VT AT Reuse A Marketing Collaboration September 16, 2009 Sharon Alderman VT Assistive Technology Program VT AT Reuse Coordinator

Collaborations New England Exchange CT, ME, NH, MA, RI

AT Reuse History From an idea born at the 2006 AT Reuse Conference Vermont officially began using in February 2007 with limited MIG funding. Hired a coordinator in late October Coordinator focus: development & marketing of: –Community exchange & networkingwww.getATstuff.com –School exchange, Vermont.ATschoolswap.com Vermont.ATschoolswap.com –VT Medicaid to reuse/recycle AT-DME

Marketing Beginnings Finding our Target Audience With a good team of people: –AT Act Program administration, staff and consumers –Supporting organizations i.e. Vermont Family Network, Voc RehabVermont, VNA – Home Health and Hospice –Student interns, volunteers! Brainstormed target audience –Created a materials dissemination (list) –Acquired lists from other partnering organizations –State Licensing Boards on VT Secretary of State’s web-site

Target Audience Higher Ed disability coordinators VCIL - Centers for Independent Living VPIC/ P2P, Now = Vermont Family Network Faith Groups OTs, PTs, SLPs Higher Ed Disability Coordinators TRIPSCY – University of Vermont Libraries – Higher Ed and Public Libraries VNA Home Health and Hospice ALS FAHC (hospital rehab center) Disability Orgs. - Heart, Lung, Brain Injury Associations VT Council Disability Rights Green Mountain Self Advocates VT-EDP VCDHH, DD Council SILC State Independent Living Council ReCycle North; VBMX; Solid Waste Districts Vendors & Manufac. – DME, Auto Dealers, etc AHS Field Service Directors Communications Task Force Autism Groups Hospitals, SNFs Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Retirement Communities Area Agencies on Aging, EEE's –edu. VT Assoc. Business, Industry and Rehab, Department Of Labor DOH, Children with Special Health Needs Disabled Sports orgs., Special Olympics State Surplus: VA Hospitals NDAA: VASS: VT Adaptive Ski & Sport 2-1-1, United Ways Fraternal Organizations - Moose, Elks, Eagles, Masons (Warm Hands Warm Hearts), Shriners Rotary International Social Workers Vets orgs. – Am Legion, VFW Paralyzed Vets Assoc., Guard & Reserve Funeral Homes – new idea from out west Find Your Target Audience – Vermont’s Brainstorm Mailing List

What It Takes…. Brainstormed initial strategies –create and produce materials –request inclusion on organization-vendor web-sites, newsletters, conference brochures Communication is Key!

It Takes a Village... AT ACT Program support for dissemination & mailings –Administrative Julie Tucker, VT Assistive Technology Program Director –Administrative assistant –Student intern Network, Collaborate and C.A.S.E. Materials Dissemination: –Indicia for non-profit status mailing –Postal Service requirements - Notice 123 Communication is Key!

Takes a Village...for Marketing Success Bulk mailings to target audiences – introductory letter & offer of materials Follow up mailings with personal contact Nation wide Toll Free number on materials Respond quickly to requests for presentations, interviews and assistance-focus on consumer! Communication is key!

Examples of Marketing in the AT Reuse Community Vermont AT- DME Reuse Program 2”x3” Sticky Pads With website and Toll free number: extra pads for briefcase !!!

Examples of Marketing in the AT Reuse Community Vermont AT-DME Reuse Program Basic postcard courtesy of Maine Cite

Examples of Marketing in the AT Reuse Community Vermont AT - DME Reuse Program Created for brochure for Regional Conference

AT School Swap created for Vermont Schools

Examples of Marketing in the AT Reuse Community Letters of introduction can be used for or snail mail

Brainstorming for Sustainability How do we keep up – maintain initial efforts?

We are happy to share materials Thank you for joining us! Sharon Alderman VT AT Reuse Project Coordinator Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living 103 South Main Street - Weeks 113 Waterbury, VT Phone: Toll free: TTY: Fax: or Julie Tucker VT Assistive Technology Program Director Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living 103 South Main Street Waterbury, VT Phone: Toll Free: TTY: Fax: Printing of this material supported by the VT Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (11-P /04) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in collaboration with the Vermont Assistive Technology Program and Vermont Family Network.