National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Georgia 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Georgia - Tools for Life

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/

Mailing Address:

512 Means Street

City:

Atlanta

State:

Georgia

Zip Code:

30318

Program Email:

martha.rust@gatfl.gatech.edu

Phone:

404-385-6570

TTY:

800-497-8665

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Georgia Institute of Technology | College of Design | AMAC

Mailing Address:

512 Means Street

City:

Atlanta

State:

Georgia

Zip Code:

30318

Program URL:

http://www.gatfl.gatech.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):

Martha Rust

Title:

Interim Principal Investigator & Director

Phone:

4043856570

E-mail:

martha.rust@gatfl.gatech.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Martha Rust

Title:

Interim Principal Investigator and Director

Phone:

4043856570

E-mail:

martha.rust@gatfl.gatech.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):

Martha Rust

Title:

Interim PI/Director

Phone:

4043856570

E-mail:

martha.rust@gatfl.gatech.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Brooks, Lakita

Title:

Contracting Officer - Office of Sponsored Project

Phone:

404.385.2080

E-mail:

lakita.brooks@osp.gatech.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	00	00	00
Approved Not made	00	00	00
Rejected	00	00	00
Total	00	00	00

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$0	Highest Income:	$0

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$0	00	$0

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	00	00	00	00	00	00	00
Percentage of Loans	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	00	0%
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	00	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	00	$0
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	00	$0

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	0%
Highest	0%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
00	00	0%

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%	00
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	00

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	00	$0
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	00	$0
Daily living	00	$0
Environmental adaptations	00	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	00	$0
Computers and related	00	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	00	$0

6. Defaults

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Last resort - Activity

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)	40
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	17
C. Total Served	57

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	57

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	0	$0
Hearing	0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	23	$8,899
Daily living	35	$5,111
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	58	$14,010

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Cooperative Buying Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	23
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	126
C. Total Served	149

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	149
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	0

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

The 149 represents the number of school districts that used the cooperative buying and they are required to purchase AT for students

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number Provided	Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	0	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	0	$0	$0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0	$0	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	20714	$567,680	$200,000	$367,680
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0	$0	$0
Daily living	0	$0	$0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0	$0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0	$0	$0
Total	20714	$567,680	$200,000	$367,680

D. Anecdote

Providing technical assistance to the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities led to the approval of a list of assistive technology devices that can be purchased through the waiver. This was a huge success to have other items outside durable medical equipment and communication devices.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

The Cooperative Buying Program with the Georgia Department of Labor allows for the smaller and rural districts afford additional software that is needed for its students with IEPs.

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.	57	00	00	57
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	00	00
4. Subtotal	57	00	00	57
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	57	00	00	57
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	57	00	00	57
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	156	75.73%
Satisfied	50	24.27%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	206
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Georgia does have an AFP program, however this past year it was transitioning from CFII to FODAC. There were not any loans made during this transition. FODAC has been negotiating with two Credit Unions to be a part of the AFP. The idea would be to have one of the credit unions take over the existing loans and the other one would be handling the new loans. They hope this will be in place by January 2024.

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	00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	11,380
C. Total	11,380

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	11,380

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

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	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	11,191	$6,045,092	$126,657	$5,918,435
Daily Living	35	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	00	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	49	$18,309	$2,205	$16,104
Computers and Related	105	$20,750	$8,718	$12,032
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	11,380	$6,084,151	$137,580	$5,946,571

D. Anecdote

M is transitioning to a new school, and she needs a wheelchair to be able to ride the school bus. This is a tremendous help to her being able to achieve her goals and improve her life. FODAC was able to get Millie a chair she can use right away so she did not lose time getting started in her new school.

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	11,380	11,380
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	00	00
4. Subtotal	00	00	11,380	11,380
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	11,380	11,380
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	11,380	11,380
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	6,214	54.6%
Satisfied	02	0.02%
Satisfied somewhat	13	0.11%
Not at all satisfied	24	0.21%
Nonrespondent	5,127	45.05%
Total Surveyed	11,380
Response rate %	54.95%

G. Notes:

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)	248
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	03
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	16
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	29
Total	296

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	159	04	163
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	15	00	15
Representative of Education	37	05	42
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	33	17	50
Representatives of Community Living	03	00	03
Representatives of Technology	01	22	23
Total	248	48	296

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	34	00	34
Hearing	02	02	04
Speech Communication	45	00	45
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	10	01	11
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	50	12	62
Daily Living	45	00	45
Environmental Adaptations	16	15	31
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	60	18	78
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01	00	01
Total	263	48	311

E. Anecdote

Due to limitations with Mr. A’s mobility and dexterity, the traditional ways of supporting communication (e.g., communication boards, texting) were challenging to say the least. After some discussion, we discovered that he had good head movement and preferred to use a method of communication that was familiar. With that in mind, we were able to loan him a Glassouse head mouse paired with a bite switch. This allowed him to access an on-screen keyboard to type out messages for his family.

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	30	21	118	169
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	04	16	20
Subtotal	30	25	134	189
Have not made a decision	18	09	19	46
Subtotal	48	34	153	235
Nonrespondent	06	06	01	13
Total	54	40	154	248
Performance on this measure	62.5%	73.53%	87.58%

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	19	19
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	29	00	00	29
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	29	00	19	48
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	29	00	19	48
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	29	00	19	48
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	202	68.24%
Satisfied	33	11.15%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	61	20.61%
Total Surveyed	296
Response rate %	79.39%

I. Notes:

TFL had a change of leadership in December, the PI/ Director went on medical leave and has not been able to return. An Interim Director was put in place. Due to the suddenness of the leave, it was not known how long the PI/Director would be on leave. Once it was determined that they would not be returning the interim quickly had to learn about administration of the AT Act funds.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	32
Hearing	03
Speech Communication	19
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	17
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	101
Daily Living	113
Environmental Adaptations	16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	51
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	08
Total # of Device Demonstrations	360

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	225	225
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	31	31
Representatives of Education	25	25
Representatives of Employment	02	02
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	43	43
Representative of Community Living	31	31
Representative of Technology	03	03
Total	360	360

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	08
Service Provider	313
Vendor	27
Repair Service	00
Others	12
Total	360

D. Anecdote

Mr. N sustained a TBI and has ongoing concerns with his memory and attention in the workplace.TFL thought it was best to find some assistive technology solutions that were easy to use and that would neatly fit in with his current work setup. Mr. N held some fears about learning how to use a new tool completely, which could be overwhelming. We tackled each concern at a time, providing demonstrations over several sessions to keep the content concise and manageable. Some examples of software and features we showed included Apple’s Focus mode and Cold Turkey blocker for attention and limiting distractions, online planners such as Trello to support project management, and use of a calendar and other Apple features (e.g., reminders) to help Mr. N remember important events and tasks. One of the most successful strategies was to organize the apps on his iPad and phone!

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	28	18	190	236
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	07	06	13
Subtotal	28	25	196	249
Have not made a decision	33	15	63	111
Subtotal	61	40	259	360
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	61	40	259	360
Performance on this measure	45.9%	62.5%	75.68%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	327	90.83%
Satisfied	33	9.17%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	360
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

2022/ 2023 year brought changes to the TFL. The PI/Director went on unexpected medical and an interim was put in place. TFL has at least 4 vacant positions that are trying to be filled. Finding the right applicants has been difficult.

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.	57	00	11,399	11,456
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	29	00	00	29
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	86	00	11,399	11,485
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	86	00	11,399	11,485
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	86	00	11,399	11,485
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%	100%
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	58	39	308	405
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	11	22	33
Subtotal	58	50	330	438
Have not made a decision	51	24	82	157
Subtotal	109	74	412	595
Nonrespondent	06	06	01	13
Total	115	80	413	608
Performance on this measure	53.21%	67.57%	80.1%	73.61%
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	99.48%	95%	Met
Response Rate	57.62%	90%	Not Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	83
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	15
Representatives of Education	93
Representatives of Employment	50
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	364
Representatives of Community Living	80
Representatives of Technology	04
Unable to Categorize	257
TOTAL	946

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
191	755	00	946

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	114
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	78
Combination of any/all of the above	716
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	35
Transition	03
Total	946

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Tools for Life completed at least 4 trainings to the 4 different graduate level Occupational Therapy classes and 1 graduate class on orthotics and prosthetics. These trainings focused on funding options for assistive technology if individuals could not afford devices and a more indepth overivew of speech/communication devices and computer access.

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

In 2022, TFL supported the GATE Conference with the Georgia Department of Labor. There were over 400 individuals who participated in AT and Transition sessions. TFL plans to support this conference again in 2023.

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

Tools for Life conducted a webinar on digital accessibility for Global Accessibility Day.

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	35
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	35
Performance Measure Percentage	100%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Met

E. Notes:

In 2022 TFL PI/Director went on unexpected medical leave and one of the AT specialists left. There are currently open positions. Filling the positions has been difficult. Several interviews have been conducted. Interviewees however, did not show up for the 2nd interview or TFL could not meet the salary requirements for the individual. Jobs have been reposted.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	25%
Employment	20%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	10%
Community Living	40%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	05%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

.TFL was part of a work committee with the Ga Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. We provided technical assistance in writing the policies to include other assistive technologies to the waiver program. TFL provided a list of AT that the team thought would get approval to be added to the COMP waiver. This year is the first time AT was accepted to be purchased with the waiver. This assistance also included the development of presentations and marketing material to support future trainings and assist with the dissemination of the COMP waiver opportunity to service providers across the state.

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

TFL is providing technical assistance to Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation by training on software that was provided by TFL to K-12 districts. These students are allowed to download the same software once they transition into post-secondary and/or work if on the GVRA caseload beginning in the 8th grade.

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. During this past year, TFL conducted a webinar training series for the Georgia Department of Education. There were 3 webinars in this series and each was recorded and uploaded to the TFL website. The webinars included training on how to order book K-12 books in Braille and ordering APH assistive technology using the quota funds; training on AT for Motor and Sensory Disabilities; and Assistive Technologies for low-incidence students. There were an average of 40 individuals present at each of the live interviews. The positive outcomes consisted of more loans from the lending library and more books being ordered in Braille.

2. TFL worked with the University of Georgia Speech and Communication Department to train 23 graduate students and 25 undergraduate students on AAC devices, computer access, and funding. The positive outcomes were that students became aware of states' AT Act programs, were able to demonstrate a variety of AAC devices and computer access technologies, and learned different funding streams.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	135	32	167
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	79	39	118
Representative of Education	39	10	49
Representative of Employment	03	00	03
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	61	19	80
Representative of Community Living	10	02	12
Representative of Technology	04	02	06
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	331	104	435

Referral Types:

With the creation of the smart home lab at the Shepherd Center, several people contacted us after they learned about us. We also have been to several out-of-state as well as in-state conferences than we have done in the past due to COVID. We find after we present or exhibit there is an increase in referrals. We have presented more on telehealth and dementia to caregiver and vendor groups and this has brought in more referrals as well.

Referral Sources:

We have started a smart home demonstration lab at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. They refer individuals when they become outpatients to TFL to see other AT devices that could possibly assist them in work and home. With our contract with GA Department of Labor, several of the smaller school districts have reached out to us on their students to assist in coming up with AT solutions for their students. These refferal come outside the AT Portal that was created as we did not include collaborations this year.

Notes:

With people feeling more comfortable that the pandemic is over, we have been able to have several groups, tours, and individuals in our office this year. With our public awareness activities, a total of 17,565 individuals were reached.

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?

A team from Georgia Tools for Life has been working since July of 2022 with the GA Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) on the addition of Assistive Technology products and services to the COMP and NOW waivers in Georgia. The addition of AT services was approved by the Dept. of Community Health in the fall of 2022. Tools for Life worked with DBHDD to implement the addition of AT services to these two waiver programs in 2023. Our team helped DBHDD craft the waiver regulations and procedures for AT services. AT Services will be available to NOW and COMP waiver participants in Georgia in 2024. We are currently producing a series of training webinars to help DBHDD personnel implement the new services. We are providing detailed information about AT products and ways AT can help waiver participants live more independently. We will begin presenting the webinars in January of 2024. The TFL team members are also serving as a Technical Assistance Group to help provide guidance to support coordinators and field office staff on questions related to AT requests.

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.

No URL available, but AT Services are part of the Georgia Dept. Community Handbook for both NOW waiver (Part III, chapter 3500) and COMP Waiver (Part III, Chapter 3700).

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

Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Health; Other: Communication, Personal Safety, Independent Daily Living, Access (to physical spaces, information), Cognitive Support, Life long learning.;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Technical Assistance;

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?

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

Georgians with disabilities who qualify for Medicaid waivers now have access to AT where none was available before. This will open the door to broader use of AT and benefits for individuals.

2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

The policies have been written, however, the website has not been updated. This should happen soon so that family members and individuals will learn what is now available to them.

3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Community Living

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Federal	$44,909	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$225,000	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$17,281	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$10,589	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$13,977	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$41,892	Device Loan	False
Public/State Agency	$73,539	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$18,041	Technical Assistance	True
	Amount: $445,228

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 FY23 (9/30/2023) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY23 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY23, but plan to expend funding in FY24 and/or FY25
We expended some of all of this funding in FY23 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY23:

$55,246.00

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	0.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.90
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.10
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.

Conducted primary research on health literacy among persons with disabilities and older adults. Research is in IRB process now. Created training materials to train a minimum of 200 people on AT for health literacy. To date: Georgia Gerontology Society (50) ASNN (75), Wyoming (50).

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).

TFL PI/Director has been on medical leave since Nov 2022, there was a change in leadership and an interim was put in place.

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:03:56 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)