National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Texas 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Texas Technology Access Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://ttap.disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/

Mailing Address:

10100 Burnet Rd. Bldg. 137 Ste 1.154 MC L4000

City:

Austin

State:

Zip Code:

78758

Program Email:

ttap@utexas.edu

Phone:

512-232-0740

TTY:

1-800-735-2988

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Texas Center for Disabiltiy Studies, The University of Texas at Austin

Mailing Address:

10100 Burnet Rd. Bldg. 137 Ste 1.154 MC L4000

City:

Austin

State:

Zip Code:

78758

Program URL:

https://disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Standridge, Angela

Title:

Director, Texas Technology Access Program

Phone:

512-232-0751

E-mail:

astandridge@austin.utexas.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Magna, Sandy

Title:

Executive Director, TCDS, University of Texas

Phone:

512-232-9216

E-mail:

smagana@austin.utexas.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):

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Sarah Reedy, CRA

Title:

Associate Director Office of Sponsored Projects

Phone:

512-471-6424

E-mail:

osp@austin.utexas.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
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	00	00	00
Approved Not made	02	01	03
Rejected	04	02	06
Total	06	03	09

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$0	Highest Income:	$0

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$0	00	$0

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
Number of Loans	00	00	00	00	00	00	00
Percentage of Loans	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	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	00	0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	00	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	00	$0
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	00	$0

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	0%
Highest	0%

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

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

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	00	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	00	$0
Computers and related	00	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	00	$0

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?

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?

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 Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	50
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	16
C. Total Served	66

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	66

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 / Service	Number Provided	Total 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	18	$5,400	$2	$5,398
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	18	$150	$8	$142
Daily living	25	$500	$15	$485
Environmental adaptations	0	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0	$0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	5	$75	$12	$63
Total	66	$6,125	$37	$6,088

D. Anecdote

TTAP has provided ongoing support for local education agencies (LEAs) by providing 3D printed keyguards or iPads using augmentative communication apps. These are provided at cost. This project is helpful to LEAs as commercial keyguards are often in the $150-$300 range, it is difficult to get a custom keyguard for an iPad as the communication array, size of the device and case used are quite variable. Further, we encourage the LEA's to learn to manipulate the applet that allows one to generate .stl files for keyguards so they can create their own in the future with with in-district resources or utilizing one of the many maker groups across Texas we network with to support people with disabilities.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

We have 3D printed some access items to provide several Centers for Independent Living such as pill pack openers (the bubble packs that are difficult to open, water bottle openers of various sizes, button holers/zipper pulls,

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	66	00	00	66
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	66	00	00	66
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	66	00	00	66
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	66	00	00	66
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	43	65.15%
Satisfied	15	22.73%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	08	12.12%
Total Surveyed	66
Response rate %	87.88%

G. Notes:

TTAP has had difficulty getting a consistent Alternative Financing Loan program in place and marketed to the right consumer. A third financial partner has been contracted. This one is a very good fit. The entity already makes loans to marginalized populations (though not necessarily those with disabilities) so is familiar with the difficulty some groups may have qualifying. The CEO of the small non-profit (who is a university alumni) has agreed to provide the service of administering the loans at almost cost. In the next year, TTAP will focus on marketing. The applicants we have had thus far, did not qualify, or chose not to enter into a personal loan agreement if they did qualify. Additionally, the staff who managed the program left TTAP and the university has not been unable to fill the position so far. TTAP will continue due diligence to get this program more established and increase consumer awareness.

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

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	2,186
C. Total	2,186

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	2,186

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	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$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	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	2,936	$406,149	$0	$406,149
Daily Living	2,305	$365,410	$0	$365,410
Environmental Adaptations	00	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	01	$1,014	$0	$1,014
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$413	$0	$413
Total	5,242	$772,986	$0	$772,986

D. Anecdote

R, a young child with a rare genetic disorder, recently faced a challenging situation when their insurance denied coverage for a much-needed wheelchair, leaving the family in a difficult position. Thankfully, ProjectMEND was able to step in through our durable medical equipment reuse program. By refurbishing and repurposing gently used equipment, we provided the child with a wheelchair that perfectly met their needs, ensuring they could experience greater independence and mobility. This story reflects our mission to bridge the gap in access to medical equipment and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on it.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	2,186	2,186
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	2,186	2,186
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	2,186	2,186
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	2,186	2,186
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied	2,067	94.56%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	119	5.44%
Total Surveyed	2,186
Response rate %	94.56%

G. Notes:

This year, our program delivered a record number of beds, wheelchairs, and other essential equipment, reaching over 48 counties across Texas, including many rural areas. We received more than 11,000 items, which were upcycled and redistributed, donated to partner agencies, or recycled to prevent them from ending up in landfills. Additionally, we supported the community by repairing over 327 devices, ensuring they remained in the hands of those who depend on them. In the next year, we are targeting more efficient disaster response and reaching Texans in high population areas with periodic delivery.

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	263
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	24
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	17
Total	306

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	41	11	52
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	42	05	47
Representative of Education	49	07	56
Representative of Employment	05	00	05
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	115	20	135
Representatives of Community Living	01	00	01
Representatives of Technology	10	00	10
Total	263	43	306

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	05

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	22	02	24
Hearing	08	00	08
Speech Communication	189	37	226
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	18	04	22
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	06	01	07
Daily Living	07	00	07
Environmental Adaptations	38	00	38
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	08	00	08
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	05	03	08
Total	301	47	348

E. Anecdote

From J.H, in Medina Valley ISD, who borrowed an iPad for an AAC assessment: "Our school district is very small and does not have a budget for AAC devices. As an SLP it is very difficult to choose the type of device without trialing different options. With the inclusion of high tech and low tech AAC in the Early Childhood special education setting, we have seen an increase in verbalizations and requesting with a decrease in behavioral outbursts."

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	59	00	16	75
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	02	01	00	03
Subtotal	61	01	16	78
Have not made a decision	03	04	07	14
Subtotal	64	05	23	92
Nonrespondent	114	18	39	171
Total	178	23	62	263
Performance on this measure	52.72%	6.69%	39.7%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	13	00	01	14
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	01	00	02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	01	02
4. Subtotal	15	01	02	18
5. None of the above	01	00	00	01
6. Subtotal	16	01	02	19
7. Nonrespondent	17	02	05	24
8. Total	33	03	07	43
9. Performance on this measure	93.75%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	98	32.03%
Satisfied	04	1.31%
Satisfied somewhat	06	1.96%
Not at all satisfied	03	0.98%
Nonrespondent	195	63.73%
Total Surveyed	306
Response rate %	36.27%

I. Notes:

Device loans continue to be one of TTAP's most popular services. A wider variety of consumers, agencies, and professionals have been using the device loan program as a direct result of targeted outreach and formal collaborations. For example, in the last year, TTAP targeted events supporting the aging population and more professionals and caregivers supporting this population have reached out to borrow equipment.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	69
Hearing	39
Speech Communication	103
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	06
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	01
Daily Living	13
Environmental Adaptations	06
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	20
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	12
Total # of Device Demonstrations	269

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	184	05	189
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	42	10	52
Representatives of Education	29	00	29
Representatives of Employment	06	16	22
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00	00	00
Representative of Community Living	08	35	43
Representative of Technology	00	03	03
Total	269	69	338

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	25
Service Provider	50
Vendor	34
Repair Service	00
Others	01
Total	110

D. Anecdote

L.M. was referred to TTAP by the Texas Workforce Commission to review accessible keyboards after losing sight and physical function. She was able to try 6 keyboards at the demonstration, chose to the check out two of them to try in her work setting and her employer purchased the one she preferred from a local vendor for about $150. L.M. was able to keep her job and livelihood, the employer knew the investment was going to work, and Texas Workforce was able to keep a Texan employed- all because of the opportunity to "try it before you buy it" at a TTAP demonstration.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	28	23	65	116
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	15	12	10	37
Subtotal	43	35	75	153
Have not made a decision	29	05	38	72
Subtotal	72	40	113	225
Nonrespondent	15	07	22	44
Total	87	47	135	269
Performance on this measure	49.43%	74.47%	55.56%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	175	51.78%
Satisfied	63	18.64%
Satisfied somewhat	32	9.47%
Not at all satisfied	04	1.18%
Nonrespondent	64	18.93%
Total	338
Response rate %	81.07%

G. Notes:

The data is higher than in previous years. We increased our Demonstration Center number from 22 to 28 (soon to be 29). TTAP really worked hard to get our Demonstration Centers to accurately report data. It is possible these numbers are more the norm, and it was under reported in the past. We have also provided more training to the Demonstration Centers with less knowledgeable staff, so they are more comfortable doing Demos. Also, the post-COVID engagement/participation lag seems to have abated.

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	13	00	2,187	2,200
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	67	01	00	68
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	01	02
4. Subtotal	81	01	2,188	2,270
5. None of the above	01	00	00	01
6. Subtotal	82	01	2,188	2,271
7. Nonrespondent	17	02	05	24
8. Total	99	03	2,193	2,295
9. Performance on this measure	91.95%	50%	99.82%	99.47%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	87	23	81	191
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	17	13	10	40
Subtotal	104	36	91	231
Have not made a decision	32	09	45	86
Subtotal	136	45	136	317
Nonrespondent	129	25	61	215
Total	265	70	197	532
Performance on this measure	51.23%	58.06%	52%	52.5%
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	98.21%	95%	Met
Response Rate	86.67%	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	20
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	00
Representatives of Education	160
Representatives of Employment	101
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	172
Representatives of Community Living	12
Representatives of Technology	00
Unable to Categorize	195
TOTAL	660

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
585	75	00	660

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	318
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	82
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	150
Transition	110
Total	660

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

TTAP created and implemented training on how to use 3D printed communication core vocabulary Bliss symbols for children who are not speaking, hearing impaired, and visually impaired. Often motoric challenges were also present. The target audience was professionals who support these students in K12 settings.

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

TTAP provided multiple trainings in person and remotely for university students studying a mix of professions supporting people with disabilities. Broad concepts of transition across the lifespan were addressed.

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

Ongoing training to higher education faculty and staff on the concepts of universal design, building accessible materials right the first time, and applying the AEM Center's concept of POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust) were shared.

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	72
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	46
No known outcome at this time	17
Nonrespondent	15
Total	150
Performance Measure Percentage	78.7%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	60%
Employment	25%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	10%
Community Living	05%
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:

TTAP has provided multiple live and in-person sessions on how to support 3D printing in K12 setting, how to network with maker groups to create and print items, and how to utilize existing apps and software to create/edit .slt files for use with students in K12.

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

TTAP provided a K12 district with technical assistance on improving their AT guidelines and procedures/IEP documents for students transitioning from K12 to either Texas Workforce Commission rehabilitation supports, or independent living settings/services.

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. TTAP participated in two regional K12 transition fairs where multiple Local Education Agencies (one in Central Texas and one in the southeast Houston area) had a vendor hall available and an opportunity to do a conference session. In addition to tabling and showing devices available in the Device Loan program, TTAP's session shared general information about State AT programs, and specifically consideration for AT when transitioning out of K12 into post-secondary, work, or community living.

2. TTAP participated in multiple regional disaster preparedness events in Dallas, Central Texas and Houston that included tabling with general AT program information, and providing in person and remote sessions on AT and disaster preparedness. Additionally, many of our 28 (soon to be 29) Demonstration Centers represented TTAP in similar emergency preparedness activates in their respective municipalities and counties. We estimate about 1500-2000 participants engaged in these outreach activities.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	348	29	377
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	82	25	107
Representative of Education	78	12	90
Representative of Employment	36	09	45
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	40	34	74
Representative of Community Living	42	00	42
Representative of Technology	03	02	05
Unable to Categorize	02	00	02
Total	631	111	742

Referral Types:

TTAP specifically targeted events attended by professionals who support the aging- the state aging conference for example. We did both sessions and exhibiting as several events. We saw an increase in both Information and Assistance and Device Loans from this population.

Referral Sources:

TTAP received referrals from Education Service Centers, School Districts/LEAs, Rehab facilities and hospitals, private practitioners, vendors, Centers for Independent Living, ADRCs/AAAs, and our 28 Demo Centers. Most of our referrals come from staff and families of K12 students (~45%), followed by ~30% from the private/medical sector, then state agencies and other community living supports at ~25%, and the remainder mostly vendors and funding entities. TTAP has been participating in a No Wrong Door advisory group for a federal grant they received. This has increased our visibility among all constituents but especially adult services and providers.

Notes:

Information and assistance is TTAP's most time consuming activity- across 5 staff 100s of emails and phone calls a week are fielded. Additionally, our 28 Demo Centers also provide support. Though TTAP is getting better at capturing this, the data does not accurately reflect the effort. It has been challenging to enter that much data into NATADS in real time. TTAP may explore a "ticket response" program within the University infrastructure to better track this service and then manually enter it into the annual report.

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

Though we have had several virtual meetings, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not collaborate with TTAP currently. TEA affirms they are they are aware of AT program services, and that TTAP collaborations with the 20 Education Service Centers under them, and various individual LEAs to support AT in the State. There does not appear to be TEA staff knowledgeable about AT.

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

TTAP has an active MOU with the Texas Workforce Commission- Rehabilitation Services. We collaborate on multiple projects. We meet monthly with their 29 AT specialists and provide ongoing education and technical assistance with this group. They receive priority for Demonstration appointments and Device Loans.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative?

The ongoing training and technical assistance has had the most impact. Enabling the AT Specialists to better support local employers and VR counselors builds capacity across the board. Additionally, the AT specialists often email or call TTAP personnel directly if they have a "question in the field". The just in time support allows consumers to have their employment AT workforce challenges solved in real time.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

N/A

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

There is no single contact point, website, office, or person for aging agencies in Texas. It is difficult to navigate HHS resources via website or in-person, and as a state, Texas does not invest effort or energy in supporting this process. Texas has received a grant to improve No Wrong Door, and invited two TTAP staff to join the grant stake holder group. Progress has been made in this area. TTAP does have working relationships with multiple regional and local ageing agencies like ADRCs, AAAs, and local/county/municipal level offices. These collaborations have proven to be productive and have met the needs of many consumers.

TTAP has been able to educate consumers at the local level about our services with outreach conducted with the regional ADRCs/AAAs, and local/county/municipal level offices. Consumers have utilized the Device Loan and Demonstrations programs as a result. TTAP's local Demo Centers often have activities with the local level entities as well.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

N/A

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

Housing/Home Automation, Transportation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Veterans,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

It is difficult to identify staff to connect with in the Texas Medicaid system. There is no one main number, office, or AT contact person. The Texas legislature and administration does not view this entity and valuable, and it is not a priority. Texas has yet to take the Medicaid expansion, for example. The infrastructure for accessing contacts, forms, and services is dated and the websites are difficult to navigate. The agency is quite understaffed and experiences frequent turnover, making it d

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

A. Coordination/Collaboration

TTAP has been working to establish a collaborative relationship with the state's disaster response networks. Due to the state's size, the lack of a state-level contact person, and inconsistent state-level funding, this tends to be regional in nature. This process is solidifying for the southeast (Houston and surrounding areas), and Central Texas (Austin/San Antonio and surrounding). We hope to expand to other parts of Texas in the next year. Out focus is both AT support in disaster, and DME access after disaster.

TTAP has engaged in multiple meetings, some training for first responders and AAC, training on creating accessible materials, tabling at outreach events, etc. We are actively working on a plan to pre-position DME in the Houston area prior to hurricanes and floods.

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

Other: Disaster Response;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Training; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

TTAP has collaborated with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to make state parks more accessible. TTAP grant funds have been used thus far but plans to look for levered funding are in the works.

TTAP has connected with their accessibility staff, provided overview training, identified some of the more "disability friendly" parks to initiate plans. TTPA added a specialized Demonstration Center at a fishery. We provided accessible fishing equipment, training for staff, and have attended several disability specific events (like a Special Olympics fishing event) to use/demonstrate the equipment. Several aging consumers have also enjoyed the equipment.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Aging; Veterans;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Public Awareness;

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?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Federal	$15,000	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$3,000	Training	True
	Amount: $18,000

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.

B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY24 (September 30, 2024) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY22, FY23 or FY24
We already expended the full award amount and reported associated data in the FY22 and/or FY23 APR
We expended some OR all this funding in FY24 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY24:

$42,666.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.25
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.25
Training Specialist	0.25
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.25
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

TTAP's public health staff has participated in numerous outreach activities focusing on public health, disability and assistive technology. The employee provided training on health, telehealth and the intersection of assistive technology. TTAP paired our grant funds with similar funds acquired by the UCEDD in which we are housed to hire the FTE across two years, so some of the position duties also covered UCEDD obligations which were inclusive of disability policy research and support.

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).

Leveraged fund activities included contracted services with Education Service Centers and LEAs for AT K12 team training and trainer of training activities.