CCTV RENTAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
AUGUST 2007

WATF’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, WATF offers desktop 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 WATF’s CCTV’s in helping our clients maintain their independence was affirmed by our Summer 2007 survey – completed by 23 current borrowers.  In terms of reasons for renting a CCTV, 78.2% of respondents reported that they could not afford to buy one; 47% weren't sure if a CCTV would meet their needs and approximately 39% reported that their vision was still changing.

• Although a majority of the renters (73%) had not used a CCTV before, most (68%) reported that learning to use it was "very easy." [We will be following up on this data to see if method of delivery, brand of CCTV or severity of vision issues impacts ease of learning].
• In terms of frequency of use, 87% reported that they use the CCTV on a daily basis.  The rest use their CCTVs on a weekly basis.

In terms of how the CCTVs are used, 74% of the respondents use the CCTV to read the newspaper.  Nearly 70% use it to read prescriptions and 52% use it to review other medial information.  Other activities include cooking (48%), reading books (39%), corresponding (35%), paying bills (39%), performing work tasks (30%), personal hygiene (nails,etc.) (22%), arts and crafts (17%) and school work (8%).

In terms of impact of the CCTV

• 96% reported improvements in the ability to do things on their own with 50% reporting strong or very strong improvements
• Nearly 91% reported improvements in the ability to undertake tasks of daily living
• 87% reported improved self confidence
• 86% reported an improved ability to do home management with 55% reporting strong or very strong improvements
• Nearly 70% reported improvements in the ability to stay in their current living situation, in their ability to manage health, safety and medical affairs and in their ability to control important life decisions.
• 63% reported improvements in the ability to manage finances (several noted that other people in the household undertake these tasks). 
• 59% reported improvements in the ability to interact with friends and loved ones
• 57% reported improvements in the ability to play important life roles (parent, advocate,etc.)
• 50% reported improved ability to participate in hobbies and recreation.
• 43% reported an improved ability to participate in community activities (through, e.g., increased awareness of activities available; reading the newspaper, etc.)
• The two renters who are self-employed (about 4 hours a week) reported strong or very strong improvements in the ability to work more hours, job productivity and job performance. They also reported improvements in job satisfaction, the ability to increase sales and their ability to expand their business.

91% reported that they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the program; 100%  reported that they would probably or definitely recommend it to others. 

Other Important Information about WATF’s CCTV Rental Program (demographics based on 53 of 55 renters to date)

• Approximately 81% are retired or on disability. Only one renter works full-time.
• Of those reporting income, 63% live on $1500 a month or less; the median income is $1349.
• 62% of our renters are women
• Approximately 58% live in one person households
• 78% are 65 and older; 65% are 75 and older
  

What our Renters have to Say…

"The CCTV is a blessing…"

"It is an excellent program that is a great benefit to all who can use it."