National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Virginia 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

The Virginia Assistive Technology System

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.vats.org

Mailing Address:

2001 Maywill Street, Suite 202

City:

Richmond

State:

Zip Code:

23230

Program Email:

barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov

Phone:

8046629990

TTY:

8004649950

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Mailing Address:

8004 Franklin Farms Drive

City:

Richmond

State:

Zip Code:

23229

Program URL:

https//www.vadars.org

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Shepard, Barclay

Title:

Manager

Phone:

8046629990

E-mail:

barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Shepard, Barclay

Title:

Manager

Phone:

8046629990

E-mail:

barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov

Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Hayfield, Kathryn

Title:

DARS Commissioner

Phone:

8046627010

E-mail:

kathryn.hayfield@dars.virginia.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?

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?

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?

D. Anecdote

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	00	00
4. Subtotal	00	00	00	00
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	00	00
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	00	00
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

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	3,616
C. Total	3,616

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	3,616

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	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$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	3,319	$2,306,407	$0	$2,306,407
Daily Living	1,949	$228,962	$0	$228,962
Environmental Adaptations	00	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	33	$45,788	$0	$45,788
Total	5,301	$2,581,157	$0	$2,581,157

D. Anecdote

VATS adult durable medical equipment (DME) reuse partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E.), assisted patients at a hospital in the western part of the state, in acquiring needed rehab equipment prior to discharge. Discharge planners contacted F.R.E.E. and explained that there were no rolling walkers available through DME vendors in southwest Virginia due to the aluminum shortage, staffing shortages, and shipping delays. DME vendors reported that DME equipment was, “Stuck on freight boats in the Atlantic.” This is an issue for adults in hospitals, who have insurance, but due to the shortage, do not have access to the equipment they need to be discharged home. This was also causing an admissions bottleneck. The hospital was at full capacity and unable to safely discharge some patients home due to lack of needed rehab equipment. F.R.E.E. immediately stepped in by delivering a load of gently used and sanitized rolling walkers and crutches within 24 hours of the request! Upon receipt of the walkers, patients were able to be discharged. VATS adult DME reuse partner was able to assist the hospital because of the valuable community donations the reuse program receives, sanitizes, refurbishes and makes available to gift to older adults and Virginians with disabilities based on medical and financial need. F.R.E.E. Richmond and Roanoke are maintaining stockpiles of DME (specifically crutches and walkers) in anticipation of meeting demand of other Virginia-based healthcare organizations in this time of crisis.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	42	00	2,508	2,550
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	26	00	619	645
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	17	00	245	262
4. Subtotal	85	00	3,372	3,457
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	85	00	3,372	3,457
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	159	159
8. Total	85	00	3,531	3,616
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	95.5%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	3,366	93.09%
Satisfied	84	2.32%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	166	4.59%
Total Surveyed	3,616
Response rate %	95.41%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	87
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	48
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	00
Total	137

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	74	50	124
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	05	00	05
Representative of Education	00	00	00
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	07	00	07
Representatives of Community Living	01	00	01
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	87	50	137

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	01	00	01
Hearing	01	00	01
Speech Communication	02	00	02
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	74	00	74
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	07	58	65
Daily Living	39	07	46
Environmental Adaptations	10	00	10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	50	01	51
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	03	00	03
Total	187	66	253

E. Anecdote

Through its partnership with a local non-profit, VATS provided a piece of durable medical equipment (DME) for an individual who wanted to visit their grandson in college. The device, named an “Excel Translator,” is lightweight and serves as both a rollator/walker and a transport chair. Through its partnership with VATS, the non-profit provided the individual with the device on short-term loan to traverse the college campus. The individual commented that there was no way they could have done all of the walking that weekend without the device and that they did not own a wheelchair. The individual reported that they rarely left their house, but that the DME device allowed them to be more social and independent.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	29	31	24	84
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	03	03
Subtotal	29	31	27	87
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	29	31	27	87
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	29	31	27	87
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	02	02	32	36
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	04	01	07	12
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	01	02
4. Subtotal	07	03	40	50
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	07	03	40	50
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	07	03	40	50
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	114	83.21%
Satisfied	23	16.79%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	137
Response rate %	100%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	03
Hearing	02
Speech Communication	01
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	114
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	55
Daily Living	44
Environmental Adaptations	11
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	45
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	03
Total # of Devices Demonstrated	278

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities	270
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	25
Representatives of Education	01
Representatives of Employment	00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	12
Representative of Community Living	10
Representative of Technology	16
Total	334

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	00
Service Provider	02
Vendor	03
Repair Service	00
Others	00
Total	05

D. Anecdote

VATS AT Access Coordinator provided a contact-free drop off of several different types of assistive technology (AT) equipment for computer access (variety of ergonomic keyboards and mice) to an individual’s home for trial/demonstration purposes. VATS met virtually to help the individual set up and configure the AT equipment. After trying multiple devices one-by-one, the individual was able to pick the N-Abler Mouse and the Microsoft ergonomic keyboard to purchase. The individual had tremors in his hands, which limited fine motor skills, making it difficult to use standard computer equipment. Based on the demonstration, the individual’s employer purchased the equipment for him. The equipment allowed him to be more independent and productive at work as an IT professional.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	54	128	91	273
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	01	02	03
Subtotal	54	129	93	276
Have not made a decision	00	00	02	02
Subtotal	54	129	95	278
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	54	129	95	278
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	97.89%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	256	76.65%
Satisfied	78	23.35%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	334
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	44	02	2,540	2,586
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	30	01	626	657
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	18	00	246	264
4. Subtotal	92	03	3,412	3,507
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	92	03	3,412	3,507
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	159	159
8. Total	92	03	3,571	3,666
9. Performance on this measure	80.43%	100%	88.66%	88.46%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	83	159	115	357
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	01	05	06
Subtotal	83	160	120	363
Have not made a decision	00	00	02	02
Subtotal	83	160	122	365
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	83	160	122	365
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	98.36%	99.45%
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	100%	95%	Met
Response Rate	95.94%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	484
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	00
Representatives of Education	235
Representatives of Employment	69
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	347
Representatives of Community Living	330
Representatives of Technology	00
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	1,465

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
860	445	160	1,465

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	649
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	379
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	04
Transition	433
Total	1,465

C. Description of Training Activities

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

VATS AT Access Coordinator provided a virtual presentation to 75 educators with the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC). VATS developed a positive working relationship with the ADA Coordinator for the Department of Corrections to address the assistive technology solutions. The presentation included information on AT devices and services to address the needs of offenders with disabilities participating in education/training programs while incarcerated. Over the past year, VATS provided a variety of AT services to the DOC to include training on reasonable accommodations, include technical assistance and short-term device equipment loans.

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

VATS has been collaborating with the state’s vocational rehabilitation program to provide comprehensive assistive technology (AT) services for students with disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. Specifically, VATS and VR AT professionals collaborated to develop and provide virtual training sessions to improve the success of individuals with disabilities entering college. These two-hour virtual trainings titled, “College Prep/Tech Tools for College,” were held one day per week during four consecutive weeks. The trainings included a variety of topics: Intro/using accommodations, organization/keeping track of assignments and studying, stress management/managing motivation and energy, and AT for reading, writing, note taking, and taking online courses. Eighteen students attended these training sessions. The team used a variety of interactive media such as videos, memes, discussions, and polls/"pop quizzes" to facilitate participation. The VATS and VR teams were able to problem-solve technology issues and provide valuable and interactive training sessions to help students prepare for post-secondary education! The team invited a Disability Resource Counselor from a local community college to speak on requesting reasonable accommodations, modifying academic schedules and ensuring facilities and equipment are accessible. This highly successful experience not only replaced this summer’s in-person training sessions, but also will most likely become the new standard for providing services as it proved to be highly efficient and effective and potentially allows more clients to participate from remote environments!

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

VATS AT Access Coordinator provided a virtual presentation to four educators with the Virginia Department of Corrections. Over the past several years, VATS developed a positive working relationship with the ADA Coordinator for the Department of Corrections (DOC) to address the assistive technology solutions for offenders with disabilities. The presentation included information on making materials more accessible for classes. VATS staff reviewed how to make assignments more accessible using Word, PowerPoint and Adobe. The training, as well as other AT service VATS has been providing to the DOC over the past several years, is helping incarcerated individuals with disabilities, access education to improve their lives when released.

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	04
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	00
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	04
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	50%
Employment	%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	%
Community Living	50%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) joined Virginia’s No Wrong Door (NWD) system and has been providing technical assistance to expand the capacity of Virginia’s NWD system to connect older adults and individuals with disabilities with assistive technology devices and services. VATS staff worked with NWD staff to develop three videos and corresponding guidebooks. The videos promoted access to and acquisition of AT devices and services in the following categories: Emergency Preparedness, Social Health and Training kits (access to online food delivery options). Each kit contains a guidebook with purchasing information and reference materials such as pictures and or videos. NWD is making these videos available on their website to improve the awareness and access to AT for older adults and Virginians with disabilities. VATS also participates as a member of the NWD Advisory Council to guide the system’s capacity to provide AT services statewide.

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. VATS and Virginia No Wrong Door (NWD) expanded their partnership to offer several assistive technology (AT) kits to targeted NWD partners including statewide Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs). VATS and NWD developed three (3) AT kits to meet the unique needs of older adults and Virginians with disabilities. These kits include the Emergency Preparedness, Social Health and Training. VATS provided a training on the Emergency Preparedness Kit as well as a guidebook for product information and purchasing links. One AAA reported that when meeting with their staff about ideas on where and when to demonstrate the items in the Kit, they decided to include one of the items in the Kit, the rechargeable flashlights, in their list of items for one local government. This local government is working with the AAA to supply emergency preparedness items to older adult clients in their county. The AAA felt that the wall socket, rechargeable flashlight would be ready to use when the power goes out, does not need batteries, and would be easier for older adults to use! AAAs and CILs are using the items and corresponding guidebook for the Emergency Preparedness Kit for training, 1:1 demonstration, and public awareness activities.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	247	79	326
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	123	46	169
Representative of Education	04	00	04
Representative of Employment	18	02	20
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	42	09	51
Representative of Community Living	15	11	26
Representative of Technology	03	02	05
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	452	149	601

Notes:

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?

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?

The partnership between No Wrong Door Virginia (NWD) and Virginia Assistive Technology System has been meeting both groups' goals to improve quality of life for Virginians amid COVID-19. Here are several ways this collaboration is helping older adults and individuals with disabilities access and acquire appropriate and affordable assistive technology devices (AT) and services through the NWD system. Using NWD DirectConnect, Virginians have had the opportunity to self-refer for a VATS Social Health Consultation to learn what AT may benefit them during times of increased isolation -- a key need during COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines. VATS NWD AT Specialist participates as a member of the Greater RVA No Wrong Door Advisory Council. VATS shared information on collaborative activities to include the development of an emergency preparedness kit with an emphasis on AT, and social connection kit focusing on decreasing isolation and loneliness. Because of the collaborative efforts, now Virginians may use NWD DirectConnect to self-refer for AT services to include a VATS Vaccine Access Consultation. The consultation is available for those who want and need the COVID-19 vaccine but have concerns about access at vaccination sites.

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.

The state AT Act program and No Wrong Door (NWD) partnership continues to evolve. The reach of both groups has expanded and is helping to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities statewide. AT awareness continues to grow through information and assistance, demonstration, short-term loan, trainings, and public awareness activities provided by VATS and NWD partners. VATS received funding through Virginia NWD from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. This is replicable in other states, but a solid relationship needs to be built between state AT Act and NWD systems.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

VATS collaborated with its adult community durable medical equipment (DME) reuse contracted partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment (F.R.E.E.) and the Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), to address the durable medical equipment (DME) needs of Virginians with disabilities and older adults in emergency preparedness, response and recovery. F.R.E.E., VDEM and VATS have a MOA in place to address DME access needs during natural disasters. The MOA is helping to streamline the process of storing/having DME readily available in preparation for and in response to natural disasters. The recent crisis in Afghanistan brought thousands of Afghan refugees to Virginia fleeing persecution to Virginia military installations for vetting/processing by the Department of Defense and the State Department. The quick departure from their homeland left many refugees without vital mobility equipment to begin a new life in the US. Representatives from F.R.E.E. and VATS have been regularly participating in VDEM’s Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery needs among other VEST members. To date, F.R.E.E. and VATS have collaborated and provided more than 145 pieces of DME to Fort Lee, Fort Pickett and Quantico to support older Afghans and Afghans with disabilities. With 2,800 new Afghans anticipated to arrive at Fort Picket, F.R.E.E. coordinated another large DME equipment delivery with several no-profit and governmental organizations to include the American Red Cross, the Department of Defense, and Gleaning for the World. VDEM and VEST partner organizations have been meeting bi-weekly to address critical needs, with the recent focus on the needs of Afghans housed at Virginia military installations. This is positive example of how the state’s AT Act program, in collaboration with non-profits, state agencies and federal government organizations, is helping to improve the quality of life of Virginians with disabilities, as well as our welcomed guests!

Through this collaboration, VATS and its adult durable medical equipment reuse partner distributed 145 devices to support the Virginia military bases for Afghan guests. The collaboration increased awareness of DME reuse services statewide among emergency management professionals, the State Department and the Department of Defense. The partnership was highly successful in getting needed DME to military installations in Virginia. VATS and its adult DME reuse partner remain in contact with emergency planners and military installations to meet emerging needs. No external funding was provided for this collaboration/initiative.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging;

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

Reuse;

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?

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	$80,000	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Public/State Agency	$10,000	Reuse	True
Public/State Agency	$150,000	Demonstration	True
	Amount: $240,000

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 11:17:55 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)