Use these numbers for all your questions about assistive technology sources, suppliers, and assistance with funding. Freidman noted the response has been positive so far. I think we're simply doing a better job with people and cutting back bureaucracy where there's less need for second and third follow-up calls. We are also getting a lot of calls that aren't really AT related, so in that sense the line is helping to address more general disability challenges and bringing the right people together. Her contacts with vital disability organizations in both the public and private sectors have allowed for quick referral, and consumers seem to notice the difference.
People are really excited about having a live person on the end of the line.
A lot of them are at the beginning of their research for services they need. They feel that this is a big timesaving tool for them insofar as they don't have to spend their time looking for the telephone numbers they need or leaving messages with random people. One piece of advice she offered for potential callers to improve their service and expedite the process was to write down where they've been so far and what their experience has been. The main thing we want to avoid is duplication of effort. By taking a minute to document what the consumer has gone through thus far, we can get to the heart of the problem more quickly and make sure we aren't wasting their time.