National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Virginia 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
The Virginia Assistive Technology System
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.vats.virginia.gov
Mailing Address:
2001 Maywill Street, Suite 202
City:
Richmond
State:
Va
Zip Code:
23230
Program Email:
barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov
Phone:
8046629990
TTY:
8004649950

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Mailing Address:
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
City:
Richmond
State:
Va
Zip Code:
23229
Program URL:
https//www.dars.virginia.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):
Shepard, Barclay
Title:
Manager
Phone:
8046629990
E-mail:
barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Shepard, Barclay
Title:
Manager
Phone:
8046629990
E-mail:
barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov
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):
Hayfield, Kathryn
Title:
DARS Commissioner
Phone:
8046627010
E-mail:
kathryn.hayfield@dars.virginia.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
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? 0


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 00 00
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

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 5,142
C. Total 5,142

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 5,142

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 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 4,616 $3,432,769 $0 $3,432,769
Daily Living 2,853 $447,220 $0 $447,220
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 37 $62,705 $0 $62,705
Total 7,506 $3,942,694 $0 $3,942,694

D. Anecdote

VATS’ contracted adult durable medical equipment reuse provider, The Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E.), provided a 94-year old Veteran and his family valuable rehabilitation equipment, which allowed him to receive total care in his home. The son, the primary care giver, had to quit his job to become the full-time care for his dad last year, which makes making ends meet challenging. The son also reported that he himself only had one arm and as with many caregivers, he had repeatedly injured his back due to lack of appropriate in-home equipment. Now that his dad can no longer stand, providing the best care for him takes a special lift system called a sit-to-stand. These can range from $1,000- 3,000. This lift harnesses the person and allows them to come to a full standing position supported by the device. In their statewide inventory, F.R.E.E. found the appropriate sit-to-stand equipment and gifted this equipment to the family. The son can now safely help his dad into a chair, wheelchair, or bed. It also makes day-to-day bathing and changing his dad much easier. This family is an inspiration of selfless care and the triumph of keeping their family home together through the holidays!

Two individuals standing in a pickup truck with a piece of durable medical equipment loaded in the bed of the truck.
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. 99 12 4,067 4,178
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 37 00 644 681
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 15 00 268 283
4. Subtotal 151 12 4,979 5,142
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 151 12 4,979 5,142
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 151 12 4,979 5,142
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 4,970 96.65%
Satisfied 172 3.35%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 5,142
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Second Anecdote for Children's Reuse: VATS’ contracted children’s durable medical equipment reuse provider, Children’s Assistive Technology Service (CATS), provided gently used adaptive equipment which helped a child with a mobility disability more fully participate in their education. CATS serves as a no-cost resource for children with disabilities who need adaptive equipment and whose families have limited resources. Virginia Beach Public Schools contacted CATS and reserved a wheelchair for a family who relocated to Virginia Beach with limited means. The wheelchair donated by CATS allowed the student to be transported on the school bus and more fully participate in their education.

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) 81
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 04
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 157
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 242

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 63 139 202
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 05 09 14
Representative of Education 07 00 07
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 03 01 04
Representatives of Community Living 03 12 15
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 81 161 242

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 12 00 12
Hearing 00 00 00
Speech Communication 05 00 05
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 47 00 47
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 28 248 276
Daily Living 12 00 12
Environmental Adaptations 01 00 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 87 00 87
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 00 01
Total 193 248 441

E. Anecdote

VATS partnered with a Virginia No Wrong Door youth/recreation sports program, named Sportable, Inc., to improve access for athletes with disabilities. VATS purchased a new youth-sized wheelchair basketball sports chair, increasing the inventory of equipment for kids with physical disabilities. The chair remains the property of VATS, but is available at Sportable, Inc. for athletes to use in training, practice and sporting events. This critical addition ensures that more young athletes have access to the specialized equipment necessary to participate in the sport. Youth between the ages of 7 to 18 years have used the sports wheelchair. Sportable reports that, “VATS' support has not only enhanced our ability to foster inclusivity and accessibility but has also empowered new athletes to join our community and experience the joy and camaraderie of wheelchair basketball. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment to enhancing adaptive sports opportunities for all and look forward to more opportunities to partner in this way in the future."

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 18 43 15 76
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 01 01 05
Subtotal 21 44 16 81
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 21 44 16 81
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 21 44 16 81
Performance on this measure 100% 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. 04 03 134 141
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 04 13 18
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 02 02
4. Subtotal 05 07 149 161
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 05 07 149 161
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 05 07 149 161
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 237 97.93%
Satisfied 05 2.07%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 242
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

The reason the majority of the loans are classified to provide an accommodation on a short term basis for limited time events/situation is because of an arrangement the AT Act program has with Sportable, Inc., a youth recreation program. See anecdote for more info. VATS purchased a youth-sized recreation wheelchair for participants to use during sporting events / basketball tournaments.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 21
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 08
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 298
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 130
Daily Living 133
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 97
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 10
Total # of Device Demonstrations 701

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 672 06 678
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 11 29 40
Representatives of Education 02 08 10
Representatives of Employment 01 02 03
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 02 04 06
Representative of Community Living 13 06 19
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 701 55 756

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 00
Service Provider 00
Vendor 04
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 04

D. Anecdote

VATS’ demonstrated several different types of equipment to an individual with a brain injury who has three children. The individual reported difficulty keeping her appointments and getting to work on time. She also reported that her children were frequently late to their appointments due to her organizational issues. She was also in jeopardy of losing her job. VATS staff demonstrated several devices to include the skylight calendar and how it can keep several calendars in one place. The skylight calendar is a Wi-Fi connected digital touchscreen display that showcases individual and multiple schedules to help individuals stay organized. Through the demonstration, the individual expressed that she liked the option to make to-do lists daily and even has the meal prep items. Based on the demonstration, the individual bought the calendar and is able to keep all of her appointments in one place and reported that this greatly improved her ability to make appointments. She also reports that the entire family is using this calendar and better able to complete items on the family to-do list. This equipment improved their family’s quality of life by being able to better manage both work and family responsibilities!

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 150 292 254 696
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 03 00 05
Subtotal 152 295 254 701
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 152 295 254 701
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 152 295 254 701
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 610 80.69%
Satisfied 146 19.31%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 756
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

The number of referrals looks low. We will check with our partners to make sure that the demonstrations are leading to referrals to vendors / AT devices. My guess is that individuals were referred at a high rate, but that data was not captured. The partners focused more on trial and decision making requirement for data and performance measure

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. 103 15 4,201 4,319
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 38 04 657 699
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 15 00 270 285
4. Subtotal 156 19 5,128 5,303
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 156 19 5,128 5,303
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 156 19 5,128 5,303
9. Performance on this measure 90.38% 100% 94.73% 94.63%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 168 335 269 772
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 04 01 10
Subtotal 173 339 270 782
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 173 339 270 782
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 173 339 270 782
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100% 100%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 100% 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 01
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 256
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 95
Representatives of Community Living 214
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 566

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
501 65 00 566

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 277
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 35
Transition 254
Total 566

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

VATS staff worked collaboratively with the state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) program to provide multiple trainings to help improve work outcomes and quality of life for participants struggling with organization and time management issues. VATS and VR staff provided these virtual groups to four separate cohorts of clients in weekly Time Management sessions (average of 4 clients for 6 weeks) for a total of 24 participants. These trainings included exposure to applied research as well as assistive technology devices and strategies to support individual vocational goals. Clients were introduced to and trained to use electronic calendars, task management apps, strategies to improve focus, and stress management techniques and apps. The team continues to refine services to better meet the needs of clients and team time constraints.

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

VATS collaborated with a local English as a Second Language (ESL) elementary school teacher to host a “Helen Keller Disability Awareness Day Training” for sixteen (16) students. In addition to accessing equipment in VATS’ statewide loan library, VATS collaborated with the state’s blind vocational rehabilitation program to provide additional assistive technologies for discussion and demonstration. This hands-on training and demonstration allowed students to interact with different assistive devices to better understand the need for and availability of devices to help individuals with disabilities improve functional abilities. The teacher reported that the students enjoyed the training and using the devices. The students now have a better understanding of assistive devices available for individuals who are blind, low vision and deaf.

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

VATS collaborated with Apple Government division to provide an in-person ICT Training hands-on demonstration, titled, “Accessibility at Work” for thirty-five (35) staff members from the state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) program and AT Act program which included occupational therapists, assistive technology specialists and computer systems engineers. The objective of the training was to inform the audience and demonstrate assistive technology built into Apple devices (phone, iPad and Mac) for personal accessibility. Apple provides this training to state agencies and local government to demonstrate how these new features facilitate inclusion and empowers employees to be more productive in the workplace. Participants were encouraged to bring their own Apple devices or use loaner equipment for the four-hour in person hands-on training in order to explore the accessibility features built into Apple devices. The training also included additional resources for Apple support sessions and YouTube accessibility tutorials available to the public. The training was successful in introducing assistive technology professionals to new and existing built in Apple accessibility features in order for these professionals to better provide services to their clients.

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 35
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 35
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Have JPEGs of Training/Transition Anecdote if needed.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 100%
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:

VATS’ staff provide ongoing technical assistance and help coordinate disaster related services in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and other statewide agencies and disability service agency partners. VATS staff serve on VDEM’s Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) as volunteer liaison officers and provide critical insight into functional needs of Virginians as a result of natural disasters. VATS staff have been working with VDEM and its contracted adult durable medical equipment reuse partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E.) to address the functional needs of Virginians with disabilities and older adults in statewide disaster planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. DARS/VATS has a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with VDEM and F.R.E.E. to distribute gently used durable medical equipment (DME) to statewide disaster shelters in the event of natural disasters and or emergencies. VATS has been c

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

C. Notes:

Did not provide a Technical Assistance/Transition activity because reported a Training/Transition Anecdote

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. VATS collaborated with a community action program and local department of social services in hosting a resource fair for older adults living in Central Virginia. Based on feedback from VATS, organizers purchased several smaller items that are available in VATS Emergency Preparedness and Falls Prevention Kits such as electric can openers, stair climbing grocery carts, adaptive bottle openers, etc. as door prizes for their participants. VATS and the community action program serve on Virginia’s No Wrong Door (NWD) Advisory Council together. This is another example of how VATS collaboration with Virginia No Wrong Door is helping VATS and NWD expand capacity to provide assistive technology information and resources for older adults and Virginians with disabilities.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 270 117 387
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 99 28 127
Representative of Education 03 00 03
Representative of Employment 09 01 10
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 38 17 55
Representative of Community Living 24 03 27
Representative of Technology 01 01 02
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 444 167 611

Referral Types:

VATS works collaboratively with Virginia No Wrong Door, its adult and children's durable medical equipment reuse partners, and disability service agencies (CILS, AAAs, vocational rehabilitation, deaf and hard of hearing, state agencies and non-profits) to increase awareness of and access to AT devices and services. VATS continues to deploy a variety of AT kits for emergency preparedness, social health, falls prevention, sensory regulation, communication devices, ramps and other specific AT devices at partner sites to improve constituent access statewide. VATS maintains a 1-800 number, VATS central office number, and a website and email for referrals. VATS participates in community events to connect with local communities. VATS partnership with Virginia No Wrong Door continues to significant increase in referrals from AAAs, CILs, older adults, family members, healthcare professionals and Virginians with disabilities.

Referral Sources:

Through the partnership with Virginia No Wrong Door (NWD), VATS and NWD partners share an electronic database and referral system. This platform is used by all 25 AAAs, all statewide Social Service agencies, and multiple CILS, non-profits and healthcare organizations. Approximately 10% of referrals are generated from VATS interaction with NWD and 90% from VATS own outreach methods (participating in events/trainings, referrals from state agencies or partner organizations, referrals from healthcare discharge planners, and VATS contact information on the website). Referrals are statewide.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
VATS collaborated with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) in participating in and providing a presentation to the state’s Assistive Technology Advisory Council regarding assistive technology (AT) supports and services provided by VDOE’s Virginia’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTACs) and the Virginia Assistive Technology Network. Discussion included VDOE’s “Myths and Facts Surrounding AT Devices and Services”, “Dear Colleague Letter”, the 2024-29 Educational Technology Plan for Virginia, TTAC locations, resources and services, the AT Network’s website and upcoming conferences.
This presentation helped state education agency staff, state disability service agency representatives, individuals with disabilities and family members better understand and connect with AT resources offered by a variety of programs that serve Virginians with disabilities. The presentation helped to connect individuals and programs with one another have led to further discussions on more effective ways the state AT Act program can collaborate with VDOE. Having a mandated State Education Agency representative on the AT Advisory Council helps further current and future discussions.

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
VATS initiated a partnership with Virginia’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which expanded access to reuse services for VR program participants with active cases. VR annually funds VATS adult durable medical equipment reuse partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment, limited funding to provide durable medical equipment (DME) to VR participants. The contract is furthering collaboration among the state’s community durable medical equipment reuse partners, statewide VR field offices, field rehabilitation technology services (occupational therapy/AT specialists, rehabilitation engineering) and at the state’s vocational rehabilitation training center. The formalized partnership provides a mechanism for VR program participants to obtain gently used DME as a “back-up” to the individual’s primary rehab equipment. Equipment includes durable medical equipment and bathroom safety equipment at no cost to VR participants. DME from reuse partners also helped develop / supply small loan closets at select VR field offices, AT labs, rehabilitation engineering shops and the VR training center for quick and easy access. In addition to providing “back-up” DME to VR participants, VATS helped streamline the equipment application process for VR participants, as well as formalized a process by which VR participants and their families could donate gently used DME to the VRN. In FY24, eighty-three (83) VR participants received backup durable medical equipment (DME) from AT Act Program’s contracted DME reuse partners.
The “back-up” DME is allowing VR program participants to fully participate in the VR program and further their vocational goals by having access to necessary rehabilitation equipment at work, home and educational/training environments. Access to AT for VR participants is improved greatly due to VR staff knowledge of the state AT Act Program’s DME reuse partnerships and equipment availability. Continual communication among VATS and VR program staff through weekly AT service coordination calls, AT Advisory Council participation, emails and other statewide meetings/interactions are improving access to equipment and services among all. Having a mandated VR representative on the AT Advisory Council helps further current and future discussions. This is an ongoing initiative. Replication of this would entail significant discussion, funding and follow-through.

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Reuse,
Yes
Yes
VATS continues to partner with Virginia No Wrong Door (NWD), which housed in the Virginia Department of Aging. The partnership has helped VATS and NWD to expand their mission, and to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for older adults and Virginians with disabilities. Though this partnership, VATS has forged stronger relationships and developed innovative programs with area agencies on aging (AAAs), centers for independent living (CILs), other NWD partner agencies, and non-profits that serve Virginians. VATS staff meet monthly with NWD staff to discuss needs and collaborative efforts. VATS worked with NWD to develop and expand several AT kits to engage with community members. These kits include equipment for emergency preparedness, social health, sensory regulation, falls prevention, and adaptive gaming. VATS is working collaboratively with NWD and the Department of Aging’s Dementia Services unit to develop and a Cognitive Health Kit that addresses a variety of reminders, wandering and security devices for demonstration, short-term loan and training. The reach of both groups has expanded and is helping to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities statewide. AT awareness continues to grow through information and assistance, demonstration, short-term loan, trainings, and public awareness activities provided by VATS and NWD partners. VATS initially received funding through Virginia NWD from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan.
The NWD partnership is ongoing and evolving. Access to AT has improved by making equipment and Kits available at multiple locations that serve older adults and Virginians with disabilities. NWD funded several Kits initially. Regular communication has made this initiative successful. Funding would improve the ability to connect individuals with appropriate and affordable AT devices and services. This is replicable in other states, but a solid relationship needs to be built between state AT Act and NWD systems.

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Veterans,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
VATS contacted the state’s Medicaid Agency to improve access to VATS’s adult and children’s durable medical equipment reuse partners. Several phone calls ensued regarding reuse DME and assistive technology resources for home health, prosthetics, rehab and integrated care division clients. No funding used. This was a collaborative effort between state agencies to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for Virginia Medicaid recipients.
The collaboration is helping to increase access and awareness of AT services and devices available for State Medicaid staff and recipients. Having a mandated State Medicaid representative on the AT Advisory Council helps further current and future discussions. As a result, VATS received an increase in equipment requests for reused equipment and AT demonstrations and short-term loans from public health insurance, private health insurance and hospital case managers/discharge planners. VATS received calls and emails from Medicare recipients who were having issues getting DME in a timely manner. Information and Assistance services provided included additional state/community resources such as No Wrong Door, the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority and vocational rehabilitation and aging services as appropriate. This ongoing communication among Virginia Medicaid, providers and clients increased referrals to VATS contracted adult and children’s DME reuse providers. This informal partnership has been successful and will continue to evolve, helping to connect older adults and Virginians with disabilities with community resources. Discussions remain ongoing.

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Veterans,

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

Device Loan, Reuse, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$10,000ReuseTrue
Amount: $10,000

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.

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.