Transcript The Mobile Van Approach - RESNA Catalyst Project
The Mobile Van Approach
Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) WIND Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) Nationwide interview study January 2005
The Mobile Van Approach
A Nationwide Survey Studying the Use and Effectiveness of Mobile Van Units by AT Projects
Background
WIND looked at providing AT services and information statewide via a mobile van approach In January 2005, a nation-wide survey was conducted
Methodology
Directors of all State AT Projects were contacted and asked the following questions:
Methodology
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What services and information were offered through the mobile component of your program?
What were the positive consequences of this approach?
What were the negative consequences of this approach?
What were the complications involved in this approach?
What has led to the program decision to continue or discontinue this approach?
Any advice for using this approach in a frontier setting?
Results
29 state AT projects responded 22 of the 29 states that responded did not use the mobile van approach 7 states did use the mobile van approach: Colorado Illinois Missouri Nebraska New Hampshire New Mexico North Dakota
Results
What services and information were offered through the mobile component of your program?
o Fabrication, customization, and installation of AT o Outreach services (assessments, awareness, education, demonstration, etc.) o Both AT fabrication/customization and outreach
Results
What were the positive consequences of using a mobile van approach?
o Allowed program to access more rural areas o Provided education for public on benefits of assistive technology o Increased public awareness of AT o Allowed for building and nurturing relationships between communities and the AT programs
Results
What were the negative consequences of this approach?
o Difficult to load for customizations/fabrications o Modifications done in van caused pitting of windshield and melting of floor mats o Space limitations and anchoring of equipment problems when used as a portable demonstration center o Cost-effectiveness*
Results
What were the complications involved in using this approach?
o Coordinating schedules and trainings o Routine maintenance o Lack of space o Difficult to find qualified staff willing to travel that much
Results
What has led to the program’s decision to discontinue this approach?
o Cost-effectiveness o Needs not being met by occasional use of van for demonstrations (now use more permanent demonstration center) o Found a different approach to be just as effective with fewer negatives (use of mini-mobile units for customization/fabrication)
Results
Any advice for using this approach in a frontier setting?
2 types of responses: 1.
Potential problems 1.
Alternative solutions
Results
Potential problems: o Cost (maintenance, van adaptations, replacement of AT) o o Coordinating van availability Lack of demand o o o o Space, anchoring equipment, etc.
Lack of qualified staff willing to travel May not be enough to meet consumer needs Over-extending van to accomplish too much may affect quality of work or services
Results
Alternative Solutions: o Distance training to address needs of rural community o Create resource centers around the state & utilize video conferencing o Look for corporate sponsorship, charging area distributors to have equipment on board for specialized demonstrations o Use private rentals/personal vehicles as alternative to owning a van o Set up small contracts with existing entities to develop AT access sites
Discussion
All states mentioned the following: 1.
Before committing to the purchase of a van, be sure to do a thorough cost-effectiveness study.
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Program must know exactly what goals wish to be accomplished through using this approach. Vans used most effectively in programs focused on fabrication/customization.
Vans used for outreach were all either used minimally or discontinued altogether.
For more information
WIND Assistive Technology Resources Sandy Root-Elledge, Program Director (307) 766-2764 [email protected]
Suzanne Adams, Project Coordinator (307) 766-2051 [email protected]