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 |
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 |
---|
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
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% |
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% |
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
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 |
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 |
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.
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% |
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% |
The low average cost of reutilized devices in the speech communication category is due ton high tech devices being reutilized during this time period.
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 |
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 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
---|
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 |
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.
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% |
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% |
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% |
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.
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 |
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 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 88 |
Service Provider | 39 |
Vendor | 140 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 03 |
Total | 270 |
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.
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% |
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% |
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 |
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 |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 98.07% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 99.26% | 90% | Met |
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 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
847 | 57 | 00 | 904 |
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 |
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.
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 |
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.
Education | 36% |
---|---|
Employment | 00% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 45% |
Community Living | 10% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 09% |
Total | 100% |
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
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
---|
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;
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 |
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Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
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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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Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:36:46 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)