Pass it On

1. Pass it On National Conference On Reuse of Assistive Technology May 9, 2006 Atlanta, Georgia

2. ESTABLISHING AT REUSE NETWORKS Ken Knorr, Director Virginia Assistive Technology System

3. Virginia’s Approach to Creating a Statewide AT Reuse Network.

4. Session Goal To assist grass root organizations & agencies understand the advantages of & strategies for establishing a Statewide network of community recycling efforts

5. Session topics include: • Why Virginia established a recycling network ? • What is the Process used ? • Who are the Partners & their roles ? • What Challenges are faced ? • What Creative solutions have been identified ? • What are the Benefits ? • Advice?

6. Why Virginia Chose to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Network • Interest and support from Administration • Abandonment increasing while consumer needs are unmet. • Stretches limited state and federal resources • Opportunity to extend existing recycling programs to other areas • Positive impact on people with limited resources • Most efficient approach

7. The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Network • Identify stakeholders in local community • Provide a forum for communication among the stakeholders

8. The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Network • Statewide Collaborative Forums • Hosted by SHHR • Purpose - encourage localities to establish reuse programs • Representatives from medical, business, and disability communities • Creating partnerships with existing successful recycling programs to provide effective approaches for consideration

9. The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Network • Present model recycling initiatives for consideration • Establish planning teams • Assess communities level of interest and commitment • Determine if additional players are needed • Identify all recycling initiatives in communities for inclusion in network

10. The Process to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Network • Assist planning teams to identify challenges and find solutions • Help communities secure resources to support the program • Provide mechanism for network partners to share equipment

11. CILs DSA DSBs VDA AAAs CSBs Case managers Advisory Councils MS Society Easter Seals United Way I&R SRC Churches Civic Organizations ESOs Strategies for Identifying Potential Network Partners Contact disability-related agencies & organizations:

12. Strategies for Identifying Potential Network Partners Consumer Advocacy Organizations Disability-related agencies Newsletters Presentations to civic clubs Articles in local newspapers

13. Partners and Their Roles VATS • Identify all network partners • Catalyst for expanding the network of recycling • Provide tools for networking – i.e., web-based databases • Identify resources to implement and sustain reuse initiatives • Technical assistance to support these efforts

14. Partners and Their Roles Established Reuse Programs • Provide reused equipment to consumers • Identify all network partners • Coordinate services including transportation, refurbishment and AT assessments • Replicate model programs in other communities • Technical assistance to recycling teams

15. Partners and Their Roles Community Reuse Teams Role • Identify key community stakeholders • Determine community interest • Develop reuse implementation plan • Identify resources for implementation

16. Partners and Their Roles Network Partners Role • Provide information on population served, eligibility criteria, and inventory • Share AT among network partners • Provide basic data on acquisitions and uses of equipment

17. Partners and Their Roles Civic Clubs and Missions Organizations Role • Identify community players • Ship surplus equipment to developing nations • Fund raising

18. Overall solution is communications and info sharing among all the Tech Act Programs.Challenges & Creative Solutions State AT Programs: Best source of creative solutions. Selflessly share ideas, solutions & resources

19. Overall solution is communications and info sharing among all the Tech Act Programs.Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Finding a champion Solution: FREE’s approach Community recycling teams Community leaders

20. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Collection & distribution of equipment Solution: AT users Goodwill Lawn care service Local vendors Goodwill

21. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Lack of storage space Solution: Goodwill Recycling team members Churches Hospitals

22. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Lack of staff expertise for assessments Solution: Rehabilitation centers (protocols) Hospitals Vendors

23. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Control types of AT received Solution: Advertise need for high end AT only Post restrictions at collection points

24. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: What to do with surplus equipment Solution: Send to developing nations Rotary Club Missions organizations

25. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Finding start-up funds Solution: State AT Programs Community leaders Foundations Grants Agencies

26. Challenges & Creative Solutions Challenge: Sustaining programs Solution: Consumer Advocacy VATS Advisory Council - legislative agenda Other disability-related councils Partners Governor’s budget

27. Benefits • Stretches limited state and federal resources • Encourages sharing of AT among network partners • Reduces abandonment of AT purchased by state • Allows people stay at home safer and longer • Encourages public/private partnerships • Provides communities a way to give to others • Responds to the AT needs of persons with limited to no resources

28. Virginia’s Approach to Creating a Statewide AT Reuse Network. Thank You