National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Florida 2017

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.faast.org
Mailing Address:
3333 W Pensacola Street, Building 100 Suite 140
City:
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Zip Code:
32304
Program Email:
info@faastinc.org
Phone:
8504873278
TTY:
8505754216

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
4070 Esplanade Way
City:
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Zip Code:
32399
Program URL:
vr.fldoes.org

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
Mailing Address:
3333 W Pensacola Street, Building 100 Suite 140
City
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Zip Code:
32304
Program URL:
www.faast.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Daniels, Michael
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
8504873278
E-mail:
mdaniels@faastinc.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Ulmer, Amanda
Title:
Contract Manager, GOC II
Phone:
8502453372
E-mail:
Amanda.Ulmer@vr.fldoe.org
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Daniels, Michael
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
8504873278
E-mail:
mdaniels@faastinc.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Kelli Fontaine
Title:
Director of Statewide Program Services
Phone:
8504873278
E-mail:
kfontaine@faastinc.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Ulmer, Amanda
Title:
Contract Manager, GOC II
Phone:
8502453372
E-mail:
Amanda.Ulmer@vr.fldoe.org

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

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 30 03 33
Approved Not made 05 00 05
Rejected 11 00 11
Total 46 03 49

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $12,000 Highest Income: $100,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$1,072,000 33 $32,485

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
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 08 11 05 08 00 01 33
Percentage of Loans 24.24% 33.33% 15.15% 24.24% 0% 3.03% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 30 90.9090909090909%
Partnership Loans 0%
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 9.09090909090909%
With loan guarantee only 03 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 33 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 30 $174,554
Partnership Loans 03 $80,000
Total 33 $254,554

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5%
Highest 5.5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
180 33 5.45454545454545%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 33
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 33

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 01 $1,772
Hearing 14 $19,615
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 11 $77,097
Daily living 01 $2,550
Environmental adaptations 04 $24,800
Vehicle modification and transportation 10 $103,365
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 02 $25,355
Total 43 $254,554

6. Defaults

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? 00


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? 00

D. Anecdote

Elliot, a forty-two-year-old male with a spinal cord injury was able to purchase a used vehicle with hand controls added. Prior to receiving his loan through the FAAST direct loan program, Elliot relied on both public transportation and his mother, who works full time, for all of his transportation needs. Elliot currently works at the local Goodwill office and his lack of reliable transportation was making it difficult to meet the demands of his work schedule. With his new vehicle, modified to allow him to drive, Elliot will be able to maintain his employment and have the ability to work a more flexible and frequent schedule, increasing his income and increasing his independence. Elliot borrowed $10,600 through the program.

Impact Area

Stephen is a fifty-five year old male with Parkinson’s Disease. He struggles with standing on his own and falls are becoming more common in his daily life. While daily tasks are becoming more and more difficult he is determined to maintain as much independence as he can for as long as possible. The FAAST direct loan program was able to lend $16,500 to Stephen for home modifications to allow him easier and safer access to his kitchen and bathroom as well as allow access to his screened in porch so he can relax outdoors and enjoy the nature of his yard. As he uses a wheelchair for most of his mobility due to the falls, the kitchen island was moved, cabinets were lowered, door frames were widened, the shower was modified and threshold ramp was installed for outdoor access.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

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 06 20 27
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 03 00 03
4. Subtotal 01 09 20 30
5. None of the above 00 01 02 03
6. Subtotal 01 10 22 33
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 10 22 33
9. Performance on this measure 100% 90% 90.91%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 19 57.58%
Satisfied 13 39.39%
Satisfied somewhat 01 3.03%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 33
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 149
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 986
C. Total 1,135

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 35
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - 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 82
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 1,018

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

Customer elected not to answer questions related to performance measurements.

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 01 $40 $0 $40
Speech Communication 05 $10,200 $0 $10,200
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 131 $60,208 $1,201 $59,007
Daily Living 85 $10,687 $0 $10,687
Environmental Adaptations 03 $1,270 $31 $1,239
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $10,500 $0 $10,500
Computers and Related 67 $7,690 $0 $7,690
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $7,000 $5,500 $1,500
Total 296 $107,595 $6,732 $100,863

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
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 04 $653 $0 $653
Hearing 42 $7,496 $0 $7,496
Speech Communication 02 $253 $0 $253
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 03 $125 $0 $125
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 531 $168,040 $1,503 $166,537
Daily Living 410 $40,375 $2 $40,373
Environmental Adaptations 35 $9,056 $0 $9,056
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 16 $23,049 $0 $23,049
Computers and Related 122 $12,175 $0 $12,175
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $110 $0 $110
Total 1,166 $261,332 $1,505 $259,827

D. Anecdote

Renee came to the FAAST Gulf Coast Regional ReUse Center in need of a lift and power chair. Within a few weeks of each other her lifelines to her independence were broken down and seemed beyond repair. The replacement or cost to repair/replace these items were not covered through her insurance, nor could she afford to pay for any of it. She came to us because of our Regional Reuse/Recycle Program in hopes that we could refurbish her equipment. She came at the right time! We had several lifts donated and we were able to have her lift refurbished by a local company who was able to use parts from donated lifts and the experience onsite to refurbish her lift to working condition. Unfortunately, the estimate to refurbish her power chair was more than it was worth. But, then a miracle happened. We received a call from a past consumers wife who had two nearly new power chairs and another lift for donation! We called Renee and told her we have a power chair that could replace her older power chair and looked like a perfect fit. We also got lucky and had a volunteer pick this equipment up and deliver it to our center (thank you to Sam). The success to this story is that within a month’s time and because of assistive technology programs like this, conscientious staff and volunteers like Sam, we were able to refurbish Renee’s lift on her van and able to recycle a very nicely used power chair to replace her older one.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

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. 24 148 734 906
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 08 82 91
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 06 09 15
4. Subtotal 25 162 825 1,012
5. None of the above 00 00 05 05
6. Subtotal 25 162 830 1,017
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 25 162 831 1,018
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.28%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 968 85.29%
Satisfied 15 1.32%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.09%
Nonrespondent 151 13.3%
Total Surveyed 1,135
Response rate % 86.7%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

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) 1,231
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 193
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 253
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 655
Total 2,332

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

Loans By Borrower Type
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Individuals with Disabilities 875
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 353
Representative of Education 735
Representative of Employment 16
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 325
Representatives of Community Living 04
Representatives of Technology 24
Total 2,332

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
Vision 371
Hearing 81
Speech Communication 573
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 146
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 160
Daily Living 315
Environmental Adaptations 279
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 02
Computers and Related 1,085
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 71
Total 3,083

E. Anecdote

With the assistance of the South Florida Device Lending Program, Natali, a seventeen-year- old teenager with Rett’s Syndrome, and her mother were able to loan out an iPad with several robust communication applications to trial. Supported by her speech and language pathologist, they were able to determine the most suitable communication application to help Natali communicate. The loan provided the opportunity for Natali, her mother, and therapist to make a decision. Thanks in great part to the short tem loan program; Natai’s speech therapist was able to go through the funding process to help Natali acquire her own communication device. In the meantime, Natali will keep her “voice” by continuing to use the loaned iPad until she receives her own.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 459 148 514 1,121
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 13 02 15 30
Subtotal 472 150 529 1,151
Have not made a decision 18 04 14 36
Subtotal 490 154 543 1,187
Nonrespondent 13 02 29 44
Total 503 156 572 1,231
Performance on this measure 94.69% 96.59% 94.15%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

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. 482 186 233 901
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 86 28 20 134
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 16 03 02 21
4. Subtotal 584 217 255 1,056
5. None of the above 18 05 03 26
6. Subtotal 602 222 258 1,082
7. Nonrespondent 09 05 05 19
8. Total 611 227 263 1,101
9. Performance on this measure 96.08% 96.34% 97.61%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,068 88.68%
Satisfied 237 10.16%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.09%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 25 1.07%
Total Surveyed 2,332
Response rate % 98.93%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Demonstrations by Device Type
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 80
Hearing 30
Speech Communication 1,969
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 175
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 156
Daily Living 248
Environmental Adaptations 52
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 05
Computers and Related 39
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 19
Total # of Devices Loaned 2,773

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 2,936
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 933
Representatives of Education 2,258
Representatives of Employment 128
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 839
Representative of Community Living 351
Representative of Technology 404
Total 7,849

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 166
Service Provider 196
Vendor 715
Repair Service 01
Others 00
Total 1,078

D. Anecdote

Kristen is a graduate student clinician in the Communication Disorders Clinic at UCF. She was recently assigned an AAC evaluation for a client with who requires alternative access in order to utilize a speech generating device. Prior to her initial evaluation session, Kristen came to the FAAST ARDC in order to learn more about switch access. A demonstration was conducted in order to compare systems that are accessible via switch scan. Kristen was able to make an informed decision regarding which systems would be appropriate to use in her evaluation. She in turn provided a demonstration during her assessment not only to the client and caregiver, but to a school-based occupational therapist who came to observe and provide feedback.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 1,118 604 992 2,714
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 01 04 11
Subtotal 1,124 605 996 2,725
Have not made a decision 12 12 24 48
Subtotal 1,136 617 1,020 2,773
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 1,136 617 1,020 2,773
Performance on this measure 98.94% 98.06% 97.65%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 7,286 92.83%
Satisfied 562 7.16%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.01%
Total 7,849
Response rate % 99.99%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

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. 507 340 987 1,834
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 87 36 102 225
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 16 12 11 39
4. Subtotal 610 388 1,100 2,098
5. None of the above 18 06 10 34
6. Subtotal 628 394 1,110 2,132
7. Nonrespondent 09 05 06 20
8. Total 637 399 1,116 2,152
9. Performance on this measure 95.76% 97.24% 98.57% 97.49%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 1,577 752 1,506 3,835
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 19 03 19 41
Subtotal 1,596 755 1,525 3,876
Have not made a decision 30 16 38 84
Subtotal 1,626 771 1,563 3,960
Nonrespondent 13 02 29 44
Total 1,639 773 1,592 4,004
Performance on this measure 97.38% 97.67% 95.79% 96.8%
ACL Performance Measure 70% 70% 70% 70%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 4,410
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 591
Representatives of Education 4,888
Representatives of Employment 299
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 3,100
Representatives of Community Living 274
Representatives of Technology 99
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 13,661

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
12,845 816 00 13,661

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 12,392
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 135
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 410
Combination of any/all of the above 31
Transition 693
Total 13,661

B. Description of Training Activities

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

This year FAAST purchased commercially available home automation devices for the purpose of using as environmental control units. Specifically, FAAST purchased the Amazon Echo, the Echo Dot, smart plugs and hubs, along with the Echo remote control, and smart light bulbs. All Regional Demonstration Centers marketed these devices specifically to individuals with spinal cord injuries. Training time consisted of an initial two-hour block followed up with telephone check-ins at two-week intervals. This was a major success and FAAST is exploring funding opportunities for these solutions.

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

FAAST worked with the Florida Development Disability Council to produce audio books for individuals transitioning to post-secondary settings. The DD Council developed these materials as part of a project already in existence. FAAST was approached to take the existing materials and transform them into audiobooks and files. FAAST worked with Florida Vision and Reading and purchased software that facilitated the development. The files were placed on CDs, thumb drives, and the FAAST SoundCloud webpage.

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

During FY 2017, FAAST had issues implementing this category of training. The one training FAAST conducted was trainings to the Florida Department of Management Services on using Remote CART services in multiple locations with various points of access. FAAST focused on using Skype and Facetime to communicate with the CART transcriber in order to provide individualized services to state employees. FAAST participated in this initiative at the request of Governor Rick Scott and his efforts to hire individuals with disabilities in state government.

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 41
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 91
No known outcome at this time 261
Nonrespondent 17
Total 410
Performance Measure Percentage 32.2%
RSA Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

The SFRDC provided AT services to the family and behavior therapy team of a 5 year-old child with autism. Initially, the team of behavior therapists from Palm Beach County visited the SFRDC AT lab to learn more about AAC apps on the iPad. As part of their practice, the therapists had knowledge of and used several comprehensive communication apps such as TouchChat and Proloquo2Go. During their visit, the therapists felt strongly that a specific child attending their clinic, who was minimally using the basic Proloquo2Go app vocabulary, would greatly benefit from a more extensive use of his current AAC app. They were also unsure if his current communication app was the right one for the child. This visit led the behavior therapists to refer the child’s parent to our center. When the parents contacted us, they were unsure about the use of the app, and fearful it would hinder the child’s ability to communicate verbally. Through a device specific training, the SFRDC staff provided AAC

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 6.45%
Employment 6.45%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 4.84%
Representative of Community Living 38.7%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 43.54%
Total 99.98%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

This year FAAST started a paradigm shift in its service delivery model to focus on individuals aging in the community. The reason for this shift is the state’s population. FAAST conducted an extensive review of the 2010 census along with more recent census data. Florida’s population dictates FAAST offer a better array of services to the aging in community population. It is for this reason we developed senior kits for each Regional Demonstration Center for them to provide device loans, demonstrations, trainings, and public awareness activities. A wide range of devices are included in the kit. A sampling is two different types of recuse and locate devices, home automation units, medication reminders, and simple vehicle modifications.

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

This year FAAST worked with the Florida Legislature, Florida Department of Education, the Florida Division of Vocation Rehabilitation, and the Florida Assistive Technology advisory council to amend Florida’s AT Follows a Student statute. Included in the amendments are the addition of the Division of Scholl Choice to ensure assistive technology transfer for charter school student to different education settings as well as post-secondary settings.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

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. FAAST conducted a Public Awareness campaign to raise awareness of Florida Medicaid and its funding of assistive technology. We developed a marketing slick titled #WhyMedicaidMatters and coordinated it with Florida’s Voice for Healthcare. We conducted a news conference that was mentioned by two statewide news agencies along with seven local entities. A webpage that is part of the FAAST website was also developed to post statistics, stories, and news articles supporting this initiative. Finally, the Executive Director testified to the Florida House of Representative’s Committee on Health Policy on the importance of Florida Medicaid and its funding of assistive technology.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 6,020 1,611 7,631
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 4,736 599 5,335
Representative of Education 786 111 897
Representative of Employment 218 43 261
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 1,502 308 1,810
Representative of Community Living 2,285 267 2,552
Representative of Technology 496 157 653
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 16,043 3,096 19,139

Notes:

During FY 2017, FAAST changed its toll-free number to 1-844-FL-FAAST. We felt the previous number has difficult to remember. The goal was to have an easier number for public awareness activities.

State Improvement Outcomes

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? 02

A. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

This year FAAST worked with the Florida Legislature, Florida Department of Education, the Florida Division of Vocation Rehabilitation, and the Florida Assistive Technology advisory council to amend Florida’s AT Follows a Student statute. Included in the amendments are the addition of the Division of Scholl Choice to ensure assistive technology transfer for charter school student to different education settings as well as post-secondary settings.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

Florida Department of Education issued an FAQ outlining the changes in the AT Follows a Child law.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Education

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

FAAST worked with the Florida Legislature to ensure accessibility lawsuits in the state of Florida lead to actual accessible environments and not only cash settlements with no changes to the environment mentioned in the suit.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

The Florida Legislature passed a bill establishing Accessibility Specialist to develop an action plan to with steps to make environments accessible when a suite is brought. Florida Courts and business owners can access these professional on a fee-for-service basis.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Community Living

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
Private$27,000Demonstration
State Appropriations$44,415State Financing
State Appropriations$100,000Device Loan
State Appropriations$100,000Reuse
State Appropriations$100,000Demonstration
Private$27,000Device Loan
Federal$58,000Device Loan
Federal$58,000Training
Federal$130,000Demonstration
State Appropriations$100,000Training
Private$27,000Training
Amount: $771,415

B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)

Non-State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Individuals Served Other Outcome

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).

FAAST receives $444,415 from the Florida general revenue fund to provide Access services at its six Regional Demonstration Centers. In addition, the University of Central Florida, the University of Miami, Family Café, and Tampa General Hospital – Rehab Center provided $81,000 from its foundations to provide Access services in their respective communities. FAAST along with the University of Miami received a federal Step-Up for AT grant from the federal Department of Education. Some data for the Step-Up to AT was estimated because of a lag-time on training staff on FAAST data collection procedures.

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This FY17 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.

Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Fri May 04 2018 15:21:43 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)