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

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

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)

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

to 2010 Comparisons

7 April 2011 Cost Savings ExchangeRefurbish/ Reassign Open-Ended Loan TOTAL $2,826,996$13,355,432$1,795,618 $17,978,046

8 Handouts are available at:

9

10 Handouts are available at:

11 Handouts are available at:

12 Handouts are available at:

13 Handouts are available at:

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.

Reuse of Low Vision Devices Kansas Rehabilitation Services (VR) changed its service delivery system for individuals who are blind or have low vision in 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions? Contact Sara Sack

Thank you for attending this session 28 CEUs – Session Code: XXX-YY More Info at: 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: 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: Handout link remains live for 3 months after the conference ends. Handouts are available at: