East Tennessee Technology Access Center, ETTAC is known for its assistive technology - computer software for low-vision and disabled people, devices that help people "talk," modified toys and electronics with simple, one-button switches.
The Center now has an Equipment ReUse program, with the large number of disabled and elderly people losing insurance, coupled with changes to Medicare coverage of "durable medical equipment," ETTAC was led to expand the type of donated equipment it loans or gives to people who can't get it any other way.
The need has been overwhelming. A Morristown supplier of medical equipment closed recently and donated his remaining inventory - which filled 5,000 square feet in a warehouse - to ETTAC.
"We had given away most of that within 45 days," she said. "I had no idea there were that many people who couldn't get what they need. It was a real eye-opener."
Last year, ETTAC gave more than 130 people more than $30,000 worth of equipment, not counting short-term loans. Symington said ETTAC serves more than 300 people a month.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
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