National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Tennessee 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Tennessee Technology Access Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html
Mailing Address:
505 Deaderick St., James K. Polk Building, 15th Floor
City:
Nashville
State:
TN
Zip Code:
37243
Program Email:
TN.TTAP@tn.gov
Phone:
615-313-5183
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Mailing Address:
505 Deaderick St., James K. Polk Building
City:
Nashville
State:
TN
Zip Code:
37243
Program URL:
http://tn.gov/humanservices

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):
Kimberly Lilley
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
615-532-4103
E-mail:
kim.lilley@tn.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Kevin Wright
Title:
Assistant Commissioner, Div of Rehab Services
Phone:
615-741-3599
E-mail:
kevin.r.wright@tn.gov
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):
Kimberly Lilley
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
615-532-4103
E-mail:
kim.lilley@tn.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
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? 0


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 00 00
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

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 1,358
C. Total 1,358

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 1,358

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 165 $116,150 $0 $116,150
Hearing 05 $370 $0 $370
Speech Communication 83 $2,355 $0 $2,355
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 101 $17,767 $0 $17,767
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 1,061 $513,466 $0 $513,466
Daily Living 302 $62,503 $0 $62,503
Environmental Adaptations 12 $5,155 $0 $5,155
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 200 $50,369 $0 $50,369
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 46 $4,013 $0 $4,013
Total 1,975 $772,148 $0 $772,148

D. Anecdote

A Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) / Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) contacted the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) assistive technology (AT) partner center serving East Tennessee. She was assisting her friend, Sue, with progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in locating relevant resources and equipment. Sue previously worked as a teacher and principal. While she still lives alone, she is now non-ambulatory and relies on family, friends, and paid caregivers to assist with most of her self-care. Throughout the progression of her disease, she incurred significant expenses to cover the cost of necessary equipment. At the time of the inquiry, Sue was specifically needing a reclining tilt-in-space shower chair. This type of item is rarely donated to the center’s reutilization program. However, the center had just received a donation of the item she needed a few days before her inquiry. With this donation, the center was able to immediately meet her need at no cost. A relationship formed between the AT center and Sue, with plans to follow up remotely to discuss any additional assistive technology she may need to enhance her functional skills and quality of life as her MS continues to progress.

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. 82 67 1,088 1,237
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 50 01 38 89
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 04 08 13
4. Subtotal 133 72 1,134 1,339
5. None of the above 05 03 11 19
6. Subtotal 138 75 1,145 1,358
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 138 75 1,145 1,358
9. Performance on this measure 96.38% 96% 99.04%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,324 97.5%
Satisfied 27 1.99%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 07 0.52%
Total Surveyed 1,358
Response rate % 99.48%

G. Notes:

The low average cost of reutilized devices in the speech communication category is due ton high tech devices being reutilized during this time period.

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) 155
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 23
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 43
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 08
Total 229

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 137 58 195
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 07 02 09
Representative of Education 07 11 18
Representative of Employment 01 01 02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 03 01 04
Representatives of Community Living 00 01 01
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 155 74 229

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 96 24 120
Hearing 09 03 12
Speech Communication 18 17 35
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 14 01 15
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10 11 21
Daily Living 13 00 13
Environmental Adaptations 02 00 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 33 35 68
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03 09 12
Total 198 100 298

E. Anecdote

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner center in Southeast TN received a request from a woman in her mid-80s needing assistance with monitoring some of her important health information. Macular degeneration led to significant vision loss, preventing her from utilizing standard personal medical devices to monitor her weight and blood pressure. The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) loaned her a talking scale and talking blood pressure cuff. While borrowing these devices, she was able to determine she could manage these tasks more independently with these devices. As a result, her family purchased the items for her for Christmas.

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 26 03 90 119
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 01 23 27
Subtotal 29 04 113 146
Have not made a decision 04 00 02 06
Subtotal 33 04 115 152
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 33 04 118 155
Performance on this measure 87.88% 100% 98.26%

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. 15 06 27 48
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 00 06 14
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 06 02 08
4. Subtotal 23 12 35 70
5. None of the above 03 01 00 04
6. Subtotal 26 13 35 74
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 26 13 35 74
9. Performance on this measure 88.46% 92.31% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 184 80.35%
Satisfied 13 5.68%
Satisfied somewhat 11 4.8%
Not at all satisfied 12 5.24%
Nonrespondent 09 3.93%
Total Surveyed 229
Response rate % 96.07%

I. Notes:

The number of decision-making loans account for approximately 2/3 of the overall loans for the year. The other short term loans were provided based on the needs of the customers served in TN.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 265
Hearing 35
Speech Communication 17
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 16
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10
Daily Living 26
Environmental Adaptations 03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 34
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05
Total # of Device Demonstrations 411

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 384 03 387
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 12 241 253
Representatives of Education 04 00 04
Representatives of Employment 00 01 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 09 26 35
Representative of Community Living 02 23 25
Representative of Technology 00 04 04
Total 411 298 709

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 88
Service Provider 39
Vendor 140
Repair Service 00
Others 03
Total 270

D. Anecdote

Services for the Blind referred a gentleman with macular degeneration to the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner AT center in East TN. He visited the center with his daughter to explore magnification options. While already using a handheld magnifier, he expressed interest in demonstrations of alternative options with larger viewing areas. Prior to the visit to the center, he was interested in trying a wearable low vision device. The visit to the center allowed him to try the device, which he determined felt too heavy on his head. The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) proceeded to show him alternative devices, including CCTV options to magnify print materials. The CCTV allowed him to see words in the positive black and white setting quite well. He also felt an alternative handheld magnifier with LED light also worked well for his vision. He had worked as a scientist in East Tennessee and around the world, including in Africa and Indonesia. He shared that he just received an alumni award through UT for his work. He expressed that he still enjoys reading and continues his contribution to a non-profit focused on decision-making to foster sustainability in the Southern Appalachians. The demonstration ultimately led to providing him with a CCTV via the device reutilization program for use in his home. Access to the device enables him to continue participating in the activities he loves.

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 26 25 315 366
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 01 23 24
Subtotal 26 26 338 390
Have not made a decision 03 01 17 21
Subtotal 29 27 355 411
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 29 27 355 411
Performance on this measure 89.66% 96.3% 95.21%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 640 90.27%
Satisfied 47 6.63%
Satisfied somewhat 20 2.82%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.14%
Nonrespondent 01 0.14%
Total 709
Response rate % 99.86%

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. 97 73 1,115 1,285
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 58 01 44 103
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 10 10 21
4. Subtotal 156 84 1,169 1,409
5. None of the above 08 04 11 23
6. Subtotal 164 88 1,180 1,432
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 164 88 1,180 1,432
9. Performance on this measure 94.51% 84.09% 98.22% 96.93%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 52 28 405 485
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 02 46 51
Subtotal 55 30 451 536
Have not made a decision 07 01 19 27
Subtotal 62 31 470 563
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 62 31 473 566
Performance on this measure 88.71% 96.77% 95.96% 95.2%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 98.07% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.26% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 357
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 109
Representatives of Education 209
Representatives of Employment 35
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 108
Representatives of Community Living 32
Representatives of Technology 07
Unable to Categorize 47
TOTAL 904

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
847 57 00 904

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 405
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 05
Combination of any/all of the above 106
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 182
Transition 206
Total 904

C. Description of Training Activities

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

A corrections officer with county jail/penal farm in West TN contacted the TN Technology access Program (TTAP) partner center serving that area regarding an inmate that was legally blind. The center’s Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) / Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for Individuals with Visual Impairments (CATIS) subsequently arranged for a training with the corrections officer and colleagues on how to work with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The corrections officers indicated they often have inmates with visual impairments and inmates are not allowed to use mobility canes in the jail because they are considered weapons. The COMS/CATIS taught the officers how to use a sighted guide technique to help inmates with navigation within the jail when needed. THe corrections officers were also provided other suggestions on how to modify some of their existing practices for inmates with visual impairments. The officers were very receptive to the training and appreciative of the ideas that can be used to best meet the needs of inmates with visual impairments.

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

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) assistive technology (AT) partner center serving Middle and West Tennessee coordinated a transition training webinar featuring information from the ARC of Tennessee and Transition Tennessee along with guest speaker Brad Blair. He is a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS), Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for Individuals with Visual Impairments (CATIS), and Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT). Seventy-two individuals including educators, rehabilitation professionals, and parents/caregivers from across the TN, the US, and Canada joined the webinar to learn more about individuals with disabilities transitioning from high school on to their next endeavor. The AT center’s Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist / Assistive Technology Professional (OTR/L, ATP) additionally spoke more specifically about the AT services available through TTAP and Vocational Rehabilitation programs that can be integral parts of the transition process. The knowledge gained from this training will empower participants to be better prepared to assist students with disabilities as they transition to the next step after high school.

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

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner center serving Southeast TN held their fourth-annual Accessibility Summit, coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 19th. The hybrid event hosted on the Chattanooga State Community College campus welcomed a total of 162 participants in-person and virtually. The six-hour event included a variety of speakers and panelists sharing information on topics such as “Inclusion and Technology: Accessibility in the Digital Environment” and “An Accessible Education: From Early Childhood to Post-Secondary”. After the training, participants provided feedback indicating the knowledge gained with comments noting how designing with inclusion in mind is crucial and how there was more they could do to build and reinforce inclusion. As the participants take the information back to their places of employment, there will be opportunities to improve the accessibility of documents used in a variety of platforms and environments.

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 83
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 48
No known outcome at this time 17
Nonrespondent 34
Total 182
Performance Measure Percentage 72%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

The minimum ICT performance measure was met. The primary factor resulting in the reported performance measure corresponds to a large ICT training event that included many virtual participants. All nonrespondents and 16 of the 17 "No known outcome at this time" responses are associated with that event. The partner center hosting the event did make multiple attempts to obtain additional surveys from attendees.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 36%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 45%
Community Living 10%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 09%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner center serving Middle and West Tennessee recently completed a pilot technical assistance project to introduce switch-adapted toys to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis. Le Bonheur is a 255-bed children's hospital located in Memphis, Tennessee that provides highly specialized medical care often over long periods of time. The project was led by the AT center’s Manager of Donor and Community Relations and Vice President of Business Intelligence. The Manager of Donor and Community Relations worked as a Child Life Specialist prior to her career at the partnering AT center. The Vice President of Business Intelligence introduced switch-adapted toys to the Manager of Donor and Community Relations, and she immediately saw a need for switch-adapted toys in Child Life programs at hospitals. Switch-adapted toys enable children with disabilities, along with children who may have serious illnesses or injuries, to engage in play. Exampl

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

A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) from a healthcare and rehabilitation facility contacted the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) assistive technology (AT) center in serving Southeast Tennessee. The SLP expressed to the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) the need for more knowledge about Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices, as she currently had three residents that needed communication devices. The SLP knew access to communication was an important part of not only these specific patients’ care while in the facility, but as they transitioned to other living situations and other patients who may transition to the facility for care. However, she was a recent graduate with no practical AAC experience, knowledge of how to conduct an evaluation to determine the most appropriate device, or familiarity with the report writing requirements necessary to request the acquisition of an AAC device for an individual through medical insurance. The ATP provided tec

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. At the request of a State of TN Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner center serving Middle and West Tennessee accompanied them for a workplace accommodation / site tour and a major manufacturing plant. At the conclusion of the tour, a roundtable discussion was arranged to allow the ATP to specifically share information regarding possible accommodations and technology available for their current or future employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. The facility is a leading employer in the area. Attendees present included, Event Organizers, Managers, Production Engineering staff, a State of Tennessee Deaf-Blind Coordinator, Human Resource Team Member Solutions Manager, and other representatives from the Safety and Production departments. The AT additionally provided the counselor with a binder containing prepared information about subject matter including collecting information, American Disability Act (ADA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Job Accessibility Network (JAN), DeafTec, Olelo captioned calls, and Accommodation-Solutions. The information shared brought awareness about the availability of AT devices and solutions as well as the importance of accommodations in the workplace with the intent of increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in that area.

2. A Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner center was invited to participate in Courageous Conversations-Inclusivity: Let's Talk Barriers by TVA, in cooperation with TVA Amigos and TVA ABLED. This virtual panel event included and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from the partner center alongside a specialist in autism and employment, and an individual representing the Latino community from LaPaz in Chattanooga. Over 75 attendees participated in the conversation ranging from how the pandemic affected people with disabilities in employment, barriers the underrepresented groups face, stereotypes in the workplace, and more. The discussion allowed for many opportunities to incorporate the relevance of assistive technology (AT) in the conversation related to hiring individuals with disabilities and the potential costs or lack thereof. Attendees gained knowledge about supports from Vocational Rehabilitation as well as tax credits that may be of interest to employers. The event allowed active engagement with attendees as they were gaining knowledge to learn more about hiring and supporting employees with disabilities.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 956 113 1,069
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 169 60 229
Representative of Education 46 22 68
Representative of Employment 07 04 11
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 70 23 93
Representative of Community Living 90 08 98
Representative of Technology 06 00 06
Unable to Categorize 04 01 05
Total 1,348 231 1,579

Referral Types:

During the report period, TTAP has enhanced the referrals from healthcare professionals. Individualized efforts have been made to connect with a greater number healthcare professionals in the area. One factor that is helping raise awareness of the program is the intentional effort to increase the amount of durable medical equipment (DME) available for reutilization, particularly in Middle TN. The increased availability of DME is generating connections with social workers, healthcare advocates, and therapists. It is often mentioned that they heard about the program from another professional. A TTAP partner center additionally provided technical assistance in the establishment of an adapted toy library at a children’s hospital, with other hospitals to follow. This is assisting in raising awareness within the healthcare community. Continued efforts will occur I the year ahead to connect with more professionals in this industry.

Referral Sources:

Through the most recent reporting period, the largest referral source reported is attributed to AT program customers and self-referrals. It is estimated that approximately 75% of that group of customer referrals for Info & assistance services stems from one particular region of TN. This is likely attributed to a change in services provided by the partner center in that region, as they are no longer contracted to provide AT services for Vocational Rehabilitation in that area of the state. The center is known for the services for individuals with vision loss and are fielding a high number of inquiries and requests for assistance. The number of I&A for the area may decrease after the initial transition period, review of data, and assessment of how to best provide services within that area. With the variety of other referral sources, there is no other set percentage attributed to a particular entity or relationship.

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 Executive Director of the TN Technology Access Program’s (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) center serving East TN functions as the lead in collaborative partnership with Scott Recycling that provides recycling of computers, small household appliances and electronics. The AT center accepts items for Scott Recycling to pick up, or people can take their items directly to Scott Recycling. In return, the AT center receives a minimum of 25% of computer and tablet donations. The devices are wiped clean with a new operating system added by Scott Recycling and donated back to the AT center for reutilization. The resulting devices are then available to any individual with a disability in East TN. Funding made available through TTAP contracts help to fund the activities, and the center may utilize undesignated funds raised if they see fit. Contributions of the time and donations are made by Scott Recycling.

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.

With the increase in reutilized computers, the AT center has assisted two low-income housing complexes for seniors and/or individuals with disabilities upgrade the computers for their residents. This will remain an ongoing collaborative partnership to continue meeting the technology needs of individuals in East TN. Additionally, the AT center will provide ongoing technical assistance to the facilities and/or training for residents to maximize their independent use of computers, tablets, and personal government-issued phones. This partnership has increased the outreach and visibility of the AT center, allowing a growing number of individuals to be reached by the AT program. With the success of this partnership, the details and logistics will be further evaluated to in the upcoming year to determine if similar relationships can be established in other areas of the state.

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

Recreation / Leisure; Aging;

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

Reuse;

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 16:36:46 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.