National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Rhode Island 2020

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) 135
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 00
C. Total Served 135

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 135

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 145 $26,538
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 12 $2,330
Daily living 02 $1,370
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 159 $30,238


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

Donna has severe osteoarthritis of her hands and is unable to hold or dial a normal phone. She is left alone for long periods of time and wanted to be able to make phone calls without the assistance of her aids. I installed the Fortissimo with pendant, and she has no issues making her own phone calls.

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 01 133 134
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 01 134 135
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 134 135
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 01 134 135
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 127 94.07%
Satisfied 08 5.93%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 135
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

A few years ago, we had legislation passed to be able to provide wireless technology; however, most of our clients are low-income elderly with hearing loss and do not know how to use this technology that would significantly benefit them. We decided to partner with an international Program called Cyber- Seniors in 2019. Cyber-Seniors’ mission is to bridge the digital divide and connect generations through technology. Youth are provided with lessons and learning activities to train them to act as digital mentors, and senior citizens gain access to effective technology training and intergenerational communities that keep them socially connected and engaged. We have been working with the University of RI to bring this program to more area of RI; Narragansett is our first High School location and we have our first iPhone client that would never be able to afford a smartphone, and without the Cyber-Seniors program would never know how to use it.

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 17
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 06
C. Total 23

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 23

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 06 $4,700 $0 $4,700
Daily Living 10 $5,860 $0 $5,860
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $2,000 $0 $2,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 17 $12,560 $0 $12,560

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 02 $220 $0 $220
Daily Living 04 $285 $0 $285
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 06 $505 $0 $505

D. Anecdote

We received a call from a family of a consumer who passed away. His family decided to donate his equipment through OSCIL. The very next day, a father called OSCIL to ask if there was any way that a ramp could be constructed at their church so his daughter could attend Sunday services. He was informed about the donated ramp. He and the Doner family connected, and he and a construction worker went to the home to dismantle the ramp and reconstruct it at the church. Now, not only can his daughter attend mass, but a few other individuals with disabilities have joined the church. A few days later, we received another call to see if there was any chance to get a hospital bed so she could bring her mom home from the nursing home. She had called all over the state and OSCIL was her last try. Fortunately, she, too, was connected with this Doner family, and went over with her husband and his van to bring the bed home just in time for her mother’s arrival. They also took the Shower Buddy which would facilitate them bathing their mom. That same week, referral information was taken from someone, who has Multiple Sclerosis, and needs some home modifications. In discussion with her, she was saying how much she needed a scooter/electric wheelchair. She was put in touch with the family and obtained the electric wheelchair which she describes as “perfect”. She now actually can visit with friends with her new mobility, (keeping socially distant.) A few days later, a tearful wife called OSCIL to ask for a wheelchair. She had been caring for her husband who had a stroke, but it became obvious that he was no longer able to walk independently and she was too weak to support him. Because she wanted to make sure he could still get out for a walk or a car ride, getting

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 07 07
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 14 14
4. Subtotal 00 00 23 23
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 23 23
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 23 23
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 22 95.65%
Satisfied 01 4.35%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 23
Response rate % 100%

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) 90
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 07
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 27
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 24
Total 148

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 85
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 04
Representative of Education 33
Representative of Employment 06
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 15
Representatives of Technology 03
Total 148

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 68
Hearing 27
Speech Communication 62
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 39
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 14
Daily Living 26
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 22
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 07
Total 267

E. Anecdote

Literacy and Reading devices for low tech users: Highlighter Readers, Screen reader and C-Pen Reader Technology for small decoding, scanning Words, providing definitions and vocabulary banks for elementary level readers while districts are in the process of purchasing the equipment. Bridging the gap. Touch Screen Chromebooks (3) have been loaned this quarter for Student use & employment goals via Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and School Personnel for educational access. This was for vocational evaluations and to bridge a gap in acquiring the device.

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 57 06 11 74
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 01 04 11
Subtotal 63 07 15 85
Have not made a decision 04 00 01 05
Subtotal 67 07 16 90
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 67 07 16 90
Performance on this measure 94.03% 100% 93.75%

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. 07 05 12 24
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 04 06 27
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 04 05
4. Subtotal 24 10 22 56
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 24 10 23 57
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 25 10 23 58
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 95.65%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 135 91.22%
Satisfied 09 6.08%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.35%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.68%
Nonrespondent 01 0.68%
Total Surveyed 148
Response rate % 99.32%

I. Notes:

Sanitation Protocol was developed due to COVID-19 Pandemic including drop off procedures, shipping to and from individual, time lapse between drop off and pick up from another individuals, and the ability to use sanitation products or UV for certain able devices. This is across the board and was a joint effort. Device Loan is lower than FY 19 due Pandemic and sanitation restrictions put in place. ATAP Partners have developed a better Practice to serve both drop off and shipping for individuals and utilizing more online meets.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 37
Hearing 65
Speech Communication 23
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 33
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 19
Daily Living 53
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 15
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 247

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 335
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 49
Representatives of Education 101
Representatives of Employment 11
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 04
Representative of Community Living 07
Representative of Technology 00
Total 507

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 192
Service Provider 19
Vendor 42
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 253

D. Anecdote

The director of Age Friendly RI, Catherine Taylor referred a parish secretary to the ATEL Program to come up with a technology solution for her rectory office so that she can “see” phone conversations and nothing worked. I met with Elaine to evaluate and demonstrate options that would work in the work force. She told me that her employment was dependent on her finding a solution. Elaine wanted to be able to answer the rectory phone, read conversations and transfer phone calls. Although, the ideal solution would be the Hamilton CapTel for Business the rectory didn’t have this system or willing to change phone systems. I demonstrated two other options: WebCaptel and Live Transcribe. With WebCaptel, as long as she initiated the phone call from her business phone, she could read the Captions on her computer screen, and be able to transfer calls; downside is when people called the office, she would have to call them back for her to be able to have captions. Then I demonstrated a FREE app on her Android phone called Live Transcribe, it required either cellular data on Wi-Fi to work, but it transcribes everything that’s being said on the smartphone screen; this was a success. and there was no cost to her or her office.

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 53 12 171 236
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 01 02
Subtotal 54 12 172 238
Have not made a decision 08 00 01 09
Subtotal 62 12 173 247
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 62 12 173 247
Performance on this measure 87.1% 100% 99.42%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 483 95.27%
Satisfied 21 4.14%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.39%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.2%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 507
Response rate % 100%

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. 07 06 152 165
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 04 09 30
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 18 19
4. Subtotal 24 11 179 214
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 24 11 180 215
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 25 11 180 216
9. Performance on this measure 100% 90.91% 89.44% 90.7%
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 110 18 182 310
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 07 01 05 13
Subtotal 117 19 187 323
Have not made a decision 12 00 02 14
Subtotal 129 19 189 337
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 129 19 189 337
Performance on this measure 90.7% 100% 98.94% 95.85%
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 99.26% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.88% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 235
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 209
Representatives of Education 679
Representatives of Employment 36
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 24
Representatives of Community Living 20
Representatives of Technology 03
Unable to Categorize 06
TOTAL 1,212

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
820 390 02 1,212

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 720
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 274
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 203
Transition 15
Total 1,212

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Overview of AT tools and strategies in the areas of reading, writing, communication, BLV, sensory, physical access, and transition. This virtual training was delivered by an OT/ATP to Occupational Therapy students at the Community College of Rhode Island in Newport. Satisfaction surveys indicate that all participants were highly satisfied and felt that the identified course content was effective in supporting the use of assistive technology.

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

These workshops discussed how AT can support students transitioning from Life Skills classrooms into employment or community living. Participants reported that as a result of the training they would be able to integrate AT into their program to support their transition from high school to post-high school. Both Low and High tech devices such as organization and ADL supports.

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

East Bay Educational Collaborative worked with EBEC Academy Educators that needed some support with setting up their students for distance learning and associated Applications for reading and literacy during distance learning. Worked on how to present information in an accessible format utilizing Google Chrome, Classroom, Microsoft, and PDF supports.

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 131
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 36
No known outcome at this time 33
Nonrespondent 03
Total 203
Performance Measure Percentage 82.3%
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 51%
Employment 14%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 5%
Community Living 30%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 0%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Kelly Charlebois, ATP, presented a training to HMEA's Development Team about website, document, and PowerPoint accessibility to address the way they were presenting information to their staff, individuals they work with, and their stakeholders via their newsletters, internal documents and social media posts. The training included using alt text, closed captioning, camelback hashtags for their social media posts, and how to make PowerPoint presentations accessible. As a result, they have incorporated accessibility into their social media posts and internal documents.

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

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. 11/15/2019- Alicia Waters Library Program Specialist III of the Regional State Library System is focusing on training Regional Libraries so that patrons can have more access to the Library System. Vision, Hearing, Impairment and Physical Access for Library in regards to Assistive Technology and Disability Awareness Demonstrations were provided by Lisa Labitt from East Bay Educational Collaborative.

2. 8/13/2020- RI ATAP Partners provided a presentation for State VR Program regarding ATAP services and touching upon other services their agencies provide. This hour orientation to this Federal Grant Program. Follow up on training and demonstrations are encouraged.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 377 63 440
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 217 54 271
Representative of Education 114 04 118
Representative of Employment 24 03 27
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 34 06 40
Representative of Community Living 143 34 177
Representative of Technology 38 01 39
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 947 165 1,112

Notes:

As a group we reached out to various entities to see how we could support them during this time. Reached out to Secondary Education, Intellectual Disability Long-term support, Elderly Affairs, and various other groups to see how ATAP could support them as well as provide them with information and assistance in the way of identifying AT needs at their own agency and the groups they support.

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 13:32:28 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.