This past April, the Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program (PRATP)'s Reuse Initiative held its second AT Device Donation Rally. The event took place at the American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon Campus and was conducted in partnership with the Puerto Rico Paralyzed Veterans Association (PRPVA). More than 70 devices were collected, everything from wheelchairs, shower chairs, and canes to talking calculators and magnifiers.
According to PRATP Coordinator Gretchen Matias Lebron, Puerto Rico has more than 950,000 persons with disabilities, and most have yet to gain access to AT devices or services. Reuse is a logical way to help address the need, and is easily adopted on the island. "Recycling is a part of our daily life because it provides a way to reduce solid waste and unnecessary storage" she notes. "Regarding AT, reuse and recycling allow persons with disabilities to acquire devices at reduced cost or for free, while also minimizing device acquisition time. " PRATP holds its device donation rally in April--Recycling Month in Puerto Rico.
Devices collected at the rally are sanitized and refurbished by the PRPVA and made available through their Wheelchair Repair Shop located in Carolina (northern PR). Eligible consumers (who are not able to acquire new equipment through public or private insurance) can then purchase or acquire equipment at no cost. PRATP began this partnership in 2007; PRPVA had an existing DME reuse program. "And so we joined forces to achieve a common goal--to improve, promote, and facilitate the acquisition of AT," emphasizes Lebron.
The Wheelchair Repair Shop serves veterans as well as the general public.
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