Delaware’s AT Exchange Beth Mineo Mollica, Ph.D. Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative University of Delaware

What am I going to do with that used device? I sure do need a new device… AT Exchang e

Just the Facts… No cost to use service Created for Delawareans, but amenable to regional listings All equipment types except things that pose a safety/hygiene threat

Original Motivation Provide a vehicle for the exchange of equipment Broker rather than middleman Limitations on staff time Liability Storage constraints Newsletter carried information

Limitations Quarterly update of list In interim, reliant on staff to recognize potential “matches” Difficulty tracking outcome information

The Next Iteration Web-enabled More direct (and 24/7) access for posters Submissions screened by staff Navigation by equipment categories Enables exchange between parties

Associated Costs AT Act State Program Funds Staff time – review submissions and track outcomes (<5% FTE) Staff time – website design and development (significant!) Newsletter costs ( ≈ $4,000/yr) Real Choice Systems Change Grant Website development (≈$60,000)

Challenges Privacy issues Some personal information accessible Trade-off: privacy vs. outcome data

Focus on Beneficiary Info about equipment exchanged no longer sufficient Now need: Info about transaction Identity of recipient Means to contact recipient Location information (rural/non-rural) Response from recipient about cost, motivation for using exchange, and intended use for equipment

Challenges Privacy issues Some personal information accessible Trade-off: privacy vs. outcome data Marketing Not everyone is honest Bogus identities Equipment ownership issues

Our Responses Privacy issues Data will only be shared with registered users addresses never revealed by us User anonymity to be sacrificed for access to data Marketing Go where potential users are Raise awareness among “gatekeepers”

Our Responses Honesty issues Internal mechanisms to trap for bogus IDs Considering extension of continuum to include recycling Changes to website More identifying information captured Addition of features such as pictures More efficient system administration Ability to specify eligibility per device

Benefits Fiscally and environmentally sound Opportunity to “pass it on” Additional access alternative Some amazing bargains! Heightened awareness of some troubling realities, paving the way for establishment of a recycling program

Benefits Evidence for the power of COOPERATION and COLLABORATION Avoid unnecessary duplication Significant cost savings Substantial return on federal investment

Advice… Clarify your objectives, customer base, and scope. Consider whether multiple interests can be served by a single system. Don’t reinvent if you don’t have to! Extend existing networks or build on existing strategies.

Advice… Automate operations whenever possible for efficiency. Keep listings current. Design universally - don’t disenfranchise those without web access…