MassMATCH Quarterly News: Summer 2015
In This Edition:
- REquipment Gains Traction in Greater Boston, Central Massachusetts and… the Statehouse?
- The FCC Takes Action (and Seeks Your Comments)
- Accessible Paddling Comes to Norwell
- REquipment Holds First-Ever DME Donation and Swap Day!
- A.T. Purchase Strategies Using ABLE Accounts
- Save the Date for Abilities Expo!
- Don't Forget the MassMATCH.org Usability Survey!
- REquipment Highlights
- Get AT Stuff Highlights
- Upcoming Events (opens the MassMATCH Events page)
REquipment Gains Traction in Greater Boston, Central Massachusetts and… the Statehouse?
REquipment has been up and running for just 18 months, but already the MassMATCH durable medical equipment (DME) reuse program has made a significant impact on the quality of life of hundreds of individuals with disabilities and families in Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts. As of this writing, 229 refurbished manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, standers, shower chairs, rollators (and more) have found new homes, saving residents an estimated $425,000.
"We're averaging 20 to 30 reassignments per month," Program Manager Randi Sargent observes. Sargent attributes the steady activity to outreach she's targeted to senior centers, Councils on Aging, veterans groups, the Federation of Children with Special Needs, rehab hospitals, home care agencies and others. "We are getting the word out. People are starting to know we are here. We've had some news coverage and there's also word of mouth. It helps that we can provide pickup and delivery. Often that's what participating households need."
There's also evidence that the state legislature is taking notice. For the first time, the Senate budget proposal includes a $500,000 increase with earmarking language for Assistive Technology Independent Living and REquipment Programs (to MRC's line item 4120-4000). Currently REquipement does not receive funding directly from a state appropriation. REquipment launched in 2014 as a multi-sector partnership that included a blend of funding and in-kind resources from The Boston Home, The Boston Foundation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, The Department of Public Health, The Department of Developmental Services, and the Mass Rehabilitation Commission (MassMATCH).
While the Senate's budget proposal is exciting, it's unclear, however, if it will stick. At present the budget is with the Conference Committee, which must reconcile the differences between the House and Senate's fiscal year 2016 recommendations. Since the House budget proposal did not include an increase for Assistive Technology and REquipment, it's possible the earmark will not make it to the governor's desk.
Regardless, it's clear REquipment is beginning to garner broad support. And if the Senate proposal survives the budget-making process, an appropriation of this kind could go a long way toward expanding better access to no-cost gently-used DME in more regions of Massachusetts.
For more information about the status of the state appropriation contact Joe Bellil at jbellil@eastersealsma.org
The FCC Takes Action (and Seeks Your Comments)
On May 21st, 2015 the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to ensure individuals who are blind or visually impaired can quickly access critical information shown on television in the event of an emergency. The new rules require a secondary audio stream be made available on tablets, smartphones, laptops and other devices used by subscription television providers (cable and satellite) who also provide programming via apps. The rules implement provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (“CVAA”) related to accessible emergency information.
Previously adopted rules already call for a secondary audio stream to hear televised emergency information (cued by three tones). Those rules require TV set-top boxes to have "a simple and easy to use mechanism to switch from the main program audio to the secondary audio stream to hear audible emergency information." The news rules are meant to apply this standard to mobile devices in order to "keep[] pace with technological changes and the way consumers enjoy content."
In addition, the Commission is requesting comments on other issues related to the accessibility of emergency information for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Specifically the Commission wants to know:
- How to prioritize emergency information if there is more than one on-screen announcement;
- Whether information on school closings and school bus schedule changes should continue to be made available on the secondary audio stream; and
- Possible future requirements on multichannel video programming distributors to ensure that consumers have a simple and easy to use mechanism to access the secondary audio stream.
Comments may be filed at this FCC webpage (the proceeding to file under is #15-56).
Read the full FCC press release.
Accessible Paddling Comes to Norwell!
The town of Norwell's Conservation Commission has installed a dock system to help more people paddle Jacobs Pond!
Norwell's new EZ Dock Launch System is located across the street from the South Shore Natural Science Center at 48 Jacobs Lane. The EZ Dock provides guide rails for easy access in and out of the water, launch rollers for the boat, a transfer bench with two heights and transfer slide boards (also two heights). The system allows users to sit, slide over and drop down into a kayak or canoe.
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A transfer bench allows people to transition while sitting to a lower bench where access to the boat is easier. Photo credit: everyone outdoors blog |
Rollers for the boat and side rails for the user allow for easy access to the water. Photo credit: everyone outdoors blog
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Marcy Marchello, Program Coordinator for the Universal Access Program in Massachusetts State Parks checked out the dock last month. On her blog, Everyone Outdoors, she reports that the system is designed for individuals who can pull themselves with moderate strength along the rollers and bars of the chute to get in and out of the water, and that the shape of a boat's underside will effect how difficult or easy it is to move. The Norwell system is attached to a broad dock that is attached at shore to a wooden wheelchair accessible rampway. "Norwell's Conservation Commission gets a lot of kudos," she writes, "for proactively installing a system designed to allow everyone access to paddling on a beautiful pond."
Check out the full summer schedule of accessible recreation opportunities in Massachusetts sponsored by the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)'s Universal Access Program. And stay tuned for more accessible paddling spots in Massachusetts; Marchello notes there are plans to install similar docks at Wompatuck State Park and the Peak Paddlesports boathouse in downtown Orange.
REquipment Holds First-Ever DME Donation and Swap Day!
REquipment, MassMATCH’s durable medical equipment (DME) reuse program, held its first-ever DME Donation and Swap Day on June 6th, 2015. The event took place at the Joseph Lalli Miracle Field in Acton, the weekend home to Miracle League of Massachusetts adapted ball league. REquipment Program Manager Randi Sargent has been involved with Miracle League where her son has played ball for many years and saw an opportunity. Here families come with their children who use and frequently outgrow durable medical equipment; they come for the love of baseball, camaraderie and community. The perfect venue for a DME swap!
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REquipment Program Manager Randi Sargent at DME Donation and Swap Day in Acton |
Donated Pediatric Durable Medical Equipment at Swap Day |
Sargent promoted this first-time event within the Miracle League community only. "Still we received 20 pieces of essential pediatric equipment, not bad!" Donations included pediatric wheelchairs, adapted strollers, shower chairs, gait trainer walkers, a floor sitter, and a hand trike. "Seven of the items were taken by families happy to have them. The remaining devices will be refurbished and listed at the REquipment inventory webpage in the coming days."
Recycled pediatric devices are very in-demand DME items, "Which is not surprising," Sargent explains, "because children outgrow their equipment so quickly." She notes, too, that parents need equipment for home use, and it's often not covered by insurance. "REquipment's DME allows families to continue at home the therapies their children receive at school."
Feedback on the Miracle League Facebook page suggests enthusiasm for a repeat of DME Swap Day: "I was so happy to be able to donate some of our equipment and have it taken by families that same day," comments Heather Plotkin. "Love that another family can benefit from it. I vote for doing each season.” And from Elaina Kourepenos: "This is a 'win/win' endeavor."
Do you have pediatric durable medical equipment or another gently-used device to donate? REquipment provides refurbished DME to individuals of all ages within Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts. Learn more at www.dmeREquipment.org or call 617-204-3626 to donate.
A.T. Purchase Strategies Using ABLE Accounts
ABLE Accounts are coming to Massachusetts! In our spring newsletter we reported on passage of the ABLE Act and its implications for funding assistive technology. This edition we bring you real-life scenarios for how this new savings option may serve individuals and families with A.T. wants and needs.
Michael's Van
Michael uses a wheelchair and wants to purchase an adapted vehicle to go to his volunteer activities, ball games, and out to dinner with friends. Michael's Home and Community-Based Waiver will pay for the adaptations to the vehicle, but not for the vehicle itself.
- Michael establishes an ABLE account and asks family and friends to contribute (up to a maximum of $14,000/ yr.) With his ABLE account he can maintain his SSI and Medicaid benefits even though his assets will grow beyond the $2,000 limit set by the Social Security Administration.
- In two years Michael is fortunate to have $10,000 and can take out a loan for the remaining $12,000 for a used vehicle.
- Michael's loan amount is $186/mo. for 6 years.
- Michael continues to save gifts to his ABLE account to keep up with vehicle repairs.
Ben's Van
Ben has a part-time job and also receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI). He uses a wheelchair and relies on Para Transit to get to his job. Ben is often frustrated because the transit service is routinely late arriving at his house and then the driver may take him on a circuitous route to his work place. Ben wants to purchase his own an adapted van; he knows the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation will pay for the van's adaptations because he is working.
- Ben sets up an ABLE account where he can save up to $100,000 tax free and still receive SSI and Medicaid. Ben uses the account to save toward his van with his own income in addition to gifts from others.
- Like Michael (above), Ben saves for a portion of the van and then applies for a loan for the rest. The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program helps ensure Ben receives an affordable rate and terms.
- After purchase, Ben continues to save money in his ABLE account for when his vehicle needs repairs (or other eligible needs).
Laura's Transition Program
Laura wants to participate in a financial education program designed for young adults transitioning to adulthood. A component of the program is to establish a matched-savings account to fund education or assistive technology.
- Laura establishes an ABLE account to use with the 9 month program. Laura's ABLE account is consumer directed and has very low or no fees (unlike a Special Needs Trust).
- Each month Laura deposits $20 and the program contributes $40.
- At the end of 9 months, Laura has $540 she can use for text books, supplies, or AT needs.
Holly's Home Modifications
Holly is the parent of a daughter who has multiple disabilities including cerebral palsy. It's clear her daughter will need life-long supports, including modifications for the home. Holly is aware of the Home Modifications Loan Program, but because her total gross household income is above the state's median, she is not eligible.
- Holly sets up an ABLE account with her daughter as the beneficiary so she can save money for the care and home modifications her daughter will need.
- The ABLE account, unlike a Special Needs Trust, allows all family members, their daughter, and others to contribute (up to $14,000/ yr.)
- The ABLE account can grow to $100,000 without jeopardizing her daughter's SSI and earnings grow tax free. Should the account exceed $100,000, her daughter's SSI payments will be suspended but she will retain her Medicaid.
- Throughout her daughter's life, funds are withdrawn from the ABLE account for a variety of eligible expenses without penalty or tax liability.
- Should her daughter pass away, funds remaining in her daughter's ABLE account may be used for outstanding qualified expenses, including burial. Holly is aware, however, that beyond these expenses, remaining ABLE account funds may then be collected by the state for reimbursement of Medicaid expenditures.
Nathan's Hearing Aids
Nathan has Down Syndrome and lives in his own apartment in a small town. He also has a significant hearing loss and needs hearing aids. Because Nathan's household income is below 250% of the federal poverty level, he is eligible for the Audient hearing aid program. Audient provides dual digital hearing aids for $1,400, including: (1) a fitting, (2) three adjustments, (3) ear mold(s), (4) fully digital hearing aid(s), and (5) a one year manufacturer's warranty.
- Nathan opens an ABLE account to save money and receive gifts while maintaining his SSI and Medicaid.
- Once Nathan has $1,400, he applies directly to Audient to receive dual digital hearing aids.
Nathan continues to save in his ABLE account beyond the hearing aid purchase for other qualified needs and wants. ABLE accounts have low or no fees and are consumer directed to serve this purpose.
Thanks to Susan Tachau, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania A.T. Foundation, for helping envision these real-life scenarios. This article is adapted from an article first published in AT Program News.
Save the Date for Abilities Expo Boston: Sept 18-20th
What: Cutting-edge assistive technology, adaptive sports and dance, dynamic workshops, local and national exhibitors, face-painting for the kids and more!
When: September 18-20th, 2015. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Hall C.
How Much?: Registration is FREE
Learn more: Abilities.com/boston
Don't Forget! Take the MassMATCH.org Usability Survey!
MassMATCH is seeking feedback on the usability and usefulness of everything on this website - MassMATCH.org. Please share your ideas and experiences by completing this website usability survey. Thank you!
REquipment Highlights
REquipment is a great way to obtain FREE, gently-used, durable medical equipment (DME) for use by individuals and families in Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts. As of this writing, the REquipment inventory includes the following available items:
- 3 bath benches, including the Manatee Bathing Chair and Frame (for a child)
- 5 mechanical/sling lifts, including the Invacare Manual Lift (9805P) (for an adult)
- 2 rollators, including a 4 wheel Demi Featherlite (for an adult)
- 2 electric scooters, including a 4 wheeled Jazzy Select (for an adult)
- 4 shower chairs (1 rolling) and 3 shower slider systems (1 for a teen or small an adult)
- 15 manual wheelchairs, including an Invacare electric tilt back wheel chair (Solara3G) (for an adult)
- 3 power wheelchairs, including an Invacare Storm Arrow (for an adult)
GetATStuff Highlights
The Assistive Technology Exchange in New England is now the Assistive Technology Exchange in New England AND New York! GetATStuff is the "Craig's List" for AT. Currently there are hundreds of items posted as for sale or free.
As of this writing, GetATStuff highlights include:
- 2 Vision-related items, including a portable video magnifier (ONYX Deskset XL) in North Providence, RI for $2,000 OBO.
- 1 Hearing-related item: a Superprint 4425 TTY for $350 OBO in North Providence, RI.
- 3 Speech Communication-related items, including a Tobii C12 with eye tracking, never used, $10,000 OBO in Corning, NY.
- 2 Learning, Cognitive, and Development items, including a Dynavox Eyemax for $250 in Wilbraham, MA.
- 62 Mobility, Seating, and Positioning related items, including a Q6 Edge 3MP-SS Electric, center wheel drive, power wheelchair for $5,000 in Westport, MA.
- 52 Daily Living related items, including a Medline semi-electric hospital bed for Free in Quincy, MA.
- 13 Environmental Adaptation related items, including an adjustable aluminum ramp for $1,250 in Amherst, MA.
- 8 Transportation and Vehicle Modification related items, including a 2004 GMC Savana modified van for wheelchair for Best Offer in Canton, MA.
- 3 Computer-related items, including a FREE Nintendo Joystick from Toys for Special Children in North Billerica, MA.
- 4 Recreation items including a TFH High Back outdoor swing, child size, with ropes for $40 in Whitinsville, MA.
Go to GetATStuff to search items by category or geography or to list what you need.
