National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Back to state program information page

Washington 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://watap.org

Mailing Address:

UW Box 357920

City:

Seattle

State:

Zip Code:

98195

Program Email:

watap@uw.edu

Phone:

800-214-8731

TTY:

866-866-0162

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies

Mailing Address:

University of Washington, UW Box 357920

City:

Seattle

State:

Zip Code:

98195

Program URL:

https://uwctds.washington.edu

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Knue, Alan

Title:

Director

Phone:

2066856836

E-mail:

aknue@uw.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Knue, Alan

Title:

Director

Phone:

2066856836

E-mail:

aknue@uw.edu

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):

Rhodes, Carol

Title:

Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

Phone:

2065434043

E-mail:

osp@uw.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Yes

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?

Yes

Loan Applications
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	92	13	105
Approved Not made	10	00	10
Rejected	27	04	31
Total	129	17	146

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$10,092	Highest Income:	$214,020

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$5,830,280	105	$55,526

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
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%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
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%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	105	$933,984
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	105	$933,984

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	5%
Highest	5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
525	105	5%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
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

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
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

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	04
Net loss for loans in default	$10,732

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Other: Individual Development Accounts

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

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	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:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

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

Activity 2

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of 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:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

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

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?

D. Anecdote

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.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

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

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	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

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	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

D. Anecdote

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.

Michelle with one of the Equipment Center's Technicians

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

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.

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	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

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	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

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	21

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	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

E. Anecdote

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.

Stacey receiving her diploma with President Jim Richardson at Wenatchee Valley College

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	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

B. Types of Participants

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

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	03
Service Provider	40
Vendor	00
Repair Service	00
Others	01
Total	44

D. Anecdote

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.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services	Percent	ACL Target	Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied	98.93%	95%	Met
Response Rate	94.40%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
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

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
518	31	00	549

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
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

C. Description of Training Activities

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.

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	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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	05%
Employment	15%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	10%
Community Living	55%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	15%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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.

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. 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.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
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

Referral Types:

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.

Referral Sources:

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.

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?

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?

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;

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?

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
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

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.

B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

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.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY22 (9/30/2022) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY22 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY22, but plan to expend funding in FY23 and/or FY24
We expended some of all of this funding in FY22 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY22:

$828.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.70
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

WATAP's new Assistive Technology Support Technician was hired in late September 2022 and is supporting WATAP’s computing and device demonstration and lending library. This position will also working on some new endeavors to support independent living, address social isolation, and support the wellbeing of older adults and people with disabilities through the use of assistive technology, such as accessible gaming, virtual reality, smart home tech, and 3D printing.

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 16:37:56 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)