National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

District of Columbia 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atpdc.org
Mailing Address:
220 I Street, NE, Suite 130
City:
Washington
State:
District of Columbia
Zip Code:
20002
Program Email:
atpdc@uls-dc.org
Phone:
202-547-0198 Ex 134
TTY:
202-547-2657

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
District of Columbia Department on Disability Serices
Mailing Address:
250 E Street, SW- One Independence Square
City:
Washington
State:
District of Columbia
Zip Code:
20024
Program URL:
www.dds.dc.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Disability Right DC at University Legal Services
Mailing Address:
220 I Street, NE, Suite 130
City
Washington
State:
District of Columbia
Zip Code:
20002
Program URL:
advocacy@uls-dc.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Johns, Alicia
Title:
Program Manager
Phone:
202-547-0198 Ex 134
E-mail:
ajohns@uls-dc.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Reese, Andrew
Title:
Director
Phone:
202-730-1607
E-mail:
andrew.reese@dc.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Brown, Jane
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
202-547-0198 Ex 114
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):
Reese, Andrew
Title:
Director
Phone:
202-730-1607
E-mail:
andrew.reese@dc.gov

State Financing

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

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

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $59,000 Highest Income: $59,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$59,000 01 $59,000

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less
$15,001-
$30,000
$30,001-
$45,000
$45,001-
$60,000
$60,001-
$75,000
$75,001
or More
Number of Loans 00 00 00 01 00 00 01
Percentage of Loans 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 01 100%
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 01 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 01 $4,665
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 01 $4,665

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 3%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
03 01 3%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 01
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 01

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 01 $2,965
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 01 $1,700
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 02 $4,665

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? 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

An alternative financial loan was approved to purchase an adjustable bed and HP Computer. The adjustable bed provides additional support to address orthopedics problems and the computer for college courses. The loan amount was $4,664.81, and the consumer was highly- satisfied with the loan process.

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
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 01 01
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 01 01
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 01 01
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 01 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 01
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

DCATP is the direct lender for the (DC Fund$) alternative finance program. Loan amounts range from $500 to $10,000. The terms range between 6 months to 5 years with a low 3% interest rate. Currently, there is 0% interest for loans ranging from $500-S 1,000 and free credit reports. DCATP will consider no minimum for loans to provide incentives for new borrowers.

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 271
C. Total 271

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 271

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

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 256 $35,062 $0 $35,062
Daily Living 174 $10,429 $0 $10,429
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 430 $45,491 $0 $45,491

D. Anecdote

An in-home physical therapist contacted DC Shares regarding her client with a post-gunshot wound. The client was discharged without any mobility equipment. The client is pending DC Medicaid. The therapist requested a wheelchair ($209), a wheelchair cushion ($25), a walker with front wheels ($75), and a walker platform attachment ($90). DC Shares saved the client $399. The equipment provides mobility, comfort, and continued rehab and reduces the risk of falling.

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 00 112 112
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 159 159
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 00 271 271
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 271 271
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 271 271
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 271 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 271
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

DC Shares distributed incontinent supplies saving DC residents with disabilities $ $21,614.

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) 03
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 00
Total 03

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 01 00 01
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 00 00 00
Representative of Education 01 00 01
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 00 00 00
Total 03 00 03

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 00 00 00
Hearing 00 00 00
Speech Communication 02 00 02
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 00 01
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 00 00
Daily Living 00 00 00
Environmental Adaptations 00 00 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 03 00 03
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 06 00 06

E. Anecdote

The client borrowed the Ruby 7 HD Magnifier to assist with spot-reading documents at home and products in the store. The client is legally blind and has some remaining vision in his left eye to spot-read standard print magnified to 14x or greater. Otherwise, he uses text-to-speech apps for reading documents and web pages. Davette Rucker, AT Specialist, demonstrated the following devices to the client: The OrCam MyEye, the Ruby 7, Snow 12, OmniReader, and Optelec Compact Magnifiers. The client borrowed the Ruby 7 HD magnifier for spot reading because it can magnify from 2x - 24x. The client was satisfied with the device for a spot reading. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library staff referred the client.

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 02 00 01 03
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 02 00 01 03
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 02 00 01 03
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 02 00 01 03
Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 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 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 00 00
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 02 66.67%
Satisfied 01 33.33%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 03
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

During this report period, DCATP received limited inquires to borrow equipment from the short-term device loan program. Consumers made appointments and were consistently no-shows to borrow equipment. DCATP staff continue to promote this service through our public awareness events. website and social media content. The AT Specialists are willing to meet with clients inperson to provide loans (to include virtual or written training materials).

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 06
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 03
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 01
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 14
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 27

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 23 01 24
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01 07 08
Representatives of Education 01 00 01
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 01 01 02
Representative of Community Living 01 04 05
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 27 13 40

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 01
Service Provider 10
Vendor 02
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 13

D. Anecdote

AT Specialist met with a middle school student and his parents to identify the types of software/apps the student can use in class and through virtual learning. The student has low vision and slight gross motor limitations in both hands. The student uses a Chromebook in class and a Mac Book at home. Debra Haydel explained and demonstrated the built-in accessibility features of the Chromebook and how best to access them. Debra Haydel also showed the student and his parents how to search for and install Chrome browser extensions for reading aloud and voice typing. The student brought his Mac Book to the AT center, and the ATS showed him how to access the Accessibility features, particularly Zoom and Voice Over. The student evaluated the Kensington Expert mouse with a roller ball and found it more comfortable than a standard mouse. The student and his parents will purchase the mouse and a Chromebook for home use.

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 04 03 19 26
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 04 03 19 26
Have not made a decision 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 04 03 20 27
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 04 03 20 27
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 95%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 20 50%
Satisfied 20 50%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 40
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

The AT Specialist (ATS) has posted information on the DCATP website to alert consumers to the availability of services in-person and virtual demonstrations. DCATP is in the process of updating the AT devices inventory that will be available on the website. The program has purchased some newer devices that address social isolation, medicine management, and task management skills. DCATP hired another AT Specialist to increase AT demonstrations and short-term device loans.

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. 00 00 113 113
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 159 159
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 00 272 272
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 272 272
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 272 272
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100% 100%
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 06 03 20 29
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 06 03 20 29
Have not made a decision 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 06 03 21 30
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 06 03 21 30
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 95.24% 96.67%
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 100% 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 10
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 00
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 08
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 18

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
18 00 00 18

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 00
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 10
Transition 08
Total 18

C. Description of Training Activities

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

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

The AT Specialists conducted training for eight occupational therapy graduate school students from Trinity University in Washington, DC. The AT Specialists led discussions and answered students' questions about how occupational therapists provide and support AT services and devices in various environments such as the classroom, rehab setting, and the workplace. Our AT Specialist, an occupational therapist, discussed the types of devices and products she has used to assist rehab clients in nursing homes, rehab hospitals, and community programs.

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

The District of Columbia Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) developed a new program, “Get Connected.” The “ Get Connected,” program was funded by the Administration for Community Living at the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the American Rescue Plan Public Health (ARPPH) Workforce Grant. The program assists seniors and people with varying abilities to learn useful technology features available on their smartphones, computers, laptops, and tablets to make their devices more accessible and easier to use. During this reporting period, the DCATP Outreach Specialist provided training to ten individuals including nine older adults with physical disabilities and one with an intellectual developmental disability. The Outreach Specialist demonstrated the accessibility features on individuals’ devices so they could access Telehealth and other District of Columbia Government services. While learning these features, individuals learned how to access the Patient Portal for their health information and the District Government website to re-certify for food stamps, Medicaid, and Medicare Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program.

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 10
Total 10
Performance Measure Percentage 0%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 100%
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:

DC Assistive Technology Program Manager serves on the District of Columbia Disability Community Advisory Group (DCAG). DCAG was created on September 26, 2019, because of a Settlement Agreement negotiated by the co-chairs, United Spinal, DC Center for Independent Living, and the District Government. The overarching purpose of the DC DCAG is to help ensure the District’s emergency plans and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Alicia Johns, Program Manager, provides ongoing technical assistance on the role of assistive technology to improve emergency preparedness and services for the thousands of individuals with disabilities in our nation’s capital. During this reporting period, the members reviewed the District’s updated ASL and Auxiliary Aids Service Plans, High Rise Evacuation, and a List of Primary Accessible Shelters by Ward. This group will transition into an ongoing advisory partner for DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

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

DC Assistive Technology Specialist serves on the Department of Disability Services work group to develop a "Technology First" initiative in the District of Columbia. This national movement endeavors to integrate "smart" technology into the lives of persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live in their communities. The Assistive Technology Specialists identify AT hardware and software for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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. DCATP staff and volunteers from the MLK, Jr. Public Library exhibited smart-home devices and other A.T. devices at the DCATP First Annual Smart Home Exhibit. DCATP collaborated with the Accessibility Center at the MLK, Jr. Library to host this event. The exhibit highlighted smart home devices used for communication and health; home environmental controls; and recreation and organization. Other devices featured included high-tech magnifiers, an AAC device, and an adaptive listening device for hearing-impaired individuals. Staff members and volunteers demonstrated the devices to visitors and instructed them on using the appropriate commands to interact with the digital voice assistants. The exhibit included Amazon Echo show devices, Echo clock, Hero Medication Dispenser, Dose Flip (smart pill box), Ring Doorbell, smart bulbs, smart plugs, a smart pet feeder, Tile trackers, digital video magnifiers, GoTalk AAC device, companion pets. Ninety (90) residents and service providers attended this event.

2. DCATP A.T. Specialist presented at the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health 14th Annual Olmstead Community Integration Virtual Conference. The A.T. Specialist was one of four panelists at the conference. The A.T. Specialist shared a 10-minute PowerPoint and video presentation entitled "Assistive Technology for Community Integration." The video featured demonstrations of smart home devices and answering consumers' questions during the Q&A session. Participants were excited to learn about the devices in the DCATP lending library available for their clients. Approximately sixty (60) people attended the virtual conference including government workers, community agency staff, and consumers.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 881 08 889
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 968 00 968
Representative of Education 54 00 54
Representative of Employment 71 00 71
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 303 00 303
Representative of Community Living 536 04 540
Representative of Technology 64 02 66
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 2,877 14 2,891

Referral Types:

During this reporting period, DCATP partnered with organizations including the Accessibility Center at the Martin Luther King Library, the Department on Disability Services Tech First Initiative, and the DC Center for Independent Living. The smart home exhibit at the library led to invitations from these organizations to participate in their conferences, exhibitions, and presentations to the consumers they serve. DCATP will partner with these same organizations next year for their annual events. The “Get Connected" program that helps seniors with their technology needs has increased DCATP interactions with senior residential facilities and senior wellness programs. All of these events have increased some referrals from direct services providers that serve persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The attendees at the conference have contacted the demo center to learn more about AT devices. Seniors share information about the Get Connected program with their friends who

Referral Sources:

DCATP collaborates with many community-based and state agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities. Approximately 66.79% of our referrals for information and assistance come from disability & advocacy entities/providers. The DC Center for Independent Living (22.24%) and friends/families (30.44%) provided the most referrals to the DCATP program. These referrals' geographical reach is all the Wards in the District of Columbia. There were approximately 50,000 page views on the DCATP website. (www.atpdc.org) DCATP is expanding its social media presence with the addition of a YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok to inform the public about the services we provide and increase referrals.

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?

DC Assistive Technology Specialists and Program Manager serve on the Department on Disability Services work group to develop a "Technology First," initiative in the District of Columbia. This national movement endeavors to integrate "smart" technology into the lives of persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live independently as possible in their community, home, and workplace. AT Specialists provides ongoing technical assistance on the benefits of AT in this emerging support system. The major collaborating organizations are the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Rehabilitation Services Administration, DD Council, Georgetown UCEDD, Quality Trust, Project Action, The Center for Accessibility at the Martin Luther King Library, St. John’s Community Services, RCM of Washington, Connect DC, Federal Communications and Disability Cocoon. The Tech First Initiative can expand into a District Wide Initiative with the potential of expanding partnerships with the Department of Aging and Community Living, the Department of Behavioral Health, and The District Department of Transportation. The funding used to implement the initiative includes DDS Local and Federal Funding, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Partnership's in Employment Grant (PIE).

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.

Some measurable results include: 17 DDS Providers enrolled in SHIFT Enabling Technology Curriculum achieved their Technology First Organization Accreditation. This will expand the number of providers that assist people with IDD with person-centered tech exploration, discovery, matching, planning, and implementation. DCATPs' demo center has acquired 60 (60) new emerging tech solutions to add to its lending library and make readily available for demonstration; DDS has identified vendors that donated the latest emerging technology devices to the demo center. The tech solutions acquired will be utilized to spread awareness amongst people with disabilities, family members, and service providers of impactful tech solutions. DDS has brokered a relationship between DDA Service Coordination and IDD Assistive Technology Services Waiver providers to ensure they utilize the AT Center as a resource to assist people with IDD and their support planning team with making informed decisions before the acquisition of tech. DCATP can expand its services to providers that provide services to clients with intellectual/developmental disabilities. In collaboration with DDS, the DCATP staff exhibited at the DDS First Annual Tech Fest exhibiting the latest smart home technology, apps, and other devices and customizations for people with hearing, mobility, cognitive and visual impairments. The DDS event was featured on the local channel 4 News. Eighty-four (84 )consumers and community and government agency staff attended in person and sixty (60) people attended virtually. There were twenty-one (21) tech exhibitors. DCATP and DDS will be planning an annual Tech Fest event for 2023. Some considerations for replicating this initiative should include: Assessing the current service delivery system to identify barriers that prevent people w/IDD with from accessing tech; Develop of a Taskforce, Council, or Work Group composed of District Partners and Stakeholders to identify core strategies and activities to advance the initiative; Marketing Strategy for stakeholder engagement and awareness; Achieve Mayoral support via Proclamation or Executive Order; Secure Grant Funding opportunities for innovation programs.

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

Education; Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; 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; Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

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
Federal$10,349TrainingTrue
Amount: $10,349

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.


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 16:28:29 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY22 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.