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 |
Area of Residence | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
Approved Loan made | 74 | 10 | 84 |
Approved Not made | 15 | 02 | 17 |
Rejected | 50 | 06 | 56 |
Total | 139 | 18 | 157 |
Lowest Income: | $6,108 | Highest Income: | $183,600 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$4,678,062 | 84 | $55,691 |
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 | 16 | 13 | 09 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 84 |
Percentage of Loans | 19.05% | 15.48% | 10.71% | 15.48% | 13.1% | 26.19% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 81 | 96.43% |
Partnership Loans | ||
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
With interest buy-down only | 03 | 3.57% |
With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
Total | 84 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 81 | $956,608 |
Partnership Loans | 03 | $10,965 |
Total | 84 | $967,573 |
Lowest | 0% |
---|---|
Highest | 5% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
405 | 84 | 4.82142857142857% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 03 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
4.1% to 6.0% | 81 |
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 | 84 |
Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Vision | 03 | $10,838 |
Hearing | 27 | $84,419 |
Speech communication | 01 | $330 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 14 | $66,827 |
Daily living | 07 | $18,311 |
Environmental adaptations | 02 | $45,171 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 27 | $713,408 |
Computers and related | 03 | $1,388 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 02 | $26,881 |
Total | 86 | $967,573 |
Number Loans in default | 04 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $3,645 |
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? | 2 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: Individual Development Accounts |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 14 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 2 |
C. Total Served | 16 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 16 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 2 | 227.00 |
Hearing | 2 | 1340.00 |
Speech communication | 1 | 250.00 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 1 | 414.00 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 2 | 5410.00 |
Daily living | 6 | 2695.00 |
Environmental adaptations | 3 | 5683.00 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 3 | 14271.00 |
Computers and related | 21 | 10868.00 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | 0.00 |
Total | 41 | 41158.00 |
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Telecommunications equipment distribution |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 50 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 2 |
C. Total Served | 52 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 52 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 54 | 65816.00 |
Hearing | 23 | 4699.00 |
Speech communication | 0 | 0.00 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | 0.00 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 2 | 186.00 |
Daily living | 0 | 0.00 |
Environmental adaptations | 0 | 0.00 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | 0.00 |
Computers and related | 60 | 51366.00 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | 0.00 |
Total | 139 | 122067.00 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
Beth first learned about Northwest Access Fund, one of WATAP’s state financing partners, when she was researching funding options for an all-terrain wheelchair. The coronavirus lockdowns were preventing her from getting out and exercising, and her muscles were weakening. Beth missed being able to go on trails with her dogs and she was struggling to engage with her community. Getting the wheelchair as soon as possible was a priority. Beth’s parents considered using their savings to finance the wheelchair, but they were also dealing with the costs of renovating their home and property, purchasing medical equipment, and paying for medical care for both Beth and her father, who had suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall. “We were really pushed to the limits financially,” Beth’s mother, Elaine, recounts. Beth applied for financing through the Access Fund herself, was approved, and now she’s making payments and building her credit. Beth loves her new all-terrain wheelchair, the GRIT Freedom Chair, and using it regularly has helped her become stronger. Every night, she and her mother take the chair to their local park and Beth walks her dogs for a while before making a few more additional laps in her new wheelchair on her own.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 03 | 11 | 117 | 131 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
4. Subtotal | 03 | 11 | 123 | 137 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 03 | 11 | 123 | 137 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 03 | 12 | 15 |
8. Total | 03 | 14 | 135 | 152 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 78.57% | 91.11% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 140 | 92.11% |
Satisfied | 09 | 5.92% |
Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.66% |
Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.66% |
Nonrespondent | 01 | 0.66% |
Total Surveyed | 152 | |
Response rate % | 99.34% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 00 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 1,758 |
C. Total | 1,758 |
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 | 1,758 |
If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
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 |
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 | 1,223 | $2,157,175 | $0 | $2,157,175 |
Daily Living | 1,748 | $307,309 | $0 | $307,309 |
Environmental Adaptations | 53 | $6,235 | $0 | $6,235 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 3,024 | $2,470,719 | $0 | $2,470,719 |
Linda has limited mobility due to pain from chronic back issues and arthritis. She had been using a walker inside her apartment but going beyond her mailbox less than 80 feet away from her front door just using the walker was pretty much impossible. She did not have the stamina to manage even the slight uphill grade to get to the top of the hill to her local grocery store and even if she could, it would be impossible for her to get even halfway across the busy street before the traffic light changed. Linda came to the Meyer Medical Equipment Center, operated by WATAP’s device reuse partner, Bridge Disability Ministries, hoping to find a free or low-cost solution as she was living on a fixed budget and had limited means. After speaking with the Center staff, it was determined that a small electric scooter that was small enough to fit in her apartment but with enough power to get her up the hill to the grocery store might work for her. The scooter was delivered to her home, adjusted it to fit her body, and she was able to give it a try. On the first go, she was able to use the scooter to get up the hill, cross the street at the traffic light with time to spare, and enter the grocery store, which she had been unable to visit for months! She looks forward using the scooter to regain her mobility and independence.
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 | 784 | 784 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 863 | 863 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 95 | 95 |
4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 1,742 | 1,742 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 16 | 16 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 1,758 | 1,758 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 00 | 1,758 | 1,758 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 99.09% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 1,688 | 96.02% |
Satisfied | 17 | 0.97% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 53 | 3.01% |
Total Surveyed | 1,758 | |
Response rate % | 96.99% |
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 153 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 01 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 04 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 02 |
Total | 160 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 98 | 02 | 100 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 08 | 00 | 08 |
Representative of Education | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representative of Employment | 11 | 02 | 13 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 14 | 01 | 15 |
Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representatives of Technology | 22 | 02 | 24 |
Total | 153 | 07 | 160 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 21 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 62 | 00 | 62 |
Hearing | 14 | 00 | 14 |
Speech Communication | 05 | 00 | 05 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 11 | 00 | 11 |
Daily Living | 32 | 00 | 32 |
Environmental Adaptations | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Computers and Related | 124 | 00 | 124 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Total | 254 | 00 | 254 |
Although helping make informed decisions is a primary purpose of our device lending program, the ability for our deaf-blind clients to maintain connectivity with friends, family, and the community is of paramount importance during these last few years due to the COVID pandemic. And having access to a program where they can have a critical piece of assistive technology when their own is broken is critical. Charlie’s Focus 14 Braille display stopped working unexpectantly. Although he also had a larger Focus 40, it is not a portable option especially for use with his iPhone when he was away from home. He relies heavily on both of his braille displays so being without one would have significantly impacted his ability to communicate. Several months ago, Charlie had borrowed a Focus 40 from WATAP when that device needed a repair, and it was well over a month before it was returned to him. So he turned to us again to borrow a Focus 14 to maintain his ability to communicate using his iPhone. He was grateful to have access to our device lending program as without it, he would have been more isolated and disconnected from his circles of support.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 08 | 49 | 57 | 114 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
Subtotal | 08 | 50 | 58 | 116 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Subtotal | 08 | 50 | 58 | 116 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 37 | 37 |
Total | 08 | 50 | 95 | 153 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 93.93% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 06 | 01 | 07 |
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 | 06 | 01 | 07 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 06 | 01 | 07 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 06 | 01 | 07 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 113 | 70.63% |
Satisfied | 06 | 3.75% |
Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.63% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 40 | 25% |
Total Surveyed | 160 | |
Response rate % | 75% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 13 |
Hearing | 14 |
Speech Communication | 12 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 92 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 10 |
Daily Living | 04 |
Environmental Adaptations | 05 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 98 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 248 |
Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 101 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 33 |
Representatives of Education | 04 |
Representatives of Employment | 141 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 02 |
Representative of Community Living | 07 |
Representative of Technology | 05 |
Total | 293 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 01 |
Service Provider | 00 |
Vendor | 48 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 00 |
Total | 49 |
Sid is a 91-year-old retired dairy farmer with macular degeneration, and his eyesight has deteriorated and is poor. He loves to read, both English and Dutch/Friesian, and had mostly lost that ability. Sid was referred to WATAP through our Washington AgrAbility partnership, and he worked with our vision and other assistive technology specialists to find a solution. At first, several handheld and portable devices were demoed that didn’t work as they were too cumbersome or too hard for Sid to operate. We contacted several providers who specialized in vision products directly for additional in-home demonstrations. He was able to try desktop CCTVs and additional devices to find an option that was easy for him to use. He was able to try the devices while performing a variety of tasks and he decided a Merlin Ultra HD CCTV was the best choice based on his desires and device functionality. Sid purchased the CCTV and it was set up in his kitchen where he uses it regularly to read things he couldn’t have read without the device.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 00 | 192 | 21 | 213 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 31 | 02 | 33 |
Subtotal | 00 | 223 | 23 | 246 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
Subtotal | 00 | 224 | 24 | 248 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 00 | 224 | 24 | 248 |
Performance on this measure | NaN% | 99.55% | 95.83% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 230 | 78.5% |
Satisfied | 62 | 21.16% |
Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.34% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 293 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 03 | 17 | 902 | 922 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 866 | 866 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 98 | 98 |
4. Subtotal | 03 | 17 | 1,866 | 1,886 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 16 | 16 |
6. Subtotal | 03 | 17 | 1,882 | 1,902 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 03 | 12 | 15 |
8. Total | 03 | 20 | 1,894 | 1,917 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 85% | 93.35% | 93.27% |
ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 08 | 241 | 78 | 327 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 32 | 03 | 35 |
Subtotal | 08 | 273 | 81 | 362 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
Subtotal | 08 | 274 | 82 | 364 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 37 | 37 |
Total | 08 | 274 | 119 | 401 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 99.64% | 94.19% | 98.37% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.82% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 96.02% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 67 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 00 |
Representatives of Education | 59 |
Representatives of Employment | 357 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 48 |
Representatives of Community Living | 37 |
Representatives of Technology | 00 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 568 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
545 | 23 | 00 | 568 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 352 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 134 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 15 |
Transition | 67 |
Total | 568 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
WATAP continues to support the professional development for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) case managers, employment specialists, and community rehabilitation providers through a series of training opportunities. We provided 11 trainings via webinar to 365 participants. The series topics were (1) AT to support Computer Access; (2) AT to Support Farmers and Agriculture Workers; (3) AT for Cognition and Mental Health; (4) AT and Transition; and (5) Mobile Technology for Supported Employment. Consistent with preceding years, WATAP’s trainings for DVR were designed to build competencies, promote the consideration of and proper matching of AT, and explore case studies and best practices around topics that have been identified by past participants as needed to better serve DVR clients. All participants are surveyed post training and we continue to address training topic requests and other AT needs from the field.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
As mentioned above, one of the topics offered in training for DVR included Assistive Technology in Transition. Training participants explored AT options that can benefit and maintain and/or increase a student’s independence and performance in school and addressed meeting the changing needs of the students as they transition to post-secondary education, employment and community living. Participants discussed AT services that can be accessed to support decision making as well as resources that can assist a client and/or case manager with transition related issues.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
In partnership with the Special Education Technology Center, which is the State’s entity that supports school personnel in assistive technology needs of students, WATAP participated in their professional development training webinar series. One of our training sessions, Accessible Web and Documents, introduced the basic principles of web and document accessibility and why they are important. Participants learned the basic steps are required to create accessible documents and websites and well as what tools/resources are available to test for web and document accessibility. Participants will use the information gained from the training to improve and implement policies and practices that will ensure accessibility.
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
---|---|
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 15 |
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
No known outcome at this time | 00 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 15 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 10% |
---|---|
Employment | 18% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 5% |
Community Living | 65% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 2% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
WATAP continues to manage and facilitate an Assistive Technology Providers Network which promotes more meaningful professional networking, enhances collaboration among the network members and community partners, and promotes cross dissemination of information and resources. The Network is comprised of state agency staff, K-12 educators and administrators, and community-based organizational program staff who are all involved with assistive technology as part of their work. This past year and in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the Network met quarterly virtually via Zoom. Prior to the pandemic, we moved the location of the meeting around various parts of the state to showcase various partner programs.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Expanding on the previous Aging AT ACCESS Tool project WATAP was part of with the Washington Department of Social and Health Service/ Aging and Long-Term Support Administration and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation Georgia Institute of Technology, WATAP again has partnered in a new collaborative project funded by NIDILRR with Georgia Tech called “Accommodation Expert Support System for Aging Well." This project, called Aging Well for short, is developing an online tool to assist in the process of accommodating older individuals aging into or with a disability to promote aging in place and independence. WATAP project staff are supporting the development and testing of the tool, as well as, the project’s knowledge translation and dissemination work.
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. WATAP continues work on the 5-year project funded by King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy providing assistive technology services and resources to low-income seniors and unpaid caregivers in rural and tribal communities in King County. Our original strategic outreach plan and coordinated work with the outreach and events planners in the rural senior hubs in King County had to be scrapped for most of 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. We were able to host 3 trainings via webinar as part of our public outreach strategy. But we continued to look for venues to connect with the community to promote a healthy independent living, and a means for us to showcase assistive technology and talk about the potential impact in the daily lives of seniors. We participated in the Sno-Valley Senior Center Virtual Health and Wellness Fair on April 6th. The event was sponsored by Shape-Up! and King County EMS and included a free lunch along with a goody bag of handouts and small giveaways from health fair vendors, including WATAP. They provided 115 lunches and goody bags. WATAP also participated in a video connected to the Fair and hosted on YouTube. All of the health fair vendors and providers provided a segment for the video where they spoke about the services and resources available to the Center’s community. Additionally, we were able to demonstrate our Vision and Hearing/Signaling kits to 15 participants during a presentation at senior living and retirement center located in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle on August 2nd. We also left the kits to be used by staff with their residents for a few weeks.
2.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 500 | 137 | 637 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 352 | 72 | 424 |
Representative of Education | 69 | 13 | 82 |
Representative of Employment | 136 | 08 | 144 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 115 | 06 | 121 |
Representative of Community Living | 130 | 22 | 152 |
Representative of Technology | 11 | 07 | 18 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 1,313 | 265 | 1,578 |
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? | 1 |
---|
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?
Since 2010, WATAP has supported the services provided by Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) through increased awareness of and expansion of access to assistive technology for school and work. This collaborative partnership came about through the initiative of the DVR Advisory Council Member on WATAP’s Advisory Council and a formal contract was already in place when WIOA was signed into law. WATAP leverages its federally mandated activities and resources to support professional development and increase access to assistive technology in DVR services.
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.
Through this partnership, WATAP supports the professional needs of DVR staff, Tribal VR staff, DVR Contractors, and other DVR partners and increase effective implementation of AT to meet employment outcomes through the delivery of statewide and comprehensive training. WATAP has expanded its device demonstration program through the provision and maintenance of assistive technology provided to the regional DVR Assistive Technology Assessment Practitioners (ATAPs) that is used in device demonstrations and evaluations provided by the ATAPs. Funds provided by DVR has expanded WATAP's assistive technology device lending program that allows unlimited borrowing by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) and DVR Customers to inform DVR's purchasing decisions and reduce the purchase and storage of devices that end up not working for DVR Customers.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Employment; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Training;
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 |
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Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
---|---|---|---|
Federal | $3,023 | State Financing | True |
Public/State Agency | $29,275 | Demonstration | True |
Private | $630 | Device Loan | True |
Public/State Agency | $46,238 | Training | True |
Private | $500 | Training | True |
Public/State Agency | $6,733 | Device Loan | True |
Private | $169,306 | State Financing | True |
Public/State Agency | $68,258 | Technical Assistance | True |
Public/State Agency | $26,375 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
Amount: $350,338 |
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 07 2022 11:18:16 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)