We do ask for $, it is a nominal fee, which we are quick to waive. Theory being they will treat the equipment and the LOAN a little more seriously than otherwise.

We also have them sign an agreement to return the equipment. Do not have the staff to do the follow up as described below, and I know we suffer for it.

Ed Hitchcock OTR/L

Technology Center

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

345 East Superior St

Rm # 1543

Chicago IL 60611

From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Amy Roman
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 7:44 PM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Assistive Technology] Equipment Loan Policy

Hi,

One system I use to get equipment back is to have the borrower and one other responsible party sign the contract at the time of the loan and tell them that in order to maintain the loan they will have to respond to an email or a letter (their choice) every 3 months. The 3 month letter simply has them select one option.

1. The system is working well for me and I don't need any assistance at this time.

2. I am having some problems with the system. Please contact me at _____.

3. We no longer need the equipment and will be returning it. We need assistance with the return so please contact us at___________.

This type of letter keeps people on your radar since frequently there are enough changes in 3 months that clients need some adjustments to their system. It also is much more palatable than just sending out a first contact after you hear the person has passed away and are requesting the system back.

This system has improved things at the lending library out of my center. Also we label every part of the system with our return address. We still have plenty of problems though getting "complete" systems back.

We have often played with the idea of some kind of financial responsibility on the part of the borrower. Does anyone take a credit card number or ask for any $$?

I am curious about any successful methods people have to get loaned equipment back.

Thanks,

Amy

"Amy S. Goldman" <xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Obtain the agreement before you loan the device - it will
increase the likelihood you get whatever you need (while you
still have some leverage!)

---- Original message ----
>Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 12:31:00 -0400
>From: "Antoinette Verdone"
>Subject: [Assistive Technology] Equipment Loan Policy
>To:
>
> I was wondering what other's policy is with regard
> to loan agreements.
>
>
>
> I would like to know if you have patients sign an
> agreement before or after they receive the
> equipment?
>
>
>
> We have patients sign an agreement after they
> receive the equipment, most of the time. As you can
> imagine, we have difficulty getting letters back. I
> was wondering what other loan program's policy is
> and what type of success they have.
>
>
>
> Antoinette Verdone, ATP
>
> Assistive Technology Specialist
>
> ALS Association, Greater New York Chapter
>
> 116 John Street, Suite 1304
>
> New York, NY 10038
>
> Phone: 212-720-3054
>
> Fax: 212-619-7409
>
> xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx
>
>
>
> "One cannot consent to creep when one has the
> impulse to soar." -- Helen Keller
>
>

Amy S. Goldman
Associate Director
Institute on Disabilities
Program Director
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT); Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library

CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF PENNSYLVANIA'S ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LENDING LIBRARY!

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Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist

Forbes Norris ALS Research Center
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