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

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

G. Notes:

During the reporting period, one application for hearing aids was submitted but was declined due to a high debt-to-income ratio and a negative excess income determination. A follow-up was conducted with the individual to review the decision; however, a letter was not resubmitted. In addition, approximately 23 inquiries were received from individuals seeking information about available assistive technology (AT) financing options, but no additional formal applications were submitted. The primary factors contributing to this outcome included the high cost of living, which limits available income after essential expenses such as housing, food, utilities, and transportation, as well as limited disposable income that prevented individuals from taking on additional debt obligations. As a result, most interactions during the reporting period remained at the information and referral stage rather than progressing to formal applications.

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

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:

GSAT hosted a a training through its 31st Annual Assistive Technology Conference, “Connect. Cope. Thrive. Empowering Mental Health through Assistive Technology,” featuring expert-led sessions that include mental-health clinicians, legal advocates, and university interns, and engaging 130 participants from education, healthcare, social services, disability communities, and family networks through interactive, hands-on, and evidence-based approaches. As a result, participants reported increased understanding of how assistive technology, creative sensory activities, AI, and workplace accommodations can support mental wellness, reduce stigma, and promote independence, leaving attendees empowered with practical tools, strategies, and renewed confidence to apply these approaches within their agencies and communities

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

A series of transition-focused trainings were conducted from October 2024 through January 2025 as part of the Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) initiative, including monthly discussions and the Guam EHDI Conversations: Community Living Part 2 event held on January 17, 2025, at Tony Roma’s in the Royal Orchid Hotel; the trainings were delivered by GSAT staff with expertise in assistive technology, along with presenters from public benefits, vocational rehabilitation, higher education, labor, and health agencies, and were attended by participants representing middle and high school students, parents, and service providers. The trainings addressed transition to higher education, employment, and community living through topics such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, community resources, higher education accommodations, vocational services, Video Relay Service, and low- and high-tech assistive technology demonstrations, resulting in increased student preparedness, improved understanding of available supports, reduced communication barriers, and stronger collaboration among agencies to support smooth student transitions to post-school outcomes.

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

The training focused on creating accessible digital documents in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, emphasizing how accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) supports equal access for individuals with disabilities. Participants were introduced to the impact of inaccessible documents and learned practical strategies for improving accessibility in Microsoft Word, including the use of proper headings, readable fonts, alternative text for images, sufficient color contrast, accessible lists and links, structured tables, language settings, and the built-in Accessibility Checker. The training also discussed how individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities use assistive technology such as screen readers, captions, keyboard navigation, and alternative input devices to access digital content

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

GSAT provided technical assistance to Guam Community College (GCC) focused on improving campus-wide accessibility through the implementation of ADA-compliant tactile and Braille signage. This assistance was aligned with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and addressed both technical specifications and real-world placement challenges unique to GCC’s campus environment. GSAT offered guidance on standardized signage dimensions to promote consistency, readability, and tactile usability across academic, administrative, and service areas, along with detailed requirements for Braille and tactile lettering, including the use of Grade 2 Braille with domed or rounded dots placed directly below corresponding tactile text, uppercase sans-serif tactile characters raised a minimum of 1/32 inch, and character heights ranging from 5/8 inch to 2 inches based on viewing distance. Material recommendations emphasized durable, high-contrast options suitable for Guam’s climate, such as acrylic or

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

GSAT provided targeted transition-related technical assistance to Guma Mami to support individuals transitioning from a facility-based setting to a residential home environment. This technical assistance focused on identifying, specifying, and procuring appropriate assistive technology (AT) equipment to promote safety, independence, and continuity of care in the home. At Guma Mami’s request, GSAT provided detailed specifications and recommendations for essential equipment, including a shower bed, bathroom fold-away bath chairs, a medical step stool with handle, audible balls, an adapted pool wheelchair, a finger-safe cutting board, and bathroom floor mats. This support strengthens Guma Mami’s capacity to facilitate successful transitions by reducing environmental barriers, supporting daily living activities, and enhancing participation in personal care and recreational activities within the home and community.

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. As part of Primary Health Care Week, GSAT participated in a community public awareness event at Dededo Public Health alongside organizations such as Head Start, Women, Infancts, and Children's Supplemental Nutrition Program, and Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities. GSAT’s table focused on raising awareness of assistive technology services and tools that support accessibility, inclusion, and early intervention. Displayed devices included communication boards, visual supports, and sensory tools, with an emphasis on how these technologies can assist students and individuals with disabilities in educational and daily-living contexts. The awareness information was disseminated through hands-on demonstrations and individualized conversations, allowing participants to interact directly with the devices and ask questions. Children were particularly engaged, exploring the tools with curiosity and enthusiasm, which helped normalize assistive technology as everyday supports rather than specialized equipment. GSAT interacted with 34 individuals, including parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Many attendees reported that they were previously unaware of GSAT’s lending library and device demonstration services. The positive outcomes of this activity included expanded community knowledge of AT resources, strengthened collaboration between public health and disability-focused programs, and increased interest in early exposure to assistive technology as a means of promoting inclusion and independence.

2. GSAT implemented a public awareness activity through a radio outreach campaign aired on a local radio station. The campaign featured a 60-second advertisement that ran daily from July 1, 2025, through September 15, 2025. The advertisement highlighted GSAT’s services, including the the alternative financing program, and contact information, with the goal of increasing public awareness and outreach to individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and service providers across the island. Radio was selected as the primary dissemination mechanism to ensure broad, consistent, and accessible outreach, particularly for community members who may have limited access to online or print information. The daily frequency and extended duration of the campaign reinforced key messaging and strengthened recognition of GSAT as a reliable resource for assistive technology services and supports. As a positive outcome of this activity, GSAT experienced increased inquiries and engagement from individuals seeking assistive technology-related services. The radio outreach contributed to improved access to information, greater awareness of available supports, and strengthened connections between GSAT and community members in need of assistive technology resources.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities