**Fiscal Year 2006 Updates and Amendments to the Puerto Rico State Plan
for Assistive Technology**

##### Part I: Attachments

OMB Control Number: 1820-0664

Expiration Date: 10/31/2008

Attachment 1: Basic Information

Name of Lead Agency: University of Puerto Rico

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Lead Agency: Puerto
Rico Assistive Technology Program (PRATP), FILIUS Institute, UPR Central
Administration

Address of Lead Agency: 1187 Calle Flamboyán, Jardín Botánico Sur, San
Juan, Puerto Rico 00926-1117

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency: Dr. Nicolás
Linares

Address for Certifying Representative: 1187 Calle Flamboyán, Jardín
Botánico Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926-1117

Telephone for Certifying Representative: 787-766-2156

E-mail for Certifying Representative: nlin@tld.net

Name and Title of Program Director: María I. Miranda, M.A.

Address for Program Director: 1187 Calle Flamboyán, Jardín Botánico Sur,
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926-1117

Telephone for Program Director: 1-888-633-6035 / 787-767-8642

E-mail for Program Director: mariamiranda@pratp.upr.edu

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):

Address for Program Director:

Telephone for Program Director:

E-mail for Program Director:

Name of Implementing Entity:

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Implementing Entity:

Address of Implementing Entity:

Name and Title of Program Director:

Address for Program Director:

Telephone for Program Director:

E-mail for Program Director:

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):

Address for Program Director:

Telephone for Program Director:

E-mail for Program Director:

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 AT Act.

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

In 1993 the governor of Puerto Rico designated the local Department of
Education (DE) to serve as the Lead Agency accountable for administering
the funds awarded under the Technology Related Assistance Act to develop
a Statewide AT Program responsible for making AT available and
accessible to persons with disabilities of all ages in Puerto Rico
through systems change. The DE subcontracted the University of Puerto
Rico to look over all aspects related to the implementation of an
Island-wide program to meet the AT needs of persons with disabilities in
Puerto Rico. In order to carry out all activities under the federal law,
the Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program (PRATP) was created within
the university administrative structure. In 1996 the University of
Puerto Rico was assigned as the Lead Agency to continue the task for
systems change.

The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) will continue to be the Lead Agency
responsible for controlling and administering the funds made available
through the grant awarded to the State under section 4 of the AT Act.
The Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program (PRATP) at the FILIUS
Institute of the Central Administration of the UPR will be the entity
within the lead agency responsible for carrying out State activities
under section 4 (c)(1)(B) of the AT Act. PRATP was instituted in Puerto
Rico in 1993. Since then, PRATP has established working relationships
with many public and private entities which have resulted in an increase
in the number and quality of AT services that are available for citizens
with disabilities Island-wide. PRATP participates in the evaluation of
all local disability related legislation to ensure assistive technology
is taken into consideration and included in each legislative piece. This
allows PRATP to be actively involved in every aspect and decision making
process related to AT services throughout the Island. Also, through
legislation, PRATP has been able to secure local funding which has
served to greatly increase the number and quality of services provided
by the Program.

Special interest has been placed by PRATP on increasing the knowledge
and skill level of those involved in providing services for persons with
disabilities at all levels of the service delivery system. This has been
accomplished through training and technical assistance for individuals
and entities and through a Certification Program for Spanish speaking
professionals. PRATP provides training to over 5,000 individuals and
certifies 50 professionals each year.

The credibility of the Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program has been
established by ensuring high standards in the provision of information,
training, technical assistance and evaluation services. PRATP staff has
over 230 collective years of AT and disability related experience
providing a wide range of quality services for persons with disabilities
of all ages and for the community in general. All personnel maintain a
very high level of proficiency on all matters related to their
respective areas of expertise. Four staff members hold certifications
from accredited entities in the US and two of them hold Assistive
Technology Practitioner (ATP) credentials from the Rehabilitation
Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

> 2.1B [Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an
> Implementing Entity is Designated]{.underline}
>
> An implementing entity has not been designated

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.

> An implementing entity has not been designated

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.

There has been no redesignation on behalf of the government of Puerto
Rico of the Lead Agency.

Attachment 3: State Advisory Council

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 State Advisory Council will provide consumer-responsive,
consumer-driven advice to the State for the planning of, implementation
of, and evaluation of the activities that will be carried out over the
three years of this State Plan for AT.

The twelve members that are part of this Council represent the diverse
needs of the AT stakeholders around the Island, including consumers and
their families and state agency representatives. Most members are from
the metropolitan area because of the high concentration of the general
population that resides in this area. Because of the social and cultural
background of Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico, race and ethnic
considerations are not as noticeable as in many states in the Mainland.
Nevertheless, the State Advisory Council was constituted without regards
to the gender, color, race, ethnic background or condition of the
participants. \>Eight of the twelve members (66%) of the State Advisory
Council are either individuals with disabilities who use AT or family
members of individuals with disabilities. The composition of the Council
is as follows:

> Emilio Gándara
>
> Individual with a disability who uses AT
>
> Yelitza Cruz Jiménez
>
> Family member of individual with disabilities
>
> Cármen Sellés de Vilá
>
> Family member of individual with disabilities
>
> Rosa Espinal
>
> Family member of individual with disabilities
>
> Loyda López Rosario
>
> Family member of individual with disabilities
>
> Migdalia Rivera Sanjurgo
>
> Family member of individual with disabilities
>
> Evelyn Martínez
>
> State Agency -- Vocational Rehabilitation Administration
>
> Individual with a disability who uses AT
>
> José Raúl Ocasio
>
> State agency - Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities
>
> Individual with a disability who uses AT
>
> Celia Cintrón
>
> State Agency -- State Council for Work Force Investment
>
> Alice Vega
>
> State Agency -- Department of Education
>
> Maritza Santiago González
>
> State Agency -- Department of Health
>
> Carmen Avilés
>
> State Center for Independent Living

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

The Advisory Council is composed of consumers, family members and agency
representatives. Consumers and family members were selected through
referrals by interested parties and by entities that provide services to
persons with disabilities in Puerto Rico. Agency representatives were
appointed by their respective agencies. PRATP used various methods such
as a notification on the web site and letters to community based
organizations and agencies to announce the need to recruit persons with
knowledge on disability and assistive technology to establish a State
Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council is constituted by a president, vice president,
secretary and one vocal elected by the council members through
parliamentary process. The president leads the Council and is
responsible for seeing that the established procedures for group
discussions are adhered to. Nevertheless, the president shares his
leadership with all council members to ensure their full participation
on all matters related to the establishment of the State Plan for AT in
Puerto Rico. In the absence of the president, the vice president assumes
the full responsibilities of the presidency for the duration of the
absence. At the discretion of the president, council decisions are made
either through consensus or by member vote. In order for Council members
to make informed decisions on AT related issues, external resources may
be invited to provide information on latest trends related to the topic
in discussion. Also, PRATP staff provides updates to the Council on the
activities of the Program, share recent data related to the Program
initiatives, and present any planed initiatives or activities for their
input. The Council secretary keeps minutes on each meeting which are
read at the beginning of the next meeting to serve as the basis for
discussion and to ensure that all matters are taken care of.

The Council meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues related to the
implementation and evaluation of activities under the State Plan for AT.
Members are able to meet each month because distances between meeting
points do not represent a significant barrier for traveling within
Puerto Rico.

PRATP personnel assists the Advisory Council in making room arrangements
for the meetings and provides support in the development and
reproduction of informational material, including alternate formats, to
be handed out to Council members. PRATP also ensures the accessibility
of the meeting site when moving the meeting to other locations in the
Island.

## Attachment 4: Measurable Goals 

PRATP will establish a baseline for each goal during Year Two, and will
then submit 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 for AT. The baseline will be established by
using a data collection instrument and procedures to be determined by
the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

For a better understanding of attachments 4 and 5, the term 'targeted
individuals and entities\' means: (as defined in the Improving Access to
Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004)

> \(A\) individuals with disabilities of all ages and their family
> members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives;
>
> \(B\) underrepresented populations, including the aging workforce;
>
> \(C\) individuals who work for public or private entities (including
> centers for independent living described in part C of title VII of the
> Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.), insurers, or
> managed care providers) that have contact with individuals with
> disabilities;
>
> \(D\) educators at all levels (including providers of early
> intervention services, elementary schools, secondary schools,
> community colleges, and vocational and other institutions of higher
> education) and related services personnel;
>
> \(E\) technology experts (including web designers and procurement
> officials);
>
> \(F\) health, allied health, and rehabilitation professionals and
> hospital employees (including discharge planners);
>
> \(G\) employers, especially small business employers, and providers of
> employment and training services;
>
> \(H\) entities that manufacture or sell assistive technology devices;
>
> \(I\) policymakers and service providers;
>
> \(J\) entities that carry out community programs designed to develop
> essential community services in rural and urban areas, including
> AgrAbility projects, Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs,
> Community Development Financial Institution Fund programs, and other
> rural and urban programs; and
>
> \(K\) other appropriate individuals and entities, as determined for a
> State by the State advisory council.

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]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who access device
        demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and make a
        decision about an AT device or service for educational purposes
        as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 1:** N/A data collection 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]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who access device
        demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and make a
        decision about an AT device or service for employment purposes
        as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 1:** N/A data collection 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]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who access device
        demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and make a
        decision about an AT device or service for community living
        purposes as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 1:** N/A data collection 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]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who access device
        demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and make a
        decision about an AT device or service for IT and
        Telecommunications purposes as a result of the assistance they
        received.

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

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Education

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-   **Long-term goal:**

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 3**:

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 2:** Establish
        **[baseline]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who could not have otherwise
        obtained an AT device or service for educational purposes and
        who obtain such device or service as a result of accessing State
        financing or reutilization programs.

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

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Employment

-   **Long-term goal:**

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 3:**

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 2:** Establish
        **[baseline]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who could not have otherwise
        obtained an AT device or service for employment purposes and who
        obtain such device or service as a result of accessing State
        financing or reutilization programs.

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

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Community Living

-   **Long-term goal:**

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 3:**

    -   **Short-term goal for Year 2:** Establish
        **[baseline]{.underline}** of the percent of appropriate
        targeted individuals and entities who could not have otherwise
        obtained an AT device or service for community living purposes
        and who obtain such device or service as a result of accessing
        State financing or reutilization programs.

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

    1.  Additional Measurable Goals \-- 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.

#### No additional measurable goals will be set. 

#### Attachment 5: State-level Activities

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 three years of this State Plan PRATP will conduct two state
financing activities: (1) a feasibility study to determine which
alternative financing system is better suited for consumers in Puerto
Rico and how to implement it, and (2) a low cost device design and
development program.

> **1. Feasibility Study:** Many persons with disabilities in Puerto
> Rico are dependent on services provided by government agencies such as
> the Departments of Health and Education, and the Vocational
> Rehabilitation Administration. The unemployment rate within this
> community is very high and access to AT devices or services is very
> limited through MEDICARE or health insurance policies. In the past,
> financing activities established by local banking entities were not
> successful in providing lower rate loans to persons with disabilities
> under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) mainly because of two
> reasons: a) eligibility requirements were so restrictive that most
> potential consumers did not qualify for it, and b) even the lowest
> rate provided under these programs (at the time) was too high for
> potential consumers.
>
> The creation of a consumer-responsive program requires the assessment
> of several areas related to the development of an alternative
> financing system, among others:

-   identify consumer needs and preferences regarding funding for AT

-   assess the estimated need for and the impact of an alternative
    financing program

-   estimate whether a real demand for such program exists

-   identify who the stakeholders for the program would be

-   identify the community based organizations that should be involved
    and estimate the level of community support available.

> Due to the many tasks that needed to be coordinated to meet the
> requirements under the ATA 2004 and the added requirements
> contemplated under local Law 264, the activities designed to conduct
> the feasibility study did not commence until the month of February
> 2006. Therefore, the study will be completed during year 2 of the
> State Plan with an expected end date of early February 2007 in
> conformity with the one year limitation established by Law.
>
> During year one of the State Plan, PRATP developed two assessment
> instruments (one for consumers and one for services providers) to
> identify needs and preferences regarding the development of an
> alternative financing system in Puerto Rico. An initial survey within
> consumer and service provider groups was conducted in order to
> determine which alternative financing system provides a real and
> accessible alternative for persons with disabilities to obtain AT
> devices or services in Puerto Rico, and to determine the specific
> characteristics that such system should have for it to become an
> appropriate alternative in the Island.
>
> During Year 2 of the State Plan, this initial survey will be extended
> to include sample groups that are representative of the diverse
> consumer population in the Island. To complete the feasibility study,
> during Year 2 of the State Plan PRATP will conduct a survey of
> potential partners and available resources for the development of the
> alternative financing system. Meetings with financing organizations
> will then be coordinated in order to identify a system that will not
> only address the identified needs of the consumers and their families
> but will also be accessible to the target population, particularly in
> terms of income and other eligibility requirements.
>
> The capacity of the State to carry-on the program will be the last
> component included in the feasibility study. As a result of the study
> PRATP will have: a) information on the consumers' demand for the
> program, b) the availability of mechanisms to meet this demand, and c)
> the capacity of the State to implement such mechanism and to get
> consumers to use the program in a successful manner. After the
> feasibility study is completed, an amendment will be submitted to the
> Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to establish the
> alternative financing activity or activities that will take place
> during Year 3 and subsequent years of the program.
>
> **2. Low cost device design and development program:** The design and
> development of high-tech/low-cost AT devices has been a small-scale
> initiative in Puerto Rico since 1997, addressing needs in the areas of
> education, employment, recreation, independent living, mobility, etc.
> The activities carried out under this initiative allowed PRATP to
> increase accessibility to AT devices in three main scenarios:

-   Scenario 1: The AT device needed does not exist in the market: In
    this scenario PRATP works with the consumer towards the design and
    development of a new AT device to satisfy the particular needs of
    individual with disabilities (i.e. development of a head-controlled
    Playstation® system for a quadriplegic child).

-   Scenario 2: The AT device exists in the market but it must be
    modified in order to make it usable by the consumer (i.e. adapt an
    electric feeder controller to be used by single switch).

-   Scenario 3: The AT device exists in the market but its cost is too
    high to be accessible by Puerto Rican consumers and the device
    cannot be obtained otherwise. In this case the adaptation is
    intended to target the functionality of the original device but with
    a different design, NOT with a reverse engineering approach
    (duplicating the actual device), therefore preventing intellectual
    property issues. (i.e. adapt a \$70 voice activated environmental
    control system to provide the functionality of the products
    available in the AT market which range from \$800 to over \$4,000).

> During Year 1, an initial AT Development Team (ATDT) was created and
> began receiving referrals of technology needs from local AT evaluation
> centers and health related professionals statewide. The ATDT was able
> to fulfill 100% of the low cost technology adaptations requested
> while, at the same time, developing and testing the basic
> infrastructure needed to provide such services and assess their
> impact. Members of this "pilot" team included an assistive technology
> provider (ATP), a mechanical engineer, a speech therapist and a
> special education teacher.
>
> During the remaining years of this State Plan, the ATDT will be
> expanded to include specialists in the fields of assistive technology,
> engineering, rehabilitation technology, electronics, robotics and
> human factors engineering. Students in these fields, as well as
> students in professions related to persons with disabilities,
> participated on the development teams during Year 1 and will continue
> to participate in subsequent years under the guidance and supervision
> of the specialists mentioned above.
>
> The ATDT design and development process proposed for Year 1 of the
> State Plan proved to be useful for all the low cost devices developed
> so far and thus will continue to be used during subsequent years. The
> process is comprised of the following 4 stages:

-   **Stage 1** - Upon receiving a request for a device the ATDT
    searches the available databases to assess whether a commercially
    available device satisfies the consumer needs and whether such
    technology is accessible to the individual. If the appropriate
    device falls under any of the 3 Scenarios detailed above, then the
    ATDT determines how viable and cost-effective would be to design and
    develop such device. If viable, the request goes to the next stage.

-   **Stage 2** - The ATDT designs and presents a potential solution to
    the consumer, including information regarding functional
    characteristics of the intended device (what it can and cannot do),
    how it compares to devices available in the market (if comparable
    devices exist). estimated cost of materials and estimated time to
    project completion.

-   **Stage 3** - Upon approval of the proposed solution and the
    provision of materials by the consumer, the device is designed,
    created, beta-tested and refined to its final version.

-   **Stage 4** - The device is installed, configured (if necessary) and
    finally given to the consumer along with user instructions and
    appropriate training. A report is then filed for each completed
    device and consumer served.

> The low cost design and development program allows consumers to obtain
> functional AT solutions mimicking those of devices that could not be
> acquired otherwise. PRATP provides the design and development
> services, as well as the installation, configuration and training on
> the use of the adapted devices. In most cases, the intended consumer
> provides all equipment and materials needed for the construction of
> the device.
>
> The ATDT also led design teams of mechanical, electrical and computer
> engineering students and faculty at local universities for the
> development of complex technologies that are beyond the design and
> manufacturing capabilities of the program. On the other hand, for
> simpler technologies, generic designs using extremely low cost
> materials and easy to find components were developed in order to
> coordinate workshops were consumers, family members, guardians,
> teachers and service providers can directly build and take home
> technologies to address their particular needs (including adaptive
> switches, basic environmental controls, computer access interfaces,
> etc.). Information regarding cost comparison of each adapted device
> with the market version of its closest match (when available) was
> gathered in order to track the financial impact of the low cost
> solutions provided. During Year 2, PRATP will work to expand the
> services provided by the ATDT initiative to more consumers around the
> Island, particularly in rural areas.
>
> Aside from the viability analysis for building a particular
> technology, the services provided by the ATDT don't have any
> eligibility requirement regarding type of technology, type of
> disability, age, income level or geographical location. During Year 1,
> information regarding the availability of the ATDT program began to be
> distributed State-wide through the training and technical support
> activities carried out by PRATP. Starting on Year 2, the information
> will also be distributed through PRATP's website.

**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.**

Over the three years of this State Plan PRATP will use federal funds to
provide support to a device reutilization program that is currently
being developed under local law 264 (which establishes the creation of
an AT device reutilization program). These funds will be used to
supplement and not supplant funds available through local legislation.

During the first year of the State Plan, PRATP initiated an awareness
program (newsletters, communications via internet, presentations) to
inform consumers and disability related organizations about how the
device reutilization program is being implemented in Puerto Rico and how
it will function once the online AT Ads is fully operational. During
this period PRATP also created lists of devices identified for reuse
which were sent throughout PRATPs online network of consumers and
service providers. This resulted in 21 completed device reutilization
transactions for this period. PRATP also developed the infrastructure
(development of service request forms, programming, electronic
accessibility) for an accessible online database where individuals may
list assistive technology items to buy, sell, donate or express a need
for a specific device. This project named *"Clasificado Virtual de AT"*
(Online AT Ads) will be hosted at PRATP's fully accessible web page
during year 2 of the State Plan. For individuals without Internet
access, a toll-free number is available to contact a project staff
person to either post a device on the database or to request a search of
available devices based on the consumer needs. Persons interested in
buying, selling, donating, or receiving items through the *Online AT Ads
Page* will create a personal account in order to have access to the *Ads
Section*. After creating the account the user will be required to read
the [Terms & Conditions of
Use](http://astraeus.hpcf.upr.edu/~daniel/at/index.php?leng=en&father=3&key=agreement)
and accept them to continue. Once acceptance of the terms is made the
user will have access to a choice menu to determine the action to be
taken: donate, sell, buy or receive donation. After selecting a specific
action the individual will follow simple questions that will guide the
process.

If a person is placing an ad to sell a device, a full description of the
device will be required along with a general statement about the
condition of such device and a suggested price. If a person wants to
browse the ads section to determine if a device may be appropriate for
his or her needs, he or she may do so by accessing the available
categories (AAC, daily living, sensory, etc) or by performing a keyword
search. When an item is selected, the user will have access to a
description of the device, a statement on its condition, a photograph,
the suggested price, an ID code for the particular device and a link to
request the complete contact information. This link will access an
on-line form were the buyer enters personal information including:

-   Contac name, address, telephone number, e-mail

-   Profile of the person with disabilities for whom the device is
    intended

    -   Name, age, type of disability, intended use of the device

    -   Domain (education, employment, etc.) for which the device is
        required

-   Information regarding whether the buyer has made attempts to acquire
    the device through any other means.

    -   Reason for requesting a device through a reuse program rather
        than a local supplier or through agencies

After all required fields of this form are completed, the buyer clicks a
submit button and the information is sent to PRATP along with the ID
code for the device being requested. The buyer will then have access to
the complete device file which would now include the name, phone number
and e-mail of the seller. Direct contact between the buyer and the
seller will then take place for all information requests and
transactions. If the person is placing a "wanted" ad to request a device
that is not available in the ads section, he or she will follow a
similar procedure than the one used for posting any other ad; contact
information of the person posting a "device wanted" ad will be available
to a seller only after completion the form needed by PRATP for data
gathering.

> The Ads for devices being sold or donated will be posted for a 60 day
> period. A week before the deadline an e-mail will be sent to the
> seller in order to determine whether the equipment was actually
> transferred or not. If the device was sold or donated then information
> will be gathered regarding the transaction details, particularly final
> price and person who acquired the equipment. If the device has not
> been transferred, then the seller will have the option of re-posting
> the item for another 60 day period and to make desired adjustments to
> the ad (e.g. revise asking price).
>
> PRATP will not guarantee or assume liability for the condition or
> maintenance of the equipment identified through this program or any
> legal responsibility that may result between the transactions of
> buyers and the sellers. PRATP will operate only as a resource to link
> equipment with prospective users.

The Online AT Ads will provide a means through which individuals with
disabilities may obtain AT devices at a low cost and without the burden
of meeting eligibility criteria, extended waiting periods, etc. Also,
consumers will have access to devices and equipment that may not be
provided by local government agencies or other funding sources. Overall
the advertisement program will promote the reuse of devices no longer
needed (unused) by others, increase the availability of assistive
technology Island-wide, and allow consumer involvement in the selection
of appropriate AT devices.

Over the three years of this State Plan, the Puerto Rico Assistive
Technology Program (PRATP) will work to expand and improve the services
provided by the Online AT Ads in several areas. During year 1 procedures
were initiated to link the Online AT Ads to government agencies through
their web pages in order to increase awareness on the reutilization of
AT equipment. During year 2, and subsequently, PRATP will:

a)  Expand the awareness campaign to encourage citizens to reuse AT
    devices and equipment

b)  Assess the viability of providing donation certifications for tax
    deductions in Puerto Rico as a way to encourage the donation of
    unused AT devices.

c)  Assess the viability of charging a posting fee for access to the AT
    Online Ads page as a way to make this initiative self-sustainable.
    Procedures will be developed for waiving such fees for cases of
    proven economical necessity.

**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.**

Over the three years of this State Plan PRATP will conduct three
initiatives to provide short term device loans to persons with
disabilities in Puerto Rico: (1) create an Assistive Technology Device
Loan Program within PRAPTs physical facilities, (2) collaborate with
existing demo centers and electronic libraries to incorporate or improve
AT device loan services, (3) create a process to facilitate the rental
of high cost AT or highly specialized equipment from manufacturers:

1.  **Assistive Technology Device Loan Program -** During the first year
    of the State Plan an area within PRAPTs physical facilities was
    designated to store all AT devices that are used for loaning
    purposes. Meetings were held with AT specialists to determine the
    types of devices that should be in stock based on their experience
    and clinical practice. In addition a questionnaire was developed for
    the purpose of obtaining consumer and service provider input for the
    Device Loan Program. During year 2 of the State Plan, the
    questionnaire will be administered to consumer and service provider
    groups to learn which AT devices are most needed for loaning
    purposes in order for the individuals to make a decision about an AT
    device or service needed in the areas of education, employment,
    community living, telecommunications and information technology. On
    subsequent years, the questionnaire will be administered
    periodically in order to upgrade the available devices. AT devices
    which satisfy at least 70% of the identified needs will be acquired
    for loaning purposes. During year 1 of the State Plan an initial
    approach was made to AT suppliers to gain insight on how they can
    collaborate with PRATP to provide loaner equipment and to renew it
    on a regular basis. In this scenario, suppliers would get consumers
    to try-out their products while providing the AT Device Loan Program
    with a wider range of continuously upgraded technologies in
    different areas.

> For a consumer to make appropriate use of a loaned technology,
> functional and accessible instructional materials must be provided in
> an easy-to-follow configuration. Many instructional materials included
> with commercial AT devices are not available in Spanish and many of
> them are presented in complex formats and hard to follow sequences
> that render them useless for the consumer, specially the Hispanic
> consumer. Therefore, PRATP has already started the development of
> device instructions in Spanish for equipment at the AT Loan Center,
> including easy-to-follow instructions in alternative formats such as
> video, audio, etc.
>
> Due to logistics, the AT Device Loan Program is located in the San
> Juan Metropolitan area where 30% of the Puerto Rican population with
> and without disabilities resides. Island-wide reach will be achieved
> through several strategies:

a.  Coordination with private carriers for shipping AT devices directly
    to the consumer. The consumer will cover shipping costs for all
    equipment sent and returned.

b.  In case the consumer cannot pay shipping charges, a procedure will
    be created to send AT devices through the internal university
    shipping network. Collaborative agreements will be established with
    all eleven campuses of the State University to allow direct and free
    mailing of AT devices Island-wide. The consumer would be able to
    pick-up and return the equipment at any location within the network.

c.  Marketing of the AT Loan program through PRATP's state-wide training
    activities, informational brochures distributed throughout the
    island and through PRATP's fully accessible web-page.

> Assessing the appropriateness of the individual-technology match and
> the availability of a support person before lending AT devices will
> help reduce the frustrating experience of unmet consumer needs
> associated with correctly using the wrong technology or with not being
> able to make the right technology work. Therefore, upon receiving an
> AT loan request, the individual is contacted in order to estimate
> whether the requested device seems to be an appropriate match between
> technology and consumer needs. The availability of a specialized
> support person is also assessed, particularly in cases dealing with
> complex technologies or when a high level of expertise is required to
> implement a successful AT solution. A database of local professionals
> certified in AT is available for PRATP's staff to use in order to find
> specialized support persons throughout the Island. Professionals that
> have graduated from PRATP's Certification Program have a service
> requirement under which free training and technical assistance may be
> provided to consumers and service providers.

  ------------------------ ------------------------ ---------------------
  **Device Cost**                                   **Nominal**

  **From**                 **To**                   **Fee**

  \$ 1                     \$ 500                   \$ 5

  \$ 501                   \$ 2,000                 \$ 10

  \$ 2,001                 \$ 4,000                 \$ 20

  \$ 4,001                 \$ 6,000                 \$ 30

  \$ 6,001                 \$ 8,000                 \$ 40

  \$ 8,001                 above                    \$ 50
  ------------------------ ------------------------ ---------------------

> During the first year of the State Plan small scale loans have been
> made to consumers and service providers with the limited resources
> available under the AT Device Loan Program. During year 2, additional
> AT devices will be acquired to upgrade the Loan Program and the
> following procedures will be implemented. Each device will be loaned
> for a two week period (renewable depending on the demand for a
> particular device) and a nominal fee will be charged for each loaned
> device. This fee will be scaled according to the original purchase
> price of each device to be loaned, as detailed in the table. Also, a
> deposit will be required for equipment with an original purchase price
> of over \$400. AT equipment with a purchase price between \$400 and
> \$2,000 will require a deposit of \$150, devices above \$2,000 will
> require a deposit of \$250 which will be returned to the consumer upon
> receiving the device in good working condition. Procedures will be
> developed for waiving the required deposit, rental and/or shipping
> fees for individuals with proven economical necessity who could not
> afford such payment.
>
> The AT Device Loan Program will accept loan requests and provide
> loaner AT devices to consumers and service providers regardless of
> their age, income level, disability, geographical location or type of
> technology needed. If at any given time a device is not available for
> loan, the request will follow one of four possible paths:

a.  If the device does exists in the Center but it is not available at
    the moment, then the request is placed in a waiting list and the
    consumer is notified on the approximate date when the device will
    become available.

b.  If the device does not exist in the Center but it is available
    through a local supplier then the consumer is referred to the
    supplier for a direct loan agreement.

c.  If the device is not available in Puerto Rico then the manufacturer
    or vendor will be contacted to assess the viability of renting the
    equipment directly from them (see details below).

d.  If the device is not available through any of these channels, then
    the consumer is contacted to assess whether the requested device
    could be substituted by another similar but more readily accessible
    device.

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2.  **Collaborate with existing centers on AT device loan services,** In
    Puerto Rico there are three electronic libraries that were created
    by different entities in collaboration with PRATP. Also, through an
    agreement with the Corporation for National and Community Services
    (AmeriCorps VISTA Project), various AT service centers are being
    established in university campuses around the Island. During the
    course of this three year State Plan PRATP will assist these units
    in incorporating a lending program or improving existing lending
    programs in each unit. For this purpose PRATP will 1) assess the
    need for training and technical assistance in each unit, 2) provide
    devices and equipment (to the extent available resources may allow)
    and, 3) Collaborate with units to develop strategies for
    self-sustainment.

3.  **Facilitate rental of AT devices from manufacturers/suppliers:** In
    Puerto Rico, the number of AT suppliers is very low and the variety
    of available AT devices is consequently quite limited at the
    suppliers' showrooms. In this scenario, the rental of devices
    directly from AT manufacturers is an invaluable strategy to increase
    the technology options of consumers and service providers,
    particularly regarding high cost, highly specialized or hard to find
    AT equipment (e.g. Eye tracking systems for computer access,
    high-tech alternative communication devices, high-end environmental
    control systems, etc.) During year 1 of the State Plan PRATP
    initiated a program to help consumers and family members through the
    steps of finding an appropriate AT loan or rental program,
    contacting a manufacturer or supplier, and shipping the equipment to
    Puerto Rico. If there is a proven economical necessity on behalf of
    the consumer or family member PRATP will seek alternatives to
    subsidize the rental and shipping costs which may include using AT
    Act funds to subsidize these costs. In these cases PRAPT may also
    waive the deposit requirement for loaning the equipment

> During Year 2 and subsequent years of the State Plan PRATP will
> increase the awareness and outreach activities to make this program
> known to a greater number of consumers, family members and other
> interested parties Island-wide.

**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.**

In order to make a decision on an AT device or service, a consumer will
require two basic services: (1) access demonstrations of different
devices that may meet the identified needs and, (2) guidance of a
knowledgeable person who can help the consumer understand the particular
characteristics of each device in order to guide the decision making
process. Based on this premise PRATP will conduct, over the three years
of this State Plan, three activities to establish an Island-wide Device
Demonstration Program: (1) support to existing demo centers located in
different geographical regions of the Island, (2) provision of AT
demonstration services statewide, (3) capacity building for personnel
that are directly involved in providing demonstration services.

1.  **Provide support to existing AT demo centers:** PRATP operates a
    demo center since 1994 which provides services to the general
    community. In 2000, PRATP collaborated with the Department of
    Education to create a project called "the adapted home". Since then,
    the adapted home has served consumers and service providers through
    training and demonstration activities. Demo services offered at the
    adapted house are free of charge and open to any interested
    individuals regardless of age, income level, type of disability and
    geographical location. The adapted house itself is fully accessible
    and is located within the premises of a public school dedicated to
    serve children with significant disabilities.

> During the course of this State Plan, PRATP's demo center will be
> integrated into the adapted home project in order for consumers to
> have access to AT demos in a realistic setting (demonstrations of real
> kitchen adaptations, bathroom accessibility features, environmental
> control devices, etc.). Negotiations for this collaborative agreement
> with the Department of Education began during Year 1 of the State Plan
> and final approval and implementation is expected during Year 2.
> During Year 1, PRATP also set aside AT devices to be relocated to the
> adapted home upon signing of the agreement.
>
> A collaboration project also exists between PRATP and the AmeriCorps
> \*VISTA Corporation for National and Community Service for the
> development of resource centers for students with disabilities at
> public and private universities throughout the Island. During the
> course of this State Plan, PRATP will provide AT equipment, training
> and support needed for these centers to offer AT demonstration
> services to individuals with disabilities in their respective regions.
> During Year 1, several meetings were held with VISTA members from 9
> different institutions on the Island to identify particular equipment
> and training needs. PRATP also provided technical assistance for the
> acquisition of AT equipment to upgrade 5 existing AT centers and
> initiated a training process for VISTA members on the use of adapted
> technologies. AT demo services provided by these centers will focus on
> education and employment for university students and faculty as well
> as for the external community.

2.  **Provision of AT demonstration services statewide**: During Year 1,
    PRATP provided island-wide AT demo services through its AT Clinic.
    Small group demonstration services on particular areas of AT (ECU,
    Computer Access, AAC) were also provided to special consumer groups
    (ALS patients). During Year 2 and subsequent years, PRATP will
    expand AT demo services statewide using the infrastructure currently
    implemented for coordinating training activities. A calendar of AT
    demo activities will be created to reach all regions of the Island,
    with a particular emphasis on hard to reach areas, underserved
    populations (e.g. elder and low income populations), and special
    consumer groups. Aside from these programmed activities, individuals
    and entities may continue to submit requests for AT demonstrations
    on particular areas of need or directed to a specific group.

> PRATP is in the process of acquiring a mobile unit which will enhance
> its capacity to increase the number and variety of devices to be
> demonstrated at a particular time. The mobile unit's manufacturer
> proposal has been initially approved and PRATP has already completed
> the floor plans and the list of required AT equipment to operate the
> unit. During Year 2 the mobile unit is expected to be fully
> operational to provide demonstration, evaluation and training services
> island-wide.
>
> In contrast to training activities, device demos are targeted to
> participants in a one-on-one or small group structure to introduce
> them to the particular characteristics of a technology or group of
> technologies while providing for hands-on experiences on the use of
> such technologies. The demo activities will give consumers and other
> interested parties added opportunities to make an informed decision on
> which device may be more suited to meet their specific needs.
>
> During Year 1 of the State Plan, PRATP initiated coordination efforts
> with local AT suppliers to change the existing "awareness-level" group
> demonstration activities into a "decision making-level" individual
> demonstration service. Starting on Year 2, device demo activities in
> particular areas of AT will focus on drawing local AT suppliers closer
> to potential clients to a) collaborate in the provision of direct
> demonstration services, b) increase the suppliers awareness of
> consumer needs and interests, and c) to expose consumers, family
> members and service providers to locally available technologies.

3.  **Capacity building for personnel that are directly involved in
    providing demonstration services**: PRATP makes every effort to
    ensure consumers are provided with a quality service in order for
    them to make the correct or most appropriate decision regarding AT.
    As part of this effort, staff members from the demo centers will be
    trained, during Year 2 of the State Plan, on diverse aspects related
    to each particular device being demonstrated (use, implementation
    issues, target population for each device, pairing individual
    capabilities with the technology, cost, funding sources, etc.). In
    addition, assigned personnel will be trained on appropriate
    demonstration skills, teaching methods and accommodation of
    demonstration activities for persons with disabilities to ensure the
    total quality of the service.

During the first year of the State Plan PRATP initiated a network which
integrates AmeriCorps VISTA members in nine university campuses for the
purpose of disseminating information on the demonstration services that
will be available Island-wide. During Year 2 of the State Plan community
based organizations, representatives of municipal offices for services
to individuals with disabilities, and other interested parties will be
integrated into the network. Actions within the network will be geared
towards unifying coordination efforts to increase the number of
individuals visiting the demo centers .

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.

6.2 [Comparability]{.underline} \-- Demonstrate that this support is
comparable in terms of funding and that the activities are comparable in
terms of scope.

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.

There is no comparable support for any of the State-Level Activities in
Puerto Rico.

Attachment 7: State Flexibility

7.1 [Activity]{.underline} -- Identify each State-level activity the
State is choosing not to carry out.

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

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.

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.

Puerto Rico will carry out all required State-level activities.
Therefore, the State Flexibility option will not be selected.

## 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.

The Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program (PRATP) provides training
to over 5,000 individuals Island-wide each year. These activities are
coordinated on a daily basis by PRAPT\'s Training Component. The AT
evaluation Clinic coordinates technical assistance to provide consumers,
their families and service related personnel a more in depth
understanding of the use of particular AT devices, or on the development
and establishment of initiatives geared towards providing AT services.

Through the training and technical assistance program consumers of all
ages, their family members, in service and pre-service professionals,
and the general public are provided with quality services which in most
cases are offered free of cost. Over the course of the State Plan PRATP
will continue to provide training and technical assistance through the
following means: (a) Direct request from the public, (b) Training and
technical assistance activities targeted on specific groups (c)
Continued Education Program, (d) Contracts with agencies and
organizations, (e) Certification Program, (f) Bi- Annual Conference, and
(g) Overseas Training Program.

> **Direct request from the general public:** PRATP, receives,
> coordinates, and provides training or technical assistance to
> individuals and entities regardless of the type of entity,
> geographical location in the Island, or specific socio-economical
> characteristics of the individuals requesting such services. These
> training sessions are provided free of cost, thus, making capacity
> building activities more accessible to all. During the course of the
> first year of the State Plan over 200 requests for training were
> received and coordinated by PRATP. Many of these training topics are
> general in nature but customized to the specific needs of the
> individuals or entities making the request (education, vocational,
> community living). This is possible because of the level of expertise
> and professional backgrounds of the instructors assigned to this task.
> Direct request for services are made mostly by telephone, which
> includes a 1-800 number for those individuals or entities located in
> long distance areas within the Island and sister islands, Vieques and
> Culebra. Requests are also made via a web based document posted in
> PRAPT's web site, [www.pratp.upr.edu](http://www.pratp.upr.edu/).
>
> **Training activities targeted to consumer groups:** PRATP has
> developed a Train the Trainers Program in order to increase the number
> of AT instructors that provide training to high priority targets
> within the community of consumers and their family members in Puerto
> Rico. Over the three years of this State Plan participants of the
> *Train the Trainers Program* will identify consumer groups and
> entities such as community based organizations to provide them
> training on pertinent topics related to AT services, therefore,
> increasing their possibilities of having access to AT services and
> devices through self-empowerment. The Training will include topics
> such as: *Legal basis of AT; Alternatives to obtain AT Equipment and
> Services; AT for Community Living; AT for Work and Education.*
>
> **Continued Education Program:** PRATP provides AT related courses
> through various Continued Education Departments within the University
> of Puerto Rico and through the FILIUS Institute. Most of these courses
> are designed for health related professionals seeking continued
> education credits to maintain their credentials. Professionals
> attending the courses represent a wide variety of fields related to
> persons with disabilities: occupational therapy, physical therapy,
> speech-language pathology, audiology, special education, psychology,
> rehab counseling, among others. At the same time, the courses
> presented cover a wide variety of topics related to AT devices and
> services such as: specialized training on use and application of
> individual technologies (screen readers, programmable keyboards,
> integrated control systems, etc.), AT device alternatives for
> different functional areas, application of AT solution in education
> and employment, among others. During the first year of the State Plan
> PRATP has offered four continued education courses to health related
> professionals and educators. PRATP will continue to strengthen the
> program by increasing the number of customized courses that are
> pertinent to a larger number of professionals with more diverse
> professional backgrounds.
>
> **Paid Contracts with agencies and organizations:** PRATP has
> established agreements with local agencies such as the Department of
> Health, the Department of Education, and the Vocational Rehabilitation
> Administration as well as with private organizations in order to
> provide their respective staff members and/or service consumers with
> customized training and technical assistance. These training
> activities are provided through a contract and are paid by the
> soliciting agency or organization. During Year 1 of the State Plan
> three new agreements were reached with local entities to provide
> training and technical assistance under a paid contract. Over the
> remaining years of the State Plan PRATP will continue to establish
> agreements with local agencies and organizations which provide
> services over the lifespan of the population of persons with
> disabilities in Puerto Rico. AT Act funds will only be used under this
> activity when the nature of the agreement is collaborative and a
> contract for services is not involved.
>
> **Certification Program:** In year 2000 PRATP was awarded a Federal
> Grant to develop an Assistive Technology Certification Program for
> Spanish speaking in service and pre-service professionals who provide
> services to children and youth with disabilities between the ages of 0
> to 21. Through this program over 200 disability-related professionals
> have been certified at no cost to the participants. During Year 1,
> PRATP trained 48 new professionals through the Certification Program
> which were the last two groups funded under the Federal Grant. Several
> efforts are being made towards the continuation of the Certification
> Program after the termination of the grant. Local funding, third party
> payers and payment plan strategies are being explored, among other
> possibilities, to facilitate access of Puerto Rican professionals to
> the program. From August to December 2006 the Certification curriculum
> will be upgraded from a 160 to a 200 contact-hours program in order to
> include the areas of transition, AT for employment and higher
> education, AT for the elderly and AT in the area of mental health,
> among others. The upgraded version of the AT Certification Program
> will be launched on January 2006. For the next two years AT Act funds
> will be used to provide financial assistance to help cover tuition
> costs for in-service and pre-service professionals who cannot afford
> it due to low income or other particular needs, or for those living in
> hard to reach areas (for whom travel costs may become a serious
> burden).
>
> **Bi- Annual Conference:** Since 1995 PRATP has sponsored an
> Island-wide Annual Conference. This Conference is open to the
> community in general and has become a forum for the discussion of AT
> issues that have an impact in the lives of persons with disabilities
> in Puerto Rico. The Conference has served as more than an awareness
> activity. Specific training modules have been integrated in the
> Conference to increase the knowledge and skill level of participants
> (e.g. workshop to develop low cost AT devices; two day workshop for
> webmasters) Because of budget constraints PRATP has decided to sponsor
> a Bi-annual Conference, therefore the next Conference will take place
> only once during the course of this three year State Plan. AT Act
> funds will be used during fiscal year 2006 to develop informational
> materials, pay for some human and logistical resources and provide
> incentives for low income consumers and family members to attend the
> Conference.
>
> **Overseas Training Program:** Persons from other Latin-American
> countries such as Mexico, Perú, Chile and Dominican Republic have
> known about services provided by PRATP through its web site and by
> attending training activities in the Island such as the Annual
> Conference and the Certification Program. These visitors (mostly
> educators and related services professionals) have demonstrated great
> interest in establishing a working relationship with PRATP in order to
> develop service programs for children with disabilities in their
> respective countries. As a result, PRATP has offered training
> activities such as workshops and seminars under contract for
> professionals who provide educational and clinical services for
> citizens with disabilities in various Latin American countries.
> Contracts made under this initiative are paid completely by the
> entities requesting PRATP services, therefore, no federal funds have
> been used or will be used for this purpose over the course of this
> State Plan. During Year 1 of this State Plan PRATP offered six
> training modules for health related professionals and educators from
> Mexico City as part of the Professional Certification Program.
> Additionally, six conferences were offered for the general public and
> other disability related professionals from different States in
> Mexico. PRATP is scheduled to continue participating in these capacity
> building activities during fiscal year 2006-2007. Currently, PRATP is
> collaborating with personnel from the *Ven Conmigo Foundation* to
> offer the first full scale AT Conference organized by this Institution
> which will take place during the month of September 2006 in Mexico
> City. PRATP is also scheduled to initiate a professional development
> program in Chile during the month of October 2006.

**Transition Services:** PRATP provides and will continue to provide
training for educators and other school personnel on the role of AT
during the transition phase of students with disabilities. During year 1
of the State Plan a brochure was developed on transition services
required for students as mandated under the IDEA 2004. Over the course
of this State Plan PRATP will increase the awareness, knowledge and
skill level of school administrators, teachers, consumers, and their
parents on the need to include AT in the transition phase of children
and youth with disabilities. This will be accomplished by: (1)
developing specific informational materials on transition and transition
services which will be disseminated through local educational districts
and in every awareness and training activity provided to educational
entities and community based organizations, (2) developing and providing
training sessions to educational and community based organizations on
the role of assistive technology in the transition process, (3)
providing technical assistance to teachers and other interested parties
during the discussion of the Individualized Education Programs (IEP) to
ensure AT is included as part of the transition plan.

During years 2 and 3 of the State Plan PRATP will also increase the
awareness level of Vocational Rehabilitation personnel that participate
in the transitional process in collaboration with the school system. An
additional target area will be the consortiums created under the
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) as these may be recipients of the actions
taken during the transition phase of many students with disabilities.

PRATP will place special effort into providing training and technical
assistance to professionals who offer services to adults in transition
to community living which in many instances are highly underserved.
PRATP will create a special training module that will focus on how
assistive technology can help adults with disabilities be more
independent and productive in the community setting. Once the module is
created, vocational rehabilitation professionals and community based
organizations will be invited to participate in the training. As a
result, these professionals will be expected to promote the use of AT as
a means to increase consumer participation in their respective settings
and initiate collaborative agreements with PRATP and other interested
parties.

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.

> PRATP increases awareness in the general community through means such
> as: informational flyers and brochures distributed in activities
> sponsored by public and private entities in Puerto Rico, radio and TV
> interviews, articles written for local newspapers, and through a fully
> accessible web page designed for Spanish-speaking individuals. Over
> the three years of this State Plan PRATP will continue to perform
> these awareness activities and will develop a media campaign to ensure
> information on the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs
> of assistive technology devices is made available to consumers, their
> family members, disability related professionals, employers, policy
> makers, and the general public around the Island. As part of this
> campaign, PRATP developed, during Year 1 of the State Plan, a
> promotional CD in Spanish that is currently in it's final edition.
> During Year 2, and subsequently, the CD will be distributed to
> targeted groups in Puerto Rico to seek their support to increase the
> number and quality of AT services provided by PRATP Island-wide.
>
> All awareness materials are provided in alternate formats, when
> required, to ensure access to information by persons with
> disabilities. AT related information and activities taking place in
> Puerto Rico such as Conferences on disability and technology, are
> posted in PRAPT's web site. This gives Spanish speaking individuals in
> the Island, as well as those in Central and South America , Hispanic
> groups in the Mainland and those around the world, access to
> information related to AT in their native language. During year 2 of
> the State Plan PRATP will make contact with AT Programs in the States
> to inform them about the existence of an AT web page in Spanish that
> may serve as a source of information for Hispanic populations in their
> respective states. Web based materials will make the information more
> accessible to persons with disabilities, particularly for those with
> visual and motor disabilities.
>
> In collaboration with public and private entities such as the
> Department of Education and local universities (public and private),
> PRATP maintains an Island-wide information and referral system to meet
> the needs of targeted individuals and entities in Puerto Rico. The
> system delivers information on assistive technology devices, assistive
> technology services (with specific data regarding provider
> availability within the Island), and the availability of resources,
> including funding through public and private sources, to obtain
> assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. The
> system also delivers information on the benefits of assistive
> technology devices and assistive technology services with respect to
> enhancing the capacity of individuals with disabilities of all ages to
> participate in education, community living, and work. The information
> and referral system supports the mandates of local Law 51, which is
> the educational law that establishes responsibilities of all
> government agencies in the provision of services to persons with
> disabilities in Puerto Rico, and Law 238, which is the civil rights
> law for persons with disabilities in Puerto Rico.

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.

Because of the enactment of various laws that are related to the
provision of services to persons with disabilities in Puerto Rico, PRATP
is collaborating with local agencies and organizations to ensure AT is
included in the regulations that are being developed or implemented
under each law. PRATP will continue, over the course of this State Plan,
to provide assistance to these agencies and organizations and will
disseminate information to consumers and family members on all aspects
of their concern that may result of the development and implementation
of these regulations.

At present, PRATP is collaborating (and will continue to collaborate)
with the University of Puerto Rico, the Department of Justice, the
Department of Housing, and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) to
implement the legal safeguards provided to persons with disabilities
under local Law 238, *The Act for Persons with Disabilities in Puerto
Rico.* During the first year of this State Plan PRATP participated in
various working committees established by each agency to implement Law
238. Technical assistance is being provided to each agency or entity to
help them develop their respective strategic plans. During subsequent
years of this State Plan PRATP will be actively engaged in providing
technical assistance for the full implementation of this law. Also,
government agency representatives appointed to the State Advisory
Council will help strengthen the collaborative efforts that have been
and will continue to be established with local agencies. As an effect of
the implementation of law 238 PRATP will also increase its collaboration
and coordination with the local P&A Office due to the civil rights
nature of the law. PRATP is currently in the process of provide
assistance to the P&A office on all matters related to AT contained in
the regulations.

As a result of the revision of the Teacher Certification Regulations for
Puerto Rico, the local Department of Education is requiring candidates
seeking teacher certifications to take an assistive technology course or
a special education course with content in assistive technology. PRATP
is and will continue to work with local universities to develop AT
courses and prepare faculty to meet the demand for this subject matter
that is already growing at a fast pace. During the first year of this
State Plan agreements have been reached with institutions of higher
education to provide students and professors specialized training on AT
and related subjects such as Universal Design for Learning and
Differentiated Instruction. As a result, curricular changes have been
made in at least two universities and teaching practices are being
revised as well.

PRATP has also established an agreement with the local Developmental
Disabilities Council (CEDD for its acronym in Spanish) to create
innovative projects which will, over the three years of this State Plan,
enhance the Programs capacity to improve access to assistive technology
devices and assistive technology services Island-wide. During year 1 of
the State Plan a proposal was approved by the CEDD to develop a model
project to assist individuals with visual disabilities in their
orientation and mobility through the installation of talking signs and
the creation of a navigational tool using GPS technology. This project
will be implemented during year 2 of the State Plan in the Campus of Río
Piedras of the University of Puerto Rico.

PRATP is coordinating with the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals
with Disabilities and the technology division of the Office of
Management and Budget of the Government of Puerto Rico in the
development of regulations pertaining to local Law 229. This law was
enacted to ensure all web pages in government agencies are accessible to
persons with disabilities in Puerto Rico. During the course of this
State Plan PRATP will continue to provide assistance to ensure pertinent
entities are complying with the regulations, webmasters are provided
with capacity building activities, updated accessibility features are
continuously integrated in the system, and consumers are kept informed
of services and protection of rights provided under this law. In year
2005 PRATP coordinated the first symposium for government agency web
masters to increase their knowledge and skill level regarding the
accessibility issues related to information technologies. During year 1
of this State Plan a second symposium was offered as a follow up
activity. As a result of these activities a new internet domain will be
created within the government (accessibility,gov.pr). This site will be
available as a resource for web masters where they can access updated
information on electronic accessibility and other related topics.

Law 402 is the local law that provides protection to consumers when
purchasing AT devices or equipment. PRATP is and will continue to
collaborate with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Office of
the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities to ensure guarantees are
provided to consumers under Law 402 when the purchased or obtained
equipment has manufacture defects or malfunctions within the first year
of use. During the next three years PRATP will also disseminate
information to consumers, their family members, service providers and
local vendors on the extent and implications of this law.

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.

During the course of this State Plan, PRATP will continue to build upon
existing collaborative agreements and to develop new collaborations to
increase involvement of public and private entities in accomplishing the
goals set forth in the State Plan for AT. The nature and extent of this
involvement is summarized in the following table:

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| **Entities**                    | **Involvement**                    |
+=================================+====================================+
| State council for developmental | Collaborate in the feasibility     |
| disabilities                    | study for State Financing          |
|                                 | Activities (identification of      |
|                                 | consumer needs), help establish    |
|                                 | and fund initiatives.              |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Public and private              | Corporation for National           |
| universities:\                  | Services - AmeriCorps VISTA.       |
| -Metropolitan University\       | Coordinate and provide AT          |
| -Interamerican University\      | demonstrations, dissemination of   |
| -Ponce & Arecibo Campuses\      | State Level and State Leadership   |
| -Polytechnic University\        | initiatives. Provision of physical |
| -University of Puerto Rico\     | space for AT Centers, office       |
| -Utuado, Arecibo, Mayaguez &    | space, purchase of AT equipment    |
| Ponce Campuses                  | and personnel.                     |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Local AT Suppliers              | Collaborate in the AT Loan and     |
|                                 | Demonstration Programs             |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Department of Education -       | Provide physical facilities for AT |
| Adapted Home                    | demo Center, provide AT equipment  |
|                                 | for demonstration, evaluation and  |
|                                 | training.                          |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| State University - Department   | Provide expertise of engineering   |
| of Mechanical Engineering       | students and faculty members for   |
|                                 | the development of low cost AT     |
|                                 | devices (design, construction,     |
|                                 | beta testing, functional           |
|                                 | prototypes). Provide computer      |
|                                 | design labs, machine-shops and     |
|                                 | storage facilities for the         |
|                                 | development of projects.           |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Community based organizations   | Dissemination of information on    |
|                                 | initiatives and available programs |
|                                 | in their respective areas          |
|                                 | (education, employment, community  |
|                                 | living, etc.)                      |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Office of Management & Budget - | Collaboration with PRATP for the   |
| Government of Puerto Rico       | development of accessible web      |
|                                 | pages for all Puerto Rico          |
|                                 | government agencies.               |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Office of the Ombudsman for     | Collaboration for dissemination of |
| Persons with Disabilities       | information regarding policies and |
| -Protection and Advocacy        | procedures for the acquisition of  |
| Component                       | AT through agencies.               |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Government Agencies:\           | Dissemination of information on    |
| -Department of Education\       | State Level and State Leadership   |
| -Department of Health\          | activities to serve persons with   |
| -Vocational Rehabilitation      | disabilities in education,         |
| Administration\                 | employment, community living and   |
| -Department of Housing\         | information technology, housing,   |
| -Office of Elderly affairs      | etc.                               |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Other Agencies:                 | Collaboration in disseminating     |
|                                 | information on transition services |
| -   Office for the              | and AT under local Law 238 (Civil  |
|     Establishment of the Work   | Rights Law for Persons with        |
|     Investment Act              | Disabilities in Puerto Rico).      |
|                                 |                                    |
| -   Department of Consumer      | Develop informational materials    |
|     Affairs                     | and assign knowledgeable persons   |
|                                 | to disseminate information         |
| -   Justice Department          | Island-wide.                       |
|                                 |                                    |
| -   University of Puerto Rico   |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Office of the Ombudsman for     | Collaboration in disseminating     |
| Persons with Disabilities       | information on consumer rights     |
| (OPPI, for it's acronym in      | under local Law 402. This law      |
| Spanish)                        | provides guarantees to individuals |
|                                 | and entities when purchasing AT    |
|                                 | equipment.                         |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | Develop informational materials    |
|                                 | and will assign knowledgeable      |
|                                 | persons to disseminate information |
|                                 | Island-wide.                       |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

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.

There is no implementing entity for this State Plan, therefore this item
is not applicable.

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 Advisory Council met before the submittal of this plan to discuss
each state level and state leadership activity included in the State
Plan draft. Their recommendations were included in a second draft of
which a copy was provided to each member to review for a one week
period. Additional suggestions and changes to the Plan were incorporated
as a result.

Each member of the council has a particular role in helping to implement
the various activities in each of the groups they represent. The
advisory council meets on a monthly basis to evaluate progress toward
established goals and to offer suggestions for improvement and change.
Measurable goals contained in this plan are reviewed and evaluated on a
monthly basis and any adjustments necessary are made in response to and
under the guidance of the 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).

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.

The Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program secured legislative funds
through local law 264 as part of the activities designed to reach
program continuation before the proposed sunset under the previous law.
These funds are assigned to the Program and are under the fiscal
responsibility of the University of Puerto Rico. PRATP recognizes that
the amount of federal funds assigned under the Assistive Technology Act
of 2004 may be very limited to perform all state level and leadership
activities at the level that is desired. State funds are being used to
support portions of all four state level activities and portions of all
three leadership activities (e.g. salaries, fringe benefits, equipment
purchases). Nevertheless, the economy in Puerto Rico is going through
one of its greatest challenges in a long time. This means that the
allocation of funds to support the Program is not automatic. Every year,
the University of Puerto Rico is required to justify the allocations for
each university based program. Based on the precarious situation of the
local economy, an assurance of specific amounts of funds to support
state level and leadership activities under federal law, may not be
possible at this time. Therefore, the distribution of funds that appears
in attachment 11 may change throughout the implementation of the State
Plan. Amendments to the plan may be required and if so will be promptly
submitted dependent upon final allocation of state funds to the Program.

##  

## 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 University of Puerto Rico uses the Financial Resource System (FRS)
to monitor all accounts and transactions such as purchases, payments,
and budget management of all university based programs. The Puerto Rico
Assistive Technology Program (PRATP) manages its accounts through the
university's Resource Center for Science and Engineering (RCSE) Finance
Office. The fiscal needs to run the Program are established by the
Program Director and the Administrator. The Program Administrator
maintains all the documentation pertaining to the management of the
accounts. In the event of an uncertain transaction regarding the use of
funds by PRATP, a communication is sent by the Director of the RCSE
Finance Office to PRAPT's administrator for appropriate clarification
and action. At any time, a report can be obtained from the RCSC Finance
Office to monitor expenditures to assure that PRATP is in compliance
with the percentages and budget amounts as per the State Plan. It is the
responsibility of the PRATP Administrator to monitor expenditures on a
monthly basis in consultation with the Resource Center for Science and
Engineering and to provide necessary updates to the Program Director.

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

The following tables show the proposed allocation of federal funds for
the activities described in this State Plan for AT:

Table 1: General Distribution of funds

  --------------- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------
  **Proposed                                **Distribution**   **Total Award  
  Allocation**                                                 Amount**       

                                                               **Year 1**     **Year 2**

  State Level                               60%                \$ 181,109     \$ 189,860

  State                                     40%                \$ 120,739     \$ 126,573
  Leadership                                                                  

                  *Leadership Activities*   *95% (of 40%)*     *\$ 114,702*   *\$ 120,245*

                  *Transition*              *5% (of 40%)*      *\$ 6,037*     *\$ 6,329*

  Subtotal                                  * *                \$ 301,848     \$ 316,434

  Indirect Costs                            10%                \$ 33,539      \$ 35,159

  **TOTAL**                                                    **\$ 335,387** **\$ 351,593**

                                                                              

                                                                              

                                                                              

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

                                                               **Year 1**     **Year 2**

  State Financing                                              \$ 45,277      \$ 47,465
  Activities                                                                  

  Device                                                       \$ 39,844      \$ 41,769
  Reutilization                                                               
  Program                                                                     

  Device Loan                                                  \$ 59,766      \$ 62,654
  Program                                                                     

  Device                                                       \$ 36,222      \$ 37,972
  Demonstration                                                               
  Program                                                                     

  **TOTAL**                                                    **\$ 181,109** **\$ 189,860**

                                                                              

  **State                                                      **Proposed     
  Leadership                                                   Allocation**   
  Activities**                                                                

                                                               **Year 1**     **Year 2**

  Training and                                                 \$ 72,444      \$ 75,944
  Technical                                                                   
  Assistance                                                                  
  Activities                                                                  

  Transition                                                   \$ 6,037       \$ 6,329

  Public                                                       \$ 24,148      \$ 25,315
  Awareness                                                                   
  Activities                                                                  

  Coordination                                                 \$ 18,111      \$ 18,986
  and                                                                         
  Collaboration                                                               
  --------------- ------------------------- ------------------ -------------- --------------

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