AT Summit Held to Improve State Services
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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
- Not
enough AT repair services--a statewide limited ability to respond to
emergency AT/DME repair needs.
- Inadequate
AT fabrication services.
- No
program in the state that repairs and refurbishes AT/DME.
AT workforce
- Need
for more individuals with the skills to repair AT/DME.
- Need
for more personnel with the expertise for adapting assistive devices
across the state human services agencies.
- Need
for more trained clinicians/experts to assess clients for their AT needs.
Vendor
- Durable
medical equipment (DME) vendors are not interested in repair.
- Not
enough DME vendors statewide (4 total).
- Problems
with private sector vendor reimbursement; the need for system incentives
to insure vendors are properly reimbursed.
Consumer Services/Resources
- A need
for more assessment of students for AT within school classrooms.
- Better
AT services for consumers living in the community; better private sector
AT services.
- 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).
- Need
for more locally-based AT demonstration and device loan programs.
- Need
for funds for training consumers in the use of AT across the state
agencies.
- Need
for better and consistent info/referral from state agencies on AT services
available to their clients and employees.
Collaboration/coordination
- Need
for cross-agency collaboration to serve consumers with multiple
disabilities who need the expertise of multiple agencies.
- Need
for coordinated cross-agency AT reuse program (to salvage, assess,
rehab/repair, store, and appropriately distribute recycled/donated
equipment).
- 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.
- Need
for more consistent AT policies across agencies.
State as Model Employer (of people with disabilities)
- Need
for more accessible state agency communications.
- Need
for instruction on how to produce accessible documents.
- 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:
- 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.
- Meetings with MassHealth
and DME vendors are planned for November to discuss wheelchair repair
issues and to collaborate on distributing MassMATCH outreach materials.
- 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.
- 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.
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The Long-Term Device Loan Program is Buying AT
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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
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Get AT Stuff Highlights
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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.
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New at Your Short-Term Device Loan Program: The Eclipse Scholar
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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.
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Upcoming Events
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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.
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Ask the Expert: Vehicle Chair Lift Needed
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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.
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Call to Action: CONSUMER REPORTS
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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
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New Product Spotlight: The BackTpack
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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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