by Liz Persaud and Carolyn Phillips of the Pass It On Center
In response to ongoing continuous requests for help establishing or expanding
assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) reuse programs,
the Pass It On Center hosted a national conference this past December
11th-13th. The conference served Centers for Independent Living, non-profits,
and faith-based organizations and took place at the Georgia Tech Hotel and
Conference Center in Atlanta. It provided an opportunity for leaders
throughout the US and territories in the field of independent living and
AT/DME Reuse to come together and collectively focus on real solutions for
individuals who can benefit from access to gently used affordable equipment.
Close to 100 participants came from over 27 states! The
event showcased successful practices and quality programs that work
within or in collaboration with Centers for Independent Living. For the
preconference session, participants toured Friends of Disabled Adults and
Children (FODAC) in Stone Mountain, GA--one of the oldest and largest reuse programs
in the U.S.--to see reuse activities and best practices in action. Conference
general sessions and workshops highlighted lessons learned on issues such as
equipment collection, sanitization methods, refurbishment checklists,
marketing, inventory tracking, equipment matching, program sustainability, and
much more.
Attendees were successful recognizing their own
accomplishments and that of partner programs, and many identified points for
collaboration and for building national networks for reuse service delivery. To
learn more about this national conference, and for access to the general and concurrent
session presentations and handouts, please visit www.passitoncenter.org.
Liz Persaud is the PIOC's training, outreach and development coordinator.
Carolyn Phillips is PIOC's director.
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