National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Rhode Island 2019

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Rhode Island Assistive Technnology Access Partnership
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.atap.ri.gov
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode Island
Zip Code:
02903
Program Email:
melanie.sbardella@ors.ri.gov
Phone:
401-462-7917
TTY:
401-222-1328

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode island
Zip Code:
02903
Program URL:
http://www.ors.ri.gov

Implementing Entity

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):
Melanie L. Sbardella
Title:
ATAP DIrector/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-462-7917
E-mail:
melanie.sbardella@ors.ri.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
same as above
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
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):
Sbardella, Melanie
Title:
ATAP Director/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-462-7917
E-mail:
melanie.sbardella@ors.ri.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? No

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? 01
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? telecommunications distribution
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 195
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 00
C. Total Served 195

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 195

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 187 $30,267
Speech communication 10 $9,674
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 12 $2,980
Daily living 10 $3,890
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 219 $46,811


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

The Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program assisted Joan is a 81 year old woman that lives alone. She his hard of hearing as well as being diagnosed with Parkinson's and Cancer. She was having difficulties making appointments related to her cancer due to not hearing her messages due to her hearing loss. She also has difficulties holding the phone. A big button phone corded phone was installed with an extremely strong speaker phone. This allowed her not to pick up the phone to dial and also utilize the amplified answering machine.

Impact Area

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 01 193 194
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
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 01 194 195
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 194 195
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 01 194 195
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 187 95.9%
Satisfied 08 4.1%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 195
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 23
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 25
C. Total 48

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 48

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 07 $2,500 $0 $2,500
Daily Living 18 $7,501 $1 $7,500
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 26 $13,001 $1 $13,000

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 02 $1,066 $0 $1,066
Hearing 02 $148 $0 $148
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05 $486 $0 $486
Daily Living 18 $978 $0 $978
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 27 $2,678 $0 $2,678

D. Anecdote

OSCIL Consumer who is a 42 year old male living in his sister's home was having difficulty fitting his walker into a small bathroom. He also could not longer step over the side of the tub. He was diagnosed with an arthritic condition that left severe deformity and fusion of the joints. He also had some visual impairment. He had requested assistance with a bathroom modification. After reviewing modifications he chose a recent device donation of a 3-Way Tub Slide Transfer. The device was taken home an demonstrated to the consumer and his family. Because the bathroom was so small it allowed full use of the device.

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 00 21 21
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 02 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 19 19
4. Subtotal 00 00 42 42
5. None of the above 00 00 06 06
6. Subtotal 00 00 48 48
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 48 48
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 87.5%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 34 70.83%
Satisfied 12 25%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 4.17%
Total Surveyed 48
Response rate % 95.83%

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) 44
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 19
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 11
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 64
Total 138

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 48
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01
Representative of Education 73
Representative of Employment 07
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01
Representatives of Community Living 07
Representatives of Technology 01
Total 138

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 51
Hearing 25
Speech Communication 24
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 11
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 14
Daily Living 22
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 28
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06
Total 181

E. Anecdote

East Bay Educational Collaborative loaned Chromebooks students entering Middle Schoolers over the summer that would not have access to their school Chromebook. This allowed them to complete a Summer Series which included Bootcamp lessons and Webinars for sons and daughters entering Middle School. The platform of daily use within the classroom, mentoring, peer tutoring, and social networking that would be beneficial for them entering in the Fall. The ease of learning and use during the summer season was critical to bridge the gap between elementary and middle school supports with assistive technology. There was a Chromebook set and brief lessons highlighting features such as Google for Struggling Readers and Literacy Clues. Adjusted accommodating for personalized learning of 10 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 11 02 26 39
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 02 03
Subtotal 12 02 28 42
Have not made a decision 02 00 00 02
Subtotal 14 02 28 44
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 14 02 28 44
Performance on this measure 85.71% 100% 100%

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. 13 02 12 27
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 40 03 05 48
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 02 04
4. Subtotal 55 05 19 79
5. None of the above 14 00 01 15
6. Subtotal 69 05 20 94
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 69 05 20 94
9. Performance on this measure 79.71% 100% 95%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 108 78.26%
Satisfied 23 16.67%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 02 1.45%
Nonrespondent 05 3.62%
Total Surveyed 138
Response rate % 96.38%

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 42
Hearing 165
Speech Communication 63
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 62
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 35
Daily Living 98
Environmental Adaptations 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01
Computers and Related 11
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 483

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 699
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 137
Representatives of Education 421
Representatives of Employment 30
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 06
Representative of Community Living 40
Representative of Technology 05
Total 1,338

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 420
Service Provider 53
Vendor 284
Repair Service 01
Others 00
Total 758

D. Anecdote

TechACCESSRI provided a demonstration to a speech language pathologist who needed to trial different switches and switch activated devices with one of her students. We demonstrated the use and features of several switches and switch activated devices. At the conclusion of the demonstration, she decided to take and trial several items on loan to help make a determination about the most appropriate switch for her student.

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 101 10 339 450
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 01 05 10
Subtotal 105 11 344 460
Have not made a decision 20 01 02 23
Subtotal 125 12 346 483
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 125 12 346 483
Performance on this measure 84% 91.67% 99.42%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,092 81.61%
Satisfied 228 17.04%
Satisfied somewhat 05 0.37%
Not at all satisfied 05 0.37%
Nonrespondent 08 0.6%
Total 1,338
Response rate % 99.4%

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. 13 03 226 242
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 40 03 08 51
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 21 23
4. Subtotal 55 06 255 316
5. None of the above 14 00 07 21
6. Subtotal 69 06 262 337
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 69 06 262 337
9. Performance on this measure 76.81% 100% 89.31% 86.94%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not 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 112 12 365 489
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 01 07 13
Subtotal 117 13 372 502
Have not made a decision 22 01 02 25
Subtotal 139 14 374 527
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 139 14 374 527
Performance on this measure 84.17% 92.86% 99.47% 95.26%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.30% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.13% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 164
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 127
Representatives of Education 902
Representatives of Employment 104
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 26
Representatives of Community Living 54
Representatives of Technology 117
Unable to Categorize 02
TOTAL 1,496

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,276 220 00 1,496

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,271
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 85
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 117
Transition 23
Total 1,496

B. Description of Training Activities

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

East Bay Educational Collaborative and Ocean State Center for Independent Living provided training to the RI State Library Municipality Systems. The training focused on library patrons with blindness, low vision, print disability, physical disability and overall disability awareness. It was attended by 20 staff of municipality library system (OLIS). Hands on exploration occurred with CCTV. Additional training will be taking place at the libraries request prior to purchasing equipment for patrons.

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

Touch Chat App for Communication was offered and training on the iPAd and App were part of this evaluative AT Consultation for BN @ Riverside MS. Para educator 1:1 assistant and classroom teacher were very familiar with the App and we discussed programming pages and blocks for the sS daily activities and frequent expressive attempt. This Ss is 12 yO with limited Literacy, low vocabulary and Pre-K reading level, Ss has communication and high communication intention, function. Intelligibility and clarity for unfamiliar listeners is not easily understood. His ability to Navigate around the I pad and phone devices are report ably good.

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

Over 49 million adults in the US do NOT use technology in their day-to-day lives, while the younger generations grew up using technology in all aspects of their lives. This technology gap has created an intergenerational digital divide. An international non-profit organization called Cyber-Seniors was created to offer a sustainable and scalable tech- training model for older adults with teenage mentors through the development and dissemination of resources to individuals and organizations around the world. This program believes in one-on-one interaction with seniors and their young mentors and addresses the growing problem of social isolation amongst the elderly; social isolation poses significant health risks including increased risk for all causes of mortality, dementia, increased risk for re-hospitalization, and an increased number of falls. In August 2019, Denise Corson (ATEL) became a member of their Advisory Board is to help develop the future of their organization. Accessibility is one of her primary goals for accepting this position, since the general population is not aware of many accessibility options that are designed to make computers, smartphones and tablets easier to use. Denise has advised the Cyber-Senior organization to changes on their website, to make this information available to individuals with disabilities or the elderly. The information they will be adding pertains to information about apps and built in accessibility features for android and IOS for individuals that have low vision, blind, deaf, hard of hearing, speech, and memory, these include: Voice Over, Speak Screen, Large Dynamic Type, Zoom, Magnifier, Display Accommodations, Siri, Switch Control, Assistive Touch, touch accommodations, captioning, mono audio, vibrate and vibrate patterns, Talkback, Select to Speak, BrailleBack, Google Assistant, Switch Access and Voice Access.

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 14
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 68
No known outcome at this time 35
Nonrespondent 00
Total 117
Performance Measure Percentage 70.1%
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 13.53%
Employment 30.82%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 4.52%
Community Living 49.62%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 1.51%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

ATEL participated in ADA Training at Providence Police Department for all Rhode Island Police Departments statewide. The State Police Contacted the ATEL Program to assess their devices, suggest what they need to obtain updated technology to assist with effective communication for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and assist them in developing training.

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

OSCIL visited 19 high schools and had 25 students participate in a transition workshop to assist with Assistive Technology transition goals as well as ADL prior to graduation. They worked with 11 students individually regarding transition as well.

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. 11/29/2018-11/30/2018 Hosted Assistive Technology Conference of New England at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI. All four RI ATAP Partners participated in Vendor Booths as well as RICAT Members (Chair and Lawyer for RI Disability Law Center).

2. 2/8/2019 RI ATAP Partners participated in a large Cub Scout Dens Disability Awareness Night in Smithfield RI. Hearing/Speech, Interactive App Section, having the kids learn sighted guide and do and don't of mobility awareness. The elementary age children and parents that normally are not exposed to assistive technology supports go to work with the partners in a hands on setting.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 387 118 505
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 454 43 497
Representative of Education 390 08 398
Representative of Employment 95 05 100
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 128 10 138
Representative of Community Living 182 27 209
Representative of Technology 88 01 89
Unable to Categorize 03 00 03
Total 1,727 212 1,939

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? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds

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).


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 09 2020 08:48:43 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)


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This FY19 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.