Purpose

The AT Network Repair and Reuse fund will provide small grants of no more than $1000 for the purchase of parts and/or repairs needed to refurbish an assistive device or piece of durable medical equipment (DME) so it may be reassigned to a low-income Californian with a disability.

Who May Apply

To apply, an organization must:

• Be an established nonprofit;


• Currently accept donations of used assistive technology devices including, but not limited to: durable medical equipment, communication devices, vision products, hearing products, mobility products or other assistive devices. NOTE: reuse of computers and adaptive products for computers will not be considered for funding;


• Currently provide cleaned and/or sanitized and repaired/or refurbished devices to low-income Californians with disabilities at little or no cost. [see appendix 1 for definitions of reuse activities. See appendix 2 for definitions of low income];


• Primarily serve people in California;


• Not discriminate on the basis of religion, sexual orientation, disability, race or any other illegal basis;


• A member of the AT Network. (If you are not yet a member of the AT Network, join now: http://atnet.org/membership/join-atnet.php).

Eligible Activities and Uses:

Funding from the Repair and Reuse Fund may be used to purchase parts and supplies needed to repair or refurbish an AT Device that was donated to your program and is intended for donation to a low-income Californian with a disability or that will be provided to the individual at a reduced cost. Uses for the AT Network Repair and Reuse Fund include, but are not limited to:

• Wheelchair batteries;
• Batteries for electronic devices;
• Non-custom parts (custom seating and other parts specific to the individual will not be included);
• Missing or broken accessories essential to the device's use.

Funds may also be used to pay for the labor costs of specialized repairs that cannot be completed by program staff.

The total repair cost may not exceed 50% of the device's estimated value.

Funds may not be used for:

The AT Network Repair and Reuse Fund is intended to support the reassignment of used devices to new individuals who need them. It may not be used to pay for repairs to a device already owned by an individual with a disability. Other prohibited uses include:

• Repairs that exceed 50% or more of the device's estimated value;
• Seating or cushions
• Training for staff or consumers;
• Vehicle modifications;
• Computer repairs;
• Home or work modifications, including installed ramps;
• Transportation costs;
• Purchase or repair of devices for device lending programs;
• Purchase of tools or sanitization supplies.

How to Apply

Qualified programs may submit a request for funding by completing the application below or completing it online at http://atnet.org/application/application-for-funding.php.

Programs may submit as many applications as they wish, but only five (5) applications per week. Applications will be processed as they are received until all funds are exhausted. Each device must be submitted in the Application for Funding online

Our goal is to support as many reuse and refurbishment programs as possible. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received funding.

Questions can be addressed to Shannon Coe (916-325-1690 ext.353) shannoncoe@cfilc.org

Timeline

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the fund is exhausted or by April 30, 2012. Only five (5) applications per week per program will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed by staff for completeness. Complete applications will then be reviewed for content. Applicants will receive an answer to their request within four weeks of the date their application was received.

Upon approval, applicant may proceed with the purchase of parts and/or repairs. Once repairs are completed, applicants must submit invoices and receipts for reimbursement within thirty (30) days from when the applications are approved. Applicants will be reimbursed only for the actual amount spent up to the amount requested. We are unable to reimburse costs that exceed the original request. Invoices are usually processed and paid within six weeks of the date they are received and verified.

Applicants are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to get quotes/bids for repairs before requesting funding. Once applications are submitted, the amount requested cannot be increased.

The AT Network is dedicated to protecting the rights of our consumers and allowing them to remain independent in the community. If you have a question, concern, or a story to share with us then please don't hesitate to contact us:

Toll-Free: 800-390-2699
TTY: 800-900-0706
E-mail: info@atnet.org