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:

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:

Building AT Awareness among Future Rehabilitation Professionals Throughout the year, ATRC Pittsfield provided technical assistance to American International College (AIC) to help integrate assistive technology concepts into the school’s rehabilitation sciences curriculum. Faculty recognized a need to better prepare students for real-world applications of AT in therapy and rehabilitation contexts—a gap that ATRC’s expertise could fill. ATRC Pittsfield staff collaborated with instructors to design and deliver multiple guest lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and study sessions focused on identifying appropriate AT solutions for different disability categories. Topics included the role of AT in functional independence, device selection and funding sources, and case studies illustrating how technology supports employment and community living outcomes. Students participated in live device demonstrations and had opportunities to practice identifying AT solutions for hypothetical clients. Over the course of the year, feedback indicated that students developed greater confidence in discussing and recommending assistive technology as part of their professional practice. Impact: This partnership addressed a critical knowledge barrier within rehabilitation education and built capacity among emerging professionals who will serve people with disabilities throughout Massachusetts. By supporting AIC’s curriculum development, ATRC Pittsfield contributed to a stronger, more informed workforce—one that will promote employment access and community integration through AT awareness and application.

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

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

Accessible PDFs: Expanding Digital Access Through Hands-On Training During the period under review, the State AT Act Program funded a six-session webinar series on ICT accessibility covering a wide range of topics. One of the most popular and best-attended sessions focused on creating Accessible PDFs, a need consistently identified by educators, service providers, and community organizations across Massachusetts. Many consumers who use screen readers, magnifiers, or cognitive accessibility tools continue to face barriers when PDFs are untagged, poorly structured, or incompatible with assistive technology. At the same time, professionals report that they want to make their documents accessible but lack practical, step-by-step instruction. To address this need, the Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) operated by Easterseals MA, in partnership with the Carroll Center for the Blind, delivered an interactive webinar on how to create accessible PDFs. Expert presenters demonstrated essential techniques—tagging structure, setting reading order, using headings, adding alt text, and formatting tables and forms—while also showing in real time how inaccessible PDFs behave with commonly used assistive technologies. The Statewide AT Program and its ATRC helped remove several recurring barriers: limited access to accessibility training, confusion about compliance requirements, and the cost of professional instruction. By offering this session free of charge and grounded in current WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 standards, the program ensured that staff from schools, nonprofits, and local governments could build the skills they need to produce accessible digital documents. Participants reported that the training gave them the knowledge and confidence to make their materials usable by people with disabilities. As a result, it increased the likelihood that students, employees, and community members who rely on assistive technology will receive documents they can read, navigate, and complete independently. This Accessible PDFs session illustrates how the Statewide AT Program strengthens digital inclusion by providing targeted training, addressing barriers, and equipping organizations with practical skills that directly improve access for individuals with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

E. Notes:

During FY25, the Massachusetts State AT Act Program did not meet the ACL performance standard for the IT/Telecommunications Educational and Training Activities measure. A total of 181 individuals registered for and participated in ICT trainings; however, 84 participants did not complete the required post-event survey. As a result, and based on the ACL-defined calculation methodology, the Program achieved a performance measure percentage of 28.2 percent, which falls below the ACL target of 70 percent. Overall participation in educational activities during FY25 declined modestly compared to the prior fiscal year. This reduction is attributable, in part, to the absence of a large-scale statewide event such as the Assistive Technology Training and Expo that was held in FY24. In addition, survey response rates for IT and telecommunications trainings declined significantly. While follow-up efforts were made to solicit post-training feedback from participants, these efforts did not yield s

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

A large disability-employment nonprofit requested technical assistance to improve staff competency in selecting and using AT that supports job seekers with disabilities. ATRC Boston staff met several times with the organization’s supportive technology team, demonstrating devices such as text-to-speech tools, ergonomic equipment, magnification apps, and communication supports. The nonprofit faced barriers including inconsistent AT knowledge among staff and uncertainty about which tools best match diverse employment needs. ATRC staff helped evaluate device options and identify practical tools for common workplace tasks. This assistance strengthened the organization’s ability to support workers with disabilities, leading to improved job readiness, accommodation planning, and sustained employment outcomes.

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

A Council on Aging director sought help developing an ongoing assistive technology education program for older adults. ATRC Worcester staff explained key AT categories—communication, home safety, medication management, mobility supports—and walked through loan procedures and evaluation resources. The COA faced barriers including limited AT knowledge and uncertainty about how to maintain an updated information program for its members. ATRC staff provided technical guidance, resource lists, and strategies for staying informed about emerging AT. This support helped the COA build a sustainable community program that expands older adults’ access to devices that support independence, safety, and participation in community living.

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. At the regional 55+ Health and Wellness Fair, ATRC Worcester conducted a high-impact public awareness activity that reached 200 older adults and caregivers seeking assistive technology to support safe, independent aging. Many attendees needed tools such as utensil grips for arthritis, medication management systems, and digital magnifiers for low vision but lacked information about available options or assumed AT would be costly or difficult to obtain. ATRC Worcester staff addressed these barriers by providing hands-on demonstrations and explaining how each device can support daily routines, home safety, and continued participation in community life. Staff also described how consumers can borrow devices, schedule demonstrations, and receive training through the State AT Act Program operated by Easterseals MA. By offering clear guidance and emphasizing low- and no-cost access points, ATRC Worcester helped participants overcome both knowledge and financial barriers. As a result, attendees left with greater confidence in identifying appropriate AT and connecting themselves or loved ones to tools that promote independence and sustained engagement in their homes and communities.

2. ATRC Pittsfield, operated by UCP of Western MA, implemented a coordinated public awareness initiative in partnership with Hearthway Berkshire Housing, reaching 300 low-income residents—including older adults and individuals with disabilities—who needed assistive technology to address mobility, communication, sensory, and daily-living challenges. Many residents were unfamiliar with AT or believed it was unaffordable, creating both informational and economic barriers to independence. ATRC Pittsfield staff worked closely with Hearthway residential managers to conduct on-site presentations across Berkshire County, demonstrating adaptive utensils, mobility and transfer supports, low-cost communication devices, and environmental aids that could immediately assist with daily tasks. Staff also shared accessible materials outlining the AT Act Program’s device loan, reuse, and training services. This collaboration strengthened referral pathways and increased Hearthway staff capacity to connect residents to AT resources. As awareness grew, more residents requested device loans and demonstrations, resulting in improved independence, safer home environments, and greater participation in community life throughout western Massachusetts.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities