**Georgia Tools for Life**

**State Plan for Assistive Technology**

**FY 2005-2008**

##### Part I: Attachments

OMB Control Number: 1820-0664

Expiration Date:  10/31/2008

Attachment 1: Basic Information

Name of Lead Agency: **[Georgia Department of Labor]{.underline}**

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Lead Agency:

**[Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program/Assistive
Technology Unit]{.underline}**

Address of Lead Agency: **[Suite 510]{.underline}**

**[148 Andrew Young International Blvd., NE]{.underline}**

**[Atlanta, GA 30303-1751]{.underline}**

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency: **[Bobby
Pack]{.underline}** **[Deputy Commissioner]{.underline}**

Address for Certifying Representative: **[Suite 510]{.underline}**

###### 148 Andrew Young International Blvd., NE

**[Atlanta, GA 30303-1751]{.underline}**

Telephone for Certifying Representative: **[404-232-7300]{.underline}**

E-mail for Certifying Representative:
**[Bobby.Pack@dol.state.ga.us]{.underline}**

Name and Title of Principle Investigator: **[Joy Kniskern]{.underline}**

**[Principle Investigator]{.underline}**

Address for Principle Investigator: **[1700 Century Circle, Suite
300]{.underline}**

**[Atlanta, GA 30345]{.underline}**

Telephone for Principle Investigator: **[404-638-0387]{.underline}**

E-mail for Principle Investigator:
**[Joy.Kniskern@dol.state.ga.us]{.underline}**

Name and Title of Program Director: **[Carolyn Phillips,]{.underline}**

###### Tools for Life Program Manager

Address for Program Director: **[1700 Century Circle, Suite
300]{.underline}**

###### Atlanta, GA 30345

Telephone for Program Director: **[404-638-0388]{.underline}**

E-mail for Program Director:
[**carolynpphillips@mindspring.com**](mailto:carolynpphillips@mindspring.com)

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):
**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Address for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Telephone for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

E-mail for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Name of Implementing Entity: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Entity: **[Not
applicable]{.underline}**

Address of Implementing Entity: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Name and Title of Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Address for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Telephone for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

E-mail for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Name and Title of Contact (if different from Program Director): **[Not
applicable]{.underline}**

Address for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Telephone for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

E-mail for Program Director: **[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Attachment 2: Lead Agency and Implementing Entity

2.1 Identification [and Description of the Lead Agency]{.underline} -
Identify and describe the Lead Agency referred to in section 4(c) (1)
(A) of the Assistive Technology (AT) Act.

> 2.1A Identification [and Description of Lead Agency if an Implementing
> Entity is not designated]{.underline}

In 1991, the governor designated the Department of Human
Resources/Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation
as the lead agency for Tools for Life, Georgia's Tech Act Project (as it
was commonly referred under the Technology-Related Assistance for
Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988). In July of 2001, legislation
moved the Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation
Program to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). GDOL now serves as
the Lead Agency for the Statewide AT Act Program of 1998, as amended in
2004, for Georgia and is directly responsible for conducting and
overseeing the activities of the Statewide AT Program, Tools for Life
(TFL). Since 1991, Tools for Life has provided Georgians with
disabilities free access to information and referral services, an
accessible assistive technology informational website, and publications
in accessible formats on topics related to disability rights, laws,
policies, assistive technology demonstration and lending centers,
computer recycling and distribution, and funding opportunities for
assistive technology.

Tools for Life

**Our Mission:** We are committed to increasing access to appropriate
assistive technology so Georgians with disabilities can live, learn,
work and play independently in their own communities.

**Our Vision:** The Tools for Life program will be an exemplary model
for putting assistive technology into the hands of people with
disabilities, through innovative, consumer-driven, public-private
partnerships.

**Our Goal:** To make assistive technology accessible, usable, timely
and more affordable for Georgians with disabilities.

Tools for Life is committed to increasing the provision of, access to,
and funding for assistive technology for Georgians of all ages and all
disabilities through varied, comprehensive activities and services
available statewide. Over the next three years, the Georgia Department
of Labor will continue to serve as the lead agency responsible for the
Statewide AT Program, under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as
amended in 2004, and Tools for Life will continue current programs and
begin new initiatives to accomplish this mission.

TFL is committed to serving all of Georgia and will make its programs
available statewide through a toll-free number and an accessible
website, conducting local and regional activities, and collaboration
with Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRC). The ATRCs carry out
TFL initiatives identified in contract agreements.

Through continuing and increasing collaboration, Tools for Life will
have the flexibility to assist individuals with assistive technology
(AT) needs across the lifespan, in any environment, for any purpose.
Access to Tools for Life services and projects will not be limited by
eligibility criteria such as income, age, type of disability, or the
reason that an individual needs AT.

Tools for Life has a diverse staff of educated and motivated
professionals with technical expertise in the AT field. The TFL staff
and ATRCs collaborate to provide Georgians with access to expertise that
addresses AT needs in all areas of life, emphasizing education,
employment, information technology (IT), telecommunication, and
community living. This is achieved by employing staff with education and
experience in the fields of assistive technology, occupational therapy,
computer technology, rehabilitation counseling and management. Four TFL
and ATRC staff members currently hold an Assistive Technology
Practitioner credential from the Rehabilitation Engineering and
Assistive Technology Society of North America. Tools for Life will
ensure that the skills of its staff and the ATRC staff members remain
current by providing them with training opportunities during the three
years covered by this state plan.

Committed to collaboration and partnership building, Tools for Life has
a 14-year history of established relationships with public and private
entities in Georgia. Tools for Life and ATRC staff members participate
on boards, Advisory Councils, workgroups, committees, and commissions
that address the assistive technology-related needs of Georgians with
disabilities across the life span with agencies and programs such as:
the Department of Labor, Department of Education, the Department of
Human Resources, the Department of Technical and Adult Education, the
Statewide Independent Living Council, the Council on Aging Services,
Babies Can't Wait (Early Intervention Program), Georgia Project for
Assistive Technology, the state ADA office, the Alternative Media Access
Center, the Veterans Administration, the Small Business Administration,
the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration,
Vocational Rehabilitation, High School/High Tech, Assistive Work
Technology, Workforce Investment, Benefits Planning and Outreach, the
Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, the University of
Georgia's Institute on Human Development and Disability, the Shepherd
Center, waiver programs, housing authorities, public transportation
authorities, local school systems and governments, and colleges and
universities throughout the state. Tools for Life also participates in
initiatives with organizations such as the Georgia Employer Committee,
Easy Living Homes, All Special needs People Included in Recreational
Experiences in Rockdale County (ASPIRE), the ARC, Goodwill, the Center
for Assistive Technology & Environmental Access, the local and national
Learning Disabilities Association, the Huntington's Disease Society of
America, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Habitat for
Humanity, the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund, United Cerebral
Palsy, BlazeSports, the local and national Muscular Dystrophy
Associations, the local Multiple Sclerosis Society, Friends of Disabled
Adults and Children, and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association
to increase available assistive technology for the consumers they serve.

Tools for Life will continue these activities, and provide training and
technical assistance to the above agencies and other entities within
Georgia. Tools for Life will also work with these agencies and others on
new and ongoing state initiatives to address the AT needs of individuals
with disabilities. These initiatives are described in more detail as a
part of "Coordination and Collaboration" in attachment 8.

Tools for Life has conducted many of its activities via contractors
throughout Georgia for fourteen years. We will continue this approach of
service dissemination, ensuring that programs are available to
individuals with disabilities in their communities. Tools for Life will
continue contracting for ATRC services, including: 1) AT loan library
programs, 2) AT device demonstration programs, and 3) computer/AT device
reutilization programs with the following entities:

-   Disability Connections -- Independent Living Center and ATRC

-   Friends of Disabled Adults and Children -- AT and Durable Medical
    Equipment (DME) Reuse Center

-   Tech-Able -- ATRC

-   Touch the Future -- ReBoot and ATRC

-   Walton Options -- Independent Living Center and ATRC

These entities specialize in various, specific disability areas, which
will help ensure Tools for Life can meet individuals' needs regardless
of their disability type.

Tools for Life will continue to collaborate through contract with Touch
the Future for computer reutilization and small AT device reutilization
through ReBoot and the ATRC. TFL will also continue to directly operate
the web-based G-Trade equipment exchange and re-use program on the
gatfl.org website. Both programs provide opportunities for all Georgians
to access computer and AT equipment.

Tools for Life will continue collaborating and contracting with the
GettingAhead Association and Tech-Able to operate Credit-Able, Georgia's
Alternative Financing Program. This activity is further described in
attachment 5 of this plan.

In addition to the Advisory Council described in attachment 3 of this
plan, Tools for Life will continue ensuring that its program remains
consumer responsive by seeking direct feedback from those who access the
program. Feedback will come through on-site interviews, online surveys,
and/or follow-up surveys with participants. In year one of this plan,
Tools for Life will utilize consumer and agency focus groups to seek
specific guidance on improving its programs and services.

> 2.1B [Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an
> Implementing Entity is Designated]{.underline}

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

2.2 [Identification and Description of the Implementing
Entity]{.underline} -- Identify and describe the Implementing Entity
referred to in section 4(c)(1)(B) of the AT Act, if such an Implementing
Entity is designated by the Governor.

[Not applicable]{.underline}

2.3 Show [of Good Cause for Change in Lead Agency or Implementing
Entity]{.underline} -- If the Governor has chosen to change the Lead
Agency or, if applicable, Implementing Entity as allowed in section
4(c)(1)(C) of the AT Act, provide an explanation of good cause for this
redesignation.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Attachment 3: State Advisory Council

3.1 Membership [of the Advisory Council]{.underline} - Identify the
members of the Advisory Council and each member's designation as an
individual with disabilities who uses AT, a family member or guardian of
such individual, or a representative of a State agency or other entity.

The Tools for Life Advisory Council will provide consumer-driven,
consumer-responsive advice to the state for planning, implementation,
evaluation and setting measurable goals for the Statewide AT Program
activities throughout the three years of this state plan.

The Tools for Life Advisory Council (TFL AC) has thirteen members. Seven
members, 58% of the TFL AC, are individuals with disabilities who use
assistive technology or family members of individuals with disabilities
who use AT. Five members of the council represent agencies, including
Vocational Rehabilitation, Division of Aging Services, Statewide Centers
for Independent Living, the Department of Education, and the State
Workforce Investment Board. One member of the TFL AC serves ex-officio
and represents the Georgia Advocacy Office, the State Protection and
Advocacy program. Although several agency representatives have
disabilities, they will not be counted toward the majority membership of
people with disabilities and family members. The Tools for Life Advisory
Council is geographically representative of Georgia and reflects the
diversity of the state with respect to age, race, ethnicity and types of
disabilities. Advisory Council members use a range of AT, including
alternative augmentative communication, vehicle modifications, mobility
devices, aids for daily living, assistive technology for low
vision/blindness, AT for hearing loss and computer hardware/software
adaptations. The AT users who are Advisory Council members also
represent available services that an individual with a disability may
receive.

Members of the Advisory Council

Individuals with Disabilities:

Judy Bearden (Chairperson) -- Fort Oglethorpe

William K. Blanchard - Albany

Minna Hong -- Alpharetta

Tina Ivey-Baker - Macon

John Weber -- Athens

Anne Warley -- Atlanta

Family Members:

Stephanie King (Advocacy and Education Chair) -- Newton

Beth Tumlin -- Marietta

**State Agency Representatives:**

Perry Andrews, Department of Education

Peggy Chavis, Center for Independent Living

Norris Curtis, (Membership/Nomination Chair) GDOL/Vocational
Rehabilitation

Allan Goldman, (Vice-Chairperson) Division of Aging Services

Starla Steinman, Workforce Investment

# Ex-Officio Members:

Connie Freier (ex-officio member) GDOL/VR/AT Unit/Tools for Life

Joy Kniskern (ex-officio member) GDOL/VR/AT Unit

Carolyn Phillips (ex-officio member) GDOL/VR/AT Unit/Tools for Life

Naomi Walker (ex-officio member) Georgia Advocacy Office -- Protection
and Advocacy

[3.2 Structure and Operation of the Advisory Council]{.underline} --
Describe the structure and operations of the Advisory Council.

The Tools for Life Advisory Council has been active in its purpose: "To
serve in an advisory capacity in assisting Tools for Life, Georgia's
Tech-Act Project, in accomplishing its goals and mission with measurable
outcomes" since its creation in 1991. They have established by-laws,
revised in 2005 to reflect the requirements of the Assistive Technology
Act of 2004. Contact information for Advisory Council members, by-laws,
and meeting minutes are all available to the general public on the Tools
for Life website: [www.gatfl.org](http://www.gatfl.org/).

Tools for Life's Advisory Council members become part of the council in
two ways.

Agency representatives are appointed by their respective agencies.
Consumer representatives are volunteers solicited through established
networks of Assistive Technology Resource Centers, disability
organizations and councils throughout the state\... All members are
expected to serve a three-year term, concurrent with the goals of
Georgia's State Plan for Assistive Technology.

Advisory Council leadership rests with a chairperson elected by the
other Advisory Council members. A similarly elected vice-chair serves in
the chairperson's absence. The Advisory Council bylaws also identified
the need for an Advocacy and Education Chairperson and a Committee and
Membership/Nomination Chairperson. Subcommittees are created on an ad
hoc basis to address needs dynamically. Council decisions are made
either through consensus or by member vote, at the chairperson's
discretion. A quorum consists of a simple majority of the members in
attendance.

The Advisory Council meets quarterly (four times per year) in
barrier-free meeting sites throughout Georgia. Dates, times and
locations are determined by consensus. Tools for Life staff makes the
meeting room arrangements, develops informational materials for member,
and ensures site and material accessibility. Council members requiring
reimbursement for travel, lodging, personal care assistance, or other
meeting related assistive technology may request reimbursement at state
allowable rates from Tools for Life. The Advisory Council chairperson
and TFL director set the agenda cooperatively for council meetings and
ensure that council members are informed about state AT issues. Meetings
may feature presentations and guest speakers selected based on council
members' input. Tools for Life staff will update the Advisory Council on
the program activities, share recent data, and present any planned
initiatives so the Advisory Council can provide input. The chairperson
facilitates discussion throughout the meeting to gain input and provide
guidance in planning program activities. Meeting minutes are recorded by
TFL staff and approved by the Advisory Council.

## Attachment 4: Measurable Goals 

Tools for Life will establish a baseline for each of the goals 4.1
through 4.7 during Year Two, and will submit after Year Two an amendment
identifying the long term goal and short-term goals set to improve upon
this baseline during Year Three and subsequent years of the State Plan.
This baseline will be established by using a data collection instrument
and procedures to be determined by RSA after the State plan process has
been completed.

1.  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Education

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the percent
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for educational
        purposes as a result of the assistance they
        received.]{.underline}**

    ```{=html}
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    ```
    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

    1.  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Employment

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the percent
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for employment
        purposes as a result of the assistance they
        received.]{.underline}**

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

    1.  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Community Living

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the percent
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for community
        living as a result of the assistance they
        received.]{.underline}**

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

    1.  Goal for Improving Access to IT and Telecommunications

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the percent
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service that meets an
        IT/telecommunications need as a result of the assistance they
        received.]{.underline}**

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Education

```{=html}
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```
-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the
        percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who
        obtained devices or services from State financing activities
        and/or reutilization programs for educational purposes who would
        not have obtained the AT device or service.]{.underline}**

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Employment

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the
        percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who
        obtained devices or services from State financing activities
        and/or reutilization programs for employment purposes who would
        not have obtained the AT device or service.]{.underline}**

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Community Living

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: **[Establish baseline of the
        percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who
        obtained devices or services from State financing activities or
        reutilization programs for community living purposes who would
        not have obtained the AT device or service.]{.underline}**

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: **N/A - data collection system not
        established.**

4.8 [Additional Measurable Goals]{.underline} -- If applicable, describe
any measurable goals that the State has set in addition to the goals
established in items 4.1 through 4.7 for addressing the assistive
technology needs of individuals with disabilities in the State related
to education, employment, community living, and telecommunications and
information technology.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

#### Attachment 5: State-level Activities

5.1 [State Financing Activities]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will implement State financing activities as described in section
4(e)(2)(A) of the AT Act.

Over the next three years of this State Plan, Tools for Life will
conduct two state financing activities: (1) continue to support
Credit-Able, an Alternative Financing Program (AFP) specifically
designed for the purpose of allowing people with disabilities to borrow
funds for purchasing assistive technology that they otherwise would not
be able to access; and (2) begin research into and possibly develop an
AT Co-Operative buying program (AT Co-Op). An Assistive Technology
Co-operative buying program would allow state ATRCs and possibly other
state or private entities to pool their resources to purchase high-tech
and/or high-cost AT for the statewide AT Loan Library programs, making
leading-edge assistive technology available for device demonstrations
and device loans, and would also allow consumers to share resources and
ownership of high-tech AT devices.

**1. Alternative Financing Program (AFP).**

Georgia's AFP will continue to provide loans to individuals with
disabilities and their families for the purchase of AT devices and
services. This AFP began in 2004 using funds provided to Tools for Life
under Title III of the AT Act of 1998 and is called Credit-Able.

Tools for Life also will continue to work closely with Tech-Able, a
community-based organization and partner of the Credit-Able program and
the GettingAhead Association, a partnership organization connected to
the Georgia Credit Union Association that provides preliminary screening
for Credit-Able, and other participating organizations; the ATRCs; and
other funding entities such as the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund
Commission and, tentatively, the Department of Community Affairs, to
ensure that individuals with disabilities are referred appropriately
between programs. Tools for Life will coordinate its activities so that
loan applicants will access device loan or device demonstration programs
from the ATRCs (described later in this attachment) to try out devices
before they take out loans to purchase them. The ATRCs will refer those
who access AT loan library programs and/or AT device demonstration
programs and are interested in taking out a loan to purchase AT, to
Credit-Able. Each applicant will also benefit from the services of the
Tools for Life AT Funding Specialist to assure that each individual is
aware of other agencies and entities that may be able to fund all or
part of the cost of AT devices and services they wish to acquire.

Credit-Able will continue to assist individuals with disabilities obtain
AT devices in many ways. Unlike other traditional lending entities,
Credit-Able has more liberal terms and conditions for borrowers.
Credit-Able will continue to provide loans for a variety of AT devices,
such as hearing aids, home or vehicle modifications, computers, and
other AT. The loan application and approval process under Credit-Able is
efficient, so that individuals can often receive loans and purchase AT
sooner than if they waited for funding from public or private sources.
Because Credit-Able guarantees loans, individuals with disabilities who
would not be able to receive conventional bank loans, or affordable
rates and terms will be able to borrow money to purchase AT.

Over the next three years of this State Plan, Tools for Life will work
with Tech-Able and the GettingAhead Association to expand and improve
Credit-Able as follows:

-   Expanding credit union participation from those interested in
    working with Tech-Able and the GettingAhead Association. Currently,
    the MACO Federal Credit Union and Gwinnett Federal Credit Union
    serve all of Georgia through a network of shared services and
    computer access.

-   Reviewing and making recommendations to each new participating
    financial entity about physical and information/web access
    modifications to increase access to assistive technology through
    Credit-Able services.

-   Increasing access for Georgians with disabilities, their family
    members and employers of individuals with disabilities to assistive
    technology loan guarantees by increasing the loan fund to
    \$5,000,000 by 2008.

-   Marketing program information to targeted minority populations to
    increase use of Credit-Able services.

**2. Co-Operative Buying Program for Assistive Technology**

During Year One of this State Plan, , Tools for Life worked with the TFL
Advisory Council, and the ATRCs to utilize consumer and agency focus
groups, seeking specific guidance on the development of an AT
Cooperative Buying Program and to expand resources for our loan library
and device demonstration initiatives. This new service would be mindful
of consumer choice and technology, balanced by a need to offer discounts
on purchases of AT offered by participating vendors. In a co-operative
such as the one proposed, all partners will share joint ownership of
goods and/or services purchased. In this case, the goods purchased would
be assistive technology devices. ReBoot and the ATRC and Tech-Able have
already developed several strong relationships with AT vendors that
allow for a slight reduction in the cost or tax-free purchases of some
AT devices and software. The AT Cooperative Buying Program will build
upon these established relationships. Once a detailed plan is in place
for this activity, it will be submitted to RSA. The concept of an AT
Co-Op or AT Buying Group was also embraced and stimulated positive
discussion at many of the TFL Town Hall Meetings throughout Georgia.
Participants affirmed they believe Georgians would acquire more AT if
there was an organized way to lower the cost of AT and AT services. In
Year Two, TFL will work with the AT Co-Op Task Group to develop the AT
Co-Op or AT Buying Group. In Year Three this project will begin
operation.

[5.2 Device Reutilization Program]{.underline} **--** Describe how the
State will implement a device reutilization program as described in
section 4(e) (2) (B) of the Act.

During Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life conducted two Device
Reutilization Program activities: (1) continue to support the ReBoot
Computer Reutilization Project (AFP), and (2) continue to support
G-Trade, online AT equipment exchange program. After feedback from the
first three of the nine Town Hall Meetings in Georgia, TFL established a
formal relationship with (3) Friends of Disabled Adults and Children to
meet the DME needs of Georgians with disabilities. This relationship
will continue grow over Year Two and Year Three.

**1. ReBoot Computer Reutilization Program**

Tools for Life will continue to contract with Touch the Future, Inc. to
strengthen and increase the capacity of the ReBoot computer
reutilization project. For many people with disabilities, having access
to an adapted computer greatly expands their horizons and opportunities
for independence. Computers can provide support in a number of ways,
ranging from alternative access, to organization, communication, and
others. For example, an AT computer user with a learning disability
might use a screen reader to make comprehension easier. ReBoot is a
statewide, collaborative effort "dedicated to actively promoting
independence for people with disabilities through assistive technology &
computer reutilization." ReBoot has placed over 5,850 recycled computer
systems with people throughout Georgia. 

ReBoot acquires the equipment, evaluates it, repairs it (if needed),
loads licensed software, distributes the equipment to people with
disabilities, and trains the person on the equipment. ReBoot has
developed a strong relationship with Microsoft and is able to put
Windows software on each ReBoot system. ReBoot is operated 85% by
dedicated volunteers - by people with disabilities, for people with
disabilities. Every region in Georgia is served by ReBoot and
individuals from most counties have participated in the program.

ReBoot and the ATRC will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of
the ReBoot program, as well as collect program data. They will accept
applications for ReBoot computer systems from a person with a
disability, family members, advocates, or service providers (e.g.
Assistive Work Technologist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor,
occupational therapist, physical therapist and/or speech therapist).
ReBoot applications can be obtained at each ATRC, on line at
www.gatfl.org/reboot or by calling 770-934-8432. Each applicant is
required to give back to the community 20 hours of volunteer service to
the organization of his/her choice in exchange for the ReBoot computer.
Each applicant is also asked to select the ReBoot Computer Package that
best fits their specific needs. A Package A costs \$0 and is a Pentium I
desktop with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables and Windows 98 operating
system. A Package A+ costs \$35 and includes a CD-Drive and sound card.
A Package B costs \$150 and is Pentium II or III desktop with a monitor,
keyboard, mouse, cables, Windows 2000, CD ROM Drive, sound card,
speakers and modem. A Package C allows the applicant to design his/her
own ReBoot System from reutilized or new computer parts. Applicants can
also purchase a new computer system through ReBoot. There is not usually
a waiting list to receive a ReBoot computer.

ReBoot works closely with the network of ATRCs to serve all Georgians,
regardless of the applicant's age, race, type of disability, income, or
location in the state. An application to receive a ReBoot computer would
only be denied is if the computer specifications requested are not
currently in the ReBoot inventory or if the person has significantly
violated the program guidelines. ReBoot will transfer the computer to
the ATRC that is closest to the applicant or ship the computer to any
location in the state. The participant is responsible for shipping
costs. However, a participant may choose to pick up the computer from an
ATRC or ReBoot in order to eliminate shipping fees.

ReBoot and the ATRCs understand that the success of the ReBoot program
is linked to effective training at the time of receiving the equipment.
ReBoot participants are asked to identify individuals who will assist
them with computer technical support within their communities. Support
persons may include family members, PC User Groups, Assistive Technology
Practitioners, Assistive Work Technology staff, vocational
rehabilitation counselors, teachers, centers for independent living
staff, etc. The participant may request one computer a year. The
participant must also sign a letter of agreement that he/she will not
violate software licensing agreements nor sell, give away or throw away
the computer.

Over the next three years, ReBoot plans to develop relationships with
assistive technology software companies so that adaptive software can be
included as necessary on reutilized systems, providing a more
comprehensive, yet low-cost solution for Georgians with disabilities
participating in the program. ReBoot currently reutilizes some small AT
devices. They have plans to put more structure around the small AT
reutilization process and market this activity to further develop this
program. ReBoot also plans to improve outreach efforts to public school
systems and independent living centers to increase AT acquisition in the
educational environments and community living environments.

**2. G-Trade**

Tools for Life will continue to directly administer G-Trade, a program
that allows individuals to buy, sell, or give away used AT through "want
ads." G-Trade has been operating since 2000.

If an individual has an AT device he or she no longer needs and would
like to either sell or give away (a "seller"), he or she will contact
G-Trade through its accessible website or a toll-free line and request
to post an ad. Tools for Life will respond to all requests by letter to
the seller explaining the terms of the listing, which include that:

-   TFL does not warrant the condition of the device

-   TFL accepts no liability that may result from any buyer/seller
    transaction.

-   The seller agrees to provide TFL with the original price and the
    sold price of the item and the contact information of the buyer

-   The seller provides TFL with a description of the device along with
    any special features.

-   No personal information is listed on the G-Trade except for first
    name, city and county.

-   The seller must renew the listing every 90 days or the item will
    automatically be removed from the list.

Once the seller has provided the appropriate information, the device is
listed in the area of TFL's website that is dedicated to G-Trade. Used
AT devices will be listed by category and be accompanied by a brief
description of the device, including asking price. If an individual with
a disability or family member is looking for a used device (a "buyer"),
he or she will contact G-Trade using the same methods as the seller. If
a buyer locates a device to purchase, he or she will e-mail TFL through
its G-Trade website or call TFL directly. TFL will then connect buyer
and seller. Buyer and seller will negotiate the terms of exchanging the
device, including price and shipping, between themselves without any TFL
involvement. However, TFL will contact both parties for a follow-up
survey regarding the G-Trade service.

Anyone in the state will be able to sell or buy an AT device through
G-Trade, and there will be no limitations on the type of AT device that
can be listed in want ads. The program will only be limited by what
devices the sellers themselves choose to make available.

G-Trade already expands Tools for Life's reutilization efforts, and
increases device accessibility in several ways. Because the devices are
used, sellers usually offer them for free or at a low price, making them
more affordable. Individuals with disabilities do not need to meet
eligibility criteria to obtain devices from G-Trade. G-Trade often makes
available devices that are not covered by other private or public
funding. Some devices are no longer on the market, so G-Trade provides a
source for devices with limited or no availability. Individuals with
disabilities often get devices sooner through the want ads than if they
waited for funding from public or private sources.

Over the next three years of this State Plan, TFL will work to expand
and improve G-Trade as follows:

1.  During Year One, Tools for Life revamped the G-Trade website in
    order to collect more accurate data from consumers and provide more
    information about devices listed. G-Trade now offers a photo
    feature. Rather than using the website only to create an initial
    contact between seller and buyer, the website was changed to require
    that the seller and buyer register and conduct their transaction
    using the website.

2.  During Year One, Tools for Life had several meetings with the
    Accessibility Plaza and other Medical Services Providers on a
    campaign to encourage the thousands of individuals with disabilities
    who have received durable medical equipment through these providers
    to recycle this equipment through G-Trade. During Year Two, Tools
    for Life will work with some of these providers to develop a method
    to attach a message to each piece of DME distributed that directs
    the consumer to contact FODAC or an ATRC when the DME no longer is
    needed. During Year Three, efforts will be made to educate and make
    aware professionals, vendors, and repair services who work with DME.
    This will increase the selection of equipment available through
    G-Trade.

**3. Friends of Disabled Adults and Children**

Tools for Life will continue to contract with Friends of Disabled Adults
and Children (FODAC) to develop the DME reutilization project. FODAC is
a statewide, collaborative program and has placed over 15,000 reutilized
wheelchairs with people. 

FODAC acquires the equipment, evaluates it, repairs it (if needed) and
distributes the equipment to people with disabilities.

FODAC will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the program,
as well as collect program data. They will accept applications for DME
and AT from a person with a disability, family members, advocates, or
service providers (e.g. Assistive Work Technologist, teacher,
rehabilitation counselor, occupational therapist, physical therapist
and/or speech therapist). FODAC applications can be obtained at each
ATRC, on line at www.fodac.org or by calling 770-491-9014.

FODAC works closely with the network of ATRCs to serve all Georgians,
regardless of the applicant's age, race, type of disability, income, or
location in the state. An application to receive equipment from FODAC
would only be denied is if the equipment requested is not currently in
the FODAC inventory or if the person has significantly violated the
program guidelines. FODAC will transfer the equipment to the ATRC that
is closest to the applicant or ship the equipment to any location in the
state. The participant is responsible for shipping costs. However, a
participant may choose to pick up the equipment from an ATRC or FODAC in
order to eliminate shipping fees.

Over the next two years, FODAC plans to develop relationships with DME
companies in order to provide a more complete DME and AT solution for
Georgians with disabilities. FODAC also plans to improve outreach
efforts to public school systems and independent living centers to
increase DME and AT acquisition in the educational environments and
community living environments.

During year one of this State Plan, Tools for Life worked with the
Advisory Council and ATRCs and utilize consumer and agency focus groups
to seek specific guidance on further development of these AT Device
Reutilization Programs. TFL participated in the first National AT Reuse
Conference held in Atlanta in May 2006. Many reuse programs shared best
practices in this area and TFL is incorporating some of these ideas into
G-Trade and ReBoot to provide the best AT programs to Georgians. In Year
Two, TFL will apply for one of the RSA AT Reuse Grants to increase
acquisition of AT in underserved areas of Georgia. Additionally, TFL
Town Hall participants emphasized their need for reused AT and DME. As a
result of these stated needs, TFL is contracting with Friends of
Disabled Adults and Children to increase access to reutilized AT and
DME. In Year Two, ReBoot-ATRC and the ATRCs will conduct a needs
analysis to identify gaps in AT reuse services in Georgia. This
information will be used in Year Three to increase reutilization of more
AT.

[5.3 Device Loan Program]{.underline} -- Describe how the State will
implement a device loan program as described in section 4(e) (2) (C) of
the Act.

The concept of consumer choice is woven throughout the TFL AT loan
library program. By allowing individuals with disabilities and
professionals to borrow AT devices, TFL offers Georgians an opportunity
to try out a device before they buy it and allows service providers to
assess clients with a specific device. It also meets the needs of
individuals with disabilities whose own devices are being repaired by
providing a loaner device.

Over the next three years, TFL will continue contracting ATRC services,
including AT loan libraries, AT device demonstration and computer/AT
device reutilization programs with the following entities:

-   Disability Connections -- Independent Living Center and ATRC,
    located in Macon, offers loan library services to Georgians in the
    central part of the state.

-   Friends of Disabled Adults and Children -- DME and AT Reuse Center,
    located in Stone Mountain, providing DME device loans, and training
    to Georgians throughout the state.

-   Tech-Able -- ATRC, located in Conyers, offers loan library services
    to Georgians in north and western parts of the state.

-   Touch the Future -- ReBoot and ATRC, located in Tucker, offers loan
    library services and device reutilization (through ReBoot) to
    Georgians in north and eastern parts of the state.

-   Walton Options -- Independent Living Center and ATRC, located in
    Augusta, offers loan library services to Georgians in the south and
    eastern parts of the state.

These entities have expertise in specific areas of disability, such as
vision, hearing loss, mobility, sensory, and cognitive disabilities,
which will ensure Tools for Life can meet the needs of individuals
regardless of their disability. The disability areas listed here are not
intended as limits, only examples of the most common incidence
disabilities served.

The ATRCs will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the AT
loan library, as well as collect program data. They will accept
applications for equipment loans from a person with a disability, family
members, advocates, or service providers (e.g. Assistive Technology
Practitioners, Assistive Work Technologist, teacher, rehabilitation
counselor, occupational therapist, physical therapist and/or speech
therapist). The network of ATRCs serves all Georgians, regardless of the
applicant's age, race, type of disability, income, or location in the
state. An AT loan is only denied when the device requested is not in
inventory or when the person requesting the loan has significantly
violated the guidelines of the AT Loan Library. If the device is
currently in inventory -- meaning one of the ATRCs has the device in its
inventory and it is not currently being loaned - the ATRC will ship that
device to any location in the state. The participant is responsible for
shipping costs. If the device is not in inventory, the requestor will be
put on a waiting list; or, if none of the partners has the device in its
inventory, the requestor will be referred to the appropriate vendor. The
ATRCs will also consider purchasing frequently requested AT devices that
are not in AT loan library inventory.

Some devices available for loan may require specialized support for use.
In these cases, the person requesting the loan will be asked to identify
who recommended the device and who will provide support during the loan
period. Support persons may include Assistive Technology Practitioners,
Assistive Work Technology staff, vocational rehabilitation counselors,
teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists,
physical therapists, home health staff, centers for independent living
staff, etc. The participant may request a maximum of three (3) devices
at any one time. The length of the device loan is two to four weeks with
the possibility of extension. Some ATRCs will charge a rental fee for
some items on a sliding scale. Rental fees will allow the ATRCs to
maintain the AT equipment in the AT loan library as needed. The
participants will pay for shipping costs. A participant may choose to
pick up and return the device from an ATRC in order to eliminate
shipping fees. The ATRCs will exchange devices from one location to
another, when convenient, so that a participant can pick up the device
at the nearest location to their home. Each of the ATRCs have similar AT
devices in their inventory, serve the same basic functions and perform
the same basic operations of their AT loan library as explained above.
However, each ATRC has areas of specific interest that promotes
specialization in a particular kind of AT or AT for a particular
disability type. This does not mean that all ATRCs do not serve all
clients; it simply means that each ATRC's loan library has a particular
type of equipment that they specialize in (examples: blind/low vision;
hearing; cognitive; learning; mobility).

Tools for Life is committed to increasing AT access. Tools for Life
believes that when individuals with disabilities, their families, and
service providers borrow AT devices and try them out in their natural
environments, they will learn more about what devices meet their needs
or the needs of those they are serving. This firsthand experience will
help them make informed choices about what device to purchase or whether
to purchase a device at all.

Over the next three years, TFL will grow the AT Loan Libraries by
strengthening its partnerships with the following agencies:

-   The Georgia Department of Labor, Department of Rehabilitation
    Services, to expand outreach for GDOL/RS/VR clients and increase
    awareness of AT and the program

-   Centers for Independent Living; to expand outreach for CIL clients
    and increase awareness of AT and the program

-   the Early Intervention Program, Babies Can't Wait; to expand
    outreach for Babies Can't Wait families, including assessment, and
    increase awareness of AT and the program

-   the Department of Aging Services, Disability and Aging Regional
    Centers; to expand outreach for Department of Aging Services
    clients, and increase awareness of AT and the program

Tools for Life will continue collaborating with the ATRCs to expand and
update the AT loan library program. The current loan libraries have over
4,000 devices and have made over 2,050 AT loans October 2004 through May
2005. If the loan library programs strengthened outreach to and buy-in
from the above agencies, our service capacity to Georgians with
disabilities across the lifespan would be greatly increased.

Tools for Life will also make AT loan library equipment available
statewide through the gatfl.org web site. Tools for Life will also work
on improving marketing of the AT Loan Libraries on its fully accessible
website, including this program in publications and include outreach
efforts to increase AT access in educational, workplace and community
living environments.

ReBoot and the ATRC has collaborated with disAbility Link to develop an
ATRC Satellite Center in Rome to provide AT Loan Library services in
this community. The other ATRCs have expressed an interest in learning
from the ATRC Satellite Center concept and explore the viability of
establishing similar relationships within their Service Regions in Year
Two of this State Plan. The TFL AC supports this concept also. TFL will
provide technical assistance to the ATRCs in researching and developing
satellite centers in their regions in order to provide more direct AT
services to Georgians with disabilities in their own communities.

The Tools for Life staff, ATRC staff, and TFL Advisory Council are
actively evaluating the program comprehensiveness with regard to type of
equipment and audiences reached to determine whether the program should
be modified. The State Plan will be amended at the end of Year Two to
describe the results of this evaluation and any actions taken to modify
the program to better serve Georgians.

In Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life worked with the TFL
Advisory Council, ATRCs and utilized consumer and agency focus groups to
seek specific guidance on the further development of the AT Loan
Library. Of the nine TFL Town Hall Meetings conducted in Year One, five
took place in communities where there is no AT Loan Library serving
Georgians of all ages and abilities. The TFL Town Hall participants in
these communities strongly expressed the need for AT Loan Libraries in
their community. TFL is actively discussing the possibility of
developing an AT Loan Library with the independent living centers in
each of these communities. In Year Two, TFL will work with the ATRCs,
the SILC and IL Centers to develop a plan for funding and implementing
an AT Loan Library in selected IL Centers. The AT Loan Library will
start operating within these IL Centers in Year Three.

[5.4 Device Demonstration Program]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will implement a device demonstration program as described in section
4(e) (2) (D) of the Act.

Over the next three years, TFL will continue to contract for ATRC
services, including the AT Device Demonstration Programs with the
following entities:

-   Disability Connections -- Independent Living Center and ATRC,
    located in Macon, providing device demonstrations and training to
    Georgians in the central part of the state.

-   Friends of Disabled Adults and Children -- DME and AT Reuse Center,
    located in Stone Mountain, providing DME device demonstrations, and
    training to Georgians throughout the state.

-   Tech-Able -- ATRC, located in Conyers, providing device
    demonstrations and training to Georgians in the north and eastern
    parts of the state.

-   Touch the Future -- ReBoot and ATRC, located in Tucker, providing
    device demonstrations, and training to Georgians in the north and
    western parts of the state.

-   Walton Options -- Independent Living Center and ATRC located in
    Augusta, providing device demonstrations, and training to Georgians
    in the south and eastern parts of the state.

These entities have expertise in various specific areas of disability,
such as sensory, learning, mobility, cognitive, and communication, which
will help to ensure Tools for Life can meet the needs of individuals
regardless of their type of disability.

The ATRCs will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the AT
Device Demonstration Program, as well as collect program data. They will
accept appointments for AT equipment demonstrations from a person with a
disability, family members, advocates, or service providers (e.g. ATP,
Assistive Work Technologist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor,
occupational therapist, physical therapist and/or speech therapist). The
network of ATRCs serves all Georgians, regardless of the age, race, type
of disability, income, or location in the state of the participant. The
only reason a request for AT demonstration is be denied is if the device
is not in inventory. The ATRCs will consider purchasing frequently
requested AT devices that are not in the inventory for the AT Device
Demonstration Program. The ATRCs will exchange devices from one location
to another, when convenient, so that a participant can have a device
demonstrated at the nearest location. Each of the ATRCs have similar AT
devices in their inventory, serve the same basic functions and perform
the same basic operations of their AT Device Demonstration Program as
explained above. However, each ATRC has areas of specific interest that
promotes some specialization in a particular kind of AT Device
Demonstration, according to the types of devices in their individual
libraries.

Tools for Life is committed to increasing AT access. TFL believes that
when individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals
are able to interact with AT devices through AT device demonstration,
they will learn more about what devices meet their needs or the needs of
those they are serving. This experience will help them make informed
choices about what device to purchase or whether to purchase a device at
all.

Over the next three years, TFL will continue to collaborate with the
ATRCs to expand the AT Device Demonstration Program by strengthening
partnerships with the following agencies:

-   the Georgia Department of Labor, Department of Rehabilitation
    Services; to increase knowledge and awareness of AT devices among
    GDOL/RS staff, VR counselors, and their clients

-   Centers for Independent Living; to increase knowledge and awareness
    of AT devices among CIL staff and clients

-   the Early Intervention Program, Babies Can't Wait; to increase
    knowledge and awareness of AT devices among Babies Can't Wait
    families and participants, and program staff

-   the Department of Aging Services, Disability and Aging Regional
    Centers; to increase knowledge and awareness of AT devices among
    Department of Aging Services staff and clients

ReBoot and the ATRC has collaborated with disAbility Link to develop an
ATRC Satellite Center in Rome to provide AT Device Demonstration
services in this community. The other ATRCs have expressed an interest
in learning from the ATRC Satellite Center concept and explore the
viability of establishing similar relationships within their Service
Regions in Year Two of this State Plan. The TFL AC supports this concept
also. TFL will provide technical assistance to the ATRCs in researching
and developing satellite centers in their regions in order to provide
more direct AT services to Georgians with disabilities in their own
communities.

The Tools for Life staff, ATRC staff, and TFL Advisory Council are
actively evaluating the comprehensiveness of the AT device demonstration
program with regard to type of equipment and audiences reached to
determine whether the program should be modified. The State Plan will be
amended at the end of Year Two to describe the results of this
evaluation and any actions taken to modify the program to better serve
Georgians.

In Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life worked with the TFL
Advisory Council, ATRCs, the SILC and utilize consumer and agency focus
groups to seek specific guidance on the further development of the AT
Device Demonstration Program. Of the nine TFL Town Hall Meetings
conducted in Year One, five took place in communities where there is no
AT Device Demonstration Program serving Georgians of all ages and
abilities. The TFL Town Hall participants in these communities strongly
expressed the need for AT Device Demonstration Programs in their
community. TFL is actively discussing the possibility of developing an
AT Device Demonstration Program with the independent living centers in
each of these communities. In Year Two, TFL will work with the ATRCs,
the SILC and IL Centers to develop a plan for funding and implementing
an AT Device Demonstration Program in IL Centers. The AT Device
Demonstration Program will start operating in these communities in Year
Three.

#### Attachment 6: Comparable Support

6.1 [Source and Amount of Support]{.underline} -- Identify the
State-level activity for which there is comparable support, the source
of this support, the amount of the support, and the project year for
which this support is being provided.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

6.2 Comparability -- Demonstrate that this support is comparable in
terms of funding and that the activities are comparable in terms of
scope.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

6.3 [Coordination and Collaboration]{.underline} -- Describe how the
State will coordinate activities and collaborate with the appropriate
entity, if the comparable funds are provided to, or the activities are
conducted by, an entity other than the Lead Agency or Implementing
Entity.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

Attachment 7: State Flexibility

7.1 Activity -- Identify each State-level activity the State is choosing
not to carry out.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

7.2 Maintenance [of Statewideness and Comprehensiveness]{.underline} --
Demonstrate that the Statewide AT Program will continue to be
comprehensive without conducting this activity.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

7.3 [Achievement of Measurable Goals]{.underline} - Demonstrate that the
State can reach its measurable education goals, employment goals,
telecommunications and information technology goals, and community
living goals without conducting such activities.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

7.4 [Coordination and Collaboration]{.underline} -- Describe how the
Lead Agency or Implementing Entity will coordinate activities and
collaborate with entities in the State that do conduct this activity, if
the State chooses not to conduct this activity because another entity
already conducts it.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

## Attachment 8: State Leadership Activities

8.1 [Training and Technical Assistance Activities]{.underline} --
Describe how the State will provide training and technical assistance to
enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of individuals from
local settings statewide, including representatives of State and local
educational agencies, other State and local agencies, early intervention
programs, adult service programs, hospitals and other health care
facilities, institutions of higher education and businesses as described
in section 4(e)(3)(B)(i) of the AT Act.

# Training 

During the three years of this State Plan, Tools for Life will continue
to develop a number of training modules targeted for specific audiences
and on specific topics, and anticipates delivering such trainings upon
request. These include:

-   [Training for education professionals]{.underline} (special
    education teachers, regular education teachers, post-secondary
    disability service providers, speech therapists, occupational and
    physical therapists). A number of training sessions have been
    developed for education professionals including:

    -   AT Strategies and Solutions for Students,

    -   AT Basics for Success in the Classroom,

    -   Know Your Rights and AT Solutions for High School/High Tech,

    -   Advocating for AT in Educational Environments,

    -   Public Access Solutions on Campus,

    -   Funding for Assistive Technology,

    -   AAC in the Classroom, and

    -   Specific training on AT devices and software.

These trainings are developed to include information about TFL programs,
AT resources and AT funding strategies. TFL staff will train educational
professionals on-site at a school or conference on request. Similar
training is provided to people with disabilities and parent groups. The
ATRCs also provide in-depth training to individuals on specific AT
devices and software for success in educational environments.

TFL also collaborates with the Georgia Department of Education and the
Georgia Project for Assistive Technology on a bi-annual conference
called "Touch the Future and Transition Conference" that conducts many
focused trainings on education and AT related topics. In Year One of
this plan, TFL researched the concept of developing an Alternative
Augmentative Communication Conference with an emphasis on AAC in
educational environments. It was determined that an AAC Track will be
added to the Workforce Development and Touch the Future -- Transition
Conference in 2006 to raise awareness of AAC and increase professional
skills of AAC in educational environments. If this is well attended and
stimulates interests, TFL will develop an AAC Conference.

[Training for employment professionals]{.underline}. (rehabilitation
counselors, rehabilitation employment specialist, assistive work
technology, career center staff, one-stop center staff, Benefits
Planning and Outreach staff and employers) A number of training sessions
have been developed for employment professionals including:

-   AT Strategies and Solutions for the Workplace,

-   AT Basics for Success in the Workplace,

-   Funding for Assistive Technology,

-   Public Access Solutions in Career Centers/One-Stops, and

-   Specific training on AT devices and software.

These trainings are developed to include information about TFL programs,
AT resources and AT funding strategies. Upon request, TFL staff will
train employment professionals on-site or at a conference. Similar
training is provided to people with disabilities, job clubs and support
groups. The ATRCs also provide in-depth training to individuals on
specific AT devices and software for success in employment environments.

TFL also collaborates with the Georgia Department of Labor on a
bi-annual conference called "Touch the Future and Transition Conference"
that conducts trainings and workshops on employment and AT-related
topics. In Year One of this plan, TFL researched the concept of
developing an Alternative Augmentative Communication Conference with an
emphasis on AAC in the workplace. It was determined that an AAC Track
will be added to the Workforce Development and Touch the Future --
Transition Conference in 2006 to raise awareness of AAC and increase
professional skills of AAC in workplace environments. If this is well
attended and stimulates interests, TFL will develop an AAC Conference.

-   [Training for Community Living professionals]{.underline} (centers
    for independent living staff, area agency on aging staff, public
    library staff, community recreational staff, Housing Authority
    staff, construction contractors, Medicaid waiver case managers,
    personal attendant providers, nursing home staff, speech therapists,
    occupational and physical therapists). A number of training sessions
    have been developed for the education of professionals including:

    -   AT Strategies and Solutions for Community Living,

    -   Creating Accessible Communities for Everyone,

    -   Aids for Daily Living,

    -   Successfully Navigating Medicaid Waiver Provisions for AT,

    -   Successfully using Medicaid provision for DME Assist Consumers
        in Nursing Homes Transitioning Out into the Community,

    -   Funding Sources and Strategies for Obtaining AT,

    -   Public Access Solutions, and

    -   Specific training on AT devices and software.

These trainings are developed to include information about TFL programs,
AT resources and AT funding strategies. Upon request, TFL staff will
train community living professionals on-site or at conferences. Similar
training is provided to people with disabilities and support groups. The
ATRCs also provide in-depth training to individuals on specific AT
devices and software for success in community living environments.

TFL also collaborates with some centers for independent living on a
bi-annual conference called "Touch the Future and Transition Conference"
that conducts a few focused trainings on community living and AT related
topics. In Year One of this plan, TFL researched the concept of
developing an Alternative Augmentative Communication Conference with an
emphasis on AAC in community living environments. It was determined that
an AAC Track will be added to the Workforce Development and Touch the
Future -- Transition Conference in 2006 to raise awareness of AAC and
increase professional skills of AAC in community living environments. If
this is well attended and stimulates interests, TFL will develop an AAC
Conference.

Tools for Life also will customize training for organizations that
request training on specific topics or for specific audiences.

In Year Two, TFL will collaborate with the GDOL's Workforce Development
Conference and other agencies/organizations on a bi-annual statewide AT
conference called "The Workforce Development and Touch the
Future/Transition Conference." This conference will be held in Athens,
Georgia in order to increase AT knowledge and skills throughout the
state. The conference will be open to the public and in the past has
been attended by a wide range of professionals, parents, and consumers
with disabilities. This conference will serve a dual role by providing
both public awareness and training, and will be geared to serve the
needs of experts and novices alike. At this conference:

-   AT vendors will display, demonstrate, and provide information about
    a wide range of devices to serve the needs of many types of
    disabilities;

-   Experts in areas such as education, recreation, vocational
    rehabilitation, and community living will provide training sessions
    on AT issues in their fields; and

-   Keynote speakers will provide updates on important AT practices,
    policies and legislation.

The TFL Town Hall participants strongly expressed the need for the
"Touch the Future and Transition Conference" to continue and to continue
to be held in different regions of the state.

# Technical Assistance

Because Tools for Life provides technical assistance (TA) to agencies
and organizations by request, it is difficult to predict the type of
technical assistance that will be provided during the three years of
this State Plan.

In Year One, Tools for Life has provided technical assistance such as
the following:

-   Assisted the University of Georgia's Institute for Human Development
    and Disability, Statewide Independent Living Council of GA., Inc and
    the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities with technical
    assistance on the Jobs for All customized employment grant
    initiative.

-   Tools for Life assisted the library system of Columbus by making its
    computer systems even more accessible to patrons. This involved an
    assessment of their needs, assistance with their procurement of new
    systems, installation of some new devices, and training for staff on
    using the systems.

-   Tools for Life provided guidance to Vocational Rehabilitation in
    development of assistive technology policies and procedures, and
    on-boarding and training new Assistive Work Technology staff.

-   Tools for Life provided review of web sites for accessibility of
    information to public and private partners such as the Department of
    Labor and credit unions participating in the Credit-Able AFP.

-   Tools for Life worked with AWT to provide assistance to the
    Department of Labor Career Centers in selecting and implementing
    appropriate information technologies so that all Career Centers can
    assist job seekers with disabilities.

TFL anticipates providing technical assistance in a similar manner over
the next three years. TFL will provide technical assistance to the ATRCs
in developing satellite centers in their regions in order to provide
more direct AT services to Georgians with disabilities in their own
communities.

# Transition

The AT Act requires that Tools for Life focus on training and technical
assistance for people with disabilities in transition from one
environment to another. This includes transition for students with
disabilities who are leaving high school for employment or
post-secondary education and transition for those entering or
maintaining community living. Over the next three years, TFL will
continue to collaborate with the Department of Education, Department of
Labor and Centers for Independent Living on a bi-annual statewide AT
conference called "Touch the Future and Transition Conference." This
conference will continue to act as a catalyst for increasing knowledge
and skills for assisting Georgians with disabilities through smooth
transitions from school to work, from school to college, or from
institutions to community living. Tools for Life will also continue and
expand its collaboration with the highly successful VR Program - High
School High Tech (HSHT) of the Department of Labor. Currently Tools for
Life has assisted with the annual HSHT Youth Leadership Forum to expose
high school students with disabilities to assistive technology devices
and resources. In Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life exposed
the HSHT State Leadership Team to educational adaptive software and
identify areas of AT-related training and technical assistance to assist
transitioning high school students. TFL will continue this AT-related
training and technical assistance in Year Two and Year Three.

The TFL staff and ATRC staffs have a combined team of four certified
Assistive Technology Practitioners through RESNA who provide one-on-one
technical assistance to individuals. These AT Professionals assist
students transitioning in educational environments with technical
assistance in the IEP process and individuals transitioning from nursing
homes into community living environments. These professionals provide
valuable information and in depth knowledge of AT solutions that create
opportunities in the community and can ultimately diminish some of the
need for costly personal attendant services. These activities will
continue over the next three years.

The Tools for Life staff, ATRC staff, and TFL Advisory Council are
actively evaluating the comprehensiveness of the Training and Technical
Assistance Activities with regard to the topics and audiences reached to
determine whether the activities should be modified. The State Plan will
be amended at the end of Year Two to describe the results of this
evaluation and any actions taken to modify the Training and Technical
Assistance Activities to better serve Georgians.

In Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life worked with the TFL
Advisory Council, ATRCs and utilize consumer and agency focus groups to
seek specific guidance on the further development of the Training and
Technical Assistance Activities. The TFL Town Hall participants that
represented various agencies expressed the need for to continue
providing technical assistance. In Year Two, TFL will provide technical
assistance to: the GDOL Career Centers in the selection of AT, AMAC to
develop stronger AT services in the College and University system, the
public library system to increase public access to services and the SILC
to develop a plan for funding and implementing AT services in IL
Centers. TFL anticipates providing technical assistance in a similar
manner in Year Three.

8.2 [Public Awareness Activities]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will provide information to targeted individuals and entities relating
to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services as described in
section 4(e)(3)(B)(ii) of the AT Act.

Over the next three years, Tools for Life will use a multifaceted
approach (mailings, Internet, exhibits, videos, presentations, and
trainings) to increase awareness about the benefits of assistive
technology devices and services, the types of AT devices and services
available, funding for AT devices and services, and policies related to
AT. Tools for Life will provide the following public awareness
activities:

**Information and Referral** -- The toll free Information line provides
free information and referral services on AT for people of all ages with
all disabilities. Family members, service providers and others who work
in disability- or AT- related fields may also use this service. Tools
for Life staff provides information to those who call on the
availability, benefits, appropriateness and cost of AT devices and
services. In addition, TFL staff mails AT resource and device
information to consumers to enhance their decision-making process. A
consumer satisfaction survey will be mailed to callers approximately six
months following the call to determine if they are satisfied with the
information provided or need additional information.

**[www.gatfl.org](http://www.gatfl.org/) Website -** The Tools for Life
website features in-depth information on the four state level activities
of the AT Act of 1998, as amended; a learning disabilities & AT guide;
the Dollars and Sense AT funding guide; IT access resources; information
and links to legislation; and AT information resources and links. The
website also provides an opportunity for individuals to contact Tools
for Life for feedback, information and referral, and listing "for sale"
items on the G-Trade AT Exchange.

**Training Materials and Publications -- Tools for Life has developed
and disseminated** training materials and publications that cover a
broad array of AT information for all types of audiences across the life
span. These materials will be provided free of charge on the web site
and are available in any requested alternative format.

**Touch the Future and Transition Statewide AT Conference** -- As
mentioned in item 8.1, Tools for Life will sponsor a bi-annual
conference that provides both training and public awareness. The Touch
the Future and Transition statewide conference provides training through
workshop sessions and demonstrations, available to all conference
participants. In year one of this plan, TFL will research the concept of
developing an Alternative Augmentative Communication Conference with an
emphasis on AAC in educational, employment and community living
environments.

**TFL Online News Briefs -- Tools for Life will develop and disseminate
the** TFL news brief both in hard copy and on the website on a quarterly
basis. Regular sections will:

-   include AT information on current events at TFL and the ATRCs;

-   highlight AT (discuss features of a specific AT device, variable
    each quarter);

-   website AT resources;

-   and will update federal and Georgia disability-related legislation.

The Tools for Life staff, ATRC staff, and Advisory Council are actively
evaluating the comprehensiveness of the Public Awareness Activities with
regard to the topics and audiences reached to determine whether the
activities should be modified. The State Plan will be amended at the end
of Year Two to describe the results of this evaluation and any actions
taken to modify the Public Awareness Activities to better serve
Georgians.

In Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life worked with the TFL
Advisory Council, ATRCs and utilize consumer and agency focus groups to
seek specific guidance on the further development of the Public
Awareness Activities. The TFL Town Hall participants expressed the need
for TFL to continue Public Awareness activities. Based on the feedback
from the Town Hall Meetings, TFL will redesign the TFL Newsletter to
provide access to those who do not have internet access. The TFL web
site will also be redesigned in Year Two to provide even more solutions.
TFL anticipates providing public awareness activities in a similar
manner in Year Three.

8.3 Coordination [and Collaboration]{.underline} -- Describe how the
State will coordinate activities among public and private entities that
are responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for the provision
of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to
individuals with disabilities, service providers, and others to improve
access to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
as described in section 4(e) (3) (B) (iii) of the AT Act.

Over the next three years, Tools for Life will continue to participate
in coordination and collaboration activities. Many times, coordination
and collaboration with public and private entities is based on emerging,
new, or changing policies and procedures, thus, it is difficult to
anticipate all of the coordination and collaboration activities that
Tools for Life will undertake during the three years of this State Plan.
Coordination and collaboration involved the proposal of new or changes
to current AT policies, providing input on proposed AT policies, and
analysis of the impact of current AT policies. TFL does this by
participating on task forces sponsored by state agencies, by being a
member of consumer groups, advocacy groups, and disability networks
throughout the state, and through independent efforts.

During Year One, TFL is collaborated and coordinated with many state and
local organizations some of which include:

-   The Regents' Centers for Learning Disabilities and the Georgia
    Association for Higher Education Access for people with Disabilities
    to develop E-Text legislation for post-secondary environments;

-   The Georgia Advocacy Office on recommendations for Medicaid waivers
    for AT for people with disabilities;

-   High School/High Tech, the State Rehabilitation Council, Tech Corps,
    ReBoot and the ATRC, in developing a plan for all High School/High
    Tech Students to receive computers for them to use in their home.

-   The Vocational Rehabilitation Program and Assistive Work Technology
    about AT policies and procedures;

-   The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund, Tech-Able, and the
    Department of Community Affairs on policies and procedures
    concerning the provision of loan guarantees to purchase assistive
    technology;

-   The Georgia Micro Enterprise Network and other groups on possible
    re-introduction of legislation to establish Individual Development
    Accounts (IDAs) that would include IDA savings accounts for
    assistive technology.

-   The Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Assistive Work Technology,
    and the ATRC's in working with individuals as they strive to
    accomplish their educational and employment goals.

-   The University of Georgia - Institute on Human Development and
    Disability, Regional Extension Agents, Vocational Rehabilitation
    Counselors, Assistive Work Technology staff and the ATRCs to assist
    individuals with disabilities obtain employment or retain employment
    in the agribusiness field through the AgrAbility Grant.

-   The Georgia Department of Labor, Career Center staff and Assistive
    Work Technology staff in identifying, selecting, setting up AT in
    every Career Center and training staff on the AT.

-   The Department of Technical Adult Education, UGA's Alternative Media
    Access Center, Assistive Work Technology staff and Georgia
    University and College Disability Student Service Providers with
    public access issues on campuses.

-   The Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program,
    Department of Education, Department of Human Resources, Department
    of Developmental Disabilities, the University of Georgia - Institute
    on Human Development and Disability, Jobs for All, the Georgia State
    ADA Office, the Georgia Advocacy Office and the Governor's Council
    on Developmental Disabilities on developing and promoting an
    interagency "Employment First" policy that supports individuals with
    disabilities in accomplishing their goals to obtain gainful
    employment with the support of AT, if needed.

In Year One of this State Plan, Tools for Life worked with the TFL
Advisory Council, ATRCs and utilize consumer and agency focus groups to
seek specific guidance on the further development of the Coordination
and Collaboration Activities. The TFL Town Hall participants expressed
the need for TFL to continue Coordination and Collaboration activities.
Based on the feedback from the Town Hall Meetings, TFL anticipates
providing Coordination and Collaboration activities in a similar manner
in Year Two and Year Three of this State Plan. The Tools for Life staff,
ATRC staff, and Advisory Council will annually evaluate the
comprehensiveness of the Coordination and Collaboration Activities to
determine whether the activities should be modified.

Attachment 9: Involvement of Public and Private Entities

9.1 Nature [and Extent of Resources]{.underline} -- Describe the nature
and extent of resources that will be committed by public and private
collaborators to assist in accomplishing identified goals.

Over the next three years, as described in attachment 5, Tools for Life
will continue to contract for ATRC services, including the AT loan
library, AT Device Demonstration Program and Computer/AT Reutilization
Program with the following entities:

-   Disability Connections -- Independent Living Center and ATRC,
    located in Macon, providing loan library services, device
    demonstration services, assessment, and training.

-   Friends of Disabled Adults and Children -- DME and AT Reuse Center,
    located in Stone Mountain, providing DME device demonstrations, DME
    loans and training to Georgians throughout the state.

-   Tech-Able -- ATRC, located in Conyers, providing loan library
    services, device demonstration services, assessment, and training.

-   Touch the Future -- ReBoot and ATRC, located in Tucker, providing
    assessment, loan library services, device demonstration services,
    device training, and device reutilization services.

-   Walton Options -- Independent Living Center and ATRC, located in
    Augusta, providing loan library services, device demonstration
    services, assessment, and training.

Each of these partners will provide storage space for AT devices and
computer equipment as an in-kind contribution. They will also provide
general administrative support to the program such as additional staff
salary, travel, training costs, office supplies, telephone, printing,
postage, as in-kind contributions. Volunteer labor and community funding
are also garnered and coordinated to assist in the accomplishing of
identified goals. Additionally, each center conducts various activities
on an as-needed basis to develop additional supports for these
activities.

9.2 Mechanisms [to Ensure Coordination]{.underline} -- Describe the
mechanisms established to ensure coordination of activities and
collaboration between the implementing entity, if any, and the State.

**[Not applicable]{.underline}**

9.3 Involvement [of State Advisory Council]{.underline} -- Describe the
nature and extent of the involvement of the State Advisory Council in
the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the activities carried
out through the grant, including setting the measurable goals required
in section 4(d) (3).

The TFL Advisory Council met three times before the submittal of this
plan in order review the AT Act of 1998 as amended, to set general
goals, to establish objectives and to provide advice on how activities
are to be carried out. Using consumer and agency focus groups to seek
specific guidance on developing Tools for Life's program further,
researching the concept of developing an AT Co-Op (attachment 5.1),
researching the development of an AAC conference and focusing TFL's
marketing strategy on targeted populations in education, employment and
community living in order to accomplish the goals of this State are all
directly based on the suggestions of the TFL Advisory Council and other
stakeholders involved in planning.

The TFL Advisory Council will meet on a quarterly basis to evaluate
progress toward established goals and to offer suggestions for
improvement and change. Measurable goals contained in this plan will be
reviewed and evaluated on a quarterly basis and any adjustments
necessary will be made in response to and under the guidance of the TFL
Advisory Council.

Attachment 10: State Support

10.1 State [Support for State-level Activities]{.underline} -- If
applicable, describe how the State will support with State funds any
State-level activities described in section 4(e) (2).

It is anticipated that each year, the Department of Labor will include
funds in its budget that will be provided to TFL for the ATRCs and
ReBoot that is appropriated by the Georgia Legislature. These funds will
be provided to TFL for the ATRCs and ReBoot to support the AT loan
library Programs, AT Device Demonstration Programs and AT
Device/Computer Reutilization activities by covering AT equipment
purchases, AT equipment maintenance, portions of salaries, as well as
travel expenses for staff working on these activities. Additionally, the
Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation program, will continue to
pass through to Tools for Life approved state budget funds appropriated
specifically for the ATRCs and ReBoot. These funds are earmarked for AT
loan library programs, AT device demonstration programs, and AT
device/computer reutilization programs. However, this funding is
available based on the appropriation of state funds and is not
guaranteed.

It is anticipated that each year, depending on performance outcomes, the
Credit-Able program may apply and be considered for additional
distributions for Credit-Able loan guarantees from the Brain and Spinal
Injury Trust Fund Commission for people eligible for specific Trust Fund
distributions. Matching federal funds for any distribution may be used
to support loan guarantees of other non Trust-Fund eligible applicants
to ensure that Credit-Able does not discriminate on the basis of
disability, as required by the AT Act of 2004.

10.2 [State Support for State Leadership Activities]{.underline} -- If
applicable, describe how the State will support with State funds any
State Leadership activities described in section 4(e)(3), if applicable.

It is anticipated that each year, the Department of Labor will include
funds in its budget that will be provided to TFL. These funds will
support training and technical assistance activities by covering at
least a portion of salaries, fringe benefits, and travel expenses for
Tools for Life staff. The Department of Labor will continue to provide
routine administrative support such as office rent, utilities,
management support, and land line and computer technical assistance at
no cost to the project

## Attachment 11: Allocation and Utilization of Funds

11.1 Tracking [Expenditures]{.underline} -- Describe planned procedures
for tracking expenditures for activities described in sections 4(e) (2)
and (3).

The Georgia Department of Labor assigns all departments a specific "Cost
Center" code as well as clear budget line items to record and track
income and expenditures. This elaborate coding system has been developed
by GDOL to enable detailed accounting by Cost Center "Project,"
"Activity," year and type of expenditure. TFL will track income and
expenditures for State Level and State Leadership Activities under this
grant and will code expenditures accordingly. At any time, a report can
be obtained to monitor expenditures to assure that TFL is in compliance
with the percentages and budget amounts as per the State Plan. The TFL
Director will monitor staff requests for expenditures based upon the
approved grant plan and proposed budget allocations. Additionally, the
AT Unit Manager will review procurement requests before approval to
assure that all expenditures are made in accordance to the proposed
budget as approved by RSA and in accordance with GDOL procurement
policies.

11.2 [Proposed Budget Allocations]{.underline} -- Attach a budget
containing proposed allocations for activities described in sections
4(e)(2) and (3).

The following are proposed budget allocations for State Leadership and
State Level Activities for Year 2 of the project.

**Proposed Distribution Total Award Amount**

**Allocation Year 1 Year 2**

**[\$444,411 \$469,294]{.underline}**

State Level 61% \$271,100 \$286,270

State Leadership 39% \$173,311 \$183,024

*Leadership Activities 95% (of 39%) \$164,654 93% \$170,213*

*Transition 5% (of 39%) \$ 8,667 7% \$12,811*

**TOTAL** **[\$444,411 \$469,294]{.underline}**

Within the above budget, Tools for Life proposes to apportion funds for
specific activities in the following manner. However, these numbers
reflect a proposal only, and will serve as an estimate only for Year 2
and Year 3 of this State Plan. The Lead Agency, Georgia Department of
Labor, is currently taking indirect costs for Tools for Life, and this
situation is expected to continue through Years 2 and 3.

**State Level Activities** **Proposed Allocation**

**Year 1 Year 2**

State Financing Activities \$20,000 \$30,000

Device Reutilization Program \$50,220 \$65,000

Device Loan Program \$100,440 \$95,635

Device Demonstration Program \$100,440 \$95,635

**State Leadership Activities Proposed Allocation**

**Year 1 Year 2**

Training and Technical Assistance Activities \$98,401 \$117,000

Transition \$ 8,667 \$12,811

Public Awareness Activities \$59,043 \$45,013

Coordination and Collaboration \$7,200 \$8,200