Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology: Together One Priority (CARAT TOP) (KARRN Project) FY23

Abstract Based on previous studies and research conducted by the Kentucky Appalachian Rural Rehabilitation Network (KARRN) several key findings have been identified: 1) Need in underserved and under resourced regions for access to durable medical equipment (DME) and assistive technology (AT) equipment to improve academic and employment outcomes, community participation, and quality of life (QoL). 2) Need for community-based experts capable of assessing, adapting, and developing DME/AT and adapting toys in the environment in which it will be used. 3) Need to engage the community to more effectively obtain and distribute refurbished equipment to underserved communities. The purpose of Project CARAT (Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology) is to improve the community participation and quality of life of individuals with disabilities in Kentucky through the refurbishing and reutilization of AT and DME. Project CARAT was created in 2013 as a collaboration between the State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the UK Physical Therapy program, the Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in Hazard, and the Carl. D. Perkins Vocational Training Center. The goal of the proposed project is to develop an integrated community-engaged approach to expand capacity of the existing Project CARAT service learning program at the UK CERH; specifically 1) increase the capacity to provide refurbished DME/AT to the region, 2) provide a service opportunity to more effectively engage the community, and 3) engage local high school students to be change agents within their community. Aim 1: To develop an intergenerational training project: The goal is to pilot a new intergenerational program that will bring together senior citizens with local high school students, especially those with disabilities, to teach this next generation life skills, as well as hands on skills to refurbish used DME, AT, and adapting toys for use by community members. Aim 2: Establish community service collaboration with Hazard High School. The goal for this collaboration is to engage students, with and without disabilities, at Hazard High School in the Project CARAT program to support individuals with disabilities living within their Appalachian rural community and to become change agents within their communities. The expected outcomes of the proposed work is the establishment of the infrastructure and community capacity to develop and assess the efficacy of community-based programs and services focused on improving the community participation and quality of life of individuals with disabilities living in rural communities.