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Summary of AT Act of 1998, as Amended Advisory Council Meeting March 29, 2005 © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) LEAD AGENCY Governor designated Public agency Purpose control and administer the funds submit the application and carryout state activities coordinate efforts related to entering into interagency agreements, and maintaining and evaluating the program ensure conformance with federal and state accounting and reporting requirements © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Rule Section 7 Administrative Provisions The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended) shall apply to funds appropriated under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 for fiscal year 2004. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Basics of AT Act of 1998, as Amended Program is authorized for 6 years (2005-2010) Sunset provision has been eliminated. Covers people with disabilities of all ages, all disabilities, in all environments (early intervention, K-12, post-secondary, vocational rehabilitation, community living, aging services, etc.) © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) APPLICATION © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Application Any state that desires to receive a grant shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Application The application shall contain information Identifying and describing the lead agency & implementing entity Measurable goals Involvement of public & private entities Implementation Assurances State support © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Measurable Goals Application shall include Measurable goals to address the AT needs of individuals with disabilities related to Education, including goals involving the provision of AT to individuals with disabilities who receive services under the IDEA Employment, including goals involving the state vocational rehabilitation program carried out under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Telecommunication and information technology Community living Timeline for meeting goals Information on how goals will be quantifiably measured to determine achievement © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Involvement of Public and Private Entities Application shall describe How public and private entities were involved in the development of the application will be involved in the implementation of the activities The nature and extent of resources that will be committed by public and private collaborators to assist in accomplishing identified goals (as determined appropriate by the state) The mechanisms established to ensure coordination of activities and collaboration between the implementing entity, if any, and the state. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Implementation The application shall include a description of How the state will implement each of the required activities How the state will allocate and utilize grant funds to implement the activities, including describing proposed budget allocations planned procedures for tracking expenditures © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Assurances The application shall include assurances that State will annually collect data related to required activities Lead agency will control and administer the funds received through the grant State will adopt such fiscal control and accounting procedures EDGAR 76 Funds received through the grant Used to supplement, and not supplant, funds available from other sources for technology related assistance, including the provision of AT devices and AT services © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Effect on Other Assistance This Act may not be construed as authorizing a federal or state agency to reduce medical or other assistance available, or to alter eligibility for a benefit or service, under any other federal law. Section 7 Administrative Provisions © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Assurances Physical facility of the lead agency and implementing entity meet ADA Requirements A public agency or an individual with a disability holds title to any property purchased with funds received under the grant and administers that property Section 508 activities carried out in the state that are authorized under this Act, and supported by federal funds received under this Act, will comply with the Section 508 standards State will Prepare reports to the Secretary in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require to carry out the Secretary’s functions under this Act Keep such records and allow the Secretary access © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) State Support No requirement for state match of AT Grant However, must identify activities that will be supported with state funds © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) USE OF FUNDS © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Use of Funds A state that receives a grant under this section shall use a portion of the funds made available through the grant to carry out: State level activities State leadership activities. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) State Level Activities At least 60 percent of the funds received by each state AT program must support the following activities: State finance systems (includes alternative finance programs) Device reutilization programs Device loan programs Device demonstration programs AT Act of 1998- Discretionary Activities AT Act of 1998, as amended - Required Activities © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) State Financing Activities The state shall support state financing activities to increase access to, and funding for, AT devices and AT services (which shall not include 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 development of systems to provide and pay for such devices and services, including: support for the development of systems for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of, or payment for, AT devices and AT services; or © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) support for the development of 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 AT devices, such as (I) a low-interest loan fund; (II) an interest buy-down program; (III) a revolving loan fund; (IV) a loan guarantee or insurance program; (V) a program providing for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of AT devices or AT services; or (VI) another mechanism that is approved by the Secretary. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Device Reutilization Programs AT device reutilization programs that provide for the exchange, repair, recycling, or other reutilization of AT devices, which may include redistribution through device sales, loans, rentals, or donations. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Device Loan Programs Device loan programs that provide shortterm loans of AT devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, or others seeking to meet the needs of targeted individuals and entities, including others seeking to comply with IDEA, the ADA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Device Demonstrations Demonstrate a variety of AT devices and AT 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. State shall directly, or through referrals, provide to individuals, to the extent practicable, comprehensive information about state and local AT venders, providers, and repair services. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) State Leadership Activities • • • Training & technical assistance Public awareness activities Coordination & collaboration A maximum of 40% of federal allocation and a minimum of 5% of the 40% must be directed toward transition assistance. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Training and Technical Assistance Required Activities The state shall directly, or provide support to public or private entities with demonstrated expertise in collaborating with public or private agencies that serve individuals with disabilities, to: Develop and disseminate training materials Conduct training Provide technical assistance © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Training and Technical Assistance For 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 © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Training and Technical Assistance In carrying out training & technical assistance activities the state shall carry out activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of individuals from local settings described. Activities may include: General awareness training on the benefits of AT and the federal, state, and private funding sources available to assist targeted individuals and entities in acquiring AT Skills-development training in assessing the need for AT devices and AT services © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Training and Technical Assistance Training to ensure the appropriate application and use of AT devices, AT services, and accessible technology for egovernment functions Training in the importance of multiple approaches to assessment and implementation necessary to meet the individualized needs of individuals with disabilities Technical training on integrating AT into the development and implementation of service plans, including any education, health, discharge, Olmstead, employment, or other plan required under federal or state law. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Transition Assistance Required activity - dedicate 5% grant funds The state shall directly, or provide support to public or private entities to, develop and disseminate training materials, conduct training, facilitate access to AT, and provide technical assistance, to assist Students with disabilities, within the meaning of the IDEA that receive transition services; and Adults who are individuals with disabilities maintaining or transitioning to community living. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Public Awareness Activities The state shall conduct public awareness activities designed to provide information to targeted individuals and entities relating to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of AT devices and AT services, including © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Public Awareness Activities Development of procedures for providing direct communication between providers of AT and targeted individuals and entities, which may include partnerships with entities in the statewide and local workforce investment systems established under WIA, state vocational rehabilitation centers, public and private employers, or elementary and secondary public schools; Development and dissemination, to targeted individuals and entities, of information about state efforts related to AT; and Distribution of materials to appropriate public and private agencies that provide social, medical, educational, employment, and transportation services to individuals with disabilities. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Public Awareness Activities Collaboration The state shall carry out public awareness activities focusing on infants, toddlers, children, transition-age youth, employmentage adults, seniors, and employers. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Statewide Information and Referral The state shall directly, or in collaboration with public or private (such as nonprofit) entities, provide for the continuation and enhancement of a statewide information and referral system designed to meet the needs of targeted individuals and entities. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Statewide Information and Referral Shall deliver information on AT devices & services with specific data regarding provider availability within the State Availability of resources, including funding through public and private sources, to obtain AT devices & services Information on the benefits of AT devices & AT services with respect to enhancing the capacity of individuals with disabilities of all ages to perform activities of daily living. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Statewide Information and Referral Coordination and Collaboration The state shall coordinate activities among public and private entities that are responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for the provision of AT devices and AT services to individuals with disabilities, service providers, and others to improve access to AT devices and AT services for individuals with disabilities of all ages in the state. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) State Flexibility Provisions Allows a state to devote 70% or more of its grant, to two or more of the state level activities. State finance systems (includes alternative finance programs) Device reutilization programs Device loan programs Device demonstration programs A maximum of 30% of federal funding may be used for state leadership activities. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) State Flexibility Provisions Programs are not required to use their federal dollars to perform state-level activities if the state program: Already performs the activity with state or non-federal financial resources; and The level of non-federal support is comparable to the amount that would be expended if the state were to use federal funding. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Hypothetical Example #1 Grant award of $379,533 Assume the need for all 4 state level activities is equal $227,720 (60%) allocated to state level activities $56,930 evenly divided among the 4 activities $151,813 (40%) remains for state leadership activities $7,591 (5% of the 40%) is required for transition activities © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Hypothetical Example #2 Grant award of $379,533 $265,673 (70%) allocated to state level activities $132,837 evenly divided between two activities $88,558 evenly divided among three activities $113,860 (30%) remains for state leadership activities $5,693 (5% of the 30%) is required for transition activities © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) States shall participate in data collection as required by law, including data collection required for preparation of the reports. Each state shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an annual progress report on the activities funded under this Act, at such time, and in such manner, as the Secretary may require. The report shall document activities carried out under the Act. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Report Data State Level Activities State Financing Activities The amount and type of assistance given to consumers of the state financing activities (who shall be classified by type of AT device or AT service financed through the state financing activities, and geographic distribution within the state), including: The number of applications for assistance received The number of applications approved and rejected The default rate for the financing activities The range and average interest rate for the financing activities The range and average income of approved applicants for the financing activities The types and dollar amounts of AT financed © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Device Loan Program The number, type, and length of time of loans of AT devices provided to individuals with disabilities, employers, public agencies, or public accommodations through the device loan program An analysis of the individuals with disabilities who have benefited from the device loan program Device Reutilization Program The number, type, estimated value, and scope of AT devices exchanged, repaired, recycled, or reutilized (including redistributed through device sales, loans, rentals, or donations) through the device reutilization program An analysis of the individuals with disabilities that have benefited from the device reutilization program © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Device Demonstration The number and type of device demonstrations and referrals provided An analysis of individuals with disabilities who have benefited from the demonstrations and referrals © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Report Data State Leadership Activities Training The number and general characteristics of individuals who participated in training (such as individuals with disabilities, parents, educators, employers, providers of employment services, health care workers, counselors, other service providers, or vendors) the topics of such training; and to the extent practicable, the geographic distribution of individuals who participated in the training Technical Assistance The frequency of provision and nature of technical assistance provided to state and local agencies and other entities © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Report Data State Leadership Activities Public Awareness & Information & Referral The number of individuals assisted through the public-awareness activities and statewide information and referral system Consumer Satisfaction The level of customer satisfaction with the services provided © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Report Data State Leadership Activities Coordination & Collaboration The outcomes of any improvement initiatives carried out by the state including a description of any written policies, practices, and procedures that the State has developed and implemented regarding access to, provision of, and funding for, AT devices, and AT services, in the contexts of education, health care, employment, community living, and information technology and telecommunications, including egovernment The source of leveraged funding or other contributed resources, including resources provided through subcontracts or other collaborative resource sharing agreements, from and with public and private entities the number of individuals served with the contributed resources for which information is not reported elsewhere other outcomes accomplished as a result of such activities carried out with the contributed resources © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Annual Progress Report Policy Advocacy Outcomes of any improvement initiatives related to policy, practices, and procedures that the state has developed and implemented regarding access to, provision of, and funding for AT devices and services in the contexts of education, health care, employment, community living, and information technology and telecommunications including e-government. Technical Assistance The amount and nature of technical assistance provided to state and local agencies and other entities. © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Challenges Existence tentative for the last few years. Program extended year-to-year Loss of staff, programs, advisory boards. Loss of commitment of other agencies. Why commit time and effort to an initiative that may disappear? © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Challenges Funding Level funding for state AT Programs for FFY ’05 Domestic programs budget reductions AT Programs “zeroed out” in President’s budget for FFY’06 AT Awareness—the need is constant Unrealistic Expectations Assume AT Act is an entitlement or eligibility program replacing VR, IDEA services, etc. Assume that funding levels are greater than they are © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Opportunities No sunset State grant formula program Program reflects needs of the state Required activities with flexibility History in state Building collaborations to address broad issues Leveraging alternative funding © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Opportunities The ability to serve Minnesotans with disabilities The chance to get input from stakeholdersformal & informal Advisory Council, task forces, workgroups Contractual & partnership with communitybased groups © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) Contacting the STAR Program 50 Sherburne Ave, Room 309 St. Paul, MN 55155 651/296-2771 (voice) Toll free 800-657-3862 (voice) 651/296-9478 (TTY) Toll free 800-657-3895 (TTY) © Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP)