Vermont Assistive Technology Program Advisory Council · 2020-04-22 · Assistive Technology Programs Public Law 108-364 - The Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals

Vermont Assistive Technology Vermont Assistive Technology Program Advisory CouncilProgram Advisory Council

Amber FulcherProgram Director, Vermont Assistive Technology Program(802) 279-3150; [email protected]

What is Assistive Technology? What is Assistive Technology?

"Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities".

Definition taken from the Technology-

Related Assistance Individuals with

Disabilities Act of 1988.

Examples of Assistive TechnologyExamples of Assistive Technology

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

•Medical Equipment that is meant to

withstand repeated use and is suitable

for use in the homefor use in the home

•DME is also considered AT

•Examples: Wheelchairs, standers,

adapted car seats, transfer shower

benches, electric beds, AAC devices.

Assistive Technology Programs

� Public Law 108-364 - The Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004. 2004.

� State AT Programs – each state and US Territory operates an Assistive Technology Program with the same core components.

� Report to RSA

AT Program Core Services

� Information and Assistance

� Demonstrations

� Equipment Loans

� Training & Workshops

� Public Awareness

� Technical Assistance

� AT and DME Reutilization

VT Assistive Technology Program

http://www.atp.vermont.gov/

� VocRehab VT is our lead agency

� Provides services for all individuals with disabilities across the lifespan

� Services are available to families, � Services are available to families, educators, service providers and employers.

� Services are provided in the field and in regional tryout centers (Rutland, UVM-CDCI)

Additional Services of VATP

� AT Evaluations for VocRehab VT consumers including Transition

� Information on area resources (for � Information on area resources (for access to equipment, advocates, and funding)

� Information on AT in Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary Education & the Workplace

AT Tryout CenterAT Tryout Center

Rutland Tryout Center:Dan Gilman, ATPAT Access SpecialistAT Access SpecialistAssistive Technology Program190 Asa Bloomer Bldg.Rutland, VT 05701Phone: 802-786-5936E-mail: [email protected]

AT Tryout CenterAT Tryout CenterCenter on Disability and Community InclusionCenter on Disability and Community Inclusion

University of VermontUniversity of Vermont

Leslie Ermolovich

Director, AT Tryout and Access CenterDirector, AT Tryout and Access CenterCenter on Disability & Community InclusionUniversity of VermontMann Hall, 3rd Floor208 Colchester Ave.Burlington, VT [email protected]/~cdci/at

Serving Chittenden County, and parts of Grand Isle and Addison Counties

Components of AT Reuse

Project

� Community Exchange◦ www.getatstuff.com

� School Exchange◦ www.vermont.atschoolswap.com◦ www.vermont.atschoolswap.com

� VT Medicaid Equipment Retrieval◦ Retrieving 8 categories of equipment

for redistribution

� Read more about our services at www.atp.vt.gov

AT Reuse Project Essentials

� A FREE service to facilitate the exchange of AT

between all of the New England states

� Resource for ANYONE to locate new or used

equipment at low or no cost

Resource for ANYONE to sell, donate, or loan new � Resource for ANYONE to sell, donate, or loan new

or used equipment

� Collaboration with existing reuse non-profits

� FREE communication with staff to further assist in

the acquisition of AT

Features of www.getATstuff.com

Features of www.getATstuff.com

To ask a question or request an Excel list

Call Toll Free 888-827-2714

View updated lists at www.atp.vermont.gov

Vermont’s AT School Exchange

� Schools often have available Assistive Technology (AT) which was purchased for students who have graduated or moved out of district. The Vermont AT School Swap is an online exchange, which Swap is an online exchange, which provides a forum for schools to share equipment, locate needed devices and collaborate professionally. 46/60 Districts/Supervisory Unions participating

Medicaid Equipment Reuse� Upon the receipt of certain new items purchased by VT

Medicaid, beneficiaries or guardians agree to return items, when no longer needed. The VT AT Reuse Project arranges for items to be donated to non-profits committed to the reuse/recycling of the equipment, facilitates transport of the equipment.

Items in the following eight categories of high-end medical equipment are collected and redistributed to folks who need them:them:

� Augmentative and Adaptive Communication (AAC) devices

� Manual Wheelchairs

� Power Wheelchairs

� Power Operated Vehicles (i.e. scooters)

� Standers

� Electric Beds

� Shower Commode Chairs

� Lifts

If you have an item to return, please call the Clinical Reviewer for Vermont Medicaid at 1-800-250-8427.

AT and Equipment Resources� Vermont Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program

(VTEDP) www.vtedp.org

� American Legion - VFW Posts

� Wayward Wheels –Winooski, Montpelier and Ripton

� AAA’s-ADRC’s, VNA Home Health & Hospice

� Hospital Rehab Centers

� BGS State Surplus & ReStore Barre� BGS State Surplus & ReStore Barre

� Good Samaritan, Free Cycle and Win Cycle

� VBMX, www.passitoncenter.org and knowledge base (all states)

� VocRehab Vermont and Vermont Family Network, DME Partners

� AT Tryout Center @ University of Vermont CDCI

� VT AT Program Try out Centers Waterbury, Rutland, UVM for demonstrations, consultation, device loans see: www.atp.vermont.gov for information and contacts

Funding Resources

� Muscular Dystrophy Association ($500 per yr)

� Loan Closets through ALS� VCIL: Sue Williams Freedom Fund� Opportunities Credit Union: Independence

FundFund� Autism Puzzle Foundation� Telecommunications Equipment Distribution

Program� Project Endeavor – AT for folks who are

Deaf/HOH� Contact AT Program for Funding Guide