Device Reutilization
This program focuses on the underserved populations in Mississippi with the mission to provide education, awareness, and access of assistive technology to individuals with limited resources in their community. Partnerships are formed with local health departments, churches, and durable medical equipment companies. The goal of this collaboration is to provide individuals and organizations within the community’s opportunities to have access to assistive technology devices. The program redistributes used equipment that has been sanitized, checked for safety, and repaired for appropriate use. Project START collects donation for across the State and prepares it for redistribution to persons who need assistive technology but can’t afford it and have no other resource to acquire it.
Device Reutilization Application 
Re-Use Success Story
Norman Washington of Clinton, who is able to get back and forth to his job
at Clinton’s Walmart thanks to the Reuse Program. Norman’s motorized wheelchair is kept functioning
with parts donated from across the State, so
he is able to work on a full-time basis at the
Walmart Garden Center, where he is known
for his helpfulness to customers. Norman is
also able to transport himself to church and
community activities.
Thanks to this program, many other Mississippians with disabilities are able to work and maintain their independence in daily activities.
Computer Refurbishment Program
Throughout the year, customer satisfaction surveys completed by the many people served through the Mississippi Re-Tech Program have emphasized the need that exists for the program and the positive result it has on the individual’s independence. This independence is the major commonality found after analyzing the program outcomes. Donations and repairs to equipment made possible through the Re-Tech Grant have greatly increased the ability for individuals with disabilities in Mississippi to live independently by diminishing the barriers one may face in achieving a desired goal. One example lies within the story of a child with Cerebral Palsy who was in need of a computer. Her Education Advocate contacted Project START and requested a donated computer with an adaptive mouse. The family was unable to afford one, and the advocate felt the child would receive education and therapeutic benefits from learning to use the computer. The following is a response from her advocate as notes on the survey:
Thank you so much for your help. The system was fast and did a wonderful job for this little girl. She sits at that computer every day and stays there until her mother forces her to get off. She is able to work independently by using her mouse and she loves it. Recently, she was able to complete a history report by using this computer. My child is now able to do things other kids can do instead of having to sit back and watch everyone else learn and have fun. Thanks, Project START.
This program provides in-home placement of refurbished computers for people with disabilities. The goal is to support educational and vocational development, as well as enhancement of personal independence, for people with disabilities through the use of a computer.
Online Catalog
Donate Equipment
New Technology
