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

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Activity 2

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

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:

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

B. Description of Training Activities

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

WATAP provided intensive training statewide to support the professional development for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) case managers, employment specialists, and community rehabilitation providers, reaching 190 participants this fiscal year. A series of 3 trainings were offered at each of 6 locations- Kennewick, Lacey, Mt. Vernon, Spokane, Tacoma, and Vancouver. The series topics were (1) Introduction to Assistive Technology, (2) Assistive Technology for Transition, and (3) Mobile Technologies in the Workplace. Consistent with preceding years, WATAP’s trainings for DVR were designed to build competencies, promote the consideration of and proper matching of AT, and explore case studies and best practices around topics that have been identified by past participants as needed to better serve DVR clients. All participants are surveyed post training and we continue to address training topic requests and other AT needs from the field.

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

As mentioned above, one of the topics offered in training for DVR included Assistive Technology in Transition. Training participants explored AT options that can benefit and maintain and/or increase a student’s independence and performance in school and addressed meeting the changing needs of the students as they transition to post-secondary education, employment and community living. Participants discussed AT services that can be accessed to support decision making as well as resources that can assist a client and/or case manager with transition related issues.

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

Also as part of the training offered to DVR, WATAP was asked to provide some basic training with the goal of improving the practice of document creation by DVR staff and community rehabilitation providers to ensure documents provided to DVR clients will be accessible. Participants learned about the core steps for creating accessible new documents, the process of creating accessible documents using Microsoft (MS) Word, and how best to convert MS Word documents to PDF when a PDF is a necessary format.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

See TA Transition below.

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

WATAP is providing expertise and support through collaboration with the Washington Department of Social and Health Service/ Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (DSHS/ALTSA) and Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation Georgia Tech (CIDI/GT) on a pilot project titled “Washington AT Aging Concerns, Challenges and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) Project.” This project will map the Georgia Aging AT ACCESS Tool to DSHS/ALTS’s CARE Needs Assessment with the end goals (1) to increase the awareness of and access to AT; (2) to positively affect the adoption of AT; and (3) to enable individuals to function independently and remain in their homes, maintain livelihoods, and continue to be positive contributors in their communities. The pilot is with the Spokane AAA and HCS offices participating. WATAP staff will coordinate the rollout of the online tool and support a growing community of practice and expertise within WA ALTSA.

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. A portable resource kit of assistive technology (AT) was created and deployed by WATAP to Washington State’s thirteen Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and the Spokane Home and Community Services (HCS) Office. This collaboration between the WATAP and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Aging and Long-term Support Administration (ALTSA) provides a representative and informative selection of AT to inspire creative thinking in finding solutions to meet the functional needs of the individuals and families served by the AAAs. The kits include examples of devices from a variety of categories plus everyday DIY type materials, such as duct tape, Velcro, and moldable plastic, that could be used to customize and improvise low-cost solutions. The kit also includes a companion video which provides an orientation to the kit interwoven with the stories of real people sharing their experiences with AT, with the intent that the video would be followed by a presentation and demonstration of the devices contained in the kit. The kits are being used at community trainings, workshops, and events with audiences including older adults, individuals with disabilities, paid and unpaid family caregivers, case managers, and information and assistance specialists. The kits have been used by about half the of the AAAs at 12 events thus far, reaching a total of 200 participants. We will continue to collect data quarterly with the goal of documenting the successes of the program and to allow for continuous improvement and support.

2.

Notes: