National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Georgia 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Georgia - Tools for Life
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/
Mailing Address:
512 Means Street
City:
Atlanta
State:
Georgia
Zip Code:
30318
Program Email:
carolyn.phillips@gatech.edu
Phone:
404-894-8000
TTY:
800-497-8665

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Georgia Institute of Technology | College of Design | AMAC
Mailing Address:
512 Means Street
City:
Atlanta
State:
Georgia
Zip Code:
30318
Program URL:
http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/

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):
Phillips, Carolyn
Title:
Principal Investigator & Director
Phone:
404-894-8000
E-mail:
carolyn.phillips@gatech.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
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):
Stout, Terry
Title:
Contracting Officer - Office of Sponsored Project
Phone:
404.385.2080
E-mail:
terry.stout@osp.gatech.edu

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 25 13 38
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 08 07 15
Total 33 20 53

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $9,180 Highest Income: $76,104

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$967,626 38 $25,464

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 13 15 05 03 01 01 38
Percentage of Loans 34.21% 39.47% 13.16% 7.89% 2.63% 2.63% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 38 100%
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 38 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 38 $98,655
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 38 $98,655

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
144 38 3.78947368421053%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 36
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 38

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 11 $19,400
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 02 $4,399
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 05 $14,356
Daily living 08 $8,200
Environmental adaptations 08 $38,300
Vehicle modification and transportation 04 $14,000
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 38 $98,655

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 20
Net loss for loans in default $30,838

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? last resort activity
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) 106
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 166
C. Total Served 272

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 272

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 19 $380
Hearing 01 $80
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 155 $7,773
Daily living 82 $8,000
Environmental adaptations 10 $30,000
Vehicle modification and transportation 02 $1,000
Computers and related 01 $100
Recreation, sports, and leisure 02 $400
Total 272 $47,733


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? 02
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? cooperative buying activity
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 119
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 231
C. Total Served 350

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 350
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 00

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 Provided Total Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 22 $1,178 $480 $698
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 328 $63,724 $14,469 $49,255
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 350 $64,902 $14,949 $49,953

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity? cooperative buying activity
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) 111,000
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 278,070
C. Total Served 389,070

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 389,070
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 00

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 Provided Total Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 389,070 $3,209,020 $30,000 $3,179,020
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 389,070 $3,209,020 $30,000 $3,179,020

D. Anecdote

A consumer in rural Georgia was able to use the Credit-Able program to secure a loan to get a used accessible vehicle to continue working. Without, she would have been facing poverty and potential institutionalization or homelessness. “Without y’all I’d have been stuck at home. I couldn’t get a car before because my credit was so bad. I got a car and was able to get to work and earn a living.”

Impact Area

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) collaborated with Tools for Life to create and successfully launch an AT Software Cooperative that was in much higher demand due to COVID-19 and so many students needing AT and UDL learning supports in their homes and virtual learning environments. The GaDOE & TFL plan to grow this collaboration in 2021.

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 35 275 310
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 35 275 310
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 35 275 310
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 35 275 310
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 381,437 97.87%
Satisfied 8,282 2.13%
Satisfied somewhat 11 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 389,730
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

The AT Software Cooperative collaboration with GaDOE & Tools for Life was in much higher demand due to COVID-19 and so many students needing AT and learning supports in their homes and virtual learning environments.

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 4,107
C. Total 4,107

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 4,107

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 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 4,107 $2,417,299 $170,731 $2,246,568
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 4,107 $2,417,299 $170,731 $2,246,568

D. Anecdote

Fourteen year old TaiAnn is one of 300 pediatric clients served by Georgia's Tools for Life's Network Partner, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), each year. The pediatric powerchair she received will enable her with mobility and freedom as she recovers from hip replacement surgery due to a rare genetic condition. A hitch lift was also installed on her family’s car by FODAC auto mechanics so TaiAnn’s chair can travel with her.

GA Reuse 2020
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 4,039 4,039
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 68 68
4. Subtotal 00 00 4,107 4,107
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 4,107 4,107
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 4,107 4,107
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 4,054 98.71%
Satisfied 46 1.12%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.07%
Not at all satisfied 04 0.1%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 4,107
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to adjust to our new normal of program operations during this challenging time of COVID-19. We have remained open and continued to serve individuals with disabilities throughout the pandemic. We have employed COVID-19 related policies and procedures to ensure safety for those who are receiving services from Tools for Life, as well as, keeping our TFL Team safe.

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) 252
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 02
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 163
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 417

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 370
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 06
Representative of Education 24
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 01
Representatives of Technology 14
Total 417

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 02
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 24
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 11
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 113
Daily Living 242
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 23
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total 417

E. Anecdote

C. was waiting on his own gait trainer that was in appeal through Medicaid. He and his family were able to borrow a gait trainer from Georgia Tools for Life's AT Loan Library so he would not loose any progress while waiting for Medicaid to purchase this device.

Corbin borrows a Gait Trainer in Georgia
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 39 01 206 246
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 00 04 06
Subtotal 41 01 210 252
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 41 01 210 252
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 41 01 210 252
Performance on this measure 100% 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. 00 00 165 165
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 00 165 165
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 165 165
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 165 165
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 338 81.06%
Satisfied 75 17.99%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.72%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.24%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 417
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to adjust to our new normal of program operations during this challenging time of COVID-19. We have remained open and continued to serve individuals with disabilities throughout the pandemic. We have employed safety policies and procedures to ensure safety for those who are receiving services from Tools for Life, as well as, keeping our TFL Team safe. In 2019, Georgia reported a total of 1,277 devices loaned. In 2020, despite all of the COVID-19 related challenges to direct service, we still provided 417 loaned devices.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 29
Hearing 03
Speech Communication 18
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 12
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 70
Daily Living 267
Environmental Adaptations 08
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 50
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 04
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 461

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 179
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 41
Representatives of Education 107
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 64
Representative of Community Living 49
Representative of Technology 21
Total 461

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 239
Service Provider 49
Vendor 173
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 461

D. Anecdote

A 96-year-old man with low vision and diminishing fine motor skills contacted TFL to try out AT for computer access. He wanted to try out the contrasting keyboard to enable him to write a book and take notes for his video productions. The keyboard was a great success and improved his quality of life!

Georgia Demo 2020
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 127 09 268 404
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 30 02 25 57
Subtotal 157 11 293 461
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 157 11 293 461
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 157 11 293 461
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 391 84.82%
Satisfied 69 14.97%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.22%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 461
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to adjust to our new normal of program operations during this challenging time of COVID-19. We have remained open and continued to serve individuals with disabilities throughout the pandemic. We have employed safety policies and procedures to ensure safety for those who are receiving services from Tools for Life, as well as, keeping our TFL Team safe.

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. 00 35 4,479 4,514
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 68 68
4. Subtotal 00 35 4,547 4,582
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 35 4,547 4,582
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 35 4,547 4,582
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 98.5% 98.52%
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 166 10 474 650
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 32 02 29 63
Subtotal 198 12 503 713
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 198 12 503 713
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 198 12 503 713
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100% 100%
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 99.99% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 533
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 100
Representatives of Education 712
Representatives of Employment 62
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 4,745
Representatives of Community Living 123
Representatives of Technology 910
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 7,185

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
5,660 1,525 00 7,185

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 243
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 483
Combination of any/all of the above 5,847
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 169
Transition 443
Total 7,185

C. Description of Training Activities

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

TFL hosted a very successful COVID-19 focused AT Webinar series with over 127 participants.

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

In 2020, TFL co-hosted the GATE Conference with the Georgia Department of Education. All of the 401 participants participated AT and Transition sessions. This successful conference continues to grow and we are planning to co-host it again in 2020.

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

TFL developed an ICT webinar series with the WAG in Georgia and ACCESSGA and had over 291 participants.

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 32
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 137
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 169
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
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 29%
Employment 17%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 16%
Community Living 26%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 12%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Through a new Partnership, Georgia Tools for Life provided customized TA to the Georgia Department of Education to provide to teachers, therapists, and administrators regarding the provision of assistive technology devices and services for students with disabilities for all of Georgia's 217 districts and over 233,187 students with IEPs. Assistive Technology focused videos and webinars were designed and delivered to support in the selection and use of assistive technologies as well as identify resources to support the use of AT to ensure the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

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

TFL continues to provide TA to Division of Aging Services to develop AT policies, practices and an algorithm to assist individuals to successfully transition out of nursing homes. This has been especially important as we actively address social isolation and loneliness during this time of COVID-19.

C. Notes:

TFL has experienced an even higher increase in requests for TA during COVID-19.

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. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tools for Life (TFL) collected and compiled resources for people with disabilities so that they could stay connected, engaged, independent and safe as our familiar environments are rapidly changing. With over 200 resources, this guide includes information on virtual platforms, entertainment and recreation, sanitization, speech and communication, to name a few. This guide was shared in newsletters, social media platforms and other channels from partners across the country and continues to be utilized by the people that we serve and their supporting professionals.

2. Tools for Life has provided several webinars over the last year. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Tools for Life has been able to provide valuable information virtually through different series of webinars to benefit a variety of individuals and professionals. A four-part COVID-19 webinar series was created in the spring of 2020 to provide information for those who may be affected by the pandemic. The topics include communication primarily for those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities, assistive technology solutions for all areas of life and environments, managing mental health whether at home, school, work or in the community, and strategies for improving executive functioning especially in the classroom and successful transition to the workplace. These four webinars were recorded and are available online for anyone who wishes to learn more.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 1,032 711 1,743
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 386 276 662
Representative of Education 321 54 375
Representative of Employment 163 105 268
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 76 54 130
Representative of Community Living 666 329 995
Representative of Technology 39 42 81
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 2,683 1,571 4,254

Notes:

GA TFL continues to see a steady inflow of detailed I&A requests during this time of COVID-19.

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? 02

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.

School districts across Georgia benefited from the Assistive Technology Partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. This K-12 Partnership provides learning software, AT loan equipment and consultation services to teachers, therapists, and administrators serving students with disabilities. Services are available to assist local school districts in meeting the assistive technology needs of students with disabilities, who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004). Through this Assistive Technology Partnership, 105 (one hundred and five) school districts have received software, issuing 287,987 licenses.


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.)

A secure AT Portal was designed to facilitate K-12 districts requesting services through this AT Partnership. Access to the portal is limited to special education directors and their designees. Assistive technology requests submitted through the portal expedite requests allowing software requests, loans, and consultations to be handled with a quick turn-around. https://gatfl.gatech.edu/sri/ga_doe_requests


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

Education


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.

The State ADAs Office, Georgia Tech AMAC Accessibility Research Center and TFL who form AccessGA worked together to assist the Georgia Department of Corrections to become accessible with their website and apps.


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.)

AccessGA, Georgia's Accessible ICT Initiative, is a joint initiative of the State of Georgia ADA Coordinator's Office and AMAC Accessibility Solutions and Research Center and Tools for Life at the Georgia Institute of Technology, with additional support from georgia.gov. Its design and purpose is to support Georgia state agencies with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility, promoting equal and timely access for employees and customers with a wide range of disabilities. In 2020, AccessGA assisted 17 agencies/colleges significantly with TA in their policies and practices to implement ICT accessibility. http://accessga.org/


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

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT

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$150,000Technical Assistance
State Appropriations$31,500Demonstration
Public/State Agency$500,000Training
State Appropriations$31,500Reuse
Private$1,000,000Training
State Appropriations$31,500State Financing
State Appropriations$31,500Device Loan
Public/State Agency$98,000Technical Assistance
Amount: $1,874,000

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).

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to adjust to our new normal of program operations during this challenging time of COVID-19. This has effected our data in both negative areas and in positive areas. We have remained open and continued to serve individuals with disabilities throughout the pandemic. We have employed COVID-19 related policies and procedures to ensure safety for those who are receiving services from Tools for Life, as well as, keeping our TFL Team safe.


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:19:54 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.