Assistive Technology Resources

AT Device ReUse

AT Device Exchange and Recycling Programs
 

Programs/Links
State Programs
Other Programs
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State Activities
Device Loan
Device ReUse
Device Demo
Financing

Loans for AT
AFP State Loans
Other Loans		 AT Device ReUse

Section Links
Exchange Programs
  Abbreviations/Key
  Table of State Exchange Programs
  Description of State Exchange Programs
  Featured Exchange Program
Recycling Programs
  Abbreviations/Key
  Table of State Recycling Programs
  Description of State Recycling Programs
  Featured Recycling Program
Credit

   

State AT Equipment Exchange Programs
 

State Geographic Area Eligible Ages Eligible Disabilities Equipment Types Restrictions Fees Other Services
Storage Refurbishing Pick-up/
Delivery		 Users/ Listings Last Year Follow-up Budget/Source Comments
AR Statewide All All All Recycled devices repaired in house None None
Yes Yes Yes 136/145 Phone & survey AT Act general dollars DME vendors donate some parts
DE Statewide All All Any AT devices, DME Delaware and surrounding region None -
No No No 146 Phone/Email AT Act general dollars Program acts as broker only w/ web listing
GA Statewide
 www.gatfl.org		 All All Computers, AT, cell phones, DME Pentium 1 or faster None for G-Trade (equip. exchange) Assessment, software & computer training
Yes Yes Yes 242 Phone, mail, email, visits $40,000 (ReBoot), $1500 (G-Trade), $45,000/center (AT Act) ReBoot 85% operated by consumers
ID Statewide All All Vehicles, wheelchairs, beds, lifts, walkers None None Assessment and I&R through state project
No No No 57/175 Equipment listing is current AT Act dollars -
IN Statewide All All All including vehicles In working condition None for free listing, fee for items for sale Evaluations available for a fee
No Yes Yes 27/86 Phone AT Act general dollars Working for single state clearinghouse
IA Statewide

http://www.uiowa.edu/homepage/resources/listings/i/IA_prog_asst_tech.html
 All All All, primarily DME & vehicles None None None
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A N/A IPAT maintains listing of used equipment via UERS; IPAT supports refurbishing by Easter Seals
KY Statewide
www.katsnet.org		 All All All Items "as is" Technology fee for people receiving computers All services provided
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A AT Act general dollars KATS operated
MO Statewide All All All None None Services thru AT program
No No No 56 exchanges/ 124 listings Monthly ~$50,000 AT Act -
NY Statewide
www.oapwd.org		 All All AT devices (non medical> None None I&R, printed materials
No No No 169 selling, 216 looking, 6 matches Telephone call Primarily by state, AT project funds materials Staff position is state funded
NC Statewide All All All (Exchange Post)
Computers (Christina Foundation and AT Project
 None (Exchange Post)
Recycled computers stay in region (ATP)
 None (no shipping) Informal assessment, try out, loan, training, follow up as needed
Yes Yes Yes 1020/- Exchange Post;
50/150 ATP;
15 Christina Foundation		 Quarterly surveys $17,655 Exchange Post; other w AT Act general dollars Exchange Post under contract to private nonprofit
ND Statewide
www.ndipat.org
 All All All None None -
No No No - - - -
OK Statewide
oec.okstate.edu		 All All All None None Follow-up
No No No 132/125 Phone, Email AT Act dollars -
OR Statewide All All DME Equipment in good condition Listing fee Same as loan library
Yes Yes No - - AT Act dollars & small grant -
PA Statewide
 All All All None None None
No No No 237 subscribers,
40 items sold,
24 donated		 Phone $5000 Title I -
SD Statewide All All All None None Assessment, delivery, training
Yes Yes Yes - - State funds -
UT Statewide All All All None None Phone assistance
No No No 108 items purged at 6 months None AT Act, state funds for 1.5 FTE & space Began as AT Act program, now provide TA & lmtd funding
WA Statewide
wata.org		 All All All None None None
No No No 50/25 exchanges Email General project -
WV Statewide All All All None None None
No No No N/A None Donations Uses WVATS list serve
WI By county,
varies by ILC		 All All All None Varies All
Yes Yes Yes 80/125 ILC Contacts $230,000 CIL support, general Tech Act funding, donations Program varies considerably by each ILC


EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
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Background

Equipment exchange programs match individuals who require assistive technology devices with people donating or selling used equipment that is no longer needed by publishing a list of items wanted and items for sale in an electronic or print format. The actual transaction, including payment and delivery of an item, is negotiated between the buyer and seller. Exchange programs regularly follow up with a phone call, e-mail, or mail survey to assess satisfaction or determine if an item is still for sale. An increase in availability of assistive technology and a reduction in cost of devices are essential to meeting the needs of citizens with disabilities.

Findings

30 states report operating equipment exchange and/or recycling programs (Tables 3, 4, 5, and 6). 9 have an exchange program only, 11 only recycling, and 10 operate both. All projects operate statewide except in Florida, where service is currently dedicated to persons residing in the northwest part of the state. Staff associated with the state projects provide most of the services. The most popular items to exchange or recycle are computers, DME such as wheelchairs, walkers, and beds, and other forms of assistive technology devices. The programs are promoted via web sites, newsletters, brochures, presentations, and other outreach.

Range of Services and Associated Fees— Exchange programs comprise a published list of items for sale or items wanted. There is minimal, if any, involvement by the project in actual negotiation or delivery of an item between the buyer and the seller. Most exchange programs do not charge fees.

Programs Primarily Funded by General AT Act Dollars— Most of the exchange and recycling programs are funded by general AT Act dollars. However, some states, such as Florida, Georgia, Missouri and Pennsylvania, have designated a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars for their projects. Kansas received a $200,000 in-kind match by the lead agency. Nebraska received $100,000 from state programs and grants. And in Utah, the state provides funding for personnel space.

Quantifying Benefits by Tracking Equipment Value— A few states were able to quantify benefits of their exchange or recycling programs by tracking the value of the equipment through the program. For example, Kansas’ equipment exchange program brought back $267,000 worth of equipment in its first year. In Nebraska, TechConnectors provided 80 used computers to vocational rehabilitation clients at an estimated savings of $80,000. In Oklahoma, the cost-benefit of the exchange program last year was $163,002.

A Variety of Innovative Practices— There are several innovative practices among the states. Connecticut uses a business model with its NEAT Marketplace. The Marketplace includes 25,000 square feet of computer lab, displays, accessible meeting and classroom space. Organizations, vendors and evaluators pay fees to use the services, which help sustain the operation. They are looking to make this a regional program to leverage costs among neighboring states. In Georgia, the ReBoot program operates with 85% consumer involvement. Indiana is working toward a statewide clearinghouse for all exchange programs. The Iowa project supports refurbishing by Easter Seals. In Maine, surplus equipment is donated to Costa Rica through the Rotary Club, and computers are donated to families. North Carolina contracts with a private nonprofit organization to operate its Technology Exchange Post equipment listing.
 

 

State AT Equipment Recycling Programs
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State Geographic Area Eligible Ages Eligible Disabilities Equipment Types Restrictions Fees Other Services
Storage Refurbishing Pick-up/
Delivery		 Users/ Listings Last Year Follow-up Budget/Source Comments
AR Statewide All All Mostly DME Recycled devices repaired in house None None
Yes Yes Yes 136/145 Phone & survey AT Act general dollars DME vendors donate some parts
CT Statewide
www.neatmarketplace
.org		 All All Higher end items, not computers Some restrictions on consignment items Membership fee for vendors Up to 30 day trial
Yes Yes Yes 10,000/350 major items None $50,000 startup from AT project, now $5M operation Uses business model w multifunction ctr, fees for organizations
FL Northwest Florida All All Computers Must be internet capable $35/system Basic HW/SW instruction
Yes Yes Yes 80 - $10,000; AT Act -
GA Statewide
  www.gatfl.org		 All All Computers, AT, cell phones, DME Pentium 1 or faster Delivery, S&H (ReBoot computer recycling) Assessment, software & computer training
Yes Yes Yes 242 recipients Phone, mail, email, visits $40,000 (ReBoot), $1500 (G-Trade), $45,000/center (AT Act) ReBoot 85% operated by consumers
GU Island of Guam All All Wheelchairs, crutches, walkers None None Assessment try out, follow-up
Yes Yes Yes 25 Site visits, phone calls General AT Act, donations -
IN Statewide All All All including vehicles In working condition None for free listing, fee for items for sale Evaluations available for a fee
No Yes Yes 27 matches, 86 listings Phone AT Act general dollars Working for single state clearinghouse
IA Statewide
http://www.uiowa.edu/homepage/resources/listings/i/IA_prog_asst_tech.html
 All All All, primarily DME & vehicles None None None
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A N/A IPAT maintains listing of used equipment via UERS; IPAT supports refurbishing by Easter Seals
KS Statewide
www.equipment
exchange.ku.edu		 All All DME - None Follow-up
Yes Yes Yes 600+ users Phone $200,000 in-kind match by lead agency; federal match by state Medicaid -
KY Statewide
www.katsnet.org		 All All Computers Working devices Technology fee for people receiving computers All services provided
Yes Yes Yes 371 computers N/A AT Act general dollars Private group operates
LA Statewide All All Computers None Shipping & small fee on some equipment -
No No Yes 10 computers Phone AT Act dollars, some donations Computers are delivered to home
ME Statewide
www.tecmaine.org		 All All Wheelchairs, DME, computers Pentium or higher; wheelchairs < 5 years old $50/year Assessment, try out, follow-up
Yes No Yes - - - Surplus equipment donated to Costa Rica, computers donated to families
MD Some counties All All ADLs, AAC, DME, computer HW/SW Computers by age & condition None Consults for appropriate matches
Yes Yes Yes N/A Not at present AT Act dollars, donations, grants Provide TA, training & computer repairs
MO Statewide All All All None None Services thru AT program
No No No 56 exchanges/ 124 listings Monthly ~$50,000 AT Act -
MT Statewide
ruralinstitute.umt.
edu/HDC/maep.asp		 All All Computer HW, adapative equipment None None All
- - - - - - -
NE Statewide
www.techconnectors
.net		 All All All None None I&R, funding assistance
Yes Yes Yes 189 items, 110 computers Not at present $101,000, state programs & grants TechConnectors offers recycled AT & computers, web site w online classifieds
NV Statewide All All All None None Follow-up
Yes Yes Yes 1000 clients/ yr Phone & surveys AT Act dollars & donations -
NC Statewide All All All (Exchange Post)
Computers (Christina Foundation and AT Project
 None (Exchange Post)
Recycled computers stay in region (ATP)
 None (no shipping) Informal assessment, try out, loan, training, follow up as needed
Yes Yes Yes 50/150 ATP;
15 Christina Foundation		 Quarterly surveys AT Act general dollars -
OH Statewide
www.atohio.org		 All All Computers None $25 I&R
Yes Yes Yes 120 people Collect feedback $50,000 -
OR Statewide All All DME Equipment in good condition Listing fee Same as loan library
Yes Yes No - - AT Act dollars & small grant -
SD Statewide All All All None None Assessment, delivery, training
Yes Yes Yes - - State funds -
VI Statewide All All Computers, wheelchairs - None AT resource centers for try out
Yes Yes Yes 20 computers - AT Act dollars -
WI By county (varies by ILC) All All All None Varies All
Yes Yes Yes 80/125 ILC Contacts $230,000 CIL support, general Tech Act funding, donations Program varies considerably by each ILC

RECYCLING PROGRAMS
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Background

Equipment recycling programs receive, recondition, and store used assistive technology devices for re-use either by selling or donating to persons needing such devices. An associated higher level of services and cost clearly exists with refurbishing assistive technology that might otherwise be discarded, but the increased investment and involvement results in a greater reward, especially for individuals who cannot afford to buy personal devices. Recycling programs offer assistive technology and computers through a website and on-line listing. Computers, wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment are most commonly recycled. Certain restrictions may apply to devices that will be accepted such as the age of the computer or operability of the DME. Computers, in general, must be Internet capable and possess a specified processor. The programs are promoted via web sites, newsletters, brochures, and presentations. Outreach to participants is often coordinated with other agencies to pick up, store, clean or refurbish, and deliver used equipment.

Findings

30 states report operating equipment exchange and/or recycling programs (Tables 3, 4, 5, and 6). 9 have an exchange program only, eleven only recycling, and 10 operate both. All projects operate statewide except in Florida, where service is currently dedicated to persons residing in the northwest part of the state. Staff associated with the state projects provide most of the services. The most popular items to exchange or recycle are computers, DME such as wheelchairs, walkers, and beds, and other forms of assistive technology devices. The programs are promoted via web sites, newsletters, brochures, presentations, and other outreach.

Range of Services and Associated Fees—  In recycling programs a third party is typically involved, which may include pick up and delivery of items, storage, and refurbishing. There is clearly an associated higher cost with equipment recycling, but also a higher level of services and involvement. While most exchange programs do not charge fees, a number of recycling programs have a implemented a fee for services. For example, Florida charges $35 per system and Ohio charges $25 for computer recycling. Some states, such as Georgia and Louisiana, report a delivery or shipping and handling fee. Maine has a $50 annual membership fee.

Programs Primarily Funded by General AT Act Dollars— Most of the exchange and recycling programs are funded by general AT Act dollars. However, some states, such as Florida, Georgia, Missouri and Pennsylvania, have designated a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars for their projects. Kansas received a $200,000 in-kind match by the lead agency. Nebraska received $100,000 from state programs and grants. And in Utah, the state provides funding for personnel space.

Quantifying Benefits by Tracking Equipment Value— In Nebraska, TechConnectors provided 80 used computers to vocational rehabilitation clients at an estimated savings of $80,000.

A Variety of Innovative Practices— There are several innovative practices among the states. Connecticut uses a business model with its NEAT Marketplace. The Marketplace includes 25,000 square feet of computer lab, displays, accessible meeting and classroom space. Organizations, vendors and evaluators pay fees to use the services, which help sustain the operation. They are looking to make this a regional program to leverage costs among neighboring states. In Georgia, the ReBoot program operates with 85% consumer involvement. Indiana is working toward a statewide clearinghouse for all exchange programs. The Iowa project supports refurbishing by Easter Seals. In Louisiana, recycled computers are delivered to the home. Nebraska’s TechConnectors program offers recycled assistive technology and computers through a web site and on-line listing. In Maine, surplus equipment is donated to Costa Rica through the Rotary Club, and computers are donated to families. North Carolina contracts with a private nonprofit organization to operate its Technology Exchange Post equipment listing.
Abbreviations/Key:
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States:
AR - Arkansas
DE - Delaware
CT - Connecticut
FL - Florida
GA - Georgia
GU - Guam
HI - Hawaii
ID - Idaho
IL - Illinois
IN - Indiana
IA - Iowa
KS - Kansas
 		KY - Kentucky
LA - Louisiana
ME - Maine
MD - Maryland
MN - Minnesota
MS - Mississippi
MO - Missouri
MT - Montana
NE - Nebraska
NV - Nevada
NY - New York
NC - North Carolina
ND - North Dakota
 MP - Northern Mariana Islands
OH - Ohio
OK - Oklahoma
OR - Oregon
PA - Pennsylvania
SC - South Carolina
SD - South Dakota
UT - Utah
VT - Vermont
VI - Virgin Islands
WA - Washington
WV - West Virginia
WI - Wisconsin
WY - Wyoming

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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