National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Texas 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 | 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 Income: | $18,000 | Highest Income: | $18,000 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $18,000 | 01 | $18,000 |
| 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 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 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 | 01 | 100% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 01 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 01 | $120 |
| Total | 01 | $120 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 0% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 01 | 0% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 01 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 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
| 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 | 01 | $120 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 01 | $120 |
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? | 1 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 4 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
| C. Total Served | 4 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 4 |
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 / Service | Number Provided | Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 2 | $300 | $0 | $300 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 2 | $120 | $0 | $120 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 4 | $420 | $0 | $420 |
D. Anecdote
TTAP began a 3D printing program and can offer AAC device keyguards at little or no cost. We worked with Austin ISD and were able to provide them with 2 iPad keyguards for students who needed them.
TTAP began a 3D printing program and can offer adapted access devices at little or no cost. A consumer needed a variety of button hole devices for different size button holes in different size shirts. This would have required the commercial purchase of several different devices. We were able to print them for pennies and did not charge the consumer.
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. | 02 | 01 | 02 | 05 |
| 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 | 02 | 01 | 02 | 05 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 02 | 01 | 02 | 05 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 02 | 01 | 02 | 05 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 04 | 80% |
| Satisfied | 01 | 20% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 05 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
The loan is from the Double Click Program, our computer reuse program for which TTAP had a service agreement. Double Click was dissolved at the end of July 2022 because the employee left and Easter Seals Austin did not fill the position. It is unclear how accurate the loan number is as the employee left, may not have entered all data, and I cannot verify with the remaining staff. TTAP received an Alternative Financing Grant and is working towards contracting with a partner to administer loans. TTAP has received a Alternative Financing grant. We have used some funds for the 3D Printing fabrication program and are also negotiating a service agreement with a financial partner to manage a more formal financial loan program for a broader array of AT devices and services.
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 | 1,776 |
| C. Total | 1,776 |
| 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 | 1,776 |
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 | 04 | $880 | $0 | $880 |
| Hearing | 33 | $33,000 | $0 | $33,000 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 1,623 | $306,658 | $0 | $306,658 |
| Daily Living | 1,554 | $170,882 | $0 | $170,882 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 01 | $1,000 | $0 | $1,000 |
| Computers and Related | 27 | $24,300 | $0 | $24,300 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 3,242 | $536,720 | $0 | $536,720 |
D. Anecdote
Samantha is a young adult in her 20’s who suffers from Hemiplegia. Her medical condition causes paralysis to one side of her body, which makes daily tasks of living difficult. Samantha’s occupational therapist referred her to Project MEND for a transport wheelchair, drop arm commode, tub transfer bench, and a semi electric hospital bed. Thanks to our equipment donations received from the community, Project MEND was able to provide Samantha with all the equipment requested for her to regain her mobility and independence back. Samantha says the equipment has made it “easier to be mobile with less trouble”. She notes that the transport wheelchair has specifically helped her caregivers transport her to doctor appointments with more ease.
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 | 176 | 1,445 | 1,621 |
| 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 | 79 | 76 | 155 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 255 | 1,521 | 1,776 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 255 | 1,521 | 1,776 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 255 | 1,521 | 1,776 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 1,432 | 80.63% |
| Satisfied | 155 | 8.73% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 14 | 0.79% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 175 | 9.85% |
| Total Surveyed | 1,776 | |
| Response rate % | 90.15% |
G. Notes:
Double Click, our computer refurbishing program, ceased to exist after 7/2022 as the employee at Easter Seals (our contractor) left and they elected not to replace her. TTAP has not been successful finding another contractor but may explore Goodwill in Texas in the future.
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) | 140 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 13 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 02 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 09 |
| Total | 164 |
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 | 18 | 04 | 22 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 19 | 08 | 27 |
| Representative of Education | 37 | 04 | 41 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 61 | 06 | 67 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Representatives of Technology | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Total | 140 | 24 | 164 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 35 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 05 | 01 | 06 |
| Hearing | 04 | 04 | 08 |
| Speech Communication | 163 | 23 | 186 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 11 | 03 | 14 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Daily Living | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 54 | 06 | 60 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 13 | 02 | 15 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 254 | 42 | 296 |
E. Anecdote
I have a nonverbal 5-year-old autistic son. The TTAP program was a great service that allowed us to try something new without the pressure of money. My son first used an Apple iPad tablet with the LAMP Words for Life program. This program allowed my son to be interactive with words while learning the pronunciation. It also helped him understand the value of using words. He increased his desired to use the device as well as to attempt to use words to communicate. This progress of understanding the use of words, has decrease his frustration levels when he wasn't getting what he wanted/needed. Upon the success of the use of the LAMP program, we started the process of wondering what device to get. TTAP was so wonderful, that they allowed us to use a smaller tablet to see if my son would be as interested as he had been with the iPad tablet. Thanks to TTAP, we were able to freely try LAMP in 2 different devices in order to find out which one worked best for him and give him a communication tool. Now, we purchased a device for him and installed the Lamp program. We wouldn't have tried this because of the concern of spending money and not working. Instead, TTAP program allowed us to focus first on the tool he needed .
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 | 34 | 30 | 44 | 108 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 02 | 02 | 09 |
| Subtotal | 39 | 32 | 46 | 117 |
| Have not made a decision | 03 | 00 | 00 | 03 |
| Subtotal | 42 | 32 | 46 | 120 |
| Nonrespondent | 08 | 05 | 07 | 20 |
| Total | 50 | 37 | 53 | 140 |
| Performance on this measure | 92.86% | 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. | 13 | 01 | 03 | 17 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| 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 | 15 | 01 | 03 | 19 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 15 | 01 | 03 | 19 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 04 | 01 | 00 | 05 |
| 8. Total | 19 | 02 | 03 | 24 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 129 | 78.66% |
| Satisfied | 15 | 9.15% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 20 | 12.2% |
| Total Surveyed | 164 | |
| Response rate % | 87.8% |
I. Notes:
COVID-19 lockdowns continue to affect consumer access to Demonstration Centers and TTAP's access to outreach activities. Since TTAP already ships most of our loans, the device loan program has been maintained but is still not to pre-pandemic activity levels.
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 09 |
| Hearing | 23 |
| Speech Communication | 104 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 31 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 |
| Daily Living | 50 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 15 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 |
| Computers and Related | 68 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 304 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 195 | 12 | 207 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 54 | 33 | 87 |
| Representatives of Education | 52 | 26 | 78 |
| Representatives of Employment | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representative of Community Living | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Total | 304 | 76 | 380 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 22 |
| Service Provider | 28 |
| Vendor | 03 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 53 |
D. Anecdote
A family attended a demonstration of AAC devices and apps for a child with verbal apraxia that was about to enter Kindergarten. After viewing several AAC devices and AAC apps on an iPad, they checked out the iPad for 35 days and were eventually able to decide on the TD Snap App. He was in private speech therapy over the summer and was up and ready to go in a general education classroom by the time school started. Parents reported his frustration levels decreased and he was much calmer, even when communication was challenging.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 75 | 27 | 54 | 156 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 22 | 13 | 16 | 51 |
| Subtotal | 97 | 40 | 70 | 207 |
| Have not made a decision | 25 | 01 | 22 | 48 |
| Subtotal | 122 | 41 | 92 | 255 |
| Nonrespondent | 22 | 11 | 16 | 49 |
| Total | 144 | 52 | 108 | 304 |
| Performance on this measure | 67.36% | 76.92% | 64.81% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 167 | 43.95% |
| Satisfied | 125 | 32.89% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 14 | 3.68% |
| Not at all satisfied | 02 | 0.53% |
| Nonrespondent | 72 | 18.95% |
| Total | 380 | |
| Response rate % | 81.05% |
G. Notes:
TTAP has had more demonstrations since COVID-19 lockdowns lifted, and has become more efficient at data collection and validation across our many Demonstration Centers.
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. | 15 | 178 | 1,450 | 1,643 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 79 | 76 | 155 |
| 4. Subtotal | 17 | 257 | 1,526 | 1,800 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 17 | 257 | 1,526 | 1,800 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 04 | 01 | 00 | 05 |
| 8. Total | 21 | 258 | 1,526 | 1,805 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 69.26% | 95.02% | 91.39% |
| 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 | 109 | 57 | 98 | 264 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 27 | 15 | 18 | 60 |
| Subtotal | 136 | 72 | 116 | 324 |
| Have not made a decision | 28 | 01 | 22 | 51 |
| Subtotal | 164 | 73 | 138 | 375 |
| Nonrespondent | 30 | 16 | 23 | 69 |
| Total | 194 | 89 | 161 | 444 |
| Performance on this measure | 73.12% | 85.71% | 75.32% | 76.42% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Satisfaction Rating
| Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied and satisfied | 98.54% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 88.52% | 90% | Not Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 1,576 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 552 |
| Representatives of Education | 515 |
| Representatives of Employment | 31 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 44 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 03 |
| Representatives of Technology | 76 |
| Unable to Categorize | 233 |
| TOTAL | 3,030 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,079 | 276 | 675 | 3,030 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 2,423 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 06 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 434 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 76 |
| Transition | 91 |
| Total | 3,030 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
TTAP continues to collaborate with the Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs). We have offered several trainings to target constituent groups these entities serve. Specifically, AAC training to core Speech Pathology leads from multiple school districts in Regions 4 (Houston), 10 (Dallas), 10 (Dallas),12 (Waco), and 13 (Austin).
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Virtual training offered for the Greater Houston Disability Chamber of Commerce on Assistive Technology and K12 and transition to post-secondary settings.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
In-person training provided to faculty and staff at a state university on creating accessible MS Word, PowerPoint and PDF documents with an emphasis on support s for visual impairments.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 44 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 12 |
| No known outcome at this time | 07 |
| Nonrespondent | 13 |
| Total | 76 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 73.7% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 35% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 10% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 01% |
| Community Living | 34% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
TTAP maintains a Memo of Understanding with the Texas Workforce Rehabilitation Division. We provide scheduled, ongoing training and technical assistance to the 29 AT specialists that support Workforce Solutions local offices, Texas VR counselors, employers, and clients with disabilties in supporting AT in workforce settings.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
TTAP worked with an Education Service Center and several k12 school districts to support on-going AT team training to further support student success and transition to post K12 settings. The training involved learning over time, project-based field work, classroom observation, and networking/sharing successes and challenges.
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. TTAP exhibited accessible video gaming equipment and conducted a session at Comicpalooza in Houston, Texas. Comicpalooza is the largest pop culture fan activity in Texas and has a huge video gaming strand. This activity also fulfilled a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation High Impact grant obligation.
2. TTAP exhibited and presented at the Texas Speech Language and Hearing Convention in Dallas, Texas. Thousands of state speech-language pathologists who work in a variety of settings attend this conference. The session focused on augmentative communication assessment.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 78 | 31 | 109 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 52 | 23 | 75 |
| Representative of Education | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| Representative of Employment | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 29 | 03 | 32 |
| Representative of Community Living | 09 | 00 | 09 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Unable to Categorize | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Total | 181 | 57 | 238 |
Referral Types:
TTAP exhibited and/or presented at several statewide professional conferences this year. For example, the Texas Speech Language and Hearing Conference. These activities greatly increased interest in demonstrations and device loans and those professionals shared our info with others at their places of employment. It also generated interest in training and technical assistance- especially in augmentative and alternative communication.
Referral Sources:
TTAP receives referrals from a variety of organizations. Public school personnel and the families they support make up about 40% of the information requests we receive; about 25 % are private practitioners/hospitals/skilled nursing facilities/rehabilitation facilities and the consumers they support; CBOs and state agencies that support people with disabilties make up about 25%; and the remaining 10% are insurance companies and other funders.
Notes:
TTAP also gets quite a few calls from a variety of consumers and professionals that just "found us on the internet".
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?
Texas Partners for Inclusive Access is spearheaded by Disability Rights Texas and The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilties. It began during COVID-19 as a support for information and vaccine/testing access for people with disabilties. It has continued in this capacity and expanded. Many of the collaborative partners received the ACL public health grants. We have decided to use this group to network those public health employees focusing on people with disabilties. TTAP’s public health staff is continuing to participate in the group and bring assistive technology and accessibility issues to the forefront. The group’s current focus is addressing the home health staffing shortages. In Texas, the average pay rate is $7/hr. Agencies have had a difficult time hiring and keeping competent employees. During the upcoming legislative session, we are gearing up to focus on this crisis. Additionally, the group is hosting an Emergency Preparedness "clinic" in Houston in 2023.
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 number of individuals with disabilties and who are aging that received vaccines/testing was reported in last year's annual report. Supporting access to boosters continues. No data is yet available on the staffing of home health employees. TTAP's main function within this group was to ensure materials were accessible and facilitate outreach activities since we are so connected throughout the state via our Demonstration Centers and other outreach activities.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Health; Other: Healthcare Access;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Information & Assistance; 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? | 01 |
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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.
TTAP partnered with the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilties and other stakeholders on a Task Force to develop policy recommendations, information, and training on the critical need of power back up for dedicated medical equipment and assistive technology in emergencies. Three relevant outcomes occurred as a result: 1.) conducted and archived virtual training of solutions for DME/AT during power failures, 2.) participated in a Public Utility Commission Hearing on responses and concerns to power loss for individuals with disabilties during Winter Storm Uri to guide future policy chances, and 3.) provided feedback to Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the funding of generators for people with disabilties and our input expanded the types of generators supported. The task force continues to tackle this challenge and would eventually like to see high capacity back up batteries also funded by a variety of state sources.
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.)
1.) Recorded training can be found here: https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/webinar-archive-emergency-management, 2.) The Texas PUC has taken the task force considerations under advisement but has indicated there will be no action at this time. The task force continues to meet and will maintain the dialog. 3.) Guidance provided by HHSC regarding the provision of any type of generator a consumer might need (not just gasoline powered).
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
Additional And Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | $4,000 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
| Public/State Agency | $35,000 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Federal | $15,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Private | $27,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Amount: $81,000 |
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.
TTAP worked with the Texas Education Agency and Region 20 Education Service Center to create content for a website and training materials to facilitate the consideration of assistive technology in Texas Public Schools. For this service agreement, TTAP staff FTE were paid out of the contract and not via TTAP grant funds as the final product ownership lies with TEA/Region 20. TEA/Region 20 partnered with TTAP to utilize our AT knowledge and expertise. The final product is not yet published and will be owned and maintained by TEA/Region 20. The final product does not belong to TTAP so data cannot be reported.
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 16:37:00 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)