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What State Assistive Technology Programs do . . .
2001-2002 State AT Program Data Summary
Establish new or improved AT programs:
Based on individual state needs and available resources, states have established or improved a variety of AT services including:
- Device Demonstrations: - In FY01 & FY02, 221,436 equipment demonstrations were provided to assist individuals become familiar with, select and use AT. Of the 221,436 individuals that received demonstrations, 114,544, over 50 %, were consumers. (N=46)
- Device Loans: In Fy01 & FY02, 66,551 device loans were made to allow individuals to “try before they buy” and to meet other short-term needs. The number of equipment loans increased 9% from 2001 to 2002. (N=30)
- Device Reutilization: In FY01 & FY02, 9,500 devices were exchanged/recycled to new consumers saving an estimated $7,794,575 compared to purchasing new AT. (N=18)
- Financial Loans: In FY01 & FY02, almost $11 million in financial loans were made under Title I and Title III, so that individuals could purchase AT ranging from hearing aids to adaptive vans. (N=50)
- Special purpose AT programs: States 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 funding, discount buying cooperatives, and dedicated special education assistive technology funding.
Provide AT information, training, outreach, individual assistance & public awareness
States 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 while others have developed pre-service 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 FY01 & FY02, 215,130 consumers, providers and others received training on AT to acquire a new skill or broaden and apply their abilities to their work or personal circumstance. (N=49)
- In FY01 & FY02, 711,779 public awareness contacts were made. Public awareness contacts include newsletters, public forums, public awareness sessions and information and referral contacts.
Improving AT policy and implementation
States provide extensive technical assistance to state agencies, service providers, and policy makers to ensure effective AT policy and practice. States provide technical assistance on Medicaid coverage of AT, AT lemon laws, IDEA policies allowing for AT transfer between schools, AT tax credits, sales tax exemptions, information technology accessibility requirements and voting equipment accessibility. While quantitative data is not useful in the area of policy impact, states have a wealth of anecdotal information regarding the impact of these initiatives on consumers’ lives.