National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Georgia 2021

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):
Brooks, Lakita
Title:
Contracting Officer - Office of Sponsored Project
Phone:
404.385.2080
E-mail:
lakita.brooks@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 08 00 08
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 02 02
Total 08 02 10

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $9,240 Highest Income: $44,997

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$169,652 08 $21,207

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 02 05 01 00 00 00 08
Percentage of Loans 25% 62.5% 12.5% 0% 0% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 08 100%
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 08 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 08 $21,200
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 08 $21,200

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
29 08 3.625%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 08
4.1% to 6.0% 00
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 08

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 01 $5,000
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 01 $1,000
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 03 $2,700
Environmental adaptations 02 $7,500
Vehicle modification and transportation 01 $5,000
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 08 $21,200

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 08
Net loss for loans in default $24,151

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? 1
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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)99
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)122
C. Total Served221

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures221

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

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 11327.00
Hearing 5246.00
Speech communication1512.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 278.00
Mobility, seating and positioning14331421.00
Daily living 437556.00
Environmental adaptations81273.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 1439.00
Computers and related 5800.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure2300.00
Total22142952.00



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? 2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Cooperative Buying Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)197
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)223
C. Total Served420

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures420

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

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 4825701046.001524.00
Hearing 000.000.00
Speech communication 000.000.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 3727227215899.0056373.00
Mobility, seating and positioning 000.000.00
Daily living 000.000.00
Environmental adaptations 000.000.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 000.000.00
Computers and related 000.000.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure 000.000.00
Total 4207484216945.0057897.00

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Cooperative Buying Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)73
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)144
C. Total Served217

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure217
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures0

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

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 000.000.00
Hearing 000.000.00
Speech communication 000.000.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 2173538252425000.003113252.00
Mobility, seating and positioning 000.000.00
Daily living 000.000.00
Environmental adaptations 000.000.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 000.000.00
Computers and related 000.000.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure 000.000.00
Total 2173538252425000.003113252.00


D. Anecdote

12-year-old D. has spina bifida. FODAC waived the usual registration fee for her equipment. She received a pediatric manual wheelchair from FODAC. Her school’s physical therapist referred her to FODAC. The wheelchair allows D. to get around school, remain independent and participate in activities with classmates.

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 2022.

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. 308 97 229 634
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 308 97 229 634
5. None of the above 15 00 00 15
6. Subtotal 323 97 229 649
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 323 97 229 649
9. Performance on this measure 95.36% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 658 75.98%
Satisfied 198 22.86%
Satisfied somewhat 10 1.15%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 866
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 5,668
C. Total 5,668

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 5,668

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 02 $344 $60 $284
Hearing 04 $234 $26 $208
Speech Communication 13 $6,367 $643 $5,724
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 89 $379 $29 $350
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 4,859 $3,835,145 $221,991 $3,613,154
Daily Living 580 $9,171 $1,203 $7,968
Environmental Adaptations 02 $143 $25 $118
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $2,321 $298 $2,023
Computers and Related 115 $13,562 $700 $12,862
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03 $498 $48 $450
Total 5,668 $3,868,164 $225,023 $3,643,141

D. Anecdote

In 2016, G.C. was hit by a drunk driver. As a result of the accident, he lost the ability to use his right leg. G received a power wheelchair and a specialized hitch lift from FODAC, which can attach to his truck or trike motorcycle. This allowed him to regain mobility, independence and to return to the hobby that he loves.

In 2016, G.C. was hit by a drunk driver. Because of the accident, he lost the ability to use his right leg. G. received a power chair and a specialized hitch lift from FODAC, which can attach to his t
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. 31 00 5,612 5,643
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. 02 23 00 25
4. Subtotal 33 23 5,612 5,668
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 33 23 5,612 5,668
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 33 23 5,612 5,668
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 5,610 98.98%
Satisfied 44 0.78%
Satisfied somewhat 07 0.12%
Not at all satisfied 07 0.12%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 5,668
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to continue 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) 255
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 17
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 120
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 134
Total 526

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 172 09 181
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 13 00 13
Representative of Education 103 30 133
Representative of Employment 19 16 35
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 07 01 08
Representatives of Community Living 101 23 124
Representatives of Technology 29 03 32
Total 444 82 526

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 of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 12 00 12
Hearing 17 00 17
Speech Communication 33 00 33
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 273 00 273
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 55 00 55
Daily Living 73 00 73
Environmental Adaptations 04 00 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 02 00 02
Computers and Related 154 00 154
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 04 00 04
Total 627 00 627

E. Anecdote

An older adult came to TFL through the Aging Services Cares Act program. They were recently diagnosed with a neurological disorder with side effects of limited strength and use of their extremities. After a virtual consultation, TFL was able to provide multiple AT recommendations with demonstration over telepresence video and links to video instruction. Dragon Naturally speaking, a BuddyMic for PC, 2 Mount systems to hold tablet and cellphones, and a wheelchair hydration mount were acquired to enable greater independence with computer access (to resume working) and ADL. In the end, the consumer sent a message stating: "I just wanted to thank you for all of the items you sent to assist me. Everything has been so helpful and made my day to day life so much better. This has been such a difficult time for me, Tools for Life and FODAC were there to help when I needed it most."

An older adult came to TFL through the Aging Services Cares Act program. They were recently diagnosed with a neurological disorder with side effects of limited strength and use of their extremities. A
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 89 02 126 217
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 04 22 38
Subtotal 101 06 148 255
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 101 06 148 255
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 101 06 148 255
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. 23 29 181 233
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. 18 12 08 38
4. Subtotal 41 41 189 271
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 41 41 189 271
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 41 41 189 271
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 445 84.6%
Satisfied 78 14.83%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.38%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.19%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 526
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to continue 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.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 11
Hearing 13
Speech Communication 33
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 198
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 44
Daily Living 73
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 02
Computers and Related 31
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 04
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 413

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 124
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 41
Representatives of Education 107
Representatives of Employment 43
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 37
Representative of Community Living 61
Representative of Technology 21
Total 434

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 21
Service Provider 47
Vendor 218
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 286

D. Anecdote

J.S. received a pediatric wheelchair and demoed adaptive toys along with AT switches for environmental control from FODAC when he was 18 months old. The pediatric wheelchair and the demonstration of the switches and adaptive toys have opened a lot of doors for him and allowed others to get to know him and his personality. “AT is not just about getting from place to place, but AT also gives him the independence to really be himself and to develop in areas that we had no idea needed development," said A.S., J.'s mother.

J.S. received a pediatric wheelchair and demoed adaptive toys along with AT switches for environmental control from FODAC when he was 18 months old. The pediatric wheelchair and the demonstration of t
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 21 127 275
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 58 03 77 138
Subtotal 185 24 204 413
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 185 24 204 413
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 185 24 204 413
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 383 88.25%
Satisfied 48 11.06%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.69%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 434
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to continue 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. 362 126 6,022 6,510
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. 20 35 08 63
4. Subtotal 382 161 6,030 6,573
5. None of the above 15 00 00 15
6. Subtotal 397 161 6,030 6,588
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 397 161 6,030 6,588
9. Performance on this measure 91.18% 78.26% 99.87% 98.82%
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 216 23 253 492
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 70 07 99 176
Subtotal 286 30 352 668
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 286 30 352 668
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 286 30 352 668
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 99.60% 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 1,781
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 138
Representatives of Education 439
Representatives of Employment 43
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 3,834
Representatives of Community Living 272
Representatives of Technology 193
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 6,700

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
3,589 3,111 00 6,700

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 5,655
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 219
Combination of any/all of the above 434
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 155
Transition 237
Total 6,700

C. Description of Training Activities

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

TFL hosted a very successful Accessibility in Public Health COVID-19 focused AT Webinar series with participants from throughout Georgia and around the world to educate about built and virtual environment accessibility.

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

In 2021, TFL co-hosted the Virtual GATE Symposium with the Georgia AT Education partners. All of the the attendees participated AT and Transition sessions. This successful conference continues to grow and we are planning to co-host it again in 2022.

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

TFL developed an ICT webinar series with ACCESSGA and had over 143 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 29
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 126
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 155
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 23%
Employment 25%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 21%
Community Living 20%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 11%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Through a growing 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:

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 continued 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. Working with the CDC and the CDC Foundation, we provided accessibility Public Health Education materials and helped build capacity for best practices in this space. This public awareness work was much needed and focused on saving the lives of individuals with disabilities. This 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 continued to provide several timely and relevant 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. An eight-part COVID-19 webinar series was created in the 2021 to provide information for those who may be affected by the pandemic. The topics include accessibility for vaccination websites and vaccine sites, 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 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 1,214 212 1,426
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 185 21 206
Representative of Education 302 11 313
Representative of Employment 167 09 176
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 382 07 389
Representative of Community Living 117 23 140
Representative of Technology 32 03 35
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 2,399 286 2,685

Notes:

Georgia, like every other AT Act Program throughout the US, has had to continue 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.

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 2

A. Coordination/Collaboration

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

TFL grew our collaboration with school districts across Georgia to ensure they 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.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

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, 130 school districts have received software,issuing 435,187 licenses. We are actively growing this collaboration due to its high impact to more school districts in Georgia and also expanding into a collaboration with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency and the University System of Georgia. We are happy to discuss how we created this along with the multiple lessons learned.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education; Employment; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

TFL worked with the CDC and the CDC Foundation to improve accessibility of COVID-19 Public Health Materials. Individuals though out the US benefitted from the ASL videos we produced, documents we created minimizing the text complexity, braille we produced and distributed. We also ensured the materials and CDC websites met/exceeded 508 and WCAG 2.0/2.1 standards and works with Assistive technology. The CDCF provided $1,130,000 in funding for this vital initative.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

This partnership brought visability to the AT Act programs and our ICT expertise at the highest levels of government and across the US. We continued to see the positive impact and systemic changes that can occur when partnering with agencies who can quickly amplify the message of AT and accessibility. The initiative continues to grow and there are a lot of opportunities in this space for more involvement and leadership from AT Act programs.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

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? 01

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 AMACAccessibility Solutions and Research Center and Tools for Life at the Georgia Institute of Technology, with additional support fromgeorgia.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, AccessGAassisted 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

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$50,000TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$135,000State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$100,000DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$100,000Device LoanTrue
Private$1,130,000Technical AssistanceTrue
State Appropriations$31,500State FinancingTrue
State Appropriations$31,500Device LoanTrue
State Appropriations$31,500ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$534,000Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$50,000ReuseTrue
State Appropriations$31,500DemonstrationTrue
Amount: $2,225,000

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.


B. 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: Mon Mar 07 2022 11:03:03 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY21 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.