National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
California 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 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 00 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $0 | Highest Income: | $0 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | 00 | $0 |
| 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 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 0% | 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 | 00 | 0% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 00 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 0% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 00 | 0% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 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 | 00 |
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 | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 |
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? | 1 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | Last resort - Activity |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 448 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 49 |
| C. Total Served | 497 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 497 |
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 of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 1913 | $431,065 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 1913 | $431,065 |
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
The Voice Options Program is a collaboration between the Department of Rehabilitation and the California Public Utilities Commission to provide speech-generating devices to Californians through long-term loans for the purpose of ensuring equitable telecommunication. This program is administered through community-based organizations throughout California virtually, in-person, in home, and by mail. The process of obtaining a device includes a demonstration of six speech-generating applications, a short-term loan of all applications on an iPad with ancillary hardware needed for successful use, and an open-ended loan after identification of preferred application. Each Voice Options Program consumer receives a new iPad, their chosen speech-generating application, a case, charger, and any additional devices needed to utilize the device comfortably and successfully (e.g., a wheelchair mount, stylus, etc.). Evelyn is a young adult woman living with Cerebral Palsy. She is nonverbal and uses a motorized wheelchair. Evelyn reached out to Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS), a Voice Options Program Provider, after receiving a Voice Options Program flier. She scheduled an appointment with SCRS and was provided a demonstration of the applications and shown how to use the device to make phone calls – something Evelyn had not done before. Evelyn called her mother and said, “I love you, Mom,” which overwhelmed her mother with emotion hearing her daughter say this for the first time. Evelyn is now a proud Voice Options Program recipient and uses her device in her daily life for work, school, and play.
As this consumer was using a loaned device from her school, she had a lot of anxiety as her access to a speech-generating device was limited and timebound. After going through the Voice Options Program process, this consumer was able to work with her speech-language pathologist to transfer her language library to her long-term loan device, which allows her the freedom and flexibility to express herself whenever and wherever she pleases. They are beyond grateful for this opportunity and the promptness in which it was handled.
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 | 494 | 494 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 495 | 495 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 497 | 497 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 497 | 497 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 99.6% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 497 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 497 | |
| 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 | 3,092 |
| C. Total | 3,092 |
| 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 | 3,092 |
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 | 50 | $20,888 | $0 | $20,888 |
| Hearing | 02 | $305 | $0 | $305 |
| Speech Communication | 2,296 | $591,641 | $9,410 | $582,231 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 04 | $565 | $0 | $565 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 1,767 | $299,900 | $1 | $299,899 |
| Daily Living | 1,490 | $3,361,563 | $0 | $3,361,563 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 28 | $2,115 | $0 | $2,115 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 03 | $80 | $0 | $80 |
| Computers and Related | 196 | $41,996 | $0 | $41,996 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | $400 | $0 | $400 |
| Total | 5,838 | $4,319,453 | $9,411 | $4,310,042 |
D. Anecdote
The Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR) Program, a program CFILC leveraged through Ability Tools, provides emergency preparedness training and device support to Californians living with disabilities. One of the primary activities performed is the distribution of batteries via open-ended loans. This activity is a crucial element of the program, as it ensures that consumers across the State have access to their AT during Public Safety Power Shutoffs and other emergency events. One DDAR Program testimonial received was from an older adult woman who benefitted from the program during eleven days of Public Safety Power Shutoffs in December. She recounted that she and her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, live in a high fire hazard zone that was experiencing historically heavy snowfall. The DDAR Program provided batteries that kept their lights on so her husband could navigate the house and his CPAP machine for his sleep apnea so he could sleep at night. Without the Program, they would have been stuck without power for almost two weeks.
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. | 126 | 05 | 2,264 | 2,395 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 07 | 00 | 222 | 229 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 58 | 58 |
| 4. Subtotal | 133 | 05 | 2,544 | 2,682 |
| 5. None of the above | 04 | 00 | 46 | 50 |
| 6. Subtotal | 137 | 05 | 2,590 | 2,732 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 02 | 358 | 360 |
| 8. Total | 137 | 07 | 2,948 | 3,092 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 97.08% | 71.43% | 86.3% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 2,045 | 66.14% |
| Satisfied | 979 | 31.66% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 04 | 0.13% |
| Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.03% |
| Nonrespondent | 63 | 2.04% |
| Total Surveyed | 3,092 | |
| Response rate % | 97.96% |
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) | 1,130 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 16 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 127 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 09 |
| Total | 1,282 |
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 | 810 | 111 | 921 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 75 | 10 | 85 |
| Representative of Education | 93 | 07 | 100 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 104 | 16 | 120 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 18 | 03 | 21 |
| Representatives of Technology | 29 | 05 | 34 |
| Total | 1,130 | 152 | 1,282 |
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 | 92 | 06 | 98 |
| Hearing | 43 | 02 | 45 |
| Speech Communication | 1,091 | 61 | 1,152 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 63 | 06 | 69 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 85 | 96 | 181 |
| Daily Living | 171 | 06 | 177 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 69 | 05 | 74 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Computers and Related | 374 | 24 | 398 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 24 | 01 | 25 |
| Total | 2,015 | 207 | 2,222 |
E. Anecdote
The following story is about Micah, a three year old with Down Syndrome who received an iPad with LAMP and TouchChat through their Device Lending and Demonstration Center (DLDC). Micah was incredibly excited when he received his speech-generating device as it allowed him to communicate whenever to whomever he wanted instead of signing or gesturing. Now he can tell his mom exactly what he wants, whether it’s a ball or bubbles, he no longer gets frustrated when trying to communicate his needs.
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 | 280 | 43 | 628 | 951 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 01 | 23 | 29 |
| Subtotal | 285 | 44 | 651 | 980 |
| Have not made a decision | 23 | 00 | 87 | 110 |
| Subtotal | 308 | 44 | 738 | 1,090 |
| Nonrespondent | 07 | 08 | 25 | 40 |
| Total | 315 | 52 | 763 | 1,130 |
| Performance on this measure | 92.53% | 100% | 88.21% | |
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. | 07 | 02 | 76 | 85 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 08 | 00 | 14 | 22 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 22 | 22 |
| 4. Subtotal | 15 | 02 | 112 | 129 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 01 | 04 | 06 |
| 6. Subtotal | 16 | 03 | 116 | 135 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 02 | 00 | 15 | 17 |
| 8. Total | 18 | 03 | 131 | 152 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 93.75% | 66.67% | 96.55% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 864 | 67.39% |
| Satisfied | 272 | 21.22% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 17 | 1.33% |
| Not at all satisfied | 04 | 0.31% |
| Nonrespondent | 125 | 9.75% |
| Total Surveyed | 1,282 | |
| Response rate % | 90.25% |
I. Notes:
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 54 |
| Hearing | 11 |
| Speech Communication | 346 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 11 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 56 |
| Daily Living | 171 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 10 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 244 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 12 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 917 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 863 | 12 | 875 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 25 | 83 | 108 |
| Representatives of Education | 05 | 03 | 08 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 19 | 04 | 23 |
| Representative of Community Living | 00 | 05 | 05 |
| Representative of Technology | 05 | 00 | 05 |
| Total | 917 | 107 | 1,024 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 64 |
| Service Provider | 73 |
| Vendor | 149 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 02 |
| Total | 288 |
D. Anecdote
Rogelio, who has limited control of his fingers, hands, and arms, is a consumer of one of California’s Device Lending and Demonstration Centers (DLDC). Rogelio, an avid gamer, was able to receive a demonstration of a variety of adaptive gaming controllers, switch kits, joysticks, and mounts that would allow him to control the game through supported head and arm movements. After playing several video games at the DLDC, Regelio identified the perfect combination of adaptive gaming technology (Evil Controller Thumbstick, the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the LogiTech Adaptive Switch Kit) that would allow him to get back into gaming.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 55 | 22 | 739 | 816 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 07 | 08 |
| Subtotal | 55 | 23 | 746 | 824 |
| Have not made a decision | 18 | 04 | 63 | 85 |
| Subtotal | 73 | 27 | 809 | 909 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 01 | 07 | 08 |
| Total | 73 | 28 | 816 | 917 |
| Performance on this measure | 75.34% | 82.14% | 91.42% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 771 | 75.29% |
| Satisfied | 217 | 21.19% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 18 | 1.76% |
| Not at all satisfied | 02 | 0.2% |
| Nonrespondent | 16 | 1.56% |
| Total | 1,024 | |
| Response rate % | 98.44% |
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. | 133 | 07 | 2,834 | 2,974 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 15 | 00 | 236 | 251 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 81 | 81 |
| 4. Subtotal | 148 | 07 | 3,151 | 3,306 |
| 5. None of the above | 05 | 01 | 52 | 58 |
| 6. Subtotal | 153 | 08 | 3,203 | 3,364 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 02 | 02 | 373 | 377 |
| 8. Total | 155 | 10 | 3,576 | 3,741 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 96.73% | 70% | 86.21% | 86.6% |
| 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 | 335 | 65 | 1,367 | 1,767 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 02 | 30 | 37 |
| Subtotal | 340 | 67 | 1,397 | 1,804 |
| Have not made a decision | 41 | 04 | 150 | 195 |
| Subtotal | 381 | 71 | 1,547 | 1,999 |
| Nonrespondent | 07 | 09 | 32 | 48 |
| Total | 388 | 80 | 1,579 | 2,047 |
| Performance on this measure | 89.24% | 93.06% | 89.9% | 89.89% |
| 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 | 99.19% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 96.54% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 77 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 35 |
| Representatives of Education | 25 |
| Representatives of Employment | 29 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 20 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 158 |
| Representatives of Technology | 153 |
| Unable to Categorize | 144 |
| TOTAL | 641 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 391 | 137 | 113 | 641 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 314 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 31 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 49 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 73 |
| Transition | 174 |
| Total | 641 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
The #DisabilityClimATe Assistive Technology Earth Day Conference was a special one-day virtual web conference on Friday, April 22 (Earth Day) focused on assistive technology, environmental conservatorship, the disability community, and actionable resources. It included: 1. Meeting AT Needs During Climate Disaster Responses: provided an overview of the importance of reuse devices in emergency response, and informed participants on ways that they can be involved. Guest hosts: Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi, Co-Executive Directors of The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies 2. Smart AT: Smart for Your Needs and Smart for the Environment: how smart devices can streamline your home and make it more energy efficient. Guest host: Forrest Holleman, Owner/operator of Bay Area Smart Homes 3. Accessible Farming: It Can Be Done: accessible farming, methods, and tools to make gardening as accessible as possible for a wide diversity of community members. Guest host: Heidi Cartan, Executive Director of Common Roots Farm 4. Keeping Wheels out of Landfills: the process of refurbishing used wheelchairs, providing guidance on vetting donations, and best practices for the refurbishment process. Guest host: Vincent Lopez, Assistive Technology Manager for Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities San Mateo 5. Making Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes – Using Everyday Items to Create Extraordinary Solutions: using recycled materials to make cheap DIY assistive technology. Guest host: Therese Willkomm, PhD, Director of New Hampshire’s State Assistive Technology Program with the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire More than 100 individuals attended and participated in these sessions.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
The ongoing Smart AT Home series held by Ability Tools provides information and guidance around using AT in transition and diversion efforts to support individuals in maintaining independence at home. Attendees learned how programmed routines could help with reminders, turn on/off devices, maintain temperature controls, and provide light whenever sensors pick up movement ensuring safety in dark places.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Ability Tools provided monthly meetings to AT Advocates across the State about social media platforms, their accessibility tools, and inclusivity techniques.
D. 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 | 73 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 73 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
As the AT Advocates continue to participate in hands-on training to build accessibility around IT and Telecommunication to meet the needs of their consumers, their presence is indicative that training and technical assistance is being developed and implemented. These trainings are being conducted to educate advocates in inclusive and accessible communication through social media and other forms of telecommunication. Conformance with ADA requirements indicates foundational success of trainings.
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 00% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 00% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 40% |
| Community Living | 40% |
| 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:
The AT Program worked with the Department of Aging (CDA) on their Customers Holistic Aging Relationship and Management (CHARM) initiative Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Program Requirements for creating an integrated data/customer relationship management (CRM) system that can be jointly used by Area Agencies on Aging, ADRC partners, and CDA. The Program worked to streamline Californians' ability to navigate and access Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) (e.g., referrals, eligibility/application) utilizing an accessible and intuitive system.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Ability Tools conducted research regarding the implementation of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers in other states. It was learned that other states do have assistive technology access options in their waivers and these waivers are used to obtain assistive technology and smart AT for consumers within their state. Ability Tools had a conversation with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and learned that home modifications are an option in California, but AT is not. Ability Tools recommended that DHCS expand the waiver to include AT and smart AT options in the next fiscal year, with the new federal funds available for home and community-based services. After a presentation of Ability Tools findings to DHCS, Assistive Technology was added to HCBS waivers.
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. Ability Tools staff attended the 2022 Los Angeles Abilities Expo. Staff provided program and service information to attendees of the event and surveyed 225 attendees to ascertain their disaster preparedness, connecting them with the Ability Tools sister program, Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR). Staff gathered information utilizing questions such as: Do you rely on any electric durable medical equipment (DME) or assistive technology (AT) to maintain your independence or health? Do you have a way to keep those electric DME or AT devices charged in an extended (6 hours or more) power outage? Are you registered to receive any type of emergency or disaster alerts? If you were impacted by a disaster or emergency over the next week how personally prepared would you be? If offered, would you be willing to work with a disabled peer to develop a personalized preparedness plan?
2. DOR provided ongoing presentations to internal and external stakeholders around disability etiquette, reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, community living, and the importance of a whole-person approach to ensure successful employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Presentations include definitions of Assistive Technology and how to integrate it into everyday workplace practices, how to borrow or try out Assistive Technology, and ensuring equitability in the workplace for all employees, present and future.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 543 | 06 | 549 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 570 | 00 | 570 |
| Representative of Education | 09 | 00 | 09 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 29 | 00 | 29 |
| Representative of Community Living | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Unable to Categorize | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Total | 1,156 | 06 | 1,162 |
Referral Types:
The Voice Options Program worked with the California Public Utilities Commission to create digital, print, and radio advertisements with targeted groups, including older adults, women, Native American communities, and African American communities, in addition to expanding program information to include 11 different languages. The new advertising information was disseminated to Program Partners and were also made available throughout California through targeted campaigns and distribution.
Referral Sources:
Voice Options Consumers are most frequently referred to the program by speech-language pathologists (30%), followed by Independent Living Centers (21%), and medical providers (8.5%). Social media, print, radio, digital, and community-focused campaign efforts comprised 22 percent. The remaining referrals came from friends, family, schools, and other organizations.
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?
The Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) program was leveraged through the Ability Tools program and is deeply involved with supporting AT retention and acquisition across the State of California. Through funding from contracted energy providers, primarily Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the DDAR program supports individuals in high fire threat areas who are subsequently more likely to experience power outages resulting from Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events or general power grid outages. The program assesses the individual’s energy needs to support their assistive technology devices, such as maintaining power to a power wheelchair, running a CPAP machine, or maintaining power to a refrigerator to keep insulin at the proper temperature. Consumers are provided batteries to support their AT devices in these events, and if their energy needs surpass the capabilities of a battery, they are provided with hotel rooms outside of the outage area, transportation, and food for the duration of the outage
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.
There were over one thousand additional Reutilization activities reported in this year’s APR due to the efforts of the DDAR program. This partnership enabled consumers to acquire and maintain life supporting AT that many would otherwise not have had access to. This program was built into California’s referral tree, resulting in consumers benefiting from both Ability Tools and DDAR services. Ability Tools staff was able to work closely with their sister program to ensure they had support in managing their inventories and were collecting all pertinent reporting data. As funding allows, both programs will continue to thrive and grow through this partnership
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Health; Other: Disaster preparedness;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Demonstration; Reuse; Training; 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 |
|---|
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.
The Department of Rehabilitation secured $10M to establish the Community Living Fund Program which advances the governor’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA) and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) No Wrong Door model by expanding the capacity of disability and aging services and programs to provide person-centered institutional transition and diversion services for people of all ages and with any type of disability who do not qualify for existing services.
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.)
The Department of Rehabilitation will work with a statewide network of eligible disability and aging service providers who have a demonstrated ability to provide institutional transition and diversion services, including the procurement of assistive technology, durable medical equipment, and home modifications within the Community Living Fund Program. Up to 50 nonprofit organizations will collaborate to provide these services. https://dor.ca.gov/Home/CommunitylivingFund
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 |
|---|
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | $7,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Private | $3,109,774 | Reuse | True |
| Private | $154,000 | Reuse | True |
| Private | $1,671 | Reuse | True |
| Private | $154,000 | Demonstration | True |
| Private | $699,699 | Demonstration | False |
| Federal | $3,229 | Demonstration | False |
| Federal | $3,229 | Device Loan | False |
| Private | $77,744 | Device Loan | True |
| Private | $3,134 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
| Public/State Agency | $106,388 | Demonstration | False |
| Public/State Agency | $472,835 | Reuse | True |
| Private | $7,482 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
| Public/State Agency | $648,000 | Demonstration | True |
| Public/State Agency | $11,821 | Device Loan | True |
| Amount: $5,460,006 |
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.
Areas where Data was indicated as not reported were related to new or pilot programs reporting the information they have gathered. Not all areas of reporting were covered with their information gathering techniques. Ability Tools has worked closely with these programs to ensure that the data they did collect in this FFY was reported in NATADS, and is continuing to work with these programs to ensure they are capturing all the required reporting data. However, in some cases, such as the training provided by the Voice Options Program, data could not be reported within the specific module of NATADS as specific metrics were not collected, such as performance surveys. Another example is the funding utilized for staff to provide demonstrations and facilitate short-term loans to help individuals with disabilities to determine which speech-generating application will assist in community living.
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).
Funds were divided to demonstrate cost savings of actual hardware versus services provided to consumers in the Voice Options Program. All consumers received both AT and TA, but goods and services were recorded separately for the purposes of this report.
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:27:27 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)