Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP)

ATAP Member Programs Enhance Employment Opportunities
for People with Disabilities

Arkansas

Arkansas Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN)

The Arkansas ICAN project, in conjunction with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, has developed and implemented an assistive technology evaluation program whereby a thorough assessment of rehab client technology needs is provided. This service includes loaner equipment for try out utilizing therapists (as appropriate) and certified assistive technology practitioners to accurately identify technology solutions for individuals. VR counselors are provided a list of recommended devices/services, where to procure them, and costs. Evaluation is provided in client home or place of employment as appropriate. In addition, the AT project worked with the WIA Board to develop a list of equipment, etc. necessary to make One Stop offices and programs accessible using ADA standards.

Examples

A truck driver was about to lose his job because his back injury was preventing him from entering and exiting his 18 wheeler cab. Therapists, working with the individual and his employer, designed an additional step that made it possible for him to more easily enter and exit the cab.

A young lady with mild CP who is employed at a bank was having difficulty answering the phone because of physical restrictions. An evaluation team did a complete ergonomic assessment, rearranged the work-station, and recommended a phone headset. The bank purchased the headset. A four-drawer file cabinet was changed to two two-drawer file cabinets to keep her from having to stand (she has poor balance). She also had difficulty getting through the main doors. It was suggested that the front doors open with a wall switch.

Controls to operate a farm tractor were relocated from the right side to the left side to permit a person who could use only his left arm to continue to farm. In this same case, a customized lift was also developed to enable the individual to mount the tractor from his wheelchair.

Voice operated computer access and associated training were provided for an individual with physical impairments to enable him to start and operate his own business.

A man with paraplegia wanted to go to work and drive himself. His car was fitted with “Twist & Push” hand controls.

A little person employed by the state needed workplace accommodations to function effectively. A “Little Fingers” keyboard and trackball specially designed for smaller hands were provided along with a new computer workstation that was height adjustable. She also received an Ergo chair for Little People – an adjustable chair designed for individuals of short stature. Other design changes around the office were made such as stacking footstools at the desk and payment windows and the cash register drawer was lowered so that she could reach it.

A computer programmer could not turn his neck or hold his arm to type on a keyboard. Program staff recommended the use of an ergonomic support arm.The forearm, wrist and hand now move as one unit, providing support to the shoulder. A trackball to decrease the demands made to the shoulder was added.

A state employee with rheumatoid arthritis (severe) and fibromyalgia was having difficulty typing and opening items as well as experiencing a poor energy level. She was taught to use the Dragon Dictate system (voice recognition). She also started using macros to cut down on the number of keystrokes required. She now uses a trackball to reduce the physical demands to the hand wrist and forearm and uses an ergonomic pen designed for persons with a weak grasp.

Georgia

Georgia Tools for Life

Tools for Life operates a computer re-utilization project for Georgians with disabilities.Project ReBoot has been featured on PBS and is acclaimed to be a national model for closing the Digital Divide. As such, it has helped countless numbers of Georgians receive computers--both reutilized and more recently, built from scratch. These computers increase employment potential by helping individuals gain skills in using and/or repairing computers. A number of participants have established or strengthened small businesses as a result of this initiative.

Tools for Life and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program's Assistive Work Technology Program have partnered with our Commissioner of Labor, Michael J. Thurmond, to secure an additional $409,000 in state funds to make ALL 53 Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) Career Centers accessible with respect to services and information technology. These centers service many employers and small business owners. Georgia's Career Center Initiative has been a successful model of how all partners work effectively to make Career Centers accessible in their services. As a team, Tools for Life, Assistive Work Technology of the VR program, and GDOL: (1) secure funds for conversions (2) identify bidders (3) procure equipment (4) install software and hardware at 53 sites (5) provide several levels of training statewide at each location and (6) market the work of these Centers. As a result of these efforts and broader collaboration, we were cited as an exemplary program in Microsoft's new publication, Accessible Technology in Today's Business: Case Studies for Success 2002 (see Chapter 5).

Indiana

Assistive Technology Through Awareness in Indiana Project (ATTAIN)

ATTAIN, Inc. researched, developed, and led the effort to pass legislation that established the Indiana Medicaid Buy-In program, which allows people with disabilities to keep their health insurance when entering the workforce. Individuals with disabilities who have incomes at 150% of the Federal poverty level and above can maintain their

Medicaid coverage by paying a premium based on a sliding fee scale determined by their income level. Additionally, under this program, Hoosiers with disabilities may submit a written plan to set aside up to $20,000 for the purchase of assistive technology to maintain or promote greater independence through employment.

ATTAIN, Inc. has worked closely with Vocational Rehabilitation services throughout the State of Indiana in providing assessments, training and technical setup for individuals with disabilities working towards either reentering the workforce or helping to improve their performance while at the workplace. On the average ATTAIN, Inc. provides one to two assessments per week for Vocational Rehabilitation services. These assessments focus primarily on electronic information technologies as they become more important in today's workplace. Computer adaptations (hardware and software) are prevalent in these assessments especially since more case managers are becoming aware of the employment potential these adaptive technologies provide for their consumers.

In May 2001 ATTAIN, Inc. entered into a grant agreement with the Indiana divisions of Disability, Aging, Rehabilitative Services, and Family and Social Services Administration to develop and implement program accessibility guidelines to Work One Centers. There were 15 Work One Centers, three in each of the 5 regions throughout the State of Indiana, which were selected for this project. The IT Coordinator for ATTAIN, Inc. evaluated program accessibility focusing on the electronic information technologies. A thorough report was provided after the evaluation to each of the Work One Centers along with recommendations to make the Work One Centers accessible to all. The Evansville Work One Center with its partner, Career Choices, applied for and received a grant to develop accessible workstations. This is currently being implemented.

Illinois

Illinois Assistive Technology Project (IATP)

The Illinois Assistive Technology Project is one of several statewide disability organizations currently involved with two Work Incentives Grants from the U.S. Department of Labor. Under the first Work Incentives Grant, IATP has played a pivotalrole in conductingtraining for One Stop Partners statewide on AT and its role in the One Stops as they improve access to their services forindividuals with disabilities and employers. Trainings were conducted in 24 centers reaching 509 individuals.

In both grants IATP procures assistive technology for the One Stops and has established an assistive technology device loan program geared for One Stops and employers. In addition, IATP produced a document entitled, "Workplace Technologies for People with Disabilities." The document is for employers and employment specialists. It focuses on ideas about how employers can increase their work pool by accommodating individuals with disabilities. It provides information on tax incentives for employers, the ADA, universal design and features low and high tech examples of assistive technology for the workplace.

Iowa

Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT)

IPAT helped the Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IDVRS) establish the Statewide AT Team over 10 years ago. This group has a representative AT Specialist in each of the regional offices, which were created as part of this activity. IPAT provides training and technical assistance to AT Specialists. Trainings and information are provided to these individuals who, in turn, provide it at the regional level to other IDRVS staff.

IPAT was successful in getting the “TechPoints” accepted part of IDVRS client files. We also collaborated to develop AT policies, which improved access to devices and services (i.e., sped up process by increasing the amount of AT and services the field staff could provide without supervisory approval) and promoted equal access across the state. IPAT provides information and referral to IDVRS and Workforce Development staff. These agencies do not have their own database of devices and services.

IPAT participates in employment initiatives funded through other state and federal grants, which work with employers and/or Workforce Development, including the Workforce Investment Act. We’ve provided training to counselors from Workforce Investment Act state projects about the need for AT and funding issues and strategies.

IPAT is provides training to employment networks about AT and how to appropriately select AT. We also participate in the state’s Personal Assistance Services activities in order to promote inclusion of AT for a complete package of services for consumer choice.

IPAT has worked on many projects and committees so that AT is included in the school to work transition process. Including the consideration of AT as part of the students’ career exploration and training.

IPAT participated in the recent CDC Healthy People 2010 process to develop the disability chapter (Chapter 6). This chapter includes a specific goal for AT and it is part of many of the 12 other goals. One goal relates to equal access to employment, which would include AT for health, self-care, mobility, transportation, and employment.IPAT is also participating in a follow-up meeting to develop the implementation plan, which will direct CDC funding initiatives.

Kansas

Assistive Technology for Kansans Project

The Kansas project conducted 15 employment fairs with over 460 participants throughout the state. We also worked with Kansas One-Stop Employment Centers on development of accessible workstations for customer use and are in the process of developing a training agreement so employees at the one-stops or workforce development centers can assist customers in using adaptive equipment.

We completed services authorizations for 110 persons with disabilities served by Kansas Rehabilitation Services.

Our project developed and conducted 263 trainings involving over 880 individuals. Participants included individuals with disabilities, their co-workers, personal attendants, and in some cases, family members. In addition, we presented two workshops about tax credits available to employers who hire persons with disabilities needing accommodations.

AT for Kansans provides on site technical assistance to employers and employees in regard to needed worksite modifications, accommodations, and financial incentives related to hiring persons with disabilities. Services always include a follow-up plan since situations are not static.

Mississippi

Mississippi Project START: Stephen Power, (601) 987-4872

The Mississippi Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is our lead agency. It has established an in-house assistive technology division that is part of the rehabilitation process for all clients. In addition, we contract with the TK Martin Center for Technology and Disability for many services. TK Martin is START's largest contractor. Project START’s equipment loan program is used by vocational rehabilitation clients as they wait for the acquisition of their device and also while personal devices are awaiting repair.

Missouri

Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT)

Through policy work, information and referral, and also through its programs, MoAT has assisted scores of individuals and small businesses in matters related to employment during the most recent fiscal year (7/1/01 to 6/30/02).

In reference to policy work, MoAT has been working closely with the Missouri Office of Information Technology in the development of accessible information technology standards tied to the state’s e-government initiative. This initiative will, among other things, assure that points of entry within state government are fully accessible to a wide range of persons with various disabilities. For instance, current and potential employees with disabilities will now be assured that such resources as Missouri Works, a statewide job database, are fully accessible. Information and referral services on appropriate assistive technologies, including device vendors and ADA clarification for accommodations, have been provided by MoAT through its information and referral services.

The ETC program, a short-term assistive device loan program, provided 129 loans to vocational service providers during the past year and 489 loans, including those mentioned previously, were to consumers of working age. Data from MoAT’s Telecommunications Access Programs for Telephone and Internet show that 1,088 of their consumers are of working age. Anecdotal information from the directors of these two programs reveals that approximately 50 individuals served had a direct tie to obtaining or maintaining employment.

MoAT’s financial loan program, $how-Me Loans, made 3 vocationally tied loans to consumers during the last year. Upon receiving approval for a loan through the program, one consumer remarked: “Hearing aids are my ears. I work full-time and go to school full-time. Receiving a new pair will benefit my performance in my job and at school and improve my ability to interact with other people.”

MoAT’s work with the Missouri Division of Workforce Development stands to have the largest impact yet on employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For roughly three years, MoAT has been actively involved in securing full programmatic and architectural access within Missouri’s 38 full-service One-Stop facilities. MoAT has provided leadership and worked collaboratively with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Missouri Training and Employment Council in the development of programmatic and architectural access standards (www.dolir.state.mo.us/matp/onestop.html) required of all full-service One-Stops in Missouri. Phase II of this initiative is currently underway and includes the installation of a core list of assistive technologies and related training of personnel within One-Stops around the state.

The Small Business Disabled Access Tax Credit legislation is an initiative that MoAT shepherded through the Missouri legislative process. The Disabled Access Tax Credit assists small businesses when they have access expenditures that exceed the Federal Disabled Access Tax Credit. Eligible expenditures under this credit include architectural barrier removal, purchases of adaptive equipment, sign language interpretation, and readers for those with visual impairments and production of print materials in alternative formats.

Montana

MonTECH

Our program has provided services that have directly impacted the lives of consumers related to improving their employability or their ability to function more easily and productively at work.

In the past year, we have completed 15 comprehensive evaluations requested by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors or vocational planning teams.

An important aspect of the services at MonTECH is our equipment loan program. Many employers and school district staff utilize this program, which enables them to try equipment prior to purchase resulting in the assurance that assistive technology purchases are going to be useful and cost-effective. The staff at MonTECH provides guidance and technical support throughout the equipment loan process. We made a total of 192 loans from January to May of 2002.

Examples

A 21-year-old man was referred to MonTECH by the local hospital rehabilitation unit for an evaluation of Electronic Aids for Daily Living and computer access. He was classified as having C-5 quadriplegia. The outcome of his evaluation showed he would benefit from the Simplicity-All-in-One Environmental Control Unit, Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice recognition software, Tracker and an on-screen keyboard for computer access. Shortly after getting his Simplicity-All-in-One Environmental Control Unit he was able to move out of his mothers house and into an assisted living center. With computer access tools he enrolled in the University and has been attending classes for the last two years. He is the Vice President of the University Student Disability Advocacy group on campus.

A 22-year old woman diagnosed with athetoid cerebral palsy and quadriplegia came to MonTECH for a wheelchair evaluation. Her previous wheelchair had been causing her back problems do to poor posture. She was using her right hand to control the joystick. She did not have good control of her wheelchair, risking her safety and the safety of others. The evaluation indicated she would benefit from a wheelchair using a head array for driving and a lap tray. After receiving her wheelchair with the head array, she could sit up straight in her chair, thus improving her posture and her speech. After trying a wide variety of computer input devices, she decided to purchase a head tracker with and on screen keyboard. MonTECH installed the devices for her and helped her arrange a computer work station at home so she could do her schoolwork. She is currently working in Utah with Americorp on issues related to independent living.

Nebraska

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership

Our newsletter at http://www.nde.state.ne.us/ATP/docs/Tech_Works_PD.Color_version.pdf on employment should be helpful. The link I'm sending you is for the newsletter that includes info on our collaboration with the One Stop Resource Centers in our state. We will have another newsletter with more current info available at the end of October. Let me know if you'd like more info.

New York

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) of New York

Through a subcontract with Cornell University's Disability Business and Technical Assistance Center(DBTAC), the TRAID Project provides technical assistance to employers and employees regarding access for persons with disabilities. Some of the websites used for referral are the JAN website as well as www.techconnections.org/

The NYS TRAID Project funds 12 regional centers tha thelp persons with disabilities acquire the assistive technology devices and services that meet their needs. Some of the individuals that the centers assist have a vocationally related goal; either they need a device to be employed or to remain employed. Examples of the cases include: Aman diagnosed with Ameotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) contacted one of the centers looking for a device that would allow him to continuehis work on the computer despite loss of use of his arms and hands. The center staff demonstrated a voice recognition program and assistedwith the training andacquisition of the program that allowed him to continue work in his profession.

One regional center collaborated with a local Independent Living Center to provide transition services to 2 High Schools in the downstate region. The center has helped students to identify appropriate technology to meet their needs. Assistive Technology has played a major role in assisting the students to find vocational opportunities and successfully enter higher education institutions.

One 22-year-old young man named Luis was paralyzed by a gunshot wound at the age of fifteen. He lacked formal education since he spent much of hisprevious yearsin rehabilitation. His vocational rehabilitation counselor referred him to one of our regional centers to explore AT that might assist Luis to become employable.Center staffworked with Luis demonstrating hands freedevices and computer supports. Luis was thrilled to see that there were devices that could make him more independent.Throughtraining with the center staff,Luis is now able to use a voice recognition system with his computer and a head switch to answerthe telephone. He is currently looking foremployment at local businesses as a receptionist orcustomer service representative.

At the state levelTRAIDhas been actively involved in collaborations with NYS Department of Labor and other partners in WIA activities. The office is a signatory on the statewide interagency WIA agreement.Through funding from the Workforce Incentive Grant, the Regional TRAID Centers are providing AT related information and referral, and technical assistance to the One Stop Centers.TRAID Center staff are also providing training to One Stop staff on ATdevices and software available at the centers.Additionally, through Title lV of WIA, the agency staffserve as members of the twoState Rehab Councilsto provide information and guidanceon accessibility and assistive technology issues.

North Carolina

North Carolina Assistive Technology Program

A Catawba County employee with hearing loss was having difficulty on the job. He was employed to pack boxes in an area with forklift travel and could not hear the forklift signal. The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) was contacted to help identify workplace accommodations. Treva Haynes, assistive technology specialist worked with the individual and a private rehab engineer to identify solutions. NCATP offers demonstration, tryout and short-term loan of equipment for people with disabilities. An Alert Master personal pager was advised for this individual. This system has a receiver box and a personal pager that vibrates when sound is received for a given duration. Ms. Haynes called the company to request they change the duration of the forklift-warning signal to five seconds so the receiver could pick up the signal. When the forklift is in the employee’s work area, the alert master receiver box picks up the signal and a personal pager he wears vibrates. Motion sensors and mirrors were also installed in the work area so that the employee could be alerted to foot traffic around him. With assistance from the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program this Catawba County employee is now able to do his job safely.

A Surry County mother injured in a snow tubing accident resulting in quadriplegia contacted the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP). She wanted to get back to work and increase her independence in everyday tasks. NCATP provided information and technical assistance on computer access technology and low-tech items to use around the house. Over the period of one year, this individual worked with assistive technology regional consultant, Amber Brown, initially as an outpatient and then at home, to identify various modifications for her job and home.

Ms. Brown helped set up her computer with voice recognition software and a trackball. With these modifications, the former family nurse practitioner is now paid by her employer to do medical triage working at home. Ms. Brown helped to identify kitchen modifications such as cuffs to use with utensils, knobs on stove handles, and a reacher to pick up items from hard to reach shelves. This Surry County resident now has increased independence in her daily life through the efforts of the NC Assistive Technology Program.

North Dakota

North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT)

IPAT collaborated with the ND Workers Compensation Bureau to promote assistive technology as a means to employment for injured workers. Through increased AT awareness and collaboration, Workers Compensation has identified an assistive technology point person within the bureau. This person heads up the newly launched preferred workers program, and is looking to use the analysis and review teams currently in place to identify AT solutions as a means to increase the number of injured workers returning to work. This will be accomplished through continued collaboration with IPAT in the areas of technical assistance, training, consultation, and work-site assessments.

The south central region of North Dakota lacked any assistive technology (AT) device centers, labs, or lending libraries for individuals with disabilities and/or employers to try-out AT devices for potential worksite accommodation purposes. IPAT worked with the Department of Human Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to develop an AT Lab in Bismarck to eliminate this void. As a result, the Bismarck and Mandan Rotary Clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, numerous small businesses, ND legislators, and the ND Workers Compensation Bureau have joined many state agency staff and consumers in a variety of AT Lab activities promoting AT in the workplace.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Oklahoma ABLE Tech has had several initiatives to increase access to AT for employers and employees. First, ABLE Tech provided a series of two-day training opportunities to all vocational counselors within the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. The training emphasized the appropriate utilization of AT with regard to successful employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.

Second, ABLE Tech participated in the Oklahoma Workforce Training Institute that provided training to key personnel in charge of coordinating the development of the One-Stop Centers. The training focused on how AT provides needed accommodations necessary under both Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These two initiatives reached over 450 employment professionals.

Third, through ABLE Tech's training programs, funding is provided to enhance and maintain four different AT demonstration labs and equipment loan libraries. Although the loan data does not specifically track the number of employers that are assisted in creating the necessary job site accommodations, employers are encouraged to access the services of the loan programs at no charge.

Finally, ABLE Tech has been very involved in the development and implementation of several job fairs that focus on providing increased awareness to employers interested in hiring persons with disabilities. ABLE Tech demonstrated AT, presented information pertaining to appropriate job accommodations for persons with disabilities and contributed to the production of a publication entitled, Increase Participation and Disability Accessibility in Your Job Fair.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)

Similar to traditional book-lending libraries, Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to people with disabilities. The Lending Library is designed to allow people to try out devices and determine if they work for them prior to purchasing. Devices in the Lending Library are designed to help people with disabilities in the workplace. For example, the Library includes communication devices, computers with voice-activated software, software packages that help with writing, specialized keyboards, automated office equipment, and switches. The Assistive Technology Lending Library is funded through a partnership with Title I of the Assistive Technology Act funds and state funds and is included in the budget of the Department of Labor and Industry.

The ICAN (Independence Capital Access Network) is a state-funded program designed to help small business (under 100 employees) owners with the acquisition of needed assistive technology devices for their employees who have disabilities. In short, small business employers are eligible for a grant, up to $50,000, for assistive technology devices (may include ramps, bathroom modifications, computers, vans, automated office equipment, etc.) that support an employee of the company. In the three years of the program's existence, over 110 employees have secured or retained employment as a result of workplace accommodations made possible by the ICAN program. This program is funded with state dollars. Technical assistance is provided by PIAT. The line item for the ICAN program is included in the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry budget.

South Dakota

South Dakota Assistive Technology Project (DakotaLink)

The DakotaLink project has assisted over 150 individuals to return to work in the past two years. The table below describes these occupations and the number in each.

Accountants And Auditors	1
Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing, And Related Workers	4
Appraisers, Real Estate	2
Artists And Related Workers	4
Assembler	2
Automotive Mechanics	2
Bookkeeper	3
Business Manager	2
Carpenter	1
Cashiers	1
Civil Engineers, Including Traffic	1
Clergy	1
Clerical And Administrative Support Workers	5
Clerk - Diet	1
Clerks - Bookkeeping, Accounting, And Auditing	1
Clerks - Insurance Claims	1
Clerks - Receptionists And Information	4
Clerks - Supply	1
Clinical Psychologist	1
Computer Operators, Except Peripheral Equipment	1
Computer Programmer	3
Computer Scientists - Other	4
Computer Support Specialist	6
Counselor	1
Data Entry Keyers, Except Composing	2
Designers, Except Interior Designers	1
Drafters	4
Economists, Including Market Research Analysts	1
Educator and Employment Specialist	1
Electrical And Electronic Engineers	1
ENTRY LEVEL	1
Food Preparation And Service Workers	2
Health Professionals, Paraprofessionals, And Technicians - Other	1
Heating, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Mechanics And Installers	1
Helpers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, And Steamfitters	1
Human Services Workers	5
Independent Living Specialist	1
Industrial Truck And Tractor Operators	1
Janitors	2
Lab Tech	1
Laborer	6
Lawyers	2
Loan Officer	1
Maids And Housekeeping Cleaners	1
Maintenance - Repairer	1
Managers And Administrators	2
Mechanic	1
Medical Secretaries	1
Mining, Quarrying, And Oil And Gas Well Drilling Managers	1
Music Directors, Singers, Composers, And Related Workers	1
Newspaper Columist	1
Nurse	1
Occupational Therapy Assistants And Aides	1
Paralegal Personnel	1
Physical And Corrective Therapy Assistants And Aides	1
Professional, Paraprofessional, And Technical Workers - Other	2
Psychiatric Aides	1
Psychologists	3
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, And Farm Products	1
Radiologist	1
Rancher	1
Receptionist	1
Registered Nurses	2
Sales - Retail	1
Sales Agents And Placers, Insurance	1
Sales Representatives And Salespersons, Services - Other	1
Secretaries, Except Legal And Medical	2
Self Employment - Prints R Us	1
Service Workers - Other	1
Sewing Machine Operators, Nongarment	1
Small Engine Specialists	1
Supervisors And Managers/Supervisors	1
Switchboard Operators	3
Tailors And Sewers	1
Teacher	13
Teacher Aides, Paraprofessional	3
Telemarketers	2
Therapists - Other	1
Therapists - Recreational	1
Veterinarians And Veterinary Inspectors	1
Veterinary Technicians And Technologists	3
Vocational And Educational Counselors	2
Writers And Editors