National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Colorado 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Assistive Technology Program of Colorado
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www1.ucdenver.edu/centers/cide
Mailing Address:
1201 5th St., Suite 240
City:
Denver
State:
Colorado
Zip Code:
80204
Program Email:
cide@ucdenver.edu
Phone:
3033151280
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering
Mailing Address:
1201 5th St., Suite 240
City:
Denver
State:
CO
Zip Code:
80204
Program URL:
www1.ucdenver.edu/centers/cide

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Melonis, Maureen
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
303-315-1283
E-mail:
maureen.melonis@ucdenver.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Melonis, Maureen
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
303-315-1283
E-mail:
maureen.melonis@ucdenver.edu
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):
Beems, Julia
Title:
Outreach Coordinator
Phone:
3033151284
E-mail:
julia.beems@ucdenver.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Bocco, Jeanne
Title:
Senior Postaward Accountant
Phone:
303-724-1157
E-mail:
Alougbavi.Bocco@cuanschutz.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

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? 0


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

Impact Area

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 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

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 102
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 03
C. Total 105

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 105

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 03 $1,138 $895 $243
Speech Communication 23 $57,843 $19,082 $38,761
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 38 $5,199 $5,002 $197
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $40 $40 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 12 $1,004 $863 $141
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 26 $7,809 $6,065 $1,744
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 102 $73,033 $31,947 $41,086

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 03 $689 $0 $689
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 03 $689 $0 $689

D. Anecdote

During the pandemic, an immediate need arose in public schools in Colorado to support more long term access to assistive technology. To address this need, our project created a swap program housed online that allowed districts to post and trade equipment between districts. In this past year, 90 devices were shared in the SWAAAC SWAP program for a savings of $41,026. This reuse of equipment provided access to 25 school districts which supported students with disabilities to meet their educational goals.

Two young women working on shelves of assistive technology
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 00 03 03
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 102 00 00 102
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 102 00 03 105
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 102 00 03 105
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 102 00 03 105
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 100 95.24%
Satisfied 05 4.76%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 105
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Colorado Assistive Technology Program staff developed a new interface for the primary exchange project (AT Finder) that was able to pull results from eBay, however, pulling results from Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist was restricted by each service. We contacted the team at Facebook and they declined to provide access. AT Finder’s utility was its ability to search across services. It appears cross site search is no longer possible, but an actionable alternative solution has been identified and is in development.

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) 427
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 15
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 41
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 12
Total 495

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 00 00 00
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 00 00 00
Representative of Education 493 00 493
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representatives of Community Living 02 00 02
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 495 00 495

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 42

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 12 00 12
Hearing 03 00 03
Speech Communication 168 00 168
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 190 00 190
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 27 00 27
Daily Living 132 00 132
Environmental Adaptations 20 00 20
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 15 00 15
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 17 00 17
Total 584 00 584

E. Anecdote

Alexander, a one year old receiving part B services, needed some sensory support to help improve his posture. According to his physical therapist, “Alexander needed some help to keep his back straight when sitting and playing.” She found a vest in the Loan Library that would meet his needs, however it was a size too small. CIDE Loan Library staff purchased the vest in the needed size and loaned it to his PT. She immediately saw results after trialing it with him. “With the vest on, Alexander is able to sit with better posture. The compression provided by the vest also helps him attend to activities for longer periods without having to seek out sensory input by moving his body.” After the loan, Alexander’s PT and family explored funding options to purchase their own vest.

Toddler boy wearing weighted vest playing on toy car mat.
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 94 00 21 115
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 98 00 47 145
Subtotal 192 00 68 260
Have not made a decision 90 00 77 167
Subtotal 282 00 145 427
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 282 00 145 427
Performance on this measure 68.09% NaN% 46.9%

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. 03 00 02 05
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 27 00 13 40
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 19 00 04 23
4. Subtotal 49 00 19 68
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 49 00 19 68
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 49 00 19 68
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 314 63.43%
Satisfied 178 35.96%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.61%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 495
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 00
Hearing 20
Speech Communication 35
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 216
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 09
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 27
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 314

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 302
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 153
Representatives of Education 23
Representatives of Employment 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 26
Representative of Community Living 03
Representative of Technology 00
Total 508

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 45
Service Provider 50
Vendor 55
Repair Service 40
Others 00
Total 190

D. Anecdote

E.K. came to us shortly after she underwent a total Laryngectomy leaving her with no voice. A 71-year-old ICU Nurse with 47 years of experience, Ms. K. was referred for an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Evaluation by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In her role as a nurse, Ms. K. relied on her voice for immediate communication with doctors, other nurses, and, equally important, with her patients. The loss of her voice represented a significant barrier for her return to her career. After a comprehensive AAC Evaluation followed by device trials, Ms. K. found that the Wego 7A by TalkToMeTechnologies supported her communication well in several different ways. After explicit training with her Speech and Language Pathologist, Ms. K. has learned to use the pre-set word buttons to build novel responses in a conversation, to ask and answer questions, and to support her social interactions. She uses the keyboard with word prediction as a different strategy to type novel messages. For more predictable communication interactions, Ms. K. customized her device with pre-stored personal and professional phrases to be used in a job interview, or to convey her wry sense of humor. Searching for employment has been Ms. K.’s priority. While waiting for the perfect nursing position, Ms. K. has been successful in gaining employment with local food delivery services where she communicates successfully with customers, restaurant staff, and her employers using her AAC device. When asked how her AAC device has impacted her daily life, smiling, she uses her AAC device to reply, “I can order food in a drive-thru”, “and be funny too”. Regarding returning to her career, Ms. K. emphatically demands, “I can do everything I used to be able to do, except talk”.

Smiling elderly woman with gray hair showing her AAC device
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 19 13 193 225
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 07 06 76 89
Subtotal 26 19 269 314
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 26 19 269 314
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 26 19 269 314
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 419 82.48%
Satisfied 89 17.52%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 508
Response rate % 100%

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. 03 00 05 08
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 129 00 13 142
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 19 00 04 23
4. Subtotal 151 00 22 173
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 151 00 22 173
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 151 00 22 173
9. Performance on this measure 87.42% NaN% 81.82% 86.71%
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 113 13 214 340
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 105 06 123 234
Subtotal 218 19 337 574
Have not made a decision 90 00 77 167
Subtotal 308 19 414 741
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 308 19 414 741
Performance on this measure 70.78% 100% 81.4% 77.46%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.73% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 11
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 19
Representatives of Education 1,051
Representatives of Employment 82
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 184
Representatives of Community Living 70
Representatives of Technology 54
Unable to Categorize 04
TOTAL 1,475

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,145 287 43 1,475

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 801
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 462
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 18
Transition 194
Total 1,475

C. Description of Training Activities

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

CIDE staff and Gail Van Tatenhove co-presented “Language Assessment with Children Using Robust SGDs: Maximizing the Use of Language Samples to Support On-Going Intervention” to 189 speech-language pathologists, teachers, instructional assistants, and other professionals who serve students with complex motor and communication needs. The information presented was geared toward teaching teams who serve students who use AAC systems in special and general education classrooms and focused on the language needs of children and adults who show potential to move pass 1 to 3-word utterances, develop more than core vocabulary, and engage in conversational interaction. Case studies with language samples and video were used to demonstrate how to assess language development, determine “next steps” intervention goals, and re-assess intervention outcomes.

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

Colorado Assistive Technology Program staff presented ‘Assistive Technology for Employment: An Introduction to Technology Options to Support Transitioning Youth’ to 79 individuals with Colorado’s Department of Education School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP). An overview and introduction to Assistive Technologies that have the potential to improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities as they enter the workforce was provided. Demonstrations and examples were also shared to include options in support of cognitive function, vision, hearing, mobility and mental health. The training was recorded and posted on their website for future just-in-time training for program members who were not able to attend the live presentation.

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

CIDE staff provided a hands-on training ‘Introduction to Website Accessibility’ to 7 members of Colorado’s Department of Human Services MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network to make their website https://mindsourcecolorado.org/ more accessible to individuals with brain injury. MINDSOURCE manages the Colorado Brain Injury Trust Fund, provides training and technical assistance for public and private entities, and manages the Federal Traumatic Brain Injury Grant.

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 18
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 18
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 41%
Employment 10%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation %
Community Living 49%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) %
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Colorado Assistive Technology Program staff consulted with CompTIA, (The Computing Technology Industry Association) one of the information technology (IT) industry’s top trade associations that issue professional certifications. Technical assistance was provided on their security plus, network plus, and A+ certification examinations to ensure compatibility with assistive technology and usability by persons with disabilities. Changes now allow students to take exams previously not accessible and avoided a lawsuit for the company.

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

Colorado Assistive Technology Program staff provided technical assistance to Colorado Employment First and developed online content comprised of a separate website with information on Assistive Technology for employment accessibility and features of mainstream operating systems. Six device category walk-through just-in-time video trainings, a resource library on ‘AT and Transition to Employment’ that includes websites and articles are also included. Staff assisted in creating a track on ‘AT and Transition’ at the Conference for Assistive Technology and Education sponsored by CIDE and attended by 236 school staff .

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. The collaboration with the LUCI manufacturing company included more than a dozen media events that included the University of Colorado Systems newsletters, Channel 9 KUSA News broadcast, Denver Post Newspaper (digital and paper), a Promo video used at national sales meetings, and a promo video on the NuMotion website and at a sales convention. Between all formats more than 50 million individuals around the world were reached, resulting in additional calls and inquiries about our services and how to get involved in the project.

2. Our Tech for Tykes Facebook post "How to Share Your iPad Screen in a Zoom Meeting" video tutorial reached 721 early intervention specialists. These instructions allowed for greater participation in professional meetings and assisted with remote telehealth interactions when therapists wanted to show their screen for demonstration/training/modeling purposes or to see the client’s screen.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 3,901 6,480 10,381
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 8,228 8,180 16,408
Representative of Education 10,916 4,728 15,644
Representative of Employment 2,549 1,807 4,356
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 2,922 2,986 5,908
Representative of Community Living 8,928 1,871 10,799
Representative of Technology 1,661 00 1,661
Unable to Categorize 8,044 00 8,044
Total 47,149 26,052 73,201

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? 2

A. Coordination/Collaboration

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

The CIDE Assistive Technology Clinic wheelchair assessment team (two physical therapists and an occupational therapist) collaborated with LUCI, a local manufacturing company, during their final development of a state-of-the-art accessory for power wheelchairs. LUCI is a hardware/software accessory product which attaches to power wheelchairs to provide security, stability and connectivity through cloud and sensor-fusion technologies. By attaching LUCI to their new or existing power wheelchair, people with a disability who use (or have the potential to use) a power wheelchair gain safe access to a world where collisions are avoided and falling off ramps or curbs is prevented. This partnership was funded under a clinical consulting contract between our clinic program and LUCI. The CIDE team offered critical feedback to the LUCI designers, offering a multitude of much-needed perspectives, helping LUCI tailor the product to its end users. CIDE was then able to directly test the product’s efficacy with interested clients. LUCI, then, could make the necessary changes and improve the accessory, boosting rider safety, independence, and more equitable access to their environments.

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.

To date, CIDE staff has collaborated with LUCI engineers to set up LUCI systems on the wheelchairs of eight beta users. This Beta test program provided critical feedback from users and CIDE clinicians to guide product development and improvement, an essential first step in bringing this new technology to market-now available nationwide. Individuals with disabilities now have access to a new sensor technology that can improve their safety and independence in power wheelchair mobility. The LUCI product was named Time Magazine's Top 100 Inventions of 2020; named Popular Science's Best of What's New; received Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2021 Health and Wellness Innovation Award, and Mobility Management's "Smart Technology" Product Award. LUCI’s collaboration with CIDE was widely publicized in news articles at the local and state level, including a highlight piece that discussed the partnership on local TV. CIDE also publicized this partnership on their own social media accounts resulting in multiple calls and emails from the public to ask about LUCI technologies. Anecdotal data suggests that end users are safer and have greater independent mobility. A common purpose and mission between LUCI and CIDE with a clear plan and goals made the partnership successful, along with CIDEs reputation in the industry that led LUCI to initially seek us out. Additional funding would have allowed us to implement a plan for assessing user outcomes of the LUCI trials. The collaboration continues as we continue to recruit Beta users as LUCI expands its product line. Creating visibility within the tech industry of your program’s assistive technology expertise while being open to business partnerships will make you uniquely suited to bring these partnerships to fruition.

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

Education; Employment; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health;

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

Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

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

The Supporting Older Adults through Relationships and Resources with Technology (SOARR) project is a community-based collaboration that is forming strategic partnerships and building relationships with statewide and local agencies to address gaps in technology accessibility, relying on feedback from community members to create a more meaningful impact on older adults across Colorado. A key component of the project is to develop online teaching and support modules that are used by local community Tech Mentors to help elders in their community learn to use tablets/computers/phones, etc. for telehealth visits, social connections, banking, shopping and other important activities. Collaborators include 20 regional and county aging service organizations, senior housing organizations, veteran volunteer organizations, and CU Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging. Funding is being provided through the Daniels Fund.

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.

An initial survey of over 1700 older adults in Colorado, resulted in over 400 responses. Results of the data revealed that many older individuals feel isolated but that technology offers one solution. It also noted that use of technology still has many barriers including access to devices, training, connectivity and accessibility. To address some of the initial accessibility challenges, the project hosts a web site https://www1.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/supporting-older-adults-through-relationships-and-resources-(soarr)-with-technology which links to accessibility features for phones, tablets and computers across a variety of common technologies and platforms. The project will continue for 18 months and will focus next on adding community resources to support tech mentors.

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

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

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

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

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 02

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.

Colorado Assistive Technology Act Program staff have worked closely with the Colorado Office of Employment First, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Colorado Department of Education on a collaborative multi-agency approach to increasing competitive integrated employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Through this collaboration, we have provided technical assistance on assistive technology accommodations for students in transition. We have attended stakeholder meetings and offered input on the AT needs we see in different communities. We have also shared positive results on the innovative ways people with disabilities are finding success in meaningful employment. We have provided information and resources around AT with regard to device demonstrations, device loans, alternate financing, training, technical assistance and information and referral.


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.)

Staff developed online content comprised of a separate website with information on Assistive Technology for employment accessibility and features of mainstream operating systems. Six device category walk-through just-in-time video trainings, a resource library on ‘AT and Transition to Employment’ that includes websites and articles are also included. Staff assisted in creating a track on ‘AT and Transition’ at the Conference for Assistive Technology and Education sponsored by CIDE and attended by 236 individuals. Videos are located at https://www1.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/colorado-assistive-technology-act-program/technology-and-transition-to-employment/at-videos.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Employment

B.2 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.

Colorado Assistive Technology Act Program staff in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services, Preschool Development Program has made 75 child care centers serving vulnerable or at risk children more inclusive. This was accomplished through skill development trainings, customized coaching, Inclusive Classroom Support kits, and access to a loan library of low-tech and adapted tools and equipment to borrow for trial in the child care setting to determine its value and applicability before deciding to purchase.


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.)

Multiple resources have been developed for Early Intervention Coordinators and service providers to address Assistive Technology and communication; seating, positioning and mobility; mobility impairments; hearing, visual, and sensory needs; and literacy that can be found at www.techfortykes.org.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Community Living

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$4,500Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$24,447Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$10,000Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$130,042TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$26,199Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$58,949Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$16,298TrainingTrue
Private$13,625Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$24,999TrainingTrue
Private$15,000Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$122,236Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$70,000TrainingTrue
Private$200TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$2,800TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$45,849TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$286,093Device LoanTrue
Private$22,000Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$104,034Technical AssistanceTrue
Amount: $977,271

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 11:00:28 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.