WHAT STATE ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS DO . . .
Based on individual state needs and available resources, state[s] AT PROGRAMS have established or improved a variety of DIRECT AT services TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES including:
Device demonstrations — In FY02, 92,061 equipment demonstrations were provided to assist individuals become familiar with, select and use AT. (N=47)
Short-term device loans — In FY02, 38,737 device loans were made to allow individuals to “try before they buy” and to meet other short-term needs. (N=37)
Device re-utilization — In FY02, 6,337 devices were exchanged/recycled to new consumers saving an estimated $3,246,157 compared to purchasing new AT. (N=18)
Financial loans — In FY02, 743 financial loans were made for $6,445,484, so that individuals could purchase AT ranging from hearing aids to adaptive vans. (N=28)
Special purpose AT programs — State[s] AT PROGRAMS have also established or expanded special purpose AT programs that support cost effective access to AT, such as
* Adaptive telecommunication equipment distribution programs,
* Dedicated home modification AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN funding,
* Discount AT EQUIPMENT buying cooperatives, and
* Dedicated special education assistive technology funding.
State[s] AT PROGRAMS provide information services, deliver individual assistance to consumers and providers, and provide a wide range of training activities. Many states sponsor state or regional AT conferences, EXHIBITIONS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION SEMINARS while others have developed preservice training programs that have significantly improved access to trained AT providers.
In FY02, 151,628 information and assistance requests were handled by telephone, e-mail, mail or other contact by an individual. (N=48)
In FY02, 172,901 consumers, providers and others received training on AT ASSESSMENT, ACQUISITION, FINANCING, CUSTOMIZATION AND MAINTENANCE. (N=47)
State[s] AT PROGRAMS provide extensive technical assistance to state agencies, service providers, and policy makers to ensure effective AT policy and practice IN CRITICAL AREAS SUCH AS: Medicaid coverage of AT, including AT in Medicaid HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE waivers • AT lemon laws • IDEA policies allowing for AT transfer WITH STUDENTS between schools • AT tax credits • AT sales tax exemptions • information technology accessibility requirements FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, K – 12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION, DISTANCE EDUCATION, PUBLIC LIBRARIES, WORKFORCE ONE-STOP CENTERS AND BUSINESSES • voting equipment accessibility. While quantitative data is not useful in this area, states have a wealth of anecdotal information regarding the impact of these initiatives on INCREASING INDEPENDENCE IN consumers’ lives.
Data Collection Note: A total of 51 states/territories providing some or all data elements requested.
For additional information contact Jane West at 202-289-3903 or jwest@wpllc.net.