National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Rhode Island 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Rhode Island Assistive Technnology Access Partnership
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://ors.ri.gov/programs/assistive-technology-access-partnership-atap
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode Island
Zip Code:
02903
Program Email:
jennifer.fiske@ors.ri.gov
Phone:
401-871-1145
TTY:
401-222-1328

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode island
Zip Code:
02903
Program URL:
https://ors.ri.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Jennifer Fiske
Title:
ATAP DIrector/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-871-1145
E-mail:
jennifer.fiske@ors.ri.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
same as above
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Fiske, Jennifer
Title:
ATAP Director/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-871-1145
E-mail:
jennifer.fiske@ors.ri.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? No

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?Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)100
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served100

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures100

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 100$20,526
Speech communication2$1,269
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning3$840
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total105$22,635



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

PM is a male in his early40s. In addition to hearing loss, he is managing cognitive disabilities and OCD. He was shown a white cordless phone that could be used with an answering machine that is black. He tested the devices and found that they worked for him. He expressed concerns that the colors did not match on the two devices. While for many this would not be seen as an issue for this person it was a very real concern. He was shown a cordless phone that has an answer machine built in. He reported that having an all-in-one unit that was one color would make him feel much more comfortable with the device. By presenting the choices PM was able to pick the option that would consider his anxiety and OCD.

Impact Area

Consumer a 93-year-old who lives independently in her own apartment. She has been having trouble hearing on the phone and hearing the phone ring. She was presented with two options: the KX which has an answering machine built in or the XLC3.4 and an external answering machine. Both the phones were plugged in, and she tried them. She ended up selecting the KX because she reported she could hear fine on both devices, but she preferred the simpler more streamlined set up that the KX offered. At the conclusion of the visit she reported that she would feel safer knowing that she had an amplified phone.

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 96 96
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 02 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 00 00 98 98
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 00 00 100 100
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 100 100
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 98%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 93 93%
Satisfied 07 7%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 100
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 04
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 56
C. Total 60

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 60

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 03 $1,700 $0 $1,700
Daily Living 01 $300 $0 $300
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 04 $2,000 $0 $2,000

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 11 $4,974 $1,989 $2,985
Hearing 04 $259 $259 $0
Speech Communication 10 $2,274 $1,542 $732
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04 $378 $378 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 45 $2,799 $492 $2,307
Daily Living 42 $1,992 $961 $1,031
Environmental Adaptations 16 $1,466 $1,157 $309
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 14 $5,768 $3,071 $2,697
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03 $387 $297 $90
Total 149 $20,297 $10,146 $10,151

D. Anecdote

Consumer is a 59-year-old female who lives with a roommate in a mobile home. She has renal failure, orthopedic issues and is legally blind. Due to her impaired vision, she is unable to read items like her mail, pill bottles and food packages independently. She is very independent in her daily activities, and it is important to her to maintain that independence. She inquired about assistive technology options to help her with reading her important and private documents. OSCIL was able to demo two different types of Desktop video magnifiers with her; A Magnilink One, which was a basic and smaller option, and a Go Vision, which has the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature with text to speech. She was able to place different common items underneath the camera and operate the different video magnifiers. Overall, she was very satisfied with how these devices could magnify documents large enough for her to read independently. She also liked how simple it was to operate both of them. Ultimately, she decided that the Go Vision Magnifier with OCR feature, was the best fit for her as it could read her documents out loud. She felt that this feature would be helpful, especially when she's having a day when her eyes are tired and she s struggling to read printed material despite being enlarged. She feels that this device will help her reach her goals of being independent in reading her mail and her financial management, and will allow her to keep personal mail and documents private by reading them herself, rather than having to ask her roommate to read them to her. She was able to obtain this device through OSCIL's reutilization program, as a previous consumer had donated it to OSCIL and it was in OSCIL's stock.

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 27 27
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 00 01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 20 20
4. Subtotal 01 00 47 48
5. None of the above 00 00 07 07
6. Subtotal 01 00 54 55
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 05 05
8. Total 01 00 59 60
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 79.66%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 50 83.33%
Satisfied 01 1.67%
Satisfied somewhat 01 1.67%
Not at all satisfied 01 1.67%
Nonrespondent 07 11.67%
Total Surveyed 60
Response rate % 88.33%

G. Notes:

Number of exchange and reuse recipients is correct to the amount of devices exchanged and reused. Confirmed by Rhode Island ATAP Director.

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) 99
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 04
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 15
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 05
Total 123

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 66 15 81
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 04 00 04
Representative of Education 26 07 33
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01 00 01
Representatives of Community Living 01 02 03
Representatives of Technology 01 00 01
Total 99 24 123

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 23 05 28
Hearing 19 04 23
Speech Communication 21 04 25
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 12 00 12
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04 09 13
Daily Living 18 11 29
Environmental Adaptations 58 01 59
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 84 03 87
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 01 03
Total 241 38 279

E. Anecdote

Consumer came to OSCIL through Nursing home transition program. He is a 34-year-old male who recently transitioned to living alone in an apartment from a skilled nursing facility. He has hemiparesis on his right side secondary to a stroke several years ago. Consumer utilizes a combination of a manual w/c, hemi walker and a rollator to ambulate. The toilet in the apartment that the consumer was transitioning to was very low, and there were concerns about the consumer accessing it due to his impaired mobility. The consumer requested a short term loan of a commode to use upon transitioning, to ensure that the toilet was accessible. Once consumer was settled into his new home, it was determined that a raised toilet seat with handles would meet his needs the best. He was able to return his loaned commode to OSCIL and in turn OSCIL provided a raised toilet seat through the reutilization program. Consumer is able to maintain his independence in toileting through the use of this AT. Consumer was also able to demo different style rollators through OSCIL. He is currently utilizing a donated one that he feels is starting to break due to how much weight he puts on it. His tremors sometimes make ambulating difficult in the past while living at SNF he would weigh down his walker to help. He trialed an upright rollator and a standard one with larger wheels. He reported that he liked the upright position but found it overall more cumbersome and not as comfortable to sit on. Consumer has not made a decision yet but is leaning towards a standard steel rollator which will be heavier than his current aluminum one. He found it very helpful to demonstrate and trial the actual devices which will assist him in making his decision.

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 45 02 31 78
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 01 05 10
Subtotal 49 03 36 88
Have not made a decision 07 00 04 11
Subtotal 56 03 40 99
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 56 03 40 99
Performance on this measure 87.5% 100% 90%

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. 03 00 06 09
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 09 09
4. Subtotal 03 00 16 19
5. None of the above 04 00 01 05
6. Subtotal 07 00 17 24
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 07 00 17 24
9. Performance on this measure 42.86% NaN% 94.12%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 113 91.87%
Satisfied 09 7.32%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.81%
Total Surveyed 123
Response rate % 99.19%

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 09
Hearing 24
Speech Communication 14
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 06
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 06
Daily Living 05
Environmental Adaptations 06
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 12
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 82

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 46 20 66
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 06 04 10
Representatives of Education 27 36 63
Representatives of Employment 00 01 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 01 03 04
Representative of Community Living 02 13 15
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 82 77 159

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 13
Service Provider 09
Vendor 10
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 32

D. Anecdote

A device demonstration was provided to a family of a young child, with emerging vision needs. Some easy to use and built-in magnification tools and Apps on an I pad for reading and enjoying stories together. Referred for RIMAC for literacy and Materials center to borrow activities. Student in elem. requires some noise cancellation headphones to participate in school and community activities. Several Vendors participated and demonstrated for headphones and sound reduction techniques use with this family. Consumer and family reported to be very grateful for the demonstration of devices.

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 25 01 41 67
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 02 04
Subtotal 26 02 43 71
Have not made a decision 02 00 09 11
Subtotal 28 02 52 82
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 28 02 52 82
Performance on this measure 92.86% 100% 82.69%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 132 83.02%
Satisfied 20 12.58%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.63%
Not at all satisfied 02 1.26%
Nonrespondent 04 2.52%
Total 159
Response rate % 97.48%

G. Notes:

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. 03 00 129 132
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 03 04
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 29 29
4. Subtotal 04 00 161 165
5. None of the above 04 00 10 14
6. Subtotal 08 00 171 179
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 05 05
8. Total 08 00 176 184
9. Performance on this measure 50% NaN% 75% 73.91%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 70 03 72 145
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 02 07 14
Subtotal 75 05 79 159
Have not made a decision 09 00 13 22
Subtotal 84 05 92 181
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 84 05 92 181
Performance on this measure 89.29% 100% 85.87% 87.85%
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 98.84% 95% Met
Response Rate 97.29% 90% Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 738
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 281
Representatives of Education 770
Representatives of Employment 06
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 73
Representatives of Community Living 109
Representatives of Technology 11
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,988

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
912 1,035 41 1,988

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,866
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 96
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 07
Transition 19
Total 1,988

C. Description of Training Activities

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

One of the partners has been working through out this year and into next year with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to assist consumers with paroling into the community. We have worked with the case manager and therapy team to educate and train them and their staff on what type of AT is available to the consumer and funding to help the consumer gets his AT. This s a very new initiative to the state, it is the first AT collaboration with the Department of Corrections.

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

We continue to see an increase in referrals for transition based services. Since the start of the school year, there has also been an increase in K-12 referrals. We have been doing outreach to RI Education providers to update them on the services we are able to provide. Continued work with the University of Rhode Island on several grants they have received through the National Science Foundation. Our partners are working with RIDE OSCAS to develop an Assistive Technology Community of Practice for RI educators and therapists: Training has been provided to AccessPoint (AT and Smarthome Technology Overview); and to Johnson& Wales University {AT overview/hands-on for their OTD students). ATAP Partners also participated in an Open House for an elementary school in Warwick. It was attended by 85 people, mostly families. Additionally, partners provided Demonstration for Educators using iPad and Communication Apps in a Middle school environment. *Classroom Whiteboards are featured with more accessible software. An iPad mini demo for a parent group with Siri and other voice to text options and safety guidelines settings and features were highlighted to this group. Questions and resources are provided to students with disabilities, their families and educator teams to include technology within their realm of learning and productivity. Summer activities and some travel accommodations are some of these resources.*Extended School Year Services and Summer Programming are a critical issue for families.

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

ATAP Partner was asked to present at a training for an lnterprofessional Learning Day event. The training was held at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Partners did a presentations on communication strategies on deaf and hard of hearing who do not utilize sign language to medical students.

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 07
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 07
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 14%
Employment 12%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 53%
Community Living 21%
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:

OSCIL worked with 1 Skilled Nursing Facility to provide information on technology and AT programs available to their patients to increase the effectiveness of their programs. OSCIL has been working through out this quarter and into next quarter with the department of corrections to assist a consumer with paroling into the community, we have worked with the case manager and therapy team to educate on AT avaialble to the consumer and funding to help the consumer gets his AT. OSCIL worked with the West Warwick to educate of available vision and hearing equipment to better meet the needs of library visitors and have AT available at the library that they could use during their library visit. OSCIL worked with a group home to educate on AT available to their residents and help them better meet their residents AT needs.

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

Tech Access collaborated with and hosted break out sessions at the ATCNE Conference. Three sessions of the conference were presented by Tech Access. A Roadmap for the AAC Journey; 3DPrinted KeyGuards-Soup to Nuts; and Post-Secondary Success Starts Early Through Participation and Engagement. These were the most well attended sessions of the conference. During this reporting period our partners participated in the ATAP sponsored National Assistive Technology Awareness Day eveny held at a local library. The event featured RI agencies and resources that provide AT services and support. It was well attended and participating individuals received an AT Toolkit with low tech items that support individuals with 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. Partner, OSCIL met with various schools, local agencies, etc. to spread AT awareness. They met with: Central Falls Clinic, Greenville library, Smithfield Housing Authority, Smithfield Senior Center, Pawtucket Public library, Cranston Senior Center, Vets Support Group, West Warwick Housing Pawtucket Senior Center, Leo Mathew Sr. Center, Woonsocket Senior Center, Cape Verdean Festival, West Warwick Pride, Interfaith and Community Agency AARP West Warwick, RICDHH Deafblind Stakeholders Event, Burrillville Aging Stronger Event, Jamestown Senior Center, Central Falls Housing Authority, St. Elizabeth Apartments, Smithfield Senior Center, East Providence Senior Center, Salva Regina Graduate VR/Counseling Class, Charter Care, ATAP AT Awareness Event, Warwick HEZ family fun day, Hearing Loss demo seminar to inform participants about AT available through OSCIL and other programs. There were many attendees. Mancini Senior Center and ORS VR staff to educate staff and community about AT programs. Providence Mayor's Day, Blackstone Community Health Center, Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, Community Care Alliance Resource, Accessibility is Beautiful event. Participates at all these events were informed about AT available through OSCIL and other programs. There were many attendees at each event.

2. Other Public Awareness Activities: OSCIL AT section of our website received 186 views. OSCIL updated its website to be more user friendly and accessible to the community to increase awareness of AT program available. OSCIL 2022 newsletter was sent to 1350 subscribers. OSCIL staff completed presentation at CCRI for Occupational Therapy Assistant students to educate on AT programs and AT was demonstrated to students. Community members visited the OSCIL website and Face book page to learn more about assistive technology. There were 13,082 visits to the OSCIL website. There were 1,621 interactions to AT related posts on social media.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 115 175 290
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 64 133 197
Representative of Education 78 17 95
Representative of Employment 13 05 18
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 10 19 29
Representative of Community Living 56 44 100
Representative of Technology 22 13 35
Unable to Categorize 17 00 17
Total 375 406 781

Referral Types:

It is a top priority to collaborate and develop strong partnerships to continue to spread awareness about services to ensure we continue to receive community referrals. Some partnerships developed: Tech Access is currently providing smart home technology through a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation and accepting applications (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TechACCESSSmartHome). We are continuing to write grants that will allow us to expand that work. They are also providing adaptive gaming services through a grant we received from the Roy T. Morgan Foundation. This grant allows us to evaluate client needs and provide them with loan equipment. Individuals who are interested can apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TechACCESSAdaptiveGamingApplication. Tech Access also received a grant to provide an employment evaluation for someone who has no other funding options. The grant-funded Robotics Club and Adapted Book Club took place during the summer. We hope to continue to off

Referral Sources:

The ATAP providers receive referrals from many different sources across the state. Providers continue to have a vast Social Media presence. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are utilized for referrals and professional development. AT Education and Information is disseminated through partners such as RI Department of Education, RI Library Systems, School district personnel, RI Parent Information Network, Sister Agencies like BHDDH and other adult service agencies. Because Rhode Island is such a small state, AT services are provided Statewide.

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?

ATEL an ATAP partner has started a new program to help bridge the digital divide of our older adults, providing monthly awareness, demonstrations, and trainings to older adults in underserved areas. This is a collaboration with local senior centers and libraries. Prior to scheduling one-on-one trainings on tablets and smartphones; Providers did a presentation on Technology Challenges and Solutions For Older Adults at each location before beginning training so that older adults that embrace new technologies in housing and safety guarantee that they will remain in their own homes and communities longer, improve communication and quality of life by reducing isolation, improve management of medications and transportation. The Program it is providing monthly trainings at the following locations: Burrillville (Library, and 3 senior housing complexes), Glocester Senior Center, Lincoln Senior Center, Pawtucket Senior Center, Coventry Senior Center, N. Providence Senior Center, and the Meadows Senior housing complex in N. Smithfield.

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.

ATEL has completed numerous trainings Statewide. In the FFY 22, approximately 60 individuals participated in the various statewide events. As a result of this collaboration, many seniors in underserved areas received training and demonstration to better improve their daily living.

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

Education; Community Participation and Integration; Aging; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan; Demonstration; 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? 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

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 16:36:02 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.