National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
District of Columbia 2023
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
State Financing
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 00 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $0 | Highest Income: | $0 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | 00 | $0 |
| Income Ranges | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or Less |
$15,001- $30,000 |
$30,001- $45,000 |
$45,001- $60,000 |
$60,001- $75,000 |
$75,001 or More |
||
| Number of Loans | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | 0% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
| With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 00 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 0% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 00 | 0% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 00 |
| 6.1% to 8.0% | 00 |
| 8.1% - 10.0% | 00 |
| 10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
| 12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
| 14.1% + | 00 |
| Total | 00 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
|---|
C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
|---|
D. Anecdote
No applicants during this reporting period.
No applicants during this reporting period.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | NaN% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | NaN% |
| Total Surveyed | 00 | |
| Response rate % | NaN% |
G. Notes:
No loans were made during this reporting period. DC Fund$ revised its policies to offer free credit reports and zero-interest loans ranging from $500-$1000, reducing the interest rate from 4% to 3%. A new DC Fund$ flyer was developed and distributed to stakeholders to promote the new incentives for potential borrowers. The DC Fund$ application is available on the DCATP website, www.atpdc.org, and all loans can be processed virtually. DCATP will assign a dedicated person to market DC Funds which will hopefully increase loan applicants. We also publicize the loan program on all DCATP social media content.
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 00 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 289 |
| C. Total | 289 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients. | 00 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 289 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
B. Device Exchange Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Exchanged | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Daily Living | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 03 | $3,734 | $0 | $3,734 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 267 | $39,089 | $0 | $39,089 |
| Daily Living | 162 | $10,180 | $0 | $10,180 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 02 | $1,200 | $0 | $1,200 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 434 | $54,203 | $0 | $54,203 |
D. Anecdote
DC SHARES was contacted by the husband of an individual who is a bilateral amputee. She is five foot nine inches and weighs 349 lbs. The client was confined to the house because their portable ramp would bend. Her physical therapist did not think the ramp was safe. The client has United Health Care medical insurance. The insurance does not pay for ramps. DC Shares provided her with a 2-foot ramp for the doorway step ($110) and an 8-foot portable ramp with an 800-pound weight capacity ($595) for the porch to the ground. DC Shares saved the family $705. The ramps provide more mobility and independence, allowing her to keep medical appointments.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 01 | 113 | 114 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 175 | 175 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 01 | 288 | 289 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 01 | 288 | 289 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 01 | 288 | 289 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 289 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 289 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
DC Shares distributed incontinent supplies, saving DC residents with disabilities $ $22,136.
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 12 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 01 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 00 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 04 |
| Total | 17 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 08 | 03 | 11 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representative of Education | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 12 | 05 | 17 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 06 | 02 | 08 |
| Hearing | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 03 | 02 | 05 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Daily Living | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 07 | 03 | 10 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 07 | 01 | 08 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 27 | 08 | 35 |
E. Anecdote
The Ruby 7 magnifier was borrowed from the device loan program by a client with low vision. The client determined that the Ruby 7 magnifier met his needs. He purchased the magnifier using the vendor information provided by the AT specialist. The client reported that he is satisfied with the magnifier because it enables him to read independently using up to 24x magnification.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 02 | 01 | 08 | 11 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 02 | 02 | 08 | 12 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 02 | 02 | 08 | 12 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 02 | 02 | 08 | 12 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 03 | 04 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 02 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 02 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 02 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 09 | 52.94% |
| Satisfied | 07 | 41.18% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 5.88% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 17 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
During this reporting period, the number of short-term device loans increased substantially. This increase can be attributed to more public awareness activities to promote DCATP services and more visitors to the DCATP AT Resource Center. DCATP staff continue to promote the device loan service through our public awareness events, including website and social media content. The AT Specialists are willing to meet with clients inperson to provide loans (to include virtual or written training materials).
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 19 |
| Hearing | 01 |
| Speech Communication | 05 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 02 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 |
| Daily Living | 01 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 03 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 35 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 66 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 59 | 00 | 59 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 02 | 05 | 07 |
| Representatives of Education | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Representative of Community Living | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 66 | 07 | 73 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 13 |
| Service Provider | 05 |
| Vendor | 10 |
| Repair Service | 01 |
| Others | 21 |
| Total | 50 |
D. Anecdote
The AT Specialist demonstrated a variety of keyboards to an individual whose right hand was amputated several years ago due to a traffic accident. She contacted the AT program to show one-handed keyboards because she wants one for typing and data entry. She is hoping to get a job. The devices demonstrated included the Zoom Telephonics 9010 Bluetooth mini keyboard, the Arteck HB206-2 Keyboard, and a one-handed keyboard. During the demonstrations, the AT Specialist introduced the features and benefits of each device. The client decided that the Zoom Telephonics mini keyboard met her needs because it was intuitive, and the small keyboard allowed for minimal reaching and faster typing using one hand. She was highly satisfied, and the device met her needs.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 05 | 08 | 52 | 65 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 05 | 09 | 52 | 66 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 05 | 09 | 52 | 66 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 05 | 09 | 52 | 66 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 61 | 83.56% |
| Satisfied | 11 | 15.07% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 1.37% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 73 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
DCATP staff continue to purchase some of the most requested and new emerging assistive technology devices to meet the needs of persons with disabilities residing in the District of Columbia. The updated AT devices inventory will be posted on the website. These devices will be available for demonstrations and short-term device loans.
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 01 | 113 | 115 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 178 | 179 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 02 | 01 | 291 | 294 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 02 | 01 | 291 | 294 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 02 | 01 | 291 | 294 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 07 | 09 | 60 | 76 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 11 | 60 | 78 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 11 | 60 | 78 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 07 | 11 | 60 | 78 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Satisfaction Rating
| Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.47% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 21 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 00 |
| Representatives of Education | 00 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 00 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 10 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 |
| TOTAL | 31 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 00 | 00 | 31 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 21 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 00 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 10 |
| Transition | 00 |
| Total | 31 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
The AT Specialist trained nineteen participants from the Iona Around Town senior group. DC Office on Aging and Community Living granted funding to Iona Senior Services to address the ongoing challenge and build a website platform to help older adults learn about the programs and services available. The training covered the basics of assistive technology, including the definition of assistive technology devices and services, categories of assistive technology devices, AT devices for hearing, vision, and communication devices, and the services provided by the DC Assistive Technology Program. The AT Specialist incorporated videos in the training, showing the latest technology with videos demonstrating AT devices for hearing, vision, and communication.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
The District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) developed a new program, “Get Connected.” The “Get Connected,” the Administration for Community Living at the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the American Rescue Plan Public Health (ARPPH) Workforce Grant funded program. The program assists seniors and people with varying abilities to learn useful technology features available on their smartphones, computers, laptops, and tablets to make their devices more accessible and easier to use. During this reporting period, the DCATP Outreach Specialist provided training to ten individuals, including nine older adults with physical disabilities and one with an intellectual developmental disability. The Outreach Specialist demonstrated the accessibility features on individuals’ devices so they could access Telehealth and other District of Columbia Government services. While learning these features, individuals learned how to access the Patient Portal for their health information and the District Government website to re-certify for food stamps, Medicaid, and Medicare Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 00 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
| No known outcome at this time | 10 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 10 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 0% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Not Met |
E. Notes:
DCATP will continue developing relevant training related to the IT/Telecommunication training performance measure. We shared the training modules from the AT3 platform with no participation from the DC area.
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 00% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 00% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00% |
| Community Living | 100% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 00% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
DC Assistive Technology Program Manager serves on the District of Columbia Disability Community Advisory Group (DCAG). DCAG was created on September 26, 2019, because of a Settlement Agreement negotiated by the co-chairs, United Spinal, DC Center for Independent Living, and the District Government. The overarching purpose of the DC DCAG is to help ensure the District’s emergency plans and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Alicia Johns, Program Manager, provides ongoing technical assistance on the role of assistive technology to improve emergency preparedness and services for the thousands of individuals with disabilities in our nation’s capital. During this reporting period, the members reviewed and made recommendations for the District’s updated ASL and Auxiliary Aids Service Plans, High Rise Evacuation Building Task Force Implementation Report, and a List of Primary Accessible Shelters by Ward Annual Shelter Report,
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
DC Assistive Technology Specialists and Program Manager serve on the Department of Disability Services work group to develop a "Technology First" initiative in the District of Columbia. This national movement endeavors to integrate "smart" technology into the lives of persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live independently as possible in their community, home, and workplace. AT Specialists provide ongoing technical assistance on the benefits of AT in this emerging support system. The Assistive Technology Specialists identify AT hardware and software for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The demonstration center provides a place where providers and clients can try varying AT devices and borrow the devices to try in their natural environment.
C. Notes:
Public Awareness
Public Awareness Activities
Public Awareness Narratives
Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.
1. The Smart Home Exhibit results from a partnership between DCATP and MLK, Jr. Library Accessibility Center. The Smart Home Exhibit was held at the library on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 11 am to 3 pm. The library provided eight volunteers to assist the DCATP staff (The Program Manager, the AT Specialist, and the Outreach Specialist) with the event. One Hundred visitors attended the event. Two vendors participated in the event - Hamilton Relay with Caption Telephones and OrCam MyEye with products for blindness, low vision, and dyslexia. The exhibit featured the following devices: Echo Show 5, 8,10, and 15, The Hero Medication Dispenser, Dose smart pill box, AngelSense GPS tracker with speakerphone, SquareGlow Smart Flasher for the doorbell and phone, Ring Doorbell, PetSmart Pet Feeder, Smart Plugs, Smart light Bulbs, Apple Air Tag, Tile GPS trackers, ElliQ companion robot, and Alexa games. The DCATP Staff and volunteers demonstrated the devices to visitors and provided handouts for devices and DCATP Services.
2. The Outreach Specialist and one of the A.T. Specialists attended the DC3C Next Steps fair for D.C. Public Charter School students with disabilities (ages 14 and older). The event was held at the Blackburn Center on Howard University's campus. We demonstrated the iPad's voice commands accessibility feature using Microsoft Word for those struggling with writing. We also showed the Optelec magnifier with OCR and text-to-speech. We provided 20 Mophead Thumbs Up stylus pens as promotional items for the students. Each stylus had a clear label with the DCATP logo and contact information. Visitors included students, teachers, and chaperones. Twenty people received a two-pocket portfolio with a business card, program services, and information sheets (Life Skills by Age and A.T. devices for college, work, and independent living). Approximately 315 students and 70 chaperones attended the event. There were vendors from colleges, government agencies, and community organizations.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 653 | 00 | 653 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 740 | 01 | 741 |
| Representative of Education | 65 | 00 | 65 |
| Representative of Employment | 69 | 00 | 69 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 371 | 00 | 371 |
| Representative of Community Living | 313 | 02 | 315 |
| Representative of Technology | 67 | 00 | 67 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 2,278 | 03 | 2,281 |
Referral Types:
DCATP partnered with organizations during this reporting period, including the Accessibility Center at the Martin Luther King Library, the Department of Disability Services Tech First Initiative, the DC Center for Independent Living, and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. The smart home exhibit at the library led to invitations from these organizations to participate in their conferences, exhibitions, and presentations to the consumers they serve. DCATP will partner with these same organizations next year for their annual events. The "Get Connected" program that helps seniors with their technology needs has increased DCATP interactions with senior residential facilities, senior wellness programs, and senior villages. These events have increased referrals from direct service providers serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The attendees at the conference have contacted the demo center to learn more about AT devices. Seniors share information about the "Get Connected" program with their friends who reach the program for assistance with their technology needs.
Referral Sources:
DCATP collaborates with many community-based and state agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities. Approximately 49.28% of our referrals for information and assistance come from disability & advocacy entities/providers. Friends and families (32.53.%) provided the most referrals to the DCATP program. These referrals' geographical reach is all the Wards in the District of Columbia. There were approximately 50,000 page views on the DCATP website. (www.atpdc.org) DCATP is expanding its social media presence with the addition of a YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok to inform the public about the services we provide and increase referrals.
Notes:
The District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) uses a multifaceted approach that includes mailings, website, publications, public service announcements, local cable TV advertising, and participation with other agencies, conferences, exhibits, presentations, and training to increase awareness of the benefits of AT devices and services. DCATP created content for the new DC Assistive Technology Program YouTube channel. During this reporting period, staff will upload all webinars and trainings to this channel. Future content will include AT device demonstrations and webinar training. Our YouTube channel informs consumers about the benefits of AT devices, the services the DC AT Program provides, and emerging new technologies. During this reporting period, there were approximately 41,058 visitors to the AT Program website. (www.atpdc.org). Our most visited pages are 1) http://www.atpdc.org/equipmentrecyclingdc.html and 2) http://www.atpdc.org/low-cost-computers.html in this or
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
| Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 1 |
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A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
DC Assistive Technology Specialists and Program Manager serve on the Department on Disability Services work group to develop a "Technology First" initiative in the District of Columbia. This national movement endeavors to integrate "smart" technology into the lives of persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live independently as possible in their community, home, and workplace. AT Specialists provide ongoing technical assistance on the benefits of AT in this emerging support system. The major collaborating organizations are the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Rehabilitation Services Administration, DD Council, Georgetown UCEDD, Quality Trust, Project Action, The Center for Accessibility at the Martin Luther King Library, St. John's Community Services, RCM of Washington, Connect DC, Federal Communications and Disability Cocoon. The Teach First Initiative can expand into a district-wide initiative with the potential of developing partnerships with the Department of Aging and Community Living, the Department of Behavioral Health, and The District Department of Transportation. The funding to implement the initiative includes DDS Local and Federal Funding, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the Partnerships in Employment Grant (PIE).
2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.
Some measurable results include the following: DCATPs' demo center continues to purchase new emerging tech solutions to add to its lending library and make readily available for demonstration; the Department on Disability Services (DDS) has identified vendors that donated the latest emerging technology devices to the demo center. The tech solutions acquired will be utilized to spread awareness of impactful tech solutions amongst people with disabilities, family members, and service providers. DDS has brokered a relationship between Disability Developmental Administration (DDA) Service Coordination and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD ). Assistive Technology Services Waiver providers should ensure they utilize the AT Center to assist people with IDD and their support planning team with making informed decisions before acquiring tech. DCATP can expand its services to providers that serve clients with intellectual/developmental disabilities—in collaboration with DDS, the DCATP staff exhibited at the first 2023 Mayor's Disability Tech Summit. DCATP provided technical assistance by identifying technology vendors for this summit. Fifty (31) tech exhibitors and sixty (60) organizations offer services to persons with disabilities. This summit will be an annual event and reflects the collaboration among District Partners and the stakeholders' workgroup. Some considerations for replicating this initiative should include Assessing the current service delivery system to identify barriers that prevent people with w/IDD from accessing tech; Developing a task force, Council, or Work Group to identify core strategies and activities to advance the initiative; Marketing Strategy for stakeholder engagement and awareness; Achieve Mayoral support via Proclamation or Executive Order; Secure Grant Funding opportunities for innovation programs. DCATP staff demonstrated devices and apps that improve the function of individuals with disabilities (vision, mobility, speech/communication, and hearing). Over six hundred and fifty (650) people attended the event.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Veterans; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;
Overview of State Improvement Activities
| State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 00 |
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Additional And Leveraged Funds
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | $64,866 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
| Federal | $10,000 | Training | True |
| Amount: $74,866 |
For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:03:26 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)