Assistive Technology in Georgia: Collaboration for Success

1. Joy Kniskern, Pass It On Center Carolyn Phillips, Pass It On Center Liz Persaud, Pass It On Center Karen Royston, GA High School High Tech FILLING THE GAP! AT REUSE HELPS SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY TRANSITIONS AT Reuse Strand

2. 1 • To understand how the Pass It On Center, a national AT reuse resource, and reuse programs are supplying refurbished devices 2 • To understand how funding barriers prevent people with disAbilities from accessing AT and DME, and how reuse programs can fill the gaps 3 • To understand steps to find or replicate reuse services in your community LEARNING OBJECTIVES Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012 2

3. 3 EVERY 26 SECONDS ONE STUDENT DROPS OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SOURCE: AMERICA’S PROMISE ALLIANCE Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

4. 4 Why are transition services essential?  One of every three students drops out of school.  Students with disAbilities have a dropout rate twice as high as students without disAbilities. 1  70% of youth with disAbilities remain unemployed two years after graduation from high school and have higher rates of incarceration than the general population. 1 National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

5. ACCESS TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IS KEY  We know the right technology is key to full participation in all life activities.  How do we overcome the barriers to access? One answer is reutilization of resources.  That’s the mission of the Pass It On Center -- to provide technical assistance to foster the expansion of AT Reuse. 5 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

6. 6 The Pass It On Center, the National Assistive Technology Reuse Center Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

7. 7 AT REUSE  Federally-funded AT Act Programs  In every state and territory  Reutilization is 1 of 7 activities  Nonprofit organizations  Many that offer services to people with disAbilities also reutilize AT  Sometimes partner with AT Act Programs  Informal community groups 205 Programs Listed in PIOC Database Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

8. 8 2010 REUSE DATA  From federally-funded AT Act Programs  31,069 devices reutilized  24,805 individuals served  $17,329,333 saved (based on cost of devices)  That doesn’t include the savings from preventing injuries or keeping materials out of landfills.  It doesn’t include the reuse programs that don’t report or exchanges among individuals. Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

9. 9 TYPES OF AT REUSE ACTIVITIES  Loan  Exchange  Refurbishing  Reassignment  Recycling  Remanufacturing Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

10. 10 MAJOR BARRIERS TO GETTING AT  Funding not available  Uninsured  Not eligible for programs like VR, Medicaid, Medicare  Eligible but denied entry to program or service  Eligible but inadequate AT provided  Don’t know where to get AT  Systems are too complex Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

11. 11 AT REUSE CLOSES THE GAP BY :  Allowing trials on possible solutions  Providing interim equipment while waiting for the permanent solution  Providing permanent solutions where no funding is available for new devices  Providing duplicate devices in warranted situations  Replacing equipment lost in disasters Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

12. 12 LEARN ABOUT REUSE Pass It On Center offers resources to promote new programs and to help existing ones improve.  PIOC web site  Indicators of Quality with Online Program Assessment Tool  Online Knowledge Base  Free webinars with on- demand archive  Reuse Locations database  Find AT  NEED AT* Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

13. 13 PIOC HOME PAGE: www.passitoncenter.org Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

14. 14 PIOC Knowledge Base Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

15. 15 PIOC Reuse Locations Database Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

16. 16 Find AT Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

17. 17 IQ-ATR: Online Program Assessment Tool Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

18. 18 N.E.E.D. AT Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

19. High School/High Tech and Georgia’s Refurbished Laptop Program 19

20. HIGH SCHOOL/HIGH TECH IS:  A community-based program providing youth with disAbilities a link to academic and career development experiences that assist the transition to post secondary education and/or gainful employment  An initiative of the Georgia Dept. of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program 20 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

21. HS/HT ’S GOALS  Reduce the dropout rate of students with disAbilities  Improve education and training outcomes for youth with disAbilities  Teach students how to advocate for themselves  Create opportunity awareness  Explore career options  Facilitate a successful transition to post- secondary education or gainful employment 21 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

22. WHO IS ELIGIBLE?  Students in grades 8-12 (ages 14-22) who have a documented disability that is physical, sensory or learning related 22 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

23. WHO IS INVOLVED? Community 23 Advocacy Groups Families Educators Colleges, Universities, & Technical Colleges Business Leaders & Employers Students DOL/Voc Rehab Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

24. HS/HT ’S RESEARCH-BASED ELEMENTS  Guideposts for Success  School-based experiences  Career preparation and work-based learning  Youth Development and Leadership  Connecting activities  Family involvement and support  America’s Promise Alliance  Caring adults  Effective education  Safe places  A healthy start  Opportunities for caring – volunteer/service learning 24 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

25. PROFILE: GEORGIA’S HS/HT PROGRAMS  20 counties  500+ students  376 VR clients  Primary referral agent: high school teachers 25 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

26. DATA COLLECTION FOR OUTCOMES  Secure web-based reporting used to track data on students in HS/HT program  Student application (and demographics)  Services received  Assistive technology devices/uses  Quarterly/annual narrative reports  Post-graduation outcomes 26 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

27. GEORGIA’S REFURBISHED LAPTOP PROGRAM 1. Eligibility:  Rising juniors and seniors  Physical, sensory or learning disAbilities  Active participant in High School/High Tech 2. Competitive Application Process:  Essay or PowerPoint ® presentation  Goals to attain with award of laptop  Demonstrated leadership  Teacher recommendations 27 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

28. GEORGIA’S REFURBISHED LAPTOP PROGRAM 3. Selection process:  Applications judged by Refurbished Computer Committee  Teachers  Vocational Rehabilitation  Rehabilitation technologists  Tech-Able, a Tools for Life Assistive Technology Resource Center  Site coordinators from several HS/HT programs 28  Over 350 laptops have been awarded to HS/HT students  Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

29. HS/HT STUDENTS SAY THEY NEED LAPTOPS:  For adequate access to current educational opportunities:  Overcome transportation barrier: can’t get to a library  Assist with transition to post-secondary education or work  Have the capability to use assistive technology  Complete research  Communicate with teachers via e-mail  Get assignments and submit assignments  Complete senior project  Study for High School Graduation Exam 29 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

30. WHY DO COMPUTERS MATTER? The ‘digital divide’ refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don’t. Computer usage and access has a major impact on employment and income. 30 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

31. COMPUTER USAGE ON THE JOB For more info . . . National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d08/tables/dt08_432.asp The percentage of people who use computers increases by education levels 31 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

32. COMPUTER USAGE ON THE JOB AND INCOME LEVELS For more info . . . National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d08/tables/dt08_432.asp People in higher income jobs are more likely to use computers in their work. The usage levels increase with income levels. 32 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

33. HOW RECIPIENTS USE LAPTOPS  Michael: For writing (has juvenile arthritis)  Jeovani: Uses text-to-speech reading to overcome some learning challenges  Maxwell: To complete homework now and in his future job in electrical wiring 33 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

34. FUNDING GEORGIA’S PROGRAM Vocational Rehabilitation Funds • For students in transition AT Act State Funds • For transition • Services Supporters and Business Partners • Community Foundation • Touch the Future Inc./ReBoot™ for refurbishing • Tech–Able ATRC • Work Force Investment Act Funds 34 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

35. HS/HT LAPTOP SPECIFICATIONS Feature Minimum Specification Processor speed 1.6 GHz or greater RAM 1 GB Hard drive 60 GB or greater Additional drives DVD-CD /RW USB ports At least one Screen size 15.4 ” LCD Wireless Yes, built-in Ethernet Yes Battery, cord Yes Operating System XP Pro Software MS Office 2007, Open Office, Security, etc. 35 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

36. ACQUIRING THE LAPTOPS  HS/HT defines specifications for laptops  HS/HT contracts with ReBoot™, the computer refurbishing program of Touch the Future, Inc., to provide the laptops  ReBoot™ acquires and refurbishes the laptops 36 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

37. STARTING A COMPUTER REUSE PROGRAM  If you have a target group in need of computers, consider the options for meeting that need:  Locate funding to purchase new computers for those customers (tough assignment!)  Contract with existing computer refurbishing programs to meet your program needs – if they have the capacity  Or, establish a refurbishing program 37 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

38. COMPUTER REUSE MODELS  How do you choose? 1. Scope of service (mission and goals) 2. Market (service area and types) 3. Resources (funds, people, space, equipment) 4. Expectations (issues, frequency, training) 5. Sustainability (funding, fees, recycling)  Model type  Obtain refurbished product (HS/HT)  Become a refurbisher (e.g., ReBoot™) 38 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

39. RESOURCES PIOC Knowledge Base at www.passitoncenter.org  Business Planning tools  See Organization module, Business Plan Guide and other articles  Refurbishing computers  See Program Operations/Refurbishing Computers Touch the Future, Inc./ReBoot™ at www.touchthefuture.us Other helpful sites: www.techsoup.org www.openoffice.org You can find helpful information at: 39 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

40. 40 Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) : Community-Based DME Refurbishing Celebrating 25 Years of Service to People with Disabilities with Transitions through AT Reuse Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

41. BARRIERS TO AT ACQUISITION 2010 survey of individuals seeking refurbished DME confirmed: + Reimbursement systems are too complex to navigate + Many people have inadequate (or no) insurance coverage + Some are not aware of insurance or other available benefits 2010, L. Cohen and R. Perling 41 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

42. FROM ONE PERSON WITH A MISSION  FODAC is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides durable medical equipment for people with disAbilities at little or no cost.  Started in 1986 by retired Marine Ed Butchart in his garage and first supported by Mt. Carmel Christian Church; incorporated as 501 (c)(3)  Now operates from a 64,800 square foot facility in Stone Mountain, GA  Provides over $9 million annually in DME and supplies 42 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

43. FODAC SERVES AS REFURBISHING HUB  After receiving one of 12 demonstration grants for AT reuse in 2006, FODAC expanded refurbishing services to serve as a hub, first for Georgia, then the entire Southeast for organizations that choose to participate in STAR Network  Provided leadership in best practices for DME refurbishing 43 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

44. FODAC: LEADER IN DISASTER RESPONSE  FODAC has taken a leadership role in providing reutilized AT for disaster response, from hurricanes and tornadoes in the U.S. to typhoons in the Pacific and the earthquake in Haiti 44 From FODAC’s warehouse. . . To a field clinic in Haiti Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

45. TRANSITION AID FOR ALL  FODAC helps people with disAbilities overcome the barriers to learning and earning  Equipment has been given to ages 18 months to 104 years  Individuals in 42 states and 63 countries have received devices  The retail value of equipment given away now exceeds $60 million including 25,000 wheelchairs 45 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

46. TRANSITION AID FOR ALL, CONT.’  FODAC helps people with disAbilities overcome the barriers to learning and earning  Makes equipment available to those waiting for a permanent solution  Makes equipment available to those with a temporary disability  Provides devices for permanent assignment to help people attend school, work or participate in community life  Has programs for vehicle and accessibility 46 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

47. DOES YOUR COMMUNITY NEED AT REUSE?  Every program starts small .  Identify the needs.  Identify prospective partnerships, especially organizations that already serve people with disAbilities. Partnerships are the most sustainable programs.  Identify financial support sources: nonprofit organizations, companies, foundations, individuals who share your vision.  Plan. Pass It On Center can help. 47 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

48. RESOURCES PIOC Knowledge Base at www.passitoncenter.org  Business Planning tools  See Organization module, Business Plan Guide and  Refurbishing DME  See Program Operations and User Services module Indicators of Quality for AT Reuse Email PIOC for technical assistance Helpful information about DME refurbishing at: 48 Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

49. QUESTIONS Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

50. DISCLAIMER This work is supported under cooperative agreement #H235V060016 awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and is administered by the Pass It On Center – Tools for Life. However, the contents of this publication do not necessarily represent the policy or opinions of the Department of Education and the reader should not assume endorsements of this document by the Federal government. Contact us: Joy Kniskern Joy@passitoncenter.org Carolyn Phillips Carolyn@passitoncenter.org Liz Persaud Liz@passitoncenter.org Karen Royston Karen.Royston@gdol.ga.gov Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012 50