National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Georgia 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Georgia Tools for Life
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://gatfl.gatech.edu/
Mailing Address:
512 Means St, NW
City:
Atlanta
State:
Georgia
Zip Code:
30318
Program Email:
jennifer.ro@gatfl.gatech.edu
Phone:
4043856570
TTY:
800-497-8665

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Georgia Institute of Technology | College of Design | CIDI
Mailing Address:
512 Means Street
City:
Atlanta
State:
Georgia
Zip Code:
30318
Program URL:
http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/

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):
Jennifer Ro
Title:
Director
Phone:
4043855367
E-mail:
jennifer.ro@gatfl.gatech.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
4043855367
E-mail:
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):
McFeron, Hunter (with Jennifer Ro, Director)
Title:
AT Acquisition Services Manager
Phone:
E-mail:
hunter.mcferon@gatfl.gatech.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Brooks, Lakita
Title:
Contracting Officer - Office of Sponsored Project
Phone:
404.385.2080
E-mail:
lakita.brooks@osp.gatech.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
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 01 00 01
Approved Not made 00 01 01
Rejected 01 00 01
Total 02 01 03

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $73,200 Highest Income: $73,200

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$73,200 01 $73,200

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 00 00 00 00 01 00 01
Percentage of Loans 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 01 100%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 01 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 01 $7,050
Total 01 $7,050

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 2.5%
Highest 2.5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
00 01 0%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 01
4.1% to 6.0% 00
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 01

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 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 01 $7,050
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 01 $7,050

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

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

The applicant, Lorraine, utilizes a wheelchair and was seeking a loan for an accessible bathroom. After she and her husband moved into their home, her husband was unable to safely transfer her from the wheelchair to the tub even with assistance. They could not afford the out-of-pocket cost or a high interest loan to remodel the bathroom to make it safer and more accessible. Because Lorraine and her husband were able to take advantage of the low interest CreditAble loan offered in partnership with the state AT program, they were able to remodel the bathroom for safety and accessibility.

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. 00 00 01 01
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 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 01 01
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 01 01
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 01 01
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 01 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 01
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Just prior to FY2023, the Center for Financial Independence and Innovation (CFII’s) CreditAble program closed, and the assets were transitioned to FODAC. Since that time, work has focused on reestablishing the alternative financing program at FODAC. This also included hiring new staff and establishing the new community financial partner. CreditAble made its first loan towards the end of FY2024.

Reutilization

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 9,171
C. Total 9,171

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 9,171

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 00 $0 $0 $0
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 00 $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 06 $3,330 $77 $3,253
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 7,153 $5,152,209 $336,642 $4,815,567
Daily Living 1,633 $1,056,691 $47,806 $1,008,885
Environmental Adaptations 242 $70,736 $5,955 $64,781
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 97 $14,750 $8,493 $6,257
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 40 $30,193 $875 $29,318
Total 9,171 $6,327,909 $399,848 $5,928,061

D. Anecdote

Ms. Sarah originally reached out to request and receive a rollator. She called back within about a week and said the item wasn’t working for her and she didn’t feel comfortable using it. She then asked about a 3 wheel walker. After coming in to try out the new device, she discovered that she liked it better and felt safer using it. This refurbished/repaired equipment was provided at no cost.

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. 00 00 9,171 9,171
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 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 9,171 9,171
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 9,171 9,171
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 9,171 9,171
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 4,555 49.67%
Satisfied 11 0.12%
Satisfied somewhat 17 0.19%
Not at all satisfied 56 0.61%
Nonrespondent 4,532 49.42%
Total Surveyed 9,171
Response rate % 50.58%

G. Notes:

Over the past 2 years, TFL has experienced significant change and transition in various areas of its program. These areas included staffing, programming, and program resources/applications. These changes have impacted data, in comparison to data that had been previously collected and reported. As a result, TFL began a review of database functionality and training. Database upgrades were initiated in 2024 and are expected to continue into the next year.

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) 202
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 10
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 13
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 124
Total 349

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 106 16 122
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 20 04 24
Representative of Education 48 82 130
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 21 30 51
Representatives of Community Living 07 10 17
Representatives of Technology 00 05 05
Total 202 147 349

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 94 10 104
Hearing 03 11 14
Speech Communication 40 79 119
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 14 00 14
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 22 19 41
Daily Living 21 05 26
Environmental Adaptations 23 08 31
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 60 21 81
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06 07 13
Total 283 160 443

E. Anecdote

Ms. Z was a typically developing teenager until a brain tumor was discovered, which led to a long hospitalization and many complications. Ms. Z and her mom visited Tools for Life to learn about adaptive gaming and phone access for leisure. We learned that she loved Tiktok and wanted to be able to watch videos independently. We were able to set up a custom gesture recipe to scroll between videos and set up the Tecla-E as a switch interface with a pillow switch. We loaned these out with a modular hose phone mount. A few weeks later, Ms. Z's mom wrote: “She uses the Tecla EVERY NIGHT lol to watch tik tok. She really enjoys being able to scroll through herself. She even asks for headphones sometimes so she can just have her time with no one else in her business lol. Which I love for her too.” Later, we were able to show them how to set up an additional switch that could be used to swipe across and view posts that contain photosets. We also helped them set up the same recipes on the Blue2 switch that they already owned.

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 50 03 69 122
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 01 03 06
Subtotal 52 04 72 128
Have not made a decision 40 04 19 63
Subtotal 92 08 91 191
Nonrespondent 04 00 07 11
Total 96 08 98 202
Performance on this measure 56.52% 50% 79.12%

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. 00 00 00 00
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 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 124 00 23 147
8. Total 124 00 23 147
9. Performance on this measure 0% NaN% 0%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 280 80.23%
Satisfied 49 14.04%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 20 5.73%
Total Surveyed 349
Response rate % 94.27%

I. Notes:

Over the past 2 years, TFL has experienced significant change and transition in various areas of its program. These areas included staffing, programming, and program resources/applications. These changes have impacted data, in comparison to data that had been previously collected and reported. As a result, TFL began a review of database functionality and training. Database upgrades were initiated in 2024 and are expected to continue into the next year. Ex: mid-year database upgrades may impact section A,

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 80
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 17
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 17
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 142
Daily Living 212
Environmental Adaptations 24
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01
Computers and Related 71
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 23
Total # of Device Demonstrations 588

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 433 00 433
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 54 00 54
Representatives of Education 10 00 10
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 54 00 54
Representative of Community Living 36 00 36
Representative of Technology 01 00 01
Total 588 00 588

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 22
Service Provider 02
Vendor 49
Repair Service 00
Others 515
Total 588

D. Anecdote

Ms. J, a young woman with a progressive condition affecting her vision, motor function, and speech, came to our office for device demonstrations. She had recently upgraded her iPhone and was experiencing some issues using VoiceOver, so we demonstrated some of the assistive touch features and helped her customize the phone to her needs. After having a positive experience with our demos, they reached back out looking for information about grab bar placement in the bathroom. After providing suggestions, they were able to have 6 grab bars professionally installed. Ms. J’s caregiver, wrote: “Here is a pic of the bars! We put 6 in that bathroom! Huge help!”

An image of grab bars installed around the toilet and shower in Ms. J's bathroom
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 10 03 430 443
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 04 26 30
Subtotal 10 07 456 473
Have not made a decision 10 12 93 115
Subtotal 20 19 549 588
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 20 19 549 588
Performance on this measure 50% 36.84% 83.06%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 561 95.41%
Satisfied 26 4.42%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.17%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 588
Response rate % 100%

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. 00 00 9,172 9,172
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 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 9,172 9,172
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 9,172 9,172
7. Nonrespondent 124 00 23 147
8. Total 124 00 9,195 9,319
9. Performance on this measure 0% NaN% 99.84% 98.96%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met 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 60 06 499 565
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 05 29 36
Subtotal 62 11 528 601
Have not made a decision 50 16 112 178
Subtotal 112 27 640 779
Nonrespondent 04 00 07 11
Total 116 27 647 790
Performance on this measure 55.36% 40.74% 82.5% 77.15%
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 98.67% 95% Met
Response Rate 54.97% 90% Not 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 419
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 116
Representatives of Education 441
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 251
Representatives of Community Living 200
Representatives of Technology 74
Unable to Categorize 176
TOTAL 1,677

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
00 00 1,677 1,677

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 00
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 1,493
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 174
Transition 10
Total 1,677

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Tools for Life partnered with the Georgia Gerontology Society (GGS) to facilitate accessibility at their annual conference, serving as the Disability Sponsor. TFL staff conducted an accessibility audit, reviewed and revised registration materials for enhanced accessibility, and provided a webinar on creating accessible PowerPoint presentations for presenters. During the conference, TFL consulted on room setup, provided closed captioning, and supplied assistive technology devices for attendee use. In addition, TFL contributed to the educational programming of the conference. This included aging-focused AT sessions on communication and well-being, an exhibit hall table with AT on display, and an accessible gaming lab. TFL additionally led the breakfast keynote for the conference. As a result of these efforts, GGS organizers and over 300 attendees learned about AT and accessibility through a comprehensive variety of experiences.

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

Tools for Life has a strong and ongoing relationship with the Georgia Technology in Education (GATE) conference, which is attended annually by assistive technology educators across the state. This fiscal year, we presented a session at the conference specifically tailored to assistive technology planning and resources which may aid students transitioning out of high school. This course was attended by AT teams representing different school districts across the state. The presentation’s content included information on both state and national resources including Centers for Independent Living, state medicaid waivers, insurance benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and programs which offer free and low-cost AT.

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

In addition to highlighting ICT accessibility via social media, Tools for Life offered several educational events and in-services related to Information Communication Technology (ICT), User Experience (UX), and accessible information over the course of FY 2024. In April 2024, a TFL webinar was presented titled “The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Revolution: Are People with Disabilities Being Left Behind?” to 43 participants. This webinar defined the current AT technology available and discussed real-life examples of how it can benefit or harm people with disabilities. In July, 131 participants attended a virtual presentation entitled “The Impact of the ADA Title II Updates for Web and Mobile Accessibility.” Content included an overview of the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II rule, a basic understanding of the new technical standard, and strategies for meeting compliance within a set timeframe. Monthly TFL newsletters, social media posts, and CIDI-TFL in-services also detailed key updates on ICT and UX developments aimed at improving the user experience across our digital platforms. These communications highlighted the latest features and enhancements, ensuring individuals are informed of app updates, website accessibility, and other technological advancements. By leveraging newsletters, social media, webinars, and in-service trainings, Tools for Life has kept Georgians and its staff engaged and updated on ICT accessibility.

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 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 05
No known outcome at this time 169
Nonrespondent 00
Total 174
Performance Measure Percentage 2.9%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Number of individuals who participated in training/education is challenging to report. A number of these sessions were virtual with attendee numbers fluctuating as the session progressed. In other instances, other entities hosted webinars with number of attendees not reported. Specific in-person attendee numbers of educational sessions at conferences could only be estimated. For the ICT performance measure, it is challenging to identify the outcome ICT education right after the session. As mentioned in other sections, over the past 2 years, TFL has experienced significant change and transition in various areas of its program. These areas include staffing, programming, and program resources/applications. These changes have impacted data, in comparison to data that had been previously collected and reported. As a result, TFL began a review of database functionality and training. Database upgrades were initiated in 2024 and are expected to continue into the next year.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 62%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 14%
Community Living 10%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 14%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Tools for Life and CIDI research conducted a project to explore evidence of individual and group progress using a commercial educational curriculum developed for students receiving specialized instruction the majority of their school day. A TFL-CIDI analysis of current data collected within this curriculum was completed across a year of data. Results of the project indicated that both individual students and groups generally either maintained proficiency or showed an increase based on data collected. There were other students and groups, however, whose progress was not as clearly ascertained. Technical assistance was provided to the developers of the curriculum, across approximately 10 meetings with 3-6 staff. Specifically, TA highlighted potential benefits and limitations of curriculum design, the resulting data collected, and data points utilized. Additionally, TA identified a subset of incremental learners whose progress was difficult to ascertain and a need to cap

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

Tools for Life was part of a working committee with Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). The goal was to provide technical assistance in establishing a scope of services for Assistive Technology through the NOW and Comp waiver programs and assist in developing DBHDD policies and procedures for acquiring AT devices and services. Policies and procedures included the transfer of AT when persons with disabilities transitioned to a new waiver provider. Over the course of the DBHDD project in FY24, TFL provided technical assistance by establishing a set of AT trainings for DBHDD staff. Several of these trainings highlighted the need to consider AT, as persons with disabilities transitioned from various home settings (i.e., family or group home, supported independent living) or to facilitate a transition to an employment setting in which AT could allow increased independence for work-related tasks. TFL also assisted with the recruitm

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. The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI), where Tools for Life is housed at Georgia each, hosted an open house event on October 25, 2023. Many different community partners, research faculty, and the general public were invited to visit and learn about the services offered at CIDI and Tools for Life, as well as ongoing disability-related research opportunities. Those in attendance were able to visit the Assistive Technology Labs and learn about different tools and solutions, including TFL’s expanded adaptive gaming station, communication/AAC station, daily living section, aging in place station, and environmental control station. Approximately 125 individuals attended the CIDI Open House and learned about Tools for Life, assistive technology solutions, and initiatives and research Tools for Life is taking part in.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 189 146 335
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 237 196 433
Representative of Education 125 28 153
Representative of Employment 12 01 13
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 262 145 407
Representative of Community Living 39 28 67
Representative of Technology 28 26 54
Unable to Categorize 40 28 68
Total 932 598 1,530

Referral Types:

Various forms of outreach are conducted through TFL. These include TFL targeted email messaging, social media posts (facebook instagram), and attendance/participation at meetings and community events hosted by both formal and informal partners. Based on TFL program priorities, related outreach has targeted specific groups to streamline work to increase the scope and depth of appropriate AT-related content for these groups. As a result, TFL is noting increased referrals from these groups related to TFL priorities. In November 2023, Tools for Life established a partnership with the AbleGamers charity to improve our knowledge of adaptive gaming and increase awareness of our program. As a result of this partnership, we began receiving gaming-related referrals directly from the charity as well as rehabilitation hospitals and nonprofits in Georgia that have connections to their organization (e.g., the Shepherd Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, United Spinal Association). Outreach to agencies related to aging and their partners in the form of attending their meetings or hosting their meetings onsite, co-hosting a fall prevention workshop at a local church, and maintaining ongoing communication with current leaders in the aging arena have increased interest and awareness of AT in the state. Similar outreach connects with those engaged in education, prek-12.

Referral Sources:

A cursory review of data indicated a variety of referral sources. Approximate data revealed referrals came from a variety of sources: 25% from education (school districts, universities); 15% community organizations (non-profits, government agencies); 12% healthcare-related individuals, entities (hospitals, therapists, associations); 15% employers; 13% libraries (blind & print-disabled); 30% individuals/caregivers.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Tools for Life and GaDOE have had a formal AT Partnership for the past 5 years for over 200 GA LEAs. This partnership has focused on a wide scope of services spanning AT training, AT Reuse, and AT Loans. AT training has included both awareness and targeted AT content based on LEA needs noted by GaDOE and TFL as the years have progressed. GaDOE funding through this formal AT partnership has increased TFL’s ability to provide state AT program support for the prek-12 educational setting, from individual educators to district and regional staff and administrators.
As per the Scope of Work, targeted areas included a range of AT services and support. This included AT training for GaDOE sponsored trainings, regional trainings, specialized training for specific educational program areas (eligibilities or educator roles) through GaDOE conferences and webinars. It also includes a Reuse database specifically for GA LEAs that is managed by TFL and an extensive AT lending library with AT device updates and purchases as noted by LEA requests. With the focus on training and “just-in-time” support for complex cases, requests for various forms of AT support have been increasing, including requests for GaDOE-funded software licenses and AT device loans. Though not specifically AT, this partnership has recently added CIDI departments that focus on AEM. Through the GaDOE-TFL/CIDI-AEM partnership, the combined relationship of AT and AEM support and services has increased AT and AEM awareness throughout the state of GA highlighting the need of AT for certain students to benefit from provision of AEM. With the SOW outlined, completed deliverables are noted readily and increasing requests through a dedicated GaDOE-TFL AT portal are noted. As a result, the initiative and partnership continue.
https://gpat.gadoe.org/Georgia-Project-for-Assistive-Technology/Pages/AT-Partnership-Tools-for-Life-

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

Education, Recreation/Leisure, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Device Loan, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
No
Tools for Life has had strong connections with Ga Voc Rehab. Staffing turnover and leadership transitions have impacted maintenance of both informal and formal collaborations recently.
Yes
Yes
Tools for Life (TFL) continued our partnership with the Georgia Department of Aging Services (DAS) and its Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). The TFL gerontologist and occupational therapist were keynote presenters at the DAS Healthy Aging Conference in May, which attracted DAS employees and other key aging organizations from across the state. We also collaborated with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the AAA for the Atlanta region, throughout the year. We played a significant role on the Evidence Based Programs (EBP) Advisory Committee, with our gerontologist serving as a member. Tools for Life hosted the ARC for several events, providing opportunities for outreach to trainers and staff. For example, we hosted the ARC for a two-day instructor training in the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program, supplementing the training with an introductory presentation on our services and a tour for all participants.
These initiatives allowed us to train and raise awareness of TFL among leaders and workers in aging across Georgia. Our diverse audiences included Adult Protective Services workers, Dementia Specialists, Area Agency on Aging staff, Nutritionists, Social Workers, and more. We trained over 200 people at three events and maintained a strong presence on the advisory council of 20 and the instructor group of 75. This led to increased requests at Tools for Life and greater program utilization. As a result, we expanded relationships and strategic partnerships with DAS dementia-focused service leadership. These partnerships facilitate TFL’s access to their expertise and connections to reach more people with dementia and their care partners, expand our dementia lending library offerings, and provide training to dementia specialists statewide. This partnership is healthy and growing and will allow us to further expand our reach within DAS and other AAAs, especially in rural areas. By becoming partners offering AT support and resources for their programs focused on aging, we are building long-term relationships that advance our work with older adults and their care partners. We believe this type of partnership is cost-effective, easy to implement, and provides access to key influencers and providers.
n/a

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

Housing/Home Automation, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, health literacy,

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

Training, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
Tools for Life continued its partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), which oversees several Medicaid waivers in the state of Georgia. Through this partnership, Tools for Life developed a series of assistive technology training for DBHDD staff in response to the recent additions of assistive technology (AT) funding to the state's NOW and COMP waivers. We began providing these trainings to leadership at DBHDD and also assisted the department with the recruitment of AT service providers and vendors. Last, we have utilized our connections throughout the state to spread awareness of the new funding available through these waivers. This partnership has benefited both internal staff at DBHDD and all recipients and potential recipients of Georgia's NOW and COMP waivers. This initiative was primarily funded through DBHDD funds as a result of a contract established with Tools for Life.
Through this partnership, we developed approximately 20 AT trainings for internal use at DBHDD. In fiscal year 2024, we presented 3 of these trainings to approximately 15 leadership staff at the department. We do not have data specifying the number of individuals utilizing NOW and COMP waiver funding for AT at this time; however, we plan to continue providing training and outreach in the next fiscal year as funding becomes available. This partnership resulted in increased awareness of AT throughout DBHDD and key implementers of the Medicaid waivers in our state. As a result, we have also increased our efforts to spread awareness of the NOW and COMP waivers through presentations and social media, highlighting them as a potential route for individuals with disabilities to acquire AT. This partnership was made successful through the establishment of concrete deliverables and scheduled, consistent communication with DBHDD leadership. In hindsight, we would have started the process for contract renewal much earlier in the fiscal year. We do intend to continue this initiative; however, we have reduced the number of staff working on the partnership at this time due to processing delays.
Not applicable

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

Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Health, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
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
Public/State Agency$70,885TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$47,284Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$12,286ReuseFalse
Amount: $130,455

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.

Leveraged funding for reuse is currently utilized to maintain and support a reuse database. EdTrade was created through the AT Partnership with the GaDOE and is solely for use by GA LEAs. This database is essentially a mechanism to facilitate transactions between LEAs. Registered LEAs can conduct reuse transactions with other LEAs through EdTrade, directly with each other. TFL's interaction with LEAs related to EdTrade is primarily to provide information about reuse through EdTrade and assist LEA access to it.

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.