National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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California 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Ability Tools
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.abilitytools.org/
Mailing Address:
1000 G Street, Suite #100
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95814
Program Email:
info@abilitytools.org
Phone:
916-390-2690
TTY:
800-900-0706 (TTY)

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
721 Capitol Mall
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95814
Program URL:
http://www.dor.ca.gov/AT/index.html

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers
Mailing Address:
1000 G Street, Suite 100
City
Sacramento
State:
CA
Zip Code:
95814
Program URL:
www.abilitytools.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Mills, Christina
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
(916) 390-2690
E-mail:
christina@cfilc.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Sampson, Megan
Title:
IL/AT/TBI Programs Chief
Phone:
(916) 558-5866
E-mail:
megan.sampson@dor.ca.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Cowdell, Megan
Title:
Deputy Director
Phone:
(916) 737-5348
E-mail:
Megan@cfilc.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Crowley, Kathrine
Title:
Program Manger
Phone:
(916) 737-5346
E-mail:
Kathrine@cfilc.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Xavier, Joe
Title:
Director of CA Dept. of Rehabilitation
Phone:
(916) 558-5800
E-mail:
Joe.Xavier@dor.ca.gov

State Financing

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

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 00 00 00
Approved Not made 01 00 01
Rejected 04 01 05
Total 05 01 06

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $0 Highest Income: $0

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$0 00 $0

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 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Percentage of Loans 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
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 00 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 00 $0

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 0%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
00 00 0%

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

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 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 00 $0

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

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)41
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)3
C. Total Served44

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures44

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 8559.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning335463.00
Daily living 101527.00
Environmental adaptations192668.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 62578.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total7612795.00



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? 0

D. Anecdote

Ms. Chan is 95 years old and was socially active in her community until the COVID virus caused everything to shut down. She wanted an iPad to be able to prevent social isolation by joining activities virtually. Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF) was able to purchase an iPad Air for her through their COVID relief funds.

Impact Area

Yoshiko wanted a computer to continue activities virtually after COVID caused a shut down. Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF) was able to purchase a laptop for her through their COVID relief funds.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 01 41 42
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 02 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 01 43 44
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 43 44
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 01 43 44
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 26 59.09%
Satisfied 16 36.36%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 4.55%
Total Surveyed 44
Response rate % 95.45%

G. Notes:

The FreedomTech financial loan program has been stagnating during the COVID-19 pandemic as more and more people find themselves without steady income, and therefore find themselves unable to successfully apply for loans.

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 05
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,657
C. Total 1,662

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 1,662

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 04 $766 $0 $766
Daily Living 01 $126 $0 $126
Environmental Adaptations 01 $150 $0 $150
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 06 $1,042 $0 $1,042

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 15 $3,200 $0 $3,200
Hearing 01 $189 $0 $189
Speech Communication 194 $74,352 $0 $74,352
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 07 $1,400 $0 $1,400
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 1,021 $184,590 $201 $184,389
Daily Living 809 $1,243,019 $15,500 $1,227,519
Environmental Adaptations 23 $3,492 $0 $3,492
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 04 $1,700 $200 $1,500
Computers and Related 330 $121,353 $0 $121,353
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 07 $1,743 $0 $1,743
Total 2,411 $1,635,038 $15,901 $1,619,137

D. Anecdote

Johnnie has been a long-time consumer of FREED Center for Independent Living’s Senior Transportation Program. The Senior Transportation Coordinator referred Johnnie to the Assistive Technology Advocate for assistance with obtaining a replacement walker. Johnnie had obtained a walker from FREED in the past. The walker was no longer functioning due to its brakes failing, and she could no longer use it safely. FREED was able to provide a replacement walker at no cost through the Assistive Technology Reuse Program. Johnnie is very happy. When asked about how she is doing since obtaining the new walker she said, “I love my new walker, I do not have to worry about falling” Johnnie added “I enjoy cooking and going to Church. I am from Texas, and we love to cook. I do a lot of baking. Sweet Potato pie, l baked a lemon cake recently, all kinds of things for the holidays. I could not have done that without this walker. THANK YOU!”

An older woman sitting on a 4 wheel walker with a seat in a red dress, holding beads in her hand. Assorted bouquet of daisies placed at her feet.
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. 54 11 1,092 1,157
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 01 266 277
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 69 69
4. Subtotal 64 12 1,427 1,503
5. None of the above 00 00 19 19
6. Subtotal 64 12 1,446 1,522
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 140 140
8. Total 64 12 1,586 1,662
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 89.97%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,034 62.21%
Satisfied 472 28.4%
Satisfied somewhat 07 0.42%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 149 8.97%
Total Surveyed 1,662
Response rate % 91.03%

G. Notes:

While the COVID-19 pandemic persists, and donations from individuals and organizations came to a screeching halt in 2020, there has been a slow uptick of donations coming in in this fiscal year. There continues to be a decline in the number of people requesting used reuse items. This is in contrast to CARES Act funded newly purchased open-ended loan items, which enabled organizations to become last resort funders of AT. This resulted in more devices being given out, but not in ways we have previously seen with used donated items. In addition, Ability Tools continues to provide electric batteries at no cost to individuals that live in high fire threat areas of the state.

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) 802
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 14
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 82
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 11
Total 909

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 617 92 709
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 54 07 61
Representative of Education 57 00 57
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 61 05 66
Representatives of Community Living 04 00 04
Representatives of Technology 08 03 11
Total 802 107 909

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 80 02 82
Hearing 42 03 45
Speech Communication 251 25 276
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 27 01 28
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 113 55 168
Daily Living 112 12 124
Environmental Adaptations 60 03 63
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01 00 01
Computers and Related 349 16 365
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 07 00 07
Total 1,042 117 1,159

E. Anecdote

Cole is a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA type 1). Cole was referred to San Diego Assistive Technology Center's (SDATC) Device Lending and Demonstration Center program by his Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to try the Nova Chat 8 augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Cole has a tracheostomy and is non-verbal. The device allows Cole to communicate more easily with people who do not understand sign language. The SLP determined during the trial that the Nova Chat would be the best fit for Cole’s abilities. The trial has now ended since the manufacturer sent Cole a Nova Chat 8 to use while funding is obtained to purchase Cole his own Nova Chat 8.

A young child sits at a table to work on an AAC device. There is a laptop and Sesame Street learning devices at the table with him.
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 173 32 507 712
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 02 13 18
Subtotal 176 34 520 730
Have not made a decision 11 00 17 28
Subtotal 187 34 537 758
Nonrespondent 16 04 24 44
Total 203 38 561 802
Performance on this measure 94.12% 100% 96.83%

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. 06 01 43 50
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 25 26
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 04 04
4. Subtotal 07 01 72 80
5. None of the above 02 01 20 23
6. Subtotal 09 02 92 103
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 02 04
8. Total 11 02 94 107
9. Performance on this measure 77.78% 50% 78.26%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 632 69.53%
Satisfied 208 22.88%
Satisfied somewhat 05 0.55%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 64 7.04%
Total Surveyed 909
Response rate % 92.96%

I. Notes:

Loans remain under-requested across the state as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to limit in-person community involvement. These diminished numbers could also be the result of individuals who might have otherwise borrowed devices, getting devices through Independent Living Centers, Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Connections utilizing CARES Act funding to provide free devices.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 63
Hearing 18
Speech Communication 153
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 08
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 65
Daily Living 126
Environmental Adaptations 10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 262
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 15
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 720

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 690
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 150
Representatives of Education 11
Representatives of Employment 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 12
Representative of Community Living 03
Representative of Technology 02
Total 869

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 76
Service Provider 34
Vendor 260
Repair Service 00
Others 04
Total 374

D. Anecdote

When Paul was a client with the Department of Rehabilitation, the Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC) was able to provide AT services to help him to discover ways to help him to type more efficiently. Paul has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which limits his typing speed. With the AT, Paul has been able to work as an office administrator and as an advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. During both of his appointments, Kevin was able to assist with issues and demonstrate features of the Intellikeys, a programable alternative keyboard, and WordQ software designed to improve communication. Paul wrote in - “I just would like to let you know that Kevin Daugherty has been for many years my tech support for my computer needs. Kevin has been nothing but supportive, knowledgeable, professional, caring in to keep me up to date on the new technology.”

A man seated at a computer using a Keyguard.
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 76 27 535 638
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 10 11
Subtotal 77 27 545 649
Have not made a decision 06 05 47 58
Subtotal 83 32 592 707
Nonrespondent 03 01 09 13
Total 86 33 601 720
Performance on this measure 89.53% 81.82% 90.68%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 661 76.06%
Satisfied 152 17.49%
Satisfied somewhat 15 1.73%
Not at all satisfied 02 0.23%
Nonrespondent 39 4.49%
Total 869
Response rate % 95.51%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 60 13 1,176 1,249
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 11 01 293 305
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 73 73
4. Subtotal 71 14 1,542 1,627
5. None of the above 02 01 39 42
6. Subtotal 73 15 1,581 1,669
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 142 144
8. Total 75 15 1,723 1,813
9. Performance on this measure 97.26% 93.33% 85.36% 85.9%
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 249 59 1,042 1,350
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 02 23 29
Subtotal 253 61 1,065 1,379
Have not made a decision 17 05 64 86
Subtotal 270 66 1,129 1,465
Nonrespondent 19 05 33 57
Total 289 71 1,162 1,522
Performance on this measure 92.67% 91.04% 93.59% 93.3%
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 99.10% 95% Met
Response Rate 92.71% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 1,030
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 05
Representatives of Education 35
Representatives of Employment 07
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 94
Representatives of Community Living 73
Representatives of Technology 92
Unable to Categorize 86
TOTAL 1,422

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,104 267 51 1,422

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,203
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 59
Combination of any/all of the above 31
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 72
Transition 57
Total 1,422

C. Description of Training Activities

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

As a part of our Disability Disaster Strategies Coalition, a presentation "There Ought to be an App for That" included disaster preparedness and recovery applications for participants to become familiar with and utilize in emergency and disaster situations.

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

As a part of diversion services, Ability Tools created our new Smart AT Home series, with our first entry, Accessibility 101 presented by Sue Redepenning, on July 27th at 2:30pm PT. It was free to attend and covered Smart home 101. It built a foundation upon which we will expand into many disability related topics such as, programming your smart home hub to interact properly with your AAC devices, funding opportunities and Environmental controls. This series will occur every other month and will always be free and available to professionals and the general public alike. This training was archived with captioning and remains available on our YouTube channel.

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

At the #CAComingTogether Earth Day Conference, Kami Griffiths, Ryan Kawamoto, and Brenda Rusnak were secured to discuss Closing the Digital Divide. They presented to 96 participants across the state.

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 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 72
Total 72
Performance Measure Percentage 0%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education %
Employment %
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation %
Community Living 100%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) %
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

We assisted in amending in the Emergency Assistance Act in California to enable counties to be reimbursed for emergency services provided to individuals during Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) events. PSPS's are one of California's wildfire mitigation efforts

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

We partnered with Justice in Aging to prevent disabled individuals with activities of daily living needs from experiencing discrimination when attempting to access California's emergency housing services, known as Project Room Key and Project Home Key. Prior to our involvement, older adults and disable people with more than two ADLs were being turned away from county due to their level of personal assistance and accommodation needs.

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. Due to COVID-19 public safety measures, there were lower than typical instances of public awareness activities, despite this, Ability Tools and partners prioritized continued support for historically underrepresented communities. On 11/5/2020, California AgrAbility outreached at the Native American Training & Technical Assistance Conference. In conjunction with a presentation on services and eligibility, staff was able to display some ergonomic gardening tools for attendees to see. This educated attendees and community representatives on tools to help individuals living with a disability garden safely. As community representatives prepare to develop a community garden, representatives are now aware of resources available as well as assistive tools they can incorporate in order to create a safe and ergonomic garden.

2. During the pandemic, Ability Tools and partners prioritized continued support for youth with disabilities to transition into independent living, post-secondary education, and/or employment. On 3/12/2021, Disabled Resources Center, Inc. (DRC), an Ability Tools DLDC, participated in the GO LBC and ACT Transitional Youth Group event at Tucker School in Long Beach. This was a high-impact public awareness event targeted to transitioning youth and there were 59 attendees. It was a great turn out and they were interested in the program, and some asked to borrow the devices asap. The students and teachers were pleased with the demonstrations of the devices and how many were available that they did not know about. The presentation was done through Zoom and was directed to students and teachers. They were presented with different technologies and devices that may help better their daily lives, routines and educational activities. Computer-related devices were the focus, including; Apple products, Samsung and Amazon tablets, echo smartpen, wearable keyboard, Acer laptop, Voice Options device and applications, and pocket talkers, for example.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 570 14 584
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 338 01 339
Representative of Education 12 00 12
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 97 02 99
Representative of Community Living 08 00 08
Representative of Technology 04 00 04
Unable to Categorize 04 01 05
Total 1,033 18 1,051

Notes:

The state began funding a hotline for older adults and disabled people this fiscal year which has been receiving an average of 10,000 call a month, this service has resulted in a diversion from the Ability Tools line.

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? 1

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?

In partnership with the state of California and our third-party vaccine contractor, Blue Cross, Ability Tools worked as a member of the California vaccine advisory committee. We worked to ensure that the state official vaccine website "MyTurn.com" was accessible for users and also included accessible transportation and home vaccine options for all individuals with disabilities and older adults who either needed a ride to get a vaccine or booster or required an in-home shot. Federal, State and philanthropic funding, including CARES Act dollars were utilized.

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.

Over 1,020 individuals with disabilities were provided an accessible vaccine experience within the first three months of vaccine eligibility, through the pilot pop-up clinics, made possible through FEMA and our IL network. Independent Living Centers served as vaccine sites and trained FEMA and county personnel on how to create an accessible environment and program for those with disabilities in need of accommodations (such as; tablets to ensure ASL and language interpretation was available when needed) at a vaccine clinic, because of this foresight, the vaccination experience was proactively accessible for all people involved. In addition, each individual that came to one of our sites for a shot was provided resource information on how to connect to IL and AT services after their departure. Having disability expertise involved in the process made vaccine turnouts higher, as California had the highest vaccine turnouts for the country. As a result of this partnership, more California residents are aware that AT-related services exist and are available to them. This partnership was successful because disability expertise was brought to the planning process from the beginning and respected in order to ensure the greatest access for all Californians. If we had a model transportation contract that could have been utilized by every county, counties would have had better turn-around times in securing transportation to participants. Funding has continued, but this program is not expected to last beyond the pandemic. We would encourage any State AT Program to become a part of any statewide advisory committee that impacts community members. MyTurn.CA.Gov

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

Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;

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.

Worked in partnership with the California Emerging Technologies Fund to get the FCC to develop an Emergency Broadband program for individuals with disabilities and older adults in California, who are impacted by the digital divide.


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.)

Although the policy is not permanent, ensuring that disabled people and older adults have access to additional affordable broadband offers has allowed us to support individuals in decreasing their social isolation and increasing their telehealth needs. CalTelConnect.com


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
Private$240,145Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Private$548,500Public Awareness, I&AFalse
Private$5,500,000ReuseTrue
Amount: $6,288,645

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.

Our youth transition program included substantial ICT training and support for participants and presenters that was not captured in the NATADS day-to-day system. Moving forward, we will record the public awareness activities that require ICT. Marketing and outreach funding provided by private philanthropic entities we were provided for vaccine access did not get captured into the data system.

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 11:00:07 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.