National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Tennessee 2025

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Tennessee Technology Access Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/ttap.html

Mailing Address:

505 Deaderick St., James K. Polk Building, 15th Floor

City:

Nashville

State:

Zip Code:

37243

Program Email:

TN.TTAP@tn.gov

Phone:

615-313-5183

TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Tennessee Department of Human Services

Mailing Address:

505 Deaderick St., James K. Polk Building

City:

Nashville

State:

Zip Code:

37243

Program URL:

http://tn.gov/humanservices

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Kimberly Lilley

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

615-532-4103

E-mail:

kim.lilley@tn.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Kevin Wright

Title:

Assistant Commissioner, Div of Rehab Services

Phone:

615-741-3599

E-mail:

kevin.r.wright@tn.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):

Kimberly Lilley

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

615-532-4103

E-mail:

kim.lilley@tn.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

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

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?

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?

D. Anecdote

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
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

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

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	848
C. Total	848

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	848

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	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$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	180	$104,985	$0	$104,985
Hearing	18	$4,912	$0	$4,912
Speech Communication	15	$2,255	$0	$2,255
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	87	$6,635	$0	$6,635
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	305	$184,598	$0	$184,598
Daily Living	496	$149,919	$0	$149,919
Environmental Adaptations	14	$669	$0	$669
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	02	$2,040	$0	$2,040
Computers and Related	92	$42,594	$0	$42,594
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	47	$7,871	$0	$7,871
Total	1,256	$506,478	$0	$506,478

D. Anecdote

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP), via the partner assistive technology (AT) Center, provided Margie with devices from the Device Reutilization Program. Margie, a 75-year-old woman from Benton County, had undergone surgeries on both legs that included the placement of rods to straighten them. Although she is supposed to put minimal weight on her legs, she insisted, “I have too much living to do to stay in a chair.” She contacted the program because her mobility chair had broken, and her insurance would not cover a replacement. Margie explained that she and her husband, a veteran with his left leg amputated, had been sharing a motorized scooter. Margie visited the partner AT center in West Tennessee to see if a refurbished chair with new batteries would meet her needs. She was overwhelmed to learn that the program had a working chair available for her at no cost. During her visit, additional supports for her and her husband were discussed. Ultimately, the program also reutilized a grab bar for their shower, a reacher for picking up items, as well as adult briefs and bed pads. Margie was deeply appreciative as she left, saying, “I don’t have words to express what this means to me, but I will thank God daily for the program and what they do for the people of Tennessee.”

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	55	29	684	768
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	11	11	13	35
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	04	09	23	36
4. Subtotal	70	49	720	839
5. None of the above	02	05	02	09
6. Subtotal	72	54	722	848
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	72	54	722	848
9. Performance on this measure	97.22%	90.74%	99.72%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	829	97.76%
Satisfied	17	2%
Satisfied somewhat	01	0.12%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	0.12%
Total Surveyed	848
Response rate %	99.88%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	154
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	10
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	13
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	06
Total	183

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	139	25	164
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	03	02	05
Representative of Education	03	01	04
Representative of Employment	01	00	01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	04	01	05
Representatives of Community Living	04	00	04
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	154	29	183

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	85	08	93
Hearing	11	00	11
Speech Communication	23	04	27
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	05	00	05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	07	05	12
Daily Living	14	06	20
Environmental Adaptations	01	01	02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	35	06	41
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	14	05	19
Total	195	35	230

E. Anecdote

One of the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) partner centers assisted a 14-month-old born with a congenital condition that included webbed hands. He underwent surgery to have his thumb separated from the other joined fingers but is not yet able to use the limb functionally. His grandmother reported that they had to feed him, but he desperately wanted to feed himself. After a month in a hand cast, the cast was removed at Shiners Children's Hospital in St. Louis. His grandmother worked with AT center staff to explore the Steady Spoon, which includes the ability to strap to his hand so he could use his arm to guide it to his mouth. His grandmother borrowed the device to extend the trial and confirm if his OT also agreed to the use of the device. The loan allowed them to trial prior to making the decision to purchase.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	28	07	94	129
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	01	19	21
Subtotal	29	08	113	150
Have not made a decision	00	00	04	04
Subtotal	29	08	117	154
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	29	08	117	154
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	96.58%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	08	04	05	17
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	01	04	06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	01	02	04
4. Subtotal	10	06	11	27
5. None of the above	01	00	01	02
6. Subtotal	11	06	12	29
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	11	06	12	29
9. Performance on this measure	90.91%	100%	91.67%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	178	97.27%
Satisfied	05	2.73%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	183
Response rate %	100%

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	635
Hearing	26
Speech Communication	76
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	12
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	30
Daily Living	76
Environmental Adaptations	04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	02
Computers and Related	78
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01
Total # of Device Demonstrations	940

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	891	31	922
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	42	528	570
Representatives of Education	00	02	02
Representatives of Employment	00	04	04
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	06	35	41
Representative of Community Living	01	21	22
Representative of Technology	00	13	13
Total	940	634	1,574

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	83
Service Provider	78
Vendor	361
Repair Service	00
Others	11
Total	533

D. Anecdote

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) Center conducted a demonstration for “Ethan.” Ethan is a 19-year-old from southeast TN experiencing extremely blurry vision due to a cataract in one eye and a gas bubble in the other. He is currently awaiting surgery to repair the gas bubble to restore vision in that eye. In the meantime, Ethan—an accomplished cellist—relies on adapted digital sheet music on an iPad accessed by a foot switch. However, the blurriness caused by the gas bubble now makes it difficult for him to read the music, even with his existing accommodation. Ethan can see music on the screen clearly enough to read when it is positioned closer to his face, but traditional music stands cannot get close enough while still providing space for his cello. During his visit, the AT Specialists demonstrated the Levo iPad stand, which features multiple hinge points designed to fit around furniture. This stand appeared to be a promising solution, allowing Ethan to position his iPad close enough for clear visibility while maintaining room to play. Ethan and his mother were relieved to learn that such an option existed and would allow him to continue performing with his ensembles as he awaits surgery. They planned to purchase a Levo iPad stand as soon as they returned home and expressed deep gratitude to the AT center staff for introducing them to this device.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	67	30	732	829
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	04	01	43	48
Subtotal	71	31	775	877
Have not made a decision	11	04	48	63
Subtotal	82	35	823	940
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	82	35	823	940
Performance on this measure	86.59%	88.57%	94.17%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,492	94.79%
Satisfied	58	3.68%
Satisfied somewhat	24	1.52%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	1,574
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	63	33	689	785
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	12	12	17	41
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	05	10	25	40
4. Subtotal	80	55	731	866
5. None of the above	03	05	03	11
6. Subtotal	83	60	734	877
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	83	60	734	877
9. Performance on this measure	90.36%	75%	96.19%	94.18%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	95	37	826	958
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	05	02	62	69
Subtotal	100	39	888	1,027
Have not made a decision	11	04	52	67
Subtotal	111	43	940	1,094
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	111	43	940	1,094
Performance on this measure	90.09%	90.7%	94.47%	93.88%
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	99.04%	95%	Met
Response Rate	99.96%	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	168
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	22
Representatives of Education	103
Representatives of Employment	33
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	81
Representatives of Community Living	11
Representatives of Technology	04
Unable to Categorize	36
TOTAL	458

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
370	63	25	458

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	350
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	07
Combination of any/all of the above	21
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	17
Transition	63
Total	458

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from one of the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) assistive technology (AT) partner centers provided a training session at the 2025 Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) international conference held in Orlando, FL. Thirty participants attended the session focused on how to turn old computers into inexpensive AT. Used computers are readily available to many AT programs, but specialized devices are harder to acquire. Turning older PCs into AT can bolster loan and reutilization programs by increasing the number of devices available at a fraction of the cost of acquiring new equipment. For example, a used computer can be combined with a document camera and be turned into a single-purpose video magnifier to help someone enlarge small print, or a laptop can be reconfigured as a single purpose typing talking communication devices.

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

One of the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) centers created and hosted Envision Clinic 2025 for individuals with low vision. This week-long event took place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily under the guidance of two staff JAWS (Job Access with Speech) Instructors and a volunteer instructor. Seven individuals with low vision ages 19 – 40 participated in multiple smaller-group classes each day. Training included learning to use AI in multiple applications (including Chat GPT, Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, and Grok) and Voice Over screen-reading software in as many ways as possible to facilitate increased opportunities to transition to employment or higher education as well independent daily living. Group activities were designed to utilize new skills to support implementation and reinforcement of the skills by the participants. Outside presenters from the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Chattanooga State Community College also provided hands-on activities at the center in which technical skills were utilized as part of learning and interaction with both real-world objects (like plants and print materials) as well as online resources. In one specific activity, the Tiger Access Coordinator from Chattanooga State led participants through the online process of requesting program and registration information through the college’s web site to give them access to knowledge critical to facilitate continuing their education. The AT center partnered with Tech Goes Home to provide iPads (9th generation) to some participants (those who had not received new iPad minis through a previous service the prior year) to use for their learning activities throughout the week. These new devices were reutilized to them at the end of the week to support participants in continuing to use their new skills in daily living, higher education, job searches, and future employment permanently!

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

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) Center conducted training and offered participants a hands-on demonstration of how to evaluate website accessibility using the JAWS screen reader. Delivered remotely and asynchronously through a recorded video, the training addressed feedback requested by both Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) staff and a new assistive technology specialist. As a result, VUMC staff will begin implementing accessibility improvements within their training platform, and the new AT specialist will support future ICT training efforts. This training will support improvements in website accessibility for the entity, enhancing interactions by both staff and patients.

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	09
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	04
No known outcome at this time	03
Nonrespondent	01
Total	17
Performance Measure Percentage	76.5%
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	68%
Employment	04%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	28%
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:

The Tennessee Technology Access Program’s partner assistive technology (AT) center provided technical assistance to a local nonprofit, the Tri-State Adaptive Sports Association (TASA). TASA offers inclusive sports programs for people with disabilities. The organization requested help making its website more accessible. The AT partner completed an accessibility review of one webpage and shared feedback, solutions, and a link to a full accessibility audit tool to help them identify and fix issues that violate Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The AT Professional provided the following summary to the organization’s president, outlining the accessibility issues and solutions: • Improper heading structure: Headings skipped from level 1 to level 4, making navigation difficult for screen readers. A simple fix is to change the headings so that the organization’s name is a Level 2 heading and each board member's name is a Level 3 heading. • Dead link: A non-functional link under

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

The Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) center provided technical assistance in a specialty hospital related to complex patient transition back to an independent residence with support. Technical assistance was provided regarding the need for communication, methods of access, and support of patients in their care while in preparation to transition home. Unique needs of a patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) spurred the engagement within the hospital based on need. In the case of this patient, supplemental assistance was then provided to a team of caregivers to support her assistive technology, troubleshooting, and implementation in the home.

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. In alignment with Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 15, one of the Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) partner assistive technology (AT) centers hosted their seventh annual Accessibility Awareness Summit. Chris Downey, international speaker and blind architect, was coordinated to deliver the keynote address. A panel discussion followed with a variety of participants, including a member of the Vocational Rehabilitation staff. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit an array of assistive technology and other disability service exhibitors, including a table of the AT center displaying a wide variety of AT tools available in their inventory. Over 75 individuals participated.

2. TTAP hosted the annual Resource Ability Assistive Technology Access Fair in October of 2024 to expand the knowledge of assistive technology to consumers, Vocational Rehabilitation staff, employers, educators, and other members of the community. The event included the keynote speaker Tim Shaw, “Titan for Life” and “ALS Warrior”. Through the use of his eyegaze communication device, he delivered a message about his life, diagnosis, and hope with a mix of sincerity and humor. The approximately 300 attendees at the event then had the opportunity to engage with nearly 40 assistive technology and related services exhibitors. Exhibitors addressed the range of assistive technology areas, including communication, vision, hearing, mobility, recreation, driving, and more.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	984	104	1,088
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	314	61	375
Representative of Education	23	04	27
Representative of Employment	12	01	13
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	156	32	188
Representative of Community Living	27	02	29
Representative of Technology	05	00	05
Unable to Categorize	06	00	06
Total	1,527	204	1,731

Referral Types:

During the reporting period, more individuals have reported connecting with TTAP through source categories of prior customers as well as awareness and outreach activities. The highest percentage of referrals made by previous program participants is an indicator of the continued quality services provided to individuals across the state. TTAP has also worked with partner centers to continue networking with organizations within their respective communities to foster relationships essential to connecting with those who may benefit from services. Centers are encouraged to seek and attend new outreach opportunities, considering those outside of the usual events to reach a broader number of individuals. An additional contributing factor may also be a different partner settling into a region previously served by a former partner. A concerted effort is underway to pursue integration in the area.

Referral Sources:

Overall, AT program customer and self-referrals remain the highest source of referrals to TTAP I&A services, accounting to 52%. This is highly attributed to the customers who have received services directly or members of their family sharing the information about TTAP. The percentage of referrals from the variety of sources have some slight variations from the year prior, but no significant changes. The referrals due to in-person events has continued to rise, which can be attributed to the increasing participation at recurring and new in-person events.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

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?

The TN Department of Education (DOE) has a separate grant related to assistive technology known as the AT Project that is operated through a contractor (TN Educational Cooperative) not associated with TTAP and its contractors. The DOE AT Project focuses primarily on capacity building rather than direct AT demonstrations or assessments. The AT Project does include a loan library. However, the loan library works directly with schools. The DOE AT Project provides information related to TTAP to assist in direct demos or loans for use outside of the school system, working directly with families when contacted. The DOE presentations / trainings contain information regarding TTAP to offer inform individuals of services available outside of their scope. The overseer of the contract at DOE refers individuals to TTAP when deemed appropriate and communicates with TTAP directly as needed to facilitate a direct communication with the customers. TTAP Executive Director and the DOE grant manger meet at a minimum quarterly, with communications in between as needed. Discussions are occurring about tentative plans for a coordinated virtual assistive technology event in the upcoming year.

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?

No additional funding has been provided, as the work completed by the TN DOE contractor was provided directly to the contractor. While no official agreements between agencies are in place or funds exchanges, collaborative efforts have continued to spread the word of both programs. As the grant manager has settled into place over the last year, she actively promotes the activities of TTAP, encourages their grant contractor to connect with TTAP, and helps navigate individuals to TTAP for support as needed. For example, if an individual needs a loan but their program cannot provide it because their loans go directly to schools on behalf of students, she will refer to TTAP. This will be an ongoing relationship with intentional communication to build joint activities.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

TTAP and the assistive technology (AT) services provided by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) are tightly aligned for collaboration as both programs fall under the TN Department of Human Services – Divisional of Rehabilitation Services. The TTAP Executive Director additionally helps oversee the VR AT services contract. Funding does not crossover between VR and TTAP services, but the closeness of programs does benefit customers with the access to AT devices and a breadth of expertise.

This ongoing relationship provides greater access to AT through the libraries of partners along with a wide array of expertise available from the providers spread across the state. With the statewide VR AT provider also being a TTAP partner center, the number of staff available to provide services is greater due to the funding available from both sources. This benefits both programs. The connection between the programs facilitates more streamlined access to loans and reutilized equipment to support VR customers while they are in training, waiting on equipment, or acquiring AT that does not fall under the parameters of VR purchases when it is available. No change is anticipated in the role between VR and TTAP.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

The departments formerly known as the TN Department of Developmental Disabilities and the TN Commission on Aging & Disability have joined as a new agency known at the TN Department of Disability & Aging (DDA), with implementation beginning July of 2024. As that agency continues to develop activities across populations, TTAP makes efforts to maintain connections to seek more official collaborative opportunities. No set agreements are in place, but TTAP aims to remain present as a source to serve customers within DDA as appropriate. TTAP partner AT centers have some direct interaction for specific outreach activities related to TTAP but also separate from from TTAP for DDA's Enabling Tech providers.

An Enabling Technology (ET) program was established under DIDD before becoming DDA and expanding to serve the aging population. With the overlap of AT and ET, the specific path of future collaboration is not known. TTAP has historically assisted individuals served under DDA for activities such as reutilization, often contacted directly through providers serving their customers and will continue to do so. The agency initiated a contract with a TTAP AT center partner during this reporting period with an overlap of services. Only planning on the contractor part began during this reporting cycle. Efforts are being made TTAP to formalize a joint agreement to clarify roles, reporting, and other aspects in the year ahead.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Employment, Health, Aging,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Why was outreach not conducted? *

TennCare is the Medicaid implementing agency. Contacts and relationships have been established with many of the providers of the services for Medicaid recipients. TTAP has conducted with outreach to those who may work Medicaid recipients to increase awareness of services, such as participation in Adult Protective Services, Childcare, and Child Support educational opportunities, participation in the Statewide Coordinated Community Response (CCR), and other projects with the TN Department of He

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

A. Coordination/Collaboration

The Tennessee Technology Access Program’s (TTAP) Assistive Technology Specialists from the partner assistive technology (AT) center took part in the 2025 Power Up Technology Camp, hosted by the Department of Disability and Aging’s (DDA) Program Innovation Team. Held at the Carson Springs Conference Center in Cocke County, TN, the two-day camp welcomed individuals aged 15 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities for a hands-on, nature-based exploration of assistive technology.

The camp highlighted enabling technologies that support independence, communication, and personal empowerment. Campers engaged with a wide array of tools and devices through interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and direct conversations with vendors and technology specialists. Alongside the tech activities, participants enjoyed classic outdoor experiences—nature walks, games, and roasting S’mores around the campfire—creating an inclusive environment that fostered learning, social connection, and confidence. The partner AT Center was honored to serve as one of nine featured exhibitors collaborating with the DDA’s Program Innovation Team, alongside Enabling Technology Solutions, SimplyHome, CreateAbility, McFarland (AmPharm) Pharmacy, MillarRich, AbleLink, MapHabit, and Tennessee State Parks. The AT Center plans to continue this collaboration with future events to serve Tennesseans with a disability. With approximately 80 campers in attendance, the event offered a welcoming space for participants to discover how assistive technologies can support their goals, enhance their quality of life, and expand future opportunities. The camp served as a meaningful reminder of the power of technology to promote autonomy and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health;

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

Demonstration; Public Awareness;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

The Tennessee Technology Access Program participates in the TN Environmental Council (TEC) Recycling Roundups. TEC has been operating the events to gather various materials for recycling such as batteries, mattresses, electronics, clothing, medications, and more. Through the relationship established with TTAP, the events now collect durable medical equipment that TTAP cleans and repairs for distribution through the reutilization program. This increases the number of devices available to provide to individuals with disabilities across the state. No additional funding was needed to for the initiate, as the general costs incurred by TEC (non-profit) were covered prior to the addition of TTAP.

TTAP partnering AT centers participated in 9 Recycling Roundups during the last fiscal year in communities across the state. Not all events are held in the larger cities, which has allowed centers unique opportunities to connect in less urban areas. Participation in these events has increased the reutilization inventory. Inclusion in the events has also served as a form of public awareness, allowing AT center staff the opportunity to network with other participants in s variety of communities and share info about AT with those who may be dropping off other recyclables but inquire about the durable medical equipment. This partnership is anticipated to be ongoing, with dates and locations beginning in the spring of 2026 to be announced in the upcoming months. The amount of items donated at each event is unpredictable and the condition of some items dropped off is less than preferred, which can pose some challenges with coordination and the vehicle(s) needed. Experience has shown events that tend to be busier that will direct staffing if events at the same locations in the future. As all events are on the weekends and outside of the usual working days of the contractors, their teams flex to accommodate. Consideration for ways to incorporate volunteers to support some aspects related to the events and the cleaning/repairs of equipment has been discussed with the AT center partners.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging;

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

Reuse; Public Awareness;

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?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported

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.

B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplemental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the number of positions within the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document below the cumulative status of these funds, FY22 through FY25, as a final closeout report.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY25 (September 30, 2025) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding. (Do not complete this section.)
We expended all or some of this funding (Complete the section below)

Please report the total amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) from FY22 through FY25:

$79,998.00

Please check all position types that were supported with these funds over the period of FY22-25. This can be a direct employee or contractual position.

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

The ARPA funds were utilized to hire a contract nurse to create and facilitate the Empower Health and Wellness Class and Self-Reflection Class at TRC-Smyrna. TRC-Smyrna is a state-operated training center providing career and technical education to individuals with disabilities to facilitate greater independence and competitive integrated employment in their local communities. Individuals from across the state have the opportunity to attend TRC-Smyrna, with access to dormitories to stay on campus when preferred. The nurse developed a curriculum to improve health literacy among individuals with disabilities. Topics included but were not limited to: Access to Medical Care, Nutrition, Fitness, Medication Safety and Administration, Mental Health Awareness and Management, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Covid-19, “Is It an Emergency?”, Stress Management and Hygiene. The series of courses also offered opportunities to hear from community leaders and participate in hands-on trainings. The investment of this project prepared students to better manage their health, utilize available resources, and access community-based support, education, and training. Students gained knowledge on the use of assistive technology devices that may be necessary to manage medications, assist with hygiene, safely prepare nutritional needs and other health-related tasks. Students learned about using apps beneficial to making informed healthcare decisions upon graduation from TRC-Smyrna and re-entry into their communities. The tools and resources prepared and acquired as part of the project are available for continued use at TRC-Smyrna to share with future students and staff. The engagement with community agencies and organizations additionally provided an opportunity for others to learn about the services available to individuals with disabilities at this location.

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).