National Assistive Technology Act Data System

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

Referral Types:

SCATP is a resource for educators and health care professionals, and we provide several outreach opportunities and continuing educational hours for these professionals each year such as our assistive technology webinar series; adapted toy workshops; SC AT Expo; and AT Leadership Conference offered in partnership with the SC State Department of Education. SCATP has also been a resource providing assistance to the SC Department on Aging and Independent Living Centers around the state.

Referral Sources:

SCATP partners with and provides technical assistance to several disability advocacy providers such as the Department on Aging (DOA) and independent living centers, resulting in receiving referrals from those agencies. Approximately 17% of our total referrals for information and assistance come from disability and advocacy entities and providers. We also partner with and assist many program area entities and providers in South Carolina such as educational and healthcare programs. Approximately 32% of our total referrals for information and assistance come from school districts, hospitals and clinics, as well as centers for independent living and aging.

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?

The SC Assistive Technology program (SCATP) is collaborated with the SC Department of Education, the state library system, ETV, the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), and national AEM Center on Accessible Educational Materials, and Teach Access to provide educators with valuable information about accessibility, procurement of accessible educational materials (AEM), use of AEM in the classroom and assistive technology so that the individual learner’s needs are met with inclusive teaching. The session on AEM in transition focused on educators’ attention on using AEM early in the transition process to prepare students with disabilities for transition to college and employment. All sessions provided extensive information on how creating an accessible K-12 environment with easy to create and access AEM will reduce barriers for K-12 students with disabilities specifically individuals with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

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.

The expected outcome was for at least 100 people to attend the SC K-12 Accessibility Boot Camp. 87 educators attended in total. Educational sessions were offered featuring 17 different training sessions and 3 repeated during the two-day event. The sessions all pertained to educational professionals serving individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The sessions were geared toward helping educators of persons with developmental disabilities to learn about accessible and inclusive educational materials. 75% of attendees recorded they were satisfied with the event overall and would participate again pr recommend it to another educator.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Training;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

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?

SCATP collaborated with the SC Department on Aging (SCDOA), Walton Options Centers for Independent Living and the Medical Unsisterly of SC (MUSC) counseling department on a social isolation project. The pilot program helps people aged 55 and younger with a disability who are at risk of social isolation. This program is being piloted in 2 nursing homes. The program provides each participant with an accessible iPad per their individual needs and training on how to use it. Participants will participate in peer-to-peer counseling facilitated by MUSC’s SC Safe Seniors Program. All participants who successfully complete the training and participate in the peer-to-peer sessions will be able to keep their iPad following the pilot’s conclusion.

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.

16 participants initially received iPad accessibility recommendations, which for some individuals and staff members, the recommendations were eye opening to the possibility of independence. Approximately 8 residents are now enrolled with some dropping out of the program due to discharge to home, hospice and death. If funding allows the partners would like to collaborate for another project beyond this pilot. One suggestion would be to make the time between recommendations, setup, and training more expedient.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education; Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Demonstration; Training; Technical Assistance;