National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Florida 2023
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 73 | 11 | 84 |
| Approved Not made | 14 | 02 | 16 |
| Rejected | 22 | 03 | 25 |
| Total | 109 | 16 | 125 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $3,599 | Highest Income: | $159,000 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $3,672,669 | 84 | $43,722 |
| 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 | 09 | 22 | 15 | 18 | 10 | 10 | 84 |
| Percentage of Loans | 10.71% | 26.19% | 17.86% | 21.43% | 11.9% | 11.9% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 77 | 91.67% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
| With loan guarantee only | 07 | 8.33% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 84 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 77 | $390,220 |
| Partnership Loans | 07 | $208,648 |
| Total | 84 | $598,868 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 7% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 449 | 84 | 5.34523809523809% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 03 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 76 |
| 6.1% to 8.0% | 05 |
| 8.1% - 10.0% | 00 |
| 10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
| 12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
| 14.1% + | 00 |
| Total | 84 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 04 | $12,593 |
| Hearing | 76 | $165,133 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 19 | $118,305 |
| Daily living | 01 | $3,773 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 16 | $281,437 |
| Computers and related | 02 | $2,283 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 01 | $15,344 |
| Total | 119 | $598,868 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
|---|
C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
|---|
D. Anecdote
BK has experienced hearing loss due to facial tumors. BK was able to use the financial loan program to purchase a hearing aid which helped maintain employment at a local car dealership. Having the hearing aid, assists BK in better communication with both customers and co-workers and has proven invaluable in providing consistent, professional work.
EH was able to use the financial loan program to purchase a modified van. The van allows EH to have the independence needed to not just get to and from work, appointments and other community and family events, but to also travel throughout the state as he works to create a outdoor recreation non-profit for individuals with disabilities. EH has a spinal cord injury and uses the van to host and participate in different events, promoting the importance of getting outdoors and being active, no matter your situation.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 08 | 37 | 46 |
| 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 | 01 | 03 | 04 |
| 4. Subtotal | 01 | 09 | 40 | 50 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 02 | 07 | 09 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 11 | 47 | 59 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 01 | 24 | 25 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 12 | 71 | 84 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 75% | 56.34% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 55 | 65.48% |
| Satisfied | 05 | 5.95% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 1.19% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 23 | 27.38% |
| Total Surveyed | 84 | |
| Response rate % | 72.62% |
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 09 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 1,135 |
| C. Total | 1,144 |
| 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 | 1,144 |
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
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Exchanged | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 03 | $687 | $0 | $687 |
| Daily Living | 06 | $261 | $0 | $261 |
| 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 | 09 | $948 | $0 | $948 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| 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 | 08 | $2,032 | $0 | $2,032 |
| Hearing | 08 | $590 | $0 | $590 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 962 | $301,291 | $311 | $300,980 |
| Daily Living | 562 | $32,652 | $21 | $32,631 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 32 | $5,470 | $0 | $5,470 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 04 | $9,975 | $0 | $9,975 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 04 | $8,670 | $0 | $8,670 |
| Total | 1,581 | $360,730 | $332 | $360,398 |
D. Anecdote
Robert Copeland is a 67-year-old Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward County resident with a neurological. Robert contacted the Center for Independent Living of Broward Loan Closet department in need of a 18 inch wide manual wheelchair and a four-wheel walker with seat. The Equipment Loan Manager was happy to provide Robert with a four-wheel walker with seat and a 18 inch wide manual wheelchair. This was able to be done through donations and the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) program funding. The Equipment Loan Manager gave Mr. Copeland tips on how to maintain all equipment. Thanks to the CILB, Robert Copeland can stay independent and has more accessibility throughout his home and community.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 05 | 06 | 1,019 | 1,030 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 20 | 20 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 57 | 57 |
| 4. Subtotal | 05 | 06 | 1,096 | 1,107 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 12 | 12 |
| 6. Subtotal | 05 | 06 | 1,108 | 1,119 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 25 | 25 |
| 8. Total | 05 | 06 | 1,133 | 1,144 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 96.73% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 1,049 | 91.7% |
| Satisfied | 50 | 4.37% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 45 | 3.93% |
| Total Surveyed | 1,144 | |
| Response rate % | 96.07% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 1,671 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 72 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 353 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 215 |
| Total | 2,311 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 825 | 60 | 885 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 266 | 58 | 324 |
| Representative of Education | 74 | 60 | 134 |
| Representative of Employment | 17 | 42 | 59 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 467 | 413 | 880 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 18 | 01 | 19 |
| Representatives of Technology | 04 | 06 | 10 |
| Total | 1,671 | 640 | 2,311 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 35 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 162 | 48 | 210 |
| Hearing | 70 | 10 | 80 |
| Speech Communication | 435 | 372 | 807 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 292 | 43 | 335 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 486 | 22 | 508 |
| Daily Living | 249 | 135 | 384 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 134 | 72 | 206 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 706 | 211 | 917 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 52 | 29 | 81 |
| Total | 2,587 | 943 | 3,530 |
E. Anecdote
K.R, 59 year-old female, Polk County K.R is an Occupational Therapist with Lakeland Regional Health She came to CIL Lakeland Office with 2 speech language pathologists to learn more about the FAASST program and see firsthand the assistive technology that was available. K.R took out on loan 3 items a LED Lighting system, C-PEN Reader, Yes You Can Electric can opener She reported that this program is very beneficial for her and her staff as she oversees the inpatient rehab at Lakeland Regional health specifically working with patients who have had a stroke, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. It gives staff the ability to expose patients to different products to see if it will work for their specific needs before they purchase it.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 478 | 54 | 786 | 1,318 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 16 | 06 | 26 | 48 |
| Subtotal | 494 | 60 | 812 | 1,366 |
| Have not made a decision | 121 | 12 | 79 | 212 |
| Subtotal | 615 | 72 | 891 | 1,578 |
| Nonrespondent | 45 | 08 | 40 | 93 |
| Total | 660 | 80 | 931 | 1,671 |
| Performance on this measure | 80.33% | 83.33% | 91.13% | |
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 52 | 07 | 46 | 105 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 57 | 09 | 84 | 150 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 14 | 02 | 10 | 26 |
| 4. Subtotal | 123 | 18 | 140 | 281 |
| 5. None of the above | 199 | 19 | 78 | 296 |
| 6. Subtotal | 322 | 37 | 218 | 577 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 49 | 06 | 08 | 63 |
| 8. Total | 371 | 43 | 226 | 640 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 38.2% | 48.65% | 64.22% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 2,025 | 87.62% |
| Satisfied | 164 | 7.1% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 18 | 0.78% |
| Not at all satisfied | 12 | 0.52% |
| Nonrespondent | 92 | 3.98% |
| Total Surveyed | 2,311 | |
| Response rate % | 96.02% |
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 | 155 |
| Hearing | 102 |
| Speech Communication | 684 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 252 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 444 |
| Daily Living | 466 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 114 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 181 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 135 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 2,535 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 1,440 | 168 | 1,608 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 405 | 246 | 651 |
| Representatives of Education | 165 | 70 | 235 |
| Representatives of Employment | 13 | 11 | 24 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 455 | 439 | 894 |
| Representative of Community Living | 51 | 127 | 178 |
| Representative of Technology | 06 | 00 | 06 |
| Total | 2,535 | 1,061 | 3,596 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 48 |
| Service Provider | 17 |
| Vendor | 35 |
| Repair Service | 02 |
| Others | 03 |
| Total | 105 |
D. Anecdote
A young woman was referred to the Central Regional Demonstration Center (CRDC) in Tampa by her Occupational Therapist. She was diagnosed with Pott disease and wanted to learn about assistive technology solutions to help at school and home. She explained how her diagnosis resulted in extreme fatigue, so we knew assistive technology would help in many areas of her life. After learning more about her goals for school and daily living, our appointment focused on environmental control systems, aids for daily living, and computer access. She was able to identify a variety of solutions in each category such as the Amazon Echo, Ergonomic Reacher, Ergo Rest Arm Support, and the Livescribe notetaking device. Her main goal was to conserve energy and remain independent and many of the devices we demonstrated immediately met her needs. She described the Ergonomic Reacher as “literally perfect” and was thankful we were able to explore so many different solutions during her time at the CRDC.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 575 | 118 | 1,305 | 1,998 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 02 | 03 | 15 | 20 |
| Subtotal | 577 | 121 | 1,320 | 2,018 |
| Have not made a decision | 78 | 16 | 239 | 333 |
| Subtotal | 655 | 137 | 1,559 | 2,351 |
| Nonrespondent | 106 | 09 | 69 | 184 |
| Total | 761 | 146 | 1,628 | 2,535 |
| Performance on this measure | 75.82% | 82.88% | 81.08% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 2,791 | 77.61% |
| Satisfied | 635 | 17.66% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 12 | 0.33% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 158 | 4.39% |
| Total | 3,596 | |
| Response rate % | 95.61% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 58 | 21 | 1,102 | 1,181 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 57 | 09 | 104 | 170 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 14 | 03 | 70 | 87 |
| 4. Subtotal | 129 | 33 | 1,276 | 1,438 |
| 5. None of the above | 199 | 21 | 97 | 317 |
| 6. Subtotal | 328 | 54 | 1,373 | 1,755 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 49 | 07 | 57 | 113 |
| 8. Total | 377 | 61 | 1,430 | 1,868 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 35.06% | 54.55% | 84.81% | 74.85% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 1,053 | 172 | 2,091 | 3,316 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 18 | 09 | 41 | 68 |
| Subtotal | 1,071 | 181 | 2,132 | 3,384 |
| Have not made a decision | 199 | 28 | 318 | 545 |
| Subtotal | 1,270 | 209 | 2,450 | 3,929 |
| Nonrespondent | 151 | 17 | 109 | 277 |
| Total | 1,421 | 226 | 2,559 | 4,206 |
| Performance on this measure | 77.83% | 83.03% | 84.64% | 82.28% |
| 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 | 99.37% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 95.54% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 3,604 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 1,367 |
| Representatives of Education | 992 |
| Representatives of Employment | 430 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 3,128 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 982 |
| Representatives of Technology | 30 |
| Unable to Categorize | 3,810 |
| TOTAL | 14,343 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,653 | 1,525 | 2,165 | 14,343 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 11,832 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 514 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 590 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 20 |
| Transition | 1,387 |
| Total | 14,343 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Staff Provided in-depth training to a Physical Therapist program on assistive technology tools that can assist individuals with disabilities in the rehab setting - motor access, communication difficulties, and daily living tasks.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Staff provided the transition training with focus on transition into or out of school for kids with ASD. Training on the different assistive technology resources incorporated within these transition processes. The impact of the training resulted in understanding how different AT can be incorporated into the life of a child with ASD to make transitioning easier and adapting to the school settings.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Staff hosted a senior tech class, Participants were given the opportunity to discuss their goals with technology and what they were hoping to achieve by participating in the classes. Staff went over safety rules for emailing and how to set up an email for those who did not have one. Staff also showed participants how to access their email on their preferred device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.).Participants enjoyed the class and asked when staff will be coming back.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 01 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 14 |
| No known outcome at this time | 05 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 20 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 75% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 17% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 00% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00% |
| Community Living | 61% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 22% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
FAAST Executive Director assisted the Florida Independent Living Council (FILC) with creating an accessible event that would cater to both an in-person and virtual audience. The event was a biannual Florida Independent Living Conference October 24-25, 2022 in Jacksonville, FL that provided training for the staff at Centers for Independent Living around the state. FAAST assisted FILC with troubleshooting virtual attendees' accessibility needs (such as captioning and interpreting) and provided device loans to FILC to meet accommodation requests for certain attendees.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
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. FLASHA Conference July 13-16 2023 Hilton Lake Buena Vista FL Disney Spring FAAST staff ( Tim McCann, & Eric Reed) set up and maintained a FAAST Exhibit/ Information Booth during The FLASHA Conference 2023 at Hilton Lake Buena Vista FL Disney Springs July 13-16 2023. The booth showcased information about FAAST Programs and Services. In addition assistive technology was displayed promoting our FAAST Statewide Device Loan Program, the local FAAST Demonstration Centers and the other Assistive Technology Programs around the country. Approx 300-400 attendees were present. Most SLP & other professionals
2. The 15th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference at Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL, July 20-23, 2023. FAAST staff ( Eric Reed) & Atlantic RDC (Carolyn Buchanan) set up and maintained a FAAST Exhibit/ Information Booth during The CHARGE Syndrome Conference at Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL, July 20-23, 2023 The booth showcased information about FAAST Programs and Services. In addition assistive technology was displayed promoting our FAAST Statewide Device Loan Program, the local FAAST Demonstration Centers .
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 3,089 | 608 | 3,697 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 1,267 | 149 | 1,416 |
| Representative of Education | 566 | 07 | 573 |
| Representative of Employment | 78 | 00 | 78 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 1,454 | 40 | 1,494 |
| Representative of Community Living | 1,050 | 47 | 1,097 |
| Representative of Technology | 45 | 05 | 50 |
| Unable to Categorize | 1,032 | 186 | 1,218 |
| Total | 8,581 | 1,042 | 9,623 |
Referral Types:
20.7% of referrals came from CILs. A majority of our demonstration centers are housed at Centers for independent living so most of them have clients that are receiving other services who would also benefit from FAAST Services. 11.15% of referrals came from our State AT program website. We assume most of this traffic is from social media or googling of Assistive technology resources. 18.9 % of referrals come from In-person outreach; we do outreach in person on both a regional and statewide level, Attending conferences, events, support groups, etx.
Referral Sources:
32.48 % are coming from awareness activities such as social media, events, and presentations. 31.4% came from Disability and advocacy entities. 14.15% come from Program Area entities. We partner with Centers for independent living, universities, a hospital and job placement programs to serve their local area and promote the word of our program
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
| Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 1 |
|---|
A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
FAAST began more routine and consistent communication and work with the Area Agency on Aging office which led to the opportunity to present to different aging and senior groups in the panhandle area of Florida. Through these presentations, greater collaboration has been experienced with several counties and FAAST is a part of regularly scheduled training and demo events at Senior Centers, providing in person opportunities for both consumers and care givers to learn about the changing and advancing assistive technology available through FAAST services.
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.
This collaboration is providing a model to help expand similar services to other regions in the state to ensure that the aging population is targeted, especially in rural areas and opportunities to learn and access the devices and technologies are more easily available.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Aging;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Training; Public Awareness;
Overview of State Improvement Activities
| State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 00 |
|---|
Additional And Leveraged Funds
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Appropriations | $252,572 | Device Loan | True |
| State Appropriations | $10,525 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Private | $1,885 | Training | True |
| Private | $613 | State Financing | True |
| Private | $207 | Technical Assistance | True |
| State Appropriations | $153,445 | Training | True |
| Private | $63,067 | Training | False |
| State Appropriations | $73,934 | Demonstration | True |
| State Appropriations | $28,073 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
| State Appropriations | $45,283 | Reuse | True |
| State Appropriations | $27,050 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
| Amount: $656,654 |
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.
$63,067 was received from a grant from the University of Miami. The funds for this program were used to create StepUpAT.org, a training and public awareness platform for the "Step Up AT" program hosted by the University of Miami through a grant from the US Department of Education. Step Up AT is an evidence-based customizable program that coaches teachers, teacher assistants, teacher supportspecialists, school districts, and other agencies to adopt evidence-based assistive technology (AT) practices shown to improve early literacy outcomes for young children (ages 3-5) with disabilities. As the funds are used for creation of and hosting of their programs and website, there is no data reported.
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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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 13 2024 14:03:41 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)