Welcome!
Focus Group at ATIA

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Agenda

• Introduction – Carolyn Phillips

• Defining AT Reuse

• AT Reuse Data Overview – Jeremy Buzzell, RSA

• The Pass It On Center – Carolyn Phillips

• Exploring the National Taskforce – Joy Kniskern

• Exploring Liability Issues – Jessica Brodey

• Brief Tour of the passitoncenter.org

• Quick Look at 2008 Technical Assistance Activities – Tom Patterson

• We Need Your Help!

• Questions and Answers

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Defining AT Reuse

• Exchange

• Reassign/Redistribute

• Refurbish

• Remanufacture

• Recycle

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Defining AT Reuse

• Exchange: Connects users to directly exchange AT, similar to eBay or classified ads.

• Reassign/Redistribute: Accepts AT for sanitization, identifies appropriate users, and matches to new consumer.

• Refurbish: Similar to reassignment, but in addition the program restores AT to its original configuration, which may include repairing and replacing parts.

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Defining AT Reuse

• Remanufacture: Similar to refurbishing, but strips and builds AT to new configuration.

• Recycle: End-of-life breakdown of AT for disposal and/or reuse in refurbishing and remanufacturing.

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Overview of the
Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Initiative on Assistive Technology Reuse

• Jeremy Buzzell, Program Specialist, RSA
  

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Data on Reuse

• A NATTAP survey conducted last year found:

  • 154 AT reuse programs nationally

  • 60 refurbish AT (49 of these reuse mobility, seating and positioning devices)

  • 45 reassign AT (39 of these reuse mobility, seating and positioning devices)

  • 26 operate an AT Exchange program

  • 11 operate all three type of AT reuse programs

  • Need more info about the remaining 12

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Data on Reuse (cont’d.)

• The ATAP Voluntary Data collection found:

  • 24 states reported reuse of 5,602 devices from Oct. 1, 2005 to Sept. 30, 2006

  • 678 devices were exchanged

  • 4,482 devices were reassigned

  • 442 devices on long-term loan

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Data on Reuse (cont’d.)

• The majority of devices were:

  • seating, positioning and wheeled mobility equipment

  • daily living equipment

  • computer and related computer access equipment

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Data on Reuse (cont’d.)

• 4,765 consumers received used devices (meaning many people received more than one device).

• These consumers saved $5,014,921 (cost savings is estimated by subtracting cost of used device from the MSRP if purchased new).

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Goal of Reuse Initiative

• To increase the availability of assistive technology (AT) through promoting and supporting the appropriate, effective reuse of AT devices at the state and local level.

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What Is ‘Appropriate’ Reuse?

• Appropriate reuse:

  • Is safe for and meets the needs of consumers & reusers

  • Results in positive outcomes for consumers

  • Is environmentally friendly

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What Is ‘Effective’ Reuse?

• Effective reuse:

• Produces cost savings or is cost neutral

• Is sustainable

• Has a positive or neutral effect on the AT field

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The Pass It On Center is Actively -

• • Providing Technical Assistance about AT Reuse

  • Identifying and Educating about Successful Practices & Quality Indicators

  • Establishing and Coordinating a National Collaborative

- including a coordinated plan to respond to natural disasters

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National Task Force
for AT Reuse

• Purpose: Identify and create solutions for national issues affecting AT Reuse.

• Participants:

  • Association of Assistive Technology Programs (ATAP)

  • Assistive Technology Industries Association (ATIA)

  • Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA)

  • National AT Technical Assistance Project (NATTAP)

  • Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)

  • Sunrise Medical - Rita Hostak

  • State AT Programs – Beth Mineo–Mollica, Sara Sack & Julie Nesbit

  • National Leaders in AT Reuse – Lee Learson, Bruce Stovall & Chris Brand

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AT Reuse Liability Checklist - Overall

Organizational Structure

• Legal Entity with Proper Licenses to Operate

  • Church Group

  • “Mom & Pop”

  • All-volunteer

  • Employee based

  • Hybrid

• Investigation of Legal Liability for Activities Organizational Structure

• Employees – Written Employee Handbook

• Volunteers – Volunteer Forms, Written Handbook

• Advisory Committee – Organizational Documents Specifying Role/Function

• Board – Corporate Documents Specifying Role/Function

• Directors & Officers Liability Insurance

• “Key Person” Insurance

• Liability Coverage/Insurance for Employees

• Volunteer Liability Coverage/Insurance

• Liability for Driving/Picking Up/Insurance

• Written Policies/Procedures for Services to be Provided, and Standard Operating Procedures for providing services (what, who, how)

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AT Reuse Liability Checklist - Overall

Intake of Clients

• Written Policies and Procedures for Client Intake by Phone (Screening)

• Written Policies and Procedures for Client Intake in Person

• Written Eligibility Guidelines for Service (and requirements for types of services provided)

• Written Referral Policies and Procedures (and current lists/Resources)

• Written Policies and Procedures for Keeping/Storing Client Information

• Privacy Policy for Data Collection/Use of Information – Share with Clients (Intake Forms/Contract for Services)

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AT Reuse Liability Checklist - Overall

Volunteers

• Written Training Manual

• Clear Written Standards for Activities Volunteers May Perform

• Clear Written Standards for Activities Volunteers Must NEVER Perform

• Volunteer Management System

• Hard to find insurance for all volunteer programs.

• Workers Comp. won’t cover volunteers

• Need record checks

• Church groups – how is their liability coverage

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AT Reuse Liability Checklist - Overall

Services

• If evaluate individuals, proper qualifications?

• Written policies and procedures for when evaluate internally, when refer to outside professionals.

• Written policies and procedures if you evaluate/recommend equipment

  • Consider including a referral policy that lets vendors/consumers know that other products exist

  • May want include a waiver

  • Recommendations imply an increased level of involvement (Are you just an exchange program, or do you do more?)

• Insurance for transportation? Drivers?

  • Driving organization’s vehicle or driving their own?

  • Driving on business time?

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• Web Sites

• Written Policies and Procedures posted (and accepted by members) outlining permissible uses of the exchange web site

• If money exchanges are handled through web site, security measures in place to protect against fraud and theft

• Best practices/tips for consumers to help them navigate the process, ensure they are acquiring good equipment

• Ensure that:

  • Seller owns the equipment he/she is selling/donating

  • May want to ask if equipment purchased with VR funds

• Privacy Policy that addresses use of information, and registration for use of online exchange

  • Add notice that program will report abuse

  • Include agreement checkbox

• Verify insurance policies cover these activities, or set aside money for claims.

AT Reuse Liability Checklist –
Exchange Programs

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AT Reuse Liability Checklist –
Exchange Programs

• Disclaimers for each online exchange (if completed via web site) releasing organization from any liability (effectiveness may vary depending on State laws)

  • “Buyer beware” warranty language before transactions completed

  • Include waiver check box

  • Rating system for frequent sellers

• Reporting System

  • Means to report sellers that fail to deliver as promised

  • Means to report illegal/inappropriate equipment that should not be available for exchange

• Products

• Means to track recalled/dangerous products

• Provide information to consumers about how to identify fraudulent products listed

  • Check VIN Numbers

  • May be able to check if they are still usable with manufacturers

  • Provide a Checklist for consumers? Drivers?

  • Driving organization’s vehicle or driving their own?

  • Driving on business time?

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Quick Look at 2007-2008
Activities for the National AT Community

• Activities Include:

  • 3 Webinars (Topics determined by You!)

  • 6 Session Strand at the Assistive Technology Industries Association (ATIA) Conference in Orlando

  • Focus Group Meeting on Emergency Preparedness and Response in Louisiana

  • 4 Focus Group Meetings to build stronger relationships with Manufacturers and Vendors at ATIA and MedTrade

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Activities for the National AT Community (con’t)

• Activities Include:

  • E-Alerts of Pass It On Center Activities

  • Produce 3 Modules for the AT Reuse Policies, Procedures & Quality Indicators Guide

  • Continue to identify and educate community about successful AT Reuse solutions

  • Continue to work with NATTAP to build the National AT Reuse Database

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We Need Your Help!

• Should we plan another National Conference?

• What Topics would You like to learn more about during our Webinars?

• What additional AT Reuse areas should the Taskforce study?

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For Your Time & Interest!
We Want to Hear from You