Activity and Funding Report

Publication in PDF
added 2/12/01

Activity and Funding Report
Oklahoma ABLE Tech - Assistive Technology Program
Assistive Technology Makes Things Possible

Source of Program Funding
ABLE Tech received $673,000 from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, as a result of the passage of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. ABLE Tech seeks additional funding and/or in-kind matches to supplement program activities. In 2000, $33,000 was received from the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education to perform a research project with Oklahoma farmers/ranchers who have health conditions making it difficult for them to work. In collaboration with Area Agencies on Aging and Eldercare $2,250 was provided to create Equipment Loan Closets in several locations.

Outcomes for Oklahomans with Disabilities
ABLE Tech helps children and adults with disabilities access the technology they need to gain independence and pursue opportunities to the fullest extent of their abilities. This occurs through advocacy, training and technical assistance, identifying and removing barriers, monitoring and developing policy, interagency coordination, disseminating information, empowering individuals, and expanding state resources. The following describes several of ABLE Tech's significant accomplishments.

In response to SB1024, ABLE Tech led a 20 member interagency Assistive Technology Task Force. The Final Report of Recommendations was submitted to the Governor and Legislature December 1999.

ABLE Tech established the Assistive Technology Lending Program that makes low interest loans, available through BancFirst of Oklahoma, for the purchase of assistive technology devices.

ABLE Tech worked with Oklahoma Health Care Authority to secure budgetary and policy change for the procurement of durable medical equipment for Medicaid recipients over 21.

ABLE Tech provides ongoing training and information dissemination regarding HB2255, the Defective Assistive Device Act, known as the Lemon Law for malfunctioning assistive devices passed by the 1996 Oklahoma Legislature.

All Oklahomans have access to assistive technology information through the toll-free ABLE Tech INFO-line service and the ABLE Tech webpage http://okabletech.okstate.edu

ABLE Tech established and maintains the Oklahoma Equipment Connection, as a free service, to increase the availability of used/recycled assistive technology devices.

ABLE Tech subcontracts with Centers for Independent Living to provide equipment loan libraries and demonstration labs that enable Oklahomans with disabilities to borrow assistive technology for a trial period to determine appropriateness.

ABLE Tech established partnerships with public and private entities by providing Outreach Kits of assistive technology devices that bring AT information and hands-on experiences to consumers throughout the state.

ABLE Tech provides ongoing advocacy, to consumers across the state, to overcome barriers in securing assistive technology as it relates to available funding and current federal and state legislation.

ABLE Tech provided consultation to the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to reduce system barriers for schools to become Medicaid providers allowing for reimbursement of services that are Medicaid compensable, e.g., assistive technology, that is medically necessary.

ABLE Tech provided the Department of Rehabilitation Services with comprehensive, agency-wide training to enhance the employability of persons with disabilities through utilization of assistive technology and the rehabilitation process.

Publications
To increase access to assistive technology information, ABLE Tech continually develops and disseminates materials to local, state, and national audiences. Publications include:

OK Funding for AT - A Guide to Solving the Funding Puzzle and Getting Assistive Technology in Oklahoma, a manual describing both public and private sources for assistive technology funding in Oklahoma

Assistive Technology Makes Things Possible, a booklet highlighting Oklahomans using AT and their observations of AT device and service availability in the state

Assistive Technology Task Force Final Report, a report of assistive technology recommendations developed by a 20 member legislatively-appointed task force

Technical Assistance Document -Assistive Technology for Children and Youth with Disabilities, a document describing assistive technology devices and services for children and youth with disabilities

Special Care Training, a curriculum that incorporates assistive technology into early childhood education

Discover ABLE Tech, a brochure listing ABLE Tech products and services

Oklahoma Equipment Connection, a brochure describing the assistive technology resale and recycle program

The Lemon Law, a brochure describing the Defective Assistive Device Act for malfunctioning assistive devices

Assistive Technology Lending Program, a brochure describing the low interest loan program for the purchase of AT

Assistive Technology and Rural Life, a brochure describing assistive technology resources for rural Oklahomans

Best Practices for Vendors of Assistive Technology, a brochure providing an overview of AT vendor ethics

Assistive Technology and Daily Living, a five-set series of brochures depicting AT and independent living tips

SWITCHES, a booklet providing an overview of electronic and mechanical switches

Assistive Technology What You Need to Know, a booklet describing AT evaluations and appropriate device selection

Assistive Technology for Children, a booklet describing AT devices and services available for children under various legislation and health insurance

Assistive Technology for Adults, a booklet describing AT devices and services available for adults under various legislation and health insurance

Assistive Technology for Older Adults, a booklet describing AT devices and services available for older adults under various legislation and health insurance

Assistive Technology & IDEA, a booklet describing AT devices and services for children and youth in educational settings

Make-n-Take Sheets, a series of information sheets depicting ways to adapt everyday items for persons with disabilities

Training and Outreach - ABLE Tech collaborates and offers training on Assistive Technology to all State agencies that serve individuals with disabilities including: Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Human Services, State Department of Education, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Oklahoma State Department of Vo-Tech and others. Additionally, ABLE Tech provides AT Training to statewide disability-related organizations serving individuals with disabilities across the life span. Assistive Technology training initiatives are directed toward: Agency Staff Development Programs and Services for Individuals with Disabilities Technical Assistance Private and Public Funding Sources

Children -PRO-OK-Parent Training Program, SoonerStart Early Intervention Program, Partners in Policymaking (annual), Special Services Region X Parent Group, Learning Disabilities Association Conference (annual), Early Childhood Disability Awareness Conference (annual), University of Oklahoma Special Education Teacher Program, Council for Exceptional Children Conference (annual), Children's Mental Health Conference (annual), SpecialCare Initiative, Oklahoma Child Abuse and Neglect Conference (annual), SDE Encyclo-Media Conference, Community Child Care Programs

Adult - Workforce Oklahoma Technology Academy (annual), Mayors Conference on Disabilities (annual), Oklahoma Rehabilitation Association Conference (annual), OK-AHEAD Conference (annual), Bacone College Rehabilitation Counselor Program, State of Oklahoma Occupational Information Coordination Committee (SOICC), Tulsa Job Fair (annual), Oklahoma State Department of Technology and Career Education Conference (annual), OSU Speech Language Pathologist Program, Disability Awareness Day at Capitol (annual), Oklahoma Mental Health Association Conference (annual), National Association of Mental Illness-Oklahoma Chapter, Oklahoma Association for Family and Community Education Conference, Department of Human Services Creating Partnerships Conference (annual), Governors Conference on Developmental Disabilities, Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma Conference (annual), Rural Health Association of Oklahoma Conference, Vocational Evaluators Association Conference

Elderly - Side by Side Conference (annual), Southwest Society on Aging Conference (annual), Promoting Independence for Older Adults Workshop, Senior Day at Capitol, Medicare Outreach, Oklahoma Arthritis Network

Minorities - Section 121 Vocational Rehabilitation Programs, Minority Outreach Conference (annual)

Professional Organizations - Residential Care Providers Licensure Program, State of Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management, Doctors Hospital Outreach and Education Association, O/T, P/T, SLP Associations of Oklahoma Conference, Tulsa Occupational Therapists Association, Oklahoma Speech and Hearing Association, National Social Workers Association-Oklahoma Chapter, Affirmative Action Association, Oklahoma Council for Blind

State Agency Personnel - Developmental Disabilities Services Division Case Management Staff, Developmental Disabilities Services Division Vocational Staff, Developmental Disabilities Services Division Training Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Services Vocational and Visual Services Staff, Oklahoma State Department of Technology and Career Education Staff, Oklahoma Public School Educators and Administrators, Aging Services Division, Long Term Care Authority Staff, Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Head Start [PIE CHART of Training Statistics: State Agency 11%, Providers 37%, Community Services 8%, Educational Services 3%, Consumers 41%]

Consumer Participation - The Oklahoma ABLE Tech Consumer Advisory Council is comprised of individuals who have a connection with a variety of disabilities and related issues. ABLE Tech materials and training programs are reviewed by the Consumer Advisory Council. The council provides vital input to assure that the project's goals and activities are responsive to the needs of the people in Oklahoma.

Assistive Technology Loan Program - Centers for Independent Living (CILS) are non-profit organizations that assist people with disabilities by providing programs and services to help individuals have a more independent lifestyle. Centers in Norman, Bartlesville, Tulsa, and McAlester maintain demonstration labs and loan libraries of assistive technology devices. Oklahoma ABLE Tech through Tech Act funds has purchased many of the devices available at each center. The devices may be utilized for a trial period to determine appropriateness and/or borrowed by persons who are in the process of purchasing and need a device during an interim period. [PIE CHART: Loans of AT Equipment; Total AT Loans 1788; Oklahomans for Independent Living 289, Green Country Independent Living Resource Center 302, Ability Resources 830, Progressive Independence 367]

Information and Referral - The ABLE Tech INFO-line helps people find the assistive technology they need and keep up with new developments in the field. The ABLE Tech INFO-line provides free information and referral services on assistive technology for people of all ages with disabilities. Family members, service providers, and others who work in fields related to disabilities or to assistive technology may also use this service. ABLE Tech INFO-line's resources include a statewide computer database, national resources, in-house collection of catalogs, and product literature.
1-888-885-5588V/TDD
[PIE CHART: Information & Referral; Friend/Relative 8%, Parent 11%, Consumer 39%, Education/Sooner 3%, Medical/Health 4%, Agency 12%, Provider 23%]

"Assistive Technology is a growing and complex field. New developments happen daily. Assistive Technology provides the tools that enable many people with disabilities: to have control over their own lives, to become included in the community, to enjoy the benefits of American life, to have access to living, learning, working, and playing and, to have the same choices that are available to people without disabilities. On the cover are Oklahomans who are enjoying the benefits of life as a result of Assistive Technology." Linda Jaco, Program Manager

Back Cover: Lead Agency: Oklahoma ABLE Tech OSU Seretean Wellness Center 1514 West Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK 74078-2026, 800-257-1705 V/TDD, 888-885-5588 INFO-line V/TDD, 405-744-2487 FAX http://okabletech.okstate.edu WEB

Green Country Independent Living Resource Center 4100 Southeast Adams Road, Suite C-106 Bartlesville OK 74006 918-335-0567 (TDD), 800-559-0567 (TDD), 918-333-1814 FAX

Ability Resources 823 South Detroit, Suite 110 Tulsa OK 74120 918-592-1235 (TDD) 800-722-0886 (TDD) 918-592-5651 FAX

Oklahomans for Independent Living 321 South 3rd Street, Suite 2 McAlester OK 74501 918-426-6220 (TDD) 800-568-6821 (TDD) 918-426-3245 FAX

Progressive Independence 121 North Porter Norman OK 73071 405-321-3203 (TDD) 800-801-3203 (TDD) 405-321-7601 FAX

Assistive technology makes things possible.

The Oklahoma State University Seretean Wellness Center is the lead agency for the Oklahoma ABLE Tech project. ABLE Tech is funded by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education. Grant #H224A50007. This publication does not necessarily reflect the position of the policy of NIDRR/ED, and no official endorsement of the material should be inferred. Oklahoma ABLE Tech, 1-800-257-1705 V/TDD ABLE Tech INFO-line 1-888-885-5588 V/TDD

We would like to extend a special thanks to the Utah Assistive Technology Project and the North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology for providing some photos and content for us to replicate. Our thanks to the many individuals who shared their stories with us.

Publication available in alternate formats.

Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Wellness Center, was printed by the Audio Visual Center, University Printing Services at a cost of $816.29 1M/1/01; No. 9822.