Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | Yes |
---|---|
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
Area of Residence | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
Approved Loan made | 92 | 13 | 105 |
Approved Not made | 10 | 00 | 10 |
Rejected | 27 | 04 | 31 |
Total | 129 | 17 | 146 |
Lowest Income: | $10,092 | Highest Income: | $214,020 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$5,830,280 | 105 | $55,526 |
Income Ranges | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$15,000 or Less |
$15,001- $30,000 |
$30,001- $45,000 |
$45,001- $60,000 |
$60,001- $75,000 |
$75,001 or More |
||
Number of Loans | 17 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 09 | 29 | 105 |
Percentage of Loans | 16.19% | 19.05% | 19.05% | 9.52% | 8.57% | 27.62% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 105 | 100% |
Partnership Loans | ||
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
Total | 105 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 105 | $933,984 |
Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
Total | 105 | $933,984 |
Lowest | 5% |
---|---|
Highest | 5% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
525 | 105 | 5% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
4.1% to 6.0% | 105 |
6.1% to 8.0% | 00 |
8.1% - 10.0% | 00 |
10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
14.1% + | 00 |
Total | 105 |
Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Vision | 00 | $0 |
Hearing | 36 | $122,589 |
Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 16 | $20,433 |
Daily living | 23 | $85,520 |
Environmental adaptations | 05 | $104,485 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 26 | $597,552 |
Computers and related | 05 | $3,405 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
Total | 111 | $933,984 |
Number Loans in default | 04 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $10,732 |
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? | 2 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: Individual Development Accounts |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 10 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
C. Total Served | 10 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 10 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 3 | $4,649 |
Hearing | 0 | $0 |
Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 1 | $273 |
Daily living | 21 | $16,528 |
Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
Computers and related | 4 | $3,848 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
Total | 29 | $25,298 |
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Telecommunications equipment distribution |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 37 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
C. Total Served | 37 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 37 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 36 | $43,182 |
Hearing | 11 | $7,016 |
Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 |
Daily living | 0 | $0 |
Environmental adaptations | 2 | $194 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
Computers and related | 50 | $41,550 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
Total | 99 | $91,942 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
Amanda and Tim, a mother and son, learnt about Northwest Access Fund through a local adaptive vehicle vendor. They were in the market for a new vehicle as their existing vehicle was old and unreliable, and they were often having to rent vehicles that would accommodate Tim's wheelchair at significant cost. With a collection and thin credit file, Northwest Access Fund was able to approve the applicants for a loan even though they were not able to be approved for financing by a mainstream financial institution. Amanda and Tim found a 10-year-old vehicle with low miles that was well within their budget. But besides the obvious benefits to having their own accessible vehicle, they have found an unexpected one. Tim is used to riding in the back facing sideways with his head more titled towards the back of the van, so he couldn't really see out and at times, communication was difficult if not impossible. In this van Tim is sitting right next to Amanda and the van rides quietly, so they can have great conversations. Tim is so much more comfortable because he is facing the right way and has a shoulder seat belt which helps him sit better. Sitting better means he has easier breath control, and he isn't so exhausted after a conversation, and he is easier to understand. They love their new vehicle and how even some simple things we all take for granted are now possible.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 11 | 114 | 126 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 01 | 17 | 18 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 07 | 08 |
4. Subtotal | 02 | 12 | 138 | 152 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 02 | 12 | 138 | 152 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 02 | 12 | 138 | 152 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 143 | 94.08% |
Satisfied | 07 | 4.61% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 1.32% |
Total Surveyed | 152 | |
Response rate % | 98.68% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 01 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 2,463 |
C. Total | 2,464 |
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 | 2,464 |
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 | 01 | $22 | $0 | $22 |
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 | 01 | $22 | $0 | $22 |
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 | 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 | 3,051 | $4,788,142 | $0 | $4,788,142 |
Daily Living | 2,529 | $390,344 | $0 | $390,344 |
Environmental Adaptations | 110 | $5,524 | $0 | $5,524 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 5,690 | $5,184,010 | $0 | $5,184,010 |
Michelle was involved in a head on collision which resulted in several severe leg injuries and arthritis which contributed to significant mobility challenges over the years. She came to the Meyer Medical Equipment Center (MMEC), operated by WATAP’s device reuse partner, Bridge Disability Ministries, and received a re-furbished power wheelchair, which became the key to her increased independence and mobility. But Michelle isn’t just using her newly found mobility to meet her own needs. She goes out of her way to do what she can for her friends, getting around on her power wheelchair to shop for them, pick up their groceries, and just spread good cheer. Although her injuries and arthritis substantially limited her mobility over the years and even though she needs a power wheelchair to get around, it doesn’t mean Michelle has lost her sense of adventure and ability to make new friends wherever she goes. These days, she frequently drops by the MMEC with her new friends, acting as an ambassador for the Center and for device reuse and as an advocate for her friends, helping even more individuals with mobility challenges get the technology they need to be independent and contributing members of the community.
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 | 635 | 635 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 1,785 | 1,785 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 44 | 44 |
4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 2,464 | 2,464 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 2,464 | 2,464 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 00 | 2,464 | 2,464 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 2,365 | 95.98% |
Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Satisfied somewhat | 25 | 1.01% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 74 | 3% |
Total Surveyed | 2,464 | |
Response rate % | 97% |
WATAP’s device reuse partner, Bridge Disability Ministries Meyer Medical Equipment Center (MMEC) opened up a second warehouse location in 2020 and both locations are now operating at full capacity after nearly 2 years of lower capacity due to the pandemic. The second warehouse has allowed MMEC to accept more donations and to repair and refurbish more units, including more higher end equipment, resulting in a larger number of units provided and an increase in the value of the equipment provided resulting in higher savings.
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 236 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 01 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 00 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 01 |
Total | 238 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 171 | 00 | 171 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 05 | 00 | 05 |
Representative of Education | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Representative of Employment | 14 | 01 | 15 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 45 | 01 | 46 |
Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 236 | 02 | 238 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 21 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 103 | 00 | 103 |
Hearing | 37 | 00 | 37 |
Speech Communication | 11 | 00 | 11 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 14 | 00 | 14 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Daily Living | 27 | 00 | 27 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Computers and Related | 189 | 03 | 192 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 08 | 00 | 08 |
Total | 392 | 03 | 395 |
Stacey was a full-time student at Wenatchee Valley College. Stacey also has limited hand mobility and dexterity as a result past treatments for chronic illnesses and injuries. During the COVID pandemic, all her courses moved to be fully online, happening so suddenly that it required Stacey to set up a makeshift office at home. She needed to use her new computer setup several hours each day and it became apparent that the use of a standard mouse was debilitating and by the end of each day her wrists locked up and made it difficult to continue her work. So she reached out to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to seek any resources that may be available to help. She was able to enroll in a career plan/contract with DVR while she pursued work in the Information Technology field. Through DVR’s partnership with WATAP and with the help of her rehab counselor and regional assistive technology assessment practitioner, she was able to try an adjustable desk and chair, Dragon Naturally Speaking, an Anker Mouse, and a Sculpt keyboard. In particular, she was able to borrow the Anker Mouse over the summer, to ensure that this was the correct mousing product for her and that it would not further damage her hands and wrists and would be comfortable to use for long periods of time. DVR provided all of the ergonomic equipment she tried so that she could thrive in her home setting. Stacey received her Associates of Applied Science Degree over the summer of 2022. Her next chapter began in the fall of 2022 as she started her Information Technology and Administration Management bachelor’s degree program at Central Washington University. Stacey says that she is flourishing because of organizations such as WATAP and DVR and is grateful for the help and support they provided.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 12 | 65 | 53 | 130 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
Subtotal | 12 | 66 | 54 | 132 |
Have not made a decision | 02 | 01 | 00 | 03 |
Subtotal | 14 | 67 | 54 | 135 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 01 | 100 | 101 |
Total | 14 | 68 | 154 | 236 |
Performance on this measure | 85.71% | 98.51% | 53.95% |
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 | 01 | 01 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
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 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 130 | 54.62% |
Satisfied | 04 | 1.68% |
Satisfied somewhat | 03 | 1.26% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 101 | 42.44% |
Total Surveyed | 238 | |
Response rate % | 57.56% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 10 |
Hearing | 31 |
Speech Communication | 09 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 20 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 05 |
Daily Living | 05 |
Environmental Adaptations | 14 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 |
Computers and Related | 105 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 19 |
Total # of Device Demonstrations | 219 |
Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 80 | 04 | 84 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 05 | 40 | 45 |
Representatives of Education | 06 | 05 | 11 |
Representatives of Employment | 96 | 31 | 127 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 22 | 06 | 28 |
Representative of Community Living | 10 | 02 | 12 |
Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 219 | 88 | 307 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 03 |
Service Provider | 40 |
Vendor | 00 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 01 |
Total | 44 |
Ron was diagnosed with MS as an older adult and the progression of the disease in his later life has resulted in significant upper and lower extremity paralysis. He was looking to increase his independence with computer use, as he desired to write a book and to communicate via email with friends, family, and colleagues. But he had other limitations, as he needed to accesse the computer in bed or while in his wheelchair. Ron has been a long-time user of MacOS, but he wanted to try Dragon Naturally Speaking on a PC. So “Beth,” Ron’s wife, contacted WATAP on his behalf so he could try out various options for computer access. During the demonstration, he was given the chance to not only try Dragon, but also the voice control built into the MacOS operating system, which he was unaware of before visiting with WATAP’s AT Specialist. This ended up being the solution Ron was looking for, as he gained independence with controlling and creating content using his Mac and he didn’t need purchase a new computer and learn a whole new operating system. Additionally, during the demonstration, it was noted that his voice volume output suffered with use and generally declined as the day wore on. So he tried a voice amplifier. The addition of this simple device provided increased voice volume and helped with voice control accuracy. Ron now feels he is on his way to having the computer access he needs to remain productive and connected.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 00 | 144 | 43 | 187 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 28 | 02 | 30 |
Subtotal | 00 | 172 | 45 | 217 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Subtotal | 00 | 174 | 45 | 219 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 00 | 174 | 45 | 219 |
Performance on this measure | NaN% | 98.85% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 209 | 68.08% |
Satisfied | 94 | 30.62% |
Satisfied somewhat | 04 | 1.3% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 307 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 11 | 750 | 762 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 02 | 1,802 | 1,804 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 51 | 52 |
4. Subtotal | 02 | 13 | 2,603 | 2,618 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 02 | 13 | 2,603 | 2,618 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 02 | 13 | 2,603 | 2,618 |
9. Performance on this measure | 50% | 100% | 98.04% | 98.01% |
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 | 12 | 209 | 96 | 317 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 29 | 03 | 32 |
Subtotal | 12 | 238 | 99 | 349 |
Have not made a decision | 02 | 03 | 00 | 05 |
Subtotal | 14 | 241 | 99 | 354 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 01 | 100 | 101 |
Total | 14 | 242 | 199 | 455 |
Performance on this measure | 85.71% | 98.76% | 68.28% | 87.25% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 98.93% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 94.40% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 112 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 05 |
Representatives of Education | 49 |
Representatives of Employment | 227 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 26 |
Representatives of Community Living | 49 |
Representatives of Technology | 81 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 549 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
518 | 31 | 00 | 549 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 282 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 151 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 80 |
Transition | 36 |
Total | 549 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
WATAP continues to support the professional development for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) case managers, employment specialists, and community rehabilitation providers through a series of training opportunities. We provided 10 trainings via webinar to 198 participants. The series topics were (1) An Introduction to AT; (2) AT to Support Farmers and Agriculture Workers; (3) AT for Cognition and Mental Health; and (4) Mobile Technologies in the Workplace. Consistent with preceding years, WATAP’s trainings for DVR were designed to build competencies, promote the consideration of and proper matching of AT, and explore case studies and best practices around topics that have been identified by past participants as needed to better serve DVR clients. All participants are surveyed post training and we continue to address training topic requests and other AT needs from the field.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
WATAP participated in the Youth Leadership and Transition Forum, a cooperative project of the state Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE), with support from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Services for the Blind, and other community partners, including WATAP. Additionally, WATAP provided training at 2 Summer Workshops on Transition sponsored by the Centers for Independence in Marysville and Lakewood. Forum and workshop participants not only had the opportunity to explore AT options that can benefit and maintain and/or increase their independence and performance in school, but could also meet their changing needs as they transition to post-secondary education, employment and community living. Participants discussed AT services that can be accessed to support decision making as well as resources that could help them with transition related issues.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
WATAP was invited by the City of Seattle to provide on-line training to city employees responsible for developing and posting online content as part of their day-long recognition of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 19, 2022. Our training was provided to 80 participants and included the basic steps and best practices for making websites, documents, forms, and social media accessible. Participants are using the information gained from this training to improve and implement policies and practices within various city departments to ensure accessibility of citywide resources available on and downloaded from websites and social media sites.
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
---|---|
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 00 |
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 80 |
No known outcome at this time | 00 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 80 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 05% |
---|---|
Employment | 15% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 10% |
Community Living | 55% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 15% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
WATAP Staff have been working with various departments in the City of Seattle and King County to continue to support and promote accessible information and communication technology. Staff provided one-on-one consultation to city personnel around correcting accessibility problems on website and addressing electronic document accessibility. WATAP hopes to provide on-going training to support city and county staff to develop policies and procedures that will help departments to address, problem-solve, and correct web and electronic document accessibility issues within their current and future staffing.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
WATAP continues its partnership with the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation Georgia Institute of Technology on a collaborative project funded by NIDILRR called “Accommodation Expert Support System for Aging Well” or Aging Well for short. The project is developing an online tool to assist in the process of accommodating older individuals aging into or with a disability to promote aging in place and independence. During this past year, the project continued working on the “AT solutions for the Aging Well” website using International Standardization for Organization (ISO) classifications. The Assistive Tech Project Team has been providing feedback on the questions, answers, and AT solutions for the website tool and continue to work on matching up loss of functional issues with AT solutions. The Georgia Tech programming technicians are also currently working on the back end of the website to construct and implement the database.
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. WATAP continues work on the 5-year project funded by King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy providing assistive technology services and resources to low-income seniors and unpaid caregivers in rural and tribal communities in King County. We partnered with senior centers located within rural communities to connect with the community to promote healthy independent living, and as a means for us to showcase assistive technology and talk about the potential impact in the daily lives of seniors. WATAP participated in 9 community events at these senior centers, where we also offered opportunities for training and device demonstrations. WATAP reached over 150 seniors, their caregivers, and their health care provider through tabling and outreach presentations; training workshops focusing on AT to support gardening, medication management, cognition and mental health, hearing, and vision; and device demonstrations and device loans in connection with these events as well.
2.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 559 | 137 | 696 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 362 | 82 | 444 |
Representative of Education | 67 | 16 | 83 |
Representative of Employment | 178 | 24 | 202 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 131 | 05 | 136 |
Representative of Community Living | 156 | 65 | 221 |
Representative of Technology | 18 | 07 | 25 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 1,471 | 336 | 1,807 |
Many individuals learn about WATAP through community partners and their programs but also as a result of our own outreach, both in-person and virtual, and through our training and technical assistance efforts provided across the state. One example of on-going outreach that has resulted in increased referrals is through our King County project described under the public awareness section, which has resulted in an increase of rural seniors and their care givers accessing our programs. Another example is our Assistive Technology Providers Network, which promotes more meaningful professional networking, enhances collaboration among the network members and community partners, and promotes cross dissemination of information and resources. Referrals through our Providers Network has resulted in more meaningful referrals over the years from health care practitioners, educators, rehabilitation counselors especially for our device demonstration and device lending programs.
The largest portions of our referrals come through our relationships with our employment/ vocational rehabilitation agencies (estimated at 24%), through our state financing partners at the Northwest Access Fund and iCanConnect WA (20%), and through relationships with regional health care providers (18%). We also receive a significant portion of referrals through our in-person outreach (10%), other outreach including webinars (9%) and through Community Living Connects (estimated at 9%) which WATAP is a part of and includes agencies supporting independent living, aging and adult services, veterans, and caregivers. Remaining referrals (estimated at about 5%) come from education, WA AgrAbility, friends and family, and with the remaining 5% of our referrals as not known.
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 |
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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?
Since 2010, WATAP has supported the services provided by Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) through increased awareness of and expansion of access to assistive technology for school and work. This collaborative partnership came about through the initiative of the DVR Advisory Council Member on WATAP’s Advisory Council and a formal contract was already in place when WIOA was signed into law. WATAP leverages its federally mandated activities and resources to support professional development and increase access to assistive technology in DVR services. The partnership is refreshed and renewed by contract every 2 years, with the most recent being in the summer of 2022.
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.
Through this partnership, WATAP supports the professional needs of DVR staff, Tribal VR staff, DVR Contractors, and other DVR partners and increase effective implementation of AT to meet employment outcomes through the delivery of statewide and comprehensive training. WATAP has expanded its device demonstration program through the provision and maintenance of assistive technology provided to the regional DVR Assistive Technology Assessment Practitioners (ATAPs) that is used in device demonstrations and evaluations provided by the ATAPs. Funds provided by DVR has expanded WATAP's assistive technology device lending program that allows unlimited borrowing by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) and DVR Customers to inform DVR's purchasing decisions and reduce the purchase and storage of devices that end up not working for DVR Customers.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Employment; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Training;
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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Public/State Agency | $9,043 | Device Loan | True |
Federal | $414 | Demonstration | True |
Federal | $414 | Demonstration | True |
Private | $5,000 | Training | True |
Private | $470 | Device Loan | True |
Private | $172,750 | State Financing | True |
Public/State Agency | $49,375 | Training | True |
Public/State Agency | $84,901 | Technical Assistance | True |
Private | $375 | Technical Assistance | True |
Public/State Agency | $30,029 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
Public/State Agency | $7,598 | Demonstration | True |
Amount: $360,369 |
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 16:37:56 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)