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

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

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

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

 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? Session topics include:

 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 Why Virginia Chose to Establish a Statewide AT Reuse Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Challenges & Creative Solutions 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

Challenges & Creative Solutions 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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