Reuse assistive technology at fair

A new group in Coeur d’Alene wants residents to consider donating, instead of throwing out, such things as crutches, computers and reading glasses.

Those and other tools can be reused by people who may not have the means to buy new equipment, according to Assistive Technology For All.

Known as AT for All, the coalition of public and private agencies will host a “Technology For All Fair” Saturday at the new Coeur d’Alene Library.

The group will unveil its equipment recycling project and explain how it hopes to make more technology available to area residents and boost awareness of disability needs.

The equipment recycling project, being launched with a grant from the University of Idaho, will enlarge the scope of an earlier recycling project that Dan Brownell, a consultant for the rehab division of the Idaho Industrial Commission, organized through Real Life Ministries in his effort to create a network linking those disposing of unneeded equipment with those who need it.

The new recycling program will include sites where area residents can drop off donations, storage facilities, and a phone and Web site service to connect those in need with a database of donated items.

The coordinator of the project will be Virgil Edwards, independent living advocate with Disability Action Center NW Inc., a nonprofit community partnership working to promote the independence and equality of individuals with disabilities.

Available to anyone in need, the program will provide medical and physical equipment to those who fall through the cracks with insurance companies or who have no insurance coverage.

Assistive Technology is defined as any tool that can be used by a person to make life easier – not just wheelchairs and hearing aids, but other tools that help the physical well-being of adults and children, as well as their education, communication and transportation.

Ergonomic furnishings are an example of assistive technology.