National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Alabama 2022
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Total | 07 | 00 | 07 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $6,312 | Highest Income: | $46,089 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $118,469 | 04 | $29,617 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 04 |
| Percentage of Loans | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | 0% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
| With loan guarantee only | 04 | 100% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 04 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 04 | $117,578 |
| Total | 04 | $117,578 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 4% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 4% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 04 | 4% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 04 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 00 |
| 6.1% to 8.0% | 00 |
| 8.1% - 10.0% | 00 |
| 10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
| 12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
| 14.1% + | 00 |
| Total | 04 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 05 | $117,578 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 05 | $117,578 |
6. 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? | 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
A consumer who uses a powerchair for mobility was approved for assistance purchasing a van which was modified to allow him to drive himself independently. He uses the vehicle for transportation to college classes in order to complete requirements for a degree.
A consumer with paraplegia was approved for a loan to assist with the cost of a vehicle which was modified to allow her to operate it. She uses the vehicle for transportation to work.
E. 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 | 04 | 04 |
| 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 | 04 | 04 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 04 | 04 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 04 | 04 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 04 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 04 | |
| 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 | 00 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 5,131 |
| C. Total | 5,131 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. 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 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 5,131 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
B. Device Exchange Activities
| 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
| 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 | 01 | $1,200 | $0 | $1,200 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 02 | $600 | $0 | $600 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 3,732 | $1,245,053 | $0 | $1,245,053 |
| Daily Living | 2,221 | $808,817 | $0 | $808,817 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 21 | $1,071 | $0 | $1,071 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 07 | $8,344 | $0 | $8,344 |
| Computers and Related | 03 | $91 | $0 | $91 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| Total | 5,989 | $2,065,226 | $0 | $2,065,226 |
D. Anecdote
Three-year-old Merida was in the car with her mom when she unbuckled herself from her car seat, as children do sometimes. Then they were involved in a tragic crash. Merida suffered a serious fracture in her leg and was taken to a Mobile hospital where she had surgery to repair the fracture. Her dad was told that she would not be able to bear any weight on her leg for three months. Because of COVID-19, many items were in short supply. Merida needed a pediatric wheelchair, but they were not able to find one, new or used. One of the family's neighbors remembered that Goodwill Gulf Coast had a free Medical Assistance Program, called We Share. While adult-sized items are readily available, pediatric items are harder to come by. The Goodwill team sent a request to all locations so that everyone could look for the small wheelchair Merida needed, but none were found. The next day, a team member was shopping in a Florida Goodwill Gulf Coast store on her day off, when she saw that a pediatric wheelchair had been donated. She asked the store manager to hold it so it could be sent to Mobile for Merida. The tires were dry rotted and the footrests had no pedals, but miraculously, a pair of matching wheels that had been recycled from another chair and foot pedals that fit were used to repair the chair. When the family arrived to pick it up, the Goodwill team asked if they needed any other equipment for her. They said they needed another car seat - one that Merida could not unbuckle. The Medical Assistance Program was able to provide them with that too. "This wheelchair has been such a big help for us and allows Merida to move around on her own while she heals," her dad said. "We are truly thankful for the Goodwill team's help."
E. 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. | 13 | 47 | 4,848 | 4,908 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 01 | 106 | 107 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 03 | 02 | 66 | 71 |
| 4. Subtotal | 16 | 50 | 5,020 | 5,086 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 28 | 28 |
| 6. Subtotal | 16 | 50 | 5,048 | 5,114 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 17 | 17 |
| 8. Total | 16 | 50 | 5,065 | 5,131 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 99.11% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 5,001 | 97.47% |
| Satisfied | 92 | 1.79% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.02% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 37 | 0.72% |
| Total Surveyed | 5,131 | |
| Response rate % | 99.28% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 11 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 00 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 00 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 06 |
| Total | 17 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 05 | 01 | 06 |
| Representative of Education | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 01 | 05 | 06 |
| Total | 11 | 06 | 17 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Hearing | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Daily Living | 24 | 04 | 28 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 | 06 | 07 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 06 | 04 | 10 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Total | 37 | 17 | 54 |
E. Anecdote
Through the lending library an OT for a rural school system was able to trial 21 devices, which included a variety of adaptive utensils and dishes, with a student who recently acquired a spinal cord injury and was enthusiastic about increasing their independence from their aide during lunch break.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 04 | 02 | 02 | 08 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
| Subtotal | 06 | 02 | 03 | 11 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 06 | 02 | 03 | 11 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 06 | 02 | 03 | 11 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
G. 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. | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 01 | 00 | 03 |
| 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 | 01 | 02 | 06 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 03 | 01 | 02 | 06 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 03 | 01 | 02 | 06 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 13 | 76.47% |
| Satisfied | 04 | 23.53% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 17 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
The numbers for the short-term device loan program are low for FY 2022 due to the lack of devices available until halfway through the year. Once we partnered with the Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology project we were able to leverage funding that allowed us to begin rebuilding our inventory. We are still establishing connections and bringing awareness to the new library which should increase loan requests moving forward.
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 01 |
| Hearing | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 01 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 |
| Daily Living | 00 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 01 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 04 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Representatives of Education | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Representative of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 04 | 04 | 08 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 03 |
| Service Provider | 02 |
| Vendor | 01 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 06 |
D. Anecdote
Individual requested a demonstration of large print, high contrast keyboards for low vision. After the demonstration they were able to leave with product and vendor information that they could provide to their employer to request the device as an accommodation.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 03 | 01 | 00 | 04 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 03 | 01 | 00 | 04 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 03 | 01 | 00 | 04 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 03 | 01 | 00 | 04 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | NaN% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 08 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 08 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 14 | 47 | 4,854 | 4,915 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 02 | 106 | 110 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 03 | 02 | 66 | 71 |
| 4. Subtotal | 19 | 51 | 5,026 | 5,096 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 28 | 28 |
| 6. Subtotal | 19 | 51 | 5,054 | 5,124 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 17 | 17 |
| 8. Total | 19 | 51 | 5,071 | 5,141 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 84.21% | 96.08% | 97.81% | 97.74% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 07 | 03 | 02 | 12 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
| Subtotal | 09 | 03 | 03 | 15 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 09 | 03 | 03 | 15 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 09 | 03 | 03 | 15 |
| 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 | 99.98% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 99.28% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 89 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 68 |
| Representatives of Education | 107 |
| Representatives of Employment | 21 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 122 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 09 |
| Representatives of Technology | 38 |
| Unable to Categorize | 18 |
| TOTAL | 472 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 351 | 71 | 50 | 472 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 409 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 16 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 08 |
| Transition | 39 |
| Total | 472 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
As part of a monthly webinar series, APTAT partnered with Control Bionics to provide an in-depth training on setting up environmental controls to be driven by their augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) eye gaze device system. In preparing for the training we realized that there is limited access to information for users and professionals to learn how to do this sometimes complex integration with AAC devices. During the training we discussed the benefit of utilizing the built-in feature to increase the value of the device to the user. Our hope is that by increasing knowledge of integrating environmental control with AAC we can help reduce device abandonment and improve independence for users.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
APTAT partnered with the Alabama Parent Education Center to provide two transition related webinar trainings. Both webinars included information on services the parents can access through the ADRS Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology services and the APTAT project. In addition, the first webinar provided parent's with examples and demonstrations of assistive technology that students can use for education. The second webinar also included examples of assistive technology that can be used to support independent living.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
As part of the APTAT Webinar Series, APTAT partnered with the Center of Assistive Technology Training to provide an informative webinar on ICT Accessibility as it relates to creating accessible documents. Information included 508 standards, resources to assist in checking for accessibility, and a live demonstration of how to use the guidelines to edit documents to increase accessibility. Through providing this training we are encouraged to provide further trainings on ICT Accessibility and expand our audience for greater impact.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 06 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 02 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 08 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 00% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 15% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00% |
| Community Living | 85% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 00% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Early in the year, Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT) met with the ALS Association, Alabama Chapter, to discuss potential ways the APTAT project could assist them in improving their assistive technology (AT) services to patients with ALS (pALS). We discussed their need for experts in the AT field to assist with setting up complex systems that are borrowed from their lending library by patients in more rural areas of Alabama. Although this is not directly a service that APTAT could provide it is a service that the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology staff could provide to consumers enrolled in ADRS services. We coordinated with State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) leadership to begin a referral process to get the pALS enrolled in SAIL quickly. Throughout the fiscal year APTAT coordinated a series of referrals from the ALS Care Services Managers to connect them with ADRS SAIL and REAT staff in their local areas. The majority of the referrals th
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
C. Notes:
Due to staffing limitations APTAT was not able to advertise or perform outreach to bring awareness to technical assistance (TA) services which could have provided more opportunities to assist outside organizations. The TA we were able to provide was with organizations we had prior relationships with that specifically sought out assistance. Neither of those organizations were related to transition but we have a budding relationship with the Department of Education that will provide an opportunity to provide transition related TA next fiscal year.
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 December, APTAT created a 2021 Assistive Technology Gifting Guide for the StarTraining.org website blog. Each day from December 1st through December 25th we posted gifting ideas for individuals with disabilities. The goal was to bring awareness to how commercially available products can be used as assistive technology to increase independence for individuals with disabilities. Categories included gifts for gardening, environmental controls, adapted games, cooking, and more. The blog was shared via the STAR newsletter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The positive outcomes are that it brought awareness to assistive technology to the general public, increased interest in APTAT services, and brought new visitors to the website.
2. In June, APTAT attended the 2022 Tech Expo at the Alabama School for the Blind as an exhibitor. During that event we were able to speak to over 160 individuals with disabilities, service providers, and AT vendors about the APTAT demonstration and loan program. Visitors of our booth were able to experience assistive technology hands-on that we have available in our lending library including a braille game board, lighting options, and a smart-device driven pet toy. As a result of participating in the event we were able to bring awareness to our services, provide examples of assistive technology, and expand our network.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 22 | 00 | 22 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Representative of Education | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representative of Employment | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 11 | 00 | 11 |
| Representative of Community Living | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Representative of Technology | 05 | 00 | 05 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 51 | 01 | 52 |
Referral Types:
This year STAR partnered with the ADRS Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology program who developed the APTAT project to assist with performing Tech Act activities. APTAT made special efforts to outreach to Vocational Rehabilitation; special education providers; and other disability organizations including the ALS Association, Alabama Head Injury Foundation, Alabama Parent Education Center, and Independent Living Centers. Additionally, APTAT updated the StarTraining.org website with current information of available services, created social media sites, performed 23 training activities through webinars and conferences, and sent out newsletters and email blasts to expand our network. Although response was initially slow, after several trainings were performed for the disability organizations, requests for information increased. The 3 primary individual types requesting information are vocational rehabilitation representatives, local special education providers, and parents.
Referral Sources:
Of the Information and Assistance activities reported only 3 can be linked back to the website and all others were a direct result of the APTAT outreach and training efforts described above. Of the APTAT referrals 42% were a result of Vocational Rehabilitation connections, 21% were a result of education connections, and 37% were a result of trainings and outreach. Geographically our educational referrals expanded statewide, vocational rehabilitation referrals were mostly localized to central Alabama due to that being the location our APTAT staff, and all other referrals can be considered statewide although we did receive the most referrals from central and north Alabama.
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? | 1 |
|---|
A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
In FY 2022 STAR partnered with the ADRS Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (RE&AT) program to utilize their assistive technology expertise to perform several of the activities which resulted in the formation of the Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT) project. The RE&AT program provided a Rehabilitation Engineer who dedicated half of their time to planning, developing, and implementing the activities. Funding for their time was compensated through Tech Act monies. Through APTAT the public awareness, short term device loans, and training activities were fulfilled. As much as possible, APTAT also assisted with information and referral, technical assistance, and device demonstration. APTAT leveraged funding from ADRS Vocational Rehabilitation to purchase equipment for the lending library and also collaborated with ALS Association of Alabama to receive in-kind donations of equipment. Key participants that benefited from the performed activities include individuals from disability organizations, professionals in healthcare, and assistive technology evaluators for local education agencies.
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.
The following outcomes were a result of the activities performed by APTAT: 1. Training: A webinar series was established to provide remote AT training for participants statewide. Webinars were posted to a newly established YouTube channel for participants to reference in the future. APTAT also fulfilled training requests from conferences, workshops, and organizations. In total, APTAT provided 23 trainings that reached 472 participants statewide. 2. Short Term Device Loans: APTAT re-established the short-term device loan program by acquiring a space for a loan closet, leveraging funding, collaborating for in-kind donations, and establishing a shipping and receiving process. As a result 160+ items were added to the inventory and we fulfilled loan requests from all major regions of the state. Vocational Rehabilitation was a key partner in this activity by assisting with additional funding and space. 3. Public Awareness: APTAT updated the StarTraining.org website, sent e-newsletters, developed Facebook and LinkedIn social media pages, and attended conference events to increase awareness of the activities to increase knowledge and access to assistive technology. Special effort was also made during trainings to mention the lending library in an effort to bring awareness. As a result of the activities APTAT performed awareness of the Tech Act program increased and we've received several inquiries for future partnerships. The success of the activities was a result of collaborative efforts with Vocational Rehabilitation and the combined knowledge and expertise of the RE&AT program. We were also able to tap into the network that the RE&AT program already had established with organizations across the state. Through this collaboration we confirmed that it is difficult to perform the activities adequately with limited staff and funding. For future collaborations it is advised to provide more guidance and understanding of the Tech Act upfront to partners and ensure that appropriate funding is provided for the activities. Moving forward APTAT will continue to perform activities of the Tech Act grant and with additional resources (funding, space, staff) will expect to expand their services.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Training; Public Awareness;
Overview of State Improvement Activities
| State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 00 |
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Additional And Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public/State Agency | $18,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Amount: $18,000 |
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. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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C. 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: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:24:38 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)