Programs and Services

Reduce - REUSE - Recycle

What do I do with assistive technology when I don’t need it anymore? How do I recycle technology equipment with electronic components? How do I find people that may want what I have to sell or give away?

On July 24th people from around the state gathered at the DHS Elmer L. Anderson Building in St. Paul to ask and answer these and many more questions. A first in Minnesota, this conference attracted more than 100 participants who learned about and discussed issues related to the reuse of assistive technology.

In May of 2006 representatives from Minnesota attended the Pass It On National Conference on ReUse of Assistive Technology in Atlanta Georgia. Out of that experience the Minnesota STAR Program and the Department of Human Services gathered a committee of interested individuals and began planning the first Minnesota AT reuse conference.

The conference featured national speaker Jeremy Buzzwell, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Washington, D.C. and Carolyn Phillips, GA Department of Labor, Pass It On Center, National AT Reuse Technical Assistance Center, Atlanta, GA. Following the morning session two panel discussions focused on reuse services available in MN.

Assistive Technology reuse consists of four categories:

• Device Exchange – Two end users exchange a device between them. The role of an agency engaged in device exchange is to connect these two people. The interested parties work out the terms of the agreement.
• Device Reassignment – A piece of assistive technology no longer needed or used is given to an agency which matches that piece of equipment with an appropriate consumer. Before passing the AT on to a new consumer the agency may refurbish (restore to at least manufacturer's specifications), sanitize, etc. the donated equipment.
• Device Remanufacturing – Changing the device specifications such as converting a power wheelchair into a manual wheelchair.
• Device Recycling – Taking apart a piece of AT and appropriately disposing of the parts.

The conference laid a foundation for the future of AT reuse in MN. The following links will provide more information about the national AT reuse movement:

Pass It On - The Pass It On Center is a national AT reuse technical assistance resource funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services - This site provides information on the national AT reuse movement.

A few Minnesota agencies that provide AT reuse services:

Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota's Medical Equipment Loan Program - This loan program collects, cleans and repairs used medical equipment for short-term loan. Loan Sites: St. Paul, Rochester, St. Cloud and Willmar.

Minnesota Computers for Schools - The program is a nonprofit organization that focuses on re-purposing technology as well as helping schools recycle older technology. MCFS places high quality refurbished computer systems in schools across the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society Equipment Exchange & Loan Pool Program - The equipment exchange program is available on the MS website and allows people to donate, sell or trade medical equipment. It also allows users to search for equipment. There are six loan pools across the state. Click on client programs and then scroll down to equipment exchange.

PACER SUPER (Still Useful Product and Equipment Referral) Service - The PACER SUPER Service connects people seeking to buy used assistive technology with sellers. Buyers must contact sellers of used equipment directly. PACER does not provide technical supp

For more information about Reduce - REUSE - Recycle, please contact UCP at (651) 646-7588 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpmn.org
Updated: 01/28/2009