National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Washington 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://watap.org
Mailing Address:
UW Box 357920
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Zip Code:
98195
Program Email:
watap@uw.edu
Phone:
800-214-8731
TTY:
866-866-0162

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability Studies
Mailing Address:
University of Washington, UW Box 357920
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Zip Code:
98195
Program URL:
https://uwctds.washington.edu

Implementing Entity

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

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Knue, Alan
Title:
Director
Phone:
2066856836
E-mail:
aknue@uw.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Knue, Alan
Title:
Director
Phone:
2066856836
E-mail:
aknue@uw.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):
Rhodes, Carol
Title:
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
Phone:
2065434043
E-mail:
osp@uw.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 81 07 88
Approved Not made 09 02 11
Rejected 61 10 71
Total 151 19 170

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $6,216 Highest Income: $269,592

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$5,871,125 88 $66,717

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less		 $15,001-
$30,000		 $30,001-
$45,000		 $45,001-
$60,000		 $60,001-
$75,000		 $75,001
or More
Number of Loans 15 15 10 08 07 33 88
Percentage of Loans 17.05% 17.05% 11.36% 9.09% 7.95% 37.5% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 86 97.73%
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 02 2.27%
Total 88 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 86 $1,578,846
Partnership Loans 02 $8,815
Total 88 $1,587,661

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 9.25%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
447 88 5.07954545454545%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 02
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 82
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 04
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 88

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 02 $6,267
Hearing 18 $60,914
Speech communication 01 $5,000
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 19 $50,594
Daily living 11 $44,434
Environmental adaptations 03 $135,000
Vehicle modification and transportation 39 $1,280,048
Computers and related 02 $5,404
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 95 $1,587,661

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 11
Net loss for loans in default $16,955

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)50
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)2
C. Total Served52

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures52

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 34$45,386
Hearing 18$2,365
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning3$320
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 75$57,021
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total130$105,092



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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)120
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)2
C. Total Served122

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures122

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price		Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold		Savings
to Consumers
Vision 0$0$0$0
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 0$0$0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 0$0$0$0
Daily living 172$1,898$0$1,898
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 0$0$0$0
Total 172$1,898$0$1,898


D. Anecdote

“Brenda” and “Oscar” live in Thurston County, Washington and both work full time, but face significant expenses directly relating to living with a disability. They have high costs for medical insurance, prescription medications, therapies that are not covered by insurance, and assistive technologies that are necessary to navigate everyday life and maintain employment. They needed to remodel their house to include accessibility features, such as installing a bathroom on the first floor, lowering the kitchen counters, and installing new flooring throughout. Given rising construction costs, Brenda and Oscar were not sure they would be able to afford these modifications. They approached WATAP’s state financing partner, the Northwest Access Fund, for help. After making an application, they were able to pair a $50,000 loan from the Access Fund at a 5% interest rate with a $100,000 home equity line of credit from a local credit union at an 8.05% interest rate. The financing from the NW Access Fund went toward installing a fully accessible bathroom that was close to Brenda’s workspace and that she could use independently. Before these changes, the only bathroom in the home was on the second floor and did not include accessibility features, requiring Brenda to always have support in performing these basic life functions. The couple reported that without the financing from the Access Fund, they would not have been able to afford the extensive modifications that will allow them to continue living and working in their home for years to come.

Impact Area

In October of 2023, WATAP began offering 3D printed devices to help with everyday needs for free to Washington state residents with disabilities. Most of the devices we offer are print-ready but occasionally we can design and print more custom devices. The University of Washington Employment Program supports many clients with disabilities in finding jobs and helping them to remain productive and feeling valued in their work. “Evan” recently obtained a job that he was very excited by and one that required him to wear a uniform including a cap. However, the cap barely fit and even with the hat strap extended to its fullest, it frequently came undone, and Evan wasn’t able to keep his hat on his head. Evan’s job coach contacted WATAP to see if we could design a snapback hat strap extender. Our AT Technician designed an extender for Evan to try, using a softer plastic that should be more comfortable to wear than more rigid plastic. On the first try, the extender worked really well and held up throughout Evan’s shift. Evan’s job coach reported that it was “a fabulous solution!” The hat now fits nicely, and Evan has really enjoyed being able to comfortably wear his work hat. This simple solution has allowed Evan to proudly wear his whole uniform and in doing so, he now feels like part of the team.

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. 04 04 64 72
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 03 173 178
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 11 12
4. Subtotal 06 08 248 262
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 06 08 248 262
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 06 08 248 262
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 240 91.6%
Satisfied 21 8.02%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.38%
Total Surveyed 262
Response rate % 99.62%

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 2,747
C. Total 2,747

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 2,747

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 06 $33,250 $1,200 $32,050
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 2,119 $1,124,241 $0 $1,124,241
Daily Living 2,075 $489,338 $0 $489,338
Environmental Adaptations 140 $7,456 $0 $7,456
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 4,340 $1,654,285 $1,200 $1,653,085

D. Anecdote

“Steve” consistently struggles with his mental health and being mostly bedridden has not helped his well-being. Recently, “Robert” joined Steve's caregiving team and has been crucial in helping to motivate Steve to engage more fully in life. He decided to help him to get out of bed more regularly. Steve and Robert met with the dedicated staff and volunteers at WATAP’s device reuse partner, Bridge Disability Ministries’ Meyer Medical Equipment Center to explore what options might be available and were matched with both a wheelchair that fits Steve’s needs and a Hoyer lift to help transfer Steve from his bed to his new wheelchair. With this new equipment, Steve is regularly getting out of bed and is now making notable progress reconnecting with the world. Steve and his caregiving team say that they wouldn’t be where they are today without the important equipment they received through this device reuse program.

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 1,167 1,167
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 1,549 1,549
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 26 26
4. Subtotal 00 00 2,742 2,742
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 2,742 2,742
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 05 05
8. Total 00 00 2,747 2,747
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 99.82%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,495 90.83%
Satisfied 164 5.97%
Satisfied somewhat 11 0.4%
Not at all satisfied 71 2.58%
Nonrespondent 06 0.22%
Total Surveyed 2,747
Response rate % 99.78%

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) 296
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 05
Total 303

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 248 01 249
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 07 01 08
Representative of Education 03 01 04
Representative of Employment 04 00 04
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 33 04 37
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 01 00 01
Total 296 07 303

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 21

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 80 06 86
Hearing 25 01 26
Speech Communication 07 01 08
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 07 06 13
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10 00 10
Daily Living 78 15 93
Environmental Adaptations 02 00 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 259 11 270
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 27 00 27
Total 495 40 535

E. Anecdote

“Rhonda” contacted WATAP regarding her daughter, “Lisa” who is in the 4th grade and was struggling in school. One of our AT Specialists met with Rhonda and Lisa, providing device demonstrations and consultation to look at various software and hardware options to support reading and writing. Through trial and discussion, it was determined that Lisa could benefit from using both a reading pen and software that had word prediction, text-to-speech, and other options to help her read and write. They then borrowed the devices to try out in school and at home. After 3 weeks of trying the device, Rhonda reported that Lisa’s ability to do her homework improved greatly with the assistance of the reading pen and read/write program. They really appreciated being able to borrow the devices, not only to use in her homework, but they were also able to use the devices to demonstrate their effectiveness during Lisa’s IEP review sessions. Rhonda and Lisa expressed their gratitude to WATAP and stated “the technology has really changed Lisa’s life!”

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 19 59 162 240
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 01 12 13
Subtotal 19 60 174 253
Have not made a decision 00 02 00 02
Subtotal 19 62 174 255
Nonrespondent 01 08 32 41
Total 20 70 206 296
Performance on this measure 100% 96.77% 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. 01 01 01 03
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 01 00 04
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 04 02 01 07
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 04 02 01 07
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 04 02 01 07
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 253 83.5%
Satisfied 05 1.65%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.66%
Not at all satisfied 02 0.66%
Nonrespondent 41 13.53%
Total Surveyed 303
Response rate % 86.47%

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 22
Hearing 41
Speech Communication 26
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 59
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 89
Daily Living 136
Environmental Adaptations 15
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 144
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 532

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 472 00 472
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 40 47 87
Representatives of Education 00 10 10
Representatives of Employment 16 42 58
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00 02 02
Representative of Community Living 04 14 18
Representative of Technology 00 06 06
Total 532 121 653

C. Number of Referrals

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

D. Anecdote

“Sarah” is an 80-year-old woman living with her disabled son. Sarah has low vision and is also hard of hearing, and she was struggling to effectively use her android smartphone. She was able to answer calls on her smartphone, but she was unable to make calls successfully. One of our AT Specialists demonstrated a smart speaker/ digital assistant to her as another option for her telephone needs. She discovered it was easy and straight-forward to select a name from her contacts and then make a call. More significantly, the device had better volume control and improved voice quality, which allowed her to better hear and understand the person on the other end of the call. Sarah became a client of WATAP's iCanConnect program and received the smart speaker through this program, which included setup and training support. Not only is Sarah now able to call her friends and family, she also uses many other smart home features- she regularly shops online, controls smart plugs, sets alarms and timers, and can actually her doorbell. Sarah is delighted with her new digital assistant and is finding it very helpful for daily living activities.

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 05 323 146 474
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 55 02 57
Subtotal 05 378 148 531
Have not made a decision 01 00 00 01
Subtotal 06 378 148 532
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 06 378 148 532
Performance on this measure 83.33% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 504 77.18%
Satisfied 142 21.75%
Satisfied somewhat 07 1.07%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 653
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. 05 05 1,232 1,242
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 04 1,722 1,731
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 37 38
4. Subtotal 10 10 2,991 3,011
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 10 10 2,991 3,011
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 05 05
8. Total 10 10 2,996 3,016
9. Performance on this measure 100% 90% 98.6% 98.57%
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 24 382 308 714
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 56 14 70
Subtotal 24 438 322 784
Have not made a decision 01 02 00 03
Subtotal 25 440 322 787
Nonrespondent 01 08 32 41
Total 26 448 354 828
Performance on this measure 96% 99.55% 100% 99.62%
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 97.63% 95% Met
Response Rate 98.79% 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 132
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 31
Representatives of Education 26
Representatives of Employment 124
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 39
Representatives of Community Living 72
Representatives of Technology 102
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 526

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
455 71 00 526

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 156
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 183
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 114
Transition 73
Total 526

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

WATAP supported the professional development for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) case managers, employment specialists, and community rehabilitation providers through a series of training opportunities. We provided 15 training opportunities, 3 in-person and 12 via webinar to 208 participants. The series topics were (1) An Introduction to AT; (2) AT for Transition; (3) Emerging Technologies; (4) Mobile Technology in the Workplace; (5) AT for Aging Workers; (6) AT for Sensory Loss, and (7) Introduction to Digital Accessibility. Consistent with preceding years, WATAP’s trainings for DVR were designed to build competencies, promote the consideration of and proper matching of AT, and explore case studies and best practices around topics that have been identified by past participants as needed to better serve DVR clients. All participants are surveyed post training and we continue to address training topic requests and other AT needs from the field.

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

WATAP provided a session on AT for transition for 21 students attending on of the State’s Center for Independence summer workshop. This session covered AT related to transition including: reading, writing, notetaking, task management, computer access, and IL with 3D printed tools. Live demonstrations of some of the AT were provided during the training. WATAP also offered “AT for Transition” as part of its training series for DVR. This training was offered on 5 separate dates to 55 participants and explored AT tools that can increase a student’s independence and performance in school and as they transition to post-secondary education, employment and community living. Participants learned about what AT solutions that can benefit client’s function in school, transition to work, post-secondary education and community living, how to access AT services to support decision making, and what resources that can assist a client and/or case manager with transition related issues.

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

WATAP is invited each year by the City of Seattle to provide on-line training to city employees responsible for developing and posting online content as part of their day-long recognition of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day that occurs in May. This year, our session was provided to 102 participants and the topic was a step-by-step guide and best practices for creating accessible emails based on WCAG standards with primary focus on using MS Outlook. Participants are using the information gained from this training to improve and implement policies and practices within various city departments to ensure accessibility of citywide resources available on and downloaded from websites and social media sites. Additionally, WATAP also offered a “Introduction to Digital Accessibility” as part of its training series for DVR. This training was provided to 12 participants who were provided the basics of ICT and the standards that ensure content is accessible. Participants also learned the significance of making digital content accessible to people with disabilities and the essential steps for crafting content that everyone can access.

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 114
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 114
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
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 05%
Employment 15%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 20%
Community Living 50%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 10%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Portland State University’s Sound Transit Wayfinding Project and the Sound Transit Research Team contracted with WATAP to build 3D printed floor plans and maps of Sound Transit Stations for field testing with participants to evaluate what works and what needs improvement. Draft 3D prints were produced and provided to the research teams for planning and executing wayfinding tasks with participants. WATAP’s AT Technician created a design style template which would be flexible enough to use for individual projects and greatly reduced design time and helped with quick edits for printing. Based on feedback from participants who struggled with memorizing map symbols, WATAP recommended that a map key should also be provided, containing only the symbols used on that particular map. The 3D printed maps proved to be a lower cost investment and were used for piloting with the community and in stations before investing in more durable permanent fixtures.

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

WATAP continues its partnership with the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation Georgia Institute of Technology on a collaborative project funded by NIDILRR called “Accommodation Expert Support System for Aging Well” or Aging Well for short. The project is developing an online tool to assist in the process of accommodating older individuals aging into or with a disability to promote aging in place and independence. During this past year, the project continued working on the “AT solutions for the Aging Well” website using International Standardization for Organization (ISO) classifications. The Assistive Tech Project Team has been providing feedback on the questions, answers, and AT solutions for the website tool and continue to work on matching up loss of functional issues with AT solutions.

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. For a second year in a row, WATAP participated in the Seattle Design Festival Block Party August 16-28, 2024, partnering with the Northwest Universal Design Council, Jensen Hughes, and Age Friendly Seattle on an installation, titled “What if buildings were designed for everyone?” Our installation featured a game concept where players would assume a character and visit three building settings, a university, residence, and transit center setting, and decide which of 30 or more universal design features would be most appropriate and useful in each setting. We had 582 individuals in total visit the installation with 334 game players over the weekend. The installation and game initiated many more in-depth conversations around universal design and assistive technology than past installations that were more passive. Most importantly this event allows WATAP to interact and educate members of the general public about the uses and benefits of assistive technology and universal design.

2. WATAP completed a 5-year project funded by King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy, where we partnered with senior centers located within rural communities to connect with the community to promote healthy independent living, and as a means for us to showcase assistive technology and talk about the potential impact of AT in the daily lives of seniors to support healthy aging and independent living. In the final few months of the project, we offered 2 community events on home safety and emergency preparedness. In the five years of the project, WATAP participated in 35 community events at rural senior centers and other venues in the county, where we offered educational opportunities reaching 561 seniors, their caregivers, and their health care providers, focusing on AT to support gardening, medication management, communication, home safety and emergency preparedness, independent living and self-care, hearing, and vision, and low-tech solutions.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 1,244 258 1,502
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 717 157 874
Representative of Education 123 58 181
Representative of Employment 322 80 402
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 379 41 420
Representative of Community Living 281 167 448
Representative of Technology 46 25 71
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 3,112 786 3,898

Referral Types:

By percentage, most individuals (~49%) learn about WATAP as a result of our own outreach both in-person and virtual, and through our training and technical assistance efforts provided across the state, with ~42% coming as referrals through community partners and their programs. One example of on-going outreach that has resulted in increased referrals is through our King County project described under the public awareness section, which has resulted in an increase of rural seniors and their care givers accessing our programs. Another example is our Assistive Technology Providers Network, which promotes more meaningful professional networking, enhances collaboration among the network members and community partners, and promotes cross dissemination of information and resources. Referrals through our Providers Network has resulted in more meaningful referrals over the years from health care practitioners, educators, rehabilitation counselors especially for our device demonstration and device lending programs.

Referral Sources:

We receive a significant portion of referrals through our in-person outreach (41%) and other outreach including webinars (8%). The next largest portions of our referrals come through our relationships with our employment/ vocational rehabilitation agencies (estimated at 17%), through our state financing partners at the Northwest Access Fund and iCanConnect WA (12%), through relationships with regional health care providers (8%), and through Community Living Connects (estimated at 3%) which WATAP is a part of and includes agencies supporting independent living, aging and adult services, veterans, and caregivers. Remaining referrals (estimated at about 7%) come from education, WA AgrAbility, friends and family, and with the remaining 3% of our referrals as not known.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction funds the Special Education Technology Center (SETC), which is the State’s entity that supports students, families, and school personnel in assistive technology needs for education. WATAP and SETC have an ongoing memorandum of understanding that allow school districts access to WATAP’s device lending program. WATAP also supports the professional development of education staff through technical assistance and training.
Since 2004, WATAP has partnered with SETC, back-filling SETC’s device lending to school districts by providing access to devices that SETC dos not have in its inventory or are wait-listed and not available for immediate shipment. Washington State school district staff can borrow WATAP equipment for device demonstration and for students to try in the classroom. WATAP also has participated in SETC’s professional development training webinar series, with recent topics including accessible web and documents, AT for time management, and apps for anxiety and mental health. SETC and K-12 educators and administrators are regular participants in the Assistive Technology Providers Network, managed and facilitated by WATAP, which promotes more meaningful professional networking, enhances collaboration among the network members and community partners, and promotes cross dissemination of information and resources.
N/A

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

Education,

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

Device Loan, Training, Information & Assistance, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
Since 2010, WATAP has supported the services provided by Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) through increased awareness of and expansion of access to assistive technology for school and work. This collaborative partnership came about through the initiative of the DVR Advisory Council Member on WATAP’s Advisory Council and a formal contract was already in place when WIOA was signed into law. WATAP leverages its federally mandated activities and resources to support professional development and increase access to assistive technology in DVR services. The partnership is refreshed and renewed by contract every 2 years, with the most recent being in the summer of 2024. Additionally, WATAP partners with the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) to increase access to AT for work for individuals with low vision or who are blind. This partnership is governed by a interagency agreement that is renewed every 2 years.
Through the partnership with DVR, WATAP supports the professional needs of DVR staff, Tribal VR staff, DVR Contractors, and other DVR partners and increase effective implementation of AT to meet employment outcomes through the delivery of statewide and comprehensive training. WATAP has expanded its device demonstration program through the provision and maintenance of assistive technology provided to the regional DVR Assistive Technology Assessment Practitioners (ATAPs) that is used in device demonstrations and evaluations provided by the ATAPs. Funds provided by DVR has expanded WATAP's assistive technology device lending program that allows unlimited borrowing by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) and DVR customers to inform DVR's purchasing decisions and reduce the purchase and storage of devices that end up not working for DVR customers. DSB also partners with WATAP for the device lending program that allows unlimited borrowing by their AT specialists, rehabilitation counselors and customers to inform decision making and purchasing decisions.
N/A

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Training,
Yes
Yes
In previous years, WATAP has worked with Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), Roads to Community Living, and the Area Agencies on Aging on projects focused on serving the AT needs of older adults. But due to staffing changes over the years, further collaboration at the state level has curtailed. However, WATAP continues to be a active part of Community Living Connections, a partnership of state agencies supporting independent living, aging and adult services, veterans, and caregivers, which connects individuals with disabilities, their caregivers, legal representatives, and families to home and community-based supports and services. WATAP also collaborates with regional and local aging agencies in education, technical assistance, and I&A around AT.
This year, WATAP had conversations with ALTSA around a statewide pilot project that offered technology support, consultation, and technical assistance to eligible clients receiving long-term care who want to remain in their own home safely and independently using smart technology. In the end, WATAP lacked the resources and staff capacity to meet the vendor requirements and decided to not participate in the pilot. WATAP will continue to engage with the aging agencies at the state level to explore future partnerships. WATAP is listed in Community Living Connections and makes referrals to other agencies as appropriate and vice versa. WATAP continues to have an active relationship with Age Friendly Seattle, a citywide initiative that aims to make Seattle an age-friendly community. WATAP has participated in workshops, conferences, round table discussions to promote the importance of AT in the lives of seniors who are experiencing functional limitations due to the effects of aging.
N/A

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

Community Participation and Integration, Health, Aging, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door,

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

Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
No
Historically, WATAP has explored potential areas of collaboration and partnership with the state Medicaid agency but these did not come to fruition due to limitations and feasibility of WATAP becoming a vendor for the agency. As the vendor requirements have not changed in the intervening years, further discussions have been put on hold. Additionally, current program resources and staff capacity are limited to reasonably explore a meaningful relationship.
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 1

A. Coordination/Collaboration

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?

For a second year in a row, WATAP has supported the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) Independent Living Services (ILS) program, which provides services to over 1500 Washington State residents annually who are losing vision or blind. ILS utilizes a statewide network of service providers, who have experienced teachers who assist clients in teaching and building competency in daily living skills. ILS provides smart phones, tablets, and digital assistants, such as Amazon Echo and Google Nest, through a long-term loan program to clients, but the service providers’ teachers were often unfamiliar and/or inexperienced in the benefits and usages of these devices, which limited the success of the program. WATAP provided 2 full days of training on technology for these teachers. On the first day, participants focused on built-in accessibility features of smart phones including screen magnification, screen reading, and voice assistant tools for specific tasks such as phone calls, voice mail, text messages, email and notes. On the second day, participants built on their knowledge of of Digital Assistants including set-up and specific features such as calling, routines, skills, and calendaring. Each participant had the use of their own devices so they could practice and learn in real time. There was much sharing of knowledge from WATAP staff and participants and at the end of the training, each participant received a document with extensive resources, tips and instructions discussed during the training.

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? Please include URL for initiative if available.

Through this partnership, WATAP supports the professional development needs through annual statewide and comprehensive training for ILS providers’ teachers to increase effective implementation of the long-term loan program to meet independent living outcomes of their clients. As the teachers become more confident in using the technology, they are more likely to match the functional needs of their clients with these technologies and provide the necessary technical support to increase the successful use by the clients as well. This partnership is increasing a cross referral of clients to both WATAP and ILS services that would be mutually beneficial to support building and mastering independent living skills. Since on-going professional development is necessary for current staff and to support training new staff, this training will be provided by WATAP to ILS providers’ teachers annually going forward.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

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

Training;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Federal$7,996DemonstrationTrue
Private$3,000TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$18,224Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$81,698Technical AssistanceTrue
Federal$6,863State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$715DemonstrationTrue
Private$148,831State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$59,500TrainingTrue
Private$918Technical AssistanceTrue
Federal$7,995Device LoanTrue
Amount: $335,740

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.