U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS ON THE 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT OF 1998

FOR FISCAL YEARS 2004 AND 2005 

2006

Annual Report to Congress 

On the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 

For Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005 

U.S. Department of Education 

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 

Rehabilitation Services Administration 

2006 
This annual report was produced by staff of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), with 

assistance from RTI International (RTI) and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology 

Society of North America (RESNA). 

U.S. Department of Education 

Margaret Spellings 

Secretary 

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 

John H. Hager 

Assistant Secretary 

Rehabilitation Services Administration 

Edward Anthony 

Deputy Commissioner 

August 2006 

This report is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. While 

permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: U.S. Department of 

Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Services 

Administration, Annual Report to Congress on the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 for Fiscal Years 

2004 and 2005. Washington, D.C., 2006. 

To order copies of this report, 

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 1398, 

Jessup, MD 20794-1398; 

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or order online at: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html. 

This report is also available on the Department’s Web site at: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers. 

This Annual Report to Congress on the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 for Fiscal Years 2004 and 

2005 contains Web site addresses for information created and maintained by private organizations. This 

information is provided for the reader’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education is not 

responsible for controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this 

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Alternative Format Center at (202) 260-0852 or (202) 260-0818, or send an e-mail to 

katie.mincey@ed.gov. 
iii 

CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

List of Figures.............................................................................................................................. vii 

List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ ix 

Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................... xi 

Introduction....................................................................................................................................1

Overview of the Assistive Technology Act ....................................................................................3

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT Act of 1998) .....................................................3 

Title I of the AT Act of 1998 ..........................................................................................3 

Title II of the AT Act of 1998.........................................................................................5 

Title III of the AT Act of 1998........................................................................................5 

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended by Public Law 108-364.....................7 

Section 4.........................................................................................................................7 

Section 5.........................................................................................................................9 

Section 6.......................................................................................................................10 

Part I. The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program...................................................11

1. Implementation of Title I of the AT Act of 1998..................................................................13 

A. Background ...................................................................................................................13 

B. Data Collection and Limitations ...................................................................................14 

C. Funding..........................................................................................................................15 

D. Data on Required Activities..........................................................................................15 

Technical Assistance and Training ..............................................................................15 

Public Awareness.........................................................................................................17 

Interagency Coordination.............................................................................................19 

Outreach.......................................................................................................................22 

E. Data on Discretionary Activities ...................................................................................25 

Alternative Financing...................................................................................................25 

Demonstrations ............................................................................................................26 

F. Consumer Satisfaction...................................................................................................28 
Contents 

iv

G. Legislative and Policy Changes ....................................................................................29 

Number of States Achieving Legislative and Policy Changes and 

Areas Addressed ....................................................................................................29 

Outcomes Associated with Legislative Changes .........................................................31 

H. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................32 

2. Implementation of Section 4 of the AT Act, as Amended in 2004......................................33 

A. Background ...................................................................................................................33 

B. State Plans for AT .........................................................................................................33 

Development of State Plans.........................................................................................33 

Approval of State Plans ...............................................................................................35 

Implementation of State Plans .....................................................................................35 

C. Training and Technical Assistance for Transition ........................................................39 

Assistance for Students With Disabilities Who Are in Transition ..............................39 

Assistance for Adults Who Are Maintaining or Transitioning to 

Community Living.................................................................................................42 

D. Measurable Goals for the AT Act..................................................................................43 

Goals for Improving Access to AT..............................................................................44 

Goals for Improving Acquisition of AT ......................................................................45 

E. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................45 

Part II. Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs)......................................................................47

1. Implementation of Title III of the AT Act of 1998...............................................................49 

A. Background ...................................................................................................................49 

B. Data Collection and Limitations ...................................................................................50 

C. Funding..........................................................................................................................51 

D. Data on Alternative Financing Programs......................................................................55 

Program Features .........................................................................................................55 

Program Partners..........................................................................................................58 

Loan Activity ...............................................................................................................62 

Consumers Who Use AFPs..........................................................................................64 

E. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................69 
Contents 

v

Part III. Appendices.....................................................................................................................71

A. Appendix A: Instructions for Completion and Submittal of the State Plan for 

Assistive Technology under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended............73 

B. Appendix B: State Profiles.................................................................................................95 

C. Appendix C: State Grant for Assistive Technology Programs .......................................153 

D. Appendix D: Alternative Financing Programs for Program Years 2004 and 2005........165 

Part VI Glossary ........................................................................................................................173

Glossary .................................................................................................................................175 

vii 

FIGURES

NUMBER PAGE

1 Technical Assistance/Training Participants, by Category .................................................17 

2 Number and Type of Agencies/Organizations Involved in Interagency 

Coordination Activities......................................................................................................21 

3 Underrepresented Groups Targeted by Outreach Activities..............................................24 

4 Number of States Offering Various Types of Alternative Financing Programs................26 

5 Number of States Offering Equipment Lending, Equipment Recycling or 

Equipment Exchange Services in at Least One Site ..........................................................28 

6 Number of States Achieving Legislative/Policy Changes in Fiscal Years 2001 

through 2004 ......................................................................................................................30 

7 Legislative and Policy Changes, by Area ..........................................................................30 

8 Outcomes Associated With Legislative Changes ..............................................................31 

Contents 

ix

TABLES

NUMBER PAGE

1. Types of Loan Programs......................................................................................................6 

2. Reporting Requirements for the AT Act of 1998 as in effect prior to Oct. 25, 2004, 

Title I..................................................................................................................................13 

3. Amount of Funding and Percentage of Total Funding, by Source: All States and 

States Receiving Other Funding, FY 2004 ........................................................................15 

4. Methods Frequently Used to Increase Public Awareness and 

Disseminate Information....................................................................................................18 

5. Number of Individuals Receiving Information from 

Selected Public Awareness Activities................................................................................19 

6. State Plan Approval Status.................................................................................................36 

7. Reporting Requirements for the AT Act of 1998, Title III .................................................50 

8. Funding for AFPs from FY 2000 to FY 2005....................................................................52 

9. Funding for AFPs—FY 2003a ...........................................................................................54 

10. Funding for AFPs—FY 2005.............................................................................................55 

11. AFP Program Features in FY 2004 and FY 2005..............................................................56 

12. AFP Program Partners in FY 2004 and FY 2005 ..............................................................59 

13. Loan Activity in FY 2004 and FY 2005 ............................................................................62 

14. Dollar Amount of Approved Loans in FY 2004 and FY 2005..........................................63 

15. Demographic Characteristics of Borrowers in FY 2004 and FY 2005..............................65 

16. Types of AT Purchased by Borrowers in FY 2004 and FY 2005......................................67 

17. Functions Affected by AT Purchased by Borrowers in FY 2004 and FY 2005................67 

xi 

ABBREVIATIONS

AFP ----------- Alternative Financing Program 

AFTAP ------- Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project 

AT------------- Assistive Technology 

CBO----------- Community-Based Organization 

ED------------- U.S. Department of Education 

EDGAR ------ Education Department General Administrative Regulations 

FY------------- Fiscal Year 

FY 2004 ------ Oct. 1, 2003, to Sept.30, 2004 

FY 2005 ------ Oct. 1, 2004, to Sept. 30, 2005 

IDEA---------- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEP ------------ Individualized Education Program 

IT-------------- Information Technology 

NIDRR ------- National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 

OMB---------- Office of Management and Budget 

OSERS ------- Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 

PAAT--------- Protection and Advocacy for AT 

RESNA------- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of 

North America 

RSA----------- Rehabilitation Services Administration 

RTI------------ RTI International 

TA------------- Technical Assistance 

UIC------------ University of Illinois at Chicago 

VR ------------ Vocational Rehabilitation 

INTRODUCTION 

In 1988, Congress passed the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with 

Disabilities Act (P.L. 100-407) (Tech Act) to assist states with identifying and responding to the 

assistive technology (AT) needs of individuals with disabilities. Grants awarded under the Tech 

Act were used by states to create systemic change that improved the availability of assistive 

technology devices and services. States were provided with flexibility in the design of their 

programs, and this flexibility continued when the Tech Act was reauthorized in 1994 

(P.L. 103-218). 

The Tech Act was reauthorized again in 1998 as the Assistive Technology Act of 1998

(P.L. 105-394) (AT Act of 1998). For FY 2004, this document reports on the activities of two 

programs authorized under the AT Act of 1998: (1) State Grants for AT, which provided grants 

for state programs designed to address the AT needs of individuals with disabilities through 

systems change, and (2) the Alternative Financing Program (AFP), which provided grants to 

support the federal share of establishing, expanding or maintaining loan programs that help 

individuals with disabilities purchase AT devices and services. 

The programs in (1) and (2) above were significantly revised for FY 2005 and subsequent 

years when the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 was amended in 2004. The next section of this 

report (see “Overview”) contains a description of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as 

amended by Public Law 108-364, and, for FY 2005, this document reports on activities of the 

State Grants for AT Program and the AFP1

 as authorized under that act. 

Both the AT Act of 1998 and AT Act, as amended by Public Law 108-364 require that the 

secretary of education submit to Congress a report on the activities funded under those respective 

acts. This document satisfies this requirement for FY 2004 and FY 2005. 

This report is organized as follows: 

 Part I reports on the FY 2004 performance of State Grants for AT programs as 

authorized under the AT Act of 1998. These reports are based on annual reports 

provided by the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the outlying 

areas2 to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).3 Part I also describes 

states’ planned activities under the AT Act, as amended in 2004, as outlined in State 

Plans for AT submitted to RSA in August 2005. For more detailed information about 

State Plans for AT, see Section 2B. 

 

1

 The AT Act as amended in 2004 authorizes for FY 2005 only the Alternative Financing Program under Title III of 

the AT Act of 1998 as in effect prior to Oct. 25, 2004. 2

 Annual reports are provided by all grantees, which include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 

American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 3

 States submitted FY 2004 data through a Web-based reporting system that was operational until May 31, 2005. 

Because OMB approval for use of the system expired on that date, the system could not be used after that time. 
Introduction 

2

 Part II describes the performance of Alternative Financing Programs during FY 2004 

and FY 2005. 

 Appendix A includes the requirements for the State Plan for AT that states submitted 

in order to receive a State Grant for AT in FY 2005. 

 Appendix B includes a summary of each State Plan, highlighting states’ activities. 

 Appendix C lists the State Grants for AT programs (referred to as Statewide AT 

Programs as of FY 2005). 

 Appendix D is a listing of AFPs funded under Title III of the AT Act of 1998. 
OVERVIEW OF THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT Act of 1998) 

The AT Act of 1998 authorized several grant programs intended to increase access to and 

provision of AT devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities. In calendar 

years 1998 through 2004, programs under the AT Act were administered by the National Institute 

on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) within the Office of Special Education and 

Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). 

Title I of the AT Act of 1998

Continuing the grant program authorized under the Tech Act of 1988, Title I of the AT Act 

of 1998 authorized State Grants for AT to support comprehensive statewide programs of 

technology-related assistance. The grant funds were provided to state agencies, although those 

agencies could delegate any of their responsibilities to another entity within the state. Grants 

were provided to every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, 

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

However, no state was to receive funding for this program after Sept. 30, 2004. 

States applied for grants under the AT Act of 1998 by supplementing the applications they 

had submitted under the Tech Act of 1988 and 1994. Those supplements described: 

 the state’s goals for addressing the AT needs of individuals with disabilities related to 

health care, education, employment, telecommunications and information technology, 

or community living, and how the achievement of those goals would be measured; 

and 

 how individuals with disabilities and their families were involved in selecting the 

goals, the measures for those goals and the activities to achieve those goals. 

The act called for states to conduct capacity-building and advocacy activities that 

increased the availability of, funding for, access to and provision of AT devices and services 

(often referred to as “systems-change activities”). In conducting systems change, states were 

required to: 

 support public awareness programs that provide information relating to the 

availability and benefits of AT; 

 promote interagency coordination to encourage the adoption of policies that 

– improve access to AT and 

– result in improved coordination among entities responsible for policies, 

procedures or funding for AT; 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004

4

 provide technical assistance and training to 

– promote access to AT in education, health care, employment and community 

living and 

– enhance the skills and competencies of consumers and professionals; and 

 support outreach to organizations that provide AT. 

Additional (or “discretionary”) activities that states could choose to conduct with grant 

funds included: 

 supporting alternative state-financing systems that increase access to and funding for 

AT, including: 

– systems for the purchase, lease, other acquisition or payment for the provision 

of AT; 

– alternative financing systems (such as a low-interest loan fund, an interest buydown program, a revolving loan fund, a loan guarantee or insurance program, or 

other mechanism) for the provision of AT; 

– short-term loans of AT devices; and 

– maintenance of information about, and recycling centers for, the redistribution of 

AT devices; 

 providing demonstrations of AT so consumers can learn more about AT by trying it out; 

 operating and expanding systems of technology-related information, such as funding 

sources and costs of AT devices and services; 

 conducting interstate activities to expand the capacity of states to help consumers 

learn about, acquire, use, maintain, adapt and upgrade AT; 

 supporting partnerships and cooperative initiatives to promote greater participation by 

business and industry in the development and dissemination of AT devices, services 

and information; 

 paying the expenses necessary to ensure access to the comprehensive statewide 

program; and 

 providing options for securing AT; and 

 providing advocacy services. 

Part I, Section 1 of this report, “Implementation of AT Act of 1998, Title I,” shows how 

many and what kind of individuals with disabilities and others were reached by these activities 

during FY 2004. 

Given the purpose of the AT Act of 1998, NIDRR determined that state performance 

would be assessed by collecting information about the legislative and policy changes they helped 

facilitate to reduce barriers to AT availability in the areas of community living, education, 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004 

5 

employment, health care and telecommunications and IT. More information on this is provided 

in Part I, Section 1F, Legislative and Policy Changes. 

In addition to the State Grants for AT Program described above, Title I supported: 

 Grants for Protection and Advocacy for AT (PAAT). PAAT grantees are separate 

from and report separately from other grantees under the AT Act. Data on PAAT 

activities are not included in this report. FY 2005 data were collected by PAATs 

using a new system and will not be available until 2006, so this data may be included 

in future reports. 

 A national public Internet site on AT, maintained by the Center for Assistive 

Technology and Environmental Access at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The 

site provided individuals with disabilities and the general public with information on 

AT devices and services, as well as other disability-related resources (see 

http://www.assistivetech.net). 

 Technical assistance (TA) to states. Two types of TA were provided to states: 

– RTI International (RTI)4 developed and maintained a Web-based data collection 

system through which states submit their annual reports to RSA and offered 

training and technical assistance on data collection issues, and 

– The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North 

America (RESNA) provided technical assistance and information to AT Act

grantees to assist them to develop, implement and maintain their Statewide 

AT Programs. 

Title II of the AT Act of 1998

Title II of the AT Act of 1998 authorized National Activities, such as grants for small 

business incentives related to AT, the promotion of technology transfer and universal design, AT 

for rural and impoverished areas, and training for rehabilitation engineers. No funds were used 

for these activities. 

Title III of the AT Act of 1998 

Title III of the AT Act of 1998 authorized the Alternative Financing Program (AFP) to 

help individuals with disabilities and their families fund the purchase of AT devices or services. 

AFP grants paid the federal share of establishing, expanding or maintaining State-level AFPs, 

such as low-interest loan funds, interest rate buy-down programs, revolving loan funds, loan 

guarantees or other mechanisms for the purchase or lease of AT. For descriptions of each of 

these program types and how they assist individuals with disabilities and their families to 

purchase AT, see Table 1.

 

4

RTI International is a trade name of Research Triangle Institute. 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004

6

Table 1. Types of Loan Programs 

Type of Loan Program Description 

Revolving loan program With a revolving loan (often called a direct loan) program, the AFP itself 

lends money directly to the borrower. The AFP determines the interest it 

will charge on the loan. The loan payments made by loan recipients are paid 

back to the AFP and are then available to fund new loans for individuals 

with disabilities. 

Loan guarantee program With a loan guarantee program, the AFP does not make a loan directly to 

the recipient, but rather guarantees a portion of the loan made by a thirdparty lender such as a conventional bank. By agreeing to cover all or part of 

a loan if the loan recipient should default, an AFP enables a bank to provide 

financing to individuals that the bank might otherwise deem too risky to 

receive a conventional loan. 

Interest rate buy-down program Through interest rate buy-down loans, an AFP uses its funds to reduce the 

interest rate on a lending institution’s loan. For example, a loan that 

originally had an interest rate of 7 percent might be bought down by the 

AFP to 4 percent. This makes the loan more affordable because the 

borrower does not have to pay as much interest. 

Non-guaranteed low-interest 

loan program 

Some people who seek AT financing may qualify for non-guaranteed lowinterest loans. For those individuals who have high enough incomes and 

credit scores to obtain loans directly from a conventional lender, the nonguaranteed low-interest loans may be appropriate. For the most part, the 

AFPs refer those individuals to their lending partners, who provide 

financing at a preferred or reduced rate negotiated between the bank and the 

AFP. The AFP does not use its funds for these loans. 

Unlike the State Grants for AT Program under Title I, grants were not awarded to every 

state under Title III. Grants were awarded through a selection process after states submitted 

applications containing assurances related to the operation of their AFPs, including assurances 

related to consumer choice and control. Under Title III, states must establish policies and 

procedures to ensure: (a) the timely processing of requests for assistance; and (b) access to 

assistance regardless of type of disability, income, location of residence in the state, or type of 

AT needed by the consumer. 

States that operate AFPs must enter into a contract with a community-based organization 

(CBO) to administer the program. This CBO must have individuals with disabilities involved in 

decision-making at all organizational levels. In turn, the CBO must contract with a lending 

institution to facilitate administration of the program. For more information about CBOs and 

lending institutions, see Part II, Section D, Program Partners. Though the grants were for one 

year, states and their partners were required to use their federal and state funds in a manner that 

supported the permanent operation of their AFPs.

Title III also provided for a grant for technical assistance to existing and future AFPs. As 

with the technical assistance to the State Grants for AT Program, technical assistance to the AFPs 

to establish and maintain their loan programs was provided by RESNA from 2000 to the present. 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004 

7 

Part II of this report presents more detailed information about Title III AFPs. Data on 

individuals applying for loans were collected by RESNA through a subcontract with the 

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), which maintains a Web-based reporting system for 

grantees. Annual program data were collected by RESNA. 

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended by 

Public Law 108-364 

The AT Act of 1998, as amended by Public Law 108-364, significantly changed the focus 

and structure of preceding legislation. As mandated by the 2004 amendments, the Rehabilitation 

Services Administration (RSA) assumed responsibility for administering programs under the act 

as of December 2004. Activities previously authorized under Title II of the AT Act of 1998 were 

eliminated, and the Alternative Financing Program under Title III was authorized only for FY 

2005, under a special rule. 

Section 4 

The State Grants for AT Program, as authorized under Section 4 of the AT Act of 1998, as 

amended in 2004, is significantly different from the program authorized under Title I of the AT 

Act of 1998 in effect prior to Oct. 25, 2004. Previously a discretionary grant program, State 

Grants for AT are now provided by formula. Any funds appropriated above the FY 2004 level, 

which is used as a baseline, are allocated according to a formula that provides a portion of the 

funds equally to all states and a portion of funds based on the population of a state. 

Rather than using grant funds to support “systems change,” states will develop and 

maintain Statewide AT Programs that conduct activities to more directly increase access to and 

acquisition of AT devices and services for individuals with disabilities. Section 4 of the AT Act

enumerates two sets of activities: “State-level” activities and “State Leadership” activities. 

The State-level Activities are: 

 state financing activities, including 

– systems for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of, or payment for, AT 

devices and services (though states may not directly pay for AT devices and 

services for individuals with disabilities); or 

– Alternative Financing Programs5 such as a low-interest loan fund, an interest buydown program, a revolving loan fund, a loan guarantee or insurance program or 

other mechanism for the provision of AT devices (or a state may conduct an initial 

one-year feasibility study for implementing an alternative financing system); 

 

5

 While they possess some similarities, “alternative financing systems” as included under state financing activities 

need not be the same as AFPs formerly funded under Title III of the AT Act of 1998, which contains many 

specific statutory requirements. 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004

8

 device reutilization programs that support the exchange, repair, recycling or other 

reutilization of AT devices; 

 device loan programs that provide short-term loans of AT so that individuals can try 

out devices or fill a temporary need for a device; and 

 device demonstration programs in which personnel familiar with AT demonstrate a 

variety of AT devices and services and provide information about AT vendors, 

providers and repair services. 

The State Leadership Activities are: 

 training and technical assistance, which includes developing and disseminating 

training materials, conducting training, and providing technical assistance to enhance 

the AT knowledge, skills and competencies of appropriate individuals;6

 

 public awareness activities designed to provide information on the availability, 

benefits, appropriateness and costs of AT devices and services, including a statewide 

information and referral system; and 

 coordination and collaboration of activities among public and private entities responsible 

for policies, procedures or funding for the provision of AT devices and services. 

States are not required to fund a State-level activity if that activity is supported 

comparably with nonfederal funds. States that carry out all four State-level Activities may use up 

to 40 percent of their federal funds for State Leadership Activities. States that carry out two or 

three of the State-level Activities may use up to 30 percent of their funds for State 

Leadership Activities. 

State Grants for AT are provided to a public “lead agency,” though the lead agency can 

appoint an “implementing entity” to administer the Statewide AT Program on its behalf. Each 

state must establish an advisory council to provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven 

advice on the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities carried out by the Statewide 

AT Program. The council must include consumers who use AT or their families (who must 

constitute a majority), along with representatives of state agencies, including (at a minimum) the 

state education agency, state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, state agency for the blind (if 

separate from the state VR Agency), a center for independent living, and the state Workforce 

Investment Board. 

The AT Act as amended in 2004 requires that states submit an application to receive a 

grant. RSA required this application to be in the form of a three-year State Plan for Assistive 

Technology (State Plan for AT), covering the period Oct. 1, 2005, to Sept. 30, 2008. During this 

three-year period, a state may be required to submit amendments and will be required to submit 

data, progress reports and annual budgets. 

 

6

 States are required to spend 5 percent of their State Leadership funds specifically to provide training and technical 

assistance to assist students with disabilities who receive transition services and adults who are maintaining or 

transitioning to community living. 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004 

9 

State Plans for AT will be used to: 

 determine a state’s eligibility for the grant by ensuring the state is meeting the 

requirements of the AT Act and the requirements of the Education Department 

General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR); 

 establish a baseline for data collection efforts and performance measurement systems; 

 provide information for an annual report to Congress; 

 establish a baseline for the monitoring system to determine a state’s ongoing compliance 

with the requirements of the AT Act and progress toward the state’s goals; and 

 inform technical assistance efforts and guide state implementation of programs. 

State Plans for AT describe how each state will implement a Statewide AT Program that 

is comprehensive, meaning equally available to all individuals with disabilities residing in the 

state, regardless of the nature of their disability, age, income level, location of residence in the 

state, or the type of AT device or service required. Specific requirements of the State Plan for AT 

include a description of the: 

 entities responsible for implementing the Statewide AT Program; 

 state’s advisory council; 

 activities to be conducted; 

 State-level Activities the state has elected not to conduct; 

 measurable goals to be achieved by the Statewide AT Program’s activities; 

 involvement of public and private entities in the Statewide AT Program; 

 support for the Statewide AT Program provided by the state; and 

 proposed allocation and utilization of grant funds. 

Appendix A presents the complete requirements for the development of the State Plans for AT. 

Part I, Section 2, “Implementation of AT Act of 2004, Section 4,” describes the 

development of State Plans for AT and the identification of measurable goals required by the 

new legislation. Appendix B includes synopses of states’ plans for carrying out the activities 

required by the AT Act. 

Section 5 

Section 5 of the AT Act, as amended in 2004, continues to authorize grants for Protection 

and Advocacy for AT (PAAT). The provisions related to PAAT programs under Section 5 

remain substantially the same as those included in Title I of the AT Act of 1998. PAAT grantees 

are separate from and report separately from other grantees under the AT Act. Data on PAAT 
Overview of the Assistive Technology Acts of 1998 and 2004

10

activities is not included in this report. FY 2005 data was collected by PAATs using a new 

system and will not be available until 2006, so it may be included in future reports. 

Section 6 

Section 6 of the AT Act, as amended in 2004, authorizes “national activities” to improve 

the administration of the act. These activities include training and technical assistance, data 

collection and reporting, a national public Internet site on AT, and other activities. 

The National Assistive Technology Training and Technical Assistance Program will 

support the 56 Statewide AT Programs, the 57 Protection and Advocacy for Assistive 

Technology Programs, and the 33 Alternative Financing Programs funded under the AT Act of 

1998 and AT Act of 1998, as amended by Public Law 108-364. The goal of this national level 

program is to improve the effectiveness of the three entities as they work to get AT into the 

hands of individuals who need it. The program will also serve other entities nationwide that are 

not funded under the act. 

Under its Assistive Technology Data Collection Project, RTI maintains a Web-based 

reporting system for use by AT grantees and provides states with technical assistance on data 

collection issues. The contractor also prepares annual reports on state activities for the 

Department of Education (ED). RTI has also developed and implemented a new Web-based 

reporting system for use by PAAT grantees, which grantees voluntarily used for the first time to 

submit FY 2004 reports.7

 In FY 2005, RTI participated in a number of national meetings in 

which stakeholders provided input on development of performance measures for the program 

and a new data collection system that will respond to the requirements of the AT Act of 2004. 

The National Public Internet Site on Assistive Technology (http://www.assistivetech.net) 

is intended to increase the availability of and ease of access to, information about AT and 

disability services and resources. The site provides 24-hour access to AT information for those 

with Internet connectivity, and a toll-free telephone number for those without it. The Web site 

serves all people but focuses particularly on people with disabilities, their families, service 

providers, educators and employers. 

 

7

 OMB approval of the PAAT system was not received in time for its use to be required in FY 2004. 
PART I. 

THE STATE GRANTS FOR 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 

1. IMPLEMENTATION OF TITLE I OF THE AT ACT OF 1998

A. Background 

During FY 2004, the State Grants for AT Program was administered according to the AT 

Act of 1998, as in effect prior to Oct. 25, 2004. Under that act, the secretary of education was 

required to annually report to Congress on a variety of topics. Table 2 presents the legislative 

reporting requirements and the sections of this document that address them. 

Table 2. Reporting Requirements for the AT Act of 1998 as in effect prior to 

Oct. 25, 2004, Title I 

Reporting Requirement Addressed by 

(A) the demonstrated successes of the funded activities in 

improving interagency coordination relating to assistive 

technology, streamlining access to funding for assistive 

technology, and producing beneficial outcomes for users of 

assistive technology; 

Interagency Coordination (page 19) and Legislative 

and Policy Changes (page 29) 

(B) the demonstration activities carried out through the 

funded activities to— 

(i) promote access to such funding in public programs that 

were in existence on the date of the initiation of the 

demonstration activities; and 

(ii) establish additional options for obtaining such funding; 

Demonstration activities were not required under the 

State Grants for AT Program, and no funding for 

them was appropriated under Title II. As such, there 

are no data to report. 

(C) the education and training activities carried out through 

the funded activities to educate and train targeted individuals 

about assistive technology, including increasing awareness of 

funding through public programs for assistive technology; 

Technical Assistance and Training (page 15) 

(D) the research activities carried out through the funded 

activities to improve understanding of the costs and benefits 

of access to assistive technology for individuals with 

disabilities who represent a variety of ages and types 

of disabilities; 

Research was neither a required nor discretionary 

activity under the State Grants for AT Program, and 

no funding for research was appropriated for Title II. 

As such, there are no data to report. 

(E) the program outreach activities to rural and inner-city 

areas that are carried out through the funded activities; 

Outreach (page 22) 

(F) the activities carried out through the funded activities that 

are targeted to reach underrepresented populations and rural 

populations; and 

Outreach (page 22) 

(G) the consumer involvement activities carried out through 

the funded activities.8

Public Awareness (page 17) and Consumer 

Satisfaction (page 28) 

 

8

 “Consumers” refers to persons with disabilities served by State Grant programs. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

14

This section presents these data in the order of the required and discretionary activities9

of the AT Act of 1998, as well as additional data on activities not addressed in (A) through (G) 

above. A review of the quality and limitations of those data is included, as well as reporting on 

the amount of federal and nonfederal funding available to states for FY 2004. Finally, 

information is provided on the legislative and policy changes achieved by states as a result of 

their systems-change activities. 

B. Data Collection and Limitations 

FY 2004 data for the State Grants for AT Program were collected through a Web-based 

reporting system maintained by RTI. For the past several years, states have used this system to 

report on their activities for a 12-month period. However, because of the expiration of Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) approval for use of the system in May 2005, some states did 

not report for a full 12-month period. This document is based on reports submitted by 50 states 

and four other grantees through the Web-based reporting system. It does not include data from 

American Samoa and the Northern Marianas, which used a different version of the reporting 

form that did not contain all of the same data elements. 

Several mechanisms are in place to improve the consistency and quality of data that states 

report through the Web-based system. States use a uniform reporting instrument, developed in 

2000–01, which consists primarily of closed-ended items (although the instrument also includes 

some open-ended items). An online instruction manual presents numerous examples of the types 

of information that should be included in narrative responses. Each section of the reporting form 

also contains links to important definitions and instructions so that states can quickly obtain 

pertinent information without having to review the entire instruction manual. During the early 

stages of system implementation, RTI made presentations at the annual state AT directors’ 

conference to familiarize administrators with each item in the form. RTI staff is available yearround to provide states with technical assistance on data collection and reporting issues via either 

e-mail or telephone. 

There are limitations to the data collected through the Web-based system, however. The 

primary limitation is that the data collected focus on activities and outputs rather than outcomes 

(although states may provide outcome data in the some narrative responses). It is also possible, 

in some instances, for states to enter information that is not mathematically correct (e.g., a total 

that does not match the sum of entries in individual categories), because the system was not 

designed to identify all such miscalculations. In addition, the type of data that the system collects 

(e.g., reporting of total numbers of individuals participating in specific activities, rather than 

individual records) does not lend itself to analysis of validity. 

Reliance on aggregate, or summary, data also severely limits the types of analyses that can 

be conducted. For example, the system cannot produce an unduplicated count of individuals served 

 

9

 Grantees reported on required and discretionary activities funded either fully or in part by Title I funds. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

15 

by the program, create new subsets or carry out cross-tabulations that involve two variables. 

Moreover, assessment of data quality is beyond the scope of the grant under which RTI assists 

RSA in its data collection efforts. For purposes of this report, it is assumed that data reported by 

states are accurate and that those data are an adequate representation of program performance. 

C. Funding 

As shown in Table 3, 50 

states and four other grantees 

received a total of $20,035,863 in 

State Grants for AT (Title I) funds 

in FY 2004. For 21 state projects the 

State Grants for AT were their sole 

source of funding. Thirty-three (61 

percent) of the 50 states and four 

other grantees reported obtaining an 

additional $18,400,600 from other 

sources. This additional funding 

brought the total dollars received by the 33 states to $30,944,835; the total for all states was 

$38,436,463. Other funding accounted for 59 percent of the fiscal resources available to the 33 

states. Both grant funds and funds from other sources were used to support the required and 

discretionary activities described in the following sections. 

D. Data on Required Activities 

Under the AT Act of 1998, states conducted four required activities: (1) technical 

assistance and training, (2) public awareness, (3) interagency coordination and (4) outreach. 

Technical Assistance and Training 

States were required to carry out technical assistance and training activities directly or 

through public or private entities. These activities included: 

 technical assistance or training in developing and implementing laws, regulations, 

policies, practices, procedures or organizational structures that promote access to AT 

devices and services; 

 developing training materials and conducting training in the use of AT devices 

and services; 

 providing technical assistance concerning needs for AT devices and services to 

federal and state programs that serve individuals who are disabled; 

 providing technical assistance concerning the rights of individuals with disabilities to 

AT devices and services; 

Table 3. Amount of Funding and Percentage of Total 

Funding, by Source: All States and States 

Receiving Other Funding, FY 2004 

All States 

(n=54) 

States Receiving Other 

Funding 

(n=33) 

Funding 

Source Amount 

Percentage 

of Total Amount 

Percentage 

of Total 

Title I $20,035,863 52 $12,544,235 41 

Other $18,400,600 48 $18,400,600 59 

Total $38,436,463 100 $30,944,835 100 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

16

 increasing consumer participation in the process of identifying, using and evaluating 

AT devices and services; and 

 enhancing the AT skills and competencies of individuals who work with persons with 

disabilities (including insurers and managed care providers), educators, technology 

experts such as engineers, health and allied health professionals, employers, and others. 

In FY 2004, the 54 programs provided a total of 99,045 individuals with opportunities to 

increase their knowledge about AT devices and services through 12,477 sessions, including 

presentations, conference sessions, learning labs, workshops, classroom instruction and distance 

education. Because not all states were able to categorize participants, analysis of participant 

types is limited to the 36 states that could do so. These 36 states reported serving a total of 

85,271 participants. As shown in Figure 1: 

 38,066 participants were professionals who worked with individuals with disabilities 

(45 percent of the 85,271 participants); 

 23,805 were individuals with disabilities (28 percent); 

 8,768 were family members, advocates and others who represented persons with 

disabilities (10 percent); 

 5,541 were students (6 percent); 

 2,953 were members of the general public (3 percent); 

 2,199 were policymakers (3 percent); 

 1,002 were employers (1 percent) and 

 2,937 were individuals classified as “other” (3 percent). 

TA or training sessions addressed topics such as: 

 AT evaluation, assessment practice, and AT devices (addressed by 51 states); 

 funding or acquisition of AT devices and services (50 states); 

 advocacy, consumer rights issues, laws, and informed consumer choice (addressed by 

49 states); and 

 the use of specific devices or modifications to assist an individual with a disability at 

home, work or school, which includes: 

– environmental modifications for home, work or school (50 states); 

– learning and curricular adaptations (49 states); 

– switch and access devices that enable an individual to control a computer or 

electronic device (49 states). 

– communication aids and alternative and augmentative communication devices 

that allow individuals with speech or writing difficulties to communicate through 

either traditional or alternative methods (49 states); 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

17 

– computers and computer adaptations (49 states); 

– vision aids (48 states); and 

– aids for daily living that enable an individual to carry out routine activities for 

personal hygiene and health and for operating a household (48 states). 

Figure 1. Technical Assistance/Training Participants, by Categorya 

a

 One state did not report conducting TA or training. Only 36 states were able to report the number of participants by category. Those 36 

reported serving 85,271 participants whom they were able to categorize, including 2,937 individuals categorized as “other.” 

Public Awareness 

Under the AT Act of 1998, public awareness activities provided interested individuals 

with information about the availability and benefits of AT devices and services. Activities 

included development and dissemination of information about the nature, cost, availability and 

benefits of AT; development of procedures for communication between individuals with 

disabilities and AT providers; and development and dissemination of information about state 

efforts related to AT. 

Individuals with 

disabilities, 23,805

General public,

 2,953

Employers, 

1,002 Policymakers,

 2,199

Students (all 

levels), 5,541 Other, 2,937

Family members,

 8,768

Professionals, 

38,066
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

18

As shown in Table 4, states used an array of public awareness methods and approaches to 

reach these audiences. 

Table 4. Methods Frequently Used to Increase Public Awareness and 

Disseminate Information 

Method 

Number of States 

Using Method 

Informational fact sheets/flyers for public 53 

Web site 53 

Exhibits/fairs in public areas 52 

Telephone calls 52 

Drop-ins to office and/or demonstration center 51 

E-mail information requests from the public/professionals 50 

Articles/notifications in other agency publications 49 

Mailings 49 

Manuals/guides/booklets 49 

Presentations 48 

As shown in Table 5, State Grants for AT programs provided nearly 474,000 individuals 

with information through newsletters (209,367 individuals), toll-free telephone calls (168,072 

individuals), presentations (90,841 individuals), and public forums (4,929 individuals). 

Examples of public awareness activities undertaken by states include: 

 Connecticut’s program produced a video called All Things Are Possible, which 

showed how individuals with disabilities could acquire and maintain employment 

with the help of AT. The video was aired on public access TV. 

 Illinois’ program used a “storefront” window display in its Springfield office to 

attract the attention of government employees on their way to work or lunch and 

others sightseeing near the Old State Capitol Building. The display attracted many 

individuals to the demonstration center, where they learned more about AT and about 

the program. 

 Minnesota’s program used multimedia streaming technology to create Where It’s AT,

a live, interactive Internet radio program with real-time text captioning that discussed 

AT devices and services. The program was hosted by an adaptive technology 

specialist from the University of Minnesota. 

 Tennessee’s program worked with the state’s AgrAbility Project, a cooperative effort 

of the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service and Easter Seals, to 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

19 

increase awareness about AT devices and services among farmers, farm workers and 

their family members. 

Table 5. Number of Individuals Receiving Information from 

Selected Public Awareness Activities 

Method 

Number of Consumers 

and Family Members 

Served 

Number of Other 

Individuals Serveda

Total Number of 

Individuals Served 

Newsletters 50,160 159,207 209,367 

Toll-free telephone callsb Not available 168,072 

Presentationsc 26,388 64,453 90,841 

Public forums 2,969 1,960 4,929 

Totald 79,517 393,692 473,209 

NOTE: Counts may be duplicated, particularly for toll-free telephone calls. 

a Targeted individuals, as outlined in the AT Act of 1998, include not only individuals of all ages with disabilities and their family 

members or guardians but also individuals who work for public or private entities that have contact with individuals with 

disabilities, educators and related services personnel, technology experts, health and allied health professionals, and employers. 

b States were not asked to provide a breakdown by consumers and family members for toll-free calls.

c Presentations for the purposes of public awareness differ from presentations for the purpose of training or TA. Presentations for 

training and TA teach skills and increase competence about AT, rather than simply making an individual aware of AT. 

d

 States were asked to report the total number of individuals served by selected public awareness activities, and then to provide a 

breakdown by consumers and family members and others in all categories except toll-free telephone calls. Because some states 

were unable to provide the requested breakdowns, the total number of individuals served exceeds the total by category. In some 

cases, figures for consumers and family members and others may not match the reported total. 

Interagency Coordination 

The third required activity that states undertook was interagency coordination, defined in 

the AT Act of 1998 as “activities to develop and promote the adoption of policies that improve 

access to AT devices and services for individuals with disabilities of all ages and that result in 

improved coordination among public and private entities that are responsible for, or have the 

authority to be responsible for, policies, procedures, funding or provision of AT devices and 

services.” Interagency coordination included support for: 

 policies that improve coordination in the application of federal and state policies, use of 

resources and services relating to provision of AT devices and services, and improvement 

of access to AT devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities; 

 convening interagency work groups to identify, create or expand funding options and 

coordinating access to fund for AT devices and services; and 

 documenting and disseminating information on interagency activities that 

promote coordination. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

20

State Grant for AT programs conducted interagency coordination with more than 1,300 

agencies and organizations. As shown in Figure 2: 

 424 were in the community living, human services and social services area 

(e.g., entities serving senior citizens, disability-related nonprofits and independent 

living centers and councils); 

 308 were entities involved in health care, such as Medicaid agencies or organizations 

serving persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities; 

 253 agencies and organizations were involved in the area of education; 

 183 were involved in employment organizations (including vocational rehabilitation 

agencies and one-stop centers); 

 114 agencies were involved in the area of telecommunications and information 

technology (such as state information services and state purchasing offices); and 

 102 “other” organizations—including financial institutions, legislative bodies and 

city/county governments—were also involved in coordination activities. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

21 

Figure 2. Number and Type of Agencies/Organizations Involved in Interagency 

Coordination Activitiesa

a A total of 50 states and two other grantees reported conducting interagency coordination activities. 

Working with these agencies and organizations, states tried to improve policies and 

coordination in order to help persons with disabilities obtain financing for AT devices and 

services, train personnel to assist individuals with disabilities in the use of AT, and disseminate 

information about the availability and potential of AT. Interagency activities were also designed 

to change systems in order to ensure the timely acquisition and delivery of AT devices and 

services, increase programs’ capacities to provide technology-related assistance, and improve the 

accessibility of computer information technology (IT) for persons with disabilities. States’ 

reports for FY 2004 provide numerous examples of interagency coordination in the areas of 

health care, education, employment, telecommunications and information technology, and 

community living, including the following: 

 Arizona’s project helped ensure that the state’s emergency preparedness plan 

included plans for persons with disabilities. The new guidelines are designed to make 

emergency officials aware of the AT needs that persons with disabilities may have 

during evacuation, shelter and possible long-term dislocation from community. 

 Arkansas’ project provided funding to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s 

School of Architecture to develop universal design guidelines for incorporation into the 

standards for affordable housing construction in the state. The State Grant Program 

collaborated with the Governor’s Task Force on Supported Housing in this effort. 

424

308

253

183

114 102

0

100

200

300

400

500

Community

Living/Human

Services/Social

Services

Health Care Education Employment Telecommunications

and Information

Technology

Other

Type of Agency/Organization

Number of Agencies/Organizations 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

22

 California’s project implemented a new initiative on the issue of accessible 

transportation to address issues such as the lack of lift-equipped taxis in the state, 

accessible transportation options for California’s aging population, the use of AT in 

transportation and transportation planning and design, and accessible commuter services. 

 Oklahoma’s project played a key role in implementation of the state’s electronic and 

information technology accessibility law. The statute, enacted in 2004, requires state 

agencies and postsecondary institutions to comply with Section 508 of the 

Rehabilitation Act by developing, procuring and maintaining electronic and 

information technology that is accessible to persons with disabilities. The State Grant 

Program is statutorily charged with providing training and technical assistance on a 

statewide basis to all entities covered by the legislation. Project staff led the advisory 

committee that developed the state’s technical standards and created rules governing 

procurement and accessibility. 

 Oregon’s project worked with other agencies to make AT available in seven one-stop 

career centers. The project provided the one-stop centers with technical support and 

training on use of the equipment, which was purchased with funds from a Work Incentive 

Grant through the Department of Labor. As a result, Oregon citizens who have 

disabilities can use the AT either independently or with the help of career center staff. 

Outreach 

States also were required to conduct outreach activities, which support statewide and 

community-based organizations that provide AT devices and services or that assist individuals in 

using AT devices and services. Through these activities (which reporting instructions allowed 

states to combine with technical assistance or training, interagency coordination or legislative or 

policy change activities),10 State Grant for AT programs focused their outreach efforts on 

underrepresented populations as identified in the AT Act. As presented in Figure 3, those 

populations include: 

 persons from rural areas (44 states); 

 older individuals and poor persons (43 states each); 

 persons with low-incidence disabilities11 (40 states); 

 minorities (38 states); and 

 persons with limited English proficiency (26 states). 

 

10 All grantees reported conducting some type of outreach activity. 

11 As defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 662(c)(3) (and adapted by RSA to include 

the general population, rather than limited to elementary and secondary school students), persons with lowincidence disabilities are individuals who have: (a) a visual or hearing impairment, or simultaneous visual and 

hearing impairments; (b) a significant cognitive impairment; or (c) any impairment for which a small number of 

personnel with highly specialized skills and knowledge are needed in order for (persons with disabilities) with 

that impairment to receive (services). 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

23 

Examples of outreach to older individuals include: 

 Maine’s project conducted outreach to senior citizens. In collaboration with the 

University of Maine’s Center on Aging and Senior College and a technical school, the 

project supported work on maintaining independence using assistive technology, 

simple home adaptations and telephone technology for elders. 

 North Dakota’s project conducted outreach to senior citizens. Senior citizens often 

face the decision to remain at home or move to a care facility due to safety issues. 

The project implemented the Senior Assistive Technology Safety program via videoconferencing, working through established health care networks Preliminary 

outcomes indicate that the equipment and services people received from this program 

helped them to remain in their current home. 

Examples of outreach to persons from rural areas include:

 Iowa’s project collaborated with the Iowa Easter Seals Rural Solutions Program 

(Iowa’s AgrAbility project) to conduct outreach, awareness and training to rural 

populations and service providers. Regional family support groups provided 

information about AT to farm families experiencing new disabilities. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

24

Figure 3. Underrepresented Groups Targeted by Outreach Activitiesa, b 

a Counts are duplicated because states could focus on more than one type of population. 

b Figure shows number of states focusing on various populations with outreach activities conducted alone or in combination with 

technical assistance, training or interagency coordination activities. States did not report the populations targeted by outreach 

activities conducted in combination with legislative or policy change activities. 

 Oklahoma’s project, with the state’s AgrAbility program and Oklahoma Cooperative 

Extension Services, provided outreach to persons with disabilities who reside in rural 

Oklahoma, including targeted outreach to minority farmers and ranchers. 

 Utah’s project conducted outreach to persons from rural areas in a collaborative 

effort with rural centers for independent living and the statewide AgrAbility program. 

These efforts made AT information about devices and funding available to farm and 

ranch families in rural and remote areas of Utah. 

Examples of outreach to minorities and persons with limited English proficiency include: 

 New Jersey’s project conducted outreach to the Latino community by co-sponsoring 

a Latino Outreach Conference titled “The Latino Community and Disabilities: 

Confronting the Barriers.” 

 The major focus of South Dakota’s project continued to be directed to Native 

Americans. This included efforts to attract more Native American individuals to attend 

the annual Native American Disability Summit, which is a significant vehicle for 

introducing Native Americans to information related to assistive technology devices 

and services available across South Dakota and on the Native American nations. 

44 43 43

40 38

26

6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Persons from

rural areas

Older

individuals

Poor persons Persons with

low-incidence

disabilities

Minorities Persons with

limited

English

proficiency

Other

Population

Number of States 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

25 

 Utah’s main focus was outreach to the Hispanic population in Utah. Further, they 

provided information to the Navajo Nation in collaboration with Arizona’s Tech Act

project. 

E. Data on Discretionary Activities 

The AT Act of 1998 authorized states to use their funds for discretionary activities in 

addition to the required activities already described. Among the discretionary activities that 

states could conduct were the development of Alternative Financing Programs, demonstrations 

of AT devices, interstate activities, partnerships and cooperative initiatives, paying for expenses 

to ensure access to their programs, and advocacy. The AT Act of 1998 does not require the 

secretary of education to provide data on the discretionary activities to Congress. However, data 

on many of these activities were collected for purposes of administering the act. This report 

includes selected data that align with activities that will continue under the AT Act, as amended 

in 2004, because inclusion of these data will allow for comparison of activities under the AT Act

of 1998 and revised AT Act in future years. It also describes the consumer satisfaction surveys 

conducted by states.

Alternative Financing 

States were allowed to support publicly or privately funded AFPs to provide funding for 

AT devices and services. States operating AFPs under Title I of the AT Act of 1998 were subject 

to different requirements than those operating them under Title III, in terms of composition and 

operation. However, both types of AFPs generally provide the same services to individuals with 

disabilities. Information about AFPs supported under Title III of the AT Act is featured in Part II

of this report. 

In FY 2004, 32 states reported alternative financing activities supported under Title I of 

the AT Act of 1998, with 28 programs operational and four still in development.12 Alternative 

Financing Programs included traditional loan funds, loan guarantees, revolving loan funds, 

interest or principal buy-down programs and models that combined these features (see Table 1

for descriptions of the various loan program models). As Figure 4 shows, loan guarantee 

programs (operated by 24 states) were the most common, followed by revolving (12 states), 

interest or principal buy-down (10 states) and traditional programs (eight states). Three states 

reported use of combination programs: Minnesota’s program combined non-guaranteed and low 

interest loans, Oklahoma combined interest buy down and loan guarantees, and Louisiana 

offered both guaranteed and non-guaranteed loans. 

 

12 Grantees reported on alternative financing activities operated wholly or in part with Title I funding (not programs 

in their states that were operated solely with Title III funding). States did not report what proportion of funds 

Title I provided or whether Title III funds are also used.
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

26

Figure 4. Number of States Offering Various Types of Alternative Financing Programsa

a Thirty-two states reported conducting alternative financing activities using Title I funds. Counts are duplicated because states 

may offer more than one type of program. Counts include programs in development. 

Collectively, the 32 AFPs received a total of 1,145 applications for financing and 

approved 800 of them (70 percent). The states provided or guaranteed $5,995,974 in loans, for an 

average loan of $7,495. The loan programs experienced 49 defaults, for a loss of $238,745 (or 4 

percent of the amount loaned, 6 percent of approved loans), an average of $4,872 per default. 

Demonstrations 

Also among the discretionary activities that AT states were allowed to conduct were 

demonstrations that provide individuals the opportunity to examine and try out AT devices, 

receive information about them or obtain referrals to other sources. Ideally, demonstrations are 

conducted in settings in which consumers can learn about the devices from personnel familiar 

with them and their applications. 

Fifty (93 percent) of the 54 grantees conducted demonstrations of AT. These 

demonstrations took place in 221 settings,13 such as at regional AT centers; at conferences, expos, 

fairs and exhibits; at meetings of nonprofit organizations; and on university, college or community 

college campuses. 

 

13 A setting may include a demonstration center, a community location at which the grantee conducted demonstrations, 

or a mobile van unit that traveled to multiple destinations. Grantees were instructed to count each demonstration 

location as a setting, with the exception of a mobile van unit, which was counted as one setting. 

24

12

10

8

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Loan guarantee Revolving Interest/principal

buy down

Traditional Combination

Type of Program

Number of States 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

27 

Among the services that demonstration sites offered were AT equipment lending, AT 

device recycling programs and AT equipment exchange services. As Figure 5 presents, among 

the 50 grantees that conducted demonstrations: 

 46 offered equipment lending services in at least one site, allowing individuals with 

disabilities to borrow AT devices for extended periods of time and to try them out at 

home, work, school or in other environments. Loans are also provided to cover 

temporary loss of equipment due to repairs or other factors. 

 34 provided device recycling services in at least one site. These services accept used 

AT devices that consumers no longer need and redistribute them to consumers who do 

need them. Sometimes device recycling programs also repair or refurbish these devices. 

 22 settings offered equipment exchange services in at least one site. Exchange 

services help to connect consumers who have used AT to donate with consumers who 

are looking for AT. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

28

Figure 5. Number of States Offering Equipment Lending, Equipment Recycling or 

Equipment Exchange Services in at Least One Sitea

a Total number of demonstration sites was 221. Counts are duplicated because states may offer more than one service. 

F. Consumer Satisfaction 

In addition to data on required and discretionary activities, states collected data on 

consumer satisfaction with State Grants for AT programs. States used a variety of methods to 

gather these data. The most popular method was to survey participants with a preprinted survey 

at sponsored events. Other methods, listed in descending order of popularity, included surveys by 

mail, personal interviews or focus groups, telephone surveys, Web-based or e-mail surveys, and 

mail or phone survey combinations. Collectively, AT programs distributed questionnaires to, or 

attempted to conduct interviews with, 59,653 consumers during FY 2004 and obtained 19,571 

completed questionnaires and interviews. 

In FY 2004, 47 states (87 percent) collected satisfaction data from consumers, including 

individuals with disabilities, family members, guardians and advocates. Collectively, 47 states 

conducted a total of 167 consumer satisfaction surveys (an average of 3.6 per state). The most 

commonly collected data by states were on the topics of training (35 states), technical assistance 

(29 states), and information and awareness activities (27 states). In general, consumers reported 

high levels of satisfaction with the topics in the surveys: For 132 of the 167 surveys, states 

indicated that at least 90 percent of consumers were satisfied with the product, service or training 

in question or would recommend it to others. 

States planned to use the results of consumer satisfaction surveys to improve their 

programs in a variety of ways, including strategic planning, identifying training topics, updating 

46

34

22

0

10

20

30

40

50

Equipment

lending

Equipment

recycling

Equipment

exchange

Service

Number of States 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

29 

Web sites, changing office procedures and staffing patterns, planning conferences and 

identifying equipment to add to their inventories. 

G. Legislative and Policy Changes 

Given the purpose of the AT Act of 1998, NIDRR determined that state performance 

would be assessed by collecting information about the legislative and policy changes they helped 

to facilitate in order to reduce barriers to AT availability in the areas of community living, 

education, employment, health care, telecommunications and IT. This section reports on the 

number of legislative and policy changes that states achieved in FY 2004 and the areas addressed 

by those changes. 

Number of States Achieving Legislative and Policy Changes and Areas 

Addressed 

In FY 2004, 31 (57 percent) of the 54 grantees reported achieving either legislative 

changes, policy changes or both related to reducing barriers for people with disabilities to 

acquiring AT devices or services.14 As shown in Figure 6, the number of states achieving 

legislative or policy changes in FY 2001 was 40; in FYs 2002 and 2003, it was 35. 

States reported achieving a total of 45 legislative changes and 85 policy changes in the 

five goal areas of community living, education, health care, telecommunications and information 

technology and employment, as identified in Section 101 (e)(1) (A) of the AT Act of 1998. As 

shown in Figure 7, 18 of the 45 legislative changes were intended to reduce barriers to acquiring 

AT devices and services in the area of community living and nine were related to education. The 

areas of health care and telecommunications and information technology each accounted for five 

changes. Two fell into the category of employment, and six were classified as “other.” 

Community living was also the major focus of the 85 policy changes (22 changes). 

Sixteen policy changes were in the area of employment, while 15 changes addressed education 

issues, and an equal number focused on telecommunications and information technology issues. 

Eleven policy changes fell into the health care category, and six were classified as “other.” 

 

14 A legislative change, as defined by RSA, results in new laws or amendments to existing laws relating to reducing 

barriers to acquiring assistive technology devices and services. A policy change results in a practice, procedure 

or course of action sanctioned or adopted by a state government agency to reduce barriers to acquiring AT 

devices and services. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

30

Figure 6. Number of States Achieving Legislative or Policy Changes in Fiscal Years 2001 

through 2004a 

a Figure shows number of states reporting through the Web-based system that cited legislative or policy changes. In FY 2001 

(the first year of implementation, when use of the Web-based system was not mandatory), the number of grantees using the 

Web-based system was 51. In FY 2002 and FY 2003, the number was 56; in FY 2004, the number was 54. 

Figure 7. Legislative and Policy Changes, by Areaa

a Counts are duplicated, as states could report more than one legislative change. In FY 2004, states reported a total of 45 

legislative changes and 85 policy changes. 

40

35 35

31

0

10

20

30

40

50

2001 2002 2003 2004

Fiscal Year

Number of States 

18

9 5 2 5 6

22

15

15

16 11 6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Community

Living/Human

Services/Social

Services

Education Telecommunications

and Information

Technology

Employment Health Care Other

Area of Change

Number of Changes 

Policy

Legislative
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

31 

Outcomes Associated with Legislative Changes 

States that reported legislative changes were asked to cite the outcomes associated with 

each change (see Figure 8). In FY 2004, of the 45 efforts aimed at legislative change, 33 resulted 

in the passage of new legislation. Fifteen legislative changes led to secured appropriations, and 

an equal number resulted in developing informational materials. Nine legislative changes had the 

outcome of having rules promulgated. 

Examples of legislative and policy changes achieved by states include: 

 Arizona’s project worked with the many organizations to draft and secure the 

passage of the Arizona Accessible Textbook Bill that will provide accessible 

textbooks to students with disabilities in a timely manner. The project also was 

involved in drafting legislation to secure the passage of the Arizona Accessible 

Information Technology Law requiring state agencies and the Supreme Court to 

purchase accessible information products and make Web sites more accessible. 

 Indiana’s project helped prepare a state rule providing instructions to bring 

government Web sites into compliance with state laws requiring their accessibility. 

 Kansas’ project worked on a revision of Kansas Adult Medical Policy to increase 

optimal use of alternative and augmentative communication devices purchased with 

Medicaid funds. The policy was revised to require a minimum number of training 

hours to be provided by qualified professionals so consumers become familiar with 

their communication systems. 

Figure 8. Outcomes Associated With Legislative Changesa

a Counts are duplicated, as states could report more than one legislative change. In FY 2005, states reported a total of 45 

legislative changes. 

33

15 15

9

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Legislation

passed/enacted

Secured

appropriations

Informational

materials

developed

Rules

promulgated

Other

Outcome

Number of Changes 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

32

 Massachusetts’ project successfully worked to restore Medicaid funding for 

alternative and augmentative communication devices. 

 Nevada’s project helped draft legislation, and will promulgate the regulations, 

allowing people with disabilities to use a signature stamp as a legally approved 

assistive device. Many people with disabilities with motor impairments were 

precluded from voting and other vital activities because they could not physically sign 

their name and the use of a signature stamp was not authorized. 

 North Carolina’s project provided information and technical assistance to state 

agencies on preventing unnecessary placement of people with significant disabilities 

in institutions such as nursing homes; the decision by the state’s Vocational 

Rehabilitation Agency to cover the Medicare co-pay for durable medical equipment 

for clients; the broadening of alternative and augmentative communication services 

covered under a proposed Medicaid waiver for people with mental retardation and 

developmental disabilities; and the purchase devices for people who have speech 

communication disorders along with complex physical disabilities through a 

Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program. 

 Tennessee’s project worked with the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to implement a 

change to the Telecommunications Devices Access Program to allow the program to 

provide services to those with disabilities other than hearing loss. This change 

increases access to telecommunications services to people of all ages who have 

disabilities that make using such services independently difficult or impossible 

without assistive technology. 

H. Conclusion 

FY 2004 was the final year that capacity-building activities such as outreach, technical 

assistance, and interagency coordination were emphasized under the State Grants for AT 

Program. The focus of the AT Act, as amended in 2004, is on those activities considered 

discretionary under the AT Act of 1998: alternative financing, device demonstration, device loan 

and device reutilization. States will target a majority of resources to these activities, while using 

fewer resources to continue providing training and technical assistance, public awareness, and 

coordination. States will change and expand their activities to meet the requirements of the 

AT Act of 2004. 

Consequently, future reporting on the act will differ significantly from past and current 

reports. It will be difficult to draw comparisons between the activities conducted prior to FY 

2005 and those conducted after FY 2005, because the nature of those activities will differ. The 

next section of this report, Implementation of Section 4 of the AT Act, as amended in 2004, 

provides the first information available on the revised AT Act. 
2. IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 4 OF THE AT ACT, 

AS AMENDED IN 2004 

A. Background 

During FY 2005, the State Grants for AT Program was administered under the AT Act of 

1998, as amended by Public Law 108-364. That year marked a transition from the discretionary 

State Grants for AT Program authorized under Title I of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to 

the formula grant authorized under Section 4 of the revised AT Act. The activities conducted 

during this year primarily involved assisting states to plan for implementation of the four Statelevel and three State Leadership Activities beginning in FY 2006. 

Under the revised AT Act, the secretary of education is required to annually provide 

to Congress: 

(A) a compilation and summary of the information provided by the states in annual 

progress reports; and 

(B) a summary of the state applications and an analysis of the progress of the states in 

meeting the measurable goals established in state applications under 

Section 4(d)(3). 

As states planned their Statewide AT Programs in FY 2005, they did not have activities 

on which to provide annual progress reports. What follows describes the process of creating state 

applications, called State Plans for AT, the outcomes of that process, the process of identifying 

and implementing measurable goals for the program, and information on other important 

activities during FY 2005. A summary of the State Plans for AT is provided in Section B, 

Implementation of State Plans and abstracts of the State Plans are provided in Appendix B. A 

description of the measurable goals is provided in Section D. 

B. State Plans for AT 

Development of State Plans 

The revised AT Act required that states submit an application in order to receive funds 

under the State Grants for AT Program. RSA required this application to be in the form of a 

three-year State Plan for Assistive Technology (State Plan for AT or State Plan), covering the 

period Oct. 1, 2005, to Sept. 30, 2008. During this three-year period, a state may be required to 

submit amendments and will be required to submit data, progress reports and annual budgets. 

In accordance with Section 4 of the AT Act of 2004, State Plans for AT describe how each 

state will implement a Statewide AT Program that is comprehensive, meaning equally available to 

all individuals with disabilities residing in the state, regardless of the nature of their disability, age, 

income level or location of residence in the state, or the type of AT device or service required. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

34

Specific requirements of the State Plan include a description of: 

 the entities responsible for implementing the Statewide AT Program; 

 the state’s advisory council; 

 activities to be conducted; 

 State-level Activities the state has elected not to conduct; 

 measurable goals to be achieved by the Statewide AT Program’s activities; 

 the involvement of public and private entities in the Statewide AT Program; 

 support for the Statewide AT Program provided by the state; and 

 the proposed allocation and utilization of grant funds. 

Appendix A presents the complete requirements for State Plans. 

During FY 2005, RSA developed specifications for the plan and provided training related 

to the plan, states completed and submitted their plans and RSA reviewed and approved the plans. 

RSA made ongoing efforts to involve states and stakeholders in general in the 

implementation of the AT Act and State Plan process, including: 

 sponsoring quarterly meetings with stakeholders; 

 sponsoring frequent conference calls with program directors; 

 meeting with program directors at two two-day conferences on the AT Act; 

 consulting with the association representing AT Act program directors on a 

biweekly basis; 

 consulting with the technical assistance provider (RESNA) on a biweekly basis; and 

 consulting with the entity responsible for data collection and reporting (RTI) on a 

regular basis. 

As part of the process, RESNA and RTI sponsored a two-day meeting to discuss options 

for establishing measurable goals for the State Grant Programs. This meeting included 

representatives from Statewide AT programs and Alternative Financing Programs and 

stakeholders from the fields of education, employment, community living, telecommunications 

and information technology. Input from these representatives and stakeholders was ultimately 

incorporated into the State Plan requirements related to measurable goals (see Section 2D). 

Together with RESNA, RSA planned and participated in two two-day training sessions 

about State Plans. During these conferences, held in Washington, D.C., and Albuquerque, N.M., 

52 of the 56 program directors had the opportunity to review the proposed State Plan 

requirements, ask questions and provide suggestions for changes. The majority of revisions 

suggested at these conferences were included in the final version of the State Plan requirements. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

35 

Approval of State Plans 

States prepared and submitted their plans between July 18, 2005, and Aug. 26, 2005, and 

RSA completed its review of the plans by Sept. 29, 2005. Based on the content of the plan 

submitted, each state was granted either a full approval or a conditional approval of its plan.15 As 

shown in Table 6, 43 of the 56 plans were fully approved and 13 were conditionally approved. 

Implementation of State Plans 

States began implementing their State Plans for AT as of Oct. 1, 2005, the first day of FY 

2006. A review of the plans shows how many states will implement the four State-level 

Activities and how they will do it. 

State-level Activities

State Financing. State financing activities are activities that increase access to and 

funding for AT devices and AT services. While many activities may increase access to 

and funding for AT devices and services, the predominant form of state financing that 

will be offered to consumers is alternative financing. Some form of Alternative 

Financing Program (AFP) will be available in 46 of the 56 states and outlying areas. Of 

the ten states and outlying areas without an alternative financing program, eight will 

spend the first year of their State Plan conducting a feasibility study to determine the 

appropriateness of an AFP. 

Of the 46 AFPs available, 36 will receive some form of support from the Statewide AT 

Program.16 Only ten states will not use state grants for AT funds to support state 

financing because comparable nonfederal support for an AFP already exists in their state. 

In addition to AFPs, 18 states will support Telework Programs as part of their state 

financing activities. Telework Programs provide loans for computers and other 

equipment (including AT) required for telework. Other state financing activities that 

states will support include cooperative buying programs that reduce the cost of AT by 

purchasing in bulk; administration of nonfederally funded last resort funds that provide 

funding for AT when other funding sources are exhausted; individualized case 

management to assist individuals in accessing funding; and administration of programs 

that coordinate state funding sources. 

 

15 Conditional approval was given to states whose plans did not demonstrate their ability to fully comply with the AT 

Act as of Oct. 1, 2005. RSA will work with those states during the first year of the State Plan period to address 

deficiencies and ensure that they receive full approval by Sept. 30, 2006. 16 These programs will be supported, at least in part, with Section 4 funds, though they may be continuations of 

programs previously funded by Title I, Title III or another source. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

36

Table 6. State Plan Approval Status17

Full Approval 

Alabama Maryland Pennsylvania 

Arkansas Maine South Carolina 

Arizona Michigan South Dakota 

Connecticut Mississippi Texas 

Colorado Missouri Utah 

Delaware Montana Vermont 

Florida North Carolina Virginia 

Georgia Nebraska Washington 

Iowa New Hampshire Wisconsin 

Illinois New Jersey Wyoming 

Indiana New Mexico Puerto Rico 

Kansas Nevada Guam 

Kentucky New York U.S. Virgin Islands 

Louisiana Ohio 

Massachusetts Oklahoma 

Conditional Approval 

Alaska North Dakota District of Columbia 

California Oregon American Samoa 

Hawaii Rhode Island Northern Mariana Islands 

Idaho Tennessee 

Minnesota West Virginia 

Device Reutilization. Over the next three years, many states will support more than one 

device reutilization program, resulting in 87 device reutilization programs being 

available. Forty-eight states will support device exchange programs that will connect 

owners who no longer need AT devices with individuals seeking used devices. Thirtynine states will support device recycling or refurbishment programs that directly accept 

and redistribute used AT devices.

Device Loans. Over the next three years, 55 grantees will support device loan programs. 

Thirteen states will implement new programs, while 42 will continue existing programs. 

One state has opted not to support device loans. 

 

17 This table reflects the approval status as of Oct. 1, 2005. At the time of this report’s publication, Alaska, Idaho, 

Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island and West Virginia have amended their plans to receive full approval. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

37 

Device Demonstration. Over the next three years, 55 grantees will support device 

demonstration programs, with some supporting more than one. Fourteen states will 

implement new programs, while 41 will continue or improve existing programs. One 

state has opted not to support device demonstrations. 

Device demonstrations will be provided in many ways, and some states will provide 

demonstrations via more than one method. The majority of states (39) will make device 

demonstrations available through regional centers. At least 11 states will work with the 

existing device demonstration network in the state to provide better coordination of 

activities. Nine states will offer “virtual” device demonstrations over the Internet or some 

other electronic medium, and three will develop mobile demonstration vans. The latter two 

types of demonstrations are especially important in large states that are sparsely populated. 

Specific data on these activities, and information on the benefits of these activities for 

individuals with disabilities and others, will be available in future years in accordance with the 

reporting requirements of the revised AT Act. 

State Leadership Activities 

Public Awareness. All states will support activities that increase public awareness of AT 

and provide information and referral. This is done through many methods, including Web 

sites, listservs and other electronic means; information and referral services such as 1-800 

numbers; attendance and presentations at local, state and national conferences; 

publication and dissemination of written materials; advertisements and public service 

announcements; media coverage on television and in newspapers; and other means. 

Coordination and Collaboration. All states will improve access to AT devices and 

services by coordinating activities among public and private entities that are responsible 

for policies, procedures or funding for AT. The types of coordination and collaboration 

are state-specific, but some illustrative examples include: 

 Arkansas’ Statewide AT Program will collaborate and coordinate with the 

Governor’s Task Force on Supported Housing with a focus on universal design and 

accessibility, and with the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Area Agencies 

on Aging to sponsor an effort to develop universal design guidelines for new 

construction of all affordable housing in the state. 

 Colorado’s Statewide AT Program will continue to collaborate with Colorado’s 

Public School Assistive Technology Teams, a network of more than 550 trained AT 

personnel working in Colorado’s schools, to enhance service provision to infants, 

toddlers, children and youths with disabilities who need AT. 

 Indiana’s Statewide AT Program will collaborate with the University of 

Indianapolis to develop a certification program for homebuilders and service 

providers of home modifications.

 Michigan’s Statewide AT Program will participate in the Department of Community 

Health Consumer Task Force that provides oversight to all New Freedom Initiative 

grants from the federal government. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

38

 Puerto Rico’s Statewide AT Program will collaborate with the University of Puerto 

Rico, the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing, and the Department of 

Consumer Affairs to implement the legal safeguards provided to persons with 

disabilities on all matters related to AT contained in the regulations under local Law 

238, The Act for Persons with Disabilities in Puerto Rico.

 Virgin Islands’ Statewide AT program will coordinate and collaborate with the 

Board of Elections under the Help America Vote Act to assure accessible voting. 

Training and Technical Assistance. Over the next three years, all states will provide 

training and technical assistance that enhance the AT knowledge, skills and competencies 

for individuals with disabilities and professionals in areas such as education, 

employment, community living, information technology and 

telecommunications. Because training and technical assistance must be responsive to 

state-specific needs, the topics of and venues for training and technical assistance differ 

from state to state. 

Some illustrative examples of training include: 

 Alaska’s Statewide AT Program will overcome the challenges of vast distances to 

providing regular training to education professionals linked through the statewide 

videoconference system. 

 California’s Statewide AT Program will collaborate with the state’s chief 

information officer to train state government IT professionals regarding accessible 

information technology. 

 Connecticut’s Statewide AT Program will collaborate with the Chamber of 

Commerce to train employers how to successfully integrate AT in the workplace to 

support persons with disabilities. 

 Vermont’s Statewide AT Program will train staff at the state’s 12 One-Stop Career 

Resource Centers to provide them with a basic understanding of AT, using AT in the 

workplace and how to use AT software installed on computers in their centers so 

individuals with disabilities can access job listings, resume writing programs and 

other resources. 

Some illustrative examples of technical assistance include: 

 Delaware’s Statewide AT Program will provide technical assistance to the Arc of 

Delaware as the Arc works to increase the accessibility of more than 60 community 

residences. The program will assist with determining the accessibility modifications 

to be made, the products to be used and the vendors to conduct the work. 

 Iowa’s Statewide AT Program will provide technical assistance to the Iowa secretary 

of state regarding the implementation of the State Plan for the Help America Vote Act, 

including technical assistance on the purchase of accessible voting machines and 

training for poll workers. 

 Maryland’s Statewide AT Program will assist the Department of Budget and 

Management with implementation of Maryland’s Information Technology Non-
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

39 

Visual Access Policy, which requires state agencies to procure information 

technology products and provide Web sites that are accessible to, and compatible 

with the AT used by, individuals who are blind or have low vision. 

States also are required to provide training and technical assistance specifically related to 

transition. Information about these activities is provided in the following section. A summary of 

each state’s plan, describing both their State-level and State Leadership Activities in more detail, 

is provided in Appendix B: State Profiles. 

C. Training and Technical Assistance for Transition 

The revised AT Act requires that states use no less than 5 percent of the funds they 

dedicate to State Leadership Activities for the specific purpose of providing transition assistance 

to individuals with disabilities. These funds must be used to develop and disseminate training 

materials, conduct training, facilitate access to AT, and provide technical assistance to students 

with disabilities who receive transition services and adults who are maintaining or transitioning 

to community living. 

In their State Plans, states were required to describe how they would provide this 

transition assistance over the next three years. According to their plans, the majority of states 

will develop new training modules focused on AT needs for students and adults who are 

transitioning that will be delivered to a variety of professionals and service personnel in addition 

to parents, individuals with disabilities and guardians. Other states already have specific 

activities to implement and the highlights of such activities are presented below. 

Assistance for Students with Disabilities Who Are in Transition 

In Connecticut, a peer technical assistance program will be developed in coordination 

with Southern Connecticut State University or other universities or independent living centers. 

College students or adults using adaptive technology will be matched with students in transition 

to provide one-on-one assistance from someone with real life experience regarding the 

integration of AT into the transition process. This technical assistance will be coordinated with 

other activities, including the device loan program. 

Delaware’s Statewide AT Program has requested the assistance of the Delaware 

Assistive Technology Initiative to assist in the transition of students with autism from the public 

schools into employment training and work settings. The first step in this process will be training 

for educators, employment specialists and advocates relative to technologies with potential to 

support students in organization, completion of work tasks and communication. It is anticipated 

that this initial training will be followed by provision of technical assistance for school programs, 

transition specialists, employment facilitators and employers. 

Florida’s Statewide AT Program will participate on the state’s Partners in Transition 

Initiative, which is a statewide program established to develop a framework for improving the 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

40

transition outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities in Florida. The program is 

assisting the Department of Education in developing the interagency agreements necessary to 

enforce a new law that allows students to keep AT when they transition to postsecondary 

education or employment and will be developing a handbook for parents, students and educators 

explaining how the new law will affect the transition process. The program was involved in the 

original passage of this law. 

Georgia’s Statewide AT Program will expand its collaboration with the Department of 

Labor’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program, which exposes high school students with 

disabilities to AT devices and resources. The program will expose the HSHT State Leadership 

Team to educational adaptive software and identify areas of AT-related training and technical 

assistance to assist transitioning high school students. In addition, the program will collaborate 

with the Department of Education, Department of Labor and Centers for Independent Living on 

a biannual statewide AT conference called “Touch the Future and Transition Conference.” This 

conference will increase knowledge and skills for assisting Georgians with disabilities through 

smooth transitions from school to work, from school to college, or from institutions to 

community living. A similar conference will take place in Idaho. 

In Louisiana, the Statewide AT Program will provide technical assistance to school 

districts, the state rehabilitation service and other adult settings in the development of 

interagency agreements to facilitate students who are transitioning to retain the AT they are using 

when moving from the school environment to employment, postsecondary education or 

community living. 

In Maine, the Committee on Transition, the Northeast Technical Assistance Center, 

Alpha One, the independent living center and the Maine Parent Federation have each developed 

curriculum modules that can be adapted to the needs of professional educators, VR counselors, 

and families and students involved in transition to provide the skills and knowledge they need to 

successfully include AT in all transition planning. The Statewide AT Program will bring together 

representatives from these groups with students who use AT to review the materials developed, 

adapt and pilot the curriculum modules to specific groups for delivery over Maine’s distance 

learning networks, and establish a protocol so that the modules can be used statewide at any time 

and anywhere. 

Missouri will offer a strand on transition at its annual Power Up conference that will 

include Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) students transitioning to 

postsecondary activities and adults transitioning into community living. 

The Statewide AT Program for Oklahoma will collaborate with the Department of 

Rehabilitation Services and Department of Education, Special Education Division, to provide 

training and demonstration on specific AT devices at a Summer Transition Camp. Summer 

Transition Camps are offered to high school students with disabilities for the purpose of 

enhancing transition planning and services from school to secondary education or work. During 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

41 

the camp, youths develop career goals, job readiness skills and work experience to help them 

better prepare for transition to postsecondary education or employment. A similar program will 

be available in Minnesota. 

Nebraska will offer two summer academies for in-depth instruction on AT. One 

academy will focus on high school juniors with reading and writing disabilities to build skills to 

be used in high school and in higher education, and the second academy will target students who 

are blind or visually impaired and who use Braille technologies. 

The North Dakota Statewide AT Program will serve on the Southwest Area on 

Transition (SWAT) Task Force that is made up of consumers and professionals who work in 

education, vocational rehabilitation, protection and advocacy, and independent living. The 

representatives will identify resources for students in the southwest region of the state in 

transition to a postsecondary school setting or those who are entering into the community or who 

wish to remain in their homes. In addition, the SWAT Task Force will work with a state 

university to create a college orientation strand regarding transition. 

Rhode Island’s Statewide AT Program has an agreement with three public institutions of 

higher education to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to academic 

programs and receive the accommodations they require, including assistive technology. In 

addition, the Statewide AT Program will participate in “Youth in Transition,” a program 

designed to support the identification and inclusion of appropriate AT during transition from 

school to work. 

The South Dakota Statewide AT Program plans to collaborate with the Transition 

Services Liaison Project that hosts two major events for students with disabilities each year. The 

Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities is a career leadership-training program 

for high school juniors and seniors in which they serve as delegates from their communities. The 

second event is a “Catch the Wave” conference that is designed specifically for high school 

students who have a disability and are considering postsecondary education (either college or 

technical institutions). The program will offer training regarding the AT resources that are 

available for students who are transitioning. 

The Washington Statewide AT Program will develop two AT funding guides related to 

transition. One guide will provide information about funding sources and strategies to meet the AT 

service delivery needs of students with disabilities who are transitioning from the K–12 school 

system and the second will provide information for adults transitioning to community living. 

The West Virginia Statewide AT Program is planning to include a full-day workshop 

revolving around transition at its annual conference “Celebrating PATHS to Real Choice.” 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

42

Assistance for Adults Who Are Maintaining or Transitioning to 

Community Living 

The Delaware Statewide AT Program will support the transitioning of individuals with 

developmental disabilities from restrictive institutional settings into community placements. The 

program developed a 12-module training series for the Division of Developmental Disabilities 

Services’ case managers that has a direct impact on this population as does the technical assistance 

provided by program staff to residential and rehabilitation service providers in the community. 

The Georgia Statewide AT Program will support a combined team of four certified 

assistive technology practitioners who provide one-on-one technical assistance to individuals. 

These professionals will provide information and in-depth knowledge of AT solutions that create 

opportunities in the community and can ultimately diminish some of the need for costly personal 

attendant services. These AT professionals will assist individuals transitioning from nursing 

homes into community living environments and students transitioning in educational 

environments with technical assistance in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. 

The Guam Statewide AT Program will provide training and technical assistance to Guam 

Memorial Hospital and other health care facilities staff on the selection, use and acquisition of 

assistive technology devices or services. As a result, participating health providers will be 

knowledgeable about the AT needed to transition clients as they exit the health care facility and 

return to their places of residence or to work. Elements of both training modules will be infused 

into preservice training for human service professionals. 

The Iowa Statewide AT Program will contract with AT clinicians from the Center for 

Disabilities and Development to provide training and technical assistance to the staff of an 

intermediate care facility for mental retardation. The goal of the training is to identify and 

provide better supports for residents moving from institutional to community settings. 

Staff of the Illinois Statewide AT Program will serve on the Governor’s Disability 

Services Advisory Committee and provide ongoing assistance about the types of AT devices and 

services that may make a difference for individuals who are living in institutions and who wish 

to transition into the community. 

The Louisiana Statewide AT Program will utilize its AT for an Aging in Place module to 

train older individuals who want to remain in community settings and their caregivers and 

service providers, as well as individuals who want to transition out of institutions into the 

community. Hospital discharge planners will be one population of focus to receive this transition 

training and any technical assistance needed. The program will provide technical assistance to 

the Long Term Services and Supports Task Force for the development of an AT component to be 

used with the federal Medicaid assessment tool for assessing the functional abilities of people 

transitioning to community settings from nursing homes and other institutional settings. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

43 

The Nebraska Statewide AT Program will provide technical assistance for the 

development of a Web-based resource to provide transition assistance to adults with disabilities 

who are transitioning to community living. An existing Web-based search engine to identify 

affordable accessible housing, community supports and resources including AT will be used. It is 

expected that tracking and using already modified housing will speed up the process of transition 

and make the best use of resources. 

The North Carolina Statewide AT Program will assist with community living by going 

out to senior centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or an individual’s home to 

demonstrate how to use AT and how it can assist in maintaining or increasing independence. In 

addition, the program will be an active member of ongoing statewide initiatives such as the 

Rebalancing and Nursing Home Transition and Real Choice Grants, which focus on community 

living transition. 

In Wisconsin, the governor has proposed an initiative to allow as many as 1,440 seniors 

and persons with physical disabilities the opportunity to relocate from nursing homes. The 

statewide AT Program and its contract agencies will provide input regarding AT access and 

acquisition as part of the planning and implementation of the relocation effort. 

D. Measurable Goals for the AT Act

The AT Act requires that states set measurable goals for addressing the assistive technology 

needs of individuals with disabilities in the state within the domains of education, employment, 

telecommunications and information technology, and community living. In order to receive a 

grant, states must describe their goals, provide a timeline for meeting the goals, and indicate how 

the state will quantifiably measure the goals to determine whether they have been achieved. 

Therefore, it was necessary for applicants to include this information in their State Plans. 

RSA determined that all states needed to use, at a minimum, a set of the same measurable 

goals in order to provide a meaningful picture of the program’s success in meeting the AT needs 

of individuals with disabilities.18 Use of common goals provides RSA with a national picture of 

program performance and permits comparisons of performance among states. As indicated 

earlier, stakeholders provided input on performance measures, and measurable goals based on 

this input were incorporated into the State Plan requirements. The input was consistent with the 

findings and purposes of the AT Act: The goal of Statewide AT Programs is to improve access to 

and acquisition of AT for targeted individuals and entities as defined under the AT Act. (See the 

Glossary for a definition of targeted individuals and entities.) Therefore, it was decided that the 

measurable goals established for the program should focus on access and acquisition. 

Discussions with stakeholders also indicated that the four State-level Activities (state 

financing, device reutilization, device demonstration and device loan) were most likely to 

 

18 States may adopt additional goals if they so desire. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program

44

improve access and acquisition directly. More specifically, device demonstration programs and 

device loan programs were most likely to improve access to AT, while state financing and device 

reutilization were most likely to improve acquisition of AT. 

To be consistent with the requirements of the revised AT Act, it was concluded that all 

states should be required to set one goal for improving access to AT and one goal for improving 

acquisition of AT for individuals with disabilities for use in education, employment, community 

living, and information technology and telecommunications. The result is seven measurable 

goals—four “access goals” and three “acquisition goals”19—as described below. 

Goals for Improving Access to AT 

Device demonstrations and device loans improve access to AT because they provide 

individuals with information and experiences that enable them to make informed decisions about 

AT. Therefore, an appropriate goal is that targeted individuals and entities make a decision about 

an AT device or service based on the information they receive from a device demonstration or 

device loan program. A way to measure improvement in access to AT, then, is through an 

increase in the percentage of appropriate individuals and entities who accessed device 

demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or 

service as a result of the assistance they received. The access goals are as follows: 

1. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

accessed device demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a 

decision about an AT device or service for educational purposes as a result of the 

assistance they received. 

2. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

accessed device demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a 

decision about an AT device or service for employment purposes as a result of the 

assistance they received. 

3. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

accessed device demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a 

decision about an AT device or service for community living as a result of the 

assistance they received. 

4. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

accessed device demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a 

decision about an AT device or service that meets an information technology/ 

telecommunications need as a result of the assistance they received. 

 

19 States are not required to set goals related to acquiring AT that meets an information technology or 

telecommunications need. Once an individual acquires AT that improves access to information technology or 

telecommunications, it is actually used for employment, education or community living purposes. 
Part I—The State Grants for Assistive Technology Program 

45 

Goals for Improving Acquisition of AT 

State financing systems and device reutilization programs are most likely to improve 

acquisition, because they reduce cost barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining AT. As a 

result, individuals and entities obtain AT devices or services from state financing systems or 

device reutilization programs despite the otherwise prohibitive cost of such devices or services. 

A way to measure improvement in acquisition of AT, then, is through an increase in the 

percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from 

state financing activities or reutilization programs who would not have obtained the AT. The 

acquisition goals are as follows: 

5. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

obtained devices or services from state financing activities or reutilization programs 

for educational purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

6. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

obtained devices or services from state financing activities or reutilization programs 

for employment purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

7. An increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who 

obtained devices or services from state financing activities or reutilization programs for 

community living purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

All states were required to include these seven measures in their State Plans. States will 

establish baselines during the first year of their plan, using a data collection instrument and 

procedures to be developed by RSA and disseminated to all states. Once a baseline has been 

established, states will be required to identify long-term goals to be achieved by the end of the 

third year of the State Plan period. States also must set annual goals that show progress toward 

the long-term goal. 

E. Conclusion 

As is indicated in this report, states planned their Statewide AT Programs during FY 

2005, and will begin to implement those programs in FY 2006. In response to the changes made 

by the AT Act of 2004, Statewide AT Programs are evolving, and will continue to evolve, over 

the next few years. 

PART II. 

ALTERNATIVE FINANCING PROGRAMS (AFPs) 

1. IMPLEMENTATION OF TITLE III OF THE AT ACT OF 1998

A. Background 

Alternative Financing Program (AFP) grants respond to the need for resources to finance 

AT by paying for the federal share of the cost to establish, expand and administer state-based 

loan programs that assist individuals with disabilities in purchasing AT. Individuals with 

disabilities and their family members with insufficient financial resources to purchase AT or to 

qualify for conventional bank loans often can obtain financing through affordable loans offered 

by AFPs. 

Congress first authorized grants for AFPs in 1994 under Title III of the Technology-Related 

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, as amended (Pub. L. No. 103-218). AFP 

grants continued to be authorized under Title III of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT Act of 

1998) for FY 2005 through a special rule in Section 4 the AT Act, as amended in 2004. 

From FY 2000 through FY 2004, the AFP program was administered by the National 

Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the Office of Special Education and 

Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). In December 2004, the administration of the program was 

transferred to the Rehabilitation Services Administration, also located within OSERS. In both FY 

2004 and 2005, AFP grants were administered under Title III of the AT Act of 1998. Therefore, 

unlike the structure in Part I of this document, these fiscal years are not reported separately. 

Title III of the AT Act of 1998 requires the secretary to report to Congress on the progress 

of each AFP. Table 7 presents the legislative reporting requirements and the sections of this 

document that address them. 

Sections B through F present these data and additional data not designated in the previous 

paragraphs—(A) through (D). A review of the data collection process, describing quality and 

limitations of data, is presented in Section B. The amount of federal and nonfederal funding 

available for AFPs is detailed in Section C. Sections D through F provide information on the 

structure and features of AFPs, loan activities of AFPs, the type of individuals using AFPs and the 

types of AT provided by AFPs. Part II of this report concludes with examples of the ways AFPs 

have improved the lives of individuals with disabilities who received loans and their families. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

50

Table 7. Reporting Requirements for the AT Act of 1998, Title III 

Reporting Requirement Addressed by 

(A) the number of grant applications received and approved, and the amount 

of each grant awarded 

Section C (page 51) 

(B) the ratio of funds provided by each state for the Alternative Financing 

Program of the state to funds provided by the federal government for 

the program 

Section C (page 51) 

(C) the type of alternative financing mechanisms used by each state and the 

community-based organization with which each state entered into a 

contract, under the program 

Section D—Table 11 (page 56) 

and Table 12 (page 59) 

(D) the amount of assistance given to consumers through the program (who 

shall be classified by age, type of disability, type of assistive technology 

device or assistive technology service financed through the program, 

geographic distribution within the state, gender, and whether the 

consumers are part of an underrepresented population or rural population). 

Section D—Loan Activity (page 

62) and Consumers Who Use 

AFPs (page 64) 

B. Data Collection and Limitations 

Data Collection. AFPs must collect and report data about the loans they provided 

directly or supported through lending institutions. Two types of data are reported by AFPs: 

 The first type is “program data” that provide summary information about state 

programs, including program partners, program features and the performance of the 

loans that they supported or provided. 

 The second type of data is “individual applicant data,” which is data on individuals 

seeking loans to purchase AT. (A random identification code is generated for each 

applicant’s data to protect the individual’s privacy.) These data include: 

– data collected during initial surveys of applicants for loans, including applicant 

demographics and assistive technology request information, and 

– data collected from follow-up surveys with applicants, including outcomes. 

Program data are submitted annually by all state AFP grantees to the Alternative 

Financing Technical Assistance Project (AFTAP), which is operated by the Rehabilitation 

Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). Individual applicant 

data are submitted to a Web-based reporting system operated and maintained through the 

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Occupational Therapy Department under a subcontract 

with RESNA. 

Tables for this report were created using the Web-based outcomes reporting system at 

UIC and the annual program data survey. Sources for the data are noted on each data table. 

Data Limitations. For this FY 2004 to 2005 report, the FY 2005 data are incomplete. To 

meet publication deadlines, the FY 2005 annual program information needed to be collected by 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

51 

Oct. 28, 2005. Some states did not have full information from their lenders concerning their 

outstanding loans, defaults and net losses. Similarly, the FY 2005 applicant data needed to be 

entered into the UIC system by Oct. 1, 2005, for it to be downloaded on Oct. 2, 2005. Thus, the 

FY 2005 data are preliminary, as some applicant data may not have been available and entered to 

meet those timelines, which were near the end of the AFPs’ fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2005. 

Also, the individual applicant data collection system was not available from November 2004 

to February 2005 while in the process of approval by the OMB. Consequently, states could not enter 

applicant data and some records may not have been entered when the system was reopened. 

In addition, some data are missing from individual applicant records. Applicants always 

have the right to refuse to answer survey questions and some programs do not ask all questions 

because of their particular structure and application process. 

Additionally, variations in the processes used across the states for collecting information 

affect the reliability of the data. These variations are a function of program structure, human 

resources availability and relationships with banks or other financial institutions. Some states 

collect data at the time of application while others collect it later and, therefore, may be more 

subject to recall bias. 

C. Funding 

Total federal funding of the AFP from FY 2000 to FY 2005 was $57.2 million. Funding 

provided by nonfederal sources during the same period totaled $21.1 million, for a combined 

total of $78.3 million invested in the loan programs (see Table 8). 

Federal funding of AFPs was started with $3.8 million awarded in FY 2000 to six states: 

Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia. These states matched the federal 

amount dollar for dollar, with an additional $3.8 million in nonfederal funds. The six states 

began to implement their AFP grants in FY 2001 

In FY 2001, the match requirement was changed from one state dollar for every federal 

dollar to one state dollar for every three federal dollars: $13.6 million in federal funds was 

awarded, with an additional $4.6 million contributed by states in matching funds, one state dollar 

for every three federal dollars. Fourteen states received FY 2001 AFP grants. Of these states, 10 

started AFPs for the first time and four states used the FY 2001 grants to expand their existing 

loan programs. States receiving new AFP grants in FY 2001 were Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, 

Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. States receiving an 

additional AFP grant in FY 2001 were Maryland, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia. No funds to 

support additional AFP grants were awarded in FY 2002. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

52

Table 8. Funding for AFPs from FY 2000 to FY 2005 

Fiscal Year 

Number of 

Grants Federal Funds Nonfederal Match Total Program 

2000 6 $3,792,576 $3,792,576 $7,585,152 

2001 14 $13,633,286 $4,636,876 $18,270,162 

2002 0 $0 $0 $0 

2003 26 $35,859,229 $11,428,487 $47,287,716 

2004 0 $0 $0 $0 

2005 8 $3,942,109 $1,314,703 $5,256,812 

Totalsa 54 $57,227,200 $21,172,642 $78,399,842 

a

 The total number of grants does not equal 54 AFPs because some states received multiple AFP grants.

Source: Annual Program Data and Rehabilitation Services Administration. 

A total of $35.8 million in federal funds was awarded to states and outlying areas (U.S. 

territories) in FY 2003. States contributed $11.4 million to match one state dollar for every three 

federal dollars. Twenty-six states submitted applications for FY 2003 and all received AFP 

grants (see Table 9). 

Fifteen states and outlying areas that received FY 2003 grants began establishing AFP loan 

programs for the first time. These states are Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, 

Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Eleven states that received FY 2003 grants had received AFP grants in prior years and 

used the new funds to expand their existing AFP programs. These are Florida, Illinois, Kansas, 

Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. 

No funds to support additional AFP grants were awarded in FY 2004. However, AFPs 

that received grants from FY 2000 through FY 2002 continued to operate and provide data on 

their activities. Additionally, states that received new AFP grants in FY 2003 began to 

implement their grants in FY 2004. Those data are featured in this report for FY 2004. 

In FY 2005, $3.9 million was awarded for AFP grants, and the states matched the FY 

2005 federal awards with $1.3 million. Priority for the grants was given to those states that did 

not have existing AFP programs. Priority also was given to states that had received less than $1 

million in federal funds for the operation of an AFP and to states that applied with a commitment 

of match in-hand. 

Eleven states submitted AFP applications for grants, and grants were awarded to eight 

states (see Table 10). The state match was again one state dollar for every three federal dollars. 

Two of the eight states, Alabama and Maine, started AFPs for the first time. The six remaining 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

53 

states that received FY 2005 grants had received AFP grants in prior years and used the new 

grant funds to expand existing programs. The states were Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, 

Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Utah. States that received FY 2005 grants will begin to implement 

those grants during FY 2006. 

From FY 2000 to FY 2005, a total of 30 states and three outlying areas received AFP 

funds. These are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 

Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 

Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, 

Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the Commonwealth of the Northern 

Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Appendix D provides a list of state AFPs with detailed contact information. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

54

Table 9. Funding for AFPs—FY 2003a

 

State Federal Grant State Match Total Program 

Delaware $905,756 $301,918 $1,207,674 

Florida $1,270,981 $423,660 $1,694,641 

Georgia $1,563,307 $521,103 $2,084,410 

Illinois $3,228,292 $1,076,098 $4,304,390 

Iowa $482,973 $175,000 $657,973 

Kansas $7,343,450 $2,447,816 $9,791,266 

Kentucky $142,350 $47,450 $189,800 

Maryland $1,270,981 $423,660 $1,694,641 

Massachusetts $1,694,641 $564,880 $2,259,521 

Michigan $635,491 $211,830 $847,321 

Minnesota $1,270,981 $423,660 $1,694,641 

Nebraska $635,490 $211,830 $847,320 

New Mexico $1,270,981 $423,660 $1,694,641 

North Dakota $1,293,937 $431,312 $1,725,249 

Oklahoma $597,361 $199,120 $796,481 

Pennsylvania $1,270,981 $423,660 $1,694,641 

South Carolina $406,714 $$135,571 $542,285 

Utah $254,196 $84,732 $338,928 

Vermont $635,490 $212,163 $847,653 

Virginia $4,941,575 $1,647,192 $6,588,767 

Washington $635,491 $211,830 $847,321 

Wisconsin $2,287,766 $762,589 $3,050,355 

Wyoming $167,770 $55,923 $223,693 

Guamb

 $508,392 $0 $508,392 

Northern Marianasb

 $508,392 $0 $508,392 

U.S. Virgin Islandsb

 $635,490 $11,830 $647,320 

FY 2003 Total $35,859,229 $11,428,487 $47,287,716 

Source: Annual Program Data FY 2003. 

a AFP grants awarded in fiscal year 2003 were implemented in fiscal year 2004. There were no AFP grants awarded in FY 2004. 

b The three AFP grantees from outlying areas—Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands—used the match 

waiver afforded through the Omnibus Territorial Act (Pub. L. No. 96-597), which waived the first $200,000 of match funds for 

grants to territories. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

55 

Table 10. Funding for AFPs—FY 2005 

State Federal Grant State Match Total Program 

Alabama $1,500,000 $500,000 $2,000,000 

Illinois $191,940 $63,980 $255,920 

Maine $750,000 $250,000 $1,000,000 

Massachusetts $375,000 $125,000 $500,000 

New Mexico $100,000, $34,000 $134,000 

Oklahoma $485,169 $150,000 $600,000 

Pennsylvania $450,000 $150,000 $600,000 

Utah $90,000 $30,000 $120,000 

FY 2005 Total $3,942,109 $1,314,703 $5,256,812 

Source: Rehabilitation Services Administration. 

D. Data on Alternative Financing Programs 

Program Features 

As shown in Table 11, state AFPs in FY 2004 and FY 2005 offered one or more 

alternative financing mechanisms for consumers. The range of loan amounts available through 

state AFPs was typically $500 to $50,000, with a few programs having no specified minimum or 

maximum loan amount. The range of interest rates charged to borrowers in each state varied 

considerably, from a low of 0 percent to a high of 10.75 percent. Repayment terms for loans 

varied by state, with many states offering a repayment period between five and 10 years. Loan 

guarantee requirements also varied widely by state. Lending institutions in about one-half of the 

states required AFPs to set aside 100 percent of the total amount loaned to cover possible loan 

defaults by consumers.
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

56

Table 11. AFP Program Features in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

State Loan Models 

Range of Loan 

Amounts 

Interest 

Charged to 

Borrower 

Repayment 

Terms 

Loan Guarantee 

Requirements 

Arizona Guaranteed loan $500–$10,000 9% to 10.75% Up to 3 years 100% 

Arkansas Revolving loan $500–$50,000 Prime Up to 20 years n/a 

Delaware Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

$500–$30,000 3.5% to 5.5% Up to 10 years To be determined

Florida Guaranteed loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

$3,000–

$20,000 

5.8% to 8.5% 5–6 years 50%–100% 

Georgia Guaranteed loan Case by case Depends on 

lender 

1/2–6 years 15% secured, 

40% unsecured 

Illinois Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan, 

principal buy-down loan 

$500–$40,000 Up to 3.5% Up to 20 years 100% 

Iowa Revolving loan, 

guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan 

$500–$25,000 Prime plus 1% 1–5 years Up to 100% 

Kansas Guaranteed loan $500–$50,000 5% 1/2–10 years 100% 

Kentucky Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan 

$500–$25,000 4% to 6% 2–8 years 50%–100% 

Louisiana Guaranteed loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

$500–$50,000 Prime plus 1% 

to prime plus 

2% 

2–7 years 50% 

Maryland Guaranteed/interest rate 

buy-down loan, preferred 

rate non-guaranteed loan 

$500–$30,000 3% to 

1% under prime

1–7 years, up to 

20 years for 

home equity 

loan 

50% 

Massachusetts Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan 

$500–No 

maximum 

4% Up to 10 years 100% 

Michigan Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan 

Up to $30,000 3.5% to 6.75% 1–7 years 100% 

Minnesota Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

$1,000–

$50,000 

Prime to prime 

plus 2% 

Varies based on 

amount of loan 

50%–100% 

Missouri Revolving loan $500–$10,000 2% to 4% Up to 5 years n/a 

Nebraska Guaranteed/interest rate 

buy-down loan 

$1,500–

$50,000 

2.75% to 4.5% 2–10 years 100% 

Nevada Guaranteed loan $700–$34,000 4.25% to 6.25% 2–10 years 100% 

New Mexico Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

rate loan 

Up to $20,000 Up to prime 

plus 2% 

1/2–15 years 100% 

(continued) 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

57 

Table 11. AFP Program Features in FY 2004 and FY 2005 (continued) 

State Loan Models 

Range of Loan 

Amounts 

Interest 

Charged to 

Borrower 

Repayment 

Terms 

Loan Guarantee 

Requirements 

North Dakota Guaranteed/interest rate 

buy-down loan 

$500–$50,000 2% under prime 

to prime 

1–7 years 100% 

Oklahoma Guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan, 

guaranteed/interest rate 

buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

No minimum—

No maximum 

5% to prime 

plus 3% 

3–5 years 100% 

Pennsylvania Interest rate buy-down 

loan, guaranteed/interest 

rate buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

$100–No 

maximum 

0% to 4% Up to 10 years 50% 

South Carolina Guaranteed loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

No minimum—

$30,000 

5.9% to 9.9% 1–6 years 25%–100% 

Utah Interest rate buy-down 

loan, guaranteed/interest 

rate buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

$750–$50,000 2.75% to 4.35% 2–5 years 0%–100% 

Vermont Revolving loan $500–$50,000 6% to 8% 1–10 years n/a 

Virginia Revolving loan, 

guaranteed loan, interest 

rate buy-down loan, 

guaranteed/interest rate 

buy-down loan, nonguaranteed low interest 

loan 

No minimum—

No maximum 

3% to 5% 3–10 years 50% 

Washington Revolving loan $250–$10,000 Prime to prime 

plus 2% 

1/2–5 years n/a 

Wisconsin Guaranteed loan $1,000–

$50,000 

Prime to prime 

plus 2% 

1–10 years 20% 

Wyoming Interest rate buy-down 

loan 

$500–$5,000 0% Up to 5 years n/a 

 

Guam Guaranteed loan $100–5,000 Prevailing bank 

reference rate, 

up to 10% 

1–5 years 75% 

Northern 

Marianas 

Revolving loan, 

guaranteed loan 

$500–$20,000 4% to 8% 1–5 years 100% 

U.S. Virgin 

Islands 

Interest rate buy-down 

loan, guaranteed/interest 

rate buy-down loan 

$300–$15,000 4% 1–5 years 100% 

Source: Annual Program Data FY 2004 and FY 2005. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

58

Program Partners 

The federal government provides seed money through grants to states and outlying areas 

to establish AFP loan programs. To receive a federal AFP award, a state matches federal funds 

with state or private monies. An AFP is administered by a community-based organization (CBO) 

that involves individuals with disabilities in decision-making at all organizational levels. The 

CBO partners with a lending institution or state financing authority to provide loans. Information 

provided in Table 12 shows the entities that formed partnerships with states in FY 2004 and 

FY 2005. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

59 

Table 12. AFP Program Partners in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

State Partners 

Arizona State Agency: Institute for Human Development, Northern Arizona University 

CBO: Arizona Community Foundation and AzLAT Consortium 

Lender: Arizona MultiBank Community Development Corp. 

Arkansas State Agency: Arkansas Rehabilitation Services 

CBO: Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee 

Lender: Arkansas Development Finance Authority 

Delaware State Agency: Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

CBO: University of Delaware, Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative 

Lender: Pending 

Florida State Agency: Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

CBO: Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) 

Lenders: AmSouth 

SunTrust Bank 

Georgia State Agency: Georgia Department of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Tools 

for Life 

CBO: Tech-Able, Inc., Getting Ahead Association 

Lenders: MACO Educators Federal Credit Union 

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union 

Illinois State Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services 

CBO: Illinois Assistive Technology Program 

Lender: Security Bank 

Iowa State Agency: Iowa Finance Authority 

CBO: Iowa Able Foundation, State Public Policy Group, Abilities Fund 

Lenders: Bankers Trust, John Deere Community Credit Union 

Kansas State Agency: University of Kansas 

CBO: Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative 

Lenders: Mid-America Credit Union 

Labette Bank 

Alliance Bank of Topeka 

Kentucky State Agency: Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 

CBO: Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation 

Lender: Fifth Third Bank of Kentucky 

Louisiana State Agency: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals 

CBO: Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network 

Lender: Regions Bank 

(continues, next page) 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

60

Table 12. cont’d. AFP Program Partners in FY 2004 and FY 2005 (continued) 

State Partners 

Maryland State Agency: Maryland Department of Disabilities 

CBO: AT Guaranteed Loan Program Board 

Lenders: SunTrust Bank 

State Employees Credit Union of Maryland 

1st Mariner Bank 

Massachusetts State Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

CBO: Easter Seals Massachusetts 

Lender: Sovereign Bank 

Michigan State Agency: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Rehabilitation 

Services 

CBO: Michigan Disability Rights Coalition 

Lender: Financial Health Credit Union 

Minnesota State Agency: Minnesota Department of Administration, STAR Program 

CBO: Assistive Technology of Minnesota 

Lenders: Bremer Banks, N.A. 

Missouri State Agency: Missouri Assistive Technology Council 

CBO: Loan Application Review Committee 

Lender: Missouri State Treasurer 

Nebraska State Agency: Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership 

CBO: Easter Seals Nebraska 

Lender: First National Bank of Omaha 

Nevada State Agency: Nevada Office of Community Based Services 

CBO: CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada 

Lender: Nevada State Bank 

New Mexico State Agency: New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

CBO: San Juan Center for Independence 

Lender: Four Corners Community Bank 

North Dakota State Agency: North Dakota Protection and Advocacy 

CBO: North Dakota Association for the Disabled 

Lender: Alerus Financial Institution 

Oklahoma State Agency: Oklahoma ABLE Tech 

CBO: Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation 

Lender: BancFirst of Stillwater 

Pennsylvania State Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development 

CBO: Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation 

Lender: Sovereign Bank 

(continues, next page) 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

61 

Table 12 cont’d AFP Program Partners in FY 2004 and FY 2005 (continued) 

State Partners 

South Carolina State Agency: South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department 

CBO: Foundation for Independence Through Empowerment 

Lender: South Carolina State Credit Union 

Utah State Agency: Utah State University, Center for Persons with Disabilities 

CBO: Utah Assistive Technology Foundation 

Lender: Zions Bank 

Vermont State Agency: Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living 

CBO: Opportunities Ventures 

Lender: Opportunities Credit Union 

Virginia State Agency: Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services 

CBO: Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority 

Lender: SunTrust Bank 

Washington State Agency: Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development 

CBO: Washington Assistive Technology Foundation 

Lender: Cascadia Revolving Loan Fund 

Wisconsin State Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services 

CBO: IndependenceFirst 

Lender: Marshall and Ilsley Bank 

Wyoming State Agency: Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, University of Wyoming 

CBO: Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, Inc. 

Lender: First Interstate Bank of Laramie 

 

Guam State Agency: University of Guam 

CBO: Pacific Islands Micro Credit Institute 

Lender: Bank of Guam 

Northern Marianas State Agency: CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities 

CBO: CNMI Association of Families with Disabilities 

Lender: Bank of Saipan 

U.S. Virgin Islands State Agency: University of Virgin Islands 

CBO: Virgin Islands Assistive Technology Foundation 

Lender: Banco Popular De Puerto Rico 

Source: Annual Program Data FY 2004 and FY 2005.
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

62

Loan Activity 

Number and Dollar Amount of Loans 

For FY 2004, which ran from Oct. 1, 2003, to Sept. 30, 2004, 21 AFPs were operating 

and providing loans. A total of 1,735 applications were received by these AFPs and 1,171 

loans—with a total dollar amount of $11,469,304—were provided to individuals with disabilities 

for the purchase of AT. Nationally, about 67 percent of the applications were approved.

For FY 2005, which ran from Oct. 1, 2004, to Sept. 30, 2005, 27 AFPs were operating 

and providing loans. Preliminary data from these AFPs show that they received 1,895 

applications and provided 1,116 loans for a total dollar amount of $12,045,387. Nationally, about 

59 percent of the applications were approved.

Table 13 shows the loan activity by state grantees for FY 2004 and FY 2005. 

Table 13. Loan Activity in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

FY 2004 FY 2005 

Applications 

Processed 

(count) 

Loans Made 

(count) 

Amount of 

Loans Made

($) 

Applications 

Processed 

(count) 

Loans Made 

(count) 

Dollar Amt. 

Loans Made

($) 

Arkansas 4 4 $40,378 8 5 $26,379 

Arizona 23 10 $21,159 19 5 $10,629 

Florida 80 59 $649,262 104 40 $460,400 

Georgia a a a

 9 3 $35,843 

Illinois 107 87 $1,674,821 112 71 $1,016,040 

Iowa 19 8 $66,679 35 9 $44,732 

Kansas 152 104 $1,106,526 183 129 $1,064,473 

Kentucky 106 57 $365,253 103 56 $429,583 

Louisiana 35 25 $427,796 50 19 $451,655 

Maryland 170 95 $1,416,247 172 86 $1,034,449 

Massachusetts a a a

 51 35 $418,540 

Michigan 96 39 $248,896 164 64 $421,970 

Minnesota 1 1 $7,500 6 4 $49,785 

Missouri b b b b b b

Nebraska a a a

 56 27 $510,723 

Nevada 20 15 $413,467 12 8 $188,619 

North Dakota a a a b b b

Oklahoma 69 61 $277,331 74 67 $403,084 

Pennsylvania 184 124 $2,044,692 135 105 $1,913,417 

South Carolina 1 1 $19,128 33 22 $194,503 

(continues, next page)
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

63 

Table 13 cont’d. Loan Activity in FY 2004 and FY 2005 (continued) 

FY 2004 FY 2005 

Applications 

Processed 

(count) 

Loans Made 

(count) 

Amount of 

Loans Made

($) 

Applications 

Processed 

(count) 

Loans Made 

(count) 

Dollar Amt. 

Loans Made

($) 

Utah 466 366 $1,570,425 220 131 $734,409 

Virginia 42 28 $444,705 188 136 $2,008,451 

Washington 7 5 $23,950 27 20 $59,393 

Wisconsin 146 79 $636,489 121 64 $530,689 

Wyoming 7 3 $14,600 12 9 $36,177 

Guam a a a

 1 1 $1,444 

U.S. Virgin Islands a a a b b b

Totals 1,735 1,171 $11,469,304 1,895 1,116 $12,045,387 

Source: AFP Outcomes Database and Management System, downloaded Oct. 2, 2005. 

Note: Applications processed are those applications for which a decision is made in that particular fiscal year. Delaware, New 

Mexico, Northern Marianas and Vermont were in the process of establishing their loan programs and had not begun to accept 

applications by Sept. 30, 2005. Alabama and Maine, both FY 2005 grant recipients, will not begin to operate their AFPs until 

FY 2006. 

a

 Georgia, Guam, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Dakota and U.S. Virgin Islands were in the process of establishing their loan 

programs and did not accept applications in FY 2004. 

b

 Data were not submitted to the Web-based system.

Average Dollar Amount of Loans 

In FY 2004, the median loan provided to individuals with disabilities was $5,000. The 

median loan is the loan amount for which one-half of the approved loan amounts are above 

and one-half are below. The average dollar amount for a loan in FY 2004 was $9,811. In FY 2005, 

the median loan was $5,128 and the average dollar amount for a loan was $10,871 (see Table 14). 

Table 14. Dollar Amount of Approved Loans in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

FY 2004 

(N = 1,171) 

FY 2005 

(N = 1,116) 

Median $5,000 $5,128 

Average $9,811 $10,871 

Minimum $204 $148 

Maximum $74,925 $81,000 

Source: AFP Outcomes Database and Management System, downloaded Oct. 2, 2005. 

Default Rates and Net Loss Rates 

The total dollar amount of outstanding loans (loans for which the principal was not yet 

repaid in full) as of Sept. 30, 2004, was $16,232,616. This total includes loans that were provided 

by AFPs, such as direct and guaranteed loans, but does not include interest rate buy-down loans 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

64

or non-guaranteed loans provided solely by lending institutions. A total of 80 loans defaulted in 

FY 2004, with a total dollar amount of $229,754. Therefore the FY 2004 AFP national default 

rate was 1.42 percent. The default rate for loan programs is calculated by dividing the total dollar 

amount of defaulted loans by the total dollar amount of outstanding loans.

As of Sept. 30, 2004, the amount of net losses—the dollar amount of defaulted loans 

minus the funds collected from collateral—was $197,481 and the net loss rate for all AFP 

supported loans for FY 2004 was 1.22 percent. The net loss rate for loan programs is calculated 

by dividing the dollar amount of net losses by the outstanding loan amounts. 

Preliminary program data for FY 2005, collected by Oct. 28, 2005, showed a total of 

$19,562,127 in outstanding loans as of Sept. 30, 2005; 99 loans defaulted, with a combined dollar 

amount of $475,982. The national default rate was 2.43 percent for FY 2005. The dollar amount of 

net losses on the loans was $474,979 for FY 2005. The national net loss rate was 2.43 percent as of 

Sept. 30, 2005. Net loss indicates the amount of funds actually lost by defaulted loans. 

Consumers Who Use AFPs 

Characteristics of Borrowers 

Demographic information, such as age, sex and race, reported by borrowers for FY 2004 

and FY 2005, is shown in Table 15. In FY 2004 and FY 2005, data showed that more males than 

females were borrowers and that the largest percentage of borrowers was between 40 and 69 

years of age. Most borrowers indicated that they were white. Looking at the communities where 

borrowers resided in FY 2004 (suburban, rural and urban areas), a slightly higher percentage of 

borrowers resided in suburban areas. In FY 2005, data showed that borrowers were almost 

evenly divided among urban, rural and suburban areas. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

65 

Table 15. Demographic Characteristics of Borrowers in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

 FY 2004 FY 2005 

 Count 

Percentage of 

1,171 Approved 

Loans Count 

Percentage of 

1,116 Approved 

Loans 

Sex of AT User 

Male 638 54.5 519 46.5 

Female 482 41.2 451 40.4 

No response 51 4.4 146 13.1 

Total 1,171 100.0 1,116 100.0 

Age of AT User 

0–9 years 68 5.8 43 3.9 

10–19 years 52 4.4 66 5.9 

20–29 years 73 6.2 85 7.6 

30–39 years 91 7.8 94 8.4 

40–49 years 175 14.9 140 12.5 

50–59 years 185 15.8 183 16.4 

60–69 years 189 16.1 128 11.5 

70–79 years 176 15.0 113 10.1 

80–89 years 99 8.5 63 5.6 

90–100 years 5 0.4 7 0.6 

No response 58 5.0 194 17.4 

Total 1,171 100.0 1,116 100.0 

Race of AT User 

White 858 73.3 653 58.5 

Black or African American 102 8.7 78 7.0 

Hispanic or Latino 20 1.7 23 2.1 

American Indian, Alaskan 

Native 

10 0.9 12 1.1 

Pacific Islander - - 1 0.1 

Asian 3 0.3 1 0.1 

Other 2 0.2 7 0.6 

No response 176 15.0 341 30.6 

Total 1,171 100.0 1,116 100.0 

Community of User 

Primarily urban 284 24.3 294 26.3 

Primarily rural 310 26.5 275 24.6 

Primarily suburban 388 33.1 268 24.0 

Other 114 9.7 244 21.9 

No response 75 6.4 35 3.1 

Total 1,171 100.0 1,116 100.0 

Source: AFP Outcomes Database and Management System, downloaded Oct. 2, 2005.
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

66

Types of AT Purchased 

Many different types of assistive technology were purchased by borrowers, as shown in 

Table 16. In FY 2004 and FY 2005, the three most frequently purchased types of AT were 

adapted transportation, hearing aids and mobility equipment. 

Functional Areas that AT is Expected to Affect 

Table 17 provides information from FY 2004 and FY 2005 loan recipients about the 

functional areas that the purchased AT was expected to affect. These areas were primarily 

mobility, social interactions, hearing, and talking or other methods of communicating. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

67 

Table 16. Types of AT Purchased by Borrowers in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

FY 2004 FY 2005 

Assistive Technology Counta

Percentage of 1,171 

Approved Loans Counta

Percentage of 1,116 

Approved Loans 

Adapted transportation 437 37.3 520 46.6 

Hearing aids 481 41.1 270 24.2 

Mobility equipment 109 9.3 111 9.9 

Building modifications 80 6.8 103 9.2 

Daily living equipment 42 3.6 58 5.2 

Computer equipment 42 3.6 66 5.9 

Seating and positioning 27 2.3 17 1.5 

Visual aids 26 2.2 14 1.3 

Computer access 18 1.5 33 3.0 

Medical equipment 14 1.2 20 1.8 

Social and recreational 7 0.6 9 0.8 

Communication 5 0.4 2 0.2 

Environmental control 5 0.4 2 0.2 

Work or school modifications 5 0.4 5 0.4 

Farm equipment modifications 2 0.2 1 0.1 

Other needs 7 0.6 27 2.4 

Source: AFP Outcomes Database and Management System, downloaded Oct. 2, 2005. a Borrowers could purchase more that one piece of AT with a single loan and, therefore, the count column exceeds 1,171 (FY 

2004) and 1,116 (FY 2005) if summed. Therefore, the percentages reported were calculated as follows: count of loans for type 

of technology divided by total approved loans for that year. 

Table 17. Functions Affected by AT Purchased by Borrowers in FY 2004 and FY 2005 

FY 2004 FY 2005 

 Counta

Percentage of 

1,171 Approved 

Loans Counta

Percentage of 

1,116 Approved 

Loans 

AT will affect mobility 591 50.5 715 64.1 

AT will affect social interactions 639 54.6 386 34.6 

AT will affect hearing 504 43.0 280 25.1 

AT will affect talking and communication 485 41.4 210 18.8 

AT will affect learning 110 9.4 110 9.9 

AT will affect memory 70 6.0 30 2.7 

AT will affect handling skills (dexterity) 36 3.1 37 3.3 

AT will affect seeing 36 3.1 26 2.3 

AT will affect other things 111 9.5 73 6.5 

Source: AFP Outcomes Database and Management System, downloaded Oct. 2, 2005. a

 The AT purchased by the borrowers may have multiple functional impacts on the AT user, and therefore the count column 

exceeds 1,171 (in FY 2004) and 1,116 (in FY 2005) if summed. Therefore, the percentages reported were calculated as follows: 

count of types of functional impact expected divided by total approved loans for that year. 
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

68

Successful Outcomes for AT Loan Recipients 

With the combined federal-state investment in AFPs during the past several years, the 

AFPs have begun to serve as a resource for people with disabilities. By providing financing 

options that assist people with disabilities in purchasing assistive technology, AFPs have helped 

people with disabilities access all types of assistive technology, including mobility and 

communication devices, hearing aids, adapted transportation vehicles and high-tech limb 

prostheses. As evidenced by the success stories below, access to assistive technology through 

AFPs has provided adults and children who are disabled with an essential means for aiding 

participation in work, school, home and community settings. 

Oklahoma Alternative Financing Program—Meeting a Son’s Needs. An AFP loan 

from the Oklahoma Alternative Financing Program allowed an Oklahoma father to purchase 

hearing aids for his 21-year-old son. The father said that the $2,230 loan for the hearing aids has 

dramatically improved his son’s quality of life. “It’s made a huge difference in my son’s life. 

He’s now able to hear and is not so frustrated. I don’t see him acting out like he used to as 

much,” the Oklahoma father said. “I think he can now hear the world and interact with it, so he 

doesn’t have as many behavioral problems. Every aspect has improved for everyone around 

him—his whole life has improved and with that so has ours. It’s helped everyone and we’re not 

so frustrated in trying to communicate with him. It’s had a huge impact on all of us.” 

The AFP was the only program that would fund the hearing aids, the father said. “A lot of 

AT is really expensive and a lot of people can’t afford it. We gave up on Medicaid and Medicare, 

and waited forever for them, but this (the AFP loan) came through right away,” he said. 

Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation—Raising Hope for a Better Life. 

An AFP loan from the Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation has enabled a 

homebound grandmother to become more independent in her daily life. Through a $1,245 AFP 

loan the woman purchased a lift chair, which provides independent transfer from the chair to her 

wheelchair. “It’s embarrassing at 60 years old to have to ask your granddaughter to help you 

stand so that you can transfer back into your wheelchair,” said the woman. The participant said 

that before she got the lift chair she would have to stay in her wheelchair if she was home alone, 

because she could not move from the furniture without assistance. 

The woman said she was very pleased with the respect and compassion she received from 

AFP staff. The feature that she best liked about the AFP was the open communication with the 

alternative financing staff. She said it was great working with someone who seemed to “get it” 

and did not make her feel as though she had to plead for assistance, as other programs had in the 

past. “I have been to other places where they build your hopes but it turns out to be a huge 

letdown,” she said. She also appreciated the way in which they tailored the repayment plan to 

meet her individual financial situation. The woman stated that the low interest rate and flexible 

payment plan meant that purchasing the lift chair gave her “a chance for something that would 

make my life better.”
Part II—Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) 

69 

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund—Steering a Rapid Route from 

Unemployment to Work. In October 2004, a man with a hearing impairment came to the 

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund to apply for an AFP loan. He was unemployed and 

had applied for a job with his local transportation authority but found himself in a Catch-22 

situation. To get the job, he had to pass a driver’s test that required him to use a hearing aid. But 

he did not have money to purchase a hearing aid, which typically cost between $2,000 and 

$5,000. Without a job, he had been turned down by a traditional lending institution. By working 

with the Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund, however, he was able to get a low-interest 

loan within 24 hours. He purchased his hearing aid in time to pass his driver’s test and he 

obtained the job and the means to repay the AFP loan. 

E. Conclusion 

Like the Statewide AT Programs under Section 4 of the revised AT Act, AFPs under Title 

III of the AT Act of 1998 continue to evolve. In many states, the Statewide AT Program and Title 

III AFP are evolving together because the AFP has been incorporated into the State Plan for AT. 

Over the next few years, new AFPs will be established, while programs with a history will 

continue to expand to meet the AT needs of individuals with disabilities.

PART III. 

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A: 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION AND SUBMITTAL OF THE 

STATE PLAN FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY UNDER THE 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT 

OF 1998, AS AMENDED

Part III—Appendices 

75

OMB NUMBER: 1820-0664 

EXPIRATION DATE: 12/31/2005 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

Instructions for Completion and Submittal of the State Plan for Assistive Technology 

under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended 

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a 

collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid 

OMB control number for this information collection is 1820-0664. The time required to 

complete this information collection is estimated to average 90 hours per response, including the 

time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete 

and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the 

time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of 

Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4651. If you have comments or concerns regarding the 

status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Rehabilitation Services 

Administration, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Potomac Center 

Plaza, room 5025, Washington, D.C. 20202-2800. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background 

Definitions 

State Plan for AT Development 

State Plan for AT Transmittal 

State Plan for AT Disposition 

State Plan for AT Amendment 

Instructions for Completing Part I 

o Attachment 1: Basic Information 

o Attachment 2: Lead Agency and Implementing Entity 

o Attachment 3: Advisory Council 

o Attachment 4: Measurable Goals 

o Attachment 5: State-level Activities 

o Attachment 6: Comparable Support 

o Attachment 7: State Flexibility 

o Attachment 8: State Leadership Activities 

o Attachment 9: Involvement of Public and Private Entities 

o Attachment 10: State Support 

o Attachment 11: Allocation and Utilization of Funds 

Instructions for Completing Part II 
Appendix A 

76

Background 

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (AT Act) supports State efforts to improve 

the provision of assistive technology (AT) by providing States with financial assistance to 

implement programs designed to meet the AT needs of individuals with disabilities. 

Section 4 of the AT Act establishes grants to States (AT State Grant Program) to support 

comprehensive statewide programs (Statewide AT Programs) that conduct activities that improve 

access to and the acquisition of AT devices and services for individuals with disabilities across 

the human lifespan and across a wide array of disabilities, and their family members, guardians, 

advocates, and authorized representatives. States receiving these grants must use the funds made 

available through the grant to carry out State-Level Activities and State Leadership Activities as 

described in section 4(e) of the AT Act. 

States wishing to receive funding under section 4 of the AT Act must submit an approvable 

three-year State Plan for Assistive Technology (State Plan for AT) to the Rehabilitation Services 

Administration (RSA). The State Plan for AT describes the activities planned by the Statewide 

AT Program to meet the AT needs of individuals with disabilities in the State, to achieve the 

measurable goals described in section 4(d)(3) of the AT Act, and reflects the State's commitment 

to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements during the three years 

covered by the plan. The State Plan for AT also will serve as a key element in RSA's subsequent 

monitoring of a State's performance in carrying out the plan. 

Part I of the State Plan for AT consists of attachments in which the State describes the 

operational and administrative activities to be undertaken to provide a comprehensive Statewide 

AT Program and to achieve the State’s measurable goals related to AT. 

Part II of the State Plan for AT is a series of assurances, or statements of compliance, based on 

legal and regulatory provisions governing Statewide AT Programs and State-administered 

programs authorized under 34 CFR part 76. Authorized representatives of the State are required 

to carefully review each assurance and, by means of their signatures, attest to the State’s 

compliance with each. 

Definitions 

The following are definitions useful for completing this State Plan for AT. Additional definitions 

related to the AT Act may be found in section 3 of the AT Act. 

AT Act means the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (P.L. 108-364). 

Advisory Council means a council that meets the requirements of section 4(c)(2)(B) of the AT 

Act to provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to a State for, planning of, 

implementation of, and evaluation of the activities carried out through the grant, including 

setting the measurable goals described in section 4(d)(3) of the AT Act. 
Appendix A 

77 

Alternative Financing Program means a program funded under title III of the Assistive 

Technology Act of 1998 as in effect prior to the enactment of the amendments in 2004. 

Assistive Technology means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device 

or assistive technology service. 

Assistive Technology Device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether 

acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve 

functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 

Assistive Technology Service means any service that directly assists an individual with a 

disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device, including the 

services described in sections 3(5)(A)-(G) of the AT Act. 

Commissioner means the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). 

Any reference to duties of the Commissioner shall be considered a reference to duties to be 

carried out by the Secretary of Education acting through the Commissioner. 

Consumer-Responsive has the meaning given in section 3(8) of the AT Act. 

Device Demonstrations means (1) demonstrating a variety of assistive technology devices and 

assistive technology services (including assisting individuals in making informed choices 

regarding, and providing experiences with, the devices and services), using personnel who are 

familiar with such devices and services and their applications and (2) providing to individuals, to 

the extent practicable, comprehensive information about State and local assistive technology 

venders, providers, and repair services in accordance with section 4(e)(2)(D) of the AT Act. 

Device Loan Programs means programs that provide short-term loans of assistive technology 

devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, or others seeking to meet the needs of 

targeted individuals and entities in accordance with section 4(e)(2)(C) of the AT Act. 

Device Reutilization Programs means programs that provide for the exchange, repair, recycling, 

or other reutilization of assistive technology devices, which may include redistribution through 

device sales, loans, rentals, or donations in accordance with section 4(e)(2)(B) of the AT Act. 

Disability means a condition of an individual that is considered to be a disability or handicap for 

the purposes of any Federal law other than the AT Act or for the purposes of the law of the State 

in which the individual resides. 

Implementing Entity means an agency, office, or other entity different from the Lead Agency 

designated by the Governor to carry out responsibilities under the AT Act through a contract or 

another administrative agreement with the Lead Agency in accordance with section 4(c)(1)(B) of 

the AT Act. 

Individual with a Disability means any individual of any age, race, or ethnicity who has a 

disability and who is or would be enabled by an assistive technology device or an assistive 
Appendix A 

78

technology service to minimize deterioration in functioning, to maintain a level of functioning, 

or to achieve a greater level of functioning in any major life activity. 

Individuals With Disabilities means more than one individual with a disability. 

Institution Of Higher Education has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher 

Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), and includes a community college receiving funding 

under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et 

seq.). 

Lead Agency means a public agency designated by the Governor of a State to control and 

administer the funds made available through the grant awarded to the State under section 4 of the 

AT Act, to submit the State Plan for AT on behalf of the State, to ensure conformance with 

Federal and State accounting requirements, and to fulfill the duties described in section 

4(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the AT Act. 

Measurable Goals means goals that the State has set in accordance with section 4(d)(3) of the AT 

Act, with the advice of the Advisory Council required in section 4(c)(2), for meeting the AT 

needs of individuals with disabilities in the State related to areas of education, employment, 

telecommunications and information technology, and community living. 

Protection and Advocacy Services means services that are described in part C of title I of the 

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.), 

the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.), or 

section 509 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794e) and assist individuals 

with disabilities with respect to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. 

Public-Awareness Activities means activities designed to provide information to targeted 

individuals and entities relating to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of 

assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, including the activities described 

in section 4(e)(3)(B)(ii) of the AT Act. 

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) means the Federal entity within the United States 

Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services that 

administers the AT Act. 

Secretary means the Secretary of Education. 

State means each of the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and 

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Statewide Assistive Technology Program (Statewide AT Program) means a program authorized 

under section 4 of the AT Act. 
Appendix A 

79 

State Financing Activities mean activities to increase access to, and funding for, assistive 

technology devices and assistive technology services (not including direct payment for such a 

device or service for an individual with a disability but may include support and administration of a 

program to provide such payment) including through the development of systems to provide and 

pay for such devices and services for targeted individuals and entities (as described in section 

3(16)(A) of the AT Act) in accordance with section 4(e)(2)(A) of the AT Act, which includes: 

(1) systems for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of, or payment for, assistive 

technology devices and assistive technology services; or (2) State-financed or privately 

financed alternative financing systems of subsidies (which may include conducting an 

initial 1-year feasibility study of, improving, administering, operating, providing capital 

for, or collaborating with an entity with respect to, such a system) for the provision of 

assistive technology devices in accordance with section 4(e)(2)(A) of the AT Act, such as 

a low-interest loan fund; an interest buy-down program; a revolving loan fund; a loan 

guarantee or insurance program; a program providing for the purchase, lease, or other 

acquisition of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services; or another 

mechanism that is approved by the Secretary. 

State Leadership Activities means those activities described in section 4(e)(3) of the AT Act. 

State-Level Activities means those activities described in section 4(e)(2) of the AT Act. 

Targeted Individuals and Entities has the meaning given to it by section 3(16) of the AT Act, 

unless otherwise noted. 

Training And Technical Assistance means activities that 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, including the authorized activities described in sections 4(e)(3)(B)(i)(II)-(III) of the 

AT Act. 

Development of the State Plan for AT 

The State Plan for AT must be developed, prepared, and submitted by the Lead Agency 

designated by the Governor, with the advice of the State Advisory Council. If the Governor 

designates an Implementing Entity to carry out State activities under the AT Act, the State Plan 

for AT can be jointly developed and prepared by the Lead Agency and Implementing Entity with 

the advice of the State Advisory Council, though the State Plan for AT must be submitted by the 

Lead Agency. 

Section 4(d)(3) of the AT Act requires that States, with the advice of the Advisory Council 

required in section 4(c)(2), set measurable goals for meeting the assistive technology needs of 

individuals with disabilities in the State related to education, employment, telecommunications 

and information technology and community living. The development of the State Plan for AT, 

and the subsequent implementation of activities based upon the State Plan for AT, should be 
Appendix A 

80

driven by meeting the AT-related needs of individuals with disabilities and the achievement of 

those goals. The material in the State Plan for AT should clearly explain how the activities to be 

undertaken by the State will be conducted in a manner that is comprehensive and statewide or, if 

the State initially does not have the capacity to conduct an activity in a statewide and 

comprehensive manner, clearly explain the State’s plan to expand or improve these activities 

during the three years covered by the State Plan for AT. The State Plan for AT also should 

reflect not only how the State will conduct its activities, but how the State will collaborate and 

coordinate with other entities in conducting its activities, if applicable. 

Transmittal of the State Plan for AT 

All parts of the completed State Plan for AT are to be submitted to RSA no later than 

August 26, 2005. 

The State Plan for AT must be accompanied by a transmittal letter signed by the authorized 

representatives of the Lead Agency. The transmittal letter addressed to the RSA Commissioner, 

must include the following: 

1) Request for approval of the State Plan for AT; and 

2) Description of the materials transmitted. 

The State Plan for AT should be transmitted in the following manner: 

1) Official copy mailed to the RSA, including signature page(s) and supporting 

documentation, at the following address: 

Rehabilitation Services Administration 

U.S. Department of Education 

400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. 

Potomac Center Plaza, room 5025 

Washington, D.C. 20202-2800; and 

2) Electronic copy via email to the AT program specialist at Jeremy.Buzzell@ed.gov. 

Responses to all items in Attachments 2-10 must be formatted for 8.5 x 11” paper. If the 

response is not double spaced, a double space must be placed between paragraphs. All pages 

must be numbered. 

When an Attachment requires the completion of multiple items, States are not required to insert a 

page break between each item. However, there must be a page break between each Attachment. 

No Attachments or items should be left blank, and all items of all Attachments must be included 

in the State Plan, even when the Attachment or item is not applicable. If an Attachment or item is 

not applicable, insert a statement that it is not applicable. 
Appendix A 

81 

State Plan for AT Disposition 

The Commissioner is responsible for reviewing and approving the State Plan for AT. The 

Commissioner may work with the State to make adjustments to the State Plan for AT, if such 

adjustments are deemed necessary, in order to make the plan approvable. 

If, after providing the appropriate technical assistance to the State, the Commissioner determines 

that the State Plan for AT does not meet the applicable requirements and thus is not approvable, 

the Commissioner will attempt to informally resolve the disputed issues with State officials. If no 

resolution has been reached after reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute informally, the 

Commissioner will provide an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with 34 CFR part 76.202 

before the State Plan for AT is disapproved. 

State Plan for AT Amendment and Update 

The State Plan for AT may be amended during the three-year effective period of the plan if the 

Commissioner determines that an amendment is essential, such as in the case of a material 

change in State law, organization, policy or agency operations affecting the information, 

assurances or administration of the plan. 

The Commissioner also may require that States update some information on a yearly basis, 

particularly budget information, information related to the State’s measurable goals, and 

information related to comparable support for activities. 

Instructions for Completing Part I 

Part I of the State Plan for AT consists of 11 attachments in which applicants must describe the 

State's Lead Agency and, if applicable, Implementing Entity, the Advisory Council, measurable 

goals, activities carried out under section 4 of the AT Act, and financial information. The 

instructions below specify the information that must be provided for an attachment to be complete. 

Applicants are encouraged to respond to each question directly on the electronic version of the 

State Plan for Assistive Technology, which may be accessed at: 

http://www.ed.gov/programs/atsg/applicant.html. 

The space available for the response to each question will expand automatically as the 

information is entered. Do not enclose additional official State documents unless expressly 

required by this State Plan. The completed attachments should not exceed a combined length of 

45 pages, not including Attachment 1 or the budget required in Attachment 11. 

Please insert the State name in the spaces provided on the top and bottom of each attachment. 
Appendix A 

82

Attachment 1: Basic Information 

To complete Attachment 1, the State must provide basic contact information for the Lead 

Agency and relevant employees and Implementing Entity and relevant employees, if applicable. 

Attachment 2: Lead Agency and Implementing Entity 

Section 4(d)(2) of the AT Act requires that the State identify and describe the Lead Agency 

referred to in section 4(c)(1)(A) of the AT Act and, if applicable, the Implementing Entity 

referred to in section 4(c)(1)(B) of the AT Act. To complete Attachment 2, the State must 

provide the following: 

2.1 Identification and Description of the Lead Agency – 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

o If the Governor designates only a Lead Agency to carry out responsibilities under the AT 

Act, the description of this Lead Agency must -- 

(a) demonstrate the Lead Agency’s: 

(i) capacity to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, 

guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives, regardless of their type 

of disability, age, income level, or location of residence within the State, or the 

type of assistive technology device or service required; 

(ii) expertise in assistive technology; 

(iii) capacity to conduct a program addressing the needs of individuals with 

disabilities in education, employment, telecommunications, and community living; 

(iv) ability to coordinate and collaborate with other public and private entities in 

the field of assistive technology or that serve individuals with disabilities and their 

families, guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives throughout the 

State; and 

(v) consumer-responsiveness, as defined in Section 3(8) of the AT Act. 

(b) identify and describe any responsibilities of the Lead Agency that will be fulfilled 

through subcontract or other administrative agreement (other than a subcontract or 

administrative agreement with an Implementing Entity). 

2.1B Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an Implementing Entity is 

Designated – In the case that the Governor designates an Implementing Entity to carry out 

responsibilities under the AT Act as allowed under section 4(c)(1)(B), an identification of the 

Lead Agency and certification of the assurances in Part I are sufficient for completing item 2.1. 

2.2 Identification and Description of the Implementing Entity – 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. 
Appendix A 

83 

o This description must: 

(a) demonstrate the Implementing Entity’s – 

(i) capacity to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, 

guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives, regardless of their type 

of disability, age, income level, or location of residence within the State, or the 

type of assistive technology device or service required; 

(ii) expertise in assistive technology; 

(iii) capacity to conduct a program addressing the needs of individuals with 

disabilities in education, employment, telecommunications, and community living; 

(iv) ability to coordinate and collaborate with other public and private entities in 

the field of assistive technology or that serve individuals with disabilities and their 

families, guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives throughout the 

State; and 

(v) consumer-responsiveness, as defined in Section 3(8) of the AT Act; and 

(b) identify and describe any responsibilities of the Implementing Entity that will be 

fulfilled through subcontract or other administrative agreement, including identifying 

the entities to fulfill these responsibilities. 

2.3 Show of Good Cause for Change in Lead Agency or Implementing Entity – 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. 

Attachment 3: State Advisory Council 

Section 4(c)(2) requires that the States establish an Advisory Council to provide consumerresponsive, consumer-driven advice to the State for planning of, implementation of, and 

evaluation of the activities carried out through the grant, including setting measurable goals 

described in section 4(d)(3). Not less than fifty-one (51) percent of the members of the advisory 

council must be individuals with disabilities that use AT or the family members or guardians of 

such individuals. To complete Attachment 3, the State must provide the following: 

3.1 Membership of the Advisory Council – 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. 

3.2 Structure and Operation of the Advisory Council – Describe the structure and operations of 

the Advisory Council. 

o This includes: 

(a) how and how often the Council will meet; 

(b) how the Council will be led and organized; 

(c) the Council’s process for decision-making and planning; and 

(d) the method by which members of the council were solicited or appointed. 
Appendix A 

84

Attachment 4: Measurable Goals 

Section 4(d)(3) of the AT Act requires that the State include information on the measurable 

goals, and a timeline for meeting those goals, that the State, with the advice of the Advisory 

Council required in section 4(c)(2), has set for addressing the assistive technology needs of 

individuals with disabilities in the State in the domains of education, employment, community 

living, and telecommunications and information technology (IT). 

• Section 4(d)(3)(A)(i) of the AT Act states that education goals include goals involving 

the provision of assistive technology to individuals who receive services under the 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.). This 

includes infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services under Part C. 

• Education also includes the provision of assistive technology to individuals who receive 

services under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.) and 

individuals in institutions of higher education and vocational education, including 

community colleges. 

• Section 4(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the AT Act states that employment goals include goals involving 

the State vocational rehabilitation program carried out under title I of the Rehabilitation 

Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.). 

For both Part A and Part B of this Attachment, the State will establish a baseline during the first 

year of the grant. This baseline will be established by the State using a data collection instrument 

and procedures to be determined by RSA and disseminated to all States after the State plan 

process has been completed. Therefore, the baseline, long-term goal, and short-term goals need 

not be addressed in this State Plan. 

Once the baseline has been established in year one, the State will be required to submit to RSA 

an amendment to the State Plan to address this Attachment. This amendment will provide the 

baseline and the long term goal and short-term goals set by the State to improve upon this 

baseline during years two and three of the State Plan. It is expected that the State will set long 

term and short-term goals that are both ambitious and attainable. This amendment, and the 

baseline, long term and short-term goals established in the amendment, are subject to the same 

review and approval process described in the “State Plan Disposition” section of these 

instructions. 

To complete Attachment 4, the State must state that it will establish a baseline for each of the 

goals 4.1 through 4.7 during year one of the State Plan and will submit after year one an 

amendment identifying the long term goal and short-term goals set to improve upon this baseline 

during years two and three of the State Plan. If the State will establish measurable goals in 

addition to the goals required in Part A and Part B of this Attachment, the State must address 

these goals in Attachment 4.8. 
Appendix A 

85 

Part A 

At a minimum, the State must set one goal for improving access to assistive technology for 

individuals with disabilities in each of the domains of education, employment, community living, 

and telecommunications and IT. The State will show that it has improved access by increasing 

the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed device 

demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or 

service as a result of the assistance they received. 

States must set a long-term goal (the desired percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and 

entities who accessed device demonstration programs or device loan programs are able to make 

an informed decision about an AT device or service as a result of the assistance they received) to 

be achieved by the end of the third year of the State Plan for AT. The State must set annual 

short-term goals (a yearly increase in the percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and 

entities who accessed device demonstration programs or device loan programs and made a 

decision about an AT device or service as a result of the assistance they received) that show 

progress toward the long-term goal. The State will establish its baseline during the first year of 

implementing the State Plan for AT. 

4.1 Goal for Improving Access to AT in Education

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed 

device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an 

AT device or service for educational purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for educational purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for educational purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for educational purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

4.2 Goal for Improving Access to AT in Employment

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed 

device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an 

AT device or service for employment purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for employment purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 
Appendix A 

86

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for employment purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for employment purposes as a result of the assistance they received. 

4.3 Goal for Improving Access to AT in Community Living

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed 

device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and made a decision about 

an AT device or service for community living as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for community living as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for community living as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs 

and/or device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service 

for community living as a result of the assistance they received. 

4.4 Goal for Improving Access to IT and Telecommunications

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed 

device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and made a decision about 

an AT device or service that meets an IT/telecommunications need as a result of the 

assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs and/or 

device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service that meets 

an IT/telecommunications need as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs and/or 

device loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service that meets 

an IT/telecommunications need as a result of the assistance they received. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted 

individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration programs and/or device 

loan programs and made a decision about an AT device or service that meets an 

IT/telecommunications need as a result of the assistance they received. 
Appendix A 

87 

Part B 

At a minimum, the State must set one goal for improving acquisition of assistive technology for 

individuals with disabilities in each of the domains of education, employment, and community 

living. The State will show that it has improved acquisition by increasing the percentage of 

appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State financing 

activities or reutilization programs who would not have obtained that AT device or service. 

States must set a long-term goal (the desired percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and 

entities who obtained devices or services from State financing activities or reutilization programs 

who would not have obtained that AT device or service) to be achieved by the end of the third 

year of the State Plan for AT. The State must set annual short-term goals (a yearly increase in the 

percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from 

State financing activities or reutilization programs who would not have obtained that AT device 

or service) that show progress toward the long-term goal. The State will establish its baseline 

during the first year of implementing the State Plan for AT. 

To complete Attachment 4, Part B, the State must provide the following: 

4.5 Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Education

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained 

devices or services from State financing activities or reutilization programs for 

educational purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for educational purposes who would 

not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for educational purposes who would 

not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for educational purposes who would 

not have obtained the AT device or service. 

4.6 Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Employment

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained 

devices or services from State financing activities or reutilization programs for 

employment purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for employment purposes who 

would not have obtained the AT device or service. 
Appendix A 

88

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for employment purposes who 

would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for employment purposes who 

would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

4.7 Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Community Living

• Long-term goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained 

devices or services from State financing activities or reutilization programs for 

community living purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 3: Increase in percentage (over Year 2) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for community living purposes who 

would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 2: Increase in percentage (over Year 1) of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for community living who would not 

have obtained the AT device or service. 

o Short-term goal for Year 1: Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate 

targeted individuals and entities who obtained devices or services from State 

financing activities or reutilization programs for community living purposes who 

would not have obtained the AT device or service. 

4.8 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. 

In accordance with section 4(d)(3) of the AT Act, this includes describing: 

o a timeline for meeting those goals, and 

o how the State will quantifiably measure the goals to determine whether the goals have 

been achieved. 

Attachment 5: State-level Activities 

Section 4(d)(5)(A) of the AT Act requires that a State describe how it will implement the Statelevel activities described in section 4(e)(2). 

o For 5.1 through 5.4, the description provided by the State should include: 

(a) how the activity supports the measurable goals set forth by the State; 

(b) (i) how the activity will be conducted in a statewide and comprehensive manner, 

meaning how the activity will be implemented to ensure that individuals with disabilities 

and their families, guardians or other authorized representatives can benefit regardless of 
Appendix A 

89 

their type of disability, age, income level, or location of residence within the State, or the 

type of assistive technology device or service required; or 

(ii) if the State initially does not have the capacity to conduct the activity in a statewide 

and comprehensive manner, a plan to expand or improve this activity during the three 

years covered by the State Plan for AT; and 

(c) how the Lead Agency or Implementing Entity will implement this activity in 

collaboration with other public or private entities, if applicable. 

o According to section 4(e)(1)(B) of the AT Act, a State is not required to use a portion of 

its funds on State-level activities if, in that State, financial support is provided from State 

or other non-Federal resources or entities for that activity and the amount of the financial 

support is comparable to, or greater than, the amount of the portion of the funds made 

available through the grant that the State would have expended for that activity. If the 

State will not conduct an activity listed in 5.1 through 5.4 because comparable support is 

being provided from State or other non-Federal resources or entities, the State must 

indicate this under the corresponding item and complete Attachment 6. 

o According to section 4(e)(6) of the AT Act, a State may use its funds to carry out any 2 or 

more State-level activities. If the State chooses to not carry out each of the activities in 

5.1 through 5.4, the State must indicate this under the corresponding item and complete 

Attachment 7, unless the activity already has been addressed via Attachment 6. 

To complete Attachment 5, the State must provide the following: 

5.1 State Financing Activities — Describe how the State will implement State financing 

activities as described in section 4(e)(2)(A) of the AT Act. 

o This includes describing: 

(a) how the State’s activities directly assist with the provision of, or directly reduces 

barriers associated with the cost of, assistive technology devices and services for 

individuals with disabilities, in the case that the State implements a State financing 

activity under section 4(e)(2)(A)(i); 

(b) if applicable, how the Statewide AT Program will coordinate and collaborate with that 

State’s Alternative Financing Program established under Title III of the Assistive 

Technology Act of 1998 in planning and conducting its activities; and 

(c) a plan for the 1-year feasibility study allowed under section 4(e)(2)(A)(ii) if the State 

chooses to conduct such a study. 

5.2 Device Reutilization Program — Describe how the State will implement a device 

reutilization program as described in section 4(e)(2)(B) of the Act. 

5.3 Device Loan Program — Describe how the State will implement a device loan program as 

described in section 4(e)(2)(C) of the Act. 

5.4 Device Demonstration Program — Describe how the State will implement a device 

demonstration program as described in section 4(e)(2)(D) of the Act. 
Appendix A 

90

Attachment 6: Comparable Support 

According to Section 4(e)(1)(B) of the Act, a State is not required to use a portion of its funds on 

State-level activities if financial support is provided from State or other non-Federal resources or 

entities for that activity and the amount of the financial support is comparable to, or greater than, 

the amount of the portion of the funds made available through the grant that the State would have 

expended for that activity. The State will be required to supply to RSA evidence on a yearly 

basis that this comparable support is continuing. Complete items 6.1 through 6.3 for each Statelevel activity for which there is comparable support. To complete Attachment 6, the State must 

provide the following: 

6.1 Source and Amount of Support — 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 — Demonstrate that this support is comparable in terms of funding and that 

the activities are comparable in terms of scope. 

o This includes demonstrating that the: 

(a) financial support is equal to or greater than the amount of the portion of the funds 

made available through the grant that the State would have expended for that activity; and 

(b) activity for which there is comparable support will be conducted in a statewide and 

comprehensive manner to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their 

families, guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives, regardless of their 

type of disability, age, income level, or location of residence within the State, or the type 

of assistive technology device or service required. 

6.3 Coordination and Collaboration — 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. 

Attachment 7: State Flexibility 

According to section 4(e)(6) of the AT Act, a State may use its funds to carry out any 2 or more 

State-level activities. Complete items 7.1 through 7.4 for each State-level activity that the State 

chooses not to carry out. To complete attachment 7, the State must provide the following: 

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

7.2 Maintenance of Statewideness and Comprehensiveness — Demonstrate that the Statewide 

AT Program will continue to be comprehensive without conducting this activity. 

o This includes describing how the assistive technology needs of individuals with 

disabilities and their families, guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives, 

regardless of their type of disability, age, income level, or location of residence within the 
Appendix A 

91 

State, or the type of assistive technology device or service required will continue to be 

met without conducting this activity. 

 This may include demonstrating: 

(a) that individuals with disabilities in that State have, and will continue to have, 

access to similar assistive technology devices, services, or benefits that would 

result from the activities the State chooses not to conduct, or 

(b) through an evidence-based, statewide needs assessment that the activity is 

unnecessary or unwanted in order to meet the assistive technology needs of 

individuals with disabilities in the State. 

7.3 Achievement of Measurable Goals — 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 — 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. 

Attachment 8: State Leadership Activities 

Section 4(d)(5)(A) of the AT Act requires that a State describe how it will implement the StateLeadership activities described in section 4(e)(3). To complete Attachment 8, the State must 

provide the following: 

o For items 8.1 through 8.3, the description provided by the State should include 

information related to: 

(a) how the activity will be conducted in a statewide and comprehensive manner, 

meaning how the activity will be implemented to ensure that individuals with disabilities 

and their families, guardians, or other authorized representatives can benefit regardless of 

their type of disability, age, income level, or location of residence within the State, or the 

type of assistive technology device or service required; and 

(b) how the Lead Agency or Implementing Entity will implement this activity in 

collaboration with other public or private entities. 

8.1 Training and Technical Assistance Activities — 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. 

o This includes specifying the activities to be undertaken to provide transition assistance in 

accordance with section 4(e)(3)(B)(i)(III). 

8.2 Public Awareness Activities — Describe how the State will provide information to targeted 

individuals and entities relating to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of 
Appendix A 

92

assistive technology devices and assistive technology services as described in section 

4(e)(3)(B)(ii) of the AT Act. 

8.3 Coordination and Collaboration — 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. 

Attachment 9: Involvement of Public and Private Entities 

Section 4(d)(4) of the AT Act requires that the State describe how public and private entities 

were involved in the development of the State Plan for AT and will be involved in the 

implementation of the activities to be carried out through the grant. To complete Attachment 9, 

the State must provide the following: 

9.1 Nature and Extent of Resources — Describe the nature and extent of resources that will be 

committed by public and private collaborators to assist in accomplishing identified goals. 

9.2 Mechanisms to Ensure Coordination — Describe the mechanisms established to ensure 

coordination of activities and collaboration between the implementing entity, if any, and the State. 

9.3 Involvement of State Advisory Council — 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). 

Attachment 10: State Support 

Section 4(d)(7) of the AT Act requires that the State describe the State-level and State 

Leadership activities that the State will support with State funds. To complete Attachment 10, the 

State must provide the following: 

10.1 State Support for State-level Activities — 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 — If applicable, describe how the State will 

support with State funds any State Leadership activities described in section 4(e)(3), if applicable. 

Attachment 11: Allocation and Utilization of Funds 

Section 4(d)(5)(B) of the AT Act requires the State to describe how it will allocate and utilize 

grant funds to implement the activities described in sections 4(e)(2) and (3), including describing 

proposed budget allocations and planned procedures for tracking expenditures. To complete 

Attachment 11, the State must provide the following: 
Appendix A 

93 

11.1 Tracking Expenditures — Describe planned procedures for tracking expenditures for 

activities described in sections 4(e)(2) and (3). 

11.2 Proposed Budget Allocations — Attach a budget containing proposed allocations for 

activities described in sections 4(e)(2) and (3). 

o This budget must: 

(a) (i) show an allocation of at least 60 percent of funds to be used to carry out StateLevel activities, or, in the case that the State exercises flexibility in accordance with 

section 4(e)(6) of the AT Act, at least 70 percent of funds to be used to carry out Statelevel activities; 

(ii) show the distribution of funds used to carry out State-Level activities amongst the 

State-Level activities; 

(b) (i) show an allocation of not more than 40 percent of funds are used to carry out State 

Leadership Activities as required under section 4(e)(3)(A) of the AT Act, or, in the case 

that the State exercises flexibility in accordance with section 4(e)(6) of the AT Act, that 

not more than 30 percent of funds are used to carry out State Leadership Activities; 

(ii) show the distribution of funds used to carry out State-Leadership activities amongst 

the State Leadership activities; 

(iii) show at least 5 percent of funds allocated for State Leadership Activities is used for 

Transition Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities as required under section 4(e)(3)(A) 

of the AT Act; and 

(c) show an allocation of not more than 10 percent of the funds for indirect costs as 

required under section 4(e)(4) of the AT Act. 
Appendix A 

94

Instructions for Completing Part II 

Part II consists of assurances, or statements of compliance, representing provisions from section 

4(d)(6) of the AT Act, other sections of the AT Act, and 34 CFR part 76 with which States and 

recipients of financial assistance must comply to receive funds. 

The assurances are divided into the following subject areas, based on the AT Act: 

y Recordkeeping, data collection, and reporting 

y Administration of funds 

y Accessibility of programs 

y State Advisory Council 

y Certifications for State Plans required by 34 CFR part 76.104 

Following these sections is a signature page for the authorized representative of the Lead Agency 

and Implementing Entity, if applicable. The representatives are required to carefully read each 

assurance, review the corresponding statute and, if appropriate, to provide the appropriate 

signatures certifying the State’s compliance with the assurances. Changes to the assurance 

statements are not permitted. 

By these signatures, the representatives certify that the State is in compliance with every 

assurance. They also certify that the State has on file and available for Federal review, written 

procedures and other documents related to the assurances. States are also expected to be in 

compliance with the relevant Education Department General Administrative Regulations 

(EDGAR), particularly 34 CFR parts 76, 78-82, and 85-86. 

Please insert the State name in the appropriate section of Page 2 of the assurances. This 

information may be inserted directly onto the electronic version of the State Plan for AT 

instrument available at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/atsg/applicant.html 
APPENDIX B: 

STATE PROFILES 

Appendix B 

97

Statewide AT Program Profile: Alabama 

Lead Agency: Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Statewide Technology Access and Response (STAR) 

State Financing Activities 

STAR will support an alternative financing program. The loan program will be operated by the 

Southern Disability Foundation that will provide a variety of low interest and extended term 

loans for the purchase of assistive technology. 

Device Reutilization 

STAR will partner with Goodwill Industries-Easter Seals, United Cerebral Palsy and the 

Opportunity Center-Easter Seals to administer community-based recycling and equipment 

reutilization programs that increase options for acquiring AT by individuals with disabilities. The 

programs will receive donations of used devices, refurbish and lend the items on a first-come, 

first-served basis to individuals who have no other means of obtaining such AT. 

Device Loan 

STAR will partner with different entities throughout the state to provide short-term loans of AT 

utilizing trained therapists and rehabilitation specialists through UCP, CRS Aug Com Clinics, 

OASIS senior or homebound services and blind and deaf services to persons with disabilities and 

rehabilitation and educational professionals who wish to try out and assess different types of 

devices. The standard loan period will be two weeks; however, loans may be extended on a caseby-case basis. Equipment loans are made statewide and STAR will continually review the need 

for expanding and improving the program. 

Device Demonstration 

STAR will perform demonstrations of AT devices throughout the state in cooperation with a 

rehabilitation technology specialist as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapists. 

STAR-employed coordinators also provide “specialized training programs” that include device 

demonstrations. STAR plans to combine the program with device loan activities as a means of 

expanding and improving device demonstrations to ensure statewide coverage. 

State Leadership Activities 

STAR collaborates with state and community-based organizations to provide training and 

technical assistance on issues related to AT in the lives of persons with disabilities. STAR plans 

to increase public awareness by enhancing Web links to include in-depth information on the four 

state level activities and an interactive feature providing an opportunity for individuals to contact 

reutilization programs, view a listing of sale items, apply online for the alternative financing 

program, and access information and referral services, which also are available toll-free. 
Appendix B 

98

Statewide AT Program Profile: Alaska 

Lead Agency: Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of 

Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Alaska Statewide AT Program 

State Financing Activities 

Alaska will have an Alternative Financing Program to provide loans to individuals with 

disabilities and their families for the purchase of AT by providing loan guarantees. Alaska’s 

Statewide AT Program will administer this Assistive Technology Loan Guarantee Fund with the 

assistance of Northrim Bank. 

Device Reutilization 

The Statewide AT Program will work with the Assistive Technology Library of Alaska (ATLA), 

a nonprofit organization, to develop a “Swap Shop,” an Internet-based equipment exchange 

program in which a seller can post an ad and a buyer can purchase used AT. 

Device Loan 

Through ATLA, Alaska’s Statewide AT Program will consolidate the state’s existing device loan 

programs into a single loan program that is monitored at a central location, creating a consortium 

that brings together all AT devices available for loan through one Internet-based system. This 

will be accomplished through agreements with a network of seven agencies or organizations 

across the state. 

Device Demonstration 

Alaska’s Statewide AT Program will establish a network of device demonstration programs in 

conjunction with the device loan programs described above and work with independent living 

centers that provide device demonstrations, with hopes of establishing a network of 10 

organizations involved in demonstrations. Demonstrations will also be provided the community 

and by using videoconferences to demonstrate the devices remotely. 

State Leadership Activities 

Through ATLA, Alaska’s Statewide AT Program has agreements with five community-based 

organizations throughout the state to provide training and technical assistance about AT. ATLA 

will offer training via presentations, videoconferencing and the Web to those working in private 

industry, employment, human services, health services, education, and government. 

Additionally, ATLA will provide a toll-free information and referral service, a newsletter, Web 

site and publications about AT. 
Appendix B 

99 

Statewide AT Program Profile: American Samoa 

Lead Agency: Department of Human and Social Services, Division of Vocational 

Rehabilitation 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: The American Samoa Assistive Technology Program 

State Financing Activities 

In partnership with the Development Bank of American Samoa, American Samoa will 

administer an AFP. The AFP will negotiate lower interest rates with the Development Bank and 

provide loan guarantees in the event a borrower defaults on a loan. The AT Program also plans to 

provide direct oversight of a revolving loan fund with a low interest rate. 

Device Reutilization 

The AT Program will operate the Coconut Connection Program (CCP). CCP will set up 

partnerships with entities using AT equipment and place ads asking those who no longer use an 

AT device to donate or sell the item for the purpose of reutilization. Used AT devices will be 

listed by category on a standard inventory list available at the AT Program and at the 

Development Bank of American Samoa. 

Device Loan 

The AT Program will partner with LBJ Tropical Medical Center and the Department of 

Education, Division of Special Education, to loan specialized equipment to local consumers with 

disabilities. The borrower will pay for shipping costs of the equipment and a rental fee will allow 

American Samoa to sustain the program and update equipment as needed. 

Device Demonstration 

The AT Program will operate a device demonstration program by partnering with several entities 

including the American Samoa Community College and the Department of Commerce. 

State Leadership Activities 

American Samoa’s AT Program will use a multifaceted approach (mailings, Internet sites, 

exhibits, presentations and training) to increase awareness about the benefits, types and funding 

of AT devices and services. The AT Program will sponsor an annual conference, provide an 

information and referral service, distribute a newsletter, develop a Web site and disseminate 

training materials and publications on AT for a variety of audiences. 
Appendix B 

100

Statewide AT Program Profile: Arizona 

Lead Agency: Northern Arizona University (NAU), Institute for Human Development 

(IHD) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) 

State Financing Activities 

AzTAP directly operates two state financing activities—Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology 

(AzLAT) and Arizona Loans for AT-Telework (AzLAT-T)—for the purchase of assistive 

technology. The AzLAT Consortium administers the program. Arizona MultiBank Community 

Development Corporation services the loans and AzLAT, through its Donor Advised Funds at 

the Arizona Community Foundation, will provide the loan guarantee to MultiBank in case of 

borrower default. 

Device Reutilization 

AzTAP will develop and implement an online equipment exchange program to be called the 

Assistive Technology Equipment Exchange (ATEX). The program will enable individuals or 

organizations to buy, sell, trade or donate used AT through a Web-based “want ads” format. 

Device Loan 

AzTAP will continue to support a short-term equipment loan program through its network of AT 

regional resource centers. AzTAP will expand the lending program over the next three years 

through a number of objectives, such as enhancing the program at AzTAP’s Phoenix office, 

establishing a statewide, centralized loan database available to consumers and professionals, and 

exploring the feasibility of adding a center in the southwest region of the state. 

Device Demonstration 

AzTAP currently supports device demonstration programs through its existing network of four 

AT regional resource centers—three independent facilities located in Phoenix, Tucson, the 

Navajo Reservation in Tuba City, and the fourth center on the campus of NAU in Flagstaff. 

Other entities provide funding for AT demo centers in Arizona; therefore, AzTAP will focus 

efforts on “filling the gaps” to assist individuals with AT needs across the lifespan and in any 

environment or for any purpose. 

State Leadership Activities 

AzTAP will customize training and technical assistance for individuals and organizations that 

request training on specific topics and continue to sponsor a collaborative, statewide AT 

conference each year. AzTAP will develop a quarterly newsletter, disseminate free training 

materials and publications, and provide a toll-free information and referral service and updated 

in-depth resources on the Web site. 
Appendix B 

101 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Arkansas 

Lead Agency: Department of Workforce Education, Division of Arkansas Rehabilitation 

Services (ARS) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN) 

State Financing Activities 

An Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and telecommunications access program (TAP) will be 

accomplished through comparable nonfederal resources rather than through AT Act funding. 

Both activities are statewide, comprehensive programs administered by ARS. 

Device Reutilization 

ICAN will operate two device reutilization programs. The Device Recycling Program will 

refurbish a wide range of AT devices for donation to individuals with disabilities and agencies. 

Equipment that is ready for distribution will be listed on ICAN’s Web site and shared with 

individuals and agencies. Equipment Exchange is a classified ad listing of used equipment 

available for sale, trade or donation by consumers throughout the state. ICAN will implement a 

statewide campaign to expand the awareness and benefits of AT reutilization as well as the many 

resources available through the state AT program. 

Device Loan 

ICAN’s AT Loan Program will accept applications for equipment loans from a person with a 

disability, family members, advocates or service providers. Borrowers are expected to make 

arrangements for pick up and drop off of the device whenever possible. Most device loans will 

be for a period of two weeks with the potential for extension. 

Device Demonstration 

ICAN will coordinate with agencies located throughout Arkansas to provide AT device 

demonstrations to consumers, families, students, professionals and interested others upon request 

and at conferences, workshops and other presentation opportunities. 

State Leadership Activities 

ICAN will collaborate with the State Department of Education to cosponsor training to increase 

the knowledge, skills and competency of educators, therapists and others in the public school 

system. ICAN will respond to requests for technical assistance and provide a toll-free 

information and referral service on AT for people of all ages with all disabilities. Additional 

planned activities include: a Web site featuring in-depth program information, training materials 

and publications, a quarterly newsletter, promotion of a statewide AT conference and 

presentations to targeted populations. 
Appendix B 

102

Statewide AT Program Profile: California 

Lead Agency: State of California Division of Rehabilitation (DOR) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: California Assistive Technology Systems (CATS) Program 

State Financing Activities 

An Alternative Financing Program (AFP) will be accomplished through comparable nonfederal 

resources rather than through AT Act funding. The state of California will offer low-interest, 

guaranteed loans to finance AT or modified transportation through the Assistive Technology and 

Modified Transportation Loan Guarantee Program (LGP). LGP will be carried out in 

collaboration with one or more lenders. 

Device Reutilization 

CATS will develop a workgroup to research effective reutilization programs within the state. 

After completing this research, CATS will begin implementing a device reutilization program in 

the second year of the State Plan. By the third year of the plan, CATS plans to have a device 

reutilization program fully implemented. 

Device Loan 

CATS currently does not support a device loan program. In year one of the State Plan, CATS 

will identify entities within California that have device loan programs and develop a workgroup. 

After completing this research, CATS will begin implementing a device loan program in the 

second year of the State Plan. By the third year of the plan, CATS plans to have a device loan 

program fully implemented. 

Device Demonstration 

California will not use AT Act funds to support demonstration centers. California has 29 

independent living centers (ILCs) that currently receive funding from the state to operate 

demonstration centers. CATS will conduct outreach and education to identify additional device 

demonstration programs throughout California. 

State Leadership Activities 

The CATS program will develop and conduct training to targeted entities, such as training 

opportunities on AT to staff at one-stop centers. CATS will continue to provide a toll-free 

information and referral service and enhance AT awareness through the use of public service 

announcements (PSAs) on television and radio stations, advertisement banners and information 

kiosks in various offices. Issue briefs and informational articles regarding AT will also be 

disseminated throughout the state to increase awareness. 
Appendix B 

103 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Colorado 

Lead Agency: University of Colorado Health Science Center (UCHSC), Department of 

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Colorado Assistive Technology Partners (ATP) 

State Financing Activities 

Colorado Assistive Technology Partners (ATP) will conduct a feasibility study for developing an 

Alternative Financing Program (AFP). Colorado will also create an accessible, statewide online 

database that will quickly enable individuals with disabilities to determine how and where they 

should proceed to secure adequate funding to meet AT device and service needs. 

Device Reutilization 

Colorado will offer an AT device exchange program through a Web-enabled storefront. People 

who want to donate or sell a device will post the item on the Web site. Those who want to buy 

used AT products will be able to view the devices available on the Web site. The exchange 

program will assist individuals to acquire AT devices at a discount or for free. 

Device Loan 

ATP will create the AT Device Loan Bank, an online, fully accessible, Web-enabled catalog for 

persons with disabilities, family members and professionals to identify the AT items available in 

the statewide loan bank and to check out devices for trial usage. Persons can borrow the devices 

for up to two weeks, with possible extension of the loan term if the device is not needed by 

someone else. 

Device Demonstration 

Colorado’s device demonstration program will operate closely with the AT Device Loan Bank 

program. ATP will conduct monthly open houses that focus on a particular type of equipment, 

such as AT for early childhood development. Staff will travel throughout the state to trade 

shows, conferences, schools, vocational rehabilitation offices and other locations to demonstrate 

a wide variety of technology, provide information and increase public awareness. The program 

will conduct a minimum of 30 device demonstration events each year. 

State Leadership Activities: 

ATP hosts an annual Rocky Mountain Regional Collaborative Conference in partnership with 

Statewide AT programs from New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah and Nebraska. Colorado 

provides a toll-free information and referral service, a newsletter available in electronic and 

print, a Web site and informational publications and brochures on AT. 
Appendix B 

104

Statewide AT Program Profile: Connecticut 

Lead Agency: Department of Social Services (DSS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Connecticut AT Act Program 

State Financing Activities 

The State AT program will operate the Connecticut Tech Act Loan Fund (CTALF) in partnership 

with People’s Bank and selected nonprofit organizations. While loan payment periods will not 

exceed five years, low interest rates will establish monthly payments within 50 percent of an 

applicant’s discretionary income. Plans are underway to lengthen the allowable payment period 

for individuals and open the loan fund to employers to borrow funds for work related equipment. 

Device Reutilization 

The New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Marketplace will operate the Connecticut 

Equipment Restoration Center (ERC). Individuals and organizations can make tax-deductible 

donations of durable medical equipment (DME) and other assistive technology to NEAT. 

Certified technicians on staff at the ERC will restore the equipment so it is available to the end 

user at significantly reduced prices. An additional site to increase capacity is planned. 

Device Loan 

NEAT will operate an AT lending library that enables professional members to borrow and take 

items to their facility or to their client’s home for trial to determine the correct piece of 

equipment that will meet the needs of the individual. Connecticut plans to establish a Web-based 

marketplace to access AT available for loan. The device loan program will be enhanced by 

coordinating with additional organizations throughout the state that target loans to individuals 

with disabilities. 

Device Demonstration 

The NEAT Demonstration Center will provide information and hands-on experience with a wide 

variety of assistive technology devices. The state program plans to create additional capacity for 

demonstrating AT by soliciting proposals from existing networks to add another comprehensive 

demonstration site and a demonstration equipment replacement plan to assure retiring of 

inventory and new technology in the program. 

State Leadership Activities 

Connecticut’s AT program plans to develop informal networks for training and technical 

assistance. Peer networks will be established through partnering with consumer organizations to 

enhance training opportunities. Training and technical assistance teams will be created to offer 

expertise relative to the integration of technology in the specified domains of education, 

employment, telecommunication and community living. Connecticut will provide a toll-free 

information and referral service, distribute a quarterly newsletter and incorporate Web-based 

applications into the statewide AT program. 
Appendix B 

105 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Delaware 

Lead Agency: University of Delaware, Center for Applied Science and Engineering 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) 

State Financing Activities 

DATI will conduct two state financing activities—the Delaware Assistive Technology Loan 

Program (DATLP) and the Delaware Telework Equipment Loan Program (DTELP). Following 

finalization of the contract with a lending partner, the program will feature a customized 

approach to lending, including the availability of guarantees and interest subsidies 

when necessary. 

Device Reutilization 

DATI will administer an AT Exchange Program (ATEx) that enables individuals to buy, sell or 

give away used AT through Web-based “want ads.” DATI will work in collaboration with 

Delaware Medicaid to explore the viability of a program that would reclaim and repurpose 

equipment no longer needed by the original recipients. The AT Exchange also plans to 

implement a feedback capability that will allow program staff to follow up with users of 

the system. 

Device Loan 

DATI will operate a device loan program through its network of three AT Resource Centers 

(ATRCs). The statewide inventory includes over 1,400 augmentative communication devices, 

aids for daily living, sensory aids, etc. Persons with disabilities and service providers who want 

to learn how to use the AT or wish to try it out can go online and select devices organized into 20 

categories with the option of contacting the nearest ATRC loan closet to discuss arrangements 

for borrowing a device. 

Device Demonstration 

DATI’s demonstration program will operate in conjunction with its existing three ATRC loan 

programs. All equipment in the inventory will be available for demonstration and resident AT 

specialists are skilled at assisting consumers, family members and disability-related 

organizations to become more informed as to the devices that might work for them. 

State Leadership Activities 

DATI will develop numerous training modules—ranging from two-hour sessions to a training 

series spanning several days—for specific audiences and on specific AT topics. DATI will 

increase awareness of AT through a quarterly newsletter, The AT Messenger; a toll-free 

information and referral service; Web site; community events; statewide conferences; and 

training materials and publications on AT that will also be made available in Spanish. 
Appendix B 

106

Statewide AT Program Profile: District of Columbia 

Lead Agency: Department of Human Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration 

Implementing Entity: D.C. University Legal Services 

Program Title: Assistive Technology Program for the District of Columbia (ATPDC) 

State Financing Activities 

ATPDC will provide an AT Financial Loan Program (ATFLP) to individuals with disabilities 

and their families for the purchase of AT devices and services. City First Bank of D.C. will 

administer the loan program in partnership with ATPDC, which will make loan guarantees. 

Persons with disabilities and family members may apply for a loan directly with City First Bank 

of D.C. or the ATPDC. 

Device Reutilization 

ATPDC will partner with the District of Columbia Center for Independent Living (DCCIL) to 

expand its durable medical equipment (DME) recycling program and initiate an equipment 

exchange program. Individuals with disabilities will be able to access the recycling program on 

ATPDC’s Web site, which will provide information about where and how to obtain equipment, 

how to make donations, and a real time inventory of available AT. ATPDC will also establish a 

Web page for an equipment exchange program that will solicit used devices through disability 

organizations by linking individuals who wish to sell or donate used AT with others who want to 

acquire items. 

Device Loan 

ATPDC will operate the Assistive Technology Equipment Lending Program (ATELP) through 

the D.C. Assistive Technology Resource Center. ATELP has an inventory of over 300 AT 

devices and the program enables all individuals with disabilities to try out and borrow equipment 

for a specific time period without any cost. 

Device Demonstration 

ATPDC will operate the District of Columbia Assistive Technology Resource Center 

(DCATRC), a facility where consumers, family members, employers, educators and service 

providers explore, experience and compare the usefulness of various types of AT equipment, 

discuss applications and learn about related services. DCATRC will host special “AT dedicated 

days” that focus on devices that address specific disabilities. 

State Leadership Activities 

ATPDC is planning a training and technical assistance project in cooperation with the District of 

Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to establish small AT resource centers within one elementary 

school and one high school. ATPDC’s information and referral service mails materials on the 

benefits and cost of AT devices and services; the Web site contains resources, a semi-annual 

newsletter and free publications; and the program’s “Creative Solutions for Living” video 

features minorities in an urban environment using AT in settings such as home, work, school 

and recreation. 
Appendix B 

107 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Florida 

Lead Agency: Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehab. 

Implementing Entity: Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

FAAST administers two loan programs that provide individuals with disabilities and their family 

representatives an opportunity to purchase AT. The Alternative Financing Program established 

under Title III provides loan guarantees and the Access to Telework Program provides 

guaranteed loans for the purchase of equipment and modifications needed to set up a home-based 

business or to work from home for an employer. 

Device Reutilization 

FAAST will expand its partnership with the Florida Association of Centers of Independent 

Living and Florida Independent Living Council (FILC) by adding to existing device reutilization 

programs run by each center for independent living (CIL). FAAST also will expand its Web site 

to include a section on device reutilization that will be accessed by the CILs to enter in the 

inventory of their programs. Consumers will be able to use the Web site to complete a form 

requesting equipment. FAAST also plans to include public and private partners and funding 

sources as a means for inventory. 

Device Loan 

FAAST plans to operate an equipment loan program that will serve the entire state. The bulk of 

the inventory will be maintained in and distributed from a central location. Each of the FAAST 

Regional Demonstration Centers will also maintain an inventory of devices that can be loaned to 

consumers at the local level. FAAST will market the loan program through a Web-based 

inventory of AT devices that will be accessible to anyone. FAAST will also produce a catalogue 

available in print and updated quarterly for appropriate community partners to access 

AT equipment. 

Device Demonstration 

FAAST maintains regional demonstration centers in four areas of the state. In the next year, a 

new regional demonstration center will be developed in Orlando to better serve the central region 

of Florida. Each site will conduct formal device demonstrations by a vendor or manufacturer for 

the community every quarter. 

State Leadership Activities 

FAAST works with its strategic partners to develop specific training content for consumers and 

professionals, which typically occur as part of annual conferences and statewide training 

programs. It is also developing a series of technical assistance manuals for Floridians with 

disabilities as well as service providers. FAAST public awareness activities includes a toll-free 

information and referral service, Web site information, resource libraries, exhibits, public 

forums, and FAAST Access Magazine that is distributed to 4,000 individuals and businesses, 

including state agencies. 
Appendix B 

108

Statewide AT Program Profile: Georgia 

Lead Agency: Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Tools For Life (TFL) 

State Financing Activities 

Tools for Life will support CreditAble, Georgia’s Alternative Financing Program (AFP), to 

provide guaranteed loans to individuals with disabilities and their families for the purchase of AT 

devices and services. TFL will work with organizations such as TechAble, the Getting Ahead 

Association, and the Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) to expand CreditAble and 

ensure that individuals with disabilities are referred appropriately between programs in order to 

try out devices before they take out loans to purchase AT. TFL will also research the possibility 

of developing an AT Co-Op. 

Device Reutilization 

TFL will conduct two device reuse activities—the ReBoot Computer Reutilization Project and 

G-Trade, an online AT equipment exchange program. G-Trade allows individuals to buy, sell or 

give away used AT through “want ads.” ReBoot acquires equipment, evaluates and repairs it, 

loads licensed software, distributes and provides computer training. Every region of Georgia is 

served by ReBoot, a collaborative effort operated by people with disabilities for people 

with disabilities. 

Device Loan 

The Tools for Life AT Loan Library program will ship a device to any location in the state. The 

length of device loan is two to four weeks with the possibility of extension. TFL will contract for 

ATRC services with Disability Connections, TechAble, Touch the Future, and Walton Options. 

Tools for Life will collaborate with the network of ATRCs to grow the AT Loan 

Library Program. 

Device Demonstration 

TFL will contract with a network of Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) to 

conduct device demonstrations across the state. Each center will stock a core set of devices for 

demonstration. TFL will ensure the needs of individuals are met by annually evaluating the 

comprehensiveness of the AT device demonstration programs with regard to type of equipment 

and audiences reached. 

State Leadership Activities 

Training will be developed to include information about TFL programs, AT resources and AT 

funding strategies. TFL will increase awareness about the benefits of AT through a toll-free 

information and referral service, an in-depth Web site featuring the development of a quarterly 

newsletter, bi-annual statewide conferences, and training materials and publications provided 

free of charge. 
Appendix B 

109 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Guam 

Lead Agency: University of Guam, Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) 

State Financing Activities 

GSAT will operate an Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and an Access to Telework Loan 

Program. Guam Options for Alternative Loans-Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) Program 

assists citizens with disabilities by providing loan guarantees to secure the technology they need 

to increase independence and improve their quality of life. The Pacific Islands Microcredit 

Institute (PIMI) will serve as the community-based organization and the Bank of Guam will 

serve as the lending institution to support the loan program. The Get Guam Teleworking (GGT) 

Program will provide no or low interest loans for teleworking to residents of Guam 

with disabilities. 

Device Reutilization 

GSAT will maintain a device reutilization program that accepts used equipment and, if costeffective, repairs it. Then the item will be put on sale at the GSAT Demonstration and Recycling 

Center. The AT device will be sold at the cost of repair (materials and labor) on a first-come 

first-served basis. 

Device Loan 

GSAT’s device loan program will offer loans of AT equipment available at the GSAT Center for 

a free, one-month trial use. The program assists consumers to make an informed choice by 

providing the opportunity to try and practice a device in an appropriate setting. 

Device Demonstration 

GSAT will conduct monthly demonstrations focusing on specific AT devices at the 

Demonstration and Recycling Center in addition to working collaboratively with disability and 

health related agencies to enhance participation in conferences, employer job fairs and other AT 

activities. The program plans to coordinate annual demonstrations to all employees at each 

public school in Guam; to senior citizens and employees at each Senior Citizen Center; and to 

teachers, students and all employees at the University of Guam and the Guam 

Community College. 

State Leadership Activities 

GSAT conducts regular training and technical assistance on the selection, use and acquisition of 

AT devices and services. The program plans activities such as establishing contracts to provide 

training to vocational rehabilitation counselors and staff at one-stop career centers. GSAT offers 

free information and referral services, disseminates training materials and publications that cover 

AT, and plans to redevelop a Web site in collaboration with the University of Guam as well as 

include AT-related information and resources in the university’s quarterly newsletter. 
Appendix B 

110

Statewide AT Program Profile: Hawaii 

Lead Agency: Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and Services 

for the Blind Division 

Implementing Entity: Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

ATRC, working with American Savings Bank (ASB) of Hawaii, supports the Hawaii Assistive 

Technology (HAT) Loan Program to offer Hawaii residents low-interest loans at affordable 

terms to acquire AT devices and services that enhance independence in the home, workplace and 

community. The HAT Loan Program funds are used to guarantee the money borrowed 

through ASB. 

Device Reutilization 

ATRC plans to create a Computer Redistribution Program and an AT Equipment Relocation 

Program to carry out device reutilization activities. The computer systems redistribution will be 

stocked by donated computers from Hawaii businesses and other sources and made ready for free 

distribution to persons with disabilities. The Equipment Relocation Program will bring together 

buyers and sellers of AT in the state of Hawaii and will be administered at both the physical 

location of ATRC offices and through an online portal designed to provide 

statewide accessibility. 

Device Loan 

ATRC plans to create an “AT Depot” device loan program that provides a short-term loan of AT 

devices and other education materials such as AT videos and publications. These short-term 

loans allow for the use of a trial device for assessment and evaluation and a temporary device for 

use while a primary device is repaired or maintained. The AT Depot will be administered 

through four physical locations—at the ATRC office and at partner agency locations on the 

islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. 

Device Demonstration 

ATRC plans to provide device demonstration centers throughout the state, at the main ATRC 

office and on the neighbor islands of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. The primary goal of the 

demonstration centers is to provide an opportunity for consumers to learn about AT devices and 

try them out. 

State Leadership Activities 

ATRC plans to provide training activities through conferences such as the Tools for Life Hawaii 

Expo, scheduled workshops, and open training sessions. Technical assistance will continue to be 

provided in coordination with the Pacific ADA and IT Center. ATRC will provide a toll-free 

information and referral service; The Reacher, a biannual newsletter; The Kupuna Guide—AT 

daily living geared for the kupuna or senior population in Hawaii; and a Web site, including a 

one-stop database of links to resources. 
Appendix B 

111 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Idaho 

Lead Agency: University of Idaho, Center on Disabilities and Human Development 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) 

State Financing Activities 

IATP will operate the Idaho Assistive Technology Loan Fund which offers loan guarantees and 

interest subsidies to provide financial loans for the purchase of AT. IATP will administer the 

fund while sharing responsibilities with three other entities: Zions First National Bank, Key Bank 

of Idaho, and Idaho Community Foundation.

Device Reutilization 

IATP will develop a fully accessible Web-based equipment exchange program to increase the 

availability of used AT devices for persons with disabilities. An individual no longer in need of 

an AT device who wants to sell or give the device away can contact IATP through the Web site 

or existing toll-free telephone line and request to post an ad. 

Device Loan 

Through partnerships and its own regional AT Center, IATP will support a number of AT device 

loan programs. It will support seven Hearing Assistance Centers operated by the Idaho Council 

for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that loan hearing assistance equipment. It will also support the 

Equipment Loaning Library at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), the only statewide, short-term AT 

and developmental toy loan program in the state of Idaho. UCP staff assists with the selection of 

appropriate device and toys, which are shipped statewide at no cost. 

Device Demonstration 

IATP will operate an AT demonstration program by assisting and supporting three regional AT 

Centers, seven Hearing Assistance Centers, and a network of Assistive Technology Practitioners 

(ATPs) who will lend their expertise and guide individuals through a comparison of devices. 

State Leadership Activities 

IATP maintains a full-time training coordinator, an information and public awareness specialist, 

and a project director, all of whom deliver AT training and technical assistance throughout the 

year. The project will also collaborate with three regional centers and the network of ATPs to 

conduct statewide training on a variety of AT-related topics. The toll-free IDA-Tech provides an 

information and referral service on AT for people of all ages with all disabilities. IATP’s Web 

site, training materials and publications, and quarterly newsletter, The Spud Tech, disseminates 

information on the benefits of AT. 
Appendix B 

112

Statewide AT Program Profile: Illinois 

Lead Agency: Department of Human Service (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services 

(DRS) 

Implementing Entity: Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

IATP will implement a statewide Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and Access to Telework 

Loan Program. The AFP will offer low-interest rates, extended repayment plans, buy-downs of 

principal or relaxed credit standards so those who would otherwise not qualify for a loan have a 

chance to finance needed AT. The Telework Program also offers low-interest loans, loan 

guarantees and interest buy-downs that allow persons with disabilities to borrow money to obtain 

equipment, AT, and home modifications needed for self-employment or telework. 

Device Reutilization 

IATP’s reutilization program, AT Classifieds, is designed as an accessible online AT exchange 

that will assist consumers of AT to buy, sell or donate pieces of used AT equipment. It also will 

be available in print form and a listing of used AT equipment will be periodically published in 

IATP’s newsletter. 

Device Loan 

IATP’s AT Device Loan Program is the only free, statewide device loan program available in 

Illinois. There are currently 991 devices in IATP’s inventory. The devices are assembled and 

shipped out to the borrower anywhere in the state. The expense to ship AT to a borrower is 

covered by the program. Return shipping expenses are the responsibility of the borrower. The 

equipment is available for short-term loans that range from four to six weeks. A loan period can 

be extended if no one is waiting for a particular device. 

Device Demonstration 

IATP will operate an AT Device Demonstration Center in Springfield, Ill., which contains an 

accessible kitchen and bathroom and other “rooms” featuring workplace technologies, sensory 

aids, adapted toys and switches, aids for daily living, and augmentative communication devices. 

If an individual or group is unable to travel to the center, IATP staff will pack up and transport 

AT devices to another location to conduct an off-site demonstration to assist a person to make an 

informed choice. 

State Leadership Activities 

IATP will offer AT training programs on a statewide basis and work with public and private 

agencies to customize workshops to meet AT needs in early intervention, education, employment 

and community living. IATP also has various training materials—from print to accessible 

DVDs—that will be shared with targeted audiences and by request. 
Appendix B 

113 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Indiana 

Lead Agency: Division of Disability, Aging, and Rehabilitative Services 

Implementing Entity: Assistive Technology Through Action in Indiana (Attain) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

Attain provides loans to individuals with disabilities for the purchase of AT devices and services 

through Attain-a-Loan, a low-interest, extended-term alternative financing loan program. 

Attain’s partnership with Fifth Third Bank, with locations across the state, offers loans that range 

between $500 and $5,000. Attain will often guarantee loans for those who would not be eligible 

for conventional bank loans. 

Device Reutilization 

The Attain-a-Computer program and the Equipment Exchange Network assist in the sale, 

purchase, trade or donation of used AT devices. Anyone can contact Attain toll-free or via Web 

site to sell, give away or buy a used AT device through the Equipment Exchange Network. 

Through the Attain-a-Computer program donated computers will be refurbished and provided at 

no cost to qualified persons with disabilities. 

Device Loan 

Attain will operate a short-term Equipment Loan Program providing individuals with disabilities 

the opportunity to request up to three devices at any one time. The length of the device loan is 

four to six weeks with a possible extension. In order to maintain and expand its loan program, 

Attain may charge rental fees based on a sliding scale. 

Device Demonstration 

Attain will identify and develop regional demonstration centers through a network of partners 

with AT knowledge. Partner sites will store essential equipment and host demonstration events. 

Attain’s qualified staff may demonstrate a number of available devices and work with the 

individual or family to gain access to a device through Attain’s short-term Equipment Loan 

Program. Training on how to use a device is also provided to the consumer. 

State Leadership Activities 

Training sessions will occur throughout the year and a schedule will be published in the quarterly 

newsletter and on Attain’s Web site and will be announced in other agency newsletters and 

outreach efforts. Training materials and publications that cover AT information will be 

developed and disseminated and consumers can access a toll-free statewide information and 

referral service on a wide range of specific issues for people of all ages with all disabilities. 
Appendix B 

114

Statewide AT Program Profile: Iowa 

Lead Agency: University of Iowa, Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) 

State Financing Activities 

Iowa’s Alternative Financing Program (AFP), the Iowa Able Foundation, will provide loans to 

people with disabilities and their families for the purchase of AT devices and services. In 

addition to the guarantee, the Iowa Able Foundation offers other flexible options such as a 

reduced interest rate and longer loan terms with smaller payments. IPAT contracts with the State 

Public Policy Group to staff and provide programmatic support to the Iowa Able Foundation 

Advisory Board, which uses funds to subcontract with a nonprofit organization, the Abilities 

Fund, to operate the AFP. Abilities Fund also operates a Telework grant program that issues 

loans to persons with disabilities to purchase computers and other equipment needed to work 

from home. 

Device Reutilization 

IPAT will directly administer a Used Equipment Referral Service (UERS), which is a free 

service that operates like a newspaper “want ad” and lists used devices for sale by consumers and 

AT vendors. IPAT is also the primary financial supporter for Easter Seals Iowa Equipment 

Services, a device recycling program that accepts donated used devices from across the state, 

cleans and refurbishes the AT, and provides long-term loans to individuals who would not 

otherwise be able to acquire the needed device. In addition, Iowa will continue to maintain a 

comprehensive listing of all the device reutilization and recycling programs in Iowa and 

neighboring states (approximately 218 programs). 

Device Loan 

IPAT will directly administer the augmentative communication device and software loan 

program out of the Disability Resource Library (DRL). IPAT plans to collaborate and contract 

with community agencies to pilot three device loan programs that will enhance statewide 

capacity and increase the inventory available for loans. 

Device Demonstration 

IPAT will continue to contract with the Department for the Blind to operate its device 

demonstration program, a free program available to people with visual impairments. IPAT will 

work with three device loan pilot programs and implement comprehensive device 

demonstrations in the communities of the programs. 

State Leadership Activities 

IPAT will engage in a number of activities such as maintaining a contract with the Department of 

Education to provide training and technical assistance to all the area education agencies (AEA) 

AT liaisons and teachers across the state of Iowa. Information and referral is provided by Iowa 

COMPASS, a toll-free, statewide information and referral service that is also accessible via email and the Web. 
Appendix B 

115 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Kansas 

Lead Agency: Kansas University Center of Developmental Disabilities, 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) 

State Financing Activities 

ATK will conduct four state financing activities. It will work with the Kansas Assistive 

Technology Cooperative (KATCO) to operate an Alternative Financing Program to assist 

persons to acquire AT and to operate the Kansas Telework Loan Program to support working 

from remote locations. KATCO works with Kansas financial institutions to offer a reduced 

interest, extended payback period, financial loan program. Additionally, ATK will provide case 

management by AT funding specialists to assist consumers in acquiring AT and it will determine 

eligibility and equipment justification services for its Telecommunications Access 

Program (TAP). 

Device Reutilization 

ATK will offer three reutilization activities: (1) The Kansas Equipment Exchange (KEE) 

Program, which will operate in conjunction with Kansas Medicaid Policy and Kansas University 

to track equipment purchases, affix an electronic tracking code on new equipment, and maintain 

a real-time database of KEE inventory. Equipment no longer needed by the Medicaid 

beneficiaries is returned to the program so that it can be refurbished and reused by a new 

consumer. (2) The ATK equipment reutilization program for expensive technology that does not 

meet the definition of durable medical equipment (DME) required by the KEE Program. This 

small reutilization program for expensive equipment, therefore, will focus on devices that are not 

medical in nature and therefore would not be purchased or tracked by Medicaid. (3) Kansas will 

operate ATMATCH.com, an AT auction site available to persons throughout the country who 

have access to the Internet and wish to buy, sell or donate assistive technology. 

Device Loan 

ATK will operate a short-term AT equipment loan program known as the Statewide Interagency 

Equipment Loan System. The length of the device loan is four weeks; a rental fee and shipping 

costs will be assessed for each item based on a sliding scale. 

Device Demonstration 

ATK staff will provide demonstrations to individuals and small groups at regional AT Access 

Sites and at off-site locations such as schools, homes and worksites. ATK plans to expand the 

demonstration equipment inventory at the regional AT Access Sites and at the Statewide 

Interagency Equipment Loan System. 

State Leadership Activities 

The toll-free KAN DO-IT line offers a free information and referral service on AT. The Web site 

provides resources and an opportunity to directly contact ATK programs. Training materials and 

publications on a broad array of AT related issues are available free of charge in any requested 

alternative format. 
Appendix B 

116

Statewide AT Program Profile: Kentucky 

Lead Agency: Office for the Blind 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network 

State Financing Activities 

The KATS Network provides technical support to the Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan 

Corporation (KATLC), an Alternative Financing Program that partners with Fifth Third Bank to 

provide a low-interest loan program bolstered by loan guarantees. Loans provided through 

KATLC help consumers obtain devices by providing specially structured loan funds at an 

affordable interest rate so they can purchase their own AT. 

Device Reutilization 

Three primary recycling efforts are planned by the KATS Network for continuing operation and 

targeted expansion in Kentucky: the Assistive Technology Exchange List (ATEX), New Life 

Computers, and the Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRC) Recycling Program. The 

ATEX is a listing of assistive devices available on the KATS Web site that are offered for sale or 

donated by and for consumers. New Life Computers is a Kentucky affiliate of the National 

Cristina Foundation (NCF) initiative, a collaborative effort to provide recycled computers for 

persons with disabilities. The ATRC Recycling Program will provide used AT and locally 

refurbished computer units. 

Device Loan 

The ATRCs will conduct a device loan program enabling consumers to borrow AT devices for 

30-day trial periods. Extended loans for a period up to six months may be provided depending on 

the availability of the equipment. KATS will work to increase awareness, expand inventory, and 

coordinate uniform policy and procedures statewide. 

Device Demonstration 

The KATS Network plans to deliver a device demonstration program primarily through contracts 

with the regional AT Resource Centers. Each ATRC will maintain a wide array of AT devices 

for demonstration, which include individual and group activities designed to explore a range of 

available AT devices, individual consultations to support appropriate device selection, and 

individual or group training to support appropriate usage of a specific device. 

State Leadership Activities 

The network will provide training and technical assistance through its coordinating center and 

regional ATRCs to individual consumers, professionals, groups and organizations. Activities 

include technical assistance provided as part of the Accessible Information Technology In 

Schools (AITIS) project and special outreach efforts to consumer organizations such as the 

Kentucky Business Leadership Network. KATS plans to increase public awareness by 

continuing to develop and disseminate training materials and publications on AT in print and 

accessible formats, an in-depth Web site, e-mail lists and listserv distribution, and a toll-free 

information and referral service. 
Appendix B 

117 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Louisiana 

Lead Agency: Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) 

Implementing Entity: Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

LATAN will operate a reduced-interest, fixed-rate, extended term alternative financing program. 

Loan applications are available online, by a statewide toll-free number, in LATAN’s office, at all 

Regions Bank offices, and at various agencies across the state of Louisiana. 

Device Reutilization 

LATAN plans to implement two reutilization programs—computer recycling and a used 

equipment exchange online database. LATAN will continue to operate a low-cost computer 

ReBoot program, partnering with the Georgia AT Program to deliver rebuilt computer systems to 

the doors of Louisiana consumers with disabilities. It will also develop a statewide database of 

devices listed on the AT Exchange that will be available for little or no cost and will also provide 

a link to ATMATCH.com, an Internet-based service available to anyone from a 

participating state. 

Device Loan 

Because it does not currently operate a device loan program, LATAN will explore models used 

by other states, determine partners and resources needed based on exploration, and develop a 

plan for implementation. LATAN envisions coordinating the activities of existing loan programs 

and filling in the gaps for a statewide, comprehensive program. 

Device Demonstration 

Based on what is learned from looking at demonstration program models in other states, LATAN 

will set up a pilot center in the northwest region of the state, a previously underserved area. In 

addition, LATAN will work to coordinate and collaborate with existing device demonstration 

resources throughout Louisiana. 

State Leadership Activities 

LATAN developed an “Assistive Technology for Aging in Place” training module targeted for 

older individuals, their caregivers and service providers. Technical assistance includes assisting 

with the development of AT services in waiver programs for long-term care. LATAN offers 

public awareness activities through presentations, exhibits and public service announcements 

(PSAs). People of all ages with all disabilities can benefit from LATAN’s toll-free information 

and referral service. Resources are also updated through G.R.E.A.T. possibilities, a quarterly 

newsletter, a Web site, and publications about AT. 
Appendix B 

118

Statewide AT Program Profile: Maine 

Lead Agency: Department of Education, Office of Special Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Maine Consumer Information and Technology Training Exchange 

(MaineCITE) 

State Financing Activities 

Maine will conduct a one-year study to determine the feasibility of operating a state financing 

system that would complement Maine’s existing state funded low-interest, revolving loan fund 

called “mPower.” The study also will address bulk purchasing or leasing and identification of 

systemic ways to subsidize acquisition of AT devices and services. 

Device Reutilization 

Maine currently has a patchwork of existing equipment exchange programs that offer AT devices 

for sale or loan. Over three years, Maine will create a statewide reutilization program that 

includes a Web-based database of all items for sale or loan and explore ways to set up a 

statewide device delivery system. The state may also participate in a national online auction 

program to augment its own statewide database. 

Device Loan 

The state supports a short-term device loan program through Husson College in Bangor. This 

center and two satellite sites allow individuals with disabilities to borrow equipment for up to 

two weeks, with potential renewals. Over the next three years this program will be expanded to 

offer services statewide. 

Device Demonstration 

Maine supports a Technical Exploration Center that conducts AT demonstrations and provides 

information about devices. Student occupational therapists and physical therapists from Husson 

College and the University of Maine’s Disability Studies program volunteer at the center. Other 

sites in the state specialize in technology used by people with particular disabilities. The state’s 

broadband videoconferencing and Web-based statewide networks will host demonstrations in 

efforts to reach more people who live in rural areas. 

State Leadership Activities 

Maine will use the statewide distance learning network to deliver professional training to 

vocational rehabilitation counselors, care givers and case managers on various subjects related to 

AT. The statewide AT Program will also host a Web site, develop publications and exhibit lowtech devices at statewide conferences and senior expos to inform the public about AT. 
Appendix B 

119 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Maryland 

Lead Agency: Department of Disabilities 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) 

State Financing Activities 

Maryland will operate six projects that help people with disabilities obtain AT for permanent 

use. It will provide low-interest loans through its AT Guaranteed Loan Program and Telework 

and Self-Employment Loan Program. It will support a private AT Co-op that provides discounts 

on AT products through a buying cooperative. It will help provide free wheelchair ramps through 

a construction project, communication devices and evaluations to nursing home residents moving 

into the community, and emergency notification systems to citizens who are deaf and hard 

of hearing. 

Device Reutilization 

Maryland will recycle durable medical equipment and provide these items to Medicaid recipients 

and other individuals with disabilities who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. 

By providing used rather than new equipment, the state Medicaid program will save funds, while 

surplus equipment (i.e., those devices not needed by Medicare recipients) will be distributed to 

other individuals who could not afford to buy it. Maryland will also establish an equipment 

exchange program to provide online classified ads and an Internet auction site for those who 

either want to buy or sell AT. 

Device Loan 

Maryland will lend AT devices through a network of five regionally located lending centers. 

Items for loan include augmentative communication devices, electronic enlarging systems, 

computer access devices, electronic note takers and much more. 

Device Demonstration 

Five AT demonstration sites will be located throughout the state to allow for individuals with 

disabilities to receive information and try out a variety of AT that may meet their needs. 

Additional demonstrations are provided off-site when individuals are unable to travel to a 

demonstration center and for group presentations. 

State Leadership Activities 

MD TAP will provide a series of workshops on a variety of topics relevant to AT, including 

working with the Division of Rehabilitation Services to jointly provide training for recipients of 

adapted telephones and telecommunication devices. It will provide technical assistance for 

implementation of the state’s information technology nonvisual access policy as well as 

collaborate with the Department of Education to evaluate and promote broad-scale deployment 

of text readers. Public awareness activities include a toll-free information and referral service; a 

Web site; Tapping Technology, a quarterly newsletter; resource fairs and conferences; and 

training materials and publications on AT. 
Appendix B 

120

Statewide AT Program Profile: Massachusetts 

Lead Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Community Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Massachusetts Assistive Technology Act Program (MA ATAP) 

State Financing Activities 

Massachusetts will support a Home Modification Loan Program, a state-funded revolving loan 

fund that provides financial loans up to $25,000 for home modifications. It also has an 

Alternative Financing Program that provides lower interest loans and guarantees for loans for 

people purchasing assistive technology. Massachusetts partners with Easter Seals of 

Massachusetts and Sovereign Bank to provide these loans. Massachusetts expects to also offer 

mini-loans for borrowers to purchase AT devices under $500 and thus expand the use of AT by 

those who need access to low-cost, low technology devices. 

Device Reutilization 

At present there are several local community-based organizations that provide device 

reutilization programs. Over the next three years, Massachusetts will create a statewide 

collaborative network of these programs that is universally accessible to all state residents. 

Device Loan 

Responding to consumer needs for a short-term device loan program, Massachusetts will create a 

statewide Device Loan Program over the next three years. Currently there are several local and 

regionally based device loan programs. Massachusetts will seek to partner with these existing 

programs to expand the eligibility and geographic service areas. 

Device Demonstration 

Regional centers will be created and staffed with expert AT specialists to provide equipment 

demonstrations on a variety of AT devices. Three to five demonstration centers will be opened. 

These centers will also be access sites for some of the device loan programs. For 

telecommunications access, regional centers will coordinate with Verizon Specialized Telephone 

Equipment Demonstration Centers. Massachusetts will also support a small network of peer AT 

trainers to provide technical support to individuals new to using AT. 

State Leadership Activities 

Each year Massachusetts will host two regional AT Expositions to increase public awareness. It 

will also host teleconferences to develop the skills of AT professionals. 

It will also host an Internet-based listserv that will serve as a “virtual” community for AT 

consumers, providers, advocates, educators and others in which they will be able to share 

information, ask questions, provide comments or engage in discussions related to AT. 
Appendix B 

121 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Michigan 

Lead Agency: Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), Michigan 

Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) 

Program Title: Michigan Assistive Technology Project 

State Financing Activities 

Michigan will operate the Michigan AT Loan Fund to provide low interest loans to people with 

disabilities so they can purchase AT. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition will partner with 

United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan and the Financial Health Credit Union to operate this 

program. These same partners operate the Michigan Telework Loan Fund, which provides loans 

for the purchase of equipment for people with disabilities to work at home or operate 

home businesses. 

Device Reutilization 

Michigan will administer the AT Xchange (ATX) for individuals with an AT device wishing to 

either sell or give it away. The ATX is a Web site ad service that connects buyers and sellers of 

devices. In addition, Michigan will link to a national online auction site specifically designed for 

AT devices, thus providing expanded options for individuals who are interested in buying or 

selling devices. 

Device Loan 

Michigan’s program will not directly provide devices, because there are other programs in the 

state providing this service. Initial surveys of consumers indicated that there does not appear to 

be a need for a new device loan program. Michigan’s program includes public awareness 

activities to help citizens find existing device loan programs. 

Device Demonstration 

Michigan has several independent AT device demonstration centers. Over the next three years, 

Michigan will increase the number of people reached through demonstrations of AT in the state 

through the support of local device demonstrations in underserved regions. 

State Leadership Activities 

Michigan’s program will develop a system to subcontract with consumer-directed local groups 

and organizations to provide technical assistance statewide. The program participates in the 

state’s Youth Leadership Forum, which concentrates on supporting youth activities that promote 

access to AT and provide training on AT issues. Michigan is also part of the E-learnability 

community and supplies resources and training modules to this community. The program will 

provide AT Connections, an e-mail-based newsletter published 10 times a year on Michigan AT 

activities; coordination and collaboration on statewide issues; and a Web site. In partnership with 

local groups, Michigan will also provide a toll-free information and referral service, information 

through presentations at conferences, and collaboration on publications and training materials 

about AT. 
Appendix B 

122

Statewide AT Program Profile: Minnesota 

Lead Agency: Department of Administration 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Minnesota STAR Program 

State Financing Activities 

STAR will not directly support a state financing activity. Minnesota has an Alternative Financing 

Program (AFP) operated by the community-based organization, Assistive Technology Minnesota 

(ATMn*), which is comprehensive and operating statewide. 

Device Reutilization 

Over the next three years, STAR will establish a collaborative network of existing device 

reutilization programs at other agencies and organizations. It will also establish a Web-based 

equipment exchange want ad service to assist those who want to buy and sell used AT devices. 

Device Loan 

During the next three years, STAR will work to form a collaborative between existing device 

loan programs in the state and create new programs in underserved regions of the state. STAR 

will contact a cooperative buying program currently in existence in the state to see if it is 

possible for STAR’s subcontractors to purchase AT through the program. 

Device Demonstration 

STAR supports device demonstrations to meet the needs of consumers through a collaborative of 

AT centers. It has a number of devices that it demonstrates at conferences, public information 

fairs, workshops, public libraries, senior centers, museums and shopping malls. STAR will also 

conduct demonstrations at Workforce Centers. 

State Leadership Activities 

STAR will provide information and referral to professionals and consumers. It will publish a 

quarterly newsletter and host a Web site. It will also update its “Directory of Funding Resources 

for AT in Minnesota.” STAR is a member of the Department of Education AT Leadership Team 

that plans statewide professional development activities. STAR will provide AT training and 

technical assistance for state employees, AT professionals, employers and consumers. 
Appendix B 

123 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Mississippi 

Lead Agency: Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Project START (Success Through Assistive Rehabilitation Technology) 

State Financing Activities 

During the first year of its State Plan, Project START will establish a plan for conducting a 

feasibility study of state financing options in conjunction with its advisory council. Alternative 

financing, cooperative buying and the administration and coordination of AT funding among 

agencies and organizations will be explored. 

Device Reutilization 

Project START will operate an equipment exchange program and a computer recycling program. 

The equipment exchange program will allow individuals to buy and sell used AT through “want 

ads.” Used equipment will be listed on the program’s Web site and published in a quarterly 

newsletter. Under the computer recycling program, computers will be repaired, refurbished and 

made available on a first-come first-served basis. Computers are preloaded with operating and 

basic software. It may take from three to six months for a computer system to become available. 

Device Loan 

Project START will partner with other state agencies through a Memorandum of Agreement to 

provide short-term device loans. Project staff will provide specialized AT expertise in exchange 

for the partners managing the day-to-day operation of the program. Applications for loans will be 

accepted from individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates or service providers. 

Device Demonstration 

Demonstration centers will be operated in various locations throughout the state through 

partnerships with the Department of Education, Mississippi State University, Mississippi 

Methodist Rehabilitation Center, and Central Mississippi Medical Center. Individuals and 

service providers interested in a demonstration will be able to visit one of the centers or make a 

reservation to ensure that the staff and devices of interest are available for demonstration. 

State Leadership Activities 

Project START will develop a number of training modules targeted for specific audiences and on 

specific topics. Customized training will be available to organizations upon request. Project 

START will also sponsor a statewide AT conference and provide technical assistance to state 

agencies on creating accessible Web sites. Additionally, Project START will provide 

information and referral via a toll-free line, a quarterly newsletter, a Web site and a variety of 

publications on AT. These services will be available free of charge to anyone within the state. 
Appendix B 

124

Statewide AT Program Profile: Missouri 

Lead Agency: Office of Administration, Missouri Assistive Technology Council 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) 

State Financing Activities 

Missouri will implement three state financing activities. Show-Me Loans is a revolving financial 

loan program that allows people with disabilities to borrow money at low-interest rates for the 

purchase of AT. The Kids AT Program provides last resort funding for AT and housing 

modifications for children under 21 using supplemental health dollars. The AT Reimbursement 

Program assists schools in covering the costs of AT that students need as required by their IEP 

using supplemental IDEA funding. 

Device Reutilization 

MoAT will contract with the Coalition for Independence and subcontract with the Pan 

Educational Institute to provide a statewide computer recycling program that will refurbish low 

cost computer systems. The coalition will also recycle durable medical equipment items and 

provide them to individuals at greatly reduced prices. Other electronic equipment, such as 

electronic note-takers and Braillers, will be repaired or recycled and provided through Missouri 

State University (MSU). In addition, MoAT will provide a statewide equipment exchange 

program, Swap’N Shop, via the project’s Web site. 

Device Loan 

MoAT plans to provide short-term device loans through the Equipment Technology Consortium 

(ETC) housed at Rockhurst University and staffed by MoAT staff and university graduate 

students. The ETC has over 1,000 AT devices in the loan pool including a full range of high-end 

augmentative communication devices and equipment such as electronic enlarging for individuals 

with vision disabilities. Schools and other entities are able to borrow devices to conduct device 

trials, to fill the gap when their devices are in for repair or for other short-term purposes. 

Device Demonstration 

MoAT will deliver device demonstrations through three regional centers via contracts with two 

independent living centers (ILCs) and a university. Each center has a variety of cross-disability 

AT available for demonstration and has significant staff expertise in AT. The centers serve as 

distribution sites for ETC and both ILCs serve as demonstration centers for the adaptive 

telecommunications equipment distribution program. 

State Leadership Activities 

MoAT hosts an annual statewide AT conference, Power Up, that provides training and 

information to individuals and professionals. MoAT will develop and disseminate print 

materials, provide statewide information and referral services and deliver technical assistance as 

needed. Policy improvement initiatives are discussed at each council meeting and new activities 

are undertaken as opportunities present themselves. 
Appendix B 

125 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Montana 

Lead Agency: Department of Public Health and Human Services, Disability Services 

Division 

Implementing Entity: University of Montana Rural Institute, Center for Excellence in Disability 

Education, Research, and Service 

Program Title: Montana Assistive Technology Program (MATP) 

State Financing Activities 

Montana will support its existing low-interest financial loan program that guarantees loans made 

by the Community Bank-Missoula, Inc., to people with disabilities who wish to purchase 

assistive technology. Over the next three years, MATP will emphasize the marketing of this 

program to increase its use. 

Device Reutilization 

MATP is planning to establish a Web-based equipment exchange program to connect buyers and 

sellers of used AT. MATP will also provide in kind support for the operation of the Montana 

Adaptive Equipment Program, which refurbishes and recycles equipment for permanent 

placement and provides long-term loans of equipment for eligible clients served by the Montana 

Developmental Disabilities Division. 

Device Loan 

MATP will operate a short-term equipment loan bank with over 1,700 AT devices and computer 

hardware and software products. Individuals, family members and professionals as well as 

agencies can access the loan bank by completing an Equipment Loan Agreement (ELA) to 

impart responsibility for the device and return shipping. MATP will enhance the program’s Webbased system with an online catalog of its devices. This system will also provide an 

infrastructure that can be used by other Montana programs that wish to operate an equipment 

loan program. 

Device Demonstration 

MATP will use the established MonTECH demonstration site at the University of Montana Rural 

Institute in Missoula. The facilities include a number of display areas organized around specific 

applications. Because Montana is largely rural, with its population concentrated in the western 

half of the state, MATP will utilize distance technologies to provide device demonstrations in the 

underserved locations of the state. MATP will also contract with professional therapists to 

provide remote demonstration services in order to extend its device demonstration capabilities. 

State Leadership Activities 

MATP will operate an information and referral network, distribute materials about AT to key 

stakeholder groups, publish an annual report, and participate in local and statewide events to 

promote awareness. MATP will collaborate with agencies and service providers including tribal 

organizations to provide needed AT training in the areas of education, employment, communityliving and information technology. 
Appendix B 

126

Statewide AT Program Profile: Nebraska 

Lead Agency: Department of Education 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) 

State Financing Activities 

Nebraska’s ATP will work with funding sources in the state to provide program administration 

and support to help consumers find and acquire AT. Nebraska ATP will work with its 

departments of Health and Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran Affairs, 

Education, and the state’s housing developers association to create a One-Stop for AT Financing. 

It will coordinate the financing of these different funding streams so that the AT services 

consumers receive are appropriate and cost effective. ATP also will partner with the Easter Seals 

Loan Program, an Alternative Financing Program that works with the First National Bank of 

Omaha to provide low or reduced interest loans to citizens for the purchase of AT devices and 

services. Easter Seals also will operate a second loan program for the ATP, the Nebraska 

Telework Loan Program that provides loans to people with disabilities to purchase equipment to 

telework from home and other remote sites. 

Device Reutilization 

ATP will work with the Nebraska Educational AT to operate TechConnectors, a Web-based 

listing of used AT equipment for sale or free. TechConnectors creates a marketplace for 

equipment that is often free or low cost and provides an opportunity for people with disabilities 

to find more affordable equipment. 

Device Loan 

ATP will work with the Nebraska Educational AT (NEAT) to operate a device loan program, 

primarily consisting of education and employment AT devices. Over the next three years, the 

loan device inventory will be expanded to include additional equipment for independent living 

and community interaction. A Web-based tracking system, TechConnectors, will be used to track 

devices loaned. 

Device Demonstration 

Device demonstrations will occur at ATP offices, the Department of Labor One-Stop Resource 

Centers, NEAT, and via mobile demonstrations at individual worksites, schools and homes. 

Technology Specialists, experienced in operation of the devices will be available to assist 

individuals to try out the equipment. During the next three years, the inventory of devices 

available to demonstrate will be expanded. 

State Leadership Activities 

Coordination and collaboration efforts will focus on policies related to expanding services for 

individuals with traumatic brain injury and those with developmental disabilities. During the 

next three years, ATP will also take the lead on increasing the use of a visitability design 

standard for publicly funded housing in Nebraska. 
Appendix B 

127 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Nevada 

Lead Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disability Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Nevada AT Collaborative (NATC) 

State Financing Activities 

Nevada will offer a statewide financial loan program, the Assistive Technology Loan Fund, to 

help people with disabilities purchase AT devices. The loan program is a partnership between 

NATC, CARE Chest, a nonprofit agency and the Nevada State Bank. The loans will be offered 

at lower interest rates and often for more years than a typical bank loan—thus making the loans 

more affordable. NATC also will offer a statewide AT purchasing program for independent 

living, the Assistive Technology for Independent Living program (ATIL), to assist a person to 

live more independently with their disability. This program provides devices that are not offered 

through other funding sources like Medicaid, private insurance, vocational rehabilitation or 

special education. 

Device Reutilization 

NATC operates an extensive equipment recycling program in the northern part of the state 

through CARE Chest. Donated equipment is tested, repaired and sanitized before being offered 

for use. In the next three years, NATC will partner with a local nonprofit agency in the southern 

part of the state to launch an equipment recycling program there. The reuse programs are funded 

almost exclusively with private foundations and corporate contributions. In addition, NATC will 

partner in a national Internet auction Web site where users can find specific AT devices at 

reasonable prices. 

Device Loan 

NATC plans to offer a program that facilitates device loans between AT companies and people 

with disabilities who are seeking equipment on a trial basis. This device loan program is in its 

initial planning stages. 

Device Demonstration 

NATC will seek to establish an AT center in Las Vegas to provide AT demonstrations. The 

ATIL center will also provide device demonstrations at its center or at remote sites. Web-based 

device demonstrations will also be offered. 

State Leadership Activities 

NATC will partner with the University of Nevada to provide workshops and presentations to 

increase individual awareness of AT and provide formal continuing education and graduate 

courses on AT for professionals. NATC will provide technical assistance to the Office of 

Disability Services for the Money Follows the Person federal initiative to ensure that AT 

resources are available and maximized. 
Appendix B 

128

Statewide AT Program Profile: New Hampshire 

Lead Agency: University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Assistive Technology in New Hampshire (ATinNH) 

State Financing Activities 

New Hampshire will provide a low-interest AT loan program operated by TD BankNorth. Loans 

up to $10,000 will be available and fully secured. Marketing of the program is conducted by 

ATinNH through its Web site and by distributing information to statewide information services. 

During the next three years, ATinNH will explore ways to create broader access to loans, such as 

offering loans that exceed $10,000. 

Device Reutilization 

ATinNH will continue to support the Refurbished Equipment Marketplace (REM) through 

ATECH Services. REM takes in donated used equipment, refurbishes it and makes the devices 

available for resale at a fraction of the cost of new equipment. ATinNH will also operate an 

online classified section on its Web site at which AT devices can be listed for sale, trade or loan. 

Device Loan 

ATinNH will also provide a device loan program through ATECH Services. Currently ATECH 

Services operates a limited device loan program throughout the state and will expand the number 

and type of devices available over the next three years to encompass a greater inventory of 

devices. The device loan program uses AT Tracker software to track the loans. 

Device Demonstration 

ATinNH will continue its subcontract with ATECH Services to operate its Technology 

Exploration Center and the demonstration center at the REM. Also during the first year, ATECH 

Services will use a van to travel throughout the state to demonstrate AT equipment. The Mobile 

Unit van can be loaded with devices for clinics and demonstration days. 

State Leadership Activities 

ATinNH will develop a statewide AT Training Cooperative to provide training and technical 

assistance. It will be composed of AT trainers throughout the state with expertise in public 

awareness training and professional development. ATinNH will collaborate with the University 

of New Hampshire to develop a certificate program to prepare individuals who wish to specialize 

in AT in education, occupational therapy, rehabilitation counseling, speech and language 

pathology, and nursing. 
Appendix B 

129 

Statewide AT Program Profile: New Jersey 

Lead Agency: Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc., Assistive Technology 

Advocacy Center (ATAC) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

New Jersey’s Statewide AT Program will not directly support state financing activities because 

an AFP already exists in the state. PNC Bank offers a “Self-Reliant Loan and Grant” Program in 

conjunction with New Jersey Citizen Action. This loan program provides loans for any type of 

accessibility or AT device to individuals with disabilities. 

Device Reutilization 

ATAC will operate the Back-in-Action Equipment Exchange Program that matches individuals 

selling or donating a device with those in need of such a device. It will be available statewide 

through a toll-free telephone number; it also will be available on the ATAC Web site and 

through a print catalogue. 

Device Loan 

Currently, no comprehensive, statewide device loan program exists in the state. ATAC will work 

to establish a network of device loan services by serving as the central clearinghouse for 

information regarding these services and provide marketing and outreach on how to access the 

device loan services. 

Device Demonstration 

At its headquarters, ATAC provides demonstrations of a range of devices from low-tech devices 

to aid in home, to modified toys. There also are other agencies that have device demo centers for 

specific types of devices. ATAC will establish a network of the existing demonstration centers 

with the goal of becoming a comprehensive statewide system. ATAC will serve as the 

clearinghouse for information about the centers and will conduct public awareness activities to 

market the network. 

State Leadership Activities 

ATAC will provide AT training to students, parents and educators in addition to assistance on 

home accessibility and modifications at events such as the Abilities Expo. ATAC also will 

provide technical assistance regarding Web accessibility to webmasters in the state Office of 

Information Technology who in turn can provide TA to webmasters in other state departments. 

ATAC will author bulletins on a variety of AT topics distributed through mail and on its 

accessible Web site, provide a statewide toll-free information and referral service, and 

disseminate approximately 10,000 print brochures, flyers and publications about AT each year. 
Appendix B 

130

Statewide AT Program Profile: New Mexico 

Lead Agency: Public Education Department, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) 

State Financing Activities 

NMTAP will conduct three state financing activities: (1) The NMTAP Financial Loan Program, 

(2) an Access to Telework Loan Program, and (3) development of a “Last Resort” Fund. The 

Financial Loan Program will provide guaranteed loans to individuals with disabilities for the 

purchase of AT in partnership with the New Mexico State Treasurers Office and First State 

Bank. The Telework Loan Program will guarantee loans with the First State Bank to purchase 

computers and other equipment for use in telework only. The “Last Resort” Fund will be used to 

purchase AT devices for individuals who have no other funding options. The fund will be 

capitalized through contributions from charitable foundations and private donors. 

Device Reutilization 

NMTAP operates a device recycling and repair program that allows individuals to receive free 

donated used equipment that is refurbished directly by NMTAP or through contracts with 

vendors. NMTAP also operates a device exchange program that allows people to find used items 

through ad listings available on the program’s Web site and published in the quarterly newsletter. 

Device Loan 

NMTAP continues to provide the “Assistive Bank of Loanable Equipment” (ABLE). Devices in 

the loan inventory include alternative communication devices and switches, alternative 

keyboards, voice recognition software, laptop and desktop computers, and other devices. Also, 

the N.M. Commission for the Blind and N.M. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

provide specialty devices for loan. 

Device Demonstration 

NMTAP is planning to operate three device demonstration centers around the state. Individuals 

can schedule appointments with staff to attend a demonstration. Additional sites may be added 

over the next three years to more fully cover the southern and eastern parts of the state. NMTAP 

plans to also offer a mobile demonstration program to reach the various rural areas around 

the state. 

State Leadership Activities 

NMTAP conducts an annual AT conference (Tech Fair) that provides a host of training sessions 

for a variety of audiences. NMTAP will collaborate with the Public Education Department and 

the Children Youth and Families Department as they develop a statewide prekindergarten 

program to ensure identified children receive the AT that they need. NMTAP will provide a tollfree information and referral service; a Web site; AT Life Reporter, a quarterly newsletter; 

announcements; and publications on AT. 
Appendix B 

131 

Statewide AT Program Profile: New York 

Lead Agency: Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with 

Disabilities 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: New York State TRAID program 

State Financing Activities 

TRAID will support two loan programs. The Equipment Loan Fund (ELF), operated by the 

Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, is a revolving loan fund that provides 

loans to purchase or replace any type of essential equipment or device. In addition, New York 

has an Access to Telework Loan Program that provides loans to individuals with disabilities who 

wish to purchase equipment to work from home. 

Device Reutilization 

At the state level, TRAID will operate an equipment exchange program that helps individuals 

sell and buy AT devices through a “want ad” service. Information about items will be posted on 

the program’s Web site. Twelve regional centers also will operate equipment reutilization 

programs. The centers will receive donated AT devices, clean and make any necessary repairs, 

and then identify individuals who are in need of the device through a network of agencies and 

consumers in their region. 

Device Loan 

TRAID’s 12 regional centers will operate equipment loan centers that provide equipment free of 

charge to all citizens in the state. Equipment can be loaned for a period of one month, with an 

option to extend for an additional month. In addition, through a collaborative agreement with the 

Department of Health Early Intervention Program, the regional centers will operate equipment 

loan programs for children from birth to age three. 

Device Demonstration 

All 12 regional centers will provide device demonstrations. Persons can walk in or make an 

appointment to meet with center staff for a demonstration. Demonstrations will also be provided 

at statewide conferences, during special “demonstration” day vendor fairs in rural areas, and at 

the Department of Labor One Stop Centers. 

State Leadership Activities 

TRAID will coordinate the interagency partnership on assistive technology that is composed of 

state agencies, not-for-profit organizations and consumers who work to increase awareness of 

AT devices and services. TRAID will participate in other interagency activities with entities such 

as State Education Department and the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council to ensure 

that AT is infused in new and existing policies. Through a subcontract with Cornell University’s 

Disability and Business TA Center, TRAID will offer information and TA on IT accessibility to 

educational entities. The 12 Regional TRAID centers will provide localized outreach and public 

awareness. TRAID will also provide a statewide toll-free information and referral service, a Web 

site, statewide AT conference, and publications on AT. 
Appendix B 

132

Statewide AT Program Profile: North Carolina 

Lead Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational 

Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) 

State Financing Activities 

North Carolina will not use funds to support state financing activities. Consumers in the state 

have access to the Bank of America Access Loan Program from which they can borrow for home 

and vehicle modifications. 

Device Reutilization 

NCATP will offer device reutilization through the Technology Exchange Post, which is a used 

equipment database to assist people with disabilities in obtaining used equipment at lower cost. 

The Exchange Post is similar to a “want ad” in that individuals list items they wish to sell. The 

list of items is posted on a Web site and a printed version is sent to interested individuals 

and organizations. 

Device Loan 

AT devices will be loaned through nine AT centers and 13 satellite locations across the state. 

NCATP has an extensive inventory of devices that can be borrowed for a two-week period and 

the loan time can be extended if no one else is waiting. Satellite centers include independent 

living centers, VR centers, regional resource centers for the deaf and hard of hearing, Easter 

Seals UCP, community colleges, and private physical rehabilitation centers. 

Device Demonstration 

NCATP will run its device demonstration program through the nine AT centers and 13 satellite 

locations across the state. Device demonstrations will be provided either on-site in an AT Center 

or NCATP staff will go off-site to the individual’s home, school, worksite or other community 

location upon request. 

State Leadership Activities 

NCATP co-sponsors an annual two-day AT Expo that offers an array of concurrent AT training 

sessions for people with disabilities, their families and professionals. NCATP collaborates with 

the Division of Aging and Adult Services to include AT in its state plan and with the Division of 

Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services in the expansion of 

augmentative communication services in the comprehensive Medicaid waiver for people with 

mental retardation or developmental disabilities. Public awareness will be provided through the 

Careline, a statewide toll-free information and referral service; NCATP’s Web site; publications 

about AT; and presentations at JobLink Centers, public schools, local community programs 

and conferences. 
Appendix B 

133 

Statewide AT Program Profile: North Dakota 

Lead Agency: Department of Human Services 

Implementing Entity: North Dakota Association for the Disabled 

Program Title: North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) 

State Financing Activities 

The North Dakota Association for the Disabled, N.D. Protection and Advocacy, and the Alerus 

Financial Institution will partner to make financial loans available for assistive technology 

devices and services to all eligible state residents. Loans are available from $500 to $50,000. The 

loan program offers lower interest rates and extended payment terms. 

Device Reutilization 

IPAT will administer the AT Swap & Shop, a program that allows individuals to buy, sell, swap 

or give away used AT equipment through an online bulletin board. Over the next three years, 

IPAT will seek to increase the listing of devices and extensively market the program to increase 

awareness of the service. 

Device Loan 

IPAT will operate a statewide short-term AT equipment loan program: the Equipment Loan 

Library (ELL). The ELL will be available to state residents of all ages with disabilities and those 

family members and professionals that work with them. Devices are shipped to the borrower for 

a six-week loan period. A small fee will be charged for equipment borrowed from the ELL. 

IPAT will use a sliding fee schedule for the rental of ELL equipment for individuals with 

disabilities not covered by an agency. The loan program is available via a toll-free number and 

via the program Web site. 

Device Demonstration 

IPAT will administer and operate a comprehensive device demonstration center as a component 

of the Technology Access Center in Fargo and a satellite demonstration site in Bismarck. These 

demonstration programs will provide an opportunity for people to explore a number of AT 

devices, either on their own or by using the expertise of IPAT staff. 

State Leadership Activities 

AT Training will be provided to individuals with disabilities, their family members and the 

professionals that support them. IPAT will engage in technical assistance (TA) activities that 

include identifying AT device options for individuals, providing implementation strategies for 

agencies, and troubleshooting specific AT equipment. IPAT also collaborates in the activities of 

the Partnership for Assistive Technology (PAT) that represents over 20 public and private 

entities located throughout the state and share a common responsibility for the provision of AT 

devices and services. 
Appendix B 

134

Statewide AT Program Profile: Northern Marianas 

Lead Agency: Council on Developmental Disabilities 

Implementing Entity: Center for Independent Living 

Program Title: Systems of Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with 

Disabilities (STRAID) 

State Financing Activities 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will provide an Alternative Financing Program 

that is operated by the Center for Independent Living with a partnership with the Bank of Saipan. 

Through the loan program, people with disabilities will be able to receive loan guarantees and 

interest rate buy-downs on loans to make then more affordable so that they can borrow funds to 

purchase AT. 

Device Reutilization 

CNMI has several informal AT reuse programs, but there is no formal program currently in 

operation. Over the next three years, the AT Program will work to establish a formal Online AT 

Device Identification and Location Program. The need for more AT devices and device repair 

and maintenance are critical needs on the islands. 

Device Loan 

CNMI has an existing small device loan program. Over the next three years, it will expand the 

number and type of devices in its inventory to make it more comprehensive. It will also develop 

collaborative partnerships with entities on the islands to increase the selection and awareness of 

devices available. 

Device Demonstration 

An annual conference is hosted in CNMI at which AT devices are demonstrated. Agencies and 

vendors and private individuals display all types of devices and demonstrate their uses. This 

conference will continue. In addition, periodic and alternative demonstration activities will be 

conducted, using the resources available through the online AT device identification and 

location program. 

State Leadership Activities 

A joint services Web site will be developed in the first year that will provide a clearinghousetype resource about AT programs and services for the community and service providers. The 

Center for Independent Living would become the clearinghouse for AT information. 
Appendix B 

135 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Ohio 

Lead Agency: The Ohio State University Research Foundation and Industrial, Welding 

and Systems Engineering Department (OSURF IWSE) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio) 

State Financing Activities 

AT Ohio will provide loans to individuals with disabilities and their families for the purchase of 

AT devices and services through the Assistive Technology Low Interest Loan Program in 

cooperation with Fifth Third Bank. AT Ohio also acts as a contact point and promotes the State 

of Ohio Treasury Office’s Access for Individuals Program. Fifth Third Bank reviews loans for 

both programs, which streamlines the application process. The low-cost, flexible loans are 

affordable for persons with fixed or limited incomes. 

Device Reutilization 

AT Ohio will directly administer the Computer Recycle and Redistribution Program (CRRP), 

which refurbishes donated computers for people with disabilities. In addition, AT Ohio is also 

establishing an Equipment Exchange Program for use by individuals and organizations with 

device needs. Ohioans from across the state can sell or donate AT on a dedicated Web page that 

will be maintained by AT Ohio. 

Device Loan 

AT Ohio will expand its network of Adaptive Toy Lending Programs to include additional 

devices. It will work with public libraries in implementing the device loan programs so more 

Ohioans with disabilities can be served. 

Device Demonstration 

AT Ohio will develop a new device demonstration program with statewide capacity and plans to 

purchase a minivan or minibus to be converted into a portable demonstration vehicle. A mobile 

trailer with accessible living quarters and kitchen area will be used for trips around the state. 

Both the vehicle and trailer will be modified to demonstrate the various ways AT can adapt 

everyday items to meet the needs of people with disabilities. 

State Leadership Activities 

AT Ohio engages in a number of training and technical assistance activities, such as conducting a 

series of statewide AT Education Days for human service professionals and working in 

partnership with Goodwill to provide training at the Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center. 

AT Ohio will use a multifaceted approach (mailings, Internet, exhibits, displays, presentations 

and training) to increase awareness about the benefits of AT devices and services. Additionally, 

the toll-free information and referral service, a Web site, a newsletter, and disability-related 

events sponsored by AT Ohio enhance public awareness of AT for persons with disabilities 

throughout the state of Ohio. 
Appendix B 

136

Statewide AT Program Profile: Oklahoma 

Lead Agency: Oklahoma State University, Seretean Wellness Center 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Oklahoma ABLE Tech 

State Financing Activities 

ABLE Tech will partner with the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) and 

BancFirst to provide a statewide Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and an Access to 

Telework Fund (ATF) Program to Oklahomans with disabilities. The AFP and ATF both offer an 

interest rate buy-down or guaranteed bank loan, so individuals have the opportunity to acquire 

needed assistive technology (AT) by borrowing money to purchase their own devices and 

equipment or modification. 

Device Reutilization 

ABLE Tech operates the Oklahoma Equipment Connection (OEC), a “want ad” that functions as 

an AT exchange program and partners with Sooner AMBUCS, a nonprofit organization, which 

operates Share4Life Komputer (ASK), a community service program, to recycle or repair 

computers. ABLE Tech plans to enhance the reutilization program through the development of 

an interactive Web-based “want ad.” 

Device Loan 

ABLE Tech operates the statewide Assistive Technology Equipment Loan (ATEL) Program and 

will also offer short-term loan programs with four new partners: the Department of 

Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services Division; the Oklahoma School for the Blind; the 

Oklahoma School for the Deaf; and the University of Tulsa. Additionally, ABLE Tech will 

enhance collaboration with disability-related organizations/agencies that currently operate a 

DME loan program. 

Device Demonstration 

ABLE Tech will operate an AT device demonstration center and through memorandums of 

agreement will partner with four other device demonstration centers. The devices will be 

available at all five locations and staff from each center will have opportunities to demonstrate 

AT for specialized training classes, public awareness events and at statewide workshops 

and conferences. 

State Leadership Activities 

ABLE Tech will provide training for education, employment, community living, and information 

technology or telecommunications professionals along with persons with disabilities and their 

family members. ABLE Tech has several activities partnering with the early intervention 

program, special education, the Department of Rehabilitation Services, and the Olmstead 

initiative. The ABLE Tech INFO-line provides a toll-free information and referral service and 

the “small changes...BIG DIFFERENCES” newsletter available in print and on the ABLE Tech 

Web site, which features in-depth information and an opportunity to provide feedback. All 

publication materials that cover AT will be provided free of charge on the Web site and will be 

available in alternative format. 
Appendix B 

137 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Oregon 

Lead Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), Seniors and People with 

Disabilities (SPD) 

Implementing Entity: Access Technologies, Inc. (ATI) 

Program Title: N/A 

State Financing Activities 

ATI operates a reselling and cooperative buying program to improve access to and funding for 

AT devices and services for individuals with disabilities. Bulk purchasing reduces the cost of 

many items, allowing ATI to pass the savings on to consumers. 

Device Reutilization 

The Used Equipment Marketplace (UEM) will provide a “want ads” outlet for recycling AT 

devices and durable medical equipment (DME). For a small processing fee, individuals and 

agencies can advertise AT devices for sale, trade or donation. Anyone in the state of Oregon will 

be able to buy or sell an AT device through the UEM, which publishes a monthly newsletter in 

addition to updating a list of available devices on ATI’s Web site. 

Device Loan 

For a nominal fee, ATI offers short-term loans of a wide variety of AT devices and software to 

targeted individuals. The device loan program is currently supported by small local grants and 

minimal fees generated from charges to cover shipping and handling expenses. ATI will 

approach and develop collaboration with public or private entities to enhance the provision of 

short-term loans of AT devices throughout the state. 

Device Demonstration 

ATI currently operates two device demonstration centers, one in Salem and another in Portland, 

to assist individuals with disabilities to make informed choices about AT devices and services. 

The program also travels statewide to demonstrate devices at a variety of locations such as 

tradeshows and conferences. ATI plans to collaborate with partners to establish additional 

centers and is exploring the concept of a virtual device demonstration center to reach the remote 

areas of Oregon. 

State Leadership Activities 

ATI will develop training modules for specific audiences and collaborate with Northwest ADA 

and IT Center to provide power workshops and training on AT to human resource managers. 

Technical assistance will comprise a multitude of activities, such as assisting Independent Living 

Centers and One-Stop Centers in identifying AT needs. Additionally, ATI provides a toll-free 

information and referral service, Web site, publications about AT, and a monthly newsletter, 

Tech It Easy. 
Appendix B 

138

Statewide AT Program Profile: Pennsylvania 

Lead Agency: Institute on Disabilities at Temple University 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) 

State Financing Activities 

PIAT will contract with the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) to increase 

AT funding opportunities for Pennsylvanians of all ages, disabilities and income levels 

throughout the state. PATF partners with Sovereign Bank to provide low-interest and no interest 

mini-loans, and some grants in combination with no interest loans, for the purchase of AT 

devices and services. PIAT will also support the development of a statewide system to provide 

individualized assistance in locating funding for AT. 

Device Reutilization 

PIAT will expand operation of a free, statewide “classified” listing of previously owned 

equipment called Recycled Equipment Exchange Program (REEP). They also provide support 

for the Into New Hands program, a program that refurbishes and redistributes devices. PIAT will 

participate in ATMATCH.com, an online auction service for AT, and will seek to collaborate 

with neighboring Statewide AT Programs to facilitate exchange of “previously owned” 

equipment across state lines. 

Device Loan 

PIAT will operate Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library, a consumerresponsive, statewide program that provides short-term (generally for periods up to eight weeks) 

loans of AT devices that enable individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions about 

the appropriateness of an AT device in a “real life” context and setting. 

Device Demonstration 

PIAT will subcontract with community organizations to serve as Assistive Technology Resource 

Centers (ATRCs) to provide the infrastructure of the statewide system for device demonstrations. 

An accessible facility is located in each of the ATRC regions, encompassing all 67 counties in 

Pennsylvania. The ATRCs are staffed with knowledgeable professionals that can provide 

equipment demonstrations both on- and off-site to meet consumer needs. 

State Leadership Activities 

PIAT will use a variety of strategies to deliver training, including participation in statewide 

conferences, university-based lectures and “train-the-trainer” events. Technical assistance will be 

available to agencies and organizations who are developing or improving programs and policies 

to improve access to AT. PIAT will maintain a toll-free information and referral service, 

distribute print materials (e.g., fact sheets, quarterly newsletter) to consumers, families, providers 

and educators and regularly update its dynamic, accessible Web site. PIAT will collaborate with 

Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy to coordinate activities under the AT Act, as well as with 

other disability-related agencies and organizations and relevant governmental offices. 
Appendix B 

139 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Puerto Rico 

Lead Agency: University of Puerto Rico 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program (PRATP) 

State Financing Activities 

PRATP will conduct two state financing activities: (1) a feasibility study to determine if an 

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. For the feasibility study, PRATP 

will conduct an initial survey of potential partners and available resources for the development of 

an alternative financing system. The low-cost device design and development program will allow 

consumers to work with the AT Development Team (ATDT) to obtain functional AT equipment. 

The ATDT will design and construct an adapted device for a person that could not otherwise 

acquire such an item. In most cases, the intended consumer will provide all equipment and 

materials needed for the construction of the device. The ATDT will also train the individual on 

the use of the adapted device. 

Device Reutilization 

PRATP will develop an accessible online database in which individuals may list AT items to 

buy, sell, donate, or express a need for a specific device. This project named “Classificado 

Virtual de AT” (Online AT Ads) will be hosted at PRATP’s Web page. 

Device Loan 

PRATP will conduct two initiatives to provide short-term device loans. The program will: (1) 

create an Assistive Technology Loan Center and (2) assign funds to rent high-cost AT or highly 

specialized equipment from manufacturers for loaning purposes. A new AT Loan Center will be 

developed based on the infrastructure of PRATP’s existing Demonstration Center. The rental of 

AT devices from manufacturers will be coordinated by PRATP through an “External Rental 

Program,” which will assist consumers to rent AT devices. 

Device Demonstration 

PRATP operates a demonstration center that provides services to the general community and 

plans to integrate a project called “the adaptive home,” so consumers have access to AT demos 

in a realistic setting (real kitchen adaptations, bathroom accessibility features, environmental 

control devices). PRATP also collaborates with AmeriCorps for the development of resource 

centers at public and private universities and plans to acquire a mobile unit to increase the 

number and variety of devices demonstrated. 

State Leadership Activities 

PRATP provides training to over 5,000 individuals island-wide each year and developed a Train 

the Trainers Program to increase the number of AT instructors. In collaboration with public and 

private entities, PRATP will maintain an information and referral system to meet the needs of 

targeted individuals and entities in Puerto Rico. 
Appendix B 

140

Statewide AT Program Profile: Rhode Island 

Lead Agency: Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) 

State Financing Activities 

The Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) has determined that a one-year feasibility study is 

necessary prior to the establishment of a state financing system. ORS will conduct meetings with 

stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities and their families, community-based 

organizations, and other consumer groups, to determine available resources for an Alternative 

Financing Program or other state financing system. 

Device Reutilization 

ATAP will look to partner with other groups and expand the capacity of the device reutilization 

program located at the PARI Independent Living Center. Equipment vendors, medical facilities 

and consumers donate devices to PARI, which repairs an item prior to making it available for 

sale or at no cost. ATAP will reach out to other organizations to acquire additional equipment for 

the reutilization program and conduct marketing to ensure increased awareness. 

Device Loan 

ATAP operates a device loan program with Rhode Island Services for the Blind and Visually 

Impaired. ATAP also subcontracts with the AT resource center at the East Bay Educational 

Collaborative and TechACCESS of Rhode Island, a technology-related center. ATAP will 

establish a network among these existing programs and seek to expand capabilities by outreach 

to vendors and other community-based organizations. 

Device Demonstration 

ATAP operates a statewide device demonstration program to individuals with disabilities at no 

cost through subcontracts with TechACCESS of R.I. and East Bay Educational Collaborative. 

The adaptive computer lab at the ATAP AT Resource Center also hosts weekly software training 

sessions available to students and educators in small groups or by individual appointment. The 

program will review the current inventory of devices and develop a plan to expand current 

resources for demonstration of equipment for education, employment, telecommunications and 

community living. 

State Leadership Activities 

ORS provides ongoing training and technical assistance on AT devices and services to staff of 

vocational rehabilitation programs, such as local One-Stop Career Centers. Community-based 

organizations will subcontract with ORS to conduct statewide IEP training activities related to 

AT. ATAP will expand the ATAP Information and Referral Center as a statewide resource 

designed to meet the needs of targeted individuals and entities. ATAP will provide a newsletter, 

Web site and publications about AT. 
Appendix B 

141 

Statewide AT Program Profile: South Carolina 

Lead Agency: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Center for Disability 

Resources 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) 

State Financing Activities 

The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) administers an Assistive 

Technology Financial Loan Program in partnership with S.C. State Credit Union. The director of 

SCATP serves on the Financial Loan Review Panel and SCATP collaborates with VR in 

promoting the program. This program was previously funded under Title III of the AT Act 

of 1998. 

Device Reutilization 

SCATP will continue to provide a Used Equipment Referral Service (UERS) through the 

SCATP AT Online Network listserv. This device exchange program will enable people to sell or 

donate used AT equipment by contacting SCATP for devices to be placed in the “want ad” 

service. The UERS will result in an opportunity to acquire AT equipment at reduced cost or for 

free through the sale or donation of devices to individuals who may not otherwise be eligible for 

state, federal or local AT funding. 

Device Loan 

SCATP will offer a short-term device loan program that is available to anyone in the state of 

South Carolina. Loan requests will be processed after receipts of a signed loan agreement. There 

will be no charge for initial shipping, but the borrower will be responsible for return shipping 

and postal insurance. The borrower may also pick up and deliver the device to avoid shipping 

cost. SCATP will perform a review of equipment and device loan activity to determine future 

AT inventory. 

Device Demonstration 

The SCATP AT Demonstration Center in Columbia will offer opportunities for equipment loan, 

hands-on trial, self-paced learning and AT demonstration. The AT Demonstration Center offers 

the most comprehensive inventory of AT devices in the state. SCATP will also support the 

improvement and expansion of existing AT Demonstration Centers throughout South Carolina. 

State Leadership Activities 

Continuing education sessions are offered on a variety of AT topics. SCATP travels across the 

state to present exhibits and training or demos and will make services accessible to more people 

in rural settings by establishing a toll-free number. SCATP is a member of the state AT advisory 

council within the office of the state CIO and is involved in helping state agencies implement 

accessible Web pages. Public awareness activities include SCATP’s annual AT Expo, updated 

fact sheets to promote AT services, regular Web site articles, and one-on-one consultations on 

AT and related disability needs. 
Appendix B 

142

Statewide AT Program Profile: South Dakota 

Lead Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation 

Services 

Implementing Entity: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) 

Program Title: DakotaLink, South Dakota Assistive Technology Project 

State Financing Activities 

DakotaLink will conduct a feasibility study for the development of an Alternative Financing 

Program (AFP). The feasibility study will determine how a comprehensive AFP might be 

implemented in the state and designed to meet the AT acquisition needs of individuals with 

disabilities who would not otherwise be able to purchase AT devices. 

Device Reutilization 

DakotaLink maintains the Web site for the Equipment Connection, an online consumer-driven 

reutilization project designed to match individuals in need of AT devices with those who desire 

to offer used equipment for resale or donation. DakotaLink plans to inventory current 

reutilization programs throughout South Dakota and invite collaborative partnerships among 

providers to coordinate activities as well as identify gaps in services. 

Device Loan 

DakotaLink’s Device Loan Program contains a limited number of devices that individuals may 

borrow. Because the current system of device loans in South Dakota is not comprehensive, 

collaborative partnerships will be designed to form a network of providers of equipment for loan 

throughout the state. The goal is to design a statewide system by which family members and 

practioners as well as individuals with disabilities will be able to borrow a device for an extended 

period of time and use that device in an appropriate environment in order to make a qualified 

decision about AT acquisition. 

Device Demonstration 

DakotaLink currently maintains four device demonstration centers, where individuals can make 

an appointment with an assistive technology specialist who will match devices appropriate to 

needs, provide opportunities to operate the devices, and offer additional information and 

resources. DakotaLink plans to increase capacity by partnering with existing entities, such as the 

nine geographically distributed Workforce Investment Act Service Centers. 

State Leadership Activities 

DakotaLink will provide training and technical assistance through topic and device specific 

workshops, team evaluations, as well as at civic and professional meetings, health fairs, and 

consumer meetings. Public awareness activities on the benefits of AT include maintaining an 

accessible Web site, distributing materials to organizations that serve individuals with 

disabilities, and providing informational presentations and demonstrations at workshops and 

conferences across the state. 
Appendix B 

143 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Tennessee 

Lead Agency: Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP) 

State Financing Activities 

TTAP and five contracted technology centers will explore the development of an Alternative 

Financing Program (AFP) and cooperative buying program (co-op). TTAP staff will work with 

its advisory council, consumers, disability-related organizations and the Tennessee General 

Assembly to study the feasibility of an AFP and co-op with the goal of increasing the acquisition 

of AT devices and services for persons with disabilities. 

Device Reutilization 

TTAP and its contracted technology centers will develop partnerships to increase the 

reutilization of devices so more individuals and families can obtain free or low cost AT 

equipment. The TTAP Reutilization Program will operate statewide through the network of 

technology centers and a partner organization to refurbish usable devices thereby maximizing the 

impact of resources in Tennessee. 

Device Loan 

The TTAP Device Loan Program will operate statewide through the network of technology 

centers that enable individuals with disabilities and their family members to try different devices 

and, therefore, make informed decisions when selecting appropriate AT. So that people may 

better access the program, TTAP will work in conjunction with the centers to develop an online 

database of devices available at each center. 

Device Demonstration 

TTAP and its network of centers will conduct device demonstrations. Parents, professionals and 

individuals with disabilities will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits and differences 

between varieties of devices to help them make choices that suits their AT needs. TTAP will 

develop a strategy for increased sharing of devices among centers to ensure needed devices are 

available statewide for demonstrations. 

State Leadership Activities 

The staff at the technology centers will provide comprehensive training and technical assistance 

to individuals, families and service providers in many different ways, including the use of “trainthe-trainer” models at workshops in rural areas. TTAP and the technology centers will maintain 

an interconnected network of Web sites in addition to informing people with disabilities about 

AT through newsletters, listserv, presentations and publications. 
Appendix B 

144

Statewide AT Program Profile: Texas 

Lead Agency: The University of Texas at Austin 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) 

State Financing Activities 

Currently, the Texas Technology Access Program is not engaged in any state financing activities. 

However, the program plans to conduct a one-year study to determine the need for state 

financing activities, focusing primarily on developing a low-interest financial loan program to 

enable consumers to purchase assistive technology. 

Device Reutilization 

Over the next three years, Texas plans to assist Project Mend, Inc., an organization that operates 

an existing medical equipment reuse program to expand its existing medical equipment 

reutilization. Texas will also partner with the AT for Kansans program to become a member of 

their Internet auction site, ATMATCH.com, for the exchange and sale of AT devices. 

Device Loan 

TTAP will fill in the gaps not covered by existing device loan programs. The program will work 

with agencies and organizations that provide device loans to develop a mutual referral system so 

consumers can be referred to the appropriate agency to meet their equipment needs. TTAP will 

fill in the gaps by targeting a specific population each year during the next three years. 

Device Demonstration 

A statewide network will be developed to provide AT device demonstrations. TTAP plans to 

operate up to 15 demonstration centers, five of which will provide a broad range of AT devices. 

Ten centers will provide demonstrations related to computer access. 

State Leadership Activities 

TTAP will collaborate with Knowbility, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports the 

independence of children and adults with disabilities through accessible information technology, 

to provide training to schools and universities, local and state governments and nonprofits on 

developing accessible Web sites and distance education. The program will provide technical 

assistance to libraries statewide about how to make online catalogs, computer workstations and 

other information accessible. Information brochures on the program’s activities and services, a 

toll-free number and Web site available will be available. 
Appendix B 

145 

Statewide AT Program Profile: U.S. Virgin Islands 

Lead Agency: University of the Virgin Islands 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Virgin Islands Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with 

Disabilities (VITRAID) 

State Financing Activities 

VITRAID will offer an Alternative Financing Program (AFP) that provides loans for people with 

disabilities to purchase AT. The Virgin Islands Assistive Technology Foundation, a communitybased organization, will administer the AFP in partnership with Banco Popular de Puerto Rico to 

provide both guaranteed and interest buy-down loans. 

Device Reutilization 

VITRAID administers TECH TRADE, a program in which an individual can buy, sell or give 

away used AT through “want ads.” Over the next three years, VITRAID will work to expand and 

improve TECH TRADE and encourage individuals with disabilities who have received durable 

medical equipment to recycle this equipment through TECH TRADE. VITRAID also works with 

“Recycle IT,” which is a reclamation center for computers as well as general AT devices. 

Recycle IT makes minor refurbishments and for computers adds required adaptations. These 

recycled devices are then sold or offered free. 

Device Loan 

VITRAID will partner with the public libraries, the Departments of Education and DD Council, 

as well as VR and the independent living centers to operate an AT device loan program. The 

seven partners will loan devices in their inventory. If a device is not available, the requestor will 

be put on a waiting list. Each of the partners will specialize in a particular kind of AT. Over the 

three-year period, the inventory will be expanded to make the list of devices more 

comprehensive. 

Device Demonstration 

A network of demonstration centers is planned for the islands. VITRAID will collaborate with 

the Independent Living Centers to ensure device demonstrations are available through those 

centers. VITRAID also will partner with other entities, including the public libraries and 

community- and faith-based organizations in central and outlying areas of the Virgin Islands to 

establish demonstration programs. 

State Leadership Activities 

VITRAID is working with the library systems of St. Croix and St. Thomas to make their 

computer systems more accessible to patrons. It is also working with faculty of the University of 

the Virgin Islands to make the curricula accessible. VITRAID will provide a toll-free 

information and referral service, a Web site, Tech Connect (a quarterly newsletter), an annual AT 

conference in collaboration with partners and publications on AT. 
Appendix B 

146

Statewide AT Program Profile: Utah 

Lead Agency: Utah State University, Center for Persons with Disabilities 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) 

State Financing Activities 

UATP will support two different state financing activities: (1) low interest loan and loan 

guarantee programs in conjunction with the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation (UATF) and 

Zions Bank; and (2) an Access to Telework program in coordination with the same partners. 

Device Reutilization 

UATP will assist individuals with disabilities to acquire AT through reutilization efforts in three 

ways: by supporting the Arc of Utah in its Connections Through Computers Program, by 

advertising existing device reutilization programs available in Utah, and by providing ongoing 

technical assistance in the areas of equipment maintenance and repair, reutilization program 

administration, and AT device adaptation. UATP will advise and monitor the activities of the 

Access Utah Network, the administrator of the Web-based Used Equipment Sales Bank as well 

as develop and maintain a virtual network of reutilization programs statewide. 

Device Loan 

The AT Lab at Utah State University serves as the UATP hub for device loan coordination 

activities. The AT Lab will supplement existing programs where service gaps are identified. 

UATP will work with six centers for independent living (CIL) and organizations such as the 

Utah Center for Assistive Technology and the Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities to 

develop a virtual network of device loan programs throughout the state. 

Device Demonstration 

UATP will continue to support the Utah Center for Assistive Technology in Salt Lake City as a 

device demonstration center. The AT Lab has taken the lead to serve as the demonstration center 

for northern Utah. Individuals with disabilities, their family members and service providers visit 

the lab to learn about a variety of AT solutions. UATP will provide technical assistance to AT 

demonstration centers located in CILs statewide and will develop a virtual network of these 

demonstration centers so consumers will have a single point of contact to access AT devices and 

services in Utah. 

State Leadership Activities 

UATP will develop and implement four AT training academies and conduct technical assistance 

to AT provider programs statewide in an effort to enhance expertise in providing consumerresponsive AT services. UATP will also provide updated resources for Access Utah Network (a 

statewide information and referral service), regular press releases, a regularly updated Web site, 

and provider- and consumer-focused publications about AT. 
Appendix B 

147 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Vermont 

Lead Agency: Vermont Agency of Human Services, Division of Vocational 

Rehabilitation, 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) 

State Financing Activities 

Vermont will provide loans to individuals with disabilities and their families for the purchase of 

AT devices and services through the community-based organization, Opportunities Ventures and 

its lending partner, Vermont Opportunities Credit Union (VT-OCU). Loans will often be 

provided to individuals who would not otherwise qualify to receive conventional banks loans, 

because VT-OCU will consider unearned income, Medicaid waivers, etc. VATP will market the 

loan program on its Web site and improve outreach to underserved communities. 

Device Reutilization 

VATP will pilot test a Web-based AT exchange service called ATMatch.com, which connects 

buyers and sellers of AT. VATP will promote the exchange service to statewide disability 

organizations and other agencies. The exchange service will be available through public libraries 

and at the AT Try-out Centers. 

Device Loan 

VATP will operate a short-term AT device loan program known as the Vermont AT Equipment 

Loan (VATEL). This program provides loans of devices for up to four weeks to individuals, 

employers, public agencies and other entities. Three locations can be accessed throughout the 

state or devices can also be shipped to any location in the state. VATP will expand the inventory 

of devices that it has to loan and will switch from a paper-based system to an automated system 

to track the loans. 

Device Demonstration 

VATP offers device demonstrations through a network of centers. There are centers located 

throughout the state as well as three statewide offices of VATP. Device demonstrations are also 

available at 12 VR offices, two Centers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Vermont 

Parent Information Center. Each of the centers serve the same functions and perform the same 

operations but may specialize in particular kinds of AT to ensure that most types of AT are 

available for demonstration. 

State Leadership Activities 

VATP provides training to Vermont’s Child Development Associate Program, and each year will 

conduct several training events for day care providers. Day care providers will be shown how to 

adapt toys, books and art projects and to develop communication boards. VATP also collaborates 

with a multiagency Communications Task Force to provide statewide training to service 

providers of adults with developmental disabilities. A toll-free information and referral service, a 

Web site, a quarterly newsletter with an AT column, and publications about AT will increase 

public awareness. 
Appendix B 

148

Statewide AT Program Profile: Virginia 

Lead Agency: Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) 

State Financing Activities 

VATS will not directly support state financing activities. Virginia has an existing alternative 

financing program, the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA). 

Device Reutilization 

VATS does not operate a device reutilization program directly but will provide technical 

assistance and support in planning and implementation to entities interested in establishing or 

replicating a device reutilization program. During the first year of this state plan, VATS will 

develop a proposal for a program to reclaim equipment purchased by Medicaid and make it 

available to other Medicaid recipients and people who have no insurance or other resources to 

obtain the AT. 

Device Loan 

VATS regional sites will establish and operate short-term loans of equipment in collaboration 

with the other stakeholders within their regions. VATS and other providers of short-term loans 

will contact manufacturers and other possible sources of AT equipment for donations that can be 

used for short-term loans. VATS will develop an online resource directory that will include the 

equipment available for loan. 

Device Demonstration 

VATS regional sites will not operate discrete demonstration programs but will integrate device 

demonstrations into all of their activities such as presentations, exhibits, training, workshops, and 

outreach and public awareness activities. Demonstration kits have been developed specifically 

for various audiences including educators, employers, children and seniors. 

State Leadership Activities 

VATS will collaborate with several high schools and universities in Virginia and Washington, 

D.C., to provide preservice training on AT to students in courses such as special education and 

occupational therapy. VATS will also provide technical assistance to students through entities 

such as the AT Initiative at George Mason University and the Training and Technical Assistance 

Centers for Virginia’s school systems. The program established an interagency workgroup on 

aging with representatives from the Center on Aging; Department of Aging; area agencies on 

aging; social services and adult protective services; and the Virginia AARP to enhance 

awareness of low-tech solutions that increase independence and safety. VATS will provide a tollfree information and referral service, a Web site, and publications on AT such as A Resource 

Guide to Assistive Technology Funding. 
Appendix B 

149 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Washington 

Lead Agency: University of Washington, Center for Technology and Disability Studies 

Implementing Entity N/A 

Program Title: Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA) 

State Financing Activities 

WATA will collaborate with the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) to 

operate an AFP and an Access to Telework Loan Program. The AFP will offer loans at prime 

interest rate to prime plus 2 percent with terms ranging from one to five years for the purchase of 

AT. The Telework Loan Program will operate similarly to the AFP, with the exception that 

applicants demonstrate a requested loan is for the purpose of telework. 

Device Reutilization 

WATA will provide two opportunities for Washington residents with disabilities to obtain a wide 

range of used AT equipment. It will make available the ATMatch.com AT device reutilization 

auction site that is operated by the Kansas Assistive Technology program. WATA also will 

support a statewide computer reutilization program that is operated by Easter Seals of 

Washington. This program provides used computers free of charge to eligible individuals in the 

state. 

Device Loan 

WATA will operate an AT Device Loan Program that will provide a variety of AT devices for 

short-term loans that support the employment, education, community living and information 

technology needs of individuals with disabilities. WATA will identify other partners in the state 

that can loan durable medical equipment to make the program more comprehensive. 

Device Demonstration 

WATA provides device demonstration by housing a demonstration center at the WATF. It also 

offers hands-on activities and labs at conferences, exhibits and training events. WATA also has a 

traveling AT device demonstration lab to reach people in the 12 regions that coincide with the 

workforce areas. As WATA staff travel throughout the state to support use of AT resources in 

local one-stop centers, WATA will schedule miniconsultations based on requests in the local 

community. 

State Leadership Activities 

WATA hosts a number of training events. An online augmentative and alternative 

communication course is offered to speech and language pathologists and a follow-up live course 

is offered each year. An AT summer institute is offered to increase the skill levels of vocational 

rehabilitation personnel and educators. It is comprised of a comprehensive four-day training that 

includes hands-on AT device demonstration labs, video clips and interactive case studies 

designed to increase skill levels. WATA will provide a toll-free information and referral service; 

a Web site; The WATA Bulletin, a quarterly newsletter; and an AT Online Discussion Forum. 
Appendix B 

150

Statewide AT Program Profile: West Virginia 

Lead Agency: Department of Rehabilitation Services 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: West Virginia Assistive Technology Program (WVATS) 

State Financing Activities 

West Virginia offers a revolving loan fund, which is a low-interest loan program that allows 

people with disabilities to purchase assistive technology. Over the next three years, WVATS will 

study the program and make recommendations to improve and enhance it. 

Device Reutilization 

Two device reutilization programs already exist in the state: one in Wood County and one in 

Elkins, W.Va. Over the next three years, additional reuse programs will be added to create a 

network of programs serving the entire state. In addition, WVATS will create a virtual database 

of reuse and device exchange services so that consumers will be able to find information about 

services near them. 

Device Loan 

WVATS will operate a statewide device loan program. Individuals can request a device by 

calling a toll-free number or e-mailing the program. Devices are mailed to the person for a shortterm loan. The loan library is operated from the Morgantown site and has regionally based 

community groups that provide public awareness about the program and training on the devices. 

WVATS plans to post the device inventory online and link it to other existing loan libraries. This 

virtual library, which will include device reutilization content, will be a one-stop source of 

information for citizens in the state. 

Device Demonstration 

WVATS will support two large demonstration centers located in Morgantown and Institute, as 

well as smaller centers around the state. WVATS also provides specific types of AT device 

demonstrations throughout the state in collaboration with vendors. Additional centers will be set 

up to reach underserved and low incidence populations. 

State Leadership Activities 

WVATS offers assistance to the Statewide Internet Group regarding accessibility issues and 

assists Web developers around the state to maintain their knowledge and skills. WVATS has 

created a specialized curriculum and offers annual training on AT to case managers, discharge 

planners, social workers and others who work in health care to ensure people exiting hospital 

settings have community living options. WVATS will provide exhibits of information on AT at 

various conferences and maintain “Pathways to Funding Guides” resource booklets and make 

them available to consumers, caregivers and professionals. WVATS will become the WV 211 

affiliate on assistive technology. The toll-free WV 211 system is available 24 hours a day, seven 

days a week and is a national endeavor implementing comprehensive call centers within each 

state focusing on social services resources. 
Appendix B 

151 

Statewide AT Program Profile: Wisconsin 

Lead Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of 

Disability and Elder Services, Office of Independence and Employment 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: WisTech 

State Financing Activities 

Wisconsin will not directly support state financing activities. WisLoan, an existing AFP that 

operates through IndependenceFirst, a community-based organization, provides guaranteed 

loans. IndependenceFirst partners with Marshall and Ilsley Bank. 

Device Reutilization 

WisTech will coordinate existing statewide device reutilization programs. The largest program is 

the Wheelchair Recycling Program (WRP) that was started to collect used equipment to keep 

equipment from ending up in landfills. WRP will serve as a model in the state in terms of its 

established services of collecting equipment, arranging for repair and refurbishment, and 

redistribution. The state Department of Corrections operates a computer recycling program 

through its prison industry program. The Wisconsin AT Initiative operates a used equipment 

marketplace, a free service for anyone who wants to sell or give away any assistive device. 

Device Loan 

WisTech operates a number of device loan centers through Wisconsin’s independent living 

centers that are coordinated to provide a single point of entry and public access to loan programs. 

A Web-based inventory will allow any person in the state to access a list of the equipment 

available for loan through WisTech. 

Device Demonstration 

WisTech’s demonstration program has many components including an employment-based AT 

workplace accommodation center that focuses on consumers’ needs as they return to work, a 

central demonstration center for use by public school employees across the state who seek 

equipment for students who need AT, a demonstration center that focuses on augmentative and 

alternative communication devices, and a home visitation component in which devices are 

demonstrated in individuals’ places of residence. 

State Leadership Activities 

The Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) will provide training and technical 

assistance to specific target groups to staff members at ILCs, regional centers, county service 

departments, and rehabilitation professionals including professionals located at disability specific 

agencies. Training will focus on general awareness and accessing and funding of AT. WisTech 

will partner with WATI to increase the number of individuals with AT professional qualification 

through the development and operation of a study group of participants interested in receiving an 

AT credential through RESNA. 
Appendix B 

152

Statewide AT Program Profile: Wyoming 

Lead Agency: Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), University of Wyoming 

Implementing Entity: N/A 

Program Title: Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) 

State Financing Activities 

Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), the lead agency, will not directly support state 

financing activities because there is an existing Alternative Financing Program in the state. 

Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, Inc., is the community-based organization that 

runs the loan program and partners with the First Interstate Bank of Laramie. 

Device Reutilization 

WATR will collaborate with ATMATCH.com, a nationwide Web-based auction site that allows 

people with disabilities to acquire or donate AT devices for reutilization. Consumers can search 

for AT devices for purchase, look for donated items, or post AT devices for donation or sale. 

Because ATMATCH is a national site, citizens have more variety and greater availability of AT 

than they otherwise might through a program operated solely within Wyoming. 

Device Loan 

WATR will expand its existing device loan program. The program provides 30-day loans with 

the option of extending the loan period. A wide variety of devices will be offered. However, 

based on a needs assessment, the initial focus of the device loan program will be on 

augmentative and alternative communication devices, because this type of devices is in 

greatest demand. 

Device Demonstration 

WATR has a demonstration center located at the University of Wyoming’s College of Health 

Sciences Building with a comprehensive inventory of devices for demonstration. Should 

someone need devices demonstrated that WATR doesn’t have, there are other informal AT 

demonstration centers that focus on specific equipment, such as those for vision disabilities and 

hearing disabilities. 

State Leadership Activities 

WATR will provide skills-development training in assessing the need for AT. It will also work 

with the Division of VR and the Wyoming Corporations in Partnership (WYCORP) to provide 

training and technical assistance that will increase the AT competencies of employment 

counselors in the areas of skills development, assessments and implementation and the 

integration of AT into service plans. To promote public awareness of AT and provide an 

information resource, WATR supports Connect Wyoming, a Web-based resource that allows 

Wyoming residents and professionals to have access to information about equipment, vendors 

and prices. It also has links to the device loan and the device reutilization programs. 
APPENDIX C: 

STATE GRANT FOR 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS 

Appendix C 

155 

Alabama 

Alabama Statewide Technology Access and 

Response (STAR) System 

2125 East South Boulevard 

P.O. Box 20752 

Montgomery, AL 36120-0752 

Executive Director: Pamela Blome 

Phone: 334-613-3480 

Phone: 800-782-7656 (In State) 

TTY: 334-613-3519 

Fax: 334-613-3485 

E-mail: pblome@rehab.state.al.us 

Web: http://www.rehab.state.al.us/star 

Alaska 

Alaska Assistive Technology Program 

1251 Muldoon Suite 1010 

Anchorage, AK 99504-2096 

Program Coordinator: Sean O’Brien 

Phone: 800-478-4378 

Phone: 907-465-6969 

TTY: 907-269-3570 

Fax: 907-269-3632 

E-mail: sean_obrien@labor.state.ak.us 

Web: http://www.labor.state.ak.us/at/ 

American Samoa 

American Samoa Assistive Technology 

Service Project (ASATS) 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

Department of Human Resources 

Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799 

Project Director: Pete Galea’i 

Phone: 684-699-1529 

TTY: 684-233-7874 

Fax: 684-699-1376 

E-mail: apisap26@yahoo.com 

Arizona 

Arizona Technology Access Program 

(AzTAP) 

Institute for Human Development 

Northern Arizona University 

2400 N. Central Avenue, Suite 300 

Phoenix, AZ 85004 

Director: Jill Sherman 

Phone: 602-728-9534 

Phone: 800-477-9921 

Fax: 602-728-9535 

TTY: 602-728-9536 

E-mail: Jill.sherman@nau.edu 

Web: http://www.nau.edu/ihd/aztap/ 

Arkansas 

Arkansas Increasing Capabilities Access 

Network (ICAN) 

Arkansas Department of Workforce 

Education 

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services 

2201 Brookwood Drive, Suite 117 

Little Rock, AR 72202 

Project Director: Barry Vuletich 

Phone/TTY: 501-666-8868 

Phone/TTY: 800-828-2799 (In State) 

Fax: 501-666-5319 

E-mail: bmvuletich@ars.state.ar.us 

Web: http://www.Arkansas-ican.org 

California 

California Assistive Technology Systems 

(CATS) 

California Department of Rehabilitation 

2000 Evergreen 

P.O. Box 944222 

Sacramento, CA 94244-2220 

Project Director: Richard Devylder 

Phone: 916-274-6325 

TTY: 916-263-8685 

Fax: 916-263-7472 

E-mail: rdevylde@dor.ca.gov 

Web: http://www.atnet.org/resources/about_ 

cats.htm 
Appendix C 

156

Colorado 

Colorado Assistive Technology Project 

1245 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 200 

Denver, CO 80218 

Project Director: Cathy Bodine 

Phone: 303-315-1280 

Phone: 800-255-3477 (In State) 

TTY: 303-837-8964 

Fax: 303-837-1208 

E-mail: cathy.bodine@uchsc.edu 

Web: http://www.uchsc.edu/atp/ 

Connecticut 

Connecticut Assistive Technology Project 

Department of Social Services, BRS 

25 Sigourney St. 11th Floor 

Hartford, CT 06106 

Project Director: Dawn Lambert 

Phone: 860-424-4897 

Phone: 800-537-2549 (In State) 

TTY: 860-424-4839 

Fax: 860-424-4850 

E-mail: dawn.lambert@po.state.ct.us 

Web: http://www.techactproject.com 

Delaware 

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative 

(DATI) 

Center for Applied Science & Engineering 

University of Delaware/duPont Hospital for 

Children 

1600 Rockland Road 

P.O. Box 269 

Wilmington, DE 19899-0269 

Director: Beth Mineo Mollica 

Phone: 302-651-6790 

Phone: 800-870-3284 (In State) 

TTY: 302-651-6794 

Fax: 302-651-6793 

E-mail: dati@asel.udel.edu 

Web: http://www.dati.org 

District of Columbia 

Assistive Technology Program for the 

District of Columbia 

University Legal Services 

220 I Street, NE, Suite 130 

Washington, DC 20002 

Program Manager: Alicia C. Johns 

Phone: 202-547-0198 

TTY: 202-547-2657 

Fax: 202-547-2662 

E-mail: ajohns@uls-dc.org 

Web: http://www.atpdc.org 

Florida 

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and 

Technology (FAAST Inc.) 

325 John Knox Road, Bldg. 400, Suite 402 

Tallahassee, FL 32303-4151 

Executive Director: Jane Johnson 

Phone: 800-322-7981 (In State) 

Fax: 850-487-2805 

TTY: 850-921-5951 

E-mail: faast@faast.org 

Web: http://faast.org 

Georgia 

Georgia Tools for Life 

Georgia Department of Labor 

Vocational Rehabilitation Program 

Assistive Technology Unit 

1700 Century Circle, Suite 300 

Atlanta, GA 30345 

Program Manager: Carolyn Phillips 

Phone: 404-638-0384 

Phone: 800-497-8665 (In State) 

TTY: 404-638-3085 

Fax: 404-486-0218 

E-mail: info@gatfl.org 

Web: http://www.gatfl.org 
Appendix C 

157 

Guam 

Guam System for Assistive Technology 

(GSAT) 

University of Guam 

Guam Center for Excellence in 

Developmental Disabilities, Education, 

Research and Service (Guam CEDDERS) 

UOG Station 

303 University Drive, Hse #19 Dean Circle 

Mangilao, Guam 96923 

Project Manager: June Quitugua 

Phone: 671-735-2490 

TTY: 671-735-2491 

Fax: 671-734-8378 

E-mail: gsat@ite.net 

Web: http://www.uog.edu/cedders/gsat.htm 

Hawaii 

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of 

Hawaii (ATRC) 

414 Kuwili Street, Suite 104 

Honolulu, HI 96817 

Executive Director: Barbara FischolowitzLeong 

Phone/TTY: 808-532-7110 

Phone/TTY: 800-645-3007 (In State) 

Fax: 808-532-7120 

E-mail: atrc@atrc.org 

Web: http://www.atrc.org 

Idaho 

Idaho Assistive Technology Project 

129 West Third Street 

Moscow, ID 83844-4401 

Project Director: Ron Seiler 

Phone/TTY: 208-885-3559 

Phone/TTY: 800-432-8324 

Fax: 208-885-3628 

E-mail: rseiler@uidaho.edu 

Web: http://www.educ.uidaho.edu/idatech/ 

Illinois 

Illinois Assistive Technology Project 

1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100 

Springfield, IL 62701 

Executive Director: Wilhelmina Gunther 

Phone: 217-522-7985 

Phone/TTY: 217-522-9966 

Fax: 217-522-8067 

E-mail: iatp@iltech.org 

Web: http://www.iltech.org 

Indiana 

Assistive Technology Through Action In 

Indiana 

ATTAIN, Inc. 

32 E. Washington Street, Suite 1400 

Indianapolis, IN 46204 

Executive Director: Gary Hand 

Phone: 317-486-8808 

Phone: 800-528-8246 (In State) 

TTY: 800-743-3333 (National) 

Fax: 317-486-8809 

E-mail: attain@attaininc.org 

Web: http://www.attaininc.org 

Iowa 

Iowa Program for Assistive Technology 

Center for Disabilities and Development 

100 Hawkins Drive 

Iowa City, IA 52242-1011 

Director: Jane Gay 

Phone: 319-353-8777 

Phone: 800-779-2001 (National) 

TTY: 877-686-0032 

Fax: 319-384-5139 

E-mail: ipat@uiowa.edu 

Web: http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech/ 
Appendix C 

158

Kansas 

Assistive Technology for Kansans Project 

2601 Gabriel 

Parsons, KS 67357 

Project Director: Sara Sack 

Phone/TTY: 620-421-8367 

Phone: 800-526-3648 (In State) 

Fax: 620-421-0954 

E-mail: ssack@ku.edu 

Web: http://www.atk.ku.edu 

Kentucky 

Kentucky Assistive Technology Service 

(KATS) Network 

Charles McDowell Center 

8412 Westport Road 

Louisville, KY 40242 

Director: J. Chase Forrester 

Phone: 502-429-4484 

Phone: 800-327-5287 (In State) 

TTY: 502-429-7116 

Fax: 502-429-7114 

E-mail: katsnet@iglou.com 

Web: http://www.katsnet.org 

Louisiana 

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access 

Network (LATAN) 

3042 Old Forge Road, Suite D 

P.O. Box 14115 

Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4115 

President and CEO: Julie Nesbit 

Phone/TTY: 225-925-9500 

Phone/TTY: 800-270-6185 (In State) 

Fax: 225-925-9560 

E-mail: cpourciau@latan.org 

Web: http://www.latan.org 

Maine 

Maine Consumer Information and 

Technology Training Exchange (CITE) 

Maine CITE Coordinating Center 

46 University Drive 

Augusta, ME 04330 

Project Director: Kathleen Powers 

Phone: 207-621-3195 

TTY: 207-621-3482 

Fax: 207-621-3193 

E-mail: kpowers@maine.edu 

Web: http://www.mainecite.org 

Maryland 

Maryland Technology Assistance Program 

(MD TAP) 

Department of Disabilities 

2301 Argonne Drive, Room T17 

Baltimore, MD 21218 

Executive Director: Michael Dalto 

Phone/TTY: 410-554-9230 

Phone/TTY: 800-832-4827 (In State) 

Fax: 410-554-9237 

E-mail: mdtap@mdod.state.md.us 

Web: http://www.mdtap.org 

Massachusetts 

Massachusetts Assistive Technology Act 

Program 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

27 Wormwood Street 

Boston, MA 02210-1616 

Project Director: Karen Langley 

Phone: 617-204-3851 

Fax: 617-727-1354 

E-mail: karen.langley@MRC.state.ma.us 
Appendix C 

159 

Michigan 

Michigan Assistive Technology Project 

c/o Michigan Disability Rights Coalition 

740 W. Lake Lansing Road, Suite 200 

East Lansing, MI 48823 

Contact: Kathryn Wakeman Wyeth 

Phone/TTY: 517-333-2477 

Phone: 800-760-4600 (In State) 

Fax: 517-333-2677 

E-mail: kdwyeth@match.org 

Web: http://www.copower.org/AT/ 

Minnesota 

Minnesota STAR Program 

50 Sherburne Ave., Room 309 

St. Paul, MN 55155 

Executive Director: Chuck Rassbach 

Phone: 651-296-2771 

Phone: 800-657-3862 (In State) 

TTY: 651-296-9478 

TTY: 800-657-3895 (In State) 

Fax: 651-282-6671 

E-mail: star.program@state.mn.us 

Web: http://www.admin.state.mn.us/ 

assistivetechnology/ 

Mississippi 

Mississippi Project START 

P.O. Box 1698 

Jackson, MS 39215-1000 

Project Director: Dorothy Young 

Phone: 601-987-4872 

Phone/TTY: 800-852-8328 (In State) 

Fax: 601-364-2349 

E-mail: contactus@msprojectstart.org 

Web: http://www.msprojectstart.org 

Missouri 

Missouri Assistive Technology Project 

4731 South Cochise, Suite 114 

Independence, MO 64055-6975 

Director: Diane Golden 

Phone: 816-373-5193 

Phone: 800-647-8557 (In State) 

TTY: 800-647-8558 (In State) 

TTY: 816-373-9315 

Fax: 816-373-9314 

E-mail: matpmo@swbell.net 

Web: http://www.at.mo.gov 

Montana 

MonTECH Program 

Rural Institute 

University of Montana 

634 Eddy Avenue 

Missoula, MT 59812 

Project Director: Kathy Laurin 

Phone/TTY: 406-243-5676 

TTY: 800-732-0323 (National) 

Fax: 406-243-4730 

E-mail: montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu 

Web: http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu 

Nebraska 

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership 

5143 South 48th Street, Suite C 

Lincoln, NE 68516-2204 

Project Director: Mark Schultz 

Phone/TTY: 402-471-0734 

Phone: 888-806-6287 (In State) 

Fax: 402-471-6052 

E-mail: atp@atp.ne.gov 

Web: http://www.nde.state.ne.us/ATP/ 
Appendix C 

160

Nevada 

Nevada Assistive Technology Collaborative 

Department of Human Resources 

Office of Disability Service 

3656 Research Way, Suite 32 

Carson City, NV 89706 

Project Administrator: Kelleen Preston 

Phone: 775-687-4452 

TTY: 775-687-3388 

Fax: 775-687-3292 

E-mail: kpreston@dhr.state.nv.us 

Web: http://hr.state.nv.us/directors/ 

disabilitysvcs/dhr_ods.htm 

New Hampshire 

New Hampshire Technology Partnership 

Project 

Institute on Disability/UCEDD 

The Concord Center 

Ten Ferry Street, #14 

Concord, NH 03301-5019 

Project Director: Therese Willkomm 

Project Coordinator: Sonke Dornblut 

Phone/TTY: 603-224-0630 

Phone/TTY: 800-238-2048 (In State) 

Fax: 603-228-3270 

E-mail: sonke.dornblut@unh.edu 

Web: http://www.iod.unh.edu/projects/ 

technology_policy.html 

New Jersey 

Assistive Technology Advocacy Center 

(ATAC) of NJ P&A 

New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc. 

210 South Broad Street, 3rd Floor 

Trenton, NJ 08608 

Project Director: Ellen Cantanese 

Phone: 609-292-9742 

Phone: 800-922-7233 (In State) 

TTY: 609-633-7106 

Fax: 609-777-0187 

E-mail: advocate@njpanda.org 

Web: http://www.njpanda.org 

New Mexico 

New Mexico Technology Assistance 

Program 

435 St. Michael’s Drive, Building D 

Santa Fe, NM 87505 

Project Director: Andrew J. Winnegar 

Phone/TTY: 505-954-8533 

Phone: 800-866-2253 (In State) 

Fax: 505-954-8608 

E-mail: AWinnegar@state.nm.us 

Web: http://www.nmtap.com 

New York 

New York State TRAID Project 

NYS Commission on Quality Care and 

Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities 

(CQCAPD) 

401 State Street 

Schenectady, NY 12305 

Project Manager: Lisa Rosano-Kaczkowski 

Phone/TTY: 518-474-2825 

Phone/TTY: 800-522-4369 (In State) 

TTY: 518-473-4231 

Fax: 518-473-6005 

E-mail: traid@oapwd.org 

Web: http://www.oapwd.org/ 

TRAID_Project/technlog.htm 

North Carolina 

North Carolina Assistive Technology Project 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

Services 

1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 101 

Raleigh, NC 27609-7322 

Project Director: Ricki Hiatt 

Phone/TTY: 919-850-2787 

Fax: 919-850-2792 

E-mail: rhiatt@ncatp.org 

Web: http://www.ncatp.org 
Appendix C 

161 

North Dakota 

North Dakota Interagency Program For 

Assistive Technology (IPAT) 

3509 Interstate Blvd. 

Fargo, ND 58103 

Project Director: Judie Lee 

Phone: 701-365-4729 

Phone/TTY: 800-265-4728 

Fax: 701-239-7229 

E-mail: jlee@polarcomm.com 

Web: http://www.ndipat.org 

Northern Mariana Islands 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands Assistive Technology Project 

CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities 

Systems of Technology-Related Assistance 

for Individuals with Disabilities (STRAID) 

P.O. Box 502565 

Saipan, MP 96950-2565 

Project Director: Tony Chong 

Phone: 670-664-7000 

Fax: 670-664-7030 

E-mail: straid@cnmiddcouncil.org 

Web: http://www.cnmiddcouncil.org 

Ohio 

Assistive Technology of Ohio 

445 East Dublin Granville Rd., Building 2 

Worthington, OH 43085 

Director: William Darling 

Phone/TTY: 614-293-9132 

Phone/TTY: 800-784-3425 (In State) 

Fax: 614-293-9127 

E-mail: darling.12@osu.edu 

Web: http://www.atohio.org 

Oklahoma 

Oklahoma ABLE Tech 

Seretean Wellness Center 

Oklahoma State University 

1514 W. Hall of Fame 

Stillwater, OK 74078-2026 

Project Manager: Linda Jaco 

Phone: 405-744-9864 

Phone/TTY: 800-257-1705 (National) 

Fax: 405-744-2487 

E-mail: linda.jaco@okstate.edu 

Web: http://okabletech.okstate.edu 

Oregon 

Oregon Technology Access for Life Needs 

Project (TALN) 

Access Technologies, Inc. 

3070 Lancaster Drive N.E. 

Salem, OR 97305-1396 

Executive Director: Laurie Brooks 

Phone/TTY: 503-361-1201 

Phone/TTY: 800-677-7512 (In State) 

Fax: 503-370-4530 

E-mail: laurie@accesstechnologiesinc.org 

Web: http://www.accesstechnologiesinc.org 

Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive 

Technology (PIAT) 

Institute on Disabilities/UCEDD 

1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. 

Ritter Annex 423 

Temple University 

Philadelphia, PA 19122 

Project Director: Amy S. Goldman 

Phone: 215-204-5966 

Phone/TTY: 215-204-1356 

Phone: 800-204-7428 (In State) 

TTY: 800-750-7428 (In State) 

Fax: 215-204-9371 

E-mail: piat@temple.edu 

Web: http://disabilities.temple.edu 
Appendix C 

162

Puerto Rico 

Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program 

University of Puerto Rico 

Central Administration/FILIUS Instituto 

Assistive Technology Institute 

Jardin Botanico Sur 

1187 Calle Flamboyan 

San Juan, PR 00926-1117 

Program Director: Maria I. Miranda 

Phone: 888-496-6035 (National) 

Phone: 800-981-6033 (In Puerto Rico) 

Fax: 787-754-8034 

TTY: 787-767-8034 

Phone: 787-764-6035 

Phone: 787-764-6042 

E-mail: pratp@pratp.upr.edu 

Web: http://www.pratp.upr.edu 

Rhode Island 

Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access 

Partnership (ATAP) 

Office of Rehabilitation Services 

40 Fountain Street 

Providence, RI 02903 

Project Director: Regina Connor 

Phone: 401-421-7005 (Ext 390) 

TTY: 401-421-7016 

Fax: 401-222-3574 

E-mail: reginac@ors.state.ri.us 

Web: http://www.atap.state.ri.us 

South Carolina 

South Carolina Assistive Technology Project 

USC School of Medicine 

University Center for Excellence 

Columbia, SC 29208 

Project Director: Evelyn Evans 

Phone/TTY: 803-935-5263 

Fax: 803-935-5342 

E-mail: evelne@cdd.sc.edu 

Web: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/ 

South Dakota 

South Dakota Assistive Technology Project 

DakotaLink 

1161 Deadwood Ave. Suite #5 

Rapid City, SD 57702 

Project Director: Ron Rosenboom 

Phone/TTY: 605-394-6742 

Phone/TTY: 800-645-0673 (In State) 

Fax: 605-394-6744 

E-mail: dscherer@dakotaLink.net 

Web: http://DakotaLInk.tie.net 

Tennessee 

Tennessee Technology Access Project 

(TTAP) 

Citizens Plaza, 14th Floor 

400 Deaderick Street 

Nashville, TN 37248-6000 

Program Director: Kevin R. Wright 

Phone: 615-313-5185 

Phone: 800-270-1349 (In State) 

TTY: 615-741-4566 

Fax: 615-532-4685 

E-mail: tn.ttap@state.tn.us 

Web: http://www.tennessee.gov/ 

humanserv/ttap-index.htm 

Texas 

Texas Assistive Technology Project 

Texas Center for Disability Studies 

University of Texas at Austin 

4030 West Braker Lane 

Building 1, Suite 180 

Austin, TX 78759 

Director: Penny Seay 

Phone: 512-232-0740 

Phone: 800-828-7839 (In State) 

TTY: 512-232-0762 

Fax: 512-471-7549 

E-mail: pseay@mail.utexas.edu 

Web: http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu 
Appendix C 

163 

U.S. Virgin Islands 

U.S. Virgin Islands Technology-Related 

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities 

(TRAID) 

University of the Virgin Islands/UCE 

#2 John Brewers Bay 

St. Thomas, U.S. VI 00801-0990 

Executive Director: Yegin Habtes 

Phone: 340-693-1323 

Fax: 340-693-1325 

E-mail: yhabtes@uvi.edu 

Web: http://www.uvi.edu/pubrelations/ 

VIUCEDD/contactus.htm 

Utah 

Utah Assistive Technology Program 

Center for Persons with Disabilities 

6855 Old Main Hill 

Logan, UT 84322-6855 

Program Director: Marty Blair 

Phone: 435-797-3824 

TTY: 435-797-7089 

Fax: 435-797-2355 

E-mail: uatpat@cc.usu.edu 

Web: http://www.uatpat.org 

Vermont 

Vermont Assistive Technology Project 

103 South Main Street 

Weeks Building 

Waterbury, VT 05671-2305 

Project Director: Julie Tucker 

Phone/TTY: 802-241-2620 

Phone/TTY: 800-750-6355 (In State) 

TTY: 800-241-1464 

Fax: 802-241-2174 

E-mail: Julie.tucker@dail.state.vt.us 

Web: http://www.dad.state.vt.us/atp/ 

Virginia 

Virginia Assistive Technology System 

(VATS) 

8004 Franklin Farms Drive 

P.O. Box K-300 

Richmond, VA 23288-0300 

Director: Ken Knorr 

Phone/TTY: 804-662-9990 

Phone: 800-552-5019 

Fax: 804-622-9478 

E-mail: ken.knorr@drs.virginia.gov 

Web: http://www.vats.org 

Washington 

Washington Assistive Technology Alliance 

University of Washington 

Center for Technology and Disability Studies 

CHDD South Building, Room 104 

Box 357920 

Seattle, WA 98195-7920 

Project Director: Debbie Cook 

Phone: 800-214-8731 (Information & 

Referral) 

Phone: 206-685-4181 

Phone/TTY: 800-841-8345 (In State) 

TTY: 206-616-1396 

Fax: 206-543-4799 

E-mail: uwat@u.washington.edu 

Web: http://wata.org 

West Virginia 

West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems 

(WVATS) 

West Virginia Center for Excellence in 

Disabilities 

Airport Research and Office Park 

955 Hartman Run Road 

Morgantown, WV 26505 

Program Manager: Jack Stewart 

Phone/TTY: 304-293-4692 

Phone: 800-841-8436 (In State) 

Fax: 304-293-7294 

E-mail: jcstewart@hsc.wvu.edu 

Web: http://cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/ 
Appendix C 

164

Wisconsin 

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program 

(WisTech) 

Division of Disability and Elder Services 

P.O. Box 7851 

1 W. Wilson Street, Room 1151 

Madison, WI 53707-7851 

Project Director: Ralph Pelkey 

Phone: 608-266-8905 

Phone/TTY: 608-267-9880 

Fax: 608-267-3203 

E-mail: pelkerj@dhfs.state.wi.us 

Web: http://www.wistech.state.wi.us 

Wyoming 

Wyoming’s New Options in Technology 

(WYNOT) Project 

University of Wyoming 

Box 4298 

Laramie, WY 82072-4298 

Project Director: Keith A. Miller 

Phone/TTY: 307-766-2084 

Phone/TTY: 800-861-4312 

Fax: 307-721-2084 

E-mail: wynot.uw@uwyo.edu 

Web: http://wind.uwyo.edu/wynot/ 
APPENDIX D: 

 ALTERNATIVE FINANCING PROGRAMS 

FOR PROGRAM YEARS 2004 AND 2005 

Appendix D 

167 

Alabama 

Alabama Loan Program 

Alabama Department of 

Rehabilitation Services 

2125 East South Boulevard 

P.O. Box 20752 

Montgomery, AL 36120-0752 

Project Contact; Joe Helm 

Phone: (334) 613-2217 

TTY: (334) 613-3519 

E-mail: jhelm@rehab.state.ai.us 

Arizona 

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology 

Program (AzLAT) 

Northern Arizona University 

Institute for Human Development 

2400 North Central Avenue, Suite 300 

Phoenix, AZ 85004 

Project Director: Jill Sherman 

Phone: (602) 728-9532 

Phone: (800) 477-9921 

TTY: (602) 728-9536 

Fax: (602) 728-9535 

E-mail: jill.sherman@nau.edu 

Web: http://www.azlat.org 

Arkansas 

Arkansas Technology Alternative Financing 

Project 

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services 

4601 West Markham 

Little Rock, AR 72205 

Project Director: Jim Moreland 

Phone: (501) 683-3008 

Fax: (501) 666-5319 

E-mail: jdmoreland@ars.state.ar.us 

Delaware 

Delaware Loan Program 

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative 

University of Delaware 

1600 Rockland Road 

P.O. Box 269 

Wilmington, DE 19899-0269 

Project Director: Beth Mineo Molica 

Phone: (302) 651-6790 

TTY: (302) 651-6794 

Fax: (302) 651-6793 

E-mail: mineo@asel.udel.edu 

Florida 

Florida Alternative Financing Program 

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and 

Technology (FAAST, Inc.) 

325 John Knox Road, Bldg 400, Suite 402 

Tallahassee, FL 32303 

Executive Dir.: Jane Johnson 

Phone: (850) 487-3278 

Fax: (850) 487-2805 

E-mail: faast@faast.org 

Georgia 

Georgia Credit – Able 

Tech-Able Inc 

1114 Brett Drive, Suite 100 

Conyers, GA 30094 

Program Coordinator: Jackie Wilks 

Phone: (404) 638-0385 

E-mail: ca@gaarc.org 

Guam 

Guam Options for Alternative Loans – 

Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) 

University of Guam CEDDERS 

UOG Station 

303 University Drive, House #19 Dean Circle 

Mangilao, Guam 96923 

Project Coordinator: Michael Terlaje 

Phone: (671) 735-2490 

TTY: (671) 735-2491 

Fax: (671) 734-8378 

E-mail: mterlaje@ite.net 
Appendix D 

168

Illinois 

TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program 

Illinois Assistive Technology Project 

1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100 

Springfield, IL 62701-1200 

TechConnect Program Coordinator: 

Sue Castles 

Phone: (800) 852-5110 

Phone: (217) 522-7985 

TTY: (217) 522-9966 

Fax: (217) 522-8067 

E-mail: scastles@iltech.org 

Iowa 

Iowa Able Foundation 

Abilities Fund 

410 North 18th Street 

Centerville, IA 52544 

Director: Patti Lind 

Phone: (888) 222-8943 

Phone: (641) 856-2173 

Fax: (641) 856-3101 

E-mail: prlind@abilitiesfund.org 

Web: http://www.abilitiesfund.org 

Kansas 

Alternative Financing Program 

Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative 

625 Merchant, Suite 205 

Emporia, KS 66801 

Executive Director: Basil Kessler 

E-mail: katcodir@SBCglobal.net 

AFP Coordinator: Charles Linville 

E-mail: katcoafp@SBCglobal.net 

Phone/TTY: (866) 465-2826 

Phone/TTY: (620) 341-9002 

Fax: (620) 342-6400 

Kentucky 

Loan Initiative Networking Kentuckians for 

Assistive Technology (LINK AT) 

Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan 

Corporation 

209 St Clair Street 

Frankfort, KY 40601 

Program Director: Dave Matheis 

Phone: (877) 675-0195 

Phone: (502) 564-4444 ext. 279 

Fax: (502) 564-1268 

E-mail: DaveS.Matheis@ky.gov 

Web: http://www.katlc.ky.gov 

Louisiana 

Louisiana Assistive Technology Loan 

Program 

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access 

Network (LATAN) 

3042 Old Forge Road, Suite D 

Baton Rouge, LA 70808 

Loan Program Director: Kurt Hellmann 

Phone/TTY: (225) 925-9500 

Phone/TTY: (800) 270-6185 (National) 

Fax: (225) 925-9560 

E-mail: khellmann@latan.org 

Web: http://www.latan.org 

Maine 

Maine Loan Program 

Maine Consumer Information and Technology 

Training Exchange (CITE) 

Maine CITE Coordinating Center 

46 University Drive 

Augusta, ME 043330 

Project Contact: Kathy Adams 

Phone: (207) 621-3195 

TTY: (207) 621-3482 

E-mail: kadamsot@maine.rr.com 
Appendix D 

169 

Maryland 

Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan 

Program 

Maryland Technology Assistance Program 

2301 Argonne Drive, Room T-17 

Baltimore, MD 21218 

Loan Program Director: Tony Rice 

Phone/TTY: 800) 832-4827 

Fax: (410) 554-9237 

E-mail: loans@mdtap.org 

Web: http://www.mdtap.org 

Massachusetts 

Massachusetts AT Loan Program 

Easter Seals Massachusetts 

484 Main Street 

Worchester, MA 01608 

AFP Director: Jason Luciano 

Phone: (508) 751-6431 

E-mail: jluciano@eastersealsma.org 

Michigan 

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund 

C/O U.C.P. Michigan 

3401 E. Saginaw, Suite 216 

Lansing, MI 48912 

Loan Fund Manager: Carolyn Brown 

Phone: (517) 203-1200 ext. 16 

Fax: (517) 203-1203 

E-mail: cbrown@ucpmichigan.org 

Web: http://www.mi-atlf.org 

Minnesota 

ATMN Micro-loan Program 

Assistive Technology of Minnesota 

1800 Pioneer Creek Center, Box 310 

Maple Plain, MN 55359-0310 

Project Director: Carol Fury 

Phone: (763) 479-8239 

TTY: (800) 627-3529 

Fax: (763) 479-8243 

E-mail: info@atmn.org 

Web: http://www.atmn.org 

Missouri 

$how Me Loans 

Missouri Assistive Technology Council 

4731 South Cochise #114 

Independence, MO 64055-6975 

Loan Program Coordinator: Marty Exline 

Phone: (816) 350-5281 

TTY: (816) 373-9315 

E-mail: mexline@swbell.net 

Nebraska 

Nebraska 

Alternative Financing Loan Program 

Easter Seals Nebraska 

638 North 109th Plaza 

Omaha, NE 68154 

AFP Director: Renee Fitzke 

Phone: (402) 345-2200 X1116 

E-mail: rfitzke@ne.easterseals.com 

Nevada 

Nevada Assistive Technology Loan Fund 

CareChest 

7910 N. Virginia Street 

Reno, NV 89506 

Loan Program Coordinator: Randi Decasa 

Phone: (775) 829-2273 

Fax: (775) 829-8745 

E-mail: loans@carechest.com 

New Mexico 

New Mexico Loan Program 

San Juan Center for Independence 

3535 E. 30th, Suite 101 

Farmington, NM 87402 

Program Manager: Larry McCabe 

Phone: (505) 566-5827 

Fax: (505) 566-5842 

E-mail: lmccabe@sjci.org 
Appendix D 

170

North Dakota 

North Dakota AT Loan Program 

North Dakota Association for the Disabled 

2660 South Columbia Road 

Grand Forks, ND 58201 

Loan Coordinator: Traci Ladouceur 

Phone (701) 795-6609 

TTY: (800) 265-4728 

Fax: (701) 239-7229 

E-mail: tladouceur@ndad.org 

Northern Marianas 

Trankilu Loan Program 

Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas 

Council on Developmental Disabilities 

P.O. Box 502565 

Saipan, MP 96950-2565 

Loan Program Coordinator: Tony Chong 

Phone: (670) 664-7000 

TTY: (670) 664-7000 

Fax: (670) 664-7030 

E-mail: tchong@cnmiddcouncil.org 

Oklahoma 

Oklahoma Alternative Financing Program 

Oklahoma ABLE Tech 

1514 West Hall of Fame 

Stillwater, OK 74078-2026 

Loan Program Coordinator: Milissa Gofourth 

Phone: (405) 744-9864 

TTY: (800) 257-1705 

Fax: (405) 744-2487 

E-mail: gmiliss@okstate.edu 

Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation 

1004 West Ninth Avenue, First Floor 

King of Prussia, PA 19406 

Executive Director: Susan Tachau 

Phone: (888) 744-1938 (National) 

Phone: (484) 674-0506 

TTY: (877) 693-7271 (National) 

Fax: (484) 674-0510 

E-mail: stachau@patf.us 

Web: http://www.patf.us 

South Carolina 

South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan 

Program (SC AT) 

Vocational Rehabilitation Department 

1410 Boston Avenue 

West Columbia, SC 29171 

Project Coordinator: Denise Koon 

Phone: (803) 896-6374 

Fax: (803) 896-6875 

E-mail: dkoon@scvrd.state.sc.us 

U.S. Virgin Islands 

U.S. Virgin Islands Loan Program 

University of the Virgin Islands 

#2 John Brewer’s Bay 

St. Thomas, U.S.VI 00802 

Project Coordinator: Shirley White 

Phone: (340) 776-9200 ext. 2333 

Fax: (340) 693-1325 

E-mail: swhite@uvi.edu 

Utah 

Alternative Financing Program 

Utah Assistive Technology Foundation 

(UATF) 

Center for Persons with Disabilities 

6835 Old Main Hill 

Logan, UT 84322 

Loan Coordinator: Lois Summers 

Phone: (800) 524-5152 (National) 

Phone: (435) 797-2025 

TTY: (435) 797-7089 

Fax: (435) 797-2355 

E-mail: uatf@cpd2.usu.edu 

Web: http://www.uatf.org 

Vermont 

Vermont Assistive Technology Fund 

Opportunities Ventures 

18 Pearl Street 

Burlington, VT 05401 

Ventures Director: Dawn Moskowitz 

Phone: (802) 865-2003 Ext. 135 

Fax: (802) 860-6123 

E-mail: dmoskowitz@oppsvt.org 
Appendix D 

171 

Virginia 

Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority 

(ATLFA) 

1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107 

Richmond, VA 23229 

Acting Director: Joey Wallace 

Phone: (866) 835-5976 (Toll Free) 

Phone: (804) 662-9000 

Fax: (804) 662-9533 

E-mail: joey.wallace@atlfa.org 

Web: http://www.atlfa.org 

Washington 

Washington Loan Program 

Washington Assistive Technology Foundation 

1823 East Madison, Suite 1000 

Seattle, WA 98122 

Director: Andrea Dimond 

Phone: (206) 328-5116 

TTY: (800) 214-8731 

Fax: (206) 328-5126 

E-mail: andrea@watf.org 

Wisconsin 

WisLoan 

Independence First 

600 W. Virginia St., Suite 401 

Milwaukee, WI 53204-1516 

Phone: (414) 226-8306 

TTY: (414) 291-7520 

Fax: (414) 291-7525 

WisLoan Coordinator: Patti Kraemer 

E-mail: pkraemer@ independencefirst.org 

Web: http://www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/ 

disabilities/wistech/wisloan.htm 

Wyoming 

Wyoming Technology Access Program 

(WYTAP) 

Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, 

Inc. 

305 West First Street 

Casper, WY 82601 

Executive Director: Kenneth Hoff 

Loan Program Coordinator: Kris Smith 

Phone: (800) 735-8322 

Phone: (307) 226-6956 

E-mail: khof@trib.com 

E-mail: krissmith@vcn.com 

PART VI. 

GLOSSARY 

175 

GLOSSARY

Advocacy (as defined in the reporting 

form used by grantees in FY 2004). 

Services grantees provide to assist 

individuals with disabilities and their 

family members, guardians, advocates and 

authorized representatives in accessing AT 

devices and services. 

Alternative Financing Programs (as 

defined in Title I, Section 101 of the AT Act 

of 1998). Programs that support activities to 

increase access to, and funding for, AT 

devices and services. 

Demonstrations (as defined in Title I, 

Section 101 of the AT Act of 1998). 

Demonstrations of AT devices may be 

conducted in settings where targeted 

individuals can see and try out AT devices, 

and learn more about them from personnel 

who are familiar with the devices and their 

applications or can be referred to other 

entities who have information on the devices. 

Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

As defined under the Individuals with 

Disabilities Education Act, an IEP means a 

written program for a child with a disability 

that includes information about the child’s 

present levels of achievement and how the 

child’s disability affects his or her 

involvement and progress in the general 

education curriculum. The IEP also includes 

a statement of measurable annual goals, how 

the child’s progress toward meeting the 

annual goals will be measured, and the 

services and accommodations to be provided 

to the child. 

Interagency Coordination (as defined in 

Title I, Section 101 of the AT Act of 1998). 

Activities a state conducts to develop and 

promote the adoption of policies which 

improve access to AT devices and services 

for individuals of all ages with disabilities 

and that result in improved coordination 

among public and private entities that are 

responsible for, or have the authority to be 

responsible for, policies, procedures, funding, 

or the provision of AT devices and services. 

Interest Rate Buy-Down Loans. An AFP 

uses its funds to reduce the interest rate 

percentage. This makes the loan more 

affordable because the borrower pays 

less interest. 

Interstate Activities (as defined in Title I, 

Section 101 of the AT Act of 1998). 

Activities grantees conduct through 

cooperative agreements with other states to 

expand their capacity in assisting individuals 

of all ages with disabilities to learn about, 

acquire, use, maintain, adapt and upgrade 

AT devices and services that such 

individuals need at home, at school, at work 

or in other environments that are part of 

daily living. 

Legislative Change (as defined by RSA). 

Results in new laws or amendments to 

existing laws relating to reducing barriers to 

acquiring assistive technology devices 

and services. 
Glossary 

176 

Loan Guarantee Program. The AFP does 

not make a loan directly to the recipient, but 

rather guarantees a portion of the loan made 

by a third-party lender such as a 

conventional bank. By agreeing to cover all 

or part of a loan if the loan recipient should 

default, an AFP enables a bank to provide 

financing to individuals the bank might 

otherwise deem too risky to receive a 

conventional loan. 

Non-Guaranteed Low-Interest Loans. An 

AFP refers individuals with high enough 

incomes and credit scores to obtain loans 

directly from a conventional lender, to their 

lending partners, which provide financing at 

a preferred or reduced rate negotiated 

between the bank and the AFP. 

Outreach (as defined in Title I, Section 101 

of the AT Act of 1998). Activities conducted to 

support statewide and community-based 

organizations that provide AT devices and 

services to individuals with disabilities or that 

assist individuals with disabilities in using AT 

devices and services, including a focus on 

organizations assisting individuals from 

underrepresented populations and rural 

populations. Such support may include 

outreach to consumer organizations and 

groups in the state to coordinate efforts to 

assist individuals of all ages with disabilities 

and their family members, guardians, 

advocates or authorized representatives to 

obtain funding for, access to, and information 

on the evaluation of AT devices and services. 

Persons with Low-Incidence Disabilities. 

As defined in Individuals with Disabilities 

Education Act (IDEA), Section 673(b)(3) 

and [adapted by RSA to include the general 

population, rather than limited to elementary 

and secondary school students], the AT Act

of 1998 lists “persons with low-incidence 

disabilities” as an underrepresented 

population. IDEA defines the term as: (a) a 

visual or hearing impairment, or 

simultaneous visual and hearing 

impairments; (b) a significant cognitive 

impairment; or (c) any impairment for which 

a small number of personnel with highly 

specialized skills and knowledge are needed 

in order for [persons with disabilities] with 

that impairment to receive [services]. 

Policy Change (as defined by RSA). 

Results in a practice, procedure or course of 

action, sanctioned or adopted by a state 

government agency to reduce barriers to 

acquiring AT devices and services. 

Public Awareness (as defined in Title I, 

Section 101 of the AT Act of 1998). 

Activities conducted for targeted individuals 

relating to the availability and benefits of 

AT devices and services. 

Revolving Loan (also called direct loan). 

The AFP itself lends money directly to the 

borrower. The loan payments made by loan 

recipients are paid back into the AFP and are 

then available to fund new loans. 
Glossary

177 

Systems Change, Capacity Building and 

Advocacy Activities (as defined in the 

reporting form used by grantees in FY 

2004). Efforts that (a) result in laws, 

regulations, policies, practices, procedures, 

or organizational structures that promote 

consumer-responsive programs or entities; 

and (b) facilitate and increase access to, 

provision of, and funding for, assistive 

technology devices and assistive technology 

services, in order to empower individuals 

with disabilities to achieve greater 

independence, productivity and integration 

and inclusion within the community and the 

work force. 

Targeted Individuals and Entities, as 

outlined in the AT Act of 1998, include 

individuals of all ages with disabilities and 

their family members or guardians, 

individuals who work for public or private 

entities that have contact with individuals 

with disabilities, educators and related 

services personnel, technology experts, 

health or allied health professionals, 

and employers. 

Technical Assistance (as defined by RSA). 

Helping individuals integrate knowledge 

into practice. 

Training (as defined by RSA). A training 

session is a means to teach individuals a new 

skill or broaden their abilities with the 

intention that participants will apply what 

they learn to their work or personal situation 

(as in the case of consumer advocates). 

Examples of such skills or areas of 

improvement are: (1) conducting AT 

assessments, (2) matching AT devices and 

services to individual needs, and (3) learning 

or upgrading new skills to increase the 

acquisition and use of AT. Training formats 

can include presentations, conference 

sessions, learning labs, workshops, 

classroom instruction or distance education. 
Our mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote 

educational excellence throughout the nation. 

www.ed.gov