CCTV RENTAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Fall 2009

The Washington Access Fund’s CCTV rental program provides an affordable way for low-income individuals with significant vision loss to pay for the magnification tools they need to live independently. Through this program, the Access Fund offers CCTV magnifiers at an affordable cost ($25 per month for black and white and $35 per month for color) for long-term rental.

The role of the Access Fund’s CCTV’s in helping our clients maintain their independence was affirmed by our Fall 2009 survey – completed by 24 current borrowers.  In terms of reasons for renting a CCTV: 23 out of 24 (95.83%) respondents reported that they could only afford the equipment through the rental program; 37.5% were unsure if a CCTV would meet their needs and approximately 12.5% reported that their vision was still changing.

• Although a majority of the renters (62.5%) had not used a CCTV before, 100% reported that learning to use it was easy, with 59% reporting it to be “very easy.”
• In terms of frequency of use, 91.7% reported that they use the CCTV on a daily basis. The other 8.3% use their CCTVs on a weekly basis.

In terms of how the CCTVs are used: 66.67% of the respondents use the CCTV to read the newspaper, periodicals or books. Nearly 63% use it to read prescriptions and review other medial information. Other activities include paying bills (62.5%), corresponding (54.16%), cooking (50%), arts and crafts (20.83%), personal hygiene (nails, etc.) (16.67%), and school work (8.33%).

In terms of impact of the CCTV:

• 95% reported improvements in the ability to do things on their own with 68% reporting strong or very strong improvements
• About 88% reported improvements in their ability to undertake tasks of daily living
• 87.5% reported an improved ability to do home & personal management activities
• 81% reported improved self-confidence
• About 68% reported improvements in their ability to stay in their current living situation
• And 68.2% reported improvements on their ability to manage medical issues, health or personal safety
• 66.7% reported improvements in the ability to manage finances
• 58.3% reported improvements in the ability to interact with friends and loved ones
• And 47.8% reported an improved ability to participate in community activities (through, e.g., increased awareness of activities available; reading the newspaper, etc.)

91% reported that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the program.

Other Important information (demographics based on 46 current renters):

• 54% of the renters are 85 or older; 96% are post-retirement age (66+)
• Of those reporting (41), 68% have per capita incomes of $1500 a month or less, 37% have per capita incomes of less than $1000.  The median per capita income is a little more than $1200. 
• 96% of renters are retired or on disability. One renter is self employed part-time; another is a full time student.
• Approximately 68% live in one person households and 61% are women

"I could not manage my finances without the CCTV."

"I was in the hospital for three days recently, which is unpleasant enough, but without my CCTV I was totally lost."

"As my husband said before, I call it my life-line."

"Thank you very much!"

"It's incredible!"

"In spite of eye disease progress, this equipment improves my life many times a day."