joy kniskern, pass it on center carolyn phillips, pass it on center liz persaud, pass it on center...

Joy Kniskern, Pass It On CenterCarolyn Phillips, Pass It On Center

Liz Persaud, Pass It On CenterKaren Royston, GA High School High Tech

FILLING THE GAP!AT REUSE HELPS SCHOOL ANDCOMMUNITY 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

3

EVERY 26 SECONDS ONE STUDENT DROPS OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL

SOURCE: AMERICA’S PROMISE ALLIANCE


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


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.


6

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

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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


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

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TYPES OF AT REUSE ACTIVITIES Loan Exchange Refurbishing Reassignment Recycling Remanufacturing


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


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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 disastersPass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

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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*


http://www.passitoncenter.org/IQATReuse

13PIOC HOME PAGE: www.passitoncenter.org


14PIOC Knowledge BasePass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

15PIOC Reuse Locations DatabasePass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

16Find ATPass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

17IQ-ATR: Online Program Assessment ToolPass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

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

19

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

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


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


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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Students in grades 8-12 (ages 14-22) who have a documented disability that is physical, sensory or learning related


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WHO IS INVOLVED?

Community

Advocacy Groups

Families

Educators

Colleges, Universities, &Technical Colleges

Business Leaders& Employers

Students

DOL/Voc Rehab


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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


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PROFILE: GEORGIA’S HS/HT PROGRAMS 20 counties 500+ students 376 VR clients Primary referral agent: high school

teachers


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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


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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


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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

Over 350 laptops have been awarded to HS/HT students Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

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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


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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.


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COMPUTER USAGE ON THE JOB

For more info . . .National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d08/tables/dt08_432.asp

High school dropout

High school graduate

Some college

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate or professional

0 20 40 60 80 100

The percentageof people who use computers increases by education levels


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

Less

than

$20

,000

$20,

000

to 2

9,99

9

$30,

000

to 3

9,99

9

$40,

000

to 4

9,99

9

$50,

000

to 7

4,99

9

$75,

000

or m

ore

0

20

40

60

80Percent 75

People in higher income jobs are more likely to use computers in their work. The usage levels increase with income levels.Pass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

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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


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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


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HS/HT LAPTOP SPECIFICATIONSFeature 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.


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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


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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


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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™)


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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.orgwww.openoffice.org

You can find helpful information at:


http://www.techsoup.org/

http://www.openoffice.org/

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Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC):Community-Based DME Refurbishing

Celebrating 25 Years of Serviceto People with Disabilities with Transitions through AT Reuse


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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 benefits2010, L. Cohen and R. Perling


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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


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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


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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

From FODAC’s warehouse. . . To a field clinic in HaitiPass It On Center | ATIA Orlando 2012

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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


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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


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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.


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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 ReuseEmail PIOC for technical assistance

Helpful information about DME refurbishing at:


QUESTIONS


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DISCLAIMERThis 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 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Royston [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]




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