National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

G. Notes:

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

G. Notes:

State AT Act program contracted with a new vendor to support children's durable medical equipment (DME) needs. This is the first year that this vendor collected data. Vendor did not collect performance measures on all persons receiving equipment. This led to a high number of non-respondents, which lowered performance in the Community Living category. Additionally, the vendor had a high number of respondents that responded "None of the Above" in the performance measure. AT Act program is working with the vendor to educate them on the importance of performance data and how to help recipients better understand the performance measure questions so that they can respond adequately.

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

B. Description of Training Activities

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

More than 40 conference participants interacted with assistive technology professionals in the Assistive Technoloy (AT) Training Room at the 2018 Collaborations Conference at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside. Participants included VR and Employment Service Organization staff, as well as family members and individuals with disabilities. Conference participants were able to “drop-in” to the AT Room learn about AT for specific functional limitations and personally try out some of the latest and greatest assistive technology AT devices and gadgets available to accommodate individuals with disabilities at home, work or play. AT professionals from the states Alternative Financing, VR, Deaf & Hard of Hearing and AT Act program presented two 1 ½ hour training sessions. In addition to the training, staff provided resources and 1:1 demonstrations of new and emerging technologies in order to increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies regarding AT as well has help individuals make informed decisions regarding appropriate and affordable AT solutions.

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

VATS AT Acquisition & Aging coordinator partnered with seven (7) Virginia Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to develop, train staff on the use of and distribute seven AT & Aging assistive technology (AT) kits to include new devices based on demand and research. The kits contain a variety of low cost AT to help “Vintage Virginians” be more independent at home and in the community. VATS staff provided a separate statewide training to seven AAAs on the benefits AT, resources and specific equipment. At the conclusion of the training, AAA staff were able to better understand the benefits of specific AT devices and better connect with the state AT Act program. VATS gave each AAA a kit with equipment to use in AAA local/state training and outreach efforts. VATS marketed the program in multiple public forums so that professionals and individuals would know that the AT kits were available in communities throughout Virginia. This program continues to expand! AAA’s provided positive feedback that the kits were helping to better engage with Vintage Virginians and helping to increase awareness of the state’s AT Act program.

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

In 2017-18, VATS collaborated with the US Customs and Boarder Protection / - Section 508 Compliance Team, to establish a mutually beneficial MOU. Accordingly, the US Customs & Boarder Protection – Section 508 Coordinator, provided 508 Compliance Training to twenty-four (24) AT Advisory Council members and guests. The training included an overview of how 508 standards compliance has evolved through legislation and explained what her team does to meet these standards. The training also included information of the Compliance Team’s role in helping agents with disabilities gain access to assistive technologies in order to overcome functional limitations. The training included detailed discussion on reasonable accommodations as well as 508 software and web application testing. The training helped participants better understand the evolution of Information and Communication Technology requirements as well as heightened awareness regarding workplace accommodations.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

VATS AT Acquisition & Aging Coordinator convened multiple conference calls and face-to-face meetings to discuss ways that VATS and its partners could better coordinate reuse efforts among non-profits, and state agencies. Meetings included members from durable medical equipment reuse partners and emergency management programs. The meetings helped non-profits, state agencies, and emergency managers better understand each program’s role in disaster, planning, response and recovery as well as better coordinate statewide response efforts among providers. Follow-up meetings resulted in logistical planning of how to move ready to deploy staged DME from storage to state shelters. The result of the technical assistance included the following: • VATS and community reuse partner to participate in the writing of the VDEM’s State Plan including people with disabilities • 18 pallets of processed DME ready for deployment at all times • Development of “Shelter Kits” – specific to meet the need

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

C. Notes:

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. State AT Act program staff provided an “AT @ Work” presentation at this Virginia Manufacturing Association’s (VMA) conference as a main event. The presentation included how assistive technology (AT) devices/services fit well with the “lean manufacturing” philosophy implemented by manufacturers. Participants were primarily business owners and managers. Staff educated manufacturing business owners and managers on the benefits of AT as well as the benefit of hiring a qualified Virginians with disabilities!

2. State AT Act program staff participated in an online class by the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, Virginia Commonwealth University. The course was titled, “Disabilities and the Adult Learner.” VATS staff provided examples of various assistive technologies (AT) that could be used in an adult learning situation as well as gave online feedback to course participants on AT that they identified as possible solutions. This public awareness initiative improved awareness of the State AT Act Program’s services and led to several pieces of AT being loaned to instructors for their classes and family members on a short-term basis. Participants included: educators; counselors; and therapists.

Notes: