National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Rhode Island 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Rhode Island Assistive Technnology Access Partnership
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://ors.ri.gov/programs/assistive-technology-access-partnership-atap
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode Island
Zip Code:
02903
Program Email:
jennifer.fiske@ors.ri.gov
Phone:
401-871-1145
TTY:
401-222-1328

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode island
Zip Code:
02903
Program URL:
https://ors.ri.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Jennifer Fiske
Title:
ATAP DIrector/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-871-1145
E-mail:
jennifer.fiske@ors.ri.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
same as above
Title:
Phone:
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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Fiske, Jennifer
Title:
ATAP Director/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-871-1145
E-mail:
jennifer.fiske@ors.ri.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?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)14
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served14

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures14

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 13$6,192
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 1$280
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total14$6,472



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

Madeline K is a woman in her late 80s who recently received an amplified cordless phone from ATEL. During the initial install we had gone over the phone with her. Several weeks afterwards she contacted ATEL to let us know she was having difficulty with it. During a follow up visit she reported that she unable to get calls on the phone. Testing of the phone did not reveal any issues. We asked her if she could demonstrate answering the phone while we called her from a cell phone. When she did this, she was observed to be pressing the wrong buttons. She also stated she thought she was getting calls from a blocked number because she saw the word block on the screen. It was also observed that she appeared to become stressed and anxious when the call came in because she was unsure of what button to press. She reported that she does forget new information that is presented to her, The buttons she needs to press to answer or hang up a call are already color coded. It was decided to develop a template that she can keep by her phone to easily see which button to push. We mailed a laminated template for her, to keep by the phone as a reminder to her so she can push the correct button. There have been no requests for follow up since this visual guide was given to her. This is an example on why it is important to look at the entire picture when trying to match people with equipment and the benefits of home visits. On paper it was clear she would benefit from a cordless amplified phone which was provided but it was during a home visit that she was able to show us that she had difficulty remembering which button to press and that it was causing anxiety and stress.

Impact Area

Charles D is a 97-year-old veteran with almost no hearing left. He had received an old Captel telephone 8 years ago, but it wasn’t working well. We replaced it with a new Captel 2400 that had a much bigger screen and speaker phone. Also, with the new Captel, it now has Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) instead of Captioning Assistants (CA) making communication much quicker. While I was there his granddaughter called with exciting information about her new job, and he had no problem following along with the conversation.

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 14 14
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 14 14
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 14 14
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 14 14
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 13 92.86%
Satisfied 01 7.14%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 14
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 67
C. Total 68

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 68

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 01 $1,500 $0 $1,500
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 01 $1,500 $0 $1,500

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 09 $5,439 $5,344 $95
Hearing 07 $1,000 $0 $1,000
Speech Communication 05 $3,599 $1,500 $2,099
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 41 $5,321 $0 $5,321
Daily Living 29 $1,986 $540 $1,446
Environmental Adaptations 12 $1,021 $0 $1,021
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 01 $240 $0 $240
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 104 $18,606 $7,384 $11,222

D. Anecdote

Elderly consumer contacted Ocean State Center for Independent Living in need of a hospital bed. The consumer did have a bed, however the bed was not adequate and was not working properly. OSCIL facilitated the exchange a of beds. Client was provided a working electrical hospital bed. Client was so thankful for the reuse of equipment. He reported that the Assistance saved him approximately $1500.00.

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 19 19
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. 01 00 43 44
4. Subtotal 01 00 62 63
5. None of the above 01 00 04 05
6. Subtotal 02 00 66 68
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 02 00 66 68
9. Performance on this measure 50% NaN% 93.94%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 60 88.24%
Satisfied 07 10.29%
Satisfied somewhat 01 1.47%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 68
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) 78
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 05
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 25
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 03
Total 111

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 55 28 83
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01 01 02
Representative of Education 20 02 22
Representative of Employment 01 01 02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representatives of Community Living 01 00 01
Representatives of Technology 00 01 01
Total 78 33 111

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 32

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 09 03 12
Hearing 08 07 15
Speech Communication 15 01 16
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 14 00 14
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04 16 20
Daily Living 14 11 25
Environmental Adaptations 07 01 08
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 55 04 59
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 01 03
Total 128 44 172

E. Anecdote

East Bay Educational Collaborative was contacted regarding a middle school student diagnosed with ADD and Cerebral Palsy. The Educational TEAM requested an evaluation for a better workstation to improve attention and physical posture. Evaluation was conducted and it concluded that student would greatly benefit from A larger Chromebook and a full dynamic display area of at least15 inches. Student was Loaned device to see if it worked for the desk area. Additionally, a Ergonomic design workstation was loaned with a holding a tablet and Chromebook at correct angles increasing productivity for the student and time on his tasks. Adaptive settings and features on his tablet were demonstrated. Student was both happy and thankful for the assessment and opportunity to use equipment that has greatly impacted his scholastic performance.

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 54 03 10 67
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 00 01 03
Subtotal 56 03 11 70
Have not made a decision 08 00 00 08
Subtotal 64 03 11 78
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 64 03 11 78
Performance on this measure 87.5% 100% 100%

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. 02 00 05 07
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 00 01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 23 23
4. Subtotal 02 01 28 31
5. None of the above 01 01 00 02
6. Subtotal 03 02 28 33
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 03 02 28 33
9. Performance on this measure 66.67% 50% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 98 88.29%
Satisfied 10 9.01%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.8%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.9%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 111
Response rate % 100%

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 07
Hearing 08
Speech Communication 04
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 20
Daily Living 05
Environmental Adaptations 07
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 09
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Device Demonstrations 66

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 42 01 43
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 02 05 07
Representatives of Education 19 12 31
Representatives of Employment 02 00 02
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representative of Community Living 01 00 01
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 66 18 84

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 26
Service Provider 02
Vendor 06
Repair Service 00
Others 02
Total 36

D. Anecdote

Sue is an occupational therapist in one of our local school districts. She has attended many workshops at TechACCESS and often calls for inquiries and suggestions for her students. Sue came in one morning to have a demonstration with one of our Speech Language Pathologists on a variety of switches and switch toys. As a direct result of the demonstration, Sue took several tools out on loan. She was then able to trial and learn more about the tools before requesting and subsequently having the district purchase the tools. Sue reported, “It was so great to be able to borrow the switch toys, our districts then purchased them. After the demo, which was amazing, I was able to try the tools with my student and let the parents know. TechACCESS is always so helpful, and I am always letting everyone know.” Additionally, TechACCESS continues to offer Monthly Technology Demonstrations for anyone like Sue. These demonstrations focus on Technology for those with needs related to Blindness/Low Vision Alternate Access, Communication, and Learning Difficulties.

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 14 01 31 46
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 01 08 11
Subtotal 16 02 39 57
Have not made a decision 04 00 05 09
Subtotal 20 02 44 66
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 20 02 44 66
Performance on this measure 80% 100% 88.64%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 59 70.24%
Satisfied 23 27.38%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 02 2.38%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 84
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. 02 00 38 40
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 00 01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 66 67
4. Subtotal 03 01 104 108
5. None of the above 02 01 04 07
6. Subtotal 05 02 108 115
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 05 02 108 115
9. Performance on this measure 40% 50% 35.19% 35.65%
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 68 04 41 113
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 01 09 14
Subtotal 72 05 50 127
Have not made a decision 12 00 05 17
Subtotal 84 05 55 144
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 84 05 55 144
Performance on this measure 85.71% 100% 90.91% 88.19%
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 97.83% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 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 335
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 15
Representatives of Education 411
Representatives of Employment 12
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00
Representatives of Community Living 08
Representatives of Technology 03
Unable to Categorize 22
TOTAL 806

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
603 148 55 806

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 256
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 08
Combination of any/all of the above 06
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 125
Transition 411
Total 806

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

The East Bay Educational Collaborative provided training on Dual Accessibility. This training consisted of 12 Training sessions over a three month span. This training focused on learning more about accessibility and accessibility features. It was designed for Employment Specialist and Rehabilitation Counselors who work directly with individuals with disabilities for the purposes of employment. The training provided resources, search tools, and set parameters for accessibility. The training focused on Dual platform of either apple or a chrome book device. Participants learned about the accessibility features accessible in both devices. Additionally, training also touched on Microsoft Access features. Finally, the training included a focus on Zoom Training for increasing Accessibility. Training was provided on all the various accessibility features ZOOM offers and options for settings and communication during meeting space.

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

TechACCESS completed a Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Project Assistive Technology Teacher Cohort this spring (May-June). This included weekly sessions (2 ½ hours) for 4 weeks in person at TechACCESS (one virtual). The sessions included trainings to introduce teachers and therapists to multiple aspects of AT/AAC, transition, and funding. As part of the cohort, attendees receive various assistive technology tools including low-high tech; writing and reading tools; communication supports; executive functioning tools; low vison tools; and Chromebooks. In addition, a “make and take” activity is completed during each session. This training was innovative and impactful because the tools provided, and what was learned can then be re-created and used within the attendees’ classrooms. This Cohort AT Training was so successful that two more session have been added. One of the special educators who attended the spring cohort reported that they wished they had come sooner; they have learned so many tools and strategies that they can use in their classroom and the time they have spent participating in the sessions has been so worth it to them.

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

Two interns and a staff person provided accessibility and relay training to older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the state.

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 105
No known outcome at this time 20
Nonrespondent 00
Total 125
Performance Measure Percentage 84%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Relay training was done twice a year in the area of relay/telecommunications services throughout Rhode Island.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 22%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 28%
Community Living 31%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 19%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Technology has changed so much over time, now instead of a piece of technology, accessibility feature are built right into smart phones and tablets. ATAP realizes there are many older adults and individuals with disabilities who may need more training on how best to utilize these devices. ATEL Tech Time is a new innovative program focusing on helping bridge the digital divide of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Tech Time has AT Training on accessibility features on a smartphone and tablet available at Local Libraries, Senior centers, Senior housing, and public spaces. Tech Time has been a very successful program and quite innovative in the sense that we take community members, train them, and then they become AT Ambassadors who then have the skills to continue to grow the Tech Time Program. We currently have three trained Ambassadors statewide.

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

East Bay Educational Collaborative was very successful in holding numerous Technical Assistance Activities during this reporting period. One Activity was an AT Training session called "5 Ways Digital Saves Time". Schools rely on their librarians to do a lot of different things with students. That is why it is important to make sure librarians understand the digital tools that are available to them. Digital tools help librarians meet the needs of both students and teachers as efficiently as possible. The East Bay Educational Collaborative held a RILINK Library Conference where AT information was presented and provided to help librarians learn what AT technology is available to them to enhance their job and better help students. Additionally, TechACCESS, another AT Partner, collaborated with the Rhode Island Department of Education to provide AT training to middle and high school teachers. The training composed of a six session training on multiple aspects of AT/AAC, transition an

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. ATAP came together in April to celebrate Assistive Technology Awareness Day. This event was held at the Warwick Public Library and open to the public. The event was well publicized on all social media platforms as well as multiple email blasts were sent. ATAP invited many different vendors from all over the state to showcase and demonstrate their work with assistive technology. Examples of some vendors who participated include: Rhode Island Accessible Voting Machine, TechACCESS displayed and demonstrated their 3D Printer and the various AT items created by the printer. Additionally, at this event, ATAP gives out an AT Champion Award. This award is presented to an individual who utilizes, demonstrates, and promotes, Assistive Technology in their work. The 2024 AT Champion Award went to Adrianna Bordeleau from Perspectives Corporation for her work with utilization and promotion of Assistive Technology. The event was well received and well attended. ATAP plans to expand on this event for the coming year adding more vendors and hoping to add speakers.

2. Ocean State Center for Independent Living Collaborated with BikeOn to host an Adaptive Bike Event. BikeOn is a device that can turn any bicycle into a smart e-bike in less than 30 seconds. The event was held at Colt State Park. This was a wonderful opportunity for individuals with disabilities to learn about BikeOn, but also to come and try all different types of Adaptive Cycles. This event was very well received. A 14- year-old boy with Autism attended the event with his mom, they had been searching for an adaptive bike, and OSCIL was able to offer the possibility of grant funds available through the Rhode Island Department Of Health. The customer also connected with BikeOn at the event for assistance to select the right equipment. Another participant who attended the event owns an adaptive bike that needed repairs. OSCIL was able to connect them with BikeOn for repairs at the event. OSCIL is planning to host another Adaptive Bike Day in collaboration with Quest for Independence Camp. They hope to present the Adaptive Bikes at the camp to the campers.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 398 106 504
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 75 52 127
Representative of Education 65 03 68
Representative of Employment 10 06 16
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 12 10 22
Representative of Community Living 35 54 89
Representative of Technology 08 04 12
Unable to Categorize 04 01 05
Total 607 236 843

Referral Types:

Rhode Island ATAP seeks to assist as many individuals as possible. We are committed to reaching as many individuals as we can. We do this through many different ways. One of the ways we are outreaching to the community is through social media. All four of the partners have an excellent social media presence on many different platforms. Many referrals are received this way and it is also a great platform to provide information to the public on issues, new devices, training opportunities, and all things AT related. Another strategy we use to get referrals is through Statewide Collaboration efforts. For example, ATAP has collaborated with Rhode Island's Cyber Senior Program. Cyber Seniors is a program for older adults seeking help with AT. Cyber Seniors has trained volunteers able to assist with any tech help. Additionally, an individual can book a private 45 minute tech session. There has been an increase in referrals from this partnership and we plan on continuing to expand the relationship. ATAP also has a strong relationship with the RI Department of Education (RIDE). ATAP partners work closely with RIDE to make sure all Rhode Island students have access to the best and most useful AT available. We partner with RIDE to provide training to Administrators, teachers, counselors, speech therapists, special educators, and teacher's assistants. Many referrals come from RIDE and the local school departments. Rhode Island also has a partnership with our Statewide Libraries. RILINK is a resource for all libraries and librarians in the state. ATAP has provided training in AT as part of this partnership. We will continue to grow and foster this relationship. Finally, unique to our program is that one of our ATAP partners is the Independent Living Center for the state (OSCIL). This allows for the easy back and fourth for referrals. OSCIL refers individuals to ATAP and we refer individuals to OSCIL. We are lucky to have such a great collaboration with our Independent Living Center in Rhode Island.

Referral Sources:

Rhode Island's ATAP program receives referrals from all over the state. Rhode Island is unique because we are so small of a state, the ATAP program is very well known. Additionally, because of the size of the state, ATAP can go statewide and attend many different events to promote our mission. We attend events at our local Senior Centers, Libraries, Health Fairs and various conferences. We have relationships with our local colleges. Through the work ATAP has done with two local colleges, we have created a great relationship which has resulted in a increase in referrals. Also, members from both colleges sit on our Advisory Board. ATAP partners also receive referrals from our Resident service coordinators, the United Way 211, Health Care Providers, and various Community Action Agencies.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Rhode Island ATAP has collaborated with the Rhode Island Department of Education to provide AT awareness, and training to Educators and Para Educators. ATAP partner, East Bay Educational Collaborative (EBEC) completed a 6 day training for a total of 20 hours to Educators on Assistive Technology. The training included information on vision tools, hearing adaptation, cognitive low tech and mid tech tools, literacy and reading tools, modifications and features for Chromebook use and how to personalize to each students needs, Google Accessibility features, ergonomic design for student desk/work stations, ZOOM Accessibility settings, and accessibility IDEA information was provided. Additionally, EBEC provided similar information and training to Librarians statewide. EBEC Presented information to Librarians statewide at the RILINK Conference. This is a great opportunity to provide AT information to individuals who work with students who normally do not receive training in this area.
These type of initiatives with RIDE only further help to provide AT Technology to individuals with disabilities statewide. The more Educators that are knowledgeable in AT, the better the IEP's and 504's are developed and the better the services to the students. The partnership with RIDE is very successful because of the shear size of the state. It makes statewide training and collaboration easier. The teachers and librarians both reported that they really enjoyed the training and learned a lot about mid and low tech devices. ATAP and RIDE will continue to collaborative to provide information and training to teachers statewide.
https://guides.rilink.org/prolearningopps/overview

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?

Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
Rhode Island ATAP has partnered with Rhode Island Vocational Rehabilitation to provide AT information, Technical Assistance, and Assessment to the Adult Project Search Program. Project SEARCH is a nationally and internationally recognized program that prepares young people and adults with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment. Worldwide, there are over 600 Project SEARCH program sites, representing 43 states and 4 countries. Adult Project SEARCH is a unique business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the host business. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job development. ATAP Partner agency, TECH Access provided AT Executive Functioning assessments to each intern in the program. It was determined that each intern would benefit from using a smart watch to help with scheduling and staying on task. This program is a collaboration between DHS Office of Rehabilitation Services, a Host Business, the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), and the Department of Labor and Training (DLT).
Through this collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation, participants in the Project Search Program received the necessary evaluation and AT equipment needed to be successful in the program. This is the first time the two programs have collaborative and it was very successful, not only because interns in Project Search received valuable AT equipment, but because staff at Project Search now can see how important AT is in helping their interns be successful. The Smart Watches help the interns stay on task with reminders and they can ask for help through text message if needed. This is a simple AT solution that has greatly benefited the interns. ATAP and Vocational Rehabilitation will continue to work together to ensure AT is in every inter plan moving forward.
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/34447, https://accesspointri.org/workforce-training/project-search/

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

Employment, Community Participation and Integration,

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

Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
Rhode Island ATAP partner the Adaptive Telephone Loan Program (ATEL) has been working collaboratively with the RI Office of Healthy Aging, and the University of Rhode Island (URI) Cyber Senior Program to develop Tech Time. Technology has changed so much over time and now instead of needing a special piece io equipment, there is an APP for that, or a built in accessibility feature that can make smart phones or tablets benefit almost everyone. However, many older adults may need more training than their younger counter parts. ATEL Tech Time is a innovative program focusing on helping to bridge the digital divide of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Tech Time trainings are held at Libraries, senior centers, Senior Housing, and public spaces. Additionally, because of the demand, we are utilizing a train the Trainor model. We have onboarded three Tech Time Ambassadors. The AT Ambassadors share their personal experiences through peer-to-peer mentoring, promoting independence by showing others how to embrace technology. They demonstrate and teach others about one or more assistive technology devices they use that has impacted their life, in hopes other individuals may benefit from it as well. Our AT Ambassador will showcase 3 devices, as well as train individuals on Apps and Accessibility Features.
The Tech Time Initiative has been extremely successful. We have over 20 Tech Time locations and will continue to add more. ATAP has created AT Ambassadors through a train the trainer model to help support the project.
https://ors.ri.gov/events/atel-tech-time-february, https://gcd.ri.gov/events/tech-sessions,

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

Education, Community Participation and Integration, Aging, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Demo, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
No
ATAP will continue to list this outreach as a priority. ATAP will concentrate some effort in the coming year to outreach/collaborate with Medicaid.
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? 01

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

ATAP partner agency Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) has made great strides and improvements in the area of accessible voting. ATAP reached out to the voting authority and they agreed to come and demo their new accessible voting machine at our AT Awareness Day. This brought an awareness to the need for accessibility in voting ion Rhode Island. Because of this collaboration, OSCIL Staff were out at the polling sites to ensure that voting was accessible for all.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Voter/AccessibleVoting This shares information on accessible voting in Rhode Island. This information was not developed as part of this initiative.


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

Community Living

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

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).

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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.