National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Washington 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://watap.org
Mailing Address:
UW Box 357920
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Zip Code:
98195
Program Email:
watap@uw.edu
Phone:
800-214-8731
TTY:
866-866-0162

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies
Mailing Address:
University of Washington, UW Box 357920
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Zip Code:
98195
Program URL:
https://uwctds.washington.edu

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):
Knue, Alan
Title:
Director
Phone:
2066856836
E-mail:
aknue@uw.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Knue, Alan
Title:
Director
Phone:
2066856836
E-mail:
aknue@uw.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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Rhodes, Carol
Title:
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
Phone:
2065434043
E-mail:
osp@uw.edu

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 74 10 84
Approved Not made 15 02 17
Rejected 50 06 56
Total 139 18 157

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $6,108 Highest Income: $183,600

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$4,678,062 84 $55,691

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 16 13 09 13 11 22 84
Percentage of Loans 19.05% 15.48% 10.71% 15.48% 13.1% 26.19% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 81 96.43%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 03 3.57%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 84 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 81 $956,608
Partnership Loans 03 $10,965
Total 84 $967,573

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
405 84 4.82142857142857%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 03
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 81
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 84

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 03 $10,838
Hearing 27 $84,419
Speech communication 01 $330
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 14 $66,827
Daily living 07 $18,311
Environmental adaptations 02 $45,171
Vehicle modification and transportation 27 $713,408
Computers and related 03 $1,388
Recreation, sports, and leisure 02 $26,881
Total 86 $967,573

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 04
Net loss for loans in default $3,645

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? 2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Individual Development Accounts

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)14
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)2
C. Total Served16

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures16

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 2227.00
Hearing 21340.00
Speech communication1250.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 1414.00
Mobility, seating and positioning25410.00
Daily living 62695.00
Environmental adaptations35683.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 314271.00
Computers and related 2110868.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total4141158.00

Activity 2
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)50
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)2
C. Total Served52

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures52

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 5465816.00
Hearing 234699.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning2186.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 6051366.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total139122067.00



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

Beth first learned about Northwest Access Fund, one of WATAP’s state financing partners, when she was researching funding options for an all-terrain wheelchair. The coronavirus lockdowns were preventing her from getting out and exercising, and her muscles were weakening. Beth missed being able to go on trails with her dogs and she was struggling to engage with her community. Getting the wheelchair as soon as possible was a priority. Beth’s parents considered using their savings to finance the wheelchair, but they were also dealing with the costs of renovating their home and property, purchasing medical equipment, and paying for medical care for both Beth and her father, who had suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall. “We were really pushed to the limits financially,” Beth’s mother, Elaine, recounts. Beth applied for financing through the Access Fund herself, was approved, and now she’s making payments and building her credit. Beth loves her new all-terrain wheelchair, the GRIT Freedom Chair, and using it regularly has helped her become stronger. Every night, she and her mother take the chair to their local park and Beth walks her dogs for a while before making a few more additional laps in her new wheelchair on her own.

Beth using her new wheelchair in a Pacific Northwest forest accompanied by her dog
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. 03 11 117 131
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 03 03
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 03 03
4. Subtotal 03 11 123 137
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 03 11 123 137
7. Nonrespondent 00 03 12 15
8. Total 03 14 135 152
9. Performance on this measure 100% 78.57% 91.11%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 140 92.11%
Satisfied 09 5.92%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.66%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.66%
Nonrespondent 01 0.66%
Total Surveyed 152
Response rate % 99.34%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,758
C. Total 1,758

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients 00
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 1,758

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

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

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 1,223 $2,157,175 $0 $2,157,175
Daily Living 1,748 $307,309 $0 $307,309
Environmental Adaptations 53 $6,235 $0 $6,235
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 3,024 $2,470,719 $0 $2,470,719

D. Anecdote

Linda has limited mobility due to pain from chronic back issues and arthritis. She had been using a walker inside her apartment but going beyond her mailbox less than 80 feet away from her front door just using the walker was pretty much impossible. She did not have the stamina to manage even the slight uphill grade to get to the top of the hill to her local grocery store and even if she could, it would be impossible for her to get even halfway across the busy street before the traffic light changed. Linda came to the Meyer Medical Equipment Center, operated by WATAP’s device reuse partner, Bridge Disability Ministries, hoping to find a free or low-cost solution as she was living on a fixed budget and had limited means. After speaking with the Center staff, it was determined that a small electric scooter that was small enough to fit in her apartment but with enough power to get her up the hill to the grocery store might work for her. The scooter was delivered to her home, adjusted it to fit her body, and she was able to give it a try. On the first go, she was able to use the scooter to get up the hill, cross the street at the traffic light with time to spare, and enter the grocery store, which she had been unable to visit for months! She looks forward using the scooter to regain her mobility and independence.

Linda on her scooter
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 00 784 784
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 863 863
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 95 95
4. Subtotal 00 00 1,742 1,742
5. None of the above 00 00 16 16
6. Subtotal 00 00 1,758 1,758
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 1,758 1,758
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 99.09%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,688 96.02%
Satisfied 17 0.97%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 53 3.01%
Total Surveyed 1,758
Response rate % 96.99%

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) 153
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 01
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 04
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 02
Total 160

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 98 02 100
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 08 00 08
Representative of Education 00 00 00
Representative of Employment 11 02 13
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 14 01 15
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 22 02 24
Total 153 07 160

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 21

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 62 00 62
Hearing 14 00 14
Speech Communication 05 00 05
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 03 00 03
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 11 00 11
Daily Living 32 00 32
Environmental Adaptations 02 00 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 124 00 124
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 00 01
Total 254 00 254

E. Anecdote

Although helping make informed decisions is a primary purpose of our device lending program, the ability for our deaf-blind clients to maintain connectivity with friends, family, and the community is of paramount importance during these last few years due to the COVID pandemic. And having access to a program where they can have a critical piece of assistive technology when their own is broken is critical. Charlie’s Focus 14 Braille display stopped working unexpectantly. Although he also had a larger Focus 40, it is not a portable option especially for use with his iPhone when he was away from home. He relies heavily on both of his braille displays so being without one would have significantly impacted his ability to communicate. Several months ago, Charlie had borrowed a Focus 40 from WATAP when that device needed a repair, and it was well over a month before it was returned to him. So he turned to us again to borrow a Focus 14 to maintain his ability to communicate using his iPhone. He was grateful to have access to our device lending program as without it, he would have been more isolated and disconnected from his circles of support.

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 08 49 57 114
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 01 01 02
Subtotal 08 50 58 116
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 08 50 58 116
Nonrespondent 00 00 37 37
Total 08 50 95 153
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 93.93%

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 06 01 07
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 06 01 07
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 06 01 07
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 06 01 07
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 113 70.63%
Satisfied 06 3.75%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.63%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 40 25%
Total Surveyed 160
Response rate % 75%

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 13
Hearing 14
Speech Communication 12
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 92
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10
Daily Living 04
Environmental Adaptations 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 98
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 248

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 101
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 33
Representatives of Education 04
Representatives of Employment 141
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 02
Representative of Community Living 07
Representative of Technology 05
Total 293

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 01
Service Provider 00
Vendor 48
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 49

D. Anecdote

Sid is a 91-year-old retired dairy farmer with macular degeneration, and his eyesight has deteriorated and is poor. He loves to read, both English and Dutch/Friesian, and had mostly lost that ability. Sid was referred to WATAP through our Washington AgrAbility partnership, and he worked with our vision and other assistive technology specialists to find a solution. At first, several handheld and portable devices were demoed that didn’t work as they were too cumbersome or too hard for Sid to operate. We contacted several providers who specialized in vision products directly for additional in-home demonstrations. He was able to try desktop CCTVs and additional devices to find an option that was easy for him to use. He was able to try the devices while performing a variety of tasks and he decided a Merlin Ultra HD CCTV was the best choice based on his desires and device functionality. Sid purchased the CCTV and it was set up in his kitchen where he uses it regularly to read things he couldn’t have read without the device.