National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

Lead Agency

Implementing Entity

Program Director and Other Contacts

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Certifying Representative

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

G. Notes:

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

G. Notes:

I. Notes:

Access and acquisition numbers were low due to limited time for this activity. Until recently, the program employed contract staff for this activity and had no lending library or ownership of assistive technology items for loans. Items used for loans were made available through a recent community organization partnership serving people with disabilities.

G. Notes:

AT Demonstration numbers were low due to limited time for this activity. Until recently, the program employed contract staff for this activity and had no lending library or ownership of assistive technology items for demonstrations. Items used were made available through a recent community organization partnership serving people with disabilities.

C. Description of Training Activities

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

A total of 79 individuals, including support coordinators, occupational therapists, and case managers, received training related to AT Funding, specifically related to apply Medicaid Service forms from the ID/DD waiver administered by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The outcome of this training is that now support coordinators, occupational therapists, and case managers from a variety of state, private, and rehabilitation facilities now understand and are trained on how to apply the T2029 waiver to their patient's plan of care. T2029 is the Assistive Technology code for the ID/DD waiver.

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

In August 2021, Smart Home Automation for Independent Living virtual training developed training specifically for APEC (Alabama Parent Education Center) to provide home technology for independent living for individuals transitioning to a home, independent living environment. There were 19 participants including Representatives of Education and Family, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives. The training offered the opportunity to 1) Learn more about emerging home automation technologies and how they can help facilitate independent living and provide caregiver support; 2) To understand that the universal design principles, and off-the-shelf automation devices, may or may not work for everyone’s situation – one size does not fit all; and 3) How emerging state-of-the-art home automation technologies designed for person with disabilities can be individualized. The training included an overview of home automation, how caregivers can use technology to support their loved ones remotely / virtually, and how to acquire funding sources for assistive technology. There was a significant interest in participants requesting the presentation materials in follow up to the training. As a result, there were 2 individuals after the training that requested additional technical assistance and direction.

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

A total of 4532 individuals accessed and completed StarTrainin.org online training modules that included the following: ALS, Voice Banking/Speech Amplification; Alternative Computer Access; Communication Devices; Low Tech for Handwriting; Note Taking; Picture Symbols; Read and Write Google; TherapyMouse from Mobility Research Demo; and Top iPad Applications for Autism. Of that number, 1200 self-identified as being from a State University in Lee County, Alabama, home of Auburn University; and 3000 self-identified as being part of a State University in Jefferson County, Alabama, home of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). A potential outcome is that 3300 students of education and students of rehabilitation services will be able to apply this knowledge for the benefit of Alabama’s community of disabled individuals. However, due to limited staff and time dedicated to this activity, no additional information was presented regarding specific outcomes. STAR is in the process of updating the information and developing new training modules as well as monitoring future access for additional training needs.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

In May 2021, STAR provided 20 individuals, (including Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation /speech pathologists, Representatives of education, and State Agency/University Representatives), assistance with how communication devices, such as those from Tobii Dynavox, empowered people with ALS to continue effective communication, stay connected both near and far, as well as remain engaged in their ALS journey as needs change. The assistance covered 1) three selection methods that can be used to access a speech generating device; 2) explored accessibility apps available in updated models, such as the Communicator 5; and 3) explored updates in computer control. As a result of this assistance, the relationship between Alabama’s STAR program and the ALS Association of Alabama was strengthened leading to more direct service opportunities, and several (Tobii Dynavox) devices were updated to include new capabilities and technology.

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

C. Notes:

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. 1) Content/focus of the event/information shared This public awareness activity was conducted in a trifold process. First, all new employees received information on the program, in order to adequately promote it in their retail or program activities. Second, posts to social media were shared to highlight specific success stories to the public, and to make followers aware of the availability of medical equipment. Finally, access to equipment was increased by making items available in every retail store, including public address system announcements in English and Spanish on a frequency loop to assure all shoppers would hear the announcements. 2) Mechanism used to disseminate/communicate the information In-person or virtual New Hire Orientation Meetings; Social Media posts including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; Public Address System announcements during store operations in all Alabama locations. 3) Numbers and/or types of individuals reached A wide variety of individuals were reached with these efforts, including all demographics, especially healthcare industry professionals and friends or relatives of persons in need of medical equipment. 4) Positive outcome (s) resulting from the activity Mid-year comparisons of the number of items dispensed, as well as the MSRP value of the items show an increase of 60% in dollar value dispensed, and an increase of 19% in number of items dispensed. End of year comparisons show a dollar value increase of 35% and an item number increase of 80%. 5) Quantitative numbers of individuals potentially reached (if available). New Hire Orientation attendees numbered 142; their impact is multiplied by the number of people they serve in their various positions. Three separate social media posts over the course of the year reached 1,299, 7,763 and 1,610 persons. Store shoppers who heard announcements concerning the availability of medical equipment numbered approximately 75,000.

2. 1)Content/focus of the event/information shared: JonJam (a day of cycling, live music and tailgating), scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2021, at The Plant in Downtown Dothan was cancelled Thursday, September 2, 2021. With Covid cases on the rise in August/September 2021 in the Wiregrass area and after speaking with local public health agencies, the JJ Committee felt it was in the best interest of all involved to cancel JonJam ‘21. It was a very difficult decision to make. A message was sent to all sponsors, cook teams, media, area dignitaries, first responders (special guests), etc. Additionally, a ½ page color ad was printed in The Dothan Eagle thanking everyone for their support in the mission of JonJam, as well as helping people live with disabilities in the Wiregrass such as The R.E.A.L. Project (a reutilization program, in partnership with STAR, Alabama’s AT Act Program) and AMBUCS of the Wiregrass). Planning for this annual event begins nine months to a year in advance. As soon as one JonJam event ends, the JJ Committee begins planning for the next year. As every cloud has a silver lining, the JJ Committee quickly secured the dates of March 12, 2022 along with the same location and musical entertainment lineup. Letters were sent the day after the event was cancelled to sponsors to inform them prior to the official announcement was made. It also included information for JonJam on March 12, 2022. The best part is the Jon Lee Foundation was able to give a total of $25k to WRC for The REAL Project $15,000 and AMBUCS ($10,000) and that is a VERY huge win in this environment. EVERY SPONSOR decided to donate their money to the Jon Lee Foundation this year and was secured for the 2022 event. 2) Mechanism used to disseminate/communicate the information: Social Media - FBook, Instagram, Snapchat, Constant Contact Emails, Radio, TV, local podcasts, newspapers, billboards, flyers, posters, and more https://m.facebook.com/pg/jonjambenefit/posts/# 3) Numbers and/or types of individuals reached: 10,000 Plus – including those who need mobility devices, case managers, social workers, etc. 4) Positive outcome (s) resulting from the activity: Huge Public Awareness for The R.E.A.L. Project! The Jon Lee Foundation & the JonJam Committee decided to donate $15,000.00 to The R.E.A.L. Project even though the event was cancelled for ‘21. This was such a surprise! WRC/The R.E.A.L Project is very appreciative to the JLF, JJ Committee, and the many sponsors who generously support individuals with disabilities in our community. Monies help support The R.E.A.L. Project program costs. 5) Quantitative numbers of individuals potentially reached (if available). 2,500 Plus were expected to attend the event.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities