CReATE, wheelchair reuse program, to re-open to public

Media Advisory:  Sept. 25, 2013

For Immediate Release Contact: Storee Powell, public relations specialist at the Utah Assistive Technology Program – office (435)797-7412, cell (208)360-2376, email storee.powell@usu.edu

CReATE's inventory of mobility devices
available to Utahans with disabilities.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 at 2 p.m.

Where: CReATE (Citizen’s Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment)

Judy Ann Buffmire Building

1595 W. 500 S.

Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Who: CReATE staff and former beneficiaries of the program (various Utahns with disabilities)

What: Citizens Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment (CReATE) has recently undergone changes to emphasize quick service and a wide variety of mobility device selection. To raise awareness of this vital service, CReATE will re-open to the public October 1^st starting with a press conference, featuring Utahns who have received chairs. CReATE is a non-profit that serves Utahns with disabilities by providing low-cost mobility equipment. Wheelchairs and scooters are donated from the community, and cleaned and refurbished to manufacturer standards by a technician. Utahns can get one for the cost of refurbishment – under $500. Trained technicians match people to appropriate chairs, and unused devices are recycled keeping them out of landfills.

Why: The need for low-cost mobility equipment for Utahns with disabilities is critical. Most insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, only pay for a mobility device like a power wheelchair ever three to five years. Often, individuals need an auxiliary chair for travel or other purposes. Mobility is essential to life, and CReATE helps keep people independent by providing it at a low-cost. Raising awareness of this service is important to help people learn how to get a mobility device or donate one.

###

CReATE (www.createutah.org) is an initiative of the Utah Assistive Technology Program under Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities. Learn more about UATP online at www.uatpat.org.