PRESS RELEASE April 2007

 Recycling is more than just bottles and paper
Local organization recycles to help improve the
lives of people with disabilities

April 2007 Pittsburgh, PA – On Earth Day, celebrated this year on April 22, 2007, we learn about how make the earth a better place. For example, most Americans know how important recycling is and diligently try to recycle bottles, paper and plastic.

 But how about recycling equipment which may improve the lives of people with disabilities? That’s what the “Into New Hands” program of Three Rivers Center for Independent Living does every day of the year.

Thanks to additional funding from Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology, Three Rivers Center for Independent Living in Pittsburgh, accepts donations of Assistive Technology devices and distributes them to people with disabilities in western Pennsylvania.

By definition, Assistive Technology is any device, piece of equipment, or product, used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Devices may be as simple as a walker or cane, or a complex as a power wheelchair or a closed circuit television that magnifies print. They can be items that are purchased commercially or ones that are modified or customized for the individual.

Here’s how the program works. Into New Hands accepts donations of nearly every type of assistive technology device, in good working condition. A person can donate an item simply by calling Three Rivers Center for Independent Living to schedule a drop off time. “This is especially important with larger items such as hospital beds,” Thom Gressman, the Assistive Technology Specialist, at Three Rivers Center for Independent Living says. Smaller items can be brought in during normal business hours.

The device is then cleaned and its condition is evaluated. “We ask that all items be in good, working order when they are donated. But, we understand that some items may need some repair work.” The most common, Thom says, is a dead battery on a power wheelchair.

Once the small repairs are made, the device is stored and is ready for requests from people with disabilities or family members, support staff and friends of people with disabilities.

“Our program brings technology, from simple to sophisticated, to people who need it quickly and who cannot afford it. It’s an easy process and may have a real impact on the lives of people with disabilities.” And Thom says that it is often equally satisfying for the people who donate the equipment. “Sometimes they bring in items at a very sad time of their lives—a loved one has passed away or is ill. Giving another person in need a device that will make their life better or easier is a great comfort.”

 Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) is a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. Through a variety of projects, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods.

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is one of the 61 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through training, technical assistance, services and supports, research, dissemination, and advocacy, the Institute is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of interdependence, contribution, and inclusion.

To inquire about making a donation or obtaining equipment, contact:

Three Rivers Center for Independent Living
900 Rebecca Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
412-371-7700 ext 166
www.trcil.org