasing small amounts with high staff and reporting demands • Develop and implement your plan • Include an educational component

10. Other Ideas • Sunflower Foundation, State Tobacco Funds • Victim Funds • National Foundations • Don’t forget corporate foundations in your state • Community Foundation Guides available in public libraries • 990’s repository

14. Questions?