Outline of the state of Massachusetts with people inside and "MassMATCH"MassMATCH NEWS

Maximizing Assistive Technology in Consumers' Hands







Fall 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
-AT Summit Held to Improve State Services
-Long-Term Device Loan Program is Buying AT
-Get AT Stuff Highlights
-New at Your Short-Term Device Loan Program: The Eclipse Scholar
-Upcoming Events
-Ask the Expert: Vehicle Chair Lift Needed
-Call to Action: CONSUMER REPORTS
-New Product Spotlight: The BackTpack
AT Summit Held to Improve State Services
 
On May 22, 2009, MassMATCH sponsored an AT Summit at the Hoagland Pincus Center to bring together staff members of state agencies who provide assistive technology services to Massachusetts residents. Attendees came to share, learn, and strategize about the AT services and supports provided by their respective agencies, and to establish cooperative relationships with one another. Over forty AT staff attended as well as other interested state agency personnel. 
 
The goal of the Summit was to identify AT service gaps and lay the groundwork for filling gaps and coordinating state services. Representatives of the following eleven state agencies were in attendance: the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission, the Mass. Commission for the Blind, the Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Dept. of Public Health, MassHealth's Office of Long-Term Care, the Dept. of Developmental Services, the Dept. of Mental Health, the Mass. Office on Disability, the State IT-AT lab, the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).
 
The day included breakout sessions for smaller groups to learn about successful interagency collaborations, marketing AT in their agencies, making accessible program outreach materials, and to view demonstrations of some of the latest assistive technology. Encouraging cross-agency collaboration was luncheon speaker Dr. Jean McGuire, Asst. Secretary of EOHHS.
 
During the Summit participants identified service gaps and challenges. The needs discussed included the following statewide issues:
 
Maintenance, repair, and fabrication
  1. Not enough AT repair services--a statewide limited ability to respond to emergency AT/DME repair needs.
  2. Inadequate AT fabrication services.
  3. No program in the state that repairs and refurbishes AT/DME.
AT workforce
  1. Need for more individuals with the skills to repair AT/DME.
  2. Need for more personnel with the expertise for adapting assistive devices across the state human services agencies.
  3. Need for more trained clinicians/experts to assess clients for their AT needs.
Vendor
  1. Durable medical equipment (DME) vendors are not interested in repair.
  2. Not enough DME vendors statewide (4 total).
  3. Problems with private sector vendor reimbursement; the need for system incentives to insure vendors are properly reimbursed.
Consumer Services/Resources
  1. A need for more assessment of students for AT within school classrooms.
  2. Better AT services for consumers living in the community; better private sector AT services.
  3. Need for adequate and consistent "purchase of service" funds for AT for consumers across the agencies. Mass. Commission for the Blind has funds for vocational rehabilitation (VR) eligible consumers but very limited funding for independent living needs, Elder Affairs (EOEA) has very limited ability to purchase AT under their frail elder waiver (such as grab bars). Dept. Mental Health has funds for AT for those with dual diagnoses only (such as mental illness/Deaf).
  4. Need for more locally-based AT demonstration and device loan programs.
  5. Need for funds for training consumers in the use of AT across the state agencies.
  6. Need for better and consistent info/referral from state agencies on AT services available to their clients and employees.
 Collaboration/coordination
  1. Need for cross-agency collaboration to serve consumers with multiple disabilities who need the expertise of multiple agencies.
  2. Need for coordinated cross-agency AT reuse program (to salvage, assess, rehab/repair, store, and appropriately distribute recycled/donated equipment).
  3. Need for inter and intra-agency training on AT programs and funding available to consumers. For example, DMH clients who do not have dual diagnoses need access to info/referral for AT devices to meet their functional needs.
  4. Need for more consistent AT policies across agencies.
State as Model Employer (of people with disabilities)
  1. Need for more accessible state agency communications.
  2. Need for instruction on how to produce accessible documents.
  3. Need to streamline "reasonable accommodation" process to procure AT for state employees.
As result of the Summit, MassMATCH is now taking the following action steps:
  1. Four cross-agency trainings are planned in September for staff members who work with consumers transitioning from facility-based care to community living. The trainings will cover AT and Transition to insure consumers access the technology supports they need.
  2. Meetings with MassHealth and DME vendors are planned for November to discuss wheelchair repair issues and to collaborate on distributing MassMATCH outreach materials.
  3. Cross-agency outreach is underway to gather profiles of state agency staff with AT expertise. The goal is to map who is doing what by name, agency, job title, site, years on the job, specialized skills, population served, etc. in order to prepare for their eventual retirement or in the case of state agency downsizing. The information may also be used for the creation of a Statewide AT Services and Personnel directory.
  4. In addition, MassMATCH is exploring the idea of collaborating with a community college and/or vocational technology H.S. to create a training program in AT/DME repair.
MassMATCH considers the Summit an important first step toward meaningful system-wide change to AT access in Massachusetts. Participants and presenters were clear in their message: we may lack adequate funding, but we do not lack ideas or resources.
 
The Long-Term Device Loan Program is Buying AT

As of August 14th, 2009 the Long-Term Device Loan Program for Low Cost Devices (a.k.a. the "mini-loan" program) has provided AT devices to 38 individuals who would otherwise have been unable to obtain them.

The Long-Term Device Loan Program is a pilot that began in January through a MassMATCH partnership with Easter Seals-MA. The program provides AT devices valued at under $500 for as long as qualifying applicants need them. Because the program began without an inventory of devices, Easter Seals is purchasing new devices in this pilot phase. So far the program has spent $11,385 to purchase computers, vision aids, mobility aids, and communication devices (e.g. an alarm clock, doorbell, alertmaster combo, a baby alarm, etc). When these items are no longer needed, they will be returned and made available to future applicants.
 
If you are a Massachusetts resident with a disability or are acting on behalf of a relative with a disability, you may participate in the program.  The program is specifically for those with low household incomes, so a certain financial need has to be demonstrated. If the equipment you want to acquire is valued at more than $500, you might consider a low-cost financial loan through the Mass. AT Loan Program.
 
For more information about either AT loan program please contact:
Jason M. Luciano, Ph.D.
Director of the AT Loan Program
(800) 244-2756 ext. 428 or 431
(800) 564-9700 (TTY)
www.MassATLoan.org

 Get AT Stuff Highlights
getatstuff logo with outline of the New England states surrounded by recycling arrows and the words "getatstuff" Assistive Technology Exchange in New England
GetATStuff--the New England "Craig's List" for AT--currently has hundreds of items available for sale or free throughout the six New England states. As of this writing, GetATStuff highlights include:

15 Vision related items
  • including a free Optelec video magnifier in Cheshire, CT
2 Hearing related items
  • including an FM system for $500 OBO in Woonsocket, RI
8 Speech Communication related items
  • including one Dynavox Impact Palmtop 3.2 for Best Offer in Brunswick, ME
11 Learning, Cognitive, Development related items
  • including one new tricycle--teen to adult sized--Worksman Cycle for free in Randolph, VT
357 Mobility, Seating, and Positioning related items
  • including one Jazzy 1107 Power Chair for Best Offer in Tewksbury, MA
299 Daily Living related items
  • including a free bed tray on wheels in Paxton, MA
43 Environmental Adaptation related items
  • including a wheelchair ramp for best offer in Salem, MA
47 Transportation and Vehicle Modification related items
  • including a rear entry accessible van for $27,000 in Mashpee, MA
8 Computer related items
  • including a Dolphin EZ Reader for $25 OBO in North Scituate, RI
12 Recreation, Sports, and Leisure related items
  • including one aquatics floatation ring for $30 OBO in Sudbury, MA
Go to www.getatstuff.org to search items by category or geography or to list what you need. Go to the MassMATCH AT Swap and Shop web page to learn about additional AT reuse sites.

New at Your Short-Term Device Loan Program: The Eclipse Scholar

Photo of the Eclipse Scholar CCTV The Eclipse Scholar from Ash Technologies is a 15 inch CCTV reader that is simple to set up, use, and carry. Its features include an auto focus camera, a distance camera, and a push-button overview. Text and background colors can be adjusted to suit your needs while line markers and adjustable blanking combine to make reading an altogether more enjoyable experience. When you are finished reading, the display screen can be folded down. The unit also folds away easily for storage and transport in its own storage case. It is designed for the student in the classroom and comes fully assembled and ready to use.

Short-term device loans are available from the MassMATCH AT Regional Centers (Easter Seals in Boston, and UCP Berkshire in Pittsfield). Equipment may be borrowed for up to 4 weeks free of charge (user pays for shipping only). Learn more at www.massmatch.org/inventory.

 
Upcoming Events

September 15, 2009
: Assistive Technology (AT) Resources to Enhance Independent Living
. Presented by: MassMATCH/SILC Conference. Location: Best Western Hotel & Conference Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough MA. For information and to pre-register: contact by email Donna.White@mrc.state.ma.us or by phone 1-866-682-9955 (Toll Free).

September 16, 2009: Training on the AT Assessment Tool for ILC Staff. Presented by: MassMATCH/SILC Conference. A simple-to-use assessment tool can help identify useful assistive technology (AT) devices for people transitioning out of institutions. The tool can help identify AT needs in areas such as Safety and Mobility, Personal Care, Cognition and Memory, or Communication. The tool also provides information on specific devices that can meet needs in each area.  Location: Best Western Hotel & Conference Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough MA. For information and to pre-register: contact by email Donna.White@mrc.state.ma.us or by phone 1-866-682-9955 (Toll Free).

September 19, 2009
: American Sign Language Expo
Presented by: ASL MEDIA LLC. This is the premier trade show for the sign language community where suppliers, distributors, organizations for the deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing, interpreting services, and many more exhibit sign language related products, services, and technologies to a vast audience in a fun-filled atmosphere.
Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM. Cost: Free. Location: DCU Center North Exhibition Hall, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA 01608 For More Information: contact James Kittell by email mail@aslmedia.com Website: www.aslexpo.com

September 22, 2009: MassRelay "Let's Talk" Workshop
Presented by: Northeast Independent Living Program. Speaker: Karen Keefe, MassRelay Community Relations Manager. Learn how MassRelay works with Hamilton Relay, how to set up or update your Caller Preference, TTY/Voice Carry Over Call Me Cards, Web Accounts, Business Partner Program. Time: 6pm to 7:30 pm. Where: Northeast Independent Living Program, 20 Ballard Road, Lawrence, MA 01843. ASL interpreters provided. If reasonable accommodations or Captioning Service are needed please contact Joseph Burke, Program Coordinator, two weeks inadvance at 978-687-4288 via MassRelay (Voice Carry-Over) or Video Phone at 866-761-8927 or by email at jburke@nilp.org.

September 23, 2009: AT Demonstration--The Voyager Discovery Desktop Suite. This webinar is presented by Rich Herold, Sales and Marketing Rep, Able Link Technologies.  The Voyager Discovery Desktop Suite software is designed for people with cognitive and memory difficulties. This suite of software includes Pocket Coach, Pocket, Compass, Schedule Assistant, and Pocket Ace. Time: 1 pm to 2 pm. Cost: Free. For More Information: Contact Cathy Bly by email cbly@eastersealsma.org or by phone 617-226-2634. Please call in advance.

September 23, 2009: Training on the AT Assessment Tool
Presented by: MassMATCH. This simple-to-use assessment tool is designed for case managers, social workers, healthcare providers and related agency workers to use in order to determine the need for assistive technology services and possible referral for individuals transitioning out of institutions. The tool provides a supplement with examples of AT in areas such as Safety and Mobility, Personal Care, or Communication. The tool also provides information on specific devices that can meet needs in each a rea.Time: 1 pm to 3pm. Cost: Free. Location: Morse Library, 14 E Central St, Natick, MA 01760-4630. For More Information and to Pre-register: Contact by email Donna.White@mrc.state.ma.us or by phone 1-866-682-9955 (Toll Free).

September 24, 2009: Training on the AT Assessment Tool
Presented by: MassMATCH. See description above. Time: 1 pm to 3 pm Cost: Free. Location: Jones Library, 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA 01002-2285. For More Information and to Pre-register: contact by email Donna.White@mrc.state.ma.us or by phone 1-866-682-9955 (Toll Free).

October 7, 2009: Seeing Sound, Hearing Images: WGBH's Work to Make Media Accessible to Viewers with Disabilities
Presented by: Mary Watkins of WGBH's Media Access Group.WGBH, Boston's public broadcaster, is also a pioneer in making media of all kinds accessible to audiences who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision.  Beginning in 1972 with the first captioned television program ever broadcast (Julia Child's The French Chef), WGBH's Media Access Group has broken down barriers though closed captioning and descriptive video (Descriptive Video Service® or DVS®). Time: 1 pm to 3 pm. Cost: Free. Location: Easter Seals Assistive Technology Center
89 South Street, first floor, Boston, MA. For More Information:
Contact Cathy Bly by email cbly@eastersealsma.org or by phone 617-226-2634.

Learn about more events at this MassMATCH webpage.

Ask the Expert: Vehicle Chair Lift Needed

Dear Expert:

I am in need of help.  My spouse (who is 62) recieved a motorized wheel chair about 3-4 months ago, however she has been unable to use it because we can't afford a chair lift for the back of our car.  My spouse is losing her ability to walk more and more, her body tilts forward and to the right which is why she is losing her ability to walk. . When she walks she bumps into things and has fallen down outside while trying to walk. I am 65 years old and have congestive heart failure, so it is most difficult to pick her up. 

As you know, not having the ability to walk is hard enough, but having a device that allows you to get around and not being able to use it, is depressing, which is what I see her going through. 

I would like to know if your agency can help us get the chair lift for the back of our car; if not, if you can direct me to someone who can, I would greatly appreciate it.

Dear In Need of Help:

Among the resources you can avail yourself of to obtain a chair lift are the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) and the New England Assistive Technology Exchange (AKA getatstuff.com website). The ATLP is a low-interest financial loan program from which  you can borrow any amount above $500 to fund the purchase of any AT product or service. The person in charge of the program is Dr. Jason Luciano. The contact phone number for the program is: 1-800-244-2756,  or visit www.massatloan.org.
 
The getatstuff website, on the other hand, is a web-based listing service akin to Craig's List, but solely for AT. It is a place where persons wishing to donate or sell AT as well as those looking for AT come to list their available items or needs respectively. You may want to visit the site and search for a chair lift. If you find one that suits you, you will then contact the lister to discuss your interest and how to carry out the exchange. You may also post your need on the site.
 
I would also like to suggest that before you purchase a lift you ascertain what type is best for the type of chair your spouse has. It might not be possible to modify your car and you may have to go with a van. For expert advice on that subject, I would like to refer you to Mr. Eugene Blumkin, Mass. Rehabilitation Commission's Vehicle Modification Program Coordinator for a phone consultation. His phone number is: 617-204-3721. He could also let you know the dealers of this type of device so that you can comparison shop and get a quote.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me again for any further assistance.
Quick Links
Call to Action: CONSUMER REPORTS

From Next Step (People with Disabilities for Social and Economic Justice):

Dear Concerned Citizen:

Despite many requests, CONSUMER REPORTS, the nation's largest independent product testing organization, has declined to test products designed for use by people with disabilities. Tell them that people with disabilities are consumers, too, that we need to shop wisely and avoid products that can harm or kill us.

Please complete this action alert to make our voices heard.

Sincerely,
Ethan Ellis
President and Chief Organizer
Next Step
New Product Spotlight: The BackTpack
Photo of the BackTpack
Courtesy of Abledata:

The BackTpack is a carrying bag designed for use by individuals with neurological disabilities, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), blind and low vision or shoulder and back pain. It is adjustable and designed for children and adults ranging from ages 5 years old and above. This backpack type carrying bag is designed to load on the spinal axis to improve and train good posture, body mechanics, balance, reduce pain, and provide ease and security carrying everyday items.

Features includes a "sit strap" that allows the wearer to sit with the bag on while the load transfers off the shoulders and spine, a headphone port for ease in use of auditory equipment, a water bottle holder and multiple compartments on both sides. An optional hip loading accessory is available for those who should not have a spinal loading system.

Learn more about the BackTpack at this Abledata web page.

Reminder: MassMATCH and the U.S. Department of Education make no endorsement, representation, or warranty expressed or implied for any product, device, or information set forth in this newsletter. Neither MassMATCH nor the U.S. Department of Education has examined, reviewed, or tested any product or device contained on the MassMATCH website or newsletter.
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