32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.2.7
Project START is made possible through a federal grant under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 ( P.L. 100-407), as amended in 1994 (continued funding made available by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998) to improve the awareness of and access to assistive technology. Project START is the State Assistive Technology Act program that works to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through a comprehensive statewide program of technology-related assistance. Additionally, the program supports activities designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, and advocates to access and obtain assistive technology devices and services.
Project STARTS Mission: Empowering Mississippians with disabilities through awareness, education, and access to assistive technology
Key Activities of Project START
* Device Loan Program
* Device Reutilization
* Device Demonstration Program
* Training and Technical Assistance
* Public Awareness
* Coordination and Collaboration
* Transition Services
Without awareness and access to available assistive technology, Mississippians are unable to lead productive, rewarding and independent lives that are possible with assistive technology. Project START offers an on-line catalogwww.msprojectstart.org that covers a broad range of devices and equipment.
The following categories are included in the on-line catalog:
* Adapted Toys for Children
* Adaptive Computer Equipment
* Augmentative & Alternative Communication
* Capability Switches
* Communication
* Computer
* Durable Medical
* Hearing Impairment
* Low Vision
* Mobility
Project STARTs services are provided on a statewide basis and are available to individuals of all ages and disabilities as well as to service providers. Services are available at no cost to consumers in Mississippi. To access these services through MDRS an AT referral in AACE is completed. A consumer may call Project START or the consumer may fill out the request for services on-line atwww.msprojectstart.org
Device Loan Program
Project STARTs device loan program, Try AT before You Buy AT, enables people with disabilities to borrow and try out different types of AT devices for a limited time period (30 days for professional organizations and 90 days for consumers). Project START has developed an extensive device loan program containing state-of-the-art devices that cover a variety of needs. Equipment is used for demonstration, training, evaluation, and loan purposes. Equipment can be borrowed for the purpose of evaluation, for trial to determine its effectiveness and appropriateness, for use while a device is being repaired, or until a device is received from the manufacturer. The on-line catalog contains all the available equipment for loan or to be given away at no charge to consumers. Project START continually upgrades and adds to the device loan program to ensure appropriate devices are available.
Device Reutilization Program
Project START operates and/or supports device reuse through device exchange, repairing and recycling activities. Device exchange involves connecting an individual with a used device and an individual who needs a device. They often take the form of "want ads" or are similar to "e- bay" ads. In a device exchange, the current owner of the device and the prospective recipient of the device negotiate the terms of exchanging the device directly. For this service, consumers can access Project START Equipment Exchange Program at www.msprojectstart.org, click on the Equipment Exchange Link.
Project STARTs recycling program involves the intake of used devices (usually through donation) by consumers or different organizations in Mississippi. Project START is responsible for device storage and redistribution. The recycling program differs from refurbishment in that devices are generally redistributed "as is" or with only minor work such as cleaning. This program takes donations of all available assistive technology, cleans it, and gives it away to Mississippians who cant afford and have no other access to the assistive technology.
Examples of donations are:
* Walkers
* Shower Chairs
* Manual Wheelchairs
* Hoyer Lifts
* CCTV
* Low Vision Aids
* FM Systems
* Voice Amplification
* Hospital Beds
Device Refurbishment: Computer and Mobility
Project STARTs device refurbishment program involves the intake and repair or customization of used devices for computers and mobility equipment. Project START is responsible for device storage, repair, and redistribution of computers and wheelchairs to consumers in the state who cant afford or who have no other access to the assistive technology.
Device Demonstration
Project START provides consumers and others the opportunity to see the latest technology, get information, and learn what might be the most appropriate device for them through demonstrating all types of devices and equipment on a daily basis.
Training and Technical Assistance
Staff of Project START develop and disseminate training materials, conduct training, and provide technical assistance on a numerous topics statewide, including state and local educational agencies, other state and local agencies, early intervention programs, adult service programs, hospitals and other health care facilities, institutions of higher education, and businesses.
Public Awareness
The staff of Project START conduct public awareness activities, including statewide information and referral systems, designed to provide information that relates to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of AT. Project START provides exhibits and displays supplying information about assistive devices and services that relate to a cross-section of disabilities. Project START maintains a video and book library of assistive technology materials and information.
Consumers can request information from Project START. The request will be sent by mail within five working days of receiving the request or can be faxed or given over the phone when necessary. Typical information provided by Project START includes the following:
* Information concerning availability of assistive devices to meet specific needs
* Where and how to obtain evaluations for assistive devices
* Names of companies that manufacture the device
* Referral to assistive technology services providers
* Training opportunities for service providers, consumers, and other support groups
Coordination and Collaboration
Project START works to improve access to assistive technology, by partnering with many public and private entities responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for the provision of assistive technology devices and services to individuals with disabilities, service providers, and others.
Transition Services
Project START develops and disseminates training materials, conducts trainings, facilitates access to AT, and provides technical assistance to assist eligible secondary school students with disabilities transitioning from secondary to post-secondary school training or work and adults with disabilities who are maintaining or transitioning to community living.
Information and Referral Services
Project START maintains a clearinghouse for assistive technology information which includes articles, newsletters, catalogs, and data from various manufacturers and retailers for assistive devices from numerous resources. In addition, Project START has access to the Internet which allows Project START to maintain the latest and most up-to-date information about assistive technology issues and devices from the national level.
Training
Project START sponsors conferences and monthly trainings with consumer groups and other service provider systems to increase awareness of and access to assistive technology on a comprehensive basis. Partnerships include but not limited to: T.K. Martin Center, Magnolia Speech School, Hudspeth Mental Health Center, Technology Assistive Device (TAD) Center, Technology Learning Center, and Jackson State University.
Project START can arrange for consultants and experts to provide training in areas such as:
* Application of assistive technology in specific areas (i.e. Special education, with specific disabilities, in specific environments, etc.)
* Use of specific assistive devices
* Evaluation procedures for assistive technology
* Assistance in accessing various service provider systems in the state
* Information on funding options
* Advocacy issues
32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.2.7