National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

California 2018

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Ability Tools
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.abilitytools.org/
Mailing Address:
1000 G Street, Suite #100
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95814
Program Email:
info@abilitytools.org
Phone:
916-390-2690
TTY:
800-900-0706 (TTY)

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
721 Capitol Mall
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95814
Program URL:
http://www.dor.ca.gov/AT/index.html

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers
Mailing Address:
1000 G Street, Suite 100
City
Sacramento
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95814
Program URL:
www.abilitytools.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Mills, Christina
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
(916) 390-2690
E-mail:
christina@cfilc.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Bui, Ann
Title:
AT Project Coordinator
Phone:
(916) 558-5395
E-mail:
Ann.Bui@dor.ca.gov
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):
Xavier, Joe
Title:
Director of CA Dept. of Rehabilitation
Phone:
(916) 558-5800
E-mail:
Joe.Xavier@dor.ca.gov

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 02 00 02
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 03 00 03
Total 05 00 05

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $13,511 Highest Income: $162,130

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$175,641 02 $87,821

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 01 00 00 00 00 01 02
Percentage of Loans 50% 0% 0% 0% 0% 50% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 02 100%
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 02 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 02 $5,100
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 02 $5,100

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5.75%
Highest 6%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
12 02 5.875%

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% 02
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 02

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 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $4,500
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 01 $600
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 02 $5,100

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

Consumer phoned the AT I&A line looking for referrals that could assist him in purchasing a new computer with adaptive software. The consumer explained that he owned his own graphic design business, but that his computer recently died and although he had a regular income he was not in a position to go out and purchase a new computer with the required software that he need. Ability Tools suggested that he apply for a loan through Freedom Tech to get his new computer and software. The consumer applied, was awarded and was able to save his graphic design business as a result of receiving the alternative financing loan.

Impact Area

Consumer has MS and has been working for the State of California for years. His cost of living expenses do not allow him to save the money he needs to purchase a Foot Drop device. With a Freedom Tech alternative financing loan, the consumer was able to finance a Foot Drop and continue working and actively participate in his community. The consumer is near retirement and was worried that he'd have to retire early if he could not secure assistance in financing the Foot Drop. Now that he has the Foot Drop he plans to stay working until he is eligible for his full retirement benefits.

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. 00 01 01 02
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 01 01 02
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 01 02
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 01 01 02
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 02 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 02
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 04
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,520
C. Total 1,524

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 00
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 00
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 1,524

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

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03 $3,100 $0 $3,100
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $15,000 $12,000 $3,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 04 $18,100 $12,000 $6,100

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 05 $542 $0 $542
Hearing 04 $1,617 $200 $1,417
Speech Communication 33 $20,570 $0 $20,570
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02 $27,000 $0 $27,000
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 731 $558,341 $19,812 $538,529
Daily Living 605 $40,426 $30 $40,396
Environmental Adaptations 72 $18,505 $1,330 $17,175
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $4,209 $0 $4,209
Computers and Related 75 $20,309 $0 $20,309
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05 $370 $135 $235
Total 1,535 $691,889 $21,507 $670,382

D. Anecdote

A consumer with diabetes had a foot injury and swelling that prevented her from walking. She could not afford to buy a scooter or wheelchair and did not have insurance. A local reuse center was able to provide her with a free scooter that she could use to get around. The scooter raised her spirits considerably and increased her mobility.

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. 35 03 772 810
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 199 200
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 04 196 201
4. Subtotal 36 08 1,167 1,211
5. None of the above 01 08 257 266
6. Subtotal 37 16 1,424 1,477
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 47 47
8. Total 37 16 1,471 1,524
9. Performance on this measure 97.3% 50% 79.33%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,338 87.8%
Satisfied 142 9.32%
Satisfied somewhat 08 0.52%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 36 2.36%
Total Surveyed 1,524
Response rate % 97.64%

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) 924
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 97
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 295
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 99
Total 1,415

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 628
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 366
Representative of Education 214
Representative of Employment 03
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 65
Representatives of Community Living 57
Representatives of Technology 82
Total 1,415

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 165
Hearing 88
Speech Communication 254
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 120
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 271
Daily Living 99
Environmental Adaptations 109
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 06
Computers and Related 676
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 24
Total 1,812

E. Anecdote

Student consumer with cancer was unable to attend school due to treatment. We were able to lend the family a Vgo device to remotely connect to her classrooms while at the hospital or in recovery at home. The device allowed her to see her teacher and her peers in the classroom while also participating in daily curriculum at the same time as the other students.

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 224 02 495 721
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 18 01 90 109
Subtotal 242 03 585 830
Have not made a decision 31 00 47 78
Subtotal 273 03 632 908
Nonrespondent 10 00 06 16
Total 283 03 638 924
Performance on this measure 88.64% 100% 92.56%

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. 60 04 202 266
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 11 145 166
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 03 02 14 19
4. Subtotal 73 17 361 451
5. None of the above 09 02 21 32
6. Subtotal 82 19 382 483
7. Nonrespondent 00 02 06 08
8. Total 82 21 388 491
9. Performance on this measure 89.02% 89.47% 94.5%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,035 73.14%
Satisfied 344 24.31%
Satisfied somewhat 19 1.34%
Not at all satisfied 17 1.2%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,415
Response rate % 100%

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 04
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 85
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 14
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 09
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 113

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 95
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 98
Representatives of Education 04
Representatives of Employment 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 22
Representative of Community Living 09
Representative of Technology 01
Total 230

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 08
Service Provider 35
Vendor 05
Repair Service 00
Others 55
Total 103

D. Anecdote

A consumer had a stroke and lost the ability to communicate clearly. We demonstrated an iPad with speech applications on it from our lending Library. The apps were a great help for him to communicate with family members. With the chosen communication app and the support of his brother he was able to have a device that helped him communicate more of his needs and wants.

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 08 01 99 108
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 08 01 99 108
Have not made a decision 01 00 04 05
Subtotal 09 01 103 113
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 09 01 103 113
Performance on this measure 88.89% 100% 96.12%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 195 84.78%
Satisfied 33 14.35%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 0.87%
Total 230
Response rate % 99.13%

G. Notes:

In the past California has claimed flexibility and not provided AT demonstrations as a part of our program. However, through our Public Utilities Commission pilot project

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. 95 08 975 1,078
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 12 344 366
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 04 06 210 220
4. Subtotal 109 26 1,529 1,664
5. None of the above 10 10 278 298
6. Subtotal 119 36 1,807 1,962
7. Nonrespondent 00 02 53 55
8. Total 119 38 1,860 2,017
9. Performance on this measure 91.6% 68.42% 82.2% 82.5%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Not 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 232 03 594 829
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 18 01 90 109
Subtotal 250 04 684 938
Have not made a decision 32 00 51 83
Subtotal 282 04 735 1,021
Nonrespondent 10 00 06 16
Total 292 04 741 1,037
Performance on this measure 85.62% 100% 92.31% 90.45%
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 1,158
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 24
Representatives of Education 11
Representatives of Employment 12
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 104
Representatives of Community Living 27
Representatives of Technology 28
Unable to Categorize 46
TOTAL 1,410

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,410 00 00 1,410

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 544
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 56
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 169
Combination of any/all of the above 611
Transition 30
Total 1,410

B. Description of Training Activities

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

Ability Tools had a "showcase" booth at the 2018 Abilities Expo in Los Angeles and San Mateo. During our time there we met and networked with AT vendors. One of the vendors we built a relationship with, "Pants Up Easy" has a device that allows people with mobility disabilities to put their own pants and shorts on independently. We invited Pants Up Easy to attend one of our regional AT meetings where professionals could learn more about the device and see it in action. Having Pants Up Easy at the meeting led to one of the participants successfully advocating that their county include Pants Up Easy as an approved device for their Home Accommodation Program (HAM). Consumers in that county who apply for HAM are now eligible for Pants Up Easy.

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

During the summer, Ability Tools partnered with Home Safety Solutions to host an in-person training where participants were invited to do a walk-through of a home modification showroom. Home Safety presented on home California home modification safety standards and provided materials and tool kits for everyone to use back in their own communities and distribute to consumers in need of home safety AT. The purpose of the collaboration was to work together to educate and engage professionals on how to encourage people with disabilities to maintain their independence and safety while aging in place in their own homes.

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

Ability Tools offered a alternative communications training through our Public Utilities Commission pilot project, Voice Options. Voice Options allows consumers to participate in an iPad communication app demonstration and short-term loan. Based on short term loan effectiveness the consumer is then eligible for an open-end loan on the device. Over 200 open-ended loans specific to this program were provided during the first pilot phase. Part two of the pilot began during the summer and is expected to reach 400 new eligible consumers who need an open ended loans.

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 00
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 169
Nonrespondent 00
Total 169
Performance Measure Percentage 0%
RSA Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

IT/Telecommunications Training on accessible materials is provided by the State Vocational Rehabilitation. Ability Tools refers organizations in need of that type of training to VR.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 20%
Employment 10%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 40%
Community Living 20%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 10%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The California SCAN Foundation organizes an annual statewide conference for policy makers, advocates and health care professionals on impacts related to aging. Conference exhibitors are limited and invited to attend to assist in making the conference accessible. The SCAN Foundation Conference historically has only allowed a small number of exhibitors (less than 10) to participants and they were all aging organizations. This was the first year that a non-aging specific vendor, Ability Tools, was asked to attend and provide support in the conference planning. Ability Tools was able to show and let attendees use AT during the conference. This was the first event where we shared our new AT daily living aids tool kit.

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

Ability Tools staff participate in the annual Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) event. Students selected to attend the event often use AT and will need it during the forum. Ability Tools staff provides technical assistance to the planning committee that organizes the event. If the student is unable to bring his/her own AT for the week, Ability Tools provides support and resources on how to obtain the AT. This past year we had a student attend who didn't not initially state that he needed a communication device in order to participate. However, after the first day staff realized that AT might assist him in his small group meetings and interacting with his peers. Ability Tools was able to lend the student a device for the week. The student explained that he was empowered by the device and would be advocating to get one when he returned to his high school.

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 California Foundation for Independent Living Centers organized it's 2nd annual Independent Living Conference during the spring of 2018. The conference includes two sessions on assistive technology; AT in a Disaster and The Future will be Tweeted.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 2,865 546 3,411
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 1,015 481 1,496
Representative of Education 35 12 47
Representative of Employment 10 03 13
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 382 147 529
Representative of Community Living 133 35 168
Representative of Technology 31 30 61
Unable to Categorize 442 382 824
Total 4,913 1,636 6,549

Notes:

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? 00

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.


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.)


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


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.


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.)


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

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
Public/State Agency$513,358Demonstration
Federal$1,960,000Public Awareness, I&A
Amount: $2,473,358

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).

Funding for activities not in state plan included donations made to CFILC for the purchases of serving consumer who lost their AT or DME in a natural disaster.


Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Wed Mar 13 2019 13:43:40 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)


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This FY18 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.