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Georgia’s ReBoot
The lead agency for Georgia Tools for Life, established in 1991,
is the Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation
Program in Atlanta. Georgia’s Technology Resource Centers are
comprised of Disabilities Connections in Macon, Metro Atlanta
ATRC/ReBoot in Tucker, TECH-ABLE, Inc. in Conyers, and Walton
Options for Independent Living in Augusta. Georgia DOL/VR/Tools
for Life Program collaborates with Techknowledge, Center for
Assistive Technology & Environmental Access (CATEA) at the
Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, a nationally
renowned library of resources that is funded by the state of
Georgia at no cost to consumers. In collaboration with Friends
of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) and the above Tools for
Life partners, ReBoot was created at the beginning of 1998.
A non-profit, collaborative effort of many groups, ReBoot’s
12,440 square foot equipment depot and repair shop promotes
“independence for people with disabilities through computer
recycling.” The recycling program now partners with more
organizations, including National Cristina Foundation (NCF),
Closing the Gap, RESNA, and ICAN, Increasing Capabilities Access
Network, to enhance recycling and training services to residents
of Georgia. Closing the Gap is a leading source on hardware and
software applications for persons with disabilities. ReBoot
enjoys membership in the NCF Network, which concentrates on
computer solutions and training that leads to more independence
and productivity. RESNA provides technical assistance and ICAN
is a network of assistive technology resources. ReBoot also
coordinates with the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment
Program, which is a valuable resource for Georgians who are hard
of hearing.
The 6 ReBoot training centers located in Georgia are operated by
people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.
Dedicated volunteers account for 85% of the ReBoot staff that
acquires, evaluates, repairs, upgrades, and distributes recycled
computers. The program charges $10 for the disposal of
non-working computers, monitors, and printers. Contributions of
working Pentium computers, monitors, keyboards, printers,
software, speakers, cables, modems, and other accessories are
tax-deductible. A corporate donor proclaimed, “Everyone wins
with ReBoot! Not only do we get to clean out our desks and
closets of our older equipment, but, we get a tax deduction, we
save the environment, volunteers get to learn about computer
evaluation and repair, and people with disabilities receive darn
good computer equipment. What an idea!” ReBoot readily accepts
donations of many different items: office furnishings and
supplies, material handling equipment, cars, trucks and other
vehicles, pallet racking and shelving, forklifts, medical
equipment and copiers in addition to laptop computers, desk top
computers, file servers, mid-range and mainframe systems, data
communications equipment, current software, and telephone
equipment. Through a partnership with CollectiveGood!, a mobile
phone recycling resource, cell phones are also accepted by
ReBoot.
The program uses several adaptive software and hardware packages
for recycled computers. Software supports include ScreenReader,
WordSmith v2.0, Read and Write, Type & Talk, and JAWS for
Windows. Hardware supports include alternative keyboards,
IntelliKeys, adapted keyguards, and a switch-adapted trackball.
It only costs an average of just over $250 to recycle each
computer. The amount is not insignificant, but the investment is
worth every penny, especially when it makes a difference in
communicating, learning, working, and promoting independence for
persons with disabilities. Access to the ReBoot Computer
Re-utilization service begins with an application and volunteer
tracking form. Donations and volunteers keep the waiting list
moving as quickly as possible. Upon receipt of an application,
including the selection of computer packages and a signed
agreement, a consumer is notified of participation in the
program.
The director of ReBoot attributes its effective recycling
program to an approach that focuses on the following keys to
success:
1. Stand by your vision and mission, your guide in all matters.
2. Know where you can find pockets of money. Reuse programs
require tools, parts, and operational support to meet production
goals.
3. Keep it simple. Just a few essential forms to track
activities will suffice. Electronic communications, on-line
applications, and database management without paper is even
better.
4. Develop relationships with potential corporate partners.
5. Market services by targeting the donors you want. Don’t get
overwhelmed by donations.
6. Tell donors what you will and will not accept. Be selective.
7. Identify program needs—volunteers, transportation, sources of
funding.
8. Let the input of your customers shape services.
9. Increase customer ownership by providing on-the-job training
through opportunities to volunteer.
10. Develop numerous relationships with community organizations
to increase involvement with underserved and rural populations.
11. Respect and appreciate all of your volunteers—PC user
groups, corporations, and customers.
12. Identify individual goals so each applicant receives an
appropriate computer system.
Credit:
This section is indebted to information from the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive
Technology Society of North American (RESNA), especially for their April, 2005,
Survey of State AT Act Projects (The RESNA Technical Assistance Project, Grant #H224B020001,
funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department
of Education, under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998).
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