Initiative Description
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program has enhanced its coordination and collaboration with state Area Educational Agencies. A prior existing relationship with Great Prairie AEA continued into its second year of device loan, as this AEA maintains a kit of devices that they demonstrate to students throughout the year. Relationships with AEAs were enhanced as Easterseals Iowa ATP implemented a pilot project with Heartland AEA with two Permobil Explorer Minis that will be maintained by the AEA Physical Therapists.
Lessons Learned/Replication
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program worked to implement the two Permobil Explorer Minis into Heartland AEA by purchasing the devices and coordinating their delivery. These devices will remain the property of Easterseals ATP but will reside at Heartland AEA. Heartland AEA staff developed a protocol for loaning these devices including instructional handouts, sanitation process, delivery and pick-up process, and staff education. Permobil Explorer Minis were implemented in February of 2022 and resulted in two demonstrations during the 2022 school year. High satisfaction has been a result for the end-users, families, staff at the AEA, and staff at Eastersals Iowa.