National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

Lead Agency

Implementing Entity

Program Director and Other Contacts

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Certifying Representative

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

G. Notes:

No loans were made during this reporting period. Two consumers requested the link to the DC Funds financial loan application but did not apply. On 6/5/24, The previous DCATP Program Manager conducted a virtual presentation about the DC Funds Financial Loan Program to the DC Public Libraries Accessibility Ambassadors. Information about DC Funds and the application are available on www.uls-dc.org website. DC Funds Flyers were distributed at all DCATP outreach events this year. The DCATP staff will increase DC Funds public awareness and outreach on our social media accounts and conduct presentations for community partners and consumer groups.

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

n/a

G. Notes:

During this reporting period, DC Shares distributed incontinent supplies to DC residents with disabilities saving them $15,875. The former Equipment Recycling Coordinator retired in FY 2024. On March 18, 2024, the Equipment Technician that he supervised was hired as the new Equipment Recycling Coordinator as well as a new Equipment Technician. The new equipment technician was terminated a few months later and the program has not hired a replacement due to budget constraints.

I. Notes:

The total number of short-term device loans for FY 2023 was 17 and increased to 34 in FY 2024 attributed to increased public awareness/outreach activities. The previous AT Program Manager retired on September 30, 2024, after 26 years. The former full-time AT Specialist was hired as the new AT Program Manager in October 2024. An AT consultant continues to work part-time as an AT Specialist. DCATP has a full-time Outreach Specialist who started working under the AT grant on October 1, 2023. Due to budget constraints, DCATP has not hired anyone to replace the previous full-time AT Specialist

G. Notes:

The total number of device demonstrations for FY 2023 was 66. The total number for FY 2024 was 54.

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

The A.T. Specialist conducted a training for seven occupational Therapy assistant students from Trinity College and their professor. The topic of the training was An Overview of AT Products. The AT Specialist answered questions and demonstrated various products to help individuals with impaired hearing, vision, communication, and decreased computer access. After the presentation, the students could identify specific A.T. products for people with impaired hearing, vision, and communication. They learned that every state has an AT program in which consumers and others can borrow products to try before purchasing them from a vendor..

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

The A.T. Specialist conducted an A.T. transition training about maintaining independence in the community. The virtual workshop was presented to the iPad for Seniors group hosted by The Wilderness Technology Alliance. The training was entitled, "There's No Place Like Home with Useful Technology". The training reviewed various A.T. applications and devices for the home and community to maintain independence and age in place. There were 47 senior participants. The seniors reported they increased their knowledge by learning about various technologies and how they could be used for maintaining and promoting good health. They reported looking forward to more training in the future.

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

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The DC Assistive Technology Program Manager serves on the District of Columbia Disability Community Advisory Group (DCAG). DCAG was created on September 26, 2019, because of a Settlement Agreement negotiated by the co-chairs, United Spinal, DC Center for Independent Living, and the District Government. The overarching purpose of the DC DCAG is to help ensure the District's emergency plans and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The DCATP Program Manager provides ongoing technical assistance on the role of assistive technology to improve emergency preparedness and services for individuals with disabilities in Washington, DC. During FY 24, the members reviewed the community risk assessment instrument which identifies and ranks the District's threats and hazards. Members reviewed and commented on the emergency shelter quick accessibility checklist, the ReadyDC webpage, and the Text to 911 flyer. Members reviewed and made recommendations for the Post Emergency Canvass

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

DCATP Staff serves on the Department on Disability Services disability work group to develop a "Technology First" initiative in Washington, DC. One of the AT Specialists served on the Disability Tech Summit Planning group in FY 24. The Mayor's Disability Tech Summit invites vendors of assistive technology products and services that can assist individuals with disabilities in maintaining their ability to live in the community and increase independence and function. The AT Specialist provided technical assistance during the scheduled weekly meetings to help implement procedures for a successful virtual event.

C. Notes:

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. On 7/13/24, DCATP and DC Public Library collaborated to hold the third Smart Home Exhibit at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on July 13, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Seven library volunteers helped to set-up for the event, demonstrate devices at the tables, and pack items at the end of the event. Sixty-five people attended the event and were given folders with flyers describing DCATP programs and services. Attendees included individuals with disabilities, seniors, direct service providers, and caregivers. This innovative public awareness event allowed attendees to interact with the high-tech smart products. The exhibit included: a smart Microwave, smart locks, smart bulbs and plugs, motion sensor Lights, Echo Show 8 for Alexa Games and the Echo Show 15 for organization and planning, The Hero Medication Dispenser, Dose smart pill box, the AngelSense GPS tracker and Watch, Tile GPS Tracker and Apple Air Tag, Motion Sensor Light, iPads, Square Glow Flasher Kit, the Ring Video Doorbell, and the BeHear Proxy Voice Hearing Amplifier. Attendees were excited to see the Smart Microwave, Motion Sensor light for day and night, and the smart locks, which include one with fingerprint access. Participants were excited to know that such products existed and some wanted information to purchase products. Attendees were offered a list of the products exhibited with vendors and pricing. Between June 10th - 28th, the flyer for the 2024 Smart Home Exhibit was emailed to approximately 150 individuals (consumers, therapists, and services providers) on the DCATP mailing list. DC Public Libraries distributed information about the event through their wide-reaching monthly newsletter and social media.

2. On 6/25/24, The A.T. Outreach Specialist and A.T. Specialist attended a high-impact event at the invitation of the Department of Aging and Community Living. It was the D.C. Mayor’s 13th Annual Senior Symposium at Ballou High School. The DC Assistive Technology program had a table to provide program flyers and promotional items. Over 150 people attended the event and 101 people visited the DCATP table. Staff talked to seniors and service providers about DCATP services. A few devices for visual impairments were displayed which included: portable vision magnifiers ranging from low-tech to high-tech solutions and a few smartphone and tablet apps. Also, staff networked with staff from community programs and learned about their services. Organizations and senior groups requested presentations to learn more about the DC Assistive Technology Program, such as a local assisted living facility.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

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.

The District of Columbia Disability Community Advisory Group (DCAG) ensures that the District's emergency plans and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities. During FY 24, the members reviewed the community risk assessment instrument which identifies and ranks the District's threats and hazards. Members reviewed and commented on the emergency shelter quick accessibility checklist, the ReadyDC webpage, and the Text to 911 flyer. Members reviewed and made recommendations for the Post Emergency Canvassing Operations (PEPCO) Pictorial Communication.

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.)

Written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of this initiative include the: emergency shelter quick accessibility checklist, the ReadyDC webpage, the Text to 911 flyer, the Post Emergency Canvassing Operations (PEPCO) Pictorial Communication. and the community risk assessment instrument which identifies and ranks the District's threats and hazards.

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

Community Living