National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Pennsylvania 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology dba TechOWL
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://techowlpa.org
Mailing Address:
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 430
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Zip Code:
19122
Program Email:
TechOWL@temple.edu
Phone:
800-204-7428
TTY:
711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Institute on Disabilities/UCEDD at Temple University
Mailing Address:
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 430
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Zip Code:
19122
Program URL:
https://techowlpa.org

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):
Chabot, Monique
Title:
Associate Director
Phone:
215-204-3862
E-mail:
monique.chabot@temple.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Gould-Taylor, Sally
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
215-204-5775
E-mail:
sgould-taylor@temple.edu
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
McNally, Sandra
Title:
Assistant Director
Phone:
215-204-3370
E-mail:
sandra.mcnally@temple.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Mitchell, Karen
Title:
Assistant Vice President, Research Administration
Phone:
215-707-7547
E-mail:
karen.mitchell@temple.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? 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? 3
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)279
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)72
C. Total Served351

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures351

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 282$260,571
Hearing 67$39,214
Speech communication11$12,560
Learning, cognition, and developmental 5$4,170
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 15$14,995
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total380$331,510

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Tablet program / health equity

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)1446
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)147
C. Total Served1593

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures1593

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 communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 1593$259,659
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total1593$259,659

Activity 3
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)14
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)3
C. Total Served17

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures17

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 5$925
Hearing 3$550
Speech communication2$650
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning4$1,300
Daily living 26$950
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 1$400
Computers and related 2$775
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total43$5,550



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)68
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)12
C. Total Served80

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures80

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 10$1,000$0$1,000
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 0$0$0$0
Daily living 933$19,040$0$19,040
Environmental adaptations 36$720$0$720
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0$0$0
Computers and related 0$0$0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 114$11,400$0$11,400
Total 1093$32,160$0$32,160


D. Anecdote

S.N. is a 47-year-old woman with complex physical disabilities including poor fine motor control, vision loss and an irregular speech pattern. She had never used a cell phone without assistance. The TechOWL team provided a demonstration and found that by mounting a tablet on a gooseneck mount she could use a Bluetooth switch to operate the tablet. Using information gained from her demo, Shelley requested an iPhone 13 from the Telecom Device Distribution Program. Even though she has irregular speech patterns, she found that she can use alternative phrases to activate the built-in voice assistant. As a result, for the first time, Shelley can now make phone calls privately and independently.

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. 08 00 1,069 1,077
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 164 165
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 06 06
4. Subtotal 09 00 1,239 1,248
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 09 00 1,241 1,250
7. Nonrespondent 00 01 790 791
8. Total 09 01 2,031 2,041
9. Performance on this measure 100% 0% 61%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,380 67.61%
Satisfied 465 22.78%
Satisfied somewhat 100 4.9%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 96 4.7%
Total Surveyed 2,041
Response rate % 95.3%

G. Notes:

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 4,355
C. Total 4,355

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients. 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 4,355

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 25 $23,082 $0 $23,082
Hearing 16 $4,619 $0 $4,619
Speech Communication 05 $377 $0 $377
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 06 $613 $0 $613
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 3,619 $845,096 $0 $845,096
Daily Living 2,967 $187,213 $1 $187,212
Environmental Adaptations 52 $4,823 $0 $4,823
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 04 $1,685 $0 $1,685
Computers and Related 04 $2,375 $0 $2,375
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 28 $14,209 $0 $14,209
Total 6,726 $1,084,092 $1 $1,084,091

D. Anecdote

J.K. has limited mobility and needs assistance to go to the grocery store out into the community. Even though she has one leg, she faced barriers getting a device approved through insurance. She feared the worst: that she would never be able to be independent again. J.K. received a Jazzy Power Chair from the AT program and cried tears of happiness. She is relieved to be able to freely access her home and community and get to the grocery store. J.K. is so thankful to the AT program for helping to re-open the door to independence for her.

A smiling African American woman with auburn hair and glasses sitting in a red Jazzy power chair.
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. 20 15 2,640 2,675
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 10 346 364
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 05 03 1,279 1,287
4. Subtotal 33 28 4,265 4,326
5. None of the above 00 01 27 28
6. Subtotal 33 29 4,292 4,354
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 33 29 4,293 4,355
9. Performance on this measure 100% 96.55% 99.35%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 3,779 86.77%
Satisfied 529 12.15%
Satisfied somewhat 23 0.53%
Not at all satisfied 05 0.11%
Nonrespondent 19 0.44%
Total Surveyed 4,355
Response rate % 99.56%

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) 1,445
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 40
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 50
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 110
Total 1,645

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 501 65 566
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 428 28 456
Representative of Education 211 36 247
Representative of Employment 07 02 09
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 226 34 260
Representatives of Community Living 42 25 67
Representatives of Technology 30 10 40
Total 1,445 200 1,645

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 139 34 173
Hearing 110 31 141
Speech Communication 622 57 679
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 85 19 104
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 64 38 102
Daily Living 149 33 182
Environmental Adaptations 144 24 168
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 363 50 413
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 166 21 187
Total 1,842 307 2,149

E. Anecdote

S.E., a church organist, uses a refreshable braille display to read her music. When her refreshable braille display broke a few days before Christmas week, she realized it would have to be sent away for repairs, and she would have nothing to use during a very busy time of year for her! She reached out to the AT program to see if she would be able to borrow a braille display to use while hers was being repaired. After reviewing the braille displays we had available, she found one to borrow so she would be able to access her music during the busy holiday season. She said she didn’t know what else she would have done without the AT Lending Library.

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 146 20 152 318
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 18 02 44 64
Subtotal 164 22 196 382
Have not made a decision 18 02 36 56
Subtotal 182 24 232 438
Nonrespondent 546 36 425 1,007
Total 728 60 657 1,445
Performance on this measure 34.66% 56.41% 45.9%

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. 13 00 12 25
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 05 24 37
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 08 10
4. Subtotal 23 05 44 72
5. None of the above 05 00 06 11
6. Subtotal 28 05 50 83
7. Nonrespondent 68 08 41 117
8. Total 96 13 91 200
9. Performance on this measure 82.14% 100% 88%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 451 27.42%
Satisfied 57 3.47%
Satisfied somewhat 04 0.24%
Not at all satisfied 03 0.18%
Nonrespondent 1,130 68.69%
Total Surveyed 1,645
Response rate % 31.31%

I. Notes:

Performance measures and satisfaction rates are affected because almost all of our device loans are delivered by a drop-ship method. While this is more convenient for our borrowers, it means that our regional centers do not have face-to-face contact with borrowers and therefore try to obtain data through email or telephone follow-up; many borrowers do not respond to these methods.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 77
Hearing 31
Speech Communication 20
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 08
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04
Daily Living 13
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 09
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 04
Total # of Device Demonstrations 168

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 158 18 176
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 02 73 75
Representatives of Education 03 00 03
Representatives of Employment 00 01 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 01 16 17
Representative of Community Living 04 23 27
Representative of Technology 00 01 01
Total 168 132 300

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 51
Service Provider 11
Vendor 07
Repair Service 00
Others 14
Total 83

D. Anecdote

B received a demonstration of a smartphone at his local AT Resource Center. His mother was hesitant at first because B had always had a flip phone, and she said he was not “tech savvy.” However, by the end of an iPhone demonstration, he was successfully using Siri and appropriately using voice control for basic smartphone functions. His mother noted that a smartphone (although high tech), was a “fabulous option” for B, and she was glad they received the demonstration, noting that time to explore options and demystify a higher tech device was crucial to their decision making. B obtained his own iPhone from the state Telecom Device Distribution Program.

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 03 06 130 139
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 06 06
Subtotal 03 06 136 145
Have not made a decision 00 01 20 21
Subtotal 03 07 156 166
Nonrespondent 01 00 01 02
Total 04 07 157 168
Performance on this measure 75% 85.71% 86.62%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 233 77.67%
Satisfied 52 17.33%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.67%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 13 4.33%
Total 300
Response rate % 95.67%

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. 41 15 3,721 3,777
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 15 534 566
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 07 03 1,293 1,303
4. Subtotal 65 33 5,548 5,646
5. None of the above 05 01 35 41
6. Subtotal 70 34 5,583 5,687
7. Nonrespondent 68 09 832 909
8. Total 138 43 6,415 6,596
9. Performance on this measure 55.77% 78.95% 66.66% 66.56%
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 149 26 282 457
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 18 02 50 70
Subtotal 167 28 332 527
Have not made a decision 18 03 56 77
Subtotal 185 31 388 604
Nonrespondent 547 36 426 1,009
Total 732 67 814 1,613
Performance on this measure 35.01% 60.87% 56.85% 47.61%
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 98.07% 95% Met
Response Rate 84.92% 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 360
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 139
Representatives of Education 1,010
Representatives of Employment 51
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 354
Representatives of Community Living 115
Representatives of Technology 34
Unable to Categorize 536
TOTAL 2,599

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
2,148 312 139 2,599

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 1,344
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 100
Combination of any/all of the above 757
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 189
Transition 209
Total 2,599

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

One of our AT Resource Centers did a training titled “AT and the Americans with Disabilities Act” for a local Refugee Community Center. The training was customized to meet the needs of this organization, which serves many different refugee communities, many of whom have never heard of these terms before. Different types of AT for various functional needs were showcased live during the session, and online videos were shown to illustrate uses of smart home technologies. The trainer also reviewed “generic” AT such as built-in accessibility features of smartphones and concluded by outlining some funding options available in the US. The Center’s facilitator called after the training to say that the presentation was incredibly helpful for the group. The attendees reported that they now understand about AT devices and services, as well as the role of the ADA in American society; this knowledge will help them as they prepare for their citizenship tests and move into their professional careers in America.

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

One of our AT Resource Centers presented to parent support group (Community Inclusion for Young Children) about Transition from Early Intervention (EI) to School. The trainer covered various types of AT for different functional needs and discussed AT programs that could assist them with determining and obtaining AT. She was able to describe and show the group the use of specific tools and technologies for independence that may support transition from EI to school. She also described considerations for AT on IFSPs and IEPs, as well as funding resources. These parents are in the beginning states of parenting children with disabilities (many newly-diagnosed) so this is much-needed information.

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

A webinar conducted by AT staff titled “Simplifying Digital Accessibility,” was attended by representatives of employment from various regions of Pennsylvania. It was designed for a non-technical audience and focused on digital accessibility at work. The training focused on screen reader basics, constructing accessible emails, and other ways we, as individuals, can make working online and content more accessible.

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 38
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 15
No known outcome at this time 17
Nonrespondent 119
Total 189
Performance Measure Percentage 28%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 98%
Community Living 02%
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:

Provided technical assistance to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for programmatic and administrative considerations related to their potential startup of their own onsite AT library. Our team member provided a walk-through of the features and benefits of Mobile Device Management software in the context of assistive technology trials. Also provided information about other aspects of organizing an onsite AT library, such as volume purchasing for AAC apps and identification of mounting systems.

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

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. One of our AT Regional Centers (ATRC) conducted a public awareness event at UPMC Mercy Hospital for 13 rehabilitation staff within the Stroke Unit. Attending was a mix of OT, PT, SLPs, AT professionals, and Vision Specialists. This event focused on utilizing our AT programs to continue interdisciplinary practice within the post-stroke population. At the beginning of the event, this group shared that they were previously unaware of our AT programs. As a follow-up to this event, 40 members of OT team collaborated with the ATRC contact to create laminated handouts of our 3D printed catalog for each rehab unit in the hospital. Therapists and specialists now utilize the 3D printed devices in therapy, and as a part of the decision-making process for some fine motor AT solutions.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 1,127 1,319 2,446
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 516 441 957
Representative of Education 58 99 157
Representative of Employment 12 10 22
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 153 329 482
Representative of Community Living 152 353 505
Representative of Technology 07 51 58
Unable to Categorize 196 788 984
Total 2,221 3,390 5,611

Referral Types:

Our network of Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs), which include several Centers for Independent Living and other organizations serving the disability community, are required to perform outreach in their respective regions. This includes events, mailings, newsletters, and social media. TechOWL's social media presence continues to spread our reach to more people. Whenever we receive an inquiry from another state or US territory, we make sure to give them the contact information for their AT Act program, which helps increase their referrals.

Referral Sources:

Of the people who provided a response, the highest referral sources are from Centers for Independent Living, in-person events, previous AT program customers, and self-referrals. Under referral source groups, the highest number was from Awareness and Outreach Initiatives (includes social media), followed by Prior Customers, and Disability & Advocacy Entities/Providers.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Collaborating with PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) on a grant from the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES), which has just started. Our AT program will be working with PaTTAN's team to empower school districts (three have been selected) to "build and maintain technology systems that include every student, particularly children and youth with disabilities who require assistive technology and accessible materials."
No results to report yet. This collaboration began in the 3rd and 4th quarters of FY24, and most of the work involved preparations for starting the grant, including preparing and distributing the application, and the selection of 3 school districts to participate in the program..
National CITES website is: https://cites.cast.org/

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

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

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

Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
For over 25 years, we have had a contract with OVR for our AT Lending Library. We often provide I&A to OVR Counselors to tell them about our programs so they can share our information with their customers, and they also refer their customers our programs. The funding for the AT Lending Library comes from a state appropriation.
We have seen a growth in referrals from OVR, specifically Blindness & Visual Services, to the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, as well as the Telecommunication Device Distribution Program.

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, State Financing, Information & Assistance,
No
We have started making connections with some individuals and entities, but no progress to report yet.
No
We have started making connections with some individuals and entities, but no progress to report yet.
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
Federal$312,763State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$413,184TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$250,000DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$512,853State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$347,120TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$1,514,301State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$121,233TrainingTrue
State Appropriations$850,000Device LoanTrue
Amount: $4,321,454

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.

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).

While it is difficult to report the exact number of people directly impacted, at this writing our social media has over 684,000 followers.

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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.