1. Best Practices: Operating an Effective AT Exchange Network Clayton Guffey, MSW, CRC, ATP, CEAC & Laura Plummer, MA, CRC, ATP

2. Wistech Device ReUse and Exchange Laura Plummer, MA, CRC, ATP Wistech Director

3. IF Mobility Store (ReUse) 1988 - volunteer based WRP – operated independently until 2012 Locations in Milwaukee and Madison Operates as a division within IF – an IL Center The mission of the Independence First Mobility Store program is to collect, refurbish, and redistribute used assistive technology.

4. Pop quiz!

5. 2013-2014 Data Device Type Device Number Estimated Current Value Cost to Consumer Savings to Consumers Mobility832$443,091$144,127$298,964 Daily Living1309$213,306$62,587$150,719 Total2141$656,397$206,714$449,683

6. Best Practices Two Locations Statewide regional collection and distribution options with IL Centers Pick ups available in SE/Central WI Partnership with Badger State Industries (DOC)

7. Example of regional reach for ReUse Q1 2013-2014

8. Lessons Learned Close connections with the ILCs Fiscal viability Comprehensive online database Green approach – marketing benefits Clear and concise web-based information for donors and consumers

9. Resources Page Wheelchair maintenance Consumer protection Wheelchair fitting questions/basics DME dealer list Funding resources

10. AT Exchange Donations at the local level IL Centers Free of charge Tracked Quarterly

11. 2013-2014 Data Device TypeDevice Number Estimated Current Value Cost to Consumer Savings to Consumers Vision5$2,304$0$2,304 Hearing19$2,027$0$2,027 Speech3$400$0$400 Mobility14$7,895$0$7,895 Daily Living54$5,679$0$5,679 Environmental6$90$0$90 Computers290$3,090$0$3,090 Total391$21,485$0$21,485

12. Best Practices Local TEPP Program – allows for turnover of telecommunications Use of outdated loan/demo devices Lessons Learned Reporting “buy in” Establishment of donation acceptance policy to reduce liability Had not been captured until 4-5 years ago

13. Arizona Assistive Technology Exchange (ATEX) - Background Established fall of 2006 Joint venture with other states using Agoranet for development & implementation I have been the sole manager since implementation Kept Agoranet as site manager/host Bring up our site to follow along if you would like URL: www.azatexchange.orgwww.azatexchange.org

15. Goals & Objective Show the evolution of the ATEX site Chart the substantive changes & updates for – – user experience – administrative tracking – Legal requirements Review some of our ongoing challenges & disincentives for Reuse we encounter Goals & plans for future

16. Updates for User Experience Home screen tab on steps to post an ad Home screen tab for helpful tips for writing ads: – guidelines for pricing – what to include in ad – & how to manage posting multiple items Best practice section for posters & acquirers outlining tips on: – device sanitization – using ATS or a Rehab Specialist for help – how to mange meeting/financial transaction for exchanging equipment Home screen tab for user comments/feedback

17. Updates for User Experience (cont.) Adding a photo icon next to the ad line for each ad with a photo Adding a description of what kinds of devices could be found in each equipment category on the home page Not requiring a user mailing address to register for an account The ability for users to get their username & password sent to them if they forgot/lost them Allow multiple amendments to an ad – take and keep the last one

18. Updates for Exchange/Data Tracking Ability to merge accounts for users with multiple profiles Verbiage in emails for therapist & CM users getting client equipment to answer follow-up questions from clients perspective Verbiage in user follow-up emails stressing the importance of collecting data – e.g. saw ad on ATEX & supports our federal funding, etc. Reducing time frames for inquirer and poster follow up – close to the event (90 days to 30) Enhancements for me to be better able to log and track multiple contacts to inquirers - date

19. Updates for Exchange/Data Tracking (cont.) Creating a dedicated follow up page in the administrator access screens Added the ability for administrator to access, edit and update and correct any past listings that have been removed for any reason Added verbiage to inquiry/contact page – only click if you are serious about contacting the poster & what will happen when they do Removing past inquiries when posters have renewed their ad – saves me phone calls/emails Added “No Response” as a outcome option on follow up

20. Legal & Policy Related Updates Developed a User disclaimer with a Pass It On Center suggested Reuse attorney Certifying the user states they are 18 or older Home screen tab where users can access information on Medical/DME device Recalls

21. Some Disincentives/Challenges to AT Exchange Reuse Use Users willingness to put time & effort to authoring complete descriptive ads – Elec W/C User’s/posters unfamiliarity with their equipment – not sure what they have Challenge of differentiating us for Craig's List User’ unrealistic value assessment of their equipment (needing to sell for emergency $)

22. Some Disincentives/Challenges to AT Exchange Reuse Use (cont.) Assisting and convincing AT vendors to see the value in Reuse activities Getting more potential recipients looking for equipment than posters Effectively working with and supporting user’s without computer access

23. Lessons Learned Need to have a single and dedicated staff member for management Need to work on tracking exchanges everyday – stay up on inquiries and work every lead Our focus has been on trying to make the site user friendly & work very well for what users need

24. Possible Future Goals & Objectives Allow for profit vendors to advertise used equipment for sale Coordinate with state Medicaid/Contract DME Suppliers to sticker equipment Find new & better ways to market to DME suppliers/retailers and therapists

25. Questions Laura E. Plummer, MA, CRC, ATP Wistech Director - Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute UW Stout - 715.232.3300 - plummerl@uwstout.eduplummerl@uwstout.edu Clayton Guffey, MSW, CRC, ATP, CEAC Assistive Technology Specialist – Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) - 602.776.4699 – Clayton.Guffey@nau.eduClayton.Guffey@nau.edu