National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.rehab.alabama.gov/services/vr/star
Mailing Address:
236 Goodwin Crest Drive
City:
Homewood
State:
Alabama
Zip Code:
35209
Program Email:
ashley.mcleroy@rehab.alabama.gov
Phone:
(205) 290-4466
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
602 S. Lawrence Street
City:
Montgomery
State:
Alabama
Zip Code:
36104
Program URL:
https://www.rehab.alabama.gov

Implementing Entity

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):
McLeroy, Ashley
Title:
Director
Phone:
(205) 290-4466
E-mail:
ashley.mcleroy@rehab.alabama.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Jenkins, Karen
Title:
Deputy Commissioner
Phone:
(334) 293-7108
E-mail:
karen.jenkins@rehab.alabama.gov
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):
Burdeshaw, Jane Elizabeth
Title:
Commissioner
Phone:
(334) 293-7200
E-mail:
JE.Burdeshaw@rehab.alabama.gov

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? No

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? 1
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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)150
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)35
C. Total Served185

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures185

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication40$30,534
Learning, cognition, and developmental 34$54,490
Mobility, seating and positioning56$62,980
Daily living 9$10,265
Environmental adaptations7$4,988
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure43$4,653
Total189$167,910



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? 1
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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)39
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)5
C. Total Served44

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures44

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 / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal 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 42$1,995$21$1,974
Learning, cognition, and developmental 44$1,337$254$1,083
Mobility, seating and positioning 0$0$0$0
Daily living 21$357$210$147
Environmental adaptations 0$0$0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0$0$0
Computers and related 23$2,185$115$2,070
Recreation, sports, and leisure 23$1,357$667$690
Total 153$7,231$1,267$5,964


D. Anecdote

Our new partnership to support the administration of a last resort funding organization, Libby's Friends, has been a joy to see through fruition. Libby's Friends does amazing work, fundraising and working tirelessly to fulfill as many assistive technology requests as their budget allows. One great story comes from a family who received a folding powerchair for their son Orin. The chair, named "Noodle", has given Orin the freedom and independence to explore his world. Mom says "We are learning so much more about O’s personality now that he can explore new places at his own pace. He looked at me in amazement the first time we took Noodle out and I told Orin to “Go where you want to, I’m right behind you.” We were at a community festival and he went straight for the cake tables!" They also report that the chair is making a bigger impact as Orin's providers are recommending similar devices for other patients since seeing the positive outcome.

A young boy sits in the middle of a grassy field with his bright orange folding powerchair.
Impact Area

We had the honor of coordinating an AT Maker workshop for the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association annual conference. As a pre-conference workshop event we were asked to provide in-depth training on 3D printing and inclusive activities to include make and take activities for the OTs to learn more about creating devices for their clients. We provided hands-on training for 3D modeling, demonstrated the 3D printing process on site, and participants got to 3D print their own finger focuser devices. We also created custom, capacitive styluses for device access using moldable plastic and metal straws. Finally, we built adapted catapults for inclusive fun! Not only did the participants get to take home three DIY devices at a significantly reduced cost, they now know how to create these useful devices to benefit the individuals they serve.