AAC & Reuse
ATIA Reuse Mini-Strand

---

Agenda

• Welcome & Introductions – Carolyn Phillips

  • ATIA Mini-Strand

  • Define and Explore AAC Reuse

  • Conversation – not debate

  • What, When, Where, Who & How

• One Model for AAC Reuse – Steve Parker

• Additional Points to Consider & Tips for Successful AAC Reuse –

  • Debby McBride, AAC TechConnect,

  • Judith Meyer, PRC and

  • Carson Cochran, DynaVox

• Continuing the Conversation - Questions and Answers

---

---

“We’re talking about the gift of communication! Who can put a price tag on what should be an unalienable right – the ability to communicate with a parent, a friend, a school teacher, a doctor?”
~ Joe Swenson, former CEO of DynaVox

---

“Technology gives me hope & I need a lot of Hope!"
~ Ernestine

---

Defining Models of Reutilization

The Pass It On Center & National Taskforce understands there to be five primary reutilization activities.

• Device exchange - in which organizations facilitate the transfer of a device from a consumer who does not need the device to a consumer who could use the device without the organization taking possession of the device at any time.

---

---

Defining Models of Reutilization

• Device reassignment in which an organization accepts devices from donors and stores them until they can be given or sold to new owners.

• Device refurbishment in which an organization takes the additional step of repairing or restoring used devices to original manufacturer specifications before giving or selling the device to a new owner.

---

Defining Models of Reutilization

• Device remanufacturing in which an organization alters or enhances devices before giving or selling the device to a new owner.

• Device recycling in which an organization accepts devices from donors and breaks the devices down into component pieces for recycling and disposal.

---

What is Your AAC Reuse Plan?

• What does your community need?

• What equipment do you have?

• What type of AAC devices would you like to reuse?

• What vendor/manufacturer relationships do you have/need?

• What SLP & AT relationships do you have/need?

---

What is Your AAC Reuse Plan?

• Who evaluates the needs of your program participants?

• What is the training plan for your program participants?

• What is the technical assistance plan?

• Who is going to repair the device?

• What AAC should you Reuse and when do you recycle?

---

Think: Collaboration

Consider Partnering: Work closely with local vendors – vendors can be a great asset both in identifying appropriate devices, connecting you with licensed practitioners, tracking recalls and reporting device incidents.

• Licensed Practitioner Assistance: Establish relationships with licensed practitioners for matching, training and follow-up.

---

Tips for Successful AAC Reuse

• Restore Devices to Manufacturer Specifications: Reutilization programs that refurbish devices should ensure that the device functions the way the manufacturer intended.

  • Refurbishers may not modify devices to different safety or performance specifications.

  • If the device was not meant to be used for a purpose as originally designed and marketed by the manufacturer, it may not be modified for that purpose by a refurbisher.

---

Tips for Successful AAC Reuse

• Use Qualified Technicians:

  • If the manufacturer’s specifications indicate that a repair or an adjustment must be done by a qualified technician, unless the specifications indicate the technician must have a specific certification, a qualified technician is taken to mean someone with experience refurbishing that type of device.

  • Unless specified otherwise, a qualified technician is a person who can be trusted to safely service or repair the device.

---

Tips for Successful AAC Reuse

• Appropriately Match & Inform & Train Consumers: Matching & training on the device may also help the consumer to safely operate the device and obtain the greatest benefit from the device.

  • Consumers should be aware that the device they are being given or sold was previously used.

---

Tips for Successful AAC Reuse

• Talk with Your Vendors

• “DNR” - List

---

Starting an AT Re-Use Program

• Review patient base/Characteristics

• Software – The “band aid” approach

• Plan for Device setup, training & Follow-up

• Maintain strict eligibility rules

• Inventory and Audit controls

• Emergency purchase/repair budget

---

Knowing Your Patient

• Disease stage and Denial

• Low tech vs. High tech

• Patient initiative / Expertise

• Family buy in and support

---

Utilizing ALL Your Resources

• Don’t GIVE everything away

• The Vendor relationship

• Patient education and the SLP

• Utilizing MDA & other grants

• Personal & Corporate donations

---

Adapting as your Program grows

• Device maintenance

• Volunteers and Follow-up

• New areas of Service

• Reclaiming devices

---

LOANER CLOSET INVENTORY

• DO - Expand your program to meet multiple patient needs as it grows

• DON’T - Don’t over extend resources or expertise to meet demands

---

ALS Association of GA.
A Mature AT Loaner Closet

Some examples and ideas related to inventory

---

SPEECH DEVICES

---

COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE

---

Computer Access / Limited Mobility

Communication

---

For Your Time & Interest!