National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Florida 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.faast.org
Mailing Address:
2145 Delta Blvd, Suite 200
City:
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Zip Code:
32303
Program Email:
info@faast.org
Phone:
1-844-353-2278
TTY:
1-877-506-2723

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Florida Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
325 W Gaines St. Suite 1144
City:
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Zip Code:
32399
Program URL:
www.rehabworks.org/

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
Mailing Address:
2145 Delta Blvd, Suite 200
City
Tallahassee
State:
FL
Zip Code:
32303
Program URL:
www.faast.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Reed, Eric
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
8504873278 x107
E-mail:
ereed@faast.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Patterson, Tametria
Title:
Contract Manager
Phone:
(850) 245-3369
E-mail:
Victoria.Aguilar@vr.fldoe.org
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Reed, Eric
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
8504873278
E-mail:
ereed@faast.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Anzo, Hannah
Title:
State AT Program Director
Phone:
8504873278
E-mail:
hanzo@faast.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Reed, Eric
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
8504873278
E-mail:
ereed@faast.org

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
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 42 09 51
Approved Not made 22 03 25
Rejected 02 00 02
Total 66 12 78

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $0 Highest Income: $86,400

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$1,973,838 51 $38,703

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less		 $15,001-
$30,000		 $30,001-
$45,000		 $45,001-
$60,000		 $60,001-
$75,000		 $75,001
or More
Number of Loans 08 10 14 12 04 03 51
Percentage of Loans 15.69% 19.61% 27.45% 23.53% 7.84% 5.88% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 43 84.31%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 08 15.69%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 51 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 43 $245,057
Partnership Loans 08 $264,871
Total 51 $509,928

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5.5%
Highest 6.5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
289 51 5.66666666666667%

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% 43
6.1% to 8.0% 08
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 51

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 03 $8,308
Hearing 62 $158,964
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 01 $997
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $17,471
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 12 $300,331
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 01 $23,857
Total 80 $509,928

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 11
Net loss for loans in default $6,364

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? 0


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? 0

D. Anecdote

JH came to FAAST seeking funding for a new van so she could transport her daughter safely to medical appointments, day programs, and community events. Her prior vehicle became unrepairable and they were relying on public and private transportation. Unfortunately, JH's credit score was well below the credit guidelines to approve a vehicle loan, however, based on current credit trends, stable employment, and the great need of the new AT, JH was able to participate in FAAST's credit builder program for a six-month term. During this time, JH met all of her payment obligations to FAAST and all of her creditors, successfully increasing her score and building repayment trust with FAAST. At the end of the credit builder loan period, she met all underwriting requirements and was approved for the purchase of a modified van. Once again, JH is able to help her daughter have more independence by getting out to not just necessary activities but fun and social activities as well.

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 01 02 25 28
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 01 02 27 30
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 02 27 30
7. Nonrespondent 01 03 17 21
8. Total 02 05 44 51
9. Performance on this measure 50% 40% 61.36%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 23 45.1%
Satisfied 08 15.69%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 20 39.22%
Total Surveyed 51
Response rate % 60.78%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 02
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,086
C. Total 1,088

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 1,088

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 02 $210 $0 $210
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 02 $210 $0 $210

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 07 $1,219 $0 $1,219
Hearing 19 $1,649 $0 $1,649
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 $200 $0 $200
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 857 $288,927 $1 $288,926
Daily Living 599 $35,504 $1 $35,503
Environmental Adaptations 19 $5,688 $0 $5,688
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $7,050 $0 $7,050
Computers and Related 04 $5,469 $0 $5,469
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $20 $0 $20
Total 1,510 $345,726 $2 $345,724

D. Anecdote

A man in his young 20s in Hollywood, FL, contacted the Center for Independent Living of Broward in need of equipment to allow him to live independently with a physical disability. The Equipment Loan Manager was happy to provide him with a shower chair, a standard commode, a pair of standard crutches, a four-wheel knee walker, and an 18-inch manual wheelchair. This wouldn't have been possible without the community-donated equipment and FAAST reuse funding. The Equipment Loan Manager gave him tips on maintaining all equipment. Thanks to the CILB and FAAST's reuse partnership, he can stay independent and has more accessibility throughout his home and the community.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 06 01 992 999
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 22 23
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 01 41 43
4. Subtotal 08 02 1,055 1,065
5. None of the above 00 01 19 20
6. Subtotal 08 03 1,074 1,085
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
8. Total 08 03 1,077 1,088
9. Performance on this measure 100% 66.67% 97.96%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,052 96.69%
Satisfied 36 3.31%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,088
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

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) 1,505
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 64
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 423
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 244
Total 2,236

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 768 157 925
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 281 53 334
Representative of Education 56 79 135
Representative of Employment 32 00 32
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 347 437 784
Representatives of Community Living 13 02 15
Representatives of Technology 08 03 11
Total 1,505 731 2,236

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
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 131 43 174
Hearing 64 04 68
Speech Communication 329 362 691
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 169 90 259
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 365 23 388
Daily Living 207 83 290
Environmental Adaptations 145 69 214
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 08 02 10
Computers and Related 596 277 873
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 183 49 232
Total 2,197 1,002 3,199

E. Anecdote

"An SLP working as part of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center in Miramar, borrowed an AAC device with a modular house mount to try switch access with a young girl with limited verbal and motor abilities. The therapists and child’s parents were concerned about her inability to express herself effectively, which often left her frustrated and isolated. After successfully borrowing devices from the Broward FAAST Center for other patients, the therapist contacted Broward FAAST Center for AT/AAC assistance. Excited about the possibilities, the therapist and child’s parents decided to borrow the devices to see if it would make a difference in the child’s life. The process of borrowing the AAC device from the Broward FAAST Center was straightforward. The mother filled out an application form and provided information about her child’s needs and communication/motor challenges. They also received guidance from the program staff, who helped them choose the most suitable AAC device and mount to try. Broward FAAST Center not only provided the family and therapist with the necessary tools, but also offered ongoing support and resources. The family and therapist are grateful to this program and would recommend to those who could benefit from AT/AAC." Written on Behalf of NCH Therapist

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 478 51 774 1,303
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 09 03 37 49
Subtotal 487 54 811 1,352
Have not made a decision 52 03 40 95
Subtotal 539 57 851 1,447
Nonrespondent 16 03 39 58
Total 555 60 890 1,505
Performance on this measure 90.35% 94.74% 95.3%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 186 12 84 282
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 48 04 47 99
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 07 01 10 18
4. Subtotal 241 17 141 399
5. None of the above 222 18 46 286
6. Subtotal 463 35 187 685
7. Nonrespondent 35 04 07 46
8. Total 498 39 194 731
9. Performance on this measure 52.05% 48.57% 75.4%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,008 89.8%
Satisfied 129 5.77%
Satisfied somewhat 13 0.58%
Not at all satisfied 07 0.31%
Nonrespondent 79 3.53%
Total Surveyed 2,236
Response rate % 96.47%

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 130
Hearing 68
Speech Communication 643
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 329
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 363
Daily Living 254
Environmental Adaptations 98
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 13
Computers and Related 223
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 137
Total # of Device Demonstrations 2,258

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 1,247 191 1,438
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 399 271 670
Representatives of Education 137 51 188
Representatives of Employment 11 22 33
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 415 297 712
Representative of Community Living 38 10 48
Representative of Technology 11 04 15
Total 2,258 846 3,104

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 27
Service Provider 28
Vendor 27
Repair Service 07
Others 05
Total 94

D. Anecdote

A woman was referred to the Central Regional Demonstration Center in Tampa by her Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. She was actively searching for a job, but due to her hearing loss, communicating over the telephone was difficult. She used hearing aids connected via Bluetooth for her cell phone, however, this solution was not applicable to a standard office phone. We demonstrated a variety of telecommunication options for her to consider. We compared amplified phones to captioned telephones and showed her how to forward an office phone line directly to her cell phone. Since she couldn’t predict the office layout and required an 80 dB sound level, we weren’t sure amplified options were appropriate. We discussed captioning, but she decided that option would not meet her needs. Forwarding the office line to her cell phone might be the simplest solution since she is already set up for success. The final solution will depend on the employer’s telephone setup, but she was happy to come prepared with solutions to any job interview.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 683 145 1,096 1,924
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 05 17 27
Subtotal 688 150 1,113 1,951
Have not made a decision 59 27 195 281
Subtotal 747 177 1,308 2,232
Nonrespondent 05 01 20 26
Total 752 178 1,328 2,258
Performance on this measure 91.49% 84.27% 83.81%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,512 80.93%
Satisfied 542 17.46%
Satisfied somewhat 20 0.64%
Not at all satisfied 09 0.29%
Nonrespondent 21 0.68%
Total 3,104
Response rate % 99.32%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 193 15 1,101 1,309
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 49 04 69 122
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 08 02 53 63
4. Subtotal 250 21 1,223 1,494
5. None of the above 222 19 65 306
6. Subtotal 472 40 1,288 1,800
7. Nonrespondent 36 07 27 70
8. Total 508 47 1,315 1,870
9. Performance on this measure 51.16% 44.19% 89.45% 78.45%
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
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 1,161 196 1,870 3,227
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 14 08 54 76
Subtotal 1,175 204 1,924 3,303
Have not made a decision 111 30 235 376
Subtotal 1,286 234 2,159 3,679
Nonrespondent 21 04 59 84
Total 1,307 238 2,218 3,763
Performance on this measure 91.01% 86.81% 88.3% 89.15%
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 99.23% 95% Met
Response Rate 98.15% 90% Met

Educational/Training Activities

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

Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 4,915
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 1,687
Representatives of Education 826
Representatives of Employment 350
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 2,843
Representatives of Community Living 1,070
Representatives of Technology 138
Unable to Categorize 841
TOTAL 12,670

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
11,497 1,142 31 12,670

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 10,550
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 218
Combination of any/all of the above 921
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 18
Transition 963
Total 12,670

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

"We had a wonderful experience with FAAST and their outstanding SLP representative, Christina. Their loan program for AAC devices, coupled with comprehensive training for staff and families, has been a huge support for our clients and families. Christina's recent visit to our office was incredibly enlightening, leaving us equipped with invaluable knowledge and a renewed passion for empowering individuals with communication challenges. We are grateful to have FAAST in our local community!" Submitted by Client/SLP

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

"FAAST South Regional Demo Center training opportunity and loaner program have been enlightening and very helpful for my husband and I to start the process of understanding this new language we are learning with our nonverbal daughter as we prepare her for school. As we live in Key West, there are very limited resources available unless we travel to the mainland over 3 hours away. With the assistance of the FAAST program, we decided to purchase one of the platforms we were able to try. The loaner device helped us decide and begin working to implement this new communication much sooner than if we had to wait for a full evaluation on the mainland. With the costly initial investment for the device and platform, it is essential to be able to try before buying, and our therapy team was able to explore the different platforms during the course of their sessions over the 6 weeks we had it and come to an agreement on best fit for our daughter. I truly wish programs for individuals with disabilities, especially kids, were fully funded so that families could have better access to the tools necessary. The State should continue to fund this incredibly beneficial program." Submitted by Client/Parent

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

Staff arranged for a representative from the Affordable Connectivity Act to speak virtually about the program and how it could benefit the Clients of FAAST. Staff facilitated and helped those who wanted to apply.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 14
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 02
No known outcome at this time 02
Nonrespondent 00
Total 18
Performance Measure Percentage 88.9%
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 20%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 80%
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:

FAAST participated in regular meetings on the Florida Disaster Housing Task Force(DHTF) In response to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, DR-4673, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), in partnership with the Florida Housing Coalition, has stood up the Florida Disaster Housing Task Force (DHTF) which began meeting in October and will probably be active for the next year or two. The Florida DHTF will assess the housing impacts from Hurricane Ian and develop strategies for resilient and economically-sound permanent housing solutions in the wake of the Hurricane Ian disaster.

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

FAAST Executive Director, Eric Reed, presented to educators working within Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Programs about how FAAST can help with their programs. Had an information booth as well. Over 200 attendees, Presented to about 20 directly and then table to all.

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. FAAST set up and maintained a FAAST information table at the 2024 Childrens Day and DD Day at the Florida Capitol in February. Table at the DD Day contained FAAST handout & brochures detailing FAAST programs & services. It also held inventory from our Statewide Device Loan Program. Including, Braille keyboard, Big Button Keyboard, Magnifiers, Proloquo2go, Adaptive Utensils, Comfort Duett ( FM System) , Tracker , & Goally. The Table at the childrens day displayed adaptive toys, tactile/ sensory devices and other assistive technology which are available from the FAAST Statewide Device Loan Program or the local FAAST Demonstration Center in Tallahassee.

2. FLASHA Conference June 20-23 2024 at the Daytona Beach Hilton FAAST staff & The Atlantic RDC set up and maintained a FAAST Exhibit/ Information Booth during The FLASHA Conference 2024 at the Daytona Beach Hilton June 20-23 2024. The booth showcased information about FAAST Programs and Services. In addition assistive technology was displayed promoting our FAAST Statewide Device Loan Program, the local FAAST Demonstration Centers and the other Assistive Technology Programs around the country. Approx 400 attendees were present. audience consisted of SLP & other professionals

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 4,360 270 4,630
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 1,755 200 1,955
Representative of Education 359 02 361
Representative of Employment 88 12 100
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 1,160 55 1,215
Representative of Community Living 465 19 484
Representative of Technology 172 08 180
Unable to Categorize 313 00 313
Total 8,672 566 9,238

Referral Types:

21% of our Information and Assistance Activities reported hearing about our program through In-Person Outreach, We have focused on expanding our presence at both statewide and community events. We have a dedicated staff person who manages all statewide I&As as well as organizes FAASTs attendance at conferences, events, and other opportunity to engage with the public. This level of oversight has allowed us to reach a wider audience in many demographics. 14% of our I&A activity recipients reported learning about our program from CILs. We contract with 11 of the 16 CILs in Florida who host our Demonstration and/or Reuse Programs. This partnership naturally fits into the CILs mission and they hand off referrals for AT-related inquiries

Referral Sources:

We provide I&As at our State Headquarters office as well as at our 12 Regional Demonstration Centers; there are many referral sources around the state, all supporting the awareness of the program at both statewide and local levels. On the statewide level, the most commonly mentioned referral sources are from other organizations such as CILs, Department of Blind Services, Department of Elder Affairs, 211 United Way, When surveying our partners on their strongest partnerships and where they feel most of their referrals are coming from, they provided the following entities. Early Steps, teachers. VR, Grow Group, CareerSource, CIL Career Camps, Libraries, SLPs, OTs, Chamber of Commerce, Rehab Centers and Hospitals, Local Support groups, AT Vendors, and Advocacy groups. We have begun sharing information about these local partnerships with the other RDCs in the hope of replicating successful partnerships in one part of the state to the others.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Florida DOE participated with FAAST in a group panel presentation, created by FAAST, to provide participants the opportunity to learn how AT can be accessed no matter where they are in their life cycle. DOE provided the attendees information on the assistive technology program available to students to assist with their learning success. This presentation was provided to attendees at the annual Family Cafe, which hosts approximately 14,000 individuals to help navigate living with disabilities. In addition, a member of the Florida MTSS project is an advisory council member. FAAST used state contract money, which includes federal AT Act dollars.
Measurable results include the attendance at the live session of approximately 20 individuals along with views of the recorded session as well as follow-up information at the exhibitor booths. The panel discussion was well received and pertinent information was provided to assist the disability community in locating resources available to them. FAAST provides AT access to educators and students through lending libraries as a supplement to what DOE offers and is well received and used by educators across the state. The ongoing partnership was strengthened through the direct collaboration with leaders of the DOE AT program. A follow-up panel discussion is being planned for the 2025 Family Cafe. The benefit and advice to replicate is that this collaboration helps break down any sense from DOE that we are trying to compete but instead, we are a resource for them just as much as we are for individuals.

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

Education,

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

Training, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
Vocational Rehabilitation is the lead agency for the state AT program so FAAST works closely with VR throughout the year. In addition to presenting to different VR counselor groups in different areas of the state on a consistent basis, VR participated with FAAST in a group panel presentation, created by FAAST, to provide participants the opportunity to learn how AT can be accessed no matter where they are in their life cycle. VR provided the attendees information on transition and employment services and how including AT into employment provides greater opportunity for success. This presentation was provided to all attendees at the annual Family Cafe, which hosts approximately 14,000 individuals to help navigate living with disabilities. FAAST used state contract money, which includes federal AT Act dollars.
Ongoing and continual work with VR provides for counselors being fully aware of the different resources they have to promote and encourage client use of AT. With the continued training of VR staff, they are made aware of the ability to send clients to FAAST to learn about, try and, borrow AT to determine what may be the best solution for employment. Often, they are able to determine through comparison of different equipment, what will work before the state spends money on purchasing AT. These activities continue.

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

Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Training, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
FAAST approaches collaboration with Aging Agencies in a number of ways. Regional Demonstration Centers across the state provide information to all AAA's as needed. Through state HQ, the local AAA which serves multiple counties, is provided monthly updates on FAAST at local meetings and FAAST formally presents to all attendees at a minimum of once per year. FAAST also participates in the statewide annual Florida Council on Aging conference, both as an exhibitor and a presenter. The 2024 conference included a FAAST presentation titled: AT for Staying Active and Enjoying Recreation - How FAAST Can Help. Providing all of these services targeted at the aging community help: other organizations learn how to serve this population better; help care givers learn ways to lessen their burden and provide independence to loved ones; provides direct opportunities for seniors to find ways to remain independent. State VR and Federal AT Act funding was used for these public awareness initiatives.
These activities provide direct services to all individuals who participate. While information and public awareness is the initial impact and measurable result, reaching hundreds of individuals through the numerous events attended, any time senior specific demos, loans, and trainings are provided to participants, it is reasonable that these are a result of the efforts maintained with the Aging Agency in Florida. With continued work and helping the different centers across Florida model the state HQ efforts, this collaboration continues to grow and strengthen, increasing awareness of AT and access to AT. Interest in smart home technologies to assist seniors through discussions at our trainings has led to a smart home room being created at HQ and one demonstration center with plans for more to be added at other centers with space. These initiatives will continue with the same funding streams.

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

Housing/Home Automation, Aging,

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

Training, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
FAAST has collaborated with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities who is responsible for Medicaid determination of the HCBS waiver program in Florida which is available to be used for AT purchases. This collaboration primarily took place through a panel discussion presentation at the annual Family Cafe, providing attendees the opportunity to learn how they can find AT services and access throughout their life cycle. AHCA is the Medicaid agency, and FAAST has referral relationships with AHCA, has had advisory council membership, and maintains contact through conference, events, and other disability projects.
Measurable results include the attendance at the live session of approximately 20 individuals along with views of the recorded session as well as follow-up information at the exhibitor booths. The panel discussion was well received and pertinent information was provided to assist the disability community in locating resources available to them. Having APD as a part of the panel gave a good introduction to participants of other avenues to access AT and how they can use waivers to their advantage. This also provided the opportunity for FAAST to share specific AT info with APD staff who do not work directly with devices or have a lending library. This was successful and follow up trainings for APD staff were discussed and being planned to continue the success. A follow-up panel discussion is being planned for the 2025 Family Cafe as well to provide the info to a new group of participants.

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

Community Participation and Integration, Health,

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

Training, Public Awareness,
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

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? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
State Appropriations$90,314DemonstrationTrue
State Appropriations$56,736ReuseTrue
State Appropriations$60,116Public Awareness, I&ATrue
State Appropriations$284,729Device LoanTrue
State Appropriations$172,306TrainingTrue
Private$897State FinancingTrue
Private$51,716TrainingFalse
Private$5,527Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$5,740Public Awareness, I&ATrue
State Appropriations$7,734Technical AssistanceTrue
Amount: $735,815

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.

$51716 was received from a grant from the University of Miami. The funds for this program were used to create StepUpAT.org, a training and public awareness platform for the "Step Up AT" program hosted by the University of Miami through a grant from the US Departmentof Education. Step Up AT is an evidence-based customizable program that coaches teachers, teacher assistants, teacher supports specialists, school districts, and other agencies to adopt evidence-based assistive technology (AT) practices shown to improve early literacy outcomes for young children (ages 3-5) with disabilities. As the funds are used for creation of and hosting of their programs and website, there is no data reported.

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).

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This FY24 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.