NCIL-ABT Center for Independent Living Partnership “We at NCIL encourage every CIL to participate in this program. This partnership offer presents a distinct and worthwhile fund raising opportunity for NCIL and CILs, while advancing mutual interests to provide tools to those who seek to live and bathe more independently within their own homes.” Kelly Buckland Executive Director, NCIL CIL Partnership Overview The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and Accessible Bath Technologies (ABT) have entered into an exciting two-year agreement that will generate a significant amount of unrestricted income for individual Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the country, and financially strengthen national Independent Living (IL) advocacy. CILs that are current NCIL members in good standing have an opportunity to benefit from this partnership, and should certainly consider getting involved. The NCIL-ABT partnership was established to create a new revenue stream for Centers in every state, while educating our community about a uniquely accessible bathing system specifically designed for people with disabilities. The NCIL-ABT national agreement specifies that ABT compensates NCIL for their national advertising and outreach efforts for each MyControl Bathing System sold in the United States through this partnership. However NCIL, which receives $2,000 per unit under the agreement, wants to split this evenly with local CILs where MyControl units are sold. This means that participating Centers will now have a powerful fundraising tool at their disposal. Centers can take part by using their existing resources to increase public awareness about the accessibility features of MyControl. Every Center already has systems in place to reach out to their community and effectively serve as an information hub for people with disabilities. To participate all a Center has to do is use these resources however it chooses to educate the public and its consumers about MyControl, and then take credit for local sales to receive payment from NCIL. For their advertising and outreach efforts, NCIL will give CILs $1,000 for each unit sold in their area. National Partners Partnership with ABT means that NCIL and its members will generate a significant amount of unrestricted dollars that can be used at the local and national level to achieve objectives that further empower consumers and Centers. The NCIL-ABT agreement is a first-of-its-kind partnership at the national level. There has never been a similar agreement that promises more financial benefit to local CILs and NCIL. The leadership at NCIL and ABT worked hard to create a partnership that is mutually beneficial, and respects the obligation of Centers to promote consumer choice and independence. NCIL is the leading organization charged with representing the interests of CILs on the national level. NCIL’s relationship with ABT is a result of its commitment to creating opportunity for its member CILs and advancing national IL priorities. This partnership allows NCIL to provide its members with a standardized means to increase revenue, providing a ready-made path towards sustainable income. NCIL, like CILs across the country, is always pleased to inform consumers about the most accessible products on the market, and believes that it is important to encourage businesses that strive to design intentional and thoughtful products that enable greater independence for consumers with disabilities. ABT, the creator of the MyControl Bathing System, is an assistive technology (AT) company dedicated to IL and building accessible products for people with disabilities. Over the past two years ABT has made significant financial contributions to IL and national disability advocacy, and its leaders have been recognized for their commitment to disability rights. ABT continually invests in innovation to produce the most accessible products available, and uses technology as a way to eliminate barriers and enable people with disabilities to live more independently. Get Your CIL Involved Most CILs have not seen a meaningful funding increase in years, despite many CILs working harder than ever to serve their communities. Nobody understands this better than NCIL. Their relationship with ABT was formed to give CILs a way to generate unrestricted income to help remain effective in a challenging economy. Through partnership with NCIL and ABT, CILs will be given $1,000 for each MyControl unit sold within their area. These funds are provided as compensation for advertising and outreach, and are distributed directly from NCIL. Your Center can participate by simply utilizing existing resources to advertise and/or educate the public about MyControl. Every CIL is different, and each has different ways that it can impact the number of successful referrals within their area. Centers are increasingly teaming up with AT companies to generate revenue, and have already used CIL resources in a number of practical ways to promote sales of products, while also promoting consumer choice and access to the most accessible technology. This partnership opportunity is unlike any other because it is provided to CILs through NCIL, and features a product manufactured by a company that has shown a commitment to supporting Independent Living and the work done by NCIL and its members. ABT will pay the initial membership dues of any person with a disability purchasing a MyControl. How to Participate 1. Signup If your Center is interested in partnering, or would simply like more information, contact ABT or NCIL using the information provided on the final page. ABT will be happy to review its standard agreement with CILs, provide advice on how your Center can most effectively generate income, and answer any questions that you may have about the partnership or MyControl. 2. Use What You Have Getting your CIL involved is easy, requires no investment, and does not significantly increase the workload of a Center. The simplest way to generate referrals is to effectively use what your CIL already has. On any given day, a Center has a number of opportunities to provide information or advertise MyControl. Examples include responding to inquiries through Information & Referral, providing brochures at the front desk, or incorporating ads into CIL public outreach efforts. Other easy ways include placing ads in monthly newsletters, providing materials at AT fairs, and integrating information into the Center’s website and social media pages. 3. Be Creative The sky is the limit. There are no restrictions on how much a CIL can earn from this partnership, so it is in the interest of your Center to think outside the box. Every CIL has unique assets and relationships with the individuals, businesses, and government organizations within and around their service area. Use your relationships and be resourceful. There are already people with disabilities, seniors, businesses, and bathing enthusiasts within your community that are in the market for an accessible bathing system, and creatively tapping your CIL’s connections can pay off. Your Center might want to make an agreement with a local home modification company to generate referrals for instance, or encourage a local hotel to purchase systems for their accessible rooms. CILs should also use their expert knowledge about local, state, and private funding sources to help their own consumers access a MyControl. MyControl ABT stands by MyControl as the most accessible bathing system for people with disabilities and mobility concerns in the world. Representing a revolutionary advancement in bathing technology, its innovations in electronic and mechanical engineering are a result of ABTs mission to design a product that can continually adapt to its user’s ability. This remarkable system pushes the boundaries of assistive technology, empowering users and enabling them to bathe more independently within their own homes. MyControl’s universal design makes it unlike any other bathing product, including accessibility features that are patented by ABT, and unique to its bathing system. These features reduce the need for assistance while bathing, and for many this even means that a personal care attendant no longer has to be a part of the experience. MyControl speaks to you, and it listens. It learns your preferences and remembers them, providing the highest level of customization. It can be accessed remotely from another room, clean itself, and automatically dispense soap. Perhaps MyControl’s most special feature is its patented bi-fold hinged door that swings inward; the only door with the ability to maneuver around a user’s legs and feet. MyControl is unusual. There are no door handles, knobs, or even a faucet. In fact there isn’t anything that will pull, bump, or scrape. When usability and safety are important to a company, they design products that prove it. ABT proudly offers the My Control Bathing System, designed for accessibility, built for independence. Imagine a bathing experience without barriers Universal Design means access for users regardless of their ability or age. Patented Bi-fold Hinged Door is the only door that pivots around a user’s legs and feet. Voice/Sound Control learns the voice or any sound a user makes to operate the system. Zero-step Entrance installation allows for barrier-free access and ease of motion. TouchAssist features two 8-function keypads and virtual keypad technology that enables quick access to essential commands. Bluetooth Connectivity equips MyControl with wireless communications capability. Braille Controls provide an uncommon accessibility feature for real universal design. Whirlpool System is powered by a ½ H.P. system that supplies strategically placed jets. Side Door Access makes MyControl accessible from a seated position. Automatic Bath Heater consistently maintains water temperature through a built-in thermostat. Timers & Safety Settings can be personalized with a laptop or other compatible media device. AT-Link software adjusts MyControl’s operation to match a user’s ability, size, and age. MyControl FAQ Q: Is MyControl considered a walk-in tub? A: It is more helpful to think of MyControl as a “bathing system” instead of a “walk-in tub.” MyControl is both walk-in and accessible from a seated position. Additionally, typical walk-in tubs cannot speak to you, listen, remember or adapt to a user’s ability. MyControl’s combined accessibility features put it in a class by itself. Q: Where are the water knobs, the faucet, and the door latching handles? A: MyControl uses Smart electronics to control things like operation of the door latching system, door seal technology, water flow, the whirlpool, water safety, voice and sound control, virtual keypads, and the drain. MyControl operation doesn't require any protruding water faucets, knobs or manual door latching levers to push, pull or turn- so there isn't anything to hit your body on. Q: Is MyControl Durable? A: Yes. MyControl is manufactured with a custom stand-alone aluminum frame and cast acrylic to provide exceptional durability. All MyControl units for private use are covered under ABT’s standard residential warranty. Q: Is MyControl safe? A: Every shape and feature on a MyControl is designed to provide the safest user experience. Q: Is MyControl recommended for seniors? A: Yes. MyControl is universally designed to be used by people of any age, but the accessibility features built into the system make it ideal for seniors and individuals with mobility concerns. Q: How much does a MyControl cost? A: To get the most updated pricing information call ABT to speak with a representative. Q: Is there funding available for MyControl? A: Yes. A number of funding sources exist, but differ by location. Consumers with limited financial resources are urged to contact their local CIL to find assistance purchasing a system. Q: Is MyControl a luxury item? A: No. Although MyControl might appear luxurious because of its appearance, features, and durable construction, its design is only a result of ABT’s goal to create the most accessible system possible. There are no “bells and whistles,” every part of MyControl has a function to enable greater independence. Q: Where is MyControl manufactured? A: MyControl is made in America. Q: Why bathing instead of showering? A: Bathing has many more hydrotherapeutic advantages than showering. For example, hydrotherapy is frequently used to relieve pain, increase blood circulation, and help alleviate issues with joints and connective tissue. Q: Can I get a prescription for MyControl? A: Yes. Ask your doctor if you might benefit from bathing and hydrotherapy. Contact Information Get your CIL involved in the NCIL-ABT Center for Independent Living Partnership by emailing us at: NCILpartnership@verizon.net For more information about the NCIL-ABT partnership visit NCIL’s website or call: - www.ncil.org/abt - (202) 207-0334 For more information about MyControl and ABT visit their website: www.accessiblebathtechnologies.com