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DATI Seeks RFPs for Assistive Technology Recycling and Reuse Project
A mandatory bidder’s conference will be held Wednesday, August18, for all parties interested in submitting a proposal to provide community-based assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) reutilization services for persons with disabilities throughout the state of Delaware. The primary goal of this program is to provide access to safe and appropriate gently used equipment for Delawareans who are otherwise unable to acquire this equipment.
The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) of the Center for Disabilities Studies at the University of Delaware is soliciting the Request for Proposals (RFP). DATI currently operates an Assistive Technology Exchange program through its website, www.dati.org. By awarding one or more contracts, DATI plans to expand access to durable medical equipment and assistive technology through the Delaware Recycles and Reuses Assistive Technology Project.
The subcontractor(s) awarded the contract will be responsible for providing the following services: collection and receipt of donated equipment; sorting and assessment of equipment; cleaning and sanitization of equipment; repair and refurbishment of equipment; matching customers to appropriate available equipment; and recycling and disposal of unused materials. Durable medical equipment includes wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, lifts, home care beds, commodes, communication devices and other items.
DATI invites proposals from individual agencies that wish to assume all aspects of AT/DME reutilization and from agencies with expertise in and a desire to perform certain aspects of the project (such as transportation, storage, outreach, or training). Competitive priority will be given to organizations that include training and employment for people with disabilities and that show commitment to environmentally responsible practices and values.
Bids will be accepted from nonprofit (public or private), for-profit organizations, units of government, institutions of higher education, and school districts with an understanding of the importance of AT and DME in the lives of the people they serve. Applicant must be in compliance with all city, county, and state board licensing, bond, and insurance requirements.
Complete information about submitting a proposal will be available at the mandatory bidder’s conference, which will take place August 18 at 9:30 am at the Center for Disabilities Studies, 461 Wyoming Road, Newark. Interested parties should confirm their attendance to Lisa Becker, 302.831.0629 or lpbecker@udel.edu. Proposals will be due September 13, 2010.
The RFP is available on the Center for Disabilities Studies website, www.udel.edu/cds.
Free communication devices available to Delawareans through AstraZeneca's generous donation
The Zam Communicator, a lightweight device that enables a person who has a significant speech impairment to communicate by spelling out words with a keypad or pressing an icon to display a message on a LCD screen, is available to individual Delawareans at no charge through a generous donation by AstraZeneca. The device was developed to enhance health and communication between patients and medical professionals; it does not have voice output.
Delaware-based AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company, donated these devices to the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) for distribution directly to patients; they may not be distributed to or through physicians, other health care professionals, medical group practices, or to hospitals. They can be distributed directly to patient groups in individual, outpatient, or health clinic settings. Health care and disability professionals can promote the availability of these devices and encourage individuals to contact the DATI Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) in their county.
If you or someone you know could use a communication device, such as the Zam Communicator, please contact DATI at 800.870.3284 or through the Contact Us button on the website.
Free peak flow meters available to Delawareans through AstraZeneca's generous donation
AstraZeneca, a Delaware-based pharmaceutical company, has donated digital peak flow meters made by nSpire Health to be distributed to individuals over the age of 12 who require use of such devices for taking care of their health conditions. People with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pulmonary disease may use a peak flow meter to help stay healthy. A peak flow meter is a hand-held device that measures your ability to push air out of your lungs and can show signs that an asthma attack is coming. Peak flow meters are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis to Delawareans over the age of 12.
These devices must be distributed directly to patients and may not be distributed to or through physicians, other health care professionals, medical group practices, or to hospitals. Health care professionals can promote the availability of these devices and encourage individuals to contact the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative. AstraZeneca and the University of Delaware make no warranty and assume no liability on the device or any of the included components.
If you or someone you know could use a peak flow meter, please contact DATI at 800- 870-DATI (3284) or through the Contact Us button on the website. If you represent a group that would like to us distribute the peak flow meters to individuals in your program, please contact Tracy Mann at (302) 831-3150.
