Michigan Disability Group Launches Website to Exchange "Assistive Technology"

East Lansing, Mich — People with disabilities who want to buy, sell, trade or donate tools or equipment now have a cyber home to assist them through a Web site recently launched by the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The new site, ATXchange.org, focuses on the exchange of assistive technology – which includes any equipment that improves life for people with disabilities such as walkers, power scooters, Braille machines and software that reads computer screens out loud.  “Nearly two million Michigan residents have some form of disability and they often use assistive devices to help in their daily activities,” said Norm DeLisle, executive director of MDRC. “This free classified advertisement Web site is a great way for them to sell or give AT items they no longer need to those who can benefit from them.” ATXchange.org is operated by MDRC, a nonprofit statewide network of individuals and organizations supporting the disability community through grassroots activism, public education and advocacy. The Web site is a service of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Visitors to the ATXchange.org site will find assistive technology listed in 10 categories such as daily living and environmental adaptation. ATXchange.org users can post free classified ads with a description and/or picture of the item for sale or donation, search for needed items and post want ads and request an e-mail alert when a needed item is listed. Transactions are handled by the sellers and buyers. ATXchange.org does not list items that could pose a hygiene risk, allow equipment vendors to list new items or to advertise, DeLisle said. MDRC held six diverse focus groups statewide – in Ann Arbor, Flint and Kalamazoo – before launching the site. Public response was positive and organizers hope that feeling will grow, DeLisle said. As Michigan’s share of the estimated 78 million Baby Boomers age, the need for assistive technology will grow. “Some people are born with disabilities, while aging, illnesses, and accidents also lead to disabilities,” DeLisle said. “In Michigan, ATXchange.org is another tool to help people with disabilities to become fully included in their communities”