National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Oklahoma 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Oklahoma ABLE Tech

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://www.okabletech.org

Mailing Address:

1514 W Hall of Fame

City:

Stillwater

State:

Zip Code:

74078

Program Email:

abletech@okstate.edu

Phone:

405.744.4608

TTY:

800.257.1705

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Oklahoma State University

Mailing Address:

1514 W Hall of Fame

City:

Stillwater

State:

Zip Code:

74078

Program URL:

https://www.okabletech.org

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):

Robinson, Allyson

Title:

Director

Phone:

405-744-4608

E-mail:

allyson.robinson@okstate.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Robinson, Allyson

Title:

Director

Phone:

405-744-4608

E-mail:

allyson.robinson@okstate.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):

Robinson, Allyson

Title:

Director

Phone:

405-744-4608

E-mail:

allyson.robinson@okstate.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	69	71	140
Approved Not made	14	09	23
Rejected	53	62	115
Total	136	142	278

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$9,600	Highest Income:	$348,036

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$7,160,141	140	$51,144

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	11	35	35	20	11	28	140
Percentage of Loans	7.86%	25%	25%	14.29%	7.86%	20%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	88	62.86%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee	00	0%
With interest buy-down only	20	14.29%
With loan guarantee only	00	0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	32	22.86%
Total	140	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	88	$425,569
Partnership Loans	52	$736,118
Total	140	$1,161,687

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	5%
Highest	5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
700	140	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%	140
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	140

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	02	$2,533
Hearing	216	$570,883
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	04	$7,771
Daily living	06	$10,833
Environmental adaptations	07	$14,605
Vehicle modification and transportation	20	$552,386
Computers and related	03	$1,694
Recreation, sports, and leisure	02	$982
Total	260	$1,161,687

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	38
Net loss for loans in default	$102,357

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: Medicaid iPad

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)	41
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	5
C. Total Served	46

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	46

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	46	$36,585
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	46	$36,585

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?

AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	49
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	7
C. Total Served	56

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	56

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 Provided	Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	10	$40	$0	$40
Hearing	0	$0	$0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0	$0	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	4	$20	$0	$20
Mobility, seating and positioning	1	$12	$0	$12
Daily living	31	$310	$0	$310
Environmental adaptations	25	$231	$0	$231
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0	$0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0	$0	$0
Total	71	$613	$0	$613

D. Anecdote

Calyssa, from Binger, was looking for an affordable loan to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. She struggled to get her daughter Sienna, who has cerebral palsy, in and out of her existing vehicle. The ABLE Tech Financial Loan Program helped Calyssa purchase a van that allows her to continue to take Sienna and her siblings to parks, school, and appointments safely. Calyssa said, “No one else would finance this vehicle at a reasonable rate. I am forever grateful for this life-changing program.” The ABLE Tech Financial Loan Program’s low, 5% interest rate can help to make needed assistive technology purchases affordable. To apply for a loan, go to the ABLE Tech Financial Loan webpage or visit the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation’s (OkAT) website.

young white female in mobility device on ramp entering modified van

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.	03	27	89	119
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	02	06	91	99
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	01	02
4. Subtotal	06	33	181	220
5. None of the above	00	01	01	02
6. Subtotal	06	34	182	222
7. Nonrespondent	00	03	17	20
8. Total	06	37	199	242
9. Performance on this measure	100%	89.19%	90.95%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	144	59.5%
Satisfied	78	32.23%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.83%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	18	7.44%
Total Surveyed	242
Response rate %	92.56%

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	221
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	1,258
C. Total	1,479

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	1,479

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	18	$3,545	$0	$3,545
Speech Communication	01	$15,290	$0	$15,290
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	02	$122	$0	$122
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	36	$11,528	$0	$11,528
Daily Living	241	$9,608	$0	$9,608
Environmental Adaptations	00	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	01	$80	$0	$80
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01	$31	$0	$31
Total	300	$40,204	$0	$40,204

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	17	$722	$0	$722
Hearing	00	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	565	$244,525	$0	$244,525
Daily Living	766	$74,063	$0	$74,063
Environmental Adaptations	63	$8,824	$0	$8,824
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	1,411	$328,134	$0	$328,134

D. Anecdote

As Briggs recovered from surgery to address his bilateral clubfoot relapse, he borrowed leg braces and a posterior pediatric walker from ABLE Tech's Device Reutilization Program. The devices increased not only his safety but his independence at home, school, and in his community. This program is offered in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma's Medicaid Agency. Briggs is proud to demonstrate that he is able to be independent around the house, at school, and in the community now that he has the assistance of a walker to help him get around safely! Brigg's mom reports that ince receiving the walker, he has been able to return to school and is doing well.

$young caucasian boy with glasses standing in a parking lot using a purple walker$

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.	04	03	355	362
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	06	05	1,104	1,115
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	01	01
4. Subtotal	10	08	1,460	1,478
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	10	08	1,460	1,478
7. Nonrespondent	00	01	00	01
8. Total	10	09	1,460	1,479
9. Performance on this measure	100%	88.89%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,469	99.32%
Satisfied	06	0.41%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	04	0.27%
Total Surveyed	1,479
Response rate %	99.73%

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)	1,914
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	18
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	580
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	61
Total	2,573

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	454	516	970
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	618	20	638
Representative of Education	382	94	476
Representative of Employment	09	00	09
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	446	18	464
Representatives of Community Living	03	06	09
Representatives of Technology	02	05	07
Total	1,914	659	2,573

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	42

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	455	49	504
Hearing	129	96	225
Speech Communication	1,302	73	1,375
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	410	77	487
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	79	376	455
Daily Living	60	83	143
Environmental Adaptations	237	107	344
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	03	13	16
Computers and Related	311	105	416
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	177	208	385
Total	3,163	1,187	4,350

E. Anecdote

Tarik is a 42-year-old Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) client. He has hearing loss and wears a cochlear bone conduction hearing aid attached to a headband. Tarik spends thirty percent of his workday speaking with clients on the Interactive Voice Response computer program that allows humans to interact with a computer operated phone system using voice and other input. He tried regular Shokz bone conducting headphones, but the Bluetooth and audio were not good quality. With the collaborative efforts between the DRS Assistive Technology (AT) Unit and ABLE Tech, Tarik was able to borrow a Shokz OpenComm UC headset with an external microphone, a “Loop 100”, and USB adapter. The adapter ensures direct, dependable, and instant connection and offers access to more devices. Tarik was very pleased with the loan from ABLE Tech and knows this product will work in his place of employment. His goal is to provide the best client care with the use of this headset.

young adult male with beard wearing Shokz headset with black headband giving the camera a thumbs up

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	1,020	49	601	1,670
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	133	01	47	181
Subtotal	1,153	50	648	1,851
Have not made a decision	02	00	01	03
Subtotal	1,155	50	649	1,854
Nonrespondent	32	07	21	60
Total	1,187	57	670	1,914
Performance on this measure	99.83%	100%	99.85%

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.	351	01	05	357
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	266	01	14	281
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	617	02	19	638
5. None of the above	04	00	02	06
6. Subtotal	621	02	21	644
7. Nonrespondent	10	00	05	15
8. Total	631	02	26	659
9. Performance on this measure	99.36%	100%	90.48%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	2,188	85.04%
Satisfied	287	11.15%
Satisfied somewhat	23	0.89%
Not at all satisfied	07	0.27%
Nonrespondent	68	2.64%
Total Surveyed	2,573
Response rate %	97.36%

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	2,202
Hearing	30
Speech Communication	3,368
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	223
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	543
Daily Living	524
Environmental Adaptations	251
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	1,158
Computers and Related	45
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	160
Total # of Device Demonstrations	8,504

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	6,743	1,595	8,338
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	1,338	3,100	4,438
Representatives of Education	68	127	195
Representatives of Employment	03	21	24
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	342	1,047	1,389
Representative of Community Living	08	37	45
Representative of Technology	02	00	02
Total	8,504	5,927	14,431

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	10
Service Provider	20
Vendor	132
Repair Service	02
Others	30
Total	194

D. Anecdote

Sue, from Oklahoma County, was able to receive a demonstration of low vision equipment through ABLE Tech’s partner, New View Oklahoma. ABLE Tech partners with various organizations across the state to increase outreach and service to Oklahomans to trial and learn about assistive technology (AT). Sue received low vision support services through New View Oklahoma to increase skills and knowledge in hopes to regain her independence. Sue lives a very active lifestyle, enjoying quilting, reading, and attending church with friends. During her demonstration of wearable magnifying glasses, Sue jumped right in to implementing and utilizing the AT demonstrated with her. She says, “Using this device changes everything for me!” and says she can’t wait to be of more help to her quilting group using her new skills!

elderly light-skinned woman in a teal top in her home with wearable magnifying glasses

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	3,305	241	4,681	8,227
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	16	22	82	120
Subtotal	3,321	263	4,763	8,347
Have not made a decision	14	03	136	153
Subtotal	3,335	266	4,899	8,500
Nonrespondent	01	00	03	04
Total	3,336	266	4,902	8,504
Performance on this measure	99.55%	98.87%	97.16%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	10,957	75.93%
Satisfied	3,289	22.79%
Satisfied somewhat	145	1%
Not at all satisfied	29	0.2%
Nonrespondent	11	0.08%
Total	14,431
Response rate %	99.92%

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.	358	31	449	838
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	274	12	1,209	1,495
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	02	03
4. Subtotal	633	43	1,660	2,336
5. None of the above	04	01	03	08
6. Subtotal	637	44	1,663	2,344
7. Nonrespondent	10	04	22	36
8. Total	647	48	1,685	2,380
9. Performance on this measure	99.22%	89.58%	98.69%	98.65%
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	4,325	290	5,282	9,897
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	149	23	129	301
Subtotal	4,474	313	5,411	10,198
Have not made a decision	16	03	137	156
Subtotal	4,490	316	5,548	10,354
Nonrespondent	33	07	24	64
Total	4,523	323	5,572	10,418
Performance on this measure	99.62%	99.05%	97.48%	98.46%
ACL Performance Measure				90%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services	Percent	ACL Target	Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied	98.89%	95%	Met
Response Rate	99.46%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	626
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	30
Representatives of Education	1,296
Representatives of Employment	23
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	691
Representatives of Community Living	405
Representatives of Technology	123
Unable to Categorize	69
TOTAL	3,263

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
1,493	557	1,213	3,263

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	605
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	172
Combination of any/all of the above	1,542
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	222
Transition	722
Total	3,263

C. Description of Training Activities

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

In FFY23 ABLE Tech staff began offering an Empowering Voices, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) workshop on effective AAC evaluations. This course is designed for speech therapists, educators, and other professionals who work with individuals of all ages with communication difficulties. The course provides an overview of AAC and its importance in supporting individuals with communication challenges. Participants also received hands-on experience with speech communication assistive technology, allowing them to gain practical knowledge and experience in selecting and using AAC devices. In addition, the course provides information on funding options for AAC devices, including grants, insurance coverage, and other financial assistance programs. By the end of the course, participants have a better understanding of the importance of effective AAC evaluations and will have the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct their own evaluations. Empowering Voices trainer and content-developer, Averie Lucas, was nominated and recognized by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) as an ASHA Innovator.The ASHA Innovator is a social media feature designed to recognize and spotlight the challenging and demanding work performed throughout the country by talented and innovative communications sciences and disorders (CSD) practitioners. The initiative is led by ASHA’s 2023 Board of Directors President Robert M. Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP.

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

After the release of the ABLE Tech course catalog containing self-paced e-learning courses on digital accessibility, ABLE Tech staff scheduled two trainings for individuals related to transition from the State Department of Education and the Department Rehabilitation Services to educate them on the course catalog and help them start to identify students who may benefit from these courses. The courses are intended to be used to help educators and those serving transition-aged students (Pre-Employment Transition Services or Pre-ETS) counselors create more accessible content but also to help train individuals, such as the students in transition, to become accessibility professionals or add these crucial skills to their resumes to make them more marketable professionals in the workforce.

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

This year, ABLE Tech released its course catalog containing self-paced e-learning courses on digital accessibility. At the end of this fiscal year, there were 9 courses in the catalog, on topics ranging from introductions to assistive technology and digital accessibility to Microsoft PowerPoint accessibility. The goal of these courses is to help more Oklahomans learn asynchronously than could be trained via live events with the small staff at ABLE Tech. The courses also enhance the in-person trainings the Digital Accessibility Team provides. With the hire of an instructional designer using Public Health Workforce funds, ABLE Tech has the ability to design courses that encourage true behavior change, creating a potentially huge ripple effect across all of the environments learners are in. Below is some feedback ABLE Tech has received from anonymous surveys in the courses: • Describing Complex Images: "This course was jam-packed with a lot of useful information! I especially appreciate the practical examples." • It Depends: Different Issues, Different Solutions: "I thought this course was easy to navigate and found it to be very informative. I do know a little bit about AT and digital accessibility, but I learned several new things in this course that I will take with me into my professional environments." • Accessibility in Microsoft Word: "This course was extremely helpful! Practicing with the unformatted document was a wonderful learning tool. I learned aspects of Word that I was not familiar with (modifying headings and charts and creating table of contents). I may go through it again to practice more! Thank you so much!"

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	167
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	32
No known outcome at this time	13
Nonrespondent	10
Total	222
Performance Measure Percentage	89.6%
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	82%
Employment	01%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	06%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	11%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

ABLE Tech's Digital Accessibility Team performed an accessibility review of approximately 30 of Tulsa Community College’s (TCC) websites and web applications. Barriers were found on each site, and the team continues to support TCC as they make changes to these websites or ask vendors who own the websites to make these changes. This assessment effort exposed a large amount of accessibility barriers across the TCC digital presence, filled a gap they have in current staffing to perform accessibility reviews, and informed their need for a new position to manage and maintain digital accessibility.

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

Last fiscal year, ABLE Tech's Digital Accessibility Team presented a webinar for the Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI) to help both organizers and speakers understand how to prepare a PowerPoint presentation that is accessible. This year, the Digital Accessibility Team was able to share the new courses on Microsoft PowerPoint Accessibility for both PC and Mac with the organizers of OTI in addition to offering them the webinar. This provided organizers and speakers with two means of learning about PowerPoint accessibility and led to continued success with the accessibility of the presentations.

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. Two members of ABLE Tech's Digital Accessibility team attended the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) Conference, holding a booth that attracted a huge number of people. With over 500 attendees, this event turned out to be a very successful public awareness event that led to at least four follow-ups from individual libraries and an increase in requests to speak at various library-related events, such as a lunch and learn event for a very large Metropolitan Library System and next year’s OLA conference. This is an audience in great need of information related to both digital accessibility and assistive technology, and it will be an audience ABLE Tech continues to work with as much as possible.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	10,922	388	11,310
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	1,237	53	1,290
Representative of Education	539	20	559
Representative of Employment	191	01	192
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	1,690	136	1,826
Representative of Community Living	570	09	579
Representative of Technology	31	05	36
Unable to Categorize	697	03	700
Total	15,877	615	16,492

Referral Types:

Increasing relationships with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) looks to have increased referrals. Over the last couple of years, ABLE Tech went from collaborating with one AAA via a memorandum of agreement to collaborating with three AAAs via contracts. Collaborating with Oklahoma Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services to create Smart Home spaces has potentially been a catalyst for increased referrals from Other Disability Sources. Better data tracking practices have potentially led to capturing more referrals from Health Care Sources.

Referral Sources:

As a result of collaboration and coordination with two Home and Community Based Waiver programs in Oklahoma, ADvantage Waiver and Developmental Disability Services (DDS) Waiver, ABLE Tech has seen an increase in referrals for assistive technology training, exploration, demonstrations, and short-term loans. ABLE Tech has been able to provide an increase in Smart Home Demonstration training opportunities with measurable outcomes. ABLE Tech has received an increase in referrals for all program activities and has been able to provide referrals to qualifying individuals who are payor sources assisting Oklahomans with the acquisition of AT.

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?

In 2023, Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Home and Community-Based Waivers implemented the coverage of assistive technology, enabling devices, and remote services. In anticipation of this, Oklahoma ABLE Tech collaborated with DDS to provide additional training and exploration of assistive technology, enabling devices, and remote support services to DDS. Three Smart Home Demonstrations sites were created to provide in-depth training and exploration of AT options available to individuals to successfully stay or maintain independence in the home. This effort greatly expanded ABLE Tech’s demonstration and training efforts while providing additional support from and collaboration with DDS. This video shares more about the collaboration with DDS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71-Gc4P41M

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.

The collaboration with DDS to create Smart Home Demonstration spaces gave ABLE Tech the funding needed to develop and expand resources for individuals in community / home environments. A main focus has been on highlighting smart devices that can be used as assistive technology. Prior to this funding, ABLE Tech did not have the technology and remote support devices to demonstrate. The collaboration and funding allowed ABLE Tech to not only increase demonstrations of AT but also create virtual resources to reach more individuals statewide. People can learn about this AT whether in person, through virtual tours, or through self-directed virtual tours.

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

Housing / Home Automation; Health; Aging;

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?

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.

ADvantage Waiver Paying for AT/Enabling Technology - ABLE Tech has spent the last year working closely with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, ADvantage Waiver Program, to assist in the development of policy and practice regarding the provision of assistive technology and enabling devices through waiver funds. ABLE Tech was consulted at various levels to ensure providers and staff were trained and knowledgeable on the use, expected outcomes, and benefits of implementing assistive technology through the waiver program.

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 Oklahoma Health Care Authority Policies and Rules - Policy (317:35-17-3) was revised in 2023 to include the coverage of assistive technology and remote support services through Home and Community-Based waiver services. //oklahoma.gov/ohca/policies-and-rules/xpolicy/medical-assistance-for-adults-and-children-eligibility/advantage-waiver-services/advantage-program-services.html

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

Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Public/State Agency	$25,000	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Private	$4,000	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$12,000	Reuse	True
Private	$63,344	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$3,000	Reuse	True
State Appropriations	$8,000	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$14,000	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Public/State Agency	$9,000	Reuse	True
Public/State Agency	$20,000	Training	True
State Appropriations	$78,000	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$155,000	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$32,626	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$10,000	Reuse	True
Public/State Agency	$6,285	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Public/State Agency	$70,000	Demonstration	True
Public/State Agency	$24,158	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Public/State Agency	$22,260	Device Loan	True
Public/State Agency	$125,000	Training	True
State Appropriations	$5,021	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Federal	$45,748	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$20,000	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Federal	$8,000	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$175,000	Device Loan	True
Public/State Agency	$235,000	Reuse	True
Federal	$6,092	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$90,000	Demonstration	True
Public/State Agency	$100,000	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$100,000	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$10,000	Public Awareness, I&A	True
	Amount: $1,476,534

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:

$51,840.00

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	0.80
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)	0.20

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

Using the Public Health Workforce funds, ABLE Tech was able to hire two individuals who are currently 1.0 FTE. Using federal and leveraged funding, these positions will be sustained into the future. The first position is a Training Specialist with a specialty in instructional design. His expertise coupled with the expertise on our digital accessibility team have allowed ABLE Tech to develop and promote training via virtual platforms that use best practices and focus on behavior change. The second position is a Financial Loan Program Specialist. This position allowed ABLE Tech to expand financial loans (in general) but also expand offerings to individuals of low-income households to help meet their health needs with durable medical equipment and assistive technology.

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).

N/A

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:12:53 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)