National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Virginia 2017

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Virginia Assistive Technology System
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.vats.org
Mailing Address:
2001 Maywill Street, Suite 202
City:
Richmond
State:
Va
Zip Code:
23230
Program Email:
barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov
Phone:
804-662-9990
TTY:
804-367-1260

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Deparment for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
Mailing Address:
804 Franklin Farms Drive
City:
Henrico
State:
Va
Zip Code:
23229
Program URL:
www.vadars.org

Implementing Entity

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:
VATS Manager
Phone:
804-662-9990
E-mail:
barclay.shepard@dars.virginia.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Shepard, Barclay
Title:
VATS Manager
Phone:
804-662-9990
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):
Rothrock, James
Title:
DARS Commissioner
Phone:
804-662-7010
E-mail:
james.rothrock@dars.virginia.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

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? 00


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? 00

D. Anecdote

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

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

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 04
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 2,002
C. Total 2,006

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 04
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - 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
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 2,002

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged 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 11 $1,650 $0 $1,650
Daily Living 01 $2,000 $0 $2,000
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 12 $3,650 $0 $3,650

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 1,360 $674,614 $0 $674,614
Daily Living 1,339 $192,856 $0 $192,856
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 2,699 $867,470 $0 $867,470

D. Anecdote

A VATS staff member was contacted by a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in the northern Virginia area. The SLP was looking for a Rifton activity chair for a child with a significant disability. The child’s family was in the process of getting a wheelchair, but the process had been delayed due to healthcare insurance denials several times. The child’s family was using a child sized stroller to get him to/from appointments and he had nothing to sit in when he is doing his therapy. VATS staff contacted a non-profit organization headquartered in Roanoke, Va., the Children’s Assistive Technology Devices (CATS). CATS specializes in reused rehabilitation equipment for children. CATS staff was able to obtain a gently used Rifton activity chair that met the child’s needs. VATS and CATS staff coordinated the delivery of the chair to the therapist. Previously, the child was using an iPad with a communication app to communicate. Now the child can access his device and has proper seating due to the statewide reuse program’s equipment Exchange program. The therapist was extremely excited about receiving the chair and being able to use the equipment to improve the life of a child.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 01 11 1,628 1,640
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 319 319
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 43 43
4. Subtotal 01 11 1,990 2,002
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 11 1,990 2,002
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 11 1,990 2,002
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,970 98.21%
Satisfied 32 1.6%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 04 0.2%
Total Surveyed 2,006
Response rate % 99.8%

G. Notes:

4 Exchanges were not included in the performance measure or satisfaction due to difficulty collecting this data. The number and item of Exchanges were confirmed.

Device Loan

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) 78
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 05
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 59
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 01
Total 143

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

Loans By Borrower Type
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Individuals with Disabilities 129
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 02
Representative of Education 04
Representative of Employment 04
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 02
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 143

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
Vision 09
Hearing 06
Speech Communication 04
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 30
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 81
Daily Living 16
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 34
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06
Total 190

E. Anecdote

The State AT Act program received a call on the Information & Assistance phone line from an individual who expressed the need for a short-term loan of a variety of daily living devices and recommendations before purchasing equipment on her own. The individual experienced numbness in her shoulders and hands, especially when she looked down and credited this to multiple back surgeries. The individual experienced vertigo. She explained that due to her disability, she had to give up nearly everything that she liked to do such as knitting/crochet and other leisure activities, but that she did not want to give up reading. Reading gave her a lot of pleasure. VATS staff went to her home and brought several daily living items for her to try. Items included two types of tablet stands and a table-top book stand/holder. These devices would allow her to sit in her lift chair and read hard cover books and books on tape/e-books while not having to look down. Staff demonstrated the equipment and made several adjustments to the stands and left with the individual to try on a short-term basis in order to make a decision as to whether or not the equipment benefitted the individual. After about a month, the individual called to have staff come to her house and pick up the equipment. The equipment worked well for her and allowed her to enjoy one of her favorite pastimes: reading. The individual was able to try this equipment before purchasing on her own. There were several features that she liked and disliked with the loaned equipment. The demonstration of daily living equipment, followed by the subsequent short-term loan, allowed her to try equipment in her home before purchasing.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 18 47 10 75
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 01 03
Subtotal 19 48 11 78
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 19 48 11 78
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 19 48 11 78
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 09 30 21 60
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 01 01 03
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 10 31 22 63
5. None of the above 02 00 00 02
6. Subtotal 12 31 22 65
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 12 31 22 65
9. Performance on this measure 83.33% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 118 82.52%
Satisfied 13 9.09%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 12 8.39%
Total Surveyed 143
Response rate % 91.61%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Demonstrations by Device Type
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 02
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 36
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 99
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04
Daily Living 11
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 13
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Devices Loaned 168

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 198
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 42
Representatives of Education 27
Representatives of Employment 24
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 72
Representative of Community Living 04
Representative of Technology 00
Total 367

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 33
Service Provider 29
Vendor 129
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 191

D. Anecdote

The state AT Act program collaborates with several Employment Service Organizations (ESOs) and the state VR program to provide IPod Touches for demonstration with VR clients with Autism. An ESO employment specialist demonstrated used several internal features and basic apps to assist an individual with autism meet his employment goals. The employment specialist demonstrated how the individual could use the internal calendar, alarms, reminders and the timer to improve performance during job training. The employment specialist also helped the individual download a variety of apps including the Checklist App in order to keep track of what he had done and what work tasks needed to be completed. The individual also used the Checklist App to keep his two employment goals he was working on so that at the end of the shift, he could check whether he completed these personal goals (in addition to specific job related tasks). The individual also used the basic “timer” app, which helped him keep track of his ten minute break. The individual indicated that the IPod with internal features and apps suggested, helped him stay on task and complete his employment goals. The individual was able to try before purchasing the equipment on his own. In this case, the VR program will purchase the equipment for the individual after the successful demonstration and loan made by the employment specialist.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 37 98 20 155
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 01 01 04
Subtotal 39 99 21 159
Have not made a decision 00 06 03 09
Subtotal 39 105 24 168
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 39 105 24 168
Performance on this measure 100% 94.29% 87.5%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 289 78.75%
Satisfied 75 20.44%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 03 0.82%
Total 367
Response rate % 99.18%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 10 41 1,649 1,700
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 01 320 322
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 43 43
4. Subtotal 11 42 2,012 2,065
5. None of the above 02 00 00 02
6. Subtotal 13 42 2,012 2,067
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 13 42 2,012 2,067
9. Performance on this measure 84.62% 100% 100% 99.9%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 55 145 30 230
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 02 02 07
Subtotal 58 147 32 237
Have not made a decision 00 06 03 09
Subtotal 58 153 35 246
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 58 153 35 246
Performance on this measure 100% 96.08% 91.43% 96.34%
ACL Performance Measure 70% 70% 70% 70%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 294
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 03
Representatives of Education 121
Representatives of Employment 217
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 168
Representatives of Community Living 06
Representatives of Technology 01
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 810

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
755 55 00 810

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 370
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 01
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 15
Combination of any/all of the above 424
Transition 00
Total 810

B. Description of Training Activities

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

State AT Act program staff provided an assistive technology (AT) and hidden disabilities training to twenty four (24) individuals affiliated with Virginia’s Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities (CPID) grant. The state AT Act program has one AT specialist (a licensed Occupational Therapist), assigned to the CPID grant in order to improve access to the career pathways system. The training included a formal presentation as well as hands-on demonstration of AT equipment used by individuals with disabilities, in a manufacturing environment, to be successful in training programs and on the job site. Participants included staff from state VR programs, community action organizations, the Virginia Employment Commission, workforce development, and community colleges. The training is one of a series of presentations that VATS staff provided regionally in order to increase CPID partner staff awareness of how individuals with disabilities can use assistive technology to be successful in the workforce. This training is also helping to improve collaboration among CPID partner agencies within the region.

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

The State AT Act program’s AT & Aging Coordinator conducted an assistive technology (AT) training to eight staff members at the South Richmond Adult Day Care Center. The training included AT devices and resources available to help vintage Virginians age in place and help caregivers learn more about AT solutions. Staff demonstrated a variety of adaptive dining equipment to help individuals with disabilities be more independent in dining and aid caregivers in providing support. The Adult Day Care program staff did not have a lot of exposure to the variety of adaptive equipment for eating. The training was so successful, that staff members were interested in trying several different adaptive dining utensils with clients. AT Act staff provided several pieces of equipment for trial and informed staff of multiple resources available to individuals and families to gain access, acquire and fund assistive technology. Two weeks following the training, AT Act staff returned to collect the equipment and get feedback on its use. The nursing staff was very grateful to be given an opportunity to evaluate various devices and then to also show clients’ caregivers how helpful devices were for their loved ones. AT Act staff made recommendations regarding cost and where to purchase items.

Breifly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

The State AT Act program’s AT Access Coordinator provided training to fifteen staff members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Information and Technology’s Section 508 Compliance Team. The AT Act program and the Section 508 Compliance Team entered into a formal MOU to provide this training and other AT services that mutually benefit both agencies. The purpose of the training was to teach the internet testers and staff how to use several adaptive software programs including specific speech recognition, literacy and magnification software programs (ZoomText, Read & Write Gold and Dragon Naturally Speaking). The training helped U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection staff better understand how to use accessible software solutions for agency 508 compliance on specific websites. The training also included information on Microsoft and Macintosh built in accessible features.

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 15
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 15
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
RSA Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 0%
Employment 50%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Representative of Community Living 50%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 0%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

VATS AT Acquisition & Aging Coordinator worked collaboratively with state VR program staff and the state’s community durable medical equipment reuse partner, to address the durable medical equipment (DME) needs of individuals who lost DME as a result of multiple natural disasters this fall. This was not only an immediate response to disaster relief needs, but also technical assistance to identify and connect partners and plan a statewide response to future relief efforts. State AT Act program staff included statewide reuse partners on daily/weekly national calls with the Pass It On Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The Pass It On Center provides technical assistance to state AT Act programs for assistive technology (AT) reuse programs; specifically, addressing AT equipment lost as a result of natural disasters. In turn, VATS provided technical assistance to Virginia Reuse Network partners to coordinate disaster relief efforts as well as planning for future state and national relief effor

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

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

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. State AT Act program staff and staff from the state’s community-based durable medical equipment reuse partner, participated in the Virginia Governor’s Conference On Aging (VGCOA) hosting an Assistive Technology table highlighting devices that are helpful to “Vintage Virginians”. The VGCOA is the annual, statewide conference for the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The theme for this year’s conference was: “Design. Engage. Implement.” The conference provided “a platform for citizens, government, academia and the non-profit sector to assess the state’s progress, share ideas, strategies and resources to identify best practices and next steps to enhance the health and well-being of all Virginians as they age”. AT Act program and reuse partner staff made great statewide connections. This public awareness activity lead to several requests for more in depth targeted assistive technology trainings. .

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 519 57 576
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 117 83 200
Representative of Education 31 23 54
Representative of Employment 40 26 66
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 86 69 155
Representative of Community Living 173 110 283
Representative of Technology 05 07 12
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 971 375 1,346

Notes:

State Improvement Outcomes

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? 00

A. State Improvements

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


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


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


B. State Improvements

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


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


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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
Federal$36,000Demonstration
Public/State Agency$5,000Device Loan
Public/State Agency$10,000Reuse
Private$75,000Device Loan
Public/State Agency$25,000Device Loan
Public/State Agency$10,000Device Loan
Amount: $161,000

B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)

Non-State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Individuals Served Other Outcome

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).

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This FY17 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.


Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Fri May 04 2018 15:31:26 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)