National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

Lead Agency

Implementing Entity

Program Director and Other Contacts

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Certifying Representative

G. Notes:

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

Surplus items that are no longer publicly available purchased with state monies from the Colorado Department of Education were distributed to individual schools for use within their programs.

G. Notes:

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Assistive Technology and Enabling Technologies: The Future of AT Programs: This session at the AT Act Program Leadership Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico in March 2025 explored the future of AT Act Programs in an everchanging landscape. Dr. Cathy Bodine, Director of the Center for Innovative Design and Engineering in Colorado, provided content to over 75 State Tech Act Program leaders and staff on a future where our programs continue to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities while addressing opportunities and challenges. She explored the foundation of AT in the US, including policy and service definitions across sectors like long-term care, education, healthcare, and vocational rehabilitation. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the ecosystem surrounding end users including large technology companies, care providers, policy makers, community-based programs and more, especially with the rise of terms like “remote”, “enabling”, “smart” and “telehealth technologies” and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants reflected on how emerging concepts may blur the lines of traditional assistive technology and the potential impacts to AT Act Programs, consumers, families, and care providers.

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

Christa LeGray, program coordinator for the Early Intervention program, Tech for Tykes, at the Assistive Technology Program of Colorado provided training to 19 out of 20 regional Local EI Programs over the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The trainings focused on ensuring a seamless transition of assistive technology (AT) services as young children move from the home- and community-based Early Intervention (EI) system (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - IDEA) to the school-age preschool system (Part B of IDEA). Information was provided regarding the new state guidance that AT devices purchased with state funds could remain with the child through transition if there was evidence that the child would continue to receive educational benefit from the AT device in Part B services. Training involved how to document the AT device in the transition plan and the importance of keeping a record of what happens to all AT purchased with state funds. The training also ensured that AT devices and strategies that were successful in EI are properly evaluated, documented, and transferred to the new educational team. The training also provided information on the Tech for Tykes loan library that allows families and providers to try devices before a permanent one is acquired, which is crucial for identifying the most effective tools for a child. In addition, information on a new AT "ReUse" program called Tech Trade for Tykes was shared to help providers and families transition state-funded equipment from one program to another. Local EI Programs were provided with a tutorial video on how to use their logins to post and request gently used AT devices that were purchased with state funds, and the video included information on writing that equipment into a child’s transition plan if the child would continue to benefit from it in Part B services.

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

Two months before the 2024 election, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) participated in a training series on document accessibility, delivered by The AT Program of Colorado. The training series equipped staff with skills to create and remediate accessible digital content. Topics included Document Accessibility Fundamentals, PowerPoint Accessibility, Excel Accessibility, PDF Forms, and Introduction to PDF Remediation. SOS staff's improved proficiency in document accessibility is expected to have enhanced the accessibility of election-related materials.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

CIDE accessibility and user experience experts worked with CompTIA to ensure their Security+ examinations are accessible to candidates who use screen readers. The work entailed a detailed review of 160 questions including two simulations during which CIDE identified accessibility issues, provided recommendations for remediation, and worked directly with a CompTIA engineer during the remediation process. CIDE then conducted end user testing to ensure a positive user experience for prospective candidates. 

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

The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado collaborated with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) to support young adults with disabilities in transition. Technical assistance was provided by team members to help school districts implement AT services for students with disabilities in transition to post graduation settings. This often-included web-based resources, and one on one support through a variety of modalities. In collaboration with the CDE and DVR programs, the Colorado AT program created TA transition resources. Resources were developed to support students as they moved from school to post-school activities including postsecondary education, vocational training, and employment. The resource document includes information on the benefits of AT, the process and support around assessment, implementation, and documentation, and information on funding both pre- and post-graduation.

C. Notes:

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. Dr. Becky Breaux published 'An Appropriate Wheelchair Makes All the Difference' in a trade publication (In J. Kramme & C. Tschetter (Eds.) Frontline Initiative, Fall/Winter, 2024) reaching approximately 1,000 professionals working in the field of physical rehabilitation. Content/focus of the awareness information shared: this article provided an overview of what dynamic seating is, how it can be useful, and offered a summary of the most recent studies about dynamic seating for wheelchairs. Types of individuals reached: occupational and physical therapists, physicians, technology suppliers, policy makers, manufacturing professionals, engineers, and consumers/clients who use wheelchairs/seating systems. Positive outcomes resulting from the activity: This article provided an updated review of the literature on this topic, offered guidance about how DS might be appropriately used, and challenged a shift in thinking to consider movement in a wheelchair as a human right.

2. Dr. Becky Breaux published 'Dynamic Seating: Innovative Design, Clinical Applications, Paradigm Shift' in the trade publication New Directions - The Journal of Complex Rehabilitation Technology (nrrts.org/nd-v3-cpceu/) reaching approximagely 10,000 professionals working in the field of complex rehabilitation. content/focus of the awareness information shared: this article provided information to caregivers of people with IDD about the importance of a well-fitting wheelchair to the health and safety of individuals. Types of individuals reached: this magazine is geared specifically for Direct Support Professionals for people with IDD, supervisors and managers, and leaders in disability services. It was written in plain language at a 7th grade reading level to be as accessible as possible to a broader audience. Positive outcomes resulting from the activity: This article provided important information to frontline workers so they can better understand how wheelchairs and seating systems affect an individual’s health and to give guidelines about how to check if a wheelchair is appropriate and meeting the individual’s needs, or if they should consider asking a therapist in the field to evaluate the system.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

B. State Improvements

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

The Assistive Technology Program of Colorado collaborates closely with the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Department of Human Services, and Colorado Department of Local Affairs to provide leadership and guidance to the state Emergency Preparedness Access and Functional Needs Program and guide statewide activities to encourage the safety of all Colorado citizens during a disaster. CIDE provides accommodation consultations, resources, training, and equipment demonstrations at state conferences, regional and local trainings. In 2024-2025, we trained 210 attendees at fourteen different trainings across Colorado for local, regional and state level Emergency Managers and Planners on how to use the resources developed that impact the overall awareness of emergency preparedness and increased inclusive planning with individual community members.

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

The group has developed a strategic plan, training guide and community inclusion planning map for use by emergency managers and emergency planners at the state and local levels. Meeting minutes and resources can be found at https://dhsem.colorado.gov/emergency-management/plans/access-and-functional-needs. Colorado Community Inclusion Maps can be found at https://www.cohealthmaps.dphe.state.co.us/colorado_community_inclusion/

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

Community Living