Volume 15, No. 1, Winter 2007	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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AT Reuse Gets Huge Boost with New Federal Funding

The DATI has received a three-year, $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration to improve access to assistive devices by Delawareans with disabilities. DATI and its 19 partner organizations will use the grant to make reutilization of AT an efficient, cost-effective, and safe alternative for Delawareans who have disabilities and who are in need of such devices but cannot afford them.

The project was kicked off at a retreat in early January. The two-day event began with a press conference on January 4, at which representatives from the University of Delaware and the federal funding agency announced the grant and discussed its importance. "In supporting innovative efforts to provide for the reuse of assistive technology devices, this new grant provides a very interesting twist on the notion of recycling,” said Dr. David Roselle, UD President. "It is a way to be both fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly, in addition to meeting the needs of Delawareans. It's a win-win-win situation."

Jeremy Buzzell, Program Specialist with the Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, said that promotion of the reuse of assistive technology is a priority for the federal agency. He said the administration considers the grant "an investment" because the work accomplished in Delaware will serve as a model to help other states improve their efforts.

Beth Mineo, DATI Director, noted that a large number of Delawareans have unused AT in basements, closets, attics, and garages. "There are so many people who need AT, yet cannot access it through state agencies or insurance," says Mineo Mollica, "that the notion of AT reuse just makes good sense." The new grant will help the state to build on its existing capacity relative to recycling and reuse of AT to create a coordinated, streamlined system for connecting individuals in need of such devices with sources in the community.

Some state agencies have already made a commitment to reuse AT, although the programs are limited by a variety of constraints. For example, the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America has operated an equipment recycling program for many years. The DATI operates the AT Exchange, a "want ads" system that enables individuals to buy, sell, or give away used devices. The Milton Lions Club maintains a warehouse of hospital beds, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. The Delaware Solid Waste Authority operates numerous recycling initiatives, including those targeting consumer electronics, and partners in this pursuit with the Opportunity Center, Inc., which employs people with disabilities in its computer recycling activities. The goal of the new Delaware Recycles and Reuses Assistive Technology project is the formation of a coordinated equipment reutilization network.

After the conclusion of the press conference, the work began in earnest as representatives of the partner agencies—known collectively as the Stakeholder Consortium—set about devising a plan for Delaware's reuse effort. Members of the consortium include: AARP, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Avenue Medical, Chesapeake Rehab Equipment, the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the DATI, the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, the Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired, the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance, the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Delaware Solid Waste Authority, the Disabilities Law Program, Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, the Hearing Loss Association of Delaware, the Milton Lions Club, the Opportunity Center, and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities.

In his presentation to the group, Jeremy Buzzell emphasized that the country still has a lot to learn about what constitutes "best practice" when it comes to AT reuse, and Delaware's efforts, combined with those of the 11 other programs funded at the same time, will help guide future initiatives. A spirited presentation from Carolyn Phillips described Georgia's ReBoot program, which refurbishes used AT, including computers, and makes them available to others at reasonable cost. Consortium members got a great glimpse of "what's possible" from Carolyn's presentation.

On the retreat's second day, participants engaged in a series of large-group and small-group activities designed to identify the opportunities and challenges that the project faces. They conclthat issues such as equipment ownership, storage, transportation, and quality of needed professional services warrant much more stuand discussion. Members also discussed the importance of outreach and marketing to ensure that all who can benefit from the program know of its existence. The group will meet monthly to learn from othreuse programs around the country and to define and build the structure of Delaware's reuse network. The February meeting featured Dr. Sara Sack, founder of the Kansas Equipment ReuProgram that is operated in partnership with Kansas Medicaid.

If you know of others who should be involved in the project, or you have used equipment that you would like to donate to a reuse effort please contact Beth Mineo at the DATI Central Site. DATI will provide frequent updates on the progress of this project in future issues of The AT Messenger.