National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Oregon 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Oregon Statewide Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.accesstechnologiesinc.org
Mailing Address:
2225 Lancaster Drive NE
City:
Salem
State:
OR
Zip Code:
97305
Program Email:
info@accesstechnologiesinc.org
Phone:
503-361-1201
TTY:
503-370--4530

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
500 Summer Street NE E87
City:
Salem
State:
OR
Zip Code:
97301
Program URL:
www.oregon.gov/dhs

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Access Technologies, Inc.
Mailing Address:
2225 Lancaster Drive NE
City
Salem
State:
OR
Zip Code:
97305
Program URL:
www.accesstechnologiesinc.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Brooks, Laurie
Title:
President
Phone:
503-361-1201
E-mail:
info@accesstechnologiesinc.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Ozols, Keith
Title:
VR Director
Phone:
503-945-5679
E-mail:
keith.s.ozols@dhsoha.state.or.us
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Brooks, Laurie
Title:
President
Phone:
503-361-1201
E-mail:
info@accesstechnologiesinc.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Ozols, Keith
Title:
VR Director
Phone:
503-945-5679
E-mail:
keith.s.ozols@dhsoha.state.or.us

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 34 07 41
Approved Not made 03 02 05
Rejected 11 02 13
Total 48 11 59

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $10,188 Highest Income: $163,200

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$2,130,272 41 $51,958

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 06 08 06 10 01 10 41
Percentage of Loans 14.63% 19.51% 14.63% 24.39% 2.44% 24.39% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 41 100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 41 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 41 $609,563
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 41 $609,563

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5%
Highest 5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
205 41 5%

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% 41
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 41

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 11 $40,460
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 03 $6,654
Daily living 02 $6,995
Environmental adaptations 03 $44,226
Vehicle modification and transportation 21 $507,228
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 01 $4,000
Total 41 $609,563

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? 3
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

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)133
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)7
C. Total Served140

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures140

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 7318069.00
Hearing 23858871.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 00.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total31176940.00

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: ADRC - Connecting Through Technology

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)381
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served381

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures381

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 00.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 758132032.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total758132032.00

Activity 3
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Concierge Service

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)11
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served11

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures11

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 00.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning10450.00
Daily living 145.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 00.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total11495.00



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

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)324
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)14
C. Total Served338

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures338

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 000.000.00
Hearing 000.000.00
Speech communication 000.000.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 000.000.00
Mobility, seating and positioning 1653807712567.0025510.00
Daily living 3284393013027.0030903.00
Environmental adaptations 51721925.00796.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 000.000.00
Computers and related 000.000.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure 000.000.00
Total 4988372826519.0057209.00


D. Anecdote

Ms. M. serves as the Oregon Ambassador for the Usher Syndrome Coalition. She reached out to the Oregon AT Program for information that she could share regarding resources for Oregonians who are living with Usher’s Syndrome, a condition characterized by partial or total hearing and vision loss that worsens over time. Upon learning about iCanConnect-Oregon, a federally funded program also managed by the Oregon AT Program, that provides telecommunication related devices to individuals with significant combined hearing and vision loss at no cost, she applied on her own behalf and qualified. Due to COVID restrictions, Ms. M. completed a virtual assessment, which identified technologies designed to allow her to complete day-to-day telecommunication activities. Following the assessment, Ms. M. received an electronic tablet, wireless keyboard, and high-visibility key labels, as well as a large display smartphone that easily pairs to her hearing aids. With these new technologies, Ms. M. can hear text and email messages read aloud. She also noted in her thank you letter that the high-visibility key labels have really made typing emails a lot easier for her.

Impact Area

To reduce social isolation and loneliness, the Oregon AT Program partnered with several ADRC Centers to provide seniors and individuals with disabilities with laptop computers and tablets. Following a remote assessment, Ms. D. received a laptop computer, along with high-contrast keyboard labels; allowing her to easily see the keys on the keyboard. Being a new computer user, Ms. D. received several individualized training sessions, allowing her to become familiar with the computer, learn how to send and receive emails, and to connect to virtual meetings. Ms. D. was excited to be able to email with her sister and attend virtual doctor appointments. During one training session, Ms. D. commented on how the personalized contrast settings made it very easy for her to type and enabled her to communicate effectively via email.

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. 32 35 833 900
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
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 32 35 834 901
5. None of the above 00 01 08 09
6. Subtotal 32 36 842 910
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 32 36 843 911
9. Performance on this measure 100% 97.22% 98.93%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 449 49.29%
Satisfied 462 50.71%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 911
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

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 77
C. Total 82

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 82

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 $11,000 $3,950 $7,050
Daily Living 01 $50 $20 $30
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 05 $11,050 $3,970 $7,080

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 08 $7,823 $65 $7,758
Hearing 07 $1,626 $0 $1,626
Speech Communication 01 $300 $0 $300
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 $398 $0 $398
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 41 $113,434 $1,854 $111,580
Daily Living 17 $5,942 $410 $5,532
Environmental Adaptations 09 $5,230 $0 $5,230
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 07 $3,207 $59 $3,148
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 91 $137,960 $2,388 $135,572

D. Anecdote

Daniel emailed the Oregon AT Program to say "I found your contact info via a link on the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) website. My powerchair has broken down and the repair people say it's not worth repairing. I've already been waiting two weeks just to schedule an appointment for a seating evaluation. It looks like the process will take weeks or months beyond the two months I've already been waiting since first contacting the repair people. It took six weeks before a repair person could look at my chair. I can walk short distances but with a lot of pain, and the more I walk, the worse the pain is getting. I'm having to get assistance with buying groceries, etc. Do you know of anyone who rents or loans power wheelchairs? The repair people said they didn't have rental chairs and they also weren't able to direct me to anyone who might. I would greatly appreciate any help you might be able to provide." The Oregon AT Program staff contacted Daniel to talk about the Program's lending library, reuse services and to provide referral information. It was during this conversation that Daniel learned the Program had recently received several donated powerchairs. After discussing features and functions of the chairs, Daniel came to the Center to test out the chairs. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that he could acquire the powerchair that best met his needs for only $300! By receiving the gently used power wheelchair through the Oregon AT Program, Daniel realized a savings of $26,000.

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. 03 18 61 82
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 03 18 61 82
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 03 18 61 82
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 03 18 61 82
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 56 68.29%
Satisfied 26 31.71%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 82
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

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) 128
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 32
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 01
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 161

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 87 22 109
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 33 10 43
Representative of Education 03 00 03
Representative of Employment 04 01 05
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01 00 01
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 128 33 161

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 10 01 11
Hearing 14 06 20
Speech Communication 04 00 04
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 07 00 07
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 57 20 77
Daily Living 02 00 02
Environmental Adaptations 40 13 53
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 17 00 17
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 00 02
Total 153 40 193

E. Anecdote

Ben contacted the Oregon AT Program looking for an accommodation that would replace his computer mouse while he was recovering from hand surgery. Being mindful of the pandemic, staff provided information remotely, guiding him through options on the Program’s virtual lending library. Given his work tasks, Ben requested to borrow a programmable foot switch. Ben turned his short-term loan into an open-ended loan, allowing him to continue using the accommodation during his extended recovery period. When he was ready to return the foot switch, Ben sent an email expressing his gratitude and noting that "the pedal was enormously helpful – I used it in between a series of four surgeries before I was able to use a mouse with my hands again and would not have been able to keep up at work without it."

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 10 57 61 128
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 10 57 61 128
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 10 57 61 128
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 10 57 61 128
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 20 13 33
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 20 13 33
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 20 13 33
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 20 13 33
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 43 26.71%
Satisfied 116 72.05%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.24%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 161
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 35
Hearing 11
Speech Communication 07
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 20
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 169
Daily Living 231
Environmental Adaptations 54
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 51
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 581

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 375
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 255
Representatives of Education 02
Representatives of Employment 22
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 11
Representative of Community Living 08
Representative of Technology 00
Total 673

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 327
Service Provider 44
Vendor 661
Repair Service 46
Others 00
Total 1,078

D. Anecdote

A mother brought her young son, “Samuel,” to the Oregon AT Program to talk about assistive technologies that might allow him to be more successful in the upcoming school year. As the mother explained, "Samuel” has a variety of disabilities that impact his cognitive skills and his vision. Although the school had provided him with a portable computer to use over the summer, he was experiencing difficulties reading electronic text on the device. A specialist provided a guided demonstration of built-in accessibility features on a variety of portable computers, and when these accommodations didn’t meet “Samuel’s” needs, he had the opportunity to explore several commercial screen magnification and text reading programs, a variety of computer input devices including track and touch pads, along with large print, high-contrast keyboards, and larger monitors. This in-depth demonstration provided “Samuel” and his mom with valuable assistive technology information they could take back to the upcoming IEP meeting.

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 07 129 445 581
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 07 129 445 581
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 07 129 445 581
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 07 129 445 581
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 645 95.84%
Satisfied 28 4.16%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 673
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. 35 73 907 1,015
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
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 35 73 908 1,016
5. None of the above 00 01 08 09
6. Subtotal 35 74 916 1,025
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 35 74 917 1,026
9. Performance on this measure 100% 98.65% 99.02% 99.03%
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 17 186 506 709
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 17 186 506 709
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 17 186 506 709
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 17 186 506 709
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100% 100%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.89% 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 26
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 08
Representatives of Employment 198
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 325
Representatives of Community Living 363
Representatives of Technology 13
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 933

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
711 222 00 933

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 229
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 566
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 116
Transition 22
Total 933

C. Description of Training Activities

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

In early 2021, the Oregon AT Program hosted a virtual meeting with tribal navigators representing several tribes across the state. This training provided the navigators with information about services available through the AT Program as well as other assistive technology devices, services, and funding resources available to community members throughout Oregon.

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

Twenty-one people attended a virtual session during the Oregon Statewide Transition Conference entitled “Technology That Leads to Success,” which was hosted by the Oregon AT Program. During this presentation, attendees gained knowledge about existing and upcoming technologies designed to assist individuals transitioning from high school to higher education or into the workforce. They also learned how to utilize the OSATP’s services to empower their students during the assistive technology decision-making process. Learning this information, ensured they are able to make more informed and effective assistive technology decisions.

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

The Oregon AT Program provided an in-depth document accessibility training to transition coordinators who mentor transitioning youth. During this two-hour training, participants gained an understanding of how to create accessible source documents using Microsoft Word, and then how to correctly convert the documents into accessible PDFs. Attendees also learned methods of applying accessibility principles to spreadsheets, presentations, social media posts, and emails.

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 95
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 21
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 116
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 3%
Employment 11%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 32%
Community Living 53%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 1%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

As a follow-up to previous assistance provided regarding the accessibility of Oregon's ADRC website, a conference call was held between members of the ADRC administration and the web development team that built the website. In this consultation, attendees observed their live website as it was presented to a user who uses text-to-speech on their smartphone. From this demonstration, the developers learned how their designer broke up full sentences for the sake of creative design. They quickly saw how a few adjustments to the HTML code would resolve this, allowing the website to be more “user-friendly” for individuals who use assistive technologies.

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

A coordinator for the AIC (Adult in Custody) ADA Program at a local prison contacted the Oregon AT Program to learn about AT related services and devices that could be available to incarcerated adults. The discussion was initially about technologies to assist an individual who is deaf with communicating with those around him. For this situation, the coordinator explained the frustration the individual experiences not being able to communicate with prison staff and fellow inmates. After learning about possible technologies, including communication apps, the coordinator was then referred to local funding sources. Additional TA explored accommodations for individuals with a variety of disabilities, including vision loss and learning disabilities, with the idea that using classroom time to introduce inmates with disabilities to assistive technology options designed to reduce barriers to reading and writing, might help them to see possibilities when they transition into the community.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. In an effort to spread public awareness, the Oregon AT Program was a fixture at a variety of conferences and conventions around the state prior to the pandemic. Currently specialists raise awareness by virtually networking, training, and providing technical assistance with other agencies. This networking can lead to opportunities to provide training and technical assistance that increase the use of AT throughout Oregon. One such connection led to an AT specialist providing training to the Transition Technical Assistance Network on how they can make their documents and communications accessible to more users by following a few straightforward habits of design.

2. With the pandemic continuing to prevent and restrict in-person events, the Oregon AT Program has primarily used online outreach campaigns to increase awareness about Program services. However, whenever possible the Oregon AT Program has taken the opportunity to exhibit live. One such example was during a local senior community fair. During this fair, 50 seniors gained valuable, hands-on experience about assistive technology devices and services that could help them remain independent and living in their own homes.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 2,093 920 3,013
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 492 163 655
Representative of Education 26 23 49
Representative of Employment 125 29 154
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 576 472 1,048
Representative of Community Living 296 198 494
Representative of Technology 130 12 142
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 3,738 1,817 5,555

Notes:

People contact the Oregon AT Program looking for information about a variety of solutions to make life easier. These individuals may be provided information about pharmacies, durable medical equipment providers who accept prescriptions, other funding solutions, etc. Often, we don't hear back from the individuals. Recently, with one consumer, our staff knew they provided the right assistance. This consumer, Ms. V., called back to say, "she was so appreciative of the specialist she talked with earlier, and that he was a little angel sent from heaven to help her."

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?

To alleviate adverse effects of the pandemic, the Oregon AT Program partnered with ADRC offices in three counties to provide technology and related services to seniors and individuals with disabilities using COVID relief funds.

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.

During the year, participants received over 758 technology related services including computers, tablets, high-contrast keyboards, internet access, and in-person training services. This project allowed participants to connect virtually with family, friends, and their medical team. It also allowed participants to access community events. Now the AT Program is working with the ADRC at the state level to provide a similar Staying Connected through Technology Project statewide for the upcoming year.

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

Housing / Home Automation; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Veterans;

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

Demonstration; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Technical Assistance;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

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

The Oregon AT Program is a SLATE (State Leaders of Assistive Technology in Education) member. The group meets monthly to provide opportunities for networking and professional development for state-level assistive technology programs in preschool and K-12 educational 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.

In virtual meetings, SLATE members share innovative ideas, discuss issues common to state-level AT programs, and act as a professional learning community for members who have state and regional responsibilities to support AT programs in K-12 educational settings.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; 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.

An OSATP Specialist has joined the State Rehabilitation Council. The member is serving on the committee responsible for working with the State Vocational Rehabilitation agency to prepare and update their annual State Plan.


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.)

Updates to VR's State Plan strengthens the partnership between VR and the State AT Program, and specifically addresses the need to ensure assistive technology devices and services are considered at each stage of the VR process.


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

Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation


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.

The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning (AEM Center) is a technical assistance center led by CAST and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The Center’s goal is to increase the availability and use of AEM and accessible technologies by individuals with disabilities in early learning, K-12, higher education, and workforce development settings. In 2020, Oregon was selected as one of seven states to participate in a national AEM Cohort.


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.)

As a member of this Cohort, the Oregon AT Program serves as a Workforce Development Team. With the National Center’s expert assistance, each state in the AEM Cohort is working to develop a coordinated system for providing AEM and accessible technologies to strengthen transitions into and out of K-12 for students with disabilities who need accessible materials and technologies.


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

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$12,597State FinancingTrue
Federal$137,073State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$35,100State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$128,820State FinancingTrue
Amount: $313,590

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.

Two grants were received that cover consumer services that extend into the next fiscal year. This data will be reported in the FY 21-22 APR.


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 11:14:41 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.