Sustaining and Maintaining AT Demonstration & Loan Programs NATTAP, February 14, 2007 The Illinois Experience Willie Gunther, Executive Director Illinois Assistive Technology Program

Brief Overview of Illinois Programs Separate but integrated demonstration and loan programs within State AT Program Demonstration Program began in FFY 1993 & is both mobile and center-based Loan Program began in FFY 2001 Shared staff & devices between the two programs Fortunate to receive numerous one-time-only funds from a variety of sources

Potential Funding Opportunities Begin with State AT money – consider that devices can be used for many things e.g. trainings, loans, exhibits, demonstrations Obtain direct funding - one-time-only or otherwise - by demonstrating the importance of AT to state agencies and legislature: - give legislative receptions with AT featured – consider giving awards to supportive legislators and/or state agency administration - give testimony on bills - work with Governor’s Office on AT & IT issues, providing

Potential Funding Opportunities cont’d - technical assistance, training, linkage with needed experts - provide state agency and legislative staff technical assistance & training on AT & IT issues - assist legislators with AT-related constituent issues - be sure to give credit to funding entities Start small with contracts with state agencies where AT device purchases are included but are secondary to the contract purpose e.g. training, device evaluation Work with AT equipment manufacturers & vendors to obtain discounted devices or devices “free” on demonstration or long term “loan” basis

Potential Funding Opportunities cont’d Pursue government grant funding – be alert to grant postings Seek private philanthropic grant funding – usually only for one-time expenses, usually not operations funding e.g. Toys R Us, SBC/ATT Pursue anti-trust settlement funds or other special purpose funds through State Attorney General’s Office Remember to take advantage of lapse dollars in grants/contracts

Potential Funding Opportunities cont’d Work with telecommunication equipment programs and their telephone surcharge-funded operations – potential to merge with State AT Program Pursue direct state appropriation line item for ongoing operations Consider private donations from: - newsletter solicitation- mass mailings - happy customers- other fundraising activities - other seized opportunities e.g. serendipity conversations with millionaires or others who may want to make you the recipient of their generosity

Building in Program Efficiencies: Choice of Devices Devices are the single, largest cost of both demonstration and loan programs Concentrate on device areas not covered by other resources Begin with smaller number of areas and expand if funding permits Concentrate on devices most requested or most in need of trial before purchase

Building in Program Efficiencies: Choice of Devices cont’d Consider how quickly devices will be replaced by newer generation products, e.g. anything computer-based Decide if you can afford both low & high tech devices and/or whether customer needs are better met with more of one or fewer of the other

Building in Program Efficiencies: Operational Considerations Share devices among programs – CAUTION this can be a double edge sword Share staff where possible Share space where possible Repossession is an art form all its own: If you don’t repossess, say, “Bye, bye” to half your inventory! - learn the ins and outs of repossession or decide to write off lost products - if doing repossessions, budget for legal fees & “repo” companies

Building in Program Efficiencies: Operational Considerations cont’d Property insurance is a major cost to be considered: - ensure inventory is updated at all times to avoid overcharged property insurance - ensure products are inventoried immediately when first received so they are documented & insured in case of theft or other loss - remove outdated AT from inventory in either program to keep insurance costs down

Building in Program Efficiencies: Operational Considerations cont’d Packing & shipping is another major cost - consider: - decide which products can be shipped and which must be picked up, e.g. CCTVs and other large products - can you afford to ship one way or both ways - can you afford to insure products while shipping - don’t be penny wise & pound foolish on packing materials as they protect products from damage - cost compare shippers, boxes, packing materials, tape, etc., based on expected volume

Collaborating & Partnering with Other Entities Work with other agencies to avoid duplication of services & maximize available resources Share ideas with other agencies which may translate into funding opportunities Evaluate pros and cons of any collaboration: how will it affect my targeted population, program cost, staff time, etc.

Lessons Learned Start off small/ limit AT areas Establish “real” operating budget & modify based on money obtained Understand repossessions Install alert systems on doors/cameras Do not let SMAs lapse Insurance – understand what’s covered & when

Lessons Learned cont’d Insurance - remember costs increase with increased inventory Staff needs/demo and loan coverage/cross training Feature customers more – photos & successes or thank you notes Outreach immediately to manufacturers/vendors Request appropriation line item instead of one-time-only funds