National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Back to state program information page

West Virginia 2023

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:

West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS)

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

http://wvats.cedwvu.org/

Mailing Address:

959 Hartman Run Rd

City:

Morgantown

State:

Zip Code:

26505

Program Email:

wvats@hsc.wvu.edu

Phone:

304-293-4692

TTY:

304-293-6496

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

West Virginia University, Center for Excellence in Disabilities

Mailing Address:

959 Hartman Run Rd

City:

Morgantown

State:

Zip Code:

26505

Program URL:

http://cedwvu.org/

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

Name of Implementing Agency:

Mailing Address:

City

State:

Zip Code:

Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):

Cumpston, Douglas

Title:

Principal Investigator

Phone:

304-293-4692

E-mail:

douglas.cumpston@hsc.wvu.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Cumpston, Douglas

Title:

Principal Investigator

Phone:

304-2934692

E-mail:

douglas.cumpston@hsc.wvu.edu

Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Cumpston, Douglas

Title:

Principal Investigator

Phone:

304-293-4692

E-mail:

douglas.cumpston@hsc.wvu.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?

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?

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?

D. Anecdote

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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

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:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	36
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	00
C. Total	36

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	36

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

Device Exchange
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	08	$1,215	$0	$1,215
Hearing	02	$264	$0	$264
Speech Communication	05	$1,059	$0	$1,059
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	05	$165	$0	$165
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	04	$3,400	$0	$3,400
Daily Living	16	$399	$0	$399
Environmental Adaptations	09	$673	$0	$673
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	01	$500	$0	$500
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	06	$205	$0	$205
Total	56	$7,880	$0	$7,880

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$0	$0	$0

D. Anecdote

A Family came to the CED for some assistance with a child with disabilities. They were having trouble getting the child around and carried him into the office. After talking with the family they were looking for a way to more comfortably get the child around and go for longer trips outside. The WVATS team suggested a transport chair or adaptive stroller. The family was thrilled to see an adaptive stroller. We were able to show them one that was donated by another family that we had refurbished and checked for safety. The family was also concerned about his safety in the car since he was not fitting into their car seat properly. After seeing what car seat they were using WVATS was also able to Reuse an adaptive car seat that was donated and checked for safety. The family was over the moon with the service that day and reported that they would not have been able to get these items any other way.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	03	00	33	36
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	03	00	33	36
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	03	00	33	36
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	03	00	33	36
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	36	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	36
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan	Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation)	160
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	23
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	107
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	13
Total	303

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	75	110	185
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	19	10	29
Representative of Education	19	04	23
Representative of Employment	01	01	02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	45	18	63
Representatives of Community Living	01	00	01
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	160	143	303

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	24	45	69
Hearing	06	00	06
Speech Communication	49	02	51
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	36	23	59
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	20	36	56
Daily Living	24	21	45
Environmental Adaptations	29	11	40
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01	02	03
Computers and Related	18	25	43
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	17	02	19
Total	224	167	391

E. Anecdote

WVATS was able to provide a much-needed loan to a family that was looking for a Hoyer lift. This device is a rather large and expensive device that can help move someone with little effort. This family needed to move their father from his bed and sometimes his chair. They were unsure if a Hoyer lift was the right device and didn't want to waste money on such an expensive purchase. They heard about our program from a public awareness and decided to give us a call. We were able to show them how to operate the device in our demonstration room and they loaded it in their car. They reported that the loan was exactly what they needed for their father. They were able to purchase one in the final days of the Hoyer lift and was so happy to make an educated purchase.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	38	00	90	128
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	04	04
Subtotal	38	00	94	132
Have not made a decision	05	00	04	09
Subtotal	43	00	98	141
Nonrespondent	10	01	08	19
Total	53	01	106	160
Performance on this measure	88.37%	0%	95.92%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	01	00	00	01
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	59	00	83	142
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	60	00	83	143
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	60	00	83	143
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	60	00	83	143
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	275	90.76%
Satisfied	09	2.97%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	19	6.27%
Total Surveyed	303
Response rate %	93.73%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	01
Hearing	00
Speech Communication	10
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	04
Daily Living	02
Environmental Adaptations	10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	02
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	06
Total # of Device Demonstrations	35

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	00	24	24
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	25	01	26
Representatives of Education	00	00	00
Representatives of Employment	00	00	00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	10	04	14
Representative of Community Living	00	00	00
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Total	35	29	64

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	00
Service Provider	00
Vendor	00
Repair Service	00
Others	00
Total	00

D. Anecdote

WVATS is involved in a multidisciplinary clinic that is made up of a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, and a physical therapist. Once a week we have a client that we assess for a speech device, occupational therapy needs, potential mobility issues, and assistive technology needs. Before the weekly client, we meet to go over the patient's chart to identify any potential issues, things to take note of, and questions to ask. Based on the chart review, WVATS will gather devices that we feel will potentially benefit the client to demonstrate and educate them on what is available to them. During the meeting we inform the client about our program and the services we provide, letting them know that the devices they are seeing are only a small portion of what we have available. This clinic has increased loans and people’s knowledge of the resource we are to others in their community.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	10	00	03	13
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	10	00	03	13
Have not made a decision	22	00	00	22
Subtotal	32	00	03	35
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	32	00	03	35
Performance on this measure	31.25%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	64	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	64
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	01	00	00	01
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	62	00	116	178
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	63	00	116	179
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	63	00	116	179
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	63	00	116	179
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%	100%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	48	00	93	141
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	04	04
Subtotal	48	00	97	145
Have not made a decision	27	00	04	31
Subtotal	75	00	101	176
Nonrespondent	10	01	08	19
Total	85	01	109	195
Performance on this measure	64%	0%	96.04%	81.92%
ACL Performance Measure				90%
Met/Not Met				Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services	Percent	ACL Target	Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied	100%	95%	Met
Response Rate	95.29%	90%	Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	99
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	00
Representatives of Education	151
Representatives of Employment	138
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	434
Representatives of Community Living	62
Representatives of Technology	33
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	917

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
525	392	00	917

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	359
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	15
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	286
Transition	257
Total	917

C. Description of Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:

WVATS was asked to do a training for WVU Honors College to express the need for assistive technology to help people overcome barriers. The training went through the different barriers that commonly keep people from being and staying independent. Each participant was to come up with someone real or fictional and pick a barrier or two that would stop them from living independently. Then they came up with some ideas on their own before learning more about assistive technology. Once everyone shared, WVATS talked about the different technologies that could help each barrier. The participants were again to think of their person and what assistive technology would be beneficial in this case.

Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

WVATS had a training for the State's Office of Equal Opportunity annual conference. The training was on Transitioning back to the workplace with accommodations. WVATS had five stations set up around the conference room with various accommodations at each one. The five stations were daily living, office, labor, food service, and communication. Participants got a PowerPoint regarding instructions on how to ask for accommodations and when to disclose a disability. Then participants were asked to go around the room for 10 minutes at each session and work through scenarios at each station regarding a mock accommodation case. Participants also got to get hands-on with all assistive technology at the station with a WVATS staff there to answer questions. The training was very well received and asked to come back next year with something similar and just as interactive.

Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

WVATS trained employees of WVU from various departments on how to create accessible documents in Word and PowerPoint. Each participant had their own software to follow along with the training. The training followed a system of explain, demonstrate, then the participant would demonstrate. WVATS went through the most common problems of making documents accessible in both programs. All participants shared that they would start making changes to incorporate this into their every day and share skills with those who did not take the training.

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received	Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies	285
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	01
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	286
Performance Measure Percentage	100%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	28%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	28%
Community Living	44%
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:

Throughout 2023, WVATS provided technical assistance for a Braille Label maker for an employee at the WVU Health Science Center. This assistance started with the initial loan of the label maker to create tags for the plaques that provide room numbers in the building to become accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers. The borrower then reached out via email stating that the label maker was not printing out labels correctly and was jamming. I picked up the item from the Health Science Center, cleared the jam, and discovered the tape was not compatible with this machine. I returned the machine to the borrower with a roll of tape proven to be compatible with the machine. The color of the tape then was not suitable for the borrower’s project, so I provided a link to the correct tape in clear to work for the project. The borrower was then unable to purchase the tape due to stocking issues and lack of availability in a local setting. After this, I provided another type of Brai

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

WVATS provided technical assistance to an individual who was trying to transition back to living independently. They were having some trouble with low vision and some hygiene issues in the bathroom. WVATS provided some items they thought would help around the bathroom and also with reading mail. WVATS provided a CCTV for a loan to see if that might be something that could be beneficial for an all-around magnifier. A couple of additional visits brought up some additional needs that were not first thought about such as a shower chair and a large print keyboard. The individual was able to maintain their independence with these items and thanked WVATS for helping with the transition.

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. WVATS attended Marshall University’s AAC Interactive Bootcamp event in the southern part of West Virginia. Speech language pathologists around the state were invited to this event that was held by Marshall University’s Communication Disorders department to empower clinicians to make appropriate decisions about device selection and treatment applications for their patients in every setting. Several people who attended this event learned about our program and that we are a resource they are able to utilize, even though they are in the southern part of the state. Through this interaction, we are looking to establish the university’s communication department as a subcontractor for communication devices. They interact with patients daily through their clinics but they are struggling to show people the variety of devices that are available to them, so we are able to supplement them with devices so they can share more information and inform patients of the options that are available to them.

2. For the last six months on social media, the WVATS accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have been sharing what we call “Tech Tuesday” posts. Each post highlights a different device or multiple devices of the same category, a demonstration is used to show what the device does or is most commonly used for. These posts have been shared by several local agencies, and accumulating likes and comments from people who are within the state. On Instagram, the Tech Tuesday posts gather an average of 230 views by participants, the majority of the viewers are located all across the state of West Virginia. On Facebook, the videos gather an average of 409 viewers, with 2-3 new followers each month. On Tiktok, the posts are gathering an average of 500 views with fluctuations from post to post, with a range of 300-800 views. WVATS is continuing to post Tech Tuesdays to continue to bring awareness to the loan library, assistive technology in general, and show viewers a variety of options available.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	77	80	157
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	60	65	125
Representative of Education	32	12	44
Representative of Employment	01	04	05
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	48	27	75
Representative of Community Living	02	01	03
Representative of Technology	04	00	04
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	224	189	413

Referral Types:

WVATS is participating for the second year in the Mid-Atlantic ADA’s project, AT Champions, that is run by the Pennsylvania state AT program called TechOwl. This year we have one AT Champion who has begun completing the monthly projects that are set by the program. Each project is filmed by the champion and is posted on their state’s social media pages. Their first project was to demonstrate and discuss a device that they use every day to help them remain independent. Our champion showed their cochlear implant. We realize that this device does not fall into the definition of assistive technology but she was able to show features specific to the device to educate others how she is able to utilize her cochlear implants, not only for hearing but to listen to music and to focus throughout her day. Typically, the videos that are made by our AT Champions gather a lot of views on social media, but they also have people engaging with our accounts through private messages or comments that ask questions or want to know more information about our program. The main goal of this project is to destigmatize assistive technology while also empowering people with knowledge to pass along to others and even advocate for themselves and others to find a device that is the best fit for them to be able to complete tasks independently. This year, more states in the region have joined the project, allowing the champions to virtually meet people from up and down the coast who they have something in common with. The young adults really enjoy being a part of this project because they feel equipped with knowledge that benefits them but also their communities. They are always thrilled to let others know about their state assistive technology programs so they too can benefit from the services we provide.

Referral Sources:

Throughout the year, WVATS has attended several conferences and meetings that have increased our partnerships and referrals. West Virginia’s Division of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Health and Human Resources, and corporate insurance providers have established a more consistent referral process with us since receiving more information regarding what devices our program has and the services we are able to provide to individuals within our state. The WV Division of Rehabilitation Services has a department that assists individuals who are seeking employment receive assistive technology that is needed to help them gain and/or retain employment, but if someone is not job seeking they are able to refer the individual to us so we can assist them with finding a device. Case managers from Aetna, The Health Plan, etc. have reached out to us regarding devices, how to find them, additional financial assistance to purchase, and if their client is able to borrow the device until they receive their own. We have maintained our partnerships within the Center for Excellence in Disabilities where we are housed along with other programs that service the individuals of the state. Through these partnerships, we are able to assist their clients with remaining independent or participate in activities they were unsure they could take part in.

Notes:

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?

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?

WVATS has been partnering with the WVU speech clinic and University which has been holding a Multi-Disciplinary Clinic. This clinic allows for individuals coming in for a speech evaluation to also be seen by an OT, PT, and WVATS ATP along with the SLP. This service allows all disciplines to interact with the individual and offer suggestions at the end of the session. The clinic is open to anyone who schedules with the WVU speech clinic and benefits have been many. individuals are not only leaving with a communication goal but now have access to assistive technology to loan and also therapy contacts. We can now look at children's IEP and help parents understand the goals that have been set for their children and offer assistance to many of the schools in the state. WVATS has included this in to its state funding for its portion and WVU speech and University includes their portion on their funding. No additional funding is being used.

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.

WVATS has seen its loans and demonstration numbers go up as a result of this partnership. These individuals are usually traveling from an hour or two away to see this speech specialist and now having the ability to leave with borrowed assistive technology has been tremendous for the individuals. WVATS has also seen its communication devices loaned out more as a result of partnering with the WVU speech clinic. WVATS has also been able to place brochures in more areas as a result of reaching others who may not be just coming to the speech clinic. WVATS is now looking to replicate this partnership with Marshall University to extend its reach in to the more southern part of the state that has been harder to reach since Covid.

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

Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;

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?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Federal	$16,171	Public Awareness, I&A	True
	Amount: $16,171

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

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.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY23 (9/30/2023) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY23 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY23, but plan to expend funding in FY24 and/or FY25
We expended some of all of this funding in FY23 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY23:

$16,171.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	1.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

Our position was a funding specialist who was tasked with finding additional funding locally and nationally for assistive technology. Since Covid-19, a lot of funding for devices has disappeared along with their programs. This position also followed up with programs that were still around and updated their guidelines in our Online Funding guides.

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 14:16:43 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)