Written by Rosemarie Punzalan, Program Coordinator for the AT Network The Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology (CART), located at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA, is one of the largest medical rehabilitation centers in the United States. CART staff – including physical, speech, occupational, and recreational therapists and engineers – offer…
by Christina Mills, CFILC’s Deputy Director People with disabilities, especially those of us with genetic disabilities, are not often thought about as sexual beings, let alone parents. Over a year ago I was given the most exciting news in my life…I was pregnant! As a short stature wheelchair user with a genetic disability, I had…
By Shannon Coe, CFILC’s Reuse and Finance Coordinator In May 2012, the World Institute on Disability (WID) made a video using pictures to tell a story about my experience with the Peace Corps. As a woman who uses a wheelchair, I had to overcome many barriers Peace Corps created because they did not think people…
By Shannon Coe, CFILC’s Reuse & Finance Coordinator It’s alive! The AT Network has resurrected its Repair and Reuse Fund. With a new face lift to the online application, we would like to highlight some of the changes. The most important change is that organizations can now submit up to five devices for repairs each…
By Shannon Coe, CFILC’s Reuse & Finance Coordinator Does your organization receive donated assistive technology devices? And do the devices only need simple repairs such as new batteries, footrests, wires, tires, etc. to get them working again? But your organization does not have enough funding to repair the devices. You wish there was some money…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager Seeds have been planted and the sprouts of a new collaboration have begun to emerge. Last fall we convened a summit of organizations that have an interest in AT reuse. The group began to explore ways to work together for the common purpose of increasing access to used…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager The Internet has made finding used assistive devices both easier and challenging at the same time. In the past people looked to local organizations or classified ads in their newspapers. Today, items can be posted on websites like craigslist, freecycle, oodle, ebay, abledata, as well as any of…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager In a time of severe budget cuts that imperil the ability of Californians with disabilities to live independently, the reuse and recycling of assistive technology is a moral imperative. Reuse is one of the most effective ways to enable more low income individuals to acquire devices that empower…
Written by Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager. California is a unique state (although, I’m sure every other state considers themselves unique too). A diverse population spread over a large geographic area with several large urban areas and many remote rural communities poses a number of challenges for service providers intent on inclusion and reaching…
By Allan Friedman, CFILC’s Technologies Manager There seems to be some reluctance on the part of many AT professionals to recommend or assist consumers in acquiring used assistive technology devices. Medi-Cal, Medicare, the Veteran’s Administration and other funders will not fund the purchase of a used AT device; only new will do. Why? The number…