Small changes...big differences, fall 2012, v.12 no.4

              Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Volume 12, Issue 4
Fall 2012
Assistive Technology
Small Changes...Big Differences
Oklahoma ABLE Tech Hosts Legislative Visit
(L to R) Nancy Landrum, HLA Director; Josh Grogis, Field Representative to Rep. Cole; Rep. Tom Cole;
and Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored Programs
Congressman Tom Cole (Oklahoma - 4th District) toured several Oklahoma ABLE Tech programs while in Oklahoma this month. Linda Jaco, Director of Sponsored Programs in the Department of Wellness at Oklahoma State University took Representative Cole to NewView Oklahoma, the Hearing Loss Association, and the Oklahoma Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program in Oklahoma City. These programs provide services to Oklahomans with disabilities to increase independence and opportunity in community, educational, and employment settings.
NewView Oklahoma and the Hearing Loss Association both manage the ABLE Tech assistive technology centers allowing individuals to learn more about AT devices and services through demonstration and short-term loan programs. ABLE Tech collaborates with multiple locations and purchases assistive technology for partnering centers to better serve Oklahomans. The AT demonstration and loan programs allow individuals an opportunity to compare features of AT and to borrow AT for six weeks in order to try out at home, school, on the job, or in the community.
The Oklahoma Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program (OKDMERP) is a new program made possible through a partnership with Oklahoma ABLE Tech and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Oklahoma is one of only three states that manages a system to re-distribute Medicaid purchased DME. This program allows Oklahomans to obtain slightly used DME free of charge through donations. OKDMERP retrieves donated items, sanitizes and refurbishes the equipment to its original working condition, and then redistributes it to local residents. While SoonerCare members have priority, all Oklahomans with disabilities and/or health conditions are eligible to participate in the program regardless of age or income. Katie Woodward, Program Manager of OKDMERP said, “This program allows people, regardless of their income, age, or disability, to gain independence. Since the program began OKDMERP has reassigned 101 devices, and these donations have made a marked difference in the lives of Oklahomans.”
Program inventory will change based on donations but should include a range of devices to meet a variety of needs. Devices that can be donated will include: communication devices, CPAPs, gait trainers, nebulizers, quad canes, shower chairs, walkers, bath benches, commodes, patient lifts, standers, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and scooters. If you are interested in donating an item or you are looking for equipment, please contact Katie Woodward at 405-523-4810 or by email at katie.woodward@okstate.edu.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is Oklahoma’s Assistive Technology Act Program and one of 24 sponsored programs administered through OSU Student Affairs, Department of Wellness. Oklahoma ABLE Tech, funded by the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, has been serving Oklahomans with disabilities for over 17 years. The hope is through these and other ABLE Tech partnerships throughout the state, Oklahomans will gain increased access to assistive technology and used DME thereby helping persons with disabilities or chronic health conditions to learn, work, and live more independently.