National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Tennessee 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Tennessee Technology Access Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html
Mailing Address:
505 Deaderick St., James K. Polk Building, 15th Floor
City:
Nashville
State:
TN
Zip Code:
37243
Program Email:
TN.TTAP@tn.gov
Phone:
615-313-5183
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Mailing Address:
505 Deaderick St., James K. Polk Building
City:
Nashville
State:
TN
Zip Code:
37243
Program URL:
http://tn.gov/humanservices

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):
Kimberly Lilley
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
615-532-4103
E-mail:
kim.lilley@tn.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Mandy Johnson
Title:
Assistant Commissioner, Div of Rehab Services
Phone:
615-770-5496
E-mail:
Mandy.1.Johnson@tn.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):
Kimberly Lilley
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
615-532-4103
E-mail:
kim.lilley@tn.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
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? 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

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

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied somewhat 00 NaN%
Not at all satisfied 00 NaN%
Nonrespondent 00 NaN%
Total Surveyed 00
Response rate % NaN%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,040
C. Total 1,040

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 1,040

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
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 00 $0 $0 $0

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 144 $126,939 $2,900 $124,039
Hearing 14 $3,124 $0 $3,124
Speech Communication 13 $8,066 $0 $8,066
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 162 $21,350 $0 $21,350
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 558 $179,271 $30 $179,241
Daily Living 314 $55,601 $75 $55,526
Environmental Adaptations 30 $7,080 $0 $7,080
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Computers and Related 165 $26,997 $650 $26,347
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06 $1,445 $0 $1,445
Total 1,409 $432,873 $3,655 $429,218

D. Anecdote

A gentleman in his 40s with Down syndrome has a very unsteady gait. A is an individual who has down syndrome. His aging parents with medical issues of their own are his primary means of care and support. His mother expressed concerns about his stability and fearing both of them falling down the stairs while going to the upper level of the home where his bedroom is located. The Tennessee Technology Access Program’s partnering assistive technology (AT) center in west TN had a stairlift received an inquiry about donating a stairlift to the reutilization program. The center’s technical outreach staff went to the home to help dismantle the stairlift, and subsequently were later able to deliver to the residence of the individual with Down syndrome. Staff assisted with transporting and setup of the lift in the new location. The service light came on, and the AT center referred them to the stair lift repair company regarding servicing the lift. They arranged for the lift to be serviced and the battery to be replaced. The lift is installed and fully operational. His mom shared that he is now independently moving up and down the stairs because of the lift, which has eliminated the concerns for falls and injuries.

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. 95 52 728 875
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 08 49 59
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 03 36 39
4. Subtotal 97 63 813 973
5. None of the above 01 03 58 62
6. Subtotal 98 66 871 1,035
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 05 05
8. Total 98 66 876 1,040
9. Performance on this measure 98.98% 95.45% 92.81%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,023 98.37%
Satisfied 15 1.44%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.1%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.1%
Total Surveyed 1,040
Response rate % 99.9%

G. Notes:

TTAP utilizes contractors to provide reutilization services. Acceptance of used equipment was paused by most contractors for a period of time during this funding cycle due to COVID-19 precautions. Processes were established to resume intake of devices and ensure proper cleaning and staff safety. Fewer inquiries for equipment were received during this time period. While direct reutilization services were paused initially, methods to safely get the reutilized equipment to individuals were established at each location. Despite a noticeable drop in the number of devices reutilized, the overall values of savings to consumers remained comparable.

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) 178
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 13
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 25
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 10
Total 226

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 200
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 03
Representative of Education 12
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 05
Representatives of Community Living 01
Representatives of Technology 05
Total 226

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 84
Hearing 17
Speech Communication 20
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 32
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 18
Daily Living 32
Environmental Adaptations 11
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 105
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total 321

E. Anecdote

When given a diagnosis of glioblastoma, doctors told 54-year-old Mr. P that he only had a few months to live. Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Mr. P’s condition was a brain tumor sitting on the area of his brain responsible for controlling expressive communication. He was no longer able to communicate his wants or needs. However, his understanding of language remained intact. Although he was able to understand everything said to him, he did not have a way to express his wants, needs, thoughts or ideas. The inability to communicate had really taken a toll on Mr. Price and his outlook. Through a connection with the Tennessee Technology Access Program’s partnering assistive technology (AT) center is southwest Tennessee, Mr. P. began seeing speech therapist who helped determine a communication app on an iPad that would benefit Mr. P. The AT center loan the iPad which included the necessary app to provide an accommodation during a short-term need. With this device loan, he was able to utilize therapy and communication apps to improve his quality of life while easing some of the burden and frustration that he and his family had been experiencing because of his terminal illness. When Mr. P passed away, his family returned the device to the AT center. He and his family were highly satisfied with this service and were grateful for the opportunity to communicate with him during his final days.

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 24 21 100 145
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 02 13 21
Subtotal 30 23 113 166
Have not made a decision 01 00 08 09
Subtotal 31 23 121 175
Nonrespondent 00 01 02 03
Total 31 24 123 178
Performance on this measure 96.77% 100% 93.39%

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. 10 08 10 28
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 02 01 06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 03 03
4. Subtotal 13 10 14 37
5. None of the above 04 06 01 11
6. Subtotal 17 16 15 48
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 17 16 15 48
9. Performance on this measure 76.47% 62.5% 93.33%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 201 88.94%
Satisfied 14 6.19%
Satisfied somewhat 03 1.33%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.44%
Nonrespondent 07 3.1%
Total Surveyed 226
Response rate % 96.9%

I. Notes:

During this reporting period, the number of devices loaned and borrowers declined, with COVID-19 being a major factor. Many short term loans were initially extended as a safety precaution to minimize bringing devices back in to contractor locations. Extending loans decreased some availability of inventory. Direct services were paused for a period of time, which varied by contractor location and specific restrictions in the respective areas. Fewer requests for appointments and loaner devices were received. Efforts were made to ensure loaner devices were available through safe interactions with exchange in alterative locations, outside options, and appropriate precautions. Contractors ensured proper cleaning of any returned devices.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 123
Hearing 06
Speech Communication 12
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 03
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 09
Daily Living 28
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 32
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 217

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 202
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 110
Representatives of Education 14
Representatives of Employment 04
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 16
Representative of Community Living 05
Representative of Technology 04
Total 355

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 34
Service Provider 33
Vendor 81
Repair Service 01
Others 07
Total 156

D. Anecdote

Declining vision can greatly impact an individual’s connection to the world around them. Mr. B was experiencing those feeling of separation as his vision deteriorated due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is a condition that gradually breaks down the retina, often resulting in tunnel vision. He was experiencing difficulty seeing his phone, making it difficult to access important functions to make calls and interact with others. Mr. B’s ability to read important labels at work was also impacted by RP. The more his vision declined, the more difficult it became to do the activities that he was accustomed to doing independently. The assistive technology (AT) center serving southeast Tennessee demonstrated options available to help him increase access to information using options available on his phone. The center staff enabled the built-in Screen Magnifier feature on his phone to show him how text and other information could be enlarged for him to see. The AT center enable the Magnifier tool, that allowed him to quickly turn his phone into a handheld magnifier. AT center staff also demonstrated SeeingAI, a free program from Microsoft that can take a picture of a document and read it aloud, and then installed on his phone as requested. Mr. B. was thrilled with these developments, especially because the accommodations were on his phone. "Everybody has a phone all the time" he said, "and this does not single me out or make me different." He was very excited at the new level of independence he gained from his visit with the AT center.

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 17 25 126 168
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 12 12
Subtotal 17 25 138 180
Have not made a decision 06 05 26 37
Subtotal 23 30 164 217
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 23 30 164 217
Performance on this measure 73.91% 83.33% 84.15%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 322 90.7%
Satisfied 21 5.92%
Satisfied somewhat 11 3.1%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.28%
Total 355
Response rate % 99.72%

G. Notes:

COVID-19 influenced the drop in demonstrations during this funding cycle. Pauses to in-person services by contractors varied based on their respective leadership and restrictions in their respective areas. As the situation continued, options were available for virtual demonstrations when suitable for the consumer. As TN continues to have high transmission rates, challenges for doing demonstrations remain present.

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. 105 60 738 903
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 10 50 65
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 03 39 42
4. Subtotal 110 73 827 1,010
5. None of the above 05 09 59 73
6. Subtotal 115 82 886 1,083
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 05 05
8. Total 115 82 891 1,088
9. Performance on this measure 95.65% 85.37% 88.44% 88.97%
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 41 46 226 313
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 02 25 33
Subtotal 47 48 251 346
Have not made a decision 07 05 34 46
Subtotal 54 53 285 392
Nonrespondent 00 01 02 03
Total 54 54 287 395
Performance on this measure 87.04% 90.57% 88.07% 88.27%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.01% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.44% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 490
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 51
Representatives of Education 131
Representatives of Employment 112
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 56
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 01
Unable to Categorize 68
TOTAL 914

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
881 33 00 914

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 297
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 392
Combination of any/all of the above 28
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 140
Transition 57
Total 914

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The Tennessee Technology Access Program’s (TTAP) partnering center collaborated with area programs addressing the digital divide, a disparity that flows from lacking the knowledge and ability to access the internet leading to increased poverty and fewer opportunities. The first partnership is Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults, a program to empower deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing communities in Chattanooga. The second partnership is Tech Goes Home: Chattanooga, which seeks to bridge the digital divide. The collaborative effort focused on training through Tech Goes Home: Chattanooga. The AT center’s Executive Director and assistive technology (AT) professionals provided training to attendees. The training emphasized the use of Chromebook personal computers and addressed digital communication topics such as schools communicating with parents via email, employers requiring digital resume submission, and the ease of paying bills online. Tech Goes Home addresses the digital divide by providing Chromebook laptop computers to individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford one, with the condition that they must first attend fifteen hours of instruction to become familiar with the technology and how to successfully use it as a tool for education, employment, and community living. This year’s event was the first time that individuals with hearing loss were specifically targeted by the Tech Goes Home as part of this collaborative effort. Training with adult students took place for three hours per night once a week for a month. Many of the participants had never used a computer before and only used American Sign Language (ASL). The AT center’s Executive Director and AT professionals within the partnership provided extra training to address the language barrier related to many technical words and concepts required to use a computer. For example, the sign for “mouse” in ASL involves miming the shape of rodent’s face – and for many in the class, the word “mouse” has always only meant rodent. The students had to be taught that in this concept “mouse” referred to a computer mouse as well as the mouse “pointer” on the screen. Similar examples included “buttons” being boxes to click on the screen, and just not the buttons on a shirt, and “clicking” a button is a sound-word that actually meant to push or select (a foreign concept because they hadn’t heard their fingers “click”). The collaborative efforts to provide the training was successful and met the needs of the participants. At the end of the training several students were already using their Chromebooks to send emails and actively look for employment.

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

Education: One if the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partnering assistive technology (AT) center in west Tennessee supported the efforts of the Union University Employment training, Daily living skills, Godly focus, Educational enrichment (EDGE) program. The Union EDGE program provides a holistic, post-secondary education for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, encouraging increased independent skills that lead to a better quality of life and aligning with Union's mission of providing "Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society." (uu.edu) The AT center’s board-certified music therapist provided training to incoming students in the EDGE program at Union University. The trainings designed to target students in transition from high school to college were given to small groups throughout the day, including EDGE students and their peer mentors for the program. Transition activities during the training included recognizing strengths and needs and identifying resources for students with a disabilities, as well as training for those without disabilities on self-advocacy struggles. Music and AT within the classroom were used by the AT center’s music therapist as tools throughout the training to aid the EDGE students in learning. Additionally, training was provided on the use of personal technology for resource finding through the transition process. This event is an ongoing collaboration with the Union EDGE program that will continue in the future as new cohorts of students arrive each Fall. Community Living: The Tennessee Technology Access Program’s (TTAP) partnering assistive technology (AT) center hosted a virtual training for seniors who would be transitioning from a facility to home and to those who desired to maintain independence. The training was conducted by the AT center’s Occupational Therapist /VP of Client Services, AT specialist, and the center’s TTAP Coordinator. The training was coined “Seniors and AT.” Invitees included a spectrum of senior supports and agencies who provide services to seniors including local church senior pastors and missions’ pastors, home agencies health, local non-profits for independent living and senior citizens, and senior living agencies. The training sessions included information about popular smart home devices, noting how they can help seniors maintain safety and independence in their homes or as they move from facilities back to their home. The OT and AT specialist also educated the group about the TTAP reutilization program, and shared information about some of the items currently available for device loan or reutilization. The transition “Seniors and AT” training created a network of contacts for future communications and collaborative opportunities, including senior AT trainings and upcoming events such as the Pass-It-On Day for reutilization.

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

TTAP in collaboration with Oklahoma AbleTech facilitated a series of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) trainings with the TN Department of Human Services staff to increase capacity related to accessible materials. While the initial event was a 2.5 day in-person training, the method shifted to a 7-part series of webinars in response to COVID-19. The training topics included accessibility policy, Word and PowerPoint accessibility, PDF accessibility, accessibility for media and social media platforms, and 3 sessions pertaining to web accessibility topics. The interactive manner of the sessions allowed participants to try tasks on their own computers during the training, increasing engagement and retention of knowledge that can be applied in their respective jobs.

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 56
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 64
No known outcome at this time 11
Nonrespondent 09
Total 140
Performance Measure Percentage 85.7%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Through the implementation of virtual training options, the overall training for the reporting period is comparable to the previous reporting period.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 94%
Employment 0%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Community Living 0%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 6%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

An assistive technology (AT) center that partners with the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) has fostered a partnership with The University of Tennessee (UT) at Chattanooga to provide technical assistance to its engineering program through “Technology Designed to Benefit.” The AT center provides technical assistance through guidance on design projects designed to benefit individuals with disabilities. The AT center provides guidance as they students work to develop strategies, utilize technology to solve problems, and create devices and solutions with applications to benefit many people. Projects have developed solutions for use is sensory rooms to assist students with autism and other disabilities. Others have addressed safety concerns for classroom setings. The AT center provides technical assistance by meeting with the engineering students as well as the recipient; they also give guidance throughout the semester to the students. UT Chattanooga approves continued technica

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

No technical assistance specific to transition was provided during this reporting period. All transition activities reported fall under the training category.

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. Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a day dedicated to bringing awareness to the importance of digital access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. One of the Tennessee Technology Access Program’s (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) center commemorated GAAD by holding their second annual conference. The conference occurred as a virtual event over several days for safety reasons, rather than in-person on a single day as originally planned The combined attendance for the 8 sessions surpassed 1000 participants. The topics shared from a variety of experts offering unique perspectives included: • Accessibility Trends • Accessible Media Platforms • Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology • Creating a Culture of Accessibility • Moving from Disability Accommodation to Universal Design • Technology in the Workplace • Universal Design Roundtable • Voice Technology and Accessibility The conference included a diverse group of attendees, such as business professionals, individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals working in the arena of disabilities.

2. In October 2019, TTAP hosted the 4th Annual Resource Ability Assistive Technology Access Fair. Approximately 200 individuals attended the event, including Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, school personnel, business representatives, individuals with disabilities and other professionals. Keynote speaker Liz Persaud shared her life story and the importance of assistive technology throughout her life, leaving participants with a new perspective on assistive technology and determination. At the conclusion the program, participants engaged with an array of 30 assistive technology and disability services vendors for a hands-on experience. The event strengthened the awareness and understand of assistive technology of those in attendance, with plans to continue the event for upcoming years.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 494 59 553
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 190 30 220
Representative of Education 48 05 53
Representative of Employment 28 01 29
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 80 09 89
Representative of Community Living 36 03 39
Representative of Technology 04 00 04
Unable to Categorize 39 04 43
Total 919 111 1,030

Notes:

Although an increase in requests for information may have been anticipated during COVID-19, contractors reported significantly fewer inquiries. This may have been influenced by the urgent needs of health, food and other concerns taking precedence. TTAP maintained contact with other entities to disseminated information about available services.

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: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:33:18 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY20 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.