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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2007 CONTACT: Curtis Edmonds, ATAC Program Director (609) 292-9742 cedmonds@njpanda.org Assistive Technology is 'Back in Action' for NJ Residents Trenton, NJ- People with disabilities who want to buy, sell, trade or donate assistive equipment that can enhance daily lives now have access to an Internet site that enables them to exchange their useful devices. New Jersey Protection & Advocacy, Inc.'s (NJP&A) Assistive Technology Advocacy Center has launched Back In Action (http://BackInAction.njpanda.org). The interactive website provides a way for New Jersey residents to exchange devices, such as walkers, wheelchairs, power scooters, text telephones, adaptive computer software, and even transport vans. Such devices can enable individuals with a disability to more fully participate in their communities, including at work, in school, and within their home environment. "Our site is designed to put assistive technology (AT) equipment back into the hands of someone who can benefit from it," explains NJP&A program director, Curtis Edmonds. "Let's say 'Jeff' in Essex County had a skiing accident last year. He recovered and now, his crutches are collecting dust in his basement. Maybe 'Alice' in Cape May has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and needs a pair of crutches, but her health insurance won't pay for durable medical equipment. If Jeff lists his crutches on the Back In Action website, he can help Alice get the AT equipment she needs." "Spreading the word about this site is crucial," says Edmonds. "Approximately 1.9 million New Jersey residents have some sort of disability and many of these individuals use AT to help in their daily activities. Since the website launched, 26 people have obtained devices through Back In Action. Yet we feel that is just the tip of the iceberg. Many more people need AT and perhaps as many people have unused equipment that can be put to good use to help others gain greater independence." Kathy Wood, director of the Hudson Branch of Heightened Independence and Progress, Inc., concurs: "Back In Action may be the only game in town for those who need AT but lack the funding. Many individuals with disabilities who are not in vocational rehabilitation face a major challenge in obtaining AT devices. On the other hand, many AT equipment purchases end up unused because they don't meet the purchaser's need or the disability was temporary. Back In Action is the means for getting AT off the shelf and into the hands of people who need it." At present, over 100 items are listed on the website. About half of the items are available for $100 or less, with 20 percent being offered at no charge, including shower chairs, amplified telephones, and hospital beds. Anyone can post free classified ads through Back In Action with a description and/or picture of the item for sale. Additionally, individuals may search for needed items and post want ads or e-mail alerts when a necessary item is not listed. Residents without Internet access can visit a local library for assistance with accessing Back In Action online. For a print copy or additional assistance, contact NJP&A's Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at 1-800-922-7233 (in NJ), 609-292-9742, 609-633-7106 (TTY) or use the NJ Relay 711. For additional information about Back In Action, please e-mail the program at BackInAction@njpanda.org or visit the website http://BackInAction.njpanda.org. About New Jersey Protection & Advocacy: NJP&A is the private, non-profit agency serving as New Jersey's federally funded protection and advocacy system for persons with disabilities. Its mission is to advocate and advance the human, civil and legal rights of persons with disabilities. NJP&A, which administers ten statewide protection and advocacy programs, is part of a nationwide network of federally funded protection and advocacy systems. ###

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