National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Virginia 2025

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

The Virginia Assistive Technology System

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.vats.virginia.gov

Mailing Address:

2001 Maywill Street, Suite 202

City:

Richmond

State:

Zip Code:

23230

Program Email:

barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov

Phone:

8046629990

TTY:

8004649950

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Mailing Address:

8004 Franklin Farms Drive

City:

Richmond

State:

Zip Code:

23229

Program URL:

https//www.dars.virginia.gov

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):

Shepard, Barclay

Title:

Manager

Phone:

8046629990

E-mail:

barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Shepard, Barclay

Title:

Manager

Phone:

8046629990

E-mail:

barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.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):

Hayfield, Kathryn

Title:

DARS Commissioner

Phone:

8046627010

E-mail:

kathryn.hayfield@dars.virginia.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	5,276
C. Total	5,276

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	5,276

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	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	4,481	$3,703,194	$0	$3,703,194
Daily Living	2,842	$368,997	$0	$368,997
Environmental Adaptations	00	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	52	$101,065	$0	$101,065
Total	7,375	$4,173,256	$0	$4,173,256

D. Anecdote

VATS subcontracted children’s durable medical equipment (DME) reuse partner, Children’s Assistive Technology Service (C.A.T.S), provided significant reused equipment to help a child further develop and function on a daily basis. Born eight weeks premature with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and facing complex neurological challenges, the child had already overcome more than most. The child is ventilator dependent and works daily to navigate a world that wasn’t built with his needs in mind. With the help of a donated stander, the child now gets to experience something so simple — yet so powerful: standing tall. Being upright allows him to strengthen his legs and core, support his hips and back, and engage with the world eye-to-eye. For his family, it’s more than a piece of equipment — it’s hope, movement, and moments of joy. “We are his biggest champions,” his family shared. “And we’re so grateful to C.A.T.S. for joining with us.”

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.	67	05	4,450	4,522
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	50	00	453	503
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	11	00	240	251
4. Subtotal	128	05	5,143	5,276
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	128	05	5,143	5,276
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	128	05	5,143	5,276
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	5,071	96.11%
Satisfied	205	3.89%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	5,276
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Additinal reuse anecdote from Adult DME: Virginia’s subcontracted adult durable medical equipment (DME) reuse partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E.), provided important rehab equipment to an older adult in Virginia, helping them recover from a bad fall. The individual applied for services and F.R.E.E. gifted at no cost, vital rehab equipment from community donations. After a lengthy hospital stay, F.R.E.E. gifted a walker to improve mobility and recovery from injury. Additionally, they received a bedside commode and grab bars for added security and independence. The equipment significantly helped the individual recover at home from a brain injury and physical injuries sustained from falling down thirteen steps into the individual’s garage in November 2024. Equipment provided by the state AT Act program’s DME reuse partner significantly improved the recovery and quality of life of this

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)	69
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	01
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	91
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	00
Total	161

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	50	76	126
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	04	06	10
Representative of Education	07	00	07
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	06	01	07
Representatives of Community Living	02	09	11
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	69	92	161

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	14

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	00	00	00
Hearing	05	00	05
Speech Communication	00	00	00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	53	00	53
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	13	158	171
Daily Living	31	06	37
Environmental Adaptations	01	04	05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	49	00	49
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	06	00	06
Total	158	168	326

E. Anecdote

A vocational rehabilitation (VR) program counselor contacted VATS to assist a VR client in the VR application process. The individual had a progressive health condition that made them weak after short periods of walking and standing. The counselor contacted VATS to use a translator, a mobility piece of equipment which combines a rollator and a transport chair, to get in and out of the vocational rehabilitation programs field office building to complete the VR application / intake process. VATS provided the equipment on a short-term basis an accommodation. The counselor explained that the short-term loan helped the individual apply for VR services and the client is moving forward with their vocational goals.

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	22	26	16	64
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	01	03	05
Subtotal	23	27	19	69
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	23	27	19	69
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	23	27	19	69
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

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.	06	16	52	74
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	02	03	08	13
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	05	00	05
4. Subtotal	08	24	60	92
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	08	24	60	92
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	08	24	60	92
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	156	96.89%
Satisfied	05	3.11%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	161
Response rate %	100%

I. Notes:

High number of knee scooter loans provided by DME reuse vendor are not for decision making, but to provide an accommodation on a short-term basis. Mostly distributed at hospitals/rehab facilities.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	08
Hearing	05
Speech Communication	03
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	370
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	114
Daily Living	81
Environmental Adaptations	03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	156
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01
Total # of Device Demonstrations	741

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	692	01	693
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	15	64	79
Representatives of Education	12	01	13
Representatives of Employment	00	00	00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	02	03	05
Representative of Community Living	20	22	42
Representative of Technology	00	07	07
Total	741	98	839

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	00
Service Provider	30
Vendor	474
Repair Service	00
Others	00
Total	504

D. Anecdote

VATS was contacted by the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program’s audiologist regarding an individual with hearing loss in school as a veterinary technician. VATS provided two different types of stethoscopes for demonstration. The audiologist demonstrated the Thinklabs stethoscope and the Littmann CORE stethoscope in the office with the client. Both worked with her hearing aids; however, the Littmann CORE stethoscope proved to be better for her individual needs. The VR program ordered the stethoscope for her to use at school while she finishes her associates degree as a veterinarian technician. By collaborating with the state’s AT Act program, the VR program was able to demonstrate and try before VR purchased assistive technology equipment, and help a client attain their vocational goals.

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	189	336	210	735
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	02	02	02	06
Subtotal	191	338	212	741
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	191	338	212	741
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	191	338	212	741
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	783	93.33%
Satisfied	56	6.67%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	839
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.	73	21	4,502	4,596
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	52	03	461	516
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	11	05	240	256
4. Subtotal	136	29	5,203	5,368
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	136	29	5,203	5,368
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	136	29	5,203	5,368
9. Performance on this measure	91.91%	82.76%	95.39%	95.23%
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	211	362	226	799
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	03	03	05	11
Subtotal	214	365	231	810
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	214	365	231	810
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	214	365	231	810
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%	100%
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	100%	95%	Met
Response Rate	100%	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	262
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	27
Representatives of Education	308
Representatives of Employment	29
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	00
Representatives of Community Living	185
Representatives of Technology	00
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	811

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
649	162	00	811

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	334
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	150
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	36
Transition	291
Total	811

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

VATS staff worked collaboratively with the state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) program to provide multiple trainings to help improve work outcomes and quality of life for participants struggling with organization and time management issues. VATS and VR staff provided these virtual groups to five separate cohorts of clients in weekly Time Management sessions (average of 6 clients for 6 weeks) for a total of 30 participants. These trainings included exposure to applied research as well as assistive technology devices and strategies to support individual vocational goals. Clients were introduced to and trained to use electronic calendars, task management apps, strategies to improve focus, and stress management techniques and apps. The team continues to refine services to better meet the needs of clients and team time constraints.

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

VATS Assistive Technology Acquisition and Aging Coordinator led a training session for 35 In-Home Services professionals at the Area Agency on Aging in Southeast Virginia. Through a hands-on approach, VATS showcased practical, low-tech and low-cost devices designed to support daily living, recreation, hobbies, and community engagement. The training aimed to enhance clients’ functional independence, enabling them to remain in their homes longer while easing the caregiving burden on family members and service providers.

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

VATS worked with representatives from Apple Government to provide a customized information and communication technology training for its Assistive Technology Advisory Council members as well as other state agency partners. The Apple Government team provided a hands-on demonstration and training titled “Accessibility at Work” for twenty-three participants. The objective of the training was to inform the audience and demonstrate assistive technology built into apple devices (phone, iPad and Mac) for personal accessibility. Apple provides this training to state agencies and local government to demonstrate how these new features facilitate inclusion and empowers employees to be more productive in the workplace. Apple’s five pillars of accessibility include vision, hearing, speech, mobility and cognitive solutions. Participants were encouraged to bring their own Apple devices or use loaner equipment for the four-hour hands-on training in order to explore these accessibility features built into Apple devices. The training also included additional resources for Apple support sessions and YouTube accessibility tutorials available to the public.

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	36
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	00
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	36
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	00%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	100%
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:

VATS’ staff provide ongoing technical assistance and help coordinate disaster related services in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and other statewide agencies and disability service agency partners. VATS staff serve on VDEM’s Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) as volunteer liaison officers and provide critical insight into functional needs of Virginians as a result of natural disasters. VATS staff have been working with VDEM and its contracted adult durable medical equipment reuse partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E.) to address the functional needs of Virginians with disabilities and older adults in statewide disaster planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. DARS/VATS has a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with VDEM and F.R.E.E. to distribute gently used durable medical equipment (DME) to statewide disaster shelters in the event of natural disasters and emergencies. The result has led t

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

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. VATS contracted children’s durable medical equipment reuse provider, Children’s Assistive Technology Service (C.A.T.S), hosted an annual fundraising event named Hallowheels This event showcases children with physical, neuromuscular, and developmental disabilities, showcasing the need for refurbished assistive and adaptive mobility and communication devices. This unique event celebrates kids with disabilities in any costume of their choosing and showcases one-of-a-kind children’s costumes, thoughtfully designed around their mobility devices. Families receive instructional videos and costume kits from C.A.T.S., enabling them to create extraordinary costumes that truly reflect their children’s personalities and interests. This event is marketed heavily online, in print advertisements and in the local media, drawing attention to statewide DME reuse services and needs. The mission is to provide refurbished AT and adaptive mobility and communication devices to children, free of charge, and help them achieve better health outcomes, independence and full participation in their communities.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	134	95	229
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	61	210	271
Representative of Education	28	03	31
Representative of Employment	24	05	29
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	22	11	33
Representative of Community Living	61	41	102
Representative of Technology	04	01	05
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	334	366	700

Referral Types:

VATS continues to collaboratively with Virginia No Wrong Door, its adult and children's durable medical equipment reuse partners, and disability service agencies (CILS, AAAs, vocational rehabilitation, deaf and hard of hearing, state agencies and non-profits) to increase awareness of and access to AT devices and services. VATS continues to maintain a variety of AT kits for emergency preparedness, social health, falls prevention, sensory regulation, communication devices, ramps and other specific AT devices at partner sites to improve constituent access statewide. VATS maintains a 1-800 number, VATS central office number, and a website and email for referrals. VATS participates in community events to connect with local communities. VATS partnership with Virginia No Wrong Door continues to significant increase in referrals from AAAs, CILs, older adults, family members, healthcare professionals and Virginians with disabilities.

Referral Sources:

Through the partnership with Virginia No Wrong Door (NWD), VATS and NWD partners share an electronic database and referral system. This platform is used by all 25 AAAs, all statewide Social Service agencies, and multiple CILS, non-profits and healthcare organizations. Approximately 10% of referrals are generated from VATS interaction with NWD and 90% from VATS own outreach methods (participating in events/trainings, referrals from state agencies or partner organizations, referrals from healthcare discharge planners, and VATS contact information on the website). Referrals are statewide.

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 Virginia Department of Education’s Assistive Technology Network Advisory Committee reached out to VATS to re-establish this committee. The AT Network is a key resource for educators and professionals in Virginia, providing centralized coordination, implementation and dissemination of information about assistive technology devices and services, the process of AT consideration by Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, and AT assessment and resources. The AT Network is responsible for coordinating, implementing and disseminating information about assistive technology (AT) devices and services. The committee supports the development of division AT teams across Virginia, helping to build the capacity and make appropriate AT decisions and provide access to AT for students.

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?

This committee was recently re-established with no measurable results yet. VATS will be participating in this network to provide technical assistance as well as provide information to state education agencies and school systems regarding assistive technology (AT) resources available to Virginians with disabilities. Having a presence on this committee improves VATS visibility among AT providers statewide as well as helps to improve access to an acquisition of AT devices and services for Virginians. Having a mandated State Education Agency representative on the AT Advisory Council helps further current and future discussions. This is replicable in other states, but would need considerable buy in and initiation by the state education agency.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

VATS initiated a partnership with Virginia’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which expanded access to reuse services for VR program participants with active cases. VR annually funds VATS adult durable medical equipment reuse partner, the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment, limited funding to provide durable medical equipment (DME) to VR participants. The contract is furthering collaboration among the state’s community durable medical equipment reuse partners, statewide VR field offices, field rehabilitation technology services (occupational therapy/AT specialists, rehabilitation engineering) and at the state’s vocational rehabilitation training center. The formalized partnership provides a mechanism for VR program participants to obtain gently used DME as a “back-up” to the individual’s primary rehab equipment. Equipment includes durable medical equipment and bathroom safety equipment at no cost to VR participants. DME from reuse partners also helped develop / supply small loan closets at select VR field offices, AT labs, rehabilitation engineering shops and the VR training center for quick and easy access. In addition to providing “back-up” DME to VR participants, VATS helped streamline the equipment application process for VR participants, as well as formalized a process by which VR participants and their families could donate gently used DME to the VRN. In FY25, seventy-two (72) VR participants received backup durable medical equipment (DME) from AT Act Program’s contracted DME reuse partners.

The “back-up” DME is allowing VR program participants to fully participate in the VR program and further their vocational goals by having access to necessary rehabilitation equipment at work, home and educational/training environments. Access to AT for VR participants is improved greatly due to VR staff knowledge of the state AT Act Program’s DME reuse partnerships and equipment availability. Continual communication among VATS and VR program staff through weekly AT service coordination calls, AT Advisory Council participation, emails and other statewide meetings/interactions are improving access to equipment and services among all. Having a mandated VR representative on the AT Advisory Council helps further current and future discussions. This is an ongoing initiative. Replication of this would entail significant discussion, funding and follow-through.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Transportation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Veterans,

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

Reuse,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

In FY25, VATS continued to partner with Virginia No Wrong Door (NWD), which housed in the Virginia Department of Aging. The partnership has helped VATS and NWD to expand their mission, and to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for older adults and Virginians with disabilities. Though this partnership, VATS has forged stronger relationships and developed innovative programs with area agencies on aging (AAAs), centers for independent living (CILs), other NWD partner agencies, and non-profits that serve Virginians. VATS staff met monthly with NWD staff to discuss needs and collaborative efforts. VATS worked with NWD to develop and expand several AT kits to engage with community members. These kits include equipment for emergency preparedness, social health, sensory regulation, falls prevention, and adaptive gaming. VATS is working collaboratively with NWD and the Department of Aging’s Dementia Services unit to develop and a Cognitive Health Kit that addresses a variety of reminders, wandering and security devices for demonstration, short-term loan and training. The reach of both groups has expanded and is helping to meet the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities statewide. AT awareness continues to grow through information and assistance, demonstration, short-term loan, trainings, and public awareness activities provided by VATS and NWD partners. VATS initially received funding through Virginia NWD from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan.

The NWD partnership is ongoing and evolving. Access to AT has improved by making equipment and Kits available at multiple locations that serve older adults and Virginians with disabilities. NWD funded several Kits initially. Regular communication has made this initiative successful. Funding would improve the ability to connect individuals with appropriate and affordable AT devices and services. This is replicable in other states, but a solid relationship needs to be built between state AT Act and NWD systems.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Housing/Home Automation, Transportation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Veterans, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Information & Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

VATS and its reuse partners worked collaboratively with the state’s Medicaid Agency to improve access to VATS’s adult and children’s durable medical equipment reuse partners. VATS connected with Medicaid providers, DME vendors and discharge planners regularly regarding reuse DME and assistive technology resources for home health, prosthetics, rehab and integrated care division clients. VATS and its reuse partners provided trainings, information and assistance and public awareness activities to improve awareness of, access to and acquisition of gently used DME and other assistive technology devices. No funding used. This was a collaborative effort between state agencies to improve access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for Virginia Medicaid recipients.

The collaboration is helping to increase access and awareness of AT services and devices available for State Medicaid staff and recipients. Having a mandated State Medicaid representative on the AT Advisory Council helps further current and future discussions. As a result, VATS continues to receive an increase in equipment requests for reused equipment and AT demonstrations and short-term loans from public health insurance, private health insurance and hospital case managers/discharge planners. VATS received calls and emails from Medicare recipients who were having issues getting DME in a timely manner. Information and Assistance services provided included additional state/community resources such as No Wrong Door, the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority and vocational rehabilitation and aging services as appropriate. This ongoing communication among Virginia Medicaid, providers and clients increased referrals to VATS contracted adult and children’s DME reuse providers. This informal partnership has been successful and will continue to evolve, helping to connect older adults and Virginians with disabilities with community resources. Discussions remain ongoing.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Veterans,

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

Reuse, Information & Assistance,

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

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
Public/State Agency	$20,000	Reuse	True
	Amount: $20,000

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:

$80,000.00

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.

VATS used Public Health Workforce Grant to hire one quasi full-time employee (32 hours/week). The position title was "No Wrong Door Public Health Assistive Technology Specialist" /licensed occupational therapist. VATS received funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) through the American Rescue Plan Public Health (ARPPH) Workforce Grants to expand the public health workforce within the aging and disability networks. Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play. VATS and NWD play an essential role in that work, particularly providing access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services during public health emergencies. VATS/NWD provide an array of AT services (device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, durable medical equipment reuse, trainings, technical assistance and information & assistance) to expand the capacity of the public health workforce to meet the unique needs of older adults and Virginians with disabilities. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, VATS and NWD had the following impact: • Provided assistive technology services to allow Virginians to age in place. • Played a key role in helping Virginians have access to AT in order to get vaccinated – including boosters. • Ensured that Virginians have been able to access health care, including COVID-19 treatment. • Worked to make sure Virginians had the services and supports they needed to avoid social isolation, prepare for emergencies, and stay healthy and safe in the community. The ARPPH funding will help cover the costs of staff to continue to conduct and expand these and other crucial public health activities, and to alleviate some of the strain our networks have experienced during the pandemic.

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).