National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Pennsylvania 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology dba TechOWL

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://techowlpa.org

Mailing Address:

1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 430

City:

Philadelphia

State:

Zip Code:

19122

Program Email:

TechOWL@temple.edu

Phone:

800-204-7428

TTY:

711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Institute on Disabilities/UCEDD at Temple University

Mailing Address:

1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 430

City:

Philadelphia

State:

Zip Code:

19122

Program URL:

https://techowlpa.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):

Singleton, Kim

Title:

Senior Director

Phone:

215-204-3862

E-mail:

kim.singleton@temple.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Gould-Taylor, Sally

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

215-204-5775

E-mail:

sgould-taylor@temple.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):

McNally, Sandra

Title:

Assistant Director

Phone:

215-204-3370

E-mail:

sandra.mcnally@temple.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Mitchell, Karen

Title:

Assistant Vice President, Research Administration

Phone:

215-707-7547

E-mail:

karen.mitchell@temple.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?

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)	19
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	6
C. Total Served	25

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	25

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	7	$4,445
Hearing	8	$2,640
Speech communication	2	$800
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	6	$2,050
Daily living	5	$1,100
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	1	$250
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	29	$11,285

Activity 2

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	4023
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	890
C. Total Served	4913

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	4913

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	0	$0
Daily living	0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	4913	$800,819
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	4913	$800,819

Activity 3

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	273
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	85
C. Total Served	358

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	358

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	369	$215,017
Hearing	66	$26,252
Speech communication	12	$9,514
Learning, cognition, and developmental	7	$3,837
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	16	$13,534
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	470	$268,154

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)	54
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	12
C. Total Served	66

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	66

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	114	$728	$0	$728
Hearing	0	$0	$0	$0
Speech communication	28	$2,800	$0	$2,800
Learning, cognition, and developmental	1	$100	$0	$100
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0	$0	$0
Daily living	511	$22,323	$0	$22,323
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	654	$25,951	$0	$25,951

D. Anecdote

B.B. has significant fine motor and other disabilities and wants to retrain herself to use voice control on the computer. She reached out to the Virginia Del Sordo fund to obtain a laptop. She retired two years ago but now must return to work. The laptop will allow her to learn to use voice input on the computer and take courses, with the end goal of working from home.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E.L. received an iPhone through our Telecommunication Device Distribution Program. She has limited vision, and needed her phone set up so that she would get an audio alert when she received text messages from her family. She also needed the phone to be voice activated. An AT specialist assisted with learning how to use the voice features of the phone, as well as setting it up so that she would know when she was receiving messages. Her husband is currently in hospice care, so it was extremely important that she know when messages were coming in and that she be able to contact doctors. She is now able to keep in contact because of the phone and training she received from our program.

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.	24	01	2,779	2,804
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	81	81
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	18	18
4. Subtotal	24	01	2,878	2,903
5. None of the above	00	00	03	03
6. Subtotal	24	01	2,881	2,906
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	2,456	2,456
8. Total	24	01	5,337	5,362
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	53.93%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,799	33.55%
Satisfied	663	12.36%
Satisfied somewhat	97	1.81%
Not at all satisfied	04	0.07%
Nonrespondent	2,799	52.2%
Total Surveyed	5,362
Response rate %	47.8%

G. Notes:

Our performance measure and satisfaction data collection improved in all areas of State Financing Acquisition activities. In the first two quarters, we struggled to get performance measures and satisfaction data after the devices were distributed. However, we changed our data collection to earlier in the process. Starting in the 3rd quarter, we collected performance measures and satisfaction data for every tablet recipient through the Connect with Tech Program.

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	4,289
C. Total	4,289

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	4,289

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	15	$7,050	$0	$7,050
Hearing	12	$5,594	$0	$5,594
Speech Communication	14	$29,475	$0	$29,475
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	3,058	$917,904	$201	$917,703
Daily Living	2,985	$174,549	$0	$174,549
Environmental Adaptations	44	$7,734	$0	$7,734
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	05	$5,210	$0	$5,210
Computers and Related	09	$3,388	$0	$3,388
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	18	$7,996	$0	$7,996
Total	6,160	$1,158,900	$201	$1,158,699

D. Anecdote

J. has a health condition that causes her to fall at time. She needed a walker but was unable to obtain one by other means and was beginning to lose hope for an affordable solution. She found out about the Reuse program at her local TechOWL regional center, and during her visit was able to try multiple walkers until she found the perfect fit. J. now feels safer walking independently without the fear of losing balance and falling.

$woman with glasses in a colorful striped dress standing behind a walker with a built-in seat$

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.	48	13	2,587	2,648
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	03	08	358	369
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	04	05	1,228	1,237
4. Subtotal	55	26	4,173	4,254
5. None of the above	03	01	28	32
6. Subtotal	58	27	4,201	4,286
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	03	03
8. Total	58	27	4,204	4,289
9. Performance on this measure	94.83%	96.3%	99.26%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	4,047	94.36%
Satisfied	206	4.8%
Satisfied somewhat	12	0.28%
Not at all satisfied	05	0.12%
Nonrespondent	19	0.44%
Total Surveyed	4,289
Response rate %	99.56%

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)	1,547
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	31
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	41
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	91
Total	1,710

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	508	66	574
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	477	22	499
Representative of Education	205	31	236
Representative of Employment	13	06	19
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	252	17	269
Representatives of Community Living	55	11	66
Representatives of Technology	37	10	47
Total	1,547	163	1,710

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	35

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	157	25	182
Hearing	98	24	122
Speech Communication	505	26	531
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	67	13	80
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	77	19	96
Daily Living	119	17	136
Environmental Adaptations	161	10	171
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	602	125	727
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	134	16	150
Total	1,920	275	2,195

E. Anecdote

A local family had plans to support this year's Take Back the Night 5K event, but the family member who they were accompanying broke their ankle. TechOWL was able to provide a lightweight wheelchair so that everyone could still participate! It was such a meaningful event for the family and not only were they grateful to be able to run together, but connecting with TechOWL also provided an opportunity to learn about additional DME for the teen's recovery.

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	136	25	156	317
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	12	06	45	63
Subtotal	148	31	201	380
Have not made a decision	20	02	35	57
Subtotal	168	33	236	437
Nonrespondent	657	43	410	1,110
Total	825	76	646	1,547
Performance on this measure	27.6%	62.75%	47.87%

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.	01	00	06	07
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	18	05	17	40
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	01	04	07
4. Subtotal	21	06	27	54
5. None of the above	07	02	05	14
6. Subtotal	28	08	32	68
7. Nonrespondent	58	16	21	95
8. Total	86	24	53	163
9. Performance on this measure	75%	75%	84.38%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	368	21.52%
Satisfied	119	6.96%
Satisfied somewhat	11	0.64%
Not at all satisfied	07	0.41%
Nonrespondent	1,205	70.47%
Total Surveyed	1,710
Response rate %	29.53%

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	57
Hearing	36
Speech Communication	10
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	13
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	06
Daily Living	15
Environmental Adaptations	01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	11
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00
Total # of Device Demonstrations	149

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	142	02	144
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	05	58	63
Representatives of Education	01	06	07
Representatives of Employment	00	02	02
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	01	04	05
Representative of Community Living	00	16	16
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Total	149	88	237

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	25
Service Provider	25
Vendor	26
Repair Service	01
Others	26
Total	103

D. Anecdote

L.V. is the head of a support group for individuals with Parkinson's. As she is experiencing Parkinson's herself, she notes that she is having trouble with typing newsletters and messages for the support group. She also aspires to write a book about her experiences, but her increasing fine motor challenges are creating a barrier to her independently and functionally using technology. L.V. received a demonstration to compare options for composing emails, articles, and drafts online. After a demonstration took place of adapted keyboards (enlarged buttons and keyguards) vs. voice to text dictation, L. noted that using voice control with Siri and Google Docs dictation was the most optimal for her. She was excited to be able to write again quickly and easily to her support group. She anticipates that these tools will reduce her frustration when doing what she loves via the technology accessibility features demonstrated.

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	08	03	121	132
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	01	01
Subtotal	08	03	122	133
Have not made a decision	00	00	16	16
Subtotal	08	03	138	149
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	08	03	138	149
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	88.41%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	192	81.01%
Satisfied	39	16.46%
Satisfied somewhat	05	2.11%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	0.42%
Total	237
Response rate %	99.58%

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.	73	14	5,372	5,459
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	21	13	456	490
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	06	06	1,250	1,262
4. Subtotal	100	33	7,078	7,211
5. None of the above	10	03	36	49
6. Subtotal	110	36	7,114	7,260
7. Nonrespondent	58	16	2,480	2,554
8. Total	168	52	9,594	9,814
9. Performance on this measure	68.12%	61.36%	60.87%	60.97%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Not 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	144	28	277	449
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	12	06	46	64
Subtotal	156	34	323	513
Have not made a decision	20	02	51	73
Subtotal	176	36	374	586
Nonrespondent	657	43	410	1,110
Total	833	79	784	1,696
Performance on this measure	28.68%	65.38%	57.89%	44.45%
ACL Performance Measure				90%
Met/Not Met				Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services	Percent	ACL Target	Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied	98.14%	95%	Met
Response Rate	65.30%	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	53
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	118
Representatives of Education	356
Representatives of Employment	39
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	306
Representatives of Community Living	149
Representatives of Technology	43
Unable to Categorize	377
TOTAL	1,441

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
1,317	81	43	1,441

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	656
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	77
Combination of any/all of the above	359
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	243
Transition	106
Total	1,441

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Wheelchair Maintenance Workshops – TechOWL held 4 sessions at various locations in Pennsylvania to build capacity of users, family members, health care providers, and local supports such as bike mechanics, on basic wheelchair maintenance. Participants learned about different types of wheelchairs, received hands-on experience with cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments, and took home some tools needed for preventative maintenance. A basic Manual Wheelchair Maintenance Guide and Workshop reference materials were created for attendees and posted on TechOWL’s website.

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

A coordinator at one of our regional centers conducted a training for nursing home transition coordinators called “Aging in Place with Assistive Technology.” She brought a personal touch to the session by using pictures from her own home showcasing AT in her kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room, as well as AT she uses to enter her home and travel out in the community. This was very effective because rather than seeing isolated pictures of AT, attendees were able to see AT in use and hear an AT user’s experience first-hand. This training reached coordinators who serve an eight-county area, with the potential to impact a large number of Pennsylvanians.

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

TechOWL provided training to the University of Pennsylvania's Executive Program. The interactive training sessions in March, May, and August explored the art of crafting messages that captivate and resonate with broad audiences. TechOWL shared the strategies behind their successful platform, emphasizing the critical nature of digital inclusivity. They taught techniques for creating accessible websites, social media, and digital content, ensuring every communication could be universally experienced.

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	128
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	29
No known outcome at this time	07
Nonrespondent	79
Total	243
Performance Measure Percentage	64.6%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	15%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	31%
Community Living	54%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	00%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

TechOWL provides a wide range of technical assistance to organizations. Here are two examples: 1. We provide TA to SpinMaster (a major toy manufacturer). Spinmaster did not know that third-party companies were adapting their toys. This resulted in coordinating a Zoom consultation and a switch-building event with the NY AT Act program. We maintain communication with Spinmaster and will continue to provide technical assistance as they try to make a switch-adapted toy line for the market in 2025. 2) The TechOWL team facilitates folks from various states involved in the AT Act, focusing specifically on the application of 3D printing in assistive technology. We have regularly scheduled meetings to address questions, troubleshoot, and disseminate best practices.

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. TechOWL's social media and public awareness activities continue to grow. Our number of social media followers across platforms is more than 357,000 followers. In December of 2022, TechOWL posted an incredibly viral series about wrapping toys accessibly. As a result, TechOWL gained over 88k followers on Facebook and had several news outlets write about TechOWL's impacts! TechOWL has promoted two new AT programs through social media, garnering international audiences. Specifically, the collaboration with the healthy sexuality team on the "Sex, Disability, and AT" lecture reached hundreds of people who attended the two iterations of this talk this year. Further, the Wheeled Repair Alliance has inspired continued interest and conversation on social media.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	680	1,277	1,957
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	437	881	1,318
Representative of Education	113	23	136
Representative of Employment	14	02	16
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	190	379	569
Representative of Community Living	160	191	351
Representative of Technology	12	05	17
Unable to Categorize	68	21	89
Total	1,674	2,779	4,453

Referral Types:

Our popular Connect with Tech program helped us reach people who otherwise would not have thought to contact our program. Our network of Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs), which include several Centers for Independent Living and other disability-related organizations, are required to do outreach in their respective regions. TechOWL's social media presence continues to reach more people. When we receive an inquiry from another state or US territory, we give them the contact information for their AT Act program, which increases their visibility.

Referral Sources:

This year, of the people who provided a response, the highest referral source is from AT websites, print materials, in-person events, and other outreach, including social media (718). After that, most of our referrals come from Self-Referral (568), Health Care providers (349), and CILs (330). Under Referral Source Groups, the highest number was from Disability & Advocacy Entities/Providers (898) followed by Prior Customer (759).

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?

CDC funds received from the Pennsylvania Development of Health enabled our program to develop a program called "Connect with Tech." This program distributes tablets (including case, stylus and earbuds) and assist recipients by offering tech support and resources for internet connectivity. To be eligible, applicants must be a Pennsylvania resident who does not already have a tablet or computer and identifies as a member of an underserved group (as outlined in the application). These identities may make it harder to get quality health care. A tablet can help them access doctors and medical 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.

Since the program began in Feb 2022, a total of 7,801 people received devices; 4,913 were during this program year. We anticipate that funding for this program will be depleted by December 31, 2023. We are in conversation with the PA Department of Health to secure additional funding.

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

Health; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity; Other: Addressing disparities in access to health care.;

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

State Financing;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Public/State Agency	$512,853	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$250,000	Demonstration	True
Federal	$41,500	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$347,120	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$2,999,916	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$121,223	Training	True
Federal	$240,063	State Financing	True
State Appropriations	$437,625	Device Loan	True
	Amount: $4,950,300

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:

$42,670.00

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	1.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

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

This position was filled with an internal candidate who creates content for TechOWL's robust social media presence and website. Content is targeted to people experiencing inequities in healthcare.

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).

While it is difficult to report the exact number of people directly impacted, our social media has garnered over 356,900 followers across all platforms.

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:13:38 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)