Part I:  Attachments

OMB Control Number:  1820-0664
Expiration Date:  12/31/2008 

Attachment 1:  Basic Information

Name of Lead Agency: Oklahoma State University, Seretean Wellness Center

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Lead Agency: Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Address of Lead Agency: 1514 W. Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK  74078-2026

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency: Linda Jaco

Address for Certifying Representative: 1514 W. Hall of Fame

                                          Stillwater, OK  74078-2026

Telephone for Certifying Representative: 405-744-9864

E-mail for Certifying Representative: linda.jaco@okstate.edu

Name and Title of Program Director: Milissa Gofourth

Address for Program Director: 1514 W. Hall of Fame

                                          Stillwater, OK  74078-2026

Telephone for Program Director: 405-744-9863

E-mail for Program Director: milissa.gofourth@okstate.edu

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

Address for Program Director: Same.

Telephone for Program Director: Same.

E-mail for Program Director: Same

Name of Implementing Entity: Not applicable.

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Implementing Entity: Not applicable.

Address of Implementing Entity: Not applicable.

Name and Title of Program Director: Not applicable.

Address for Program Director: Not applicable.

Telephone for Program Director: Not applicable.

E-mail for Program Director: Not applicable.

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director): Not applicable.

Address for Program Director: Not applicable.

Telephone for Program Director: Not applicable.

E-mail for Program Director: Not applicable.

Attachment 2: Lead Agency and Implementing Entity

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

Lead Agency Capacity to Meet Individuals AT Needs

Governor Frank Keating in 1995 designated Oklahoma State University, Seretean Wellness Center as the lead agency for Oklahoma ABLE Tech, the statewide Assistive Technology Program.  Oklahoma State University is a public institution of higher education.  Since 1995 ABLE Tech has provided Oklahomans free access to information and referral services, an accessible website, and publications in accessible formats on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws, and policies and funding opportunities for assistive technology.  Additionally, through collaboration with consumer directed organizations, ABLE Tech has impacted the state law and policy to ensure more Oklahomans have accessed and acquired needed assistive technology. 

Much of the focus of the Assistive Technology Acts prior to the passage of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended (ATA 1998 as amended) was systems change.  Oklahoma ABLE Tech had a unique advantage being housed at an institution of higher education, because this positioned ABLE Tech in an environment that was not administratively dependent on any agency that directly provided services to Oklahomans with disabilities i.e. needed systems change.  Therefore, ABLE Tech had the freedom to impact system change without fear of interference.

The mission of Oklahoma ABLE Tech is to increase the provision of, access to, and funding for assistive technology for Oklahomans of all ages and all disabilities through a variety of comprehensive activities and services statewide.  With the passage of the ATA of 1998 as amended, ABLE Tech will continue its mission and shift its focus from systems change to that of activities that more directly assist individuals to ensure even more individuals with disabilities have access to the technology they need. 

AT Expertise

ABLE Tech employs a diversified and stable staff who is highly educated and motivated to meet the varied needs of Oklahomans with disabilities.  Four key personnel have been with the program for 10 years and the fifth staff person has been with the program for four years.  The longevity of the staff has provided them with opportunities to research AT topics regarding law, policy, funding, devices and services giving them expertise to provide enhanced quality products and services to Oklahomans with disabilities needing AT but also to offer creditable and valuable AT resources to collaborating entities.  The staff credentials include:

Linda Jaco, M.S. in School Psychology and B.S. Education:  Ms. Jaco has become the Interim Associate Director of Sponsored Programs for the Seretean Wellness Center and in this capacity will now serve as the Certifying Representative of the Lead Agency.  She will continue to play an active role in the management of the Oklahoma AT program.  Ms. Jaco has extensive experience in the field of disabilities and in identification and utilization of AT devices and services. She is responsible for setting the direction of the program, supervising the activities of ABLE Tech staff, and regularly reporting to entities such as ABLE Tech¿s State Advisory Council, the National Technical Assistance Program, and the U.S. Department of Education.  Her responsibilities have included the fiscal management of the program, hiring program staff and managing all program activities mandated under the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as well as the ATA of 1998 as amended.  Ms. Jaco is on the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs Board of Directors.  Ms. Jaco is a family member of person with a disability. 

Milissa Gofourth, M.S. Health Care Administration and B.S. in Special Education:  Ms Gofourth has been with ABLE Tech since 1996.  She now serves as the Interim Program Director where she manages the day to day operations of the program.  She works with state agencies that provide AT toward outcomes that will reduce the barriers to the provision of and funding for AT.  Ms. Gofourth is also the Loan Coordinator of the Alternative Financing Program (AFP), where she manages the day to day operation of the AFP and has done so since October 2001.  She coordinates all communication and reporting between BancFirst, OkAT Board, loan applicants, vendors, the national technical assistance program and State/Federal government.  As loan coordinator of the AFP, Ms. Gofourth has also participated in national workgroups that have studied a variety of alternative financing issues such as data collection, reporting procedures and AFP definitions.  In addition Ms. Gofourth develops informational materials, which enhance the understanding and use of AT, and provides client specific information and referral to public and private resources.  Milissa is working as a consultant with the National Information System for Assistive Technology (NISAT) grant that is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and updating of a data collection and reporting system for use by all State AT programs and the U.S. Department of Education.  Ms. Gofourth is a family member of person with a disability. 

Sherril York, PhD. in Physical Education, an M.S. in Physical Education and a B.S.Ed in Health and Physical Education: Dr. York has been with ABLE Tech since 2001. She has extensive experience in personnel training, direct service programming, and research with people with disabilities across the lifespan. She completed a graduate certificate in assistive technology from the Louisiana Tech University, and is a nationally Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) through the National Consortium on Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID). She serves as the Outreach/Training Specialist where she is engaged in the organization, development and implementation of training and outreach activities to increase knowledge of, access to, funding for assistive technology.  She has provided training and technical assistance on a myriad of AT devices across the lifespan and for community, education, employment, information technology, and recreational settings. She also coordinates the ABLE Tech short-term equipment loan and demonstration programs, which enable consumers and professionals to experience assistive technology prior to purchase decisions. Dr. York is a person with a disability.

Brenda Dawes, B. S. English, teaching certification secondary level, 14 hours toward Masters degree program in the School of Educational Studies, Program: Human Resource Development and Adult Education. Ms. Dawes has been with ABLE Tech since 1995 as a Training/Evaluation Specialist and then in 1996 as the Marketing Specialist/Web Manager where she provides public relations and promotion of the ABLE Tech program and its various initiatives through a variety of marketing methods in order to increase the knowledge of, access to, and funding for assistive technology.  She promotes the program through the development, organization, and maintenance of the ABLE Tech website. She has provided training to state agencies and other groups on a wide array of assistive technology devices.  Ms. Dawes also provides training and technical assistance to state agencies, post secondary institutions, and common education regarding accessible information technology laws and standards. She has participated in various national classes, continuing education courses, and is involved with a variety of groups specific to accessible information technology in order to increase the technical assistance capabilities of the ABLE Tech program. Brenda will be the Association of Assistive Technology Act Program's (ATAP) alternate member for the advisory committee to the US Access Board that will provide input for updating the access standards for electronic and information technology.  She facilitates the day to day operation of the ABLE Tech partners involved with device short-term loan and demonstration programs. Ms. Dawes is a family member of a person with a disability. 

Diana Sargent, Administrative Assistant: Ms. Sargent has been with ABLE Tech since 1996.  She is responsible to maintain records for all program activities, coordinates Advisory Council meetings, provides general secretarial duties for staff, provides computer support to the staff, and creates the alternative format on program materials.  Additionally, she operates the information and referral line, assists with maintenance of the AT demonstration center, and the short-term loan program as well as the reutilization program.  

ABLE Tech staff has and will continue to participate in continuing educational opportunities on an on-going basis in an effort to increase their skills and knowledge of AT devices and services.  Attendance and invitation to present at nationally recognized conferences in order to share information on various aspects of AT is indicative of the expertise of the staff.  Staff have presented at national conferences such as RESNA, AgrAbility, and the National Institute for Recreation Inclusion, as well as numerous state conferences/workshops.  ABLE Tech staff has also shared their AT expertise through collaborations with other grant awards such as; Federal Emergency Management Agency, implementing the ¿The Fire Safety Solutions for Persons with Disabilities through the Use of Assistive Technology¿; United States Department of Agriculture, implementing the ¿Oklahoma AgrAbility Project¿; the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, administrating and implementing the ¿Agricultural Disabilities Awareness Program¿; and Disability Business Technical Assistance Center, administering and implementing the ¿Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Project¿.  ABLE Tech will continue to explore ways to share expertise on assistive technology at local, state, and national venues.  Additionally, ABLE Tech will continue to seek both Federal/State and private AT funding opportunities to advance the mission of ABLE Tech in an effort to better serve Oklahomans with disabilities needing AT.

ABLE Tech received the 2005 Disability Agency Partner of the Year Award from the Department of Rehabilitation Services based on their efforts of improving AT services delivery to Oklahomans with disabilities.  ABLE Tech was a finalist in 2004 as Tulsa Advocates for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities ¿Advocate of the Year Award¿ due to the AT advocacy that was performed across community living, education, employment and information technology. 

Capacity to Conduct a Program

ABLE Tech will continue its operation of device demonstrations centers, short-term loan programs, device reutilization programs and both an Alternative Financing Program and Access to Telework Fund Program.  ABLE Tech will continue to partner with both public and private entities/organizations that provide direct AT services for individuals with specific types of disabilities in order to provide a comprehensive and statewide program.  (For the purpose of device demonstration centers and short-term loan programs, ABLE Tech has provided all partners with an inventory of assistive technology that meets the needs of their constituents.)  This is being accomplished by Memorandums of Agreement and contracts that specify certain responsibilities pertaining to service delivery, marketing, data collection, evaluation and consumer responsiveness to the four required activities of the ATA of 1998 as amended.  ABLE Tech and its partners will continue to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities across the four areas of education, employment, telecommunications, and community living.  This will continue to be accomplished through partners that were selected based on the following criteria:

1. Partners are situated in a variety of settings such as, private/public Institutions of Higher Education, the State¿s Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, hospital affiliation, community based organizations, state agency, 26 regional early intervention sites, and non-profit organizations.  
2. Partners serve individuals with disabilities who can benefit from AT.  The specific target audience includes individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, information technology, learning, verbal and written communication needs. 
3. Partners need the AT resources that ABLE Tech provides including AT equipment, as well as materials and information on AT law, funding, policy, and advocacy.
4.  Partners have accepted their responsibilities to the service delivery of the activities with little to no financial compensation.

As ABLE Tech and its partners evaluate the performance measures annually, ongoing decisions will be made to explore ways to expand the comprehensiveness and evaluate the quality of the four required activities of the ATA of 1998 as amended with regard to education, employment, community living and information technology/telecommunication.

Capacity to Coordinate and Collaborate

Oklahoma legislators successfully passed a law to create an AT Task Force to address the barriers to AT for Oklahomans with disabilities in 1998.  Under the leadership of ABLE Tech, the AT Task Force addressed AT issues across use and maintenance, education, employment, and interagency coordination and established ABLE Tech as a recognized leader with regard to AT expertise and consumer advocacy.  The recommendations of the AT Task Force were submitted to the Oklahoma legislature.  The AT Task Force findings and recommendations established a work plan for ABLE Tech and responsible State agencies to begin an ongoing collaboration to effectively reduce the AT barriers to Oklahomans with disabilities.  ABLE Tech, as a trusted decision-making entity, began the work of coordinating efforts to reduce AT barriers with entities that were held responsible in the final AT Task Force report.  However, over time these collaborative efforts have encompassed a broader array of disability issues thereby bringing together a larger contingency of agencies and entities that have continued the process of reducing not only AT barriers but other unmet needs that create barriers for Oklahomans with disabilities. 

Collaborative efforts that ABLE Tech currently participates in and will continue to take a leadership role as it relates to:

1. Community Living
2. ABLE Tech is one of thirty-seven legislatively appointed members to Oklahoma¿s Olmstead Strategic Planning Committee.  It was created to improve community services for persons with disabilities, to develop Oklahoma¿s Comprehensive Effectively Working Plan for Placing Qualified Persons with disabilities in less restrictive settings, and to create a waiting list that moves people at a reasonable pace not controlled by the State¿s endeavors to keep its institutions fully populated.  Based on recommendations of the third year report ABLE Tech led a committee and created an AT action plan for the State of Oklahoma.  2006 Legislative session extended the Planning Committee and ABLE Tech will continue to serve as an appointed member.
3. ABLE Tech participates as one of twenty-five members on the Oklahoma Respite Resource Network.  This work group was created to develop a system in which various funding sources could support statewide respite care for Oklahomans with disabilities.  ABLE Tech will continue to provide AT expertise as it relates to respite care in community living.
4. ABLE Tech is an active member of the Oklahoma Arthritis Network and holds a position on its steering committee.  The purpose of this statewide coalition is to educate Oklahomans who have arthritis on how to self manage by utilizing AT, pain management strategies, and peer support so as to fully participate in community living.  ABLE Tech will continue to provide public awareness on the benefits and appropriateness of AT.

II.                Education

1. ABLE Tech staff continues to be a member of the Focused Monitoring Stakeholder Group.  This group will work with the National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring (NCSEAM) in developing the new focused monitoring system.  The new focused monitoring system will have a direct and positive impact on monitoring effectiveness and improvement of services (including AT) for students with disabilities throughout Oklahoma.  The stakeholder group includes representatives from higher education, administration, special and general education, early intervention, advocacy groups, parents of special education students, and persons with disabilities to assist in the development of this system.  The Focused Monitoring Stakeholder Group is a direct outgrowth of the work of the Education Oversight Committee.
2. ABLE Tech continues to be a member of the State Performance Plan (SPP) Stakeholder Group to assist the Department of Education in the creation of the State Special Education Plan.  The group is composed of individuals involved in or concerned with the education of children with disabilities.  The panel includes parents of children with disabilities; individuals with disabilities; teachers; State and local education officials; administrators of programs for children with disabilities; and other invested parties.  The SPP is submitted to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), United States Department of Education (USDE) by December, 2005.
3. ABLE Tech is a member of the State Department of Education Transition Work Group and the Summary of Performance Work Group.  The mission is to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in developing effective activities as youth with disabilities transition from school to post school activities.  The outcome of the group is to plan services which may include post secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, supported employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living and community participation.  The outcomes will be based on the individual student¿s needs, preferences and interest.  ABLE Tech will continue to integrate AT into the activities of this work group.
4. ABLE Tech participates as members of the Multi-disciplinary AT Early Intervention Work Group for children receiving services under IDEA Part C.  The purpose of the work group is to create statewide quality indicators for a comprehensive AT service delivery system.  ABLE Tech will continue to take a leadership role with regard to AT provision for young children with disabilities.
5. ABLE Tech is a member of the Oklahoma Family Perspective partnership.  The purpose of the partnership is to give public awareness, training and technical support to parents and families of individuals with disabilities to ensure they have a voice at the decision-making level within State agencies.  ABLE Tech will continue to provide information and advocacy on the laws, policy, and funding of AT devices and services.
6. ABLE Tech plans to develop a work group among the five OSU system campuses for support of public awareness, training and technical assistance of AT utilization at the higher education level.  Eighty percent of Oklahoma¿s population lies within the radius of the five campuses, thus allowing ABLE Tech to outreach to a majority of the State.
7. ABLE Tech will be a collaborating partner with the State Department of Education and the Accessible Instructional Materials Center and the Library for the Blind under the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) Development and Technical Assistance Center.  The purpose of this endeavor is to ensure Oklahoma students with print disabilities will have improved learning outcomes.  Oklahoma¿s state legislation passed in 2004 requires textbook publishers to provide their books in electronic format.

III.             Employment

1. ABLE Tech¿s program manager is a governor appointed member on the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council.  The purpose of this Council is to partner with the Department of Rehabilitation Services to ensure consumer choice with regard to the vocational/visual rehabilitation service delivery system.  The ABLE Tech staff will continue in their active role to advocate for consumers to receive appropriate AT devices and services.
2. ABLE Tech is a member of the Alliance for Public Transportation, a non-profit entity seeking to improve public transportation for all Oklahomans.  The purpose of the organization is to reduce transportational barriers that prevent individuals from being able to fully participate in employment and other community activities.  ABLE Tech will continue to provide information and awareness of the need for accessible transportation systems. 
3. ABLE Tech collaborates with the Disability Navigators that are located in various Oklahoma Workforce Centers.  ABLE Tech provides information, training and technical assistance on the benefits of AT in the workplace especially with regard to Telework. 
4. ABLE Tech participates on the State Department of Rehabilitation Services Customer Service Improvement Committee (CSI) which annually addresses the agencies policies and procedures.  The Committee reviews policy as it relates to the Rehabilitation Act and submits recommendations to the agency¿s Commission.

IV.             Information Technology/Telecommunication

1. ABLE Tech is the legislatively designated facilitator of the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (EITA) Advisory Council.  The purpose of this Council is to ensure the implementation of Oklahoma¿s EITA law passed in 2004.  The Council is charged with the development of the technical standards, grievance procedures and the rules that will establish how state agencies, public higher education, community colleges, and Career Technology Centers will comply and implement this new law.  ABLE Tech will continue to facilitate the work of this Council.  The 2006 Legislative session extended the EITA Advisory Council and ABLE Tech will continue to serve as an appointed member.
2. ABLE Tech staff will serve as the secondary appointee for the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs on the Access Board. 

State agencies and entities that are and will continue to be involved with ABLE Tech in the collaborative efforts mentioned above are: State Department of Education, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Medicaid), Department of Health, Office of State Finance, Department of Central Services, Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, Office of Handicapped Concerns, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Employment Security Commission, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, Department of Labor, Centers for Learning and Leadership, Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, Statewide Independent Living Council, and Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council.  ABLE Tech staff will continue to participate at all levels of memberships on the above mentioned councils, workgroups, initiatives, and committees that address the needs of Oklahomans with disabilities across the life span.  These collaborations will continue to ensure that ABLE Tech is in a variety of decision-making positions in order to guarantee that assistive technology is being effectively addressed statewide.  In turn, the ABLE Tech Advisory Council members proactively link ABLE Tech to assistive technology issues and activities that are key to their agencies/organizations.  

Apart from ATA of 1998, as amended funds, ABLE Tech participates with three other grant projects.  These projects include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), AgrAbility Project, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Safety Solutions for Persons with Disabilities Project, and the Southwest Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (SWDBTAC) Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Project.  Within these grant programs AT acquisition and training activities will be reported in the annual data collection system. Information on these projects can be accessed by contacting ABLE Tech or at their website.  These projects enable ABLE Tech to have enhanced breadth with regard to outreach to Oklahomans with disabilities as well as expanded expertise with both State and Federal agencies.  ABLE Tech will continue to seek funding opportunities to provide an enhanced service delivery program.

Capacity for Consumer Responsiveness

ABLE Tech revamped its consumer responsive Advisory Council in February 2005 in order to be in compliance with regards to the ATA of 1998 as amended.  This council has and will continue to provide input and feedback on the development, implementation and evaluation of the ABLE Tech program at their quarterly meetings.  ABLE Tech strongly supports full participation for individuals with disabilities with respect to technology-related assistance, including decisions that affect capacity building and advocacy activities by providing quality information on how to access and acquire AT through various systems.  ABLE Tech provides public comment to Federal and State agencies on the improvement of the provision of AT for persons with disabilities.  ABLE Tech assists individuals in the complaint/grievance process in order to assist them in accessing and acquiring needed AT.  In addition, ABLE Tech will ensure consumer responsiveness by seeking direct feedback via consumer satisfaction surveys, on specific service components of the AT program such as, AFP, information and referral, training, reutilization program and the quarterly newsletter, annually for the next three years.  Throughout the years ABLE Tech has and will continue to utilize consumer focus groups to seek specific guidance on many of its programs and services.  ABLE Tech will continue to partner with the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT), a consumer directed non-profit organization, which promotes the principles of personal responsibility, self-determination and individual dignity. 

ABLE Tech will continue to operate MOA¿s for both device demonstrations centers and short-term loan programs with the following entities:

• Department of Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services Division
• University of Tulsa, Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders
• Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center, University of Oklahoma Allied Health Services
• Department of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Division
• The Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association
• Oklahoma League for the Blind
• SoonerStart, (IDEA Part C, Early Intervention Program)

ABLE Tech will continue to operate a reutilization MOA with Sooner AMBUCS, Share4Life Komputer (ASK) for recycled computers. 

ABLE Tech will continue to contract with the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) to operate both the Alternative Financing Program and the Access to Telework Fund Program.

2.1B Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an Implementing Entity is Designated

            Not applicable.

2.2  Identification and Description of the Implementing Entity ¿  Identify and describe the Implementing Entity referred to in section 4¿(1)(B) of the AT Act, if such an Implementing Entity is designated by the Governor. 

3.1    Not applicable3  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 (1)(C) of the AT Act, provide an explanation of good cause for this redesignation.

            Not applicable.

Attachment 3: State Advisory Council

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.

ABLE Tech has had an effective, functional, and operational Advisory Council since 1995 which has provided input and feedback on the development, implementation and evaluation of the organization.  With the passage of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended, ABLE Tech restructured the Advisory Council to be in compliance with the new law.  The Advisory Council membership will continue to have a majority of persons with disabilities.  There are seventeen members of the Advisory Council, 53% or nine are individuals with disabilities who use AT or have a family member with a disability.  In addition, two agency representatives are also persons with disabilities or have a family member with a disability.  There is diversity in the types of disability: autism (1), deaf or hearing impaired (3), learning disability (1), mobility (4), traumatic brain injury (TBI) (1), and vision impaired (1). 

3.2  Structure and Operation of the Advisory Council¿  Describe the structure and operations of the Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council by-laws, adopted in 1995, provide a structure in which the Council operates that includes the following purposes:

Provide guidance for the expansion of assistive technology devices and services on a statewide basis.

Provide guidance to State agencies and local planning and administrative entities providing assistive technology devices and services.

Provide viewpoints from other organizations, agencies, or constituencies;

Provide liaison with State agencies, community groups and other constituencies of the organization;

Provide financial or other advice;

Help foster good public relations;

Advise staff on whether the program services are meeting the needs of the people to be served;

Help identify any barriers which would impede access to assistive technology;

Provide consumer feedback to program staff.

The Council has a standing quarterly meeting scheduled the fourth Wednesday during the months of January, April, July, and October at the State Capitol.  ABLE Tech leads the meetings, takes minutes, and provides the Council with written reports, information and updates on all programs and services provided by ABLE Tech.  The Council members have opportunities throughout the meetings to provide input and feedback on all issues discussed.  The Council serves an advisory role to ABLE Tech; therefore, no voting procedures are utilized for decision-making purposes.  Additionally, Ad Hoc committees are formed when a topic needs further explanation or research.  ABLE Tech staff and Advisory Council members make recommendations regarding the appointment of other members.  Factors that are considered in the invitation process are to maintain a diverse Council includes: geographical representation, race, ethnicity, types of disabilities across the age span, and users of types of services that individuals with disabilities may receive.

Attachment 4: Measurable Goals

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

4.1  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Education

• Long-term goal: 

4.2  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Employment

• Long-term goal: 

 Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

4.3  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Community Living

• Long-term goal: 

4.4  Goal for Improving Access to IT and Telecommunications

• Long-term goal: 

Short-term goal for Year 3:

4.5  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Education

• Long-term goal: 

 Short-term goal for Year 3: 

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

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

4.6  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Employment

• Long-term goal: 

o       Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

4.7  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Community Living

• Long-term goal: 

Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

Attachment 5: State-level Activities

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. 

Oklahoma ABLE Tech in partnership with the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT), who in turn contracts with BancFirst, offers a statewide Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and an Access to Telework Fund Program (ATF) to Oklahomans with disabilities.  The AFP is an interest rate buy down and/or guaranty bank loan program that provides individuals with disabilities or those that have a dependent with a disability the opportunity to acquire needed assistive technology by borrowing money.  The ATF is an interest rate buy down and/or guaranty bank loan that provides individuals with disabilities a telework outcome by providing an opportunity to acquire needed computers and other equipment including adaptive equipment by borrowing money.  Telework outcomes can encompass work that can be performed effectively from home and/or remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center.  Telework would apply to individuals with disabilities who are currently unemployed, underemployed, self-employed or needing to maintain employment on a full time or part time basis.  ABLE Tech markets the AFP/ATF program on their fully accessible website (http://okabletech.okstate.edu/afp/afp.html), through both ABLE Techs¿ toll free number (888-885-5588) and BancFirst¿s toll free number (800-446-9401), ABLE Tech¿s quarterly newsletter, and through flyers to disability-related agencies, organizations and AT vendors. 

ABLE Tech was awarded an additional grant for the Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program on October 1, 2005.  The infusion of additional funds ensured expansion of the program over years two and three.

The AFP/ATF will meet the measurable goals of the state plan by allowing individuals to acquire needed assistive technology that can be utilized for the purposes of education, employment or community living.  The AFP/ATF provides needed AT to consumers by offering affordable low interest loans.  Consumers have the opportunity to purchase AT they would not have otherwise been able to acquire because this program reduces the obligations of the purchase to a low monthly payment.  Although consumers have the right to choose any type of assistive technology, most consumers to date have purchased equipment such as hearing aids, modified vehicles or computers.  This occurs because Oklahoma has no other public or private funding sources available for these assistive technologies.  ABLE Tech provides consumers information on the benefits and features of various assistive technology devices and services. This will continue to be accomplished by ABLE Tech and its MOA partners by providing consumers opportunities to access information and referral, training and technical assistance, device demonstration centers and short-term loan programs.  ABLE Tech has created and shared fact sheets on purchasing considerations for both hearing aids and modified vehicles with other states that administer AFP programs.  ABLE Tech also provides financial counseling to those individuals that have been denied a BancFirst loan.  This consumer service has been instrumental in assisting individuals from entering into financial obligations that they are not likely to be able to meet and has reduced the default rate to the program, ensuring long-term stability. 

Alternative Financing Program - AFP

Oklahoma¿s AFP program is operated in the following manner: BancFirst accepts loan applications from Oklahomans with disabilities or those that have a dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of residence within the state or type of the assistive technology device or service required.  To date individual borrowers have come from 46 51 of the 77 counties across Oklahoma.  In addition, BancFirst accepts referrals for the AFP from OkAT, ABLE Tech, and other agencies that provide services to individuals with disabilities in addition to any of the BancFirst branches located in 45 different cities and towns across Oklahoma.  Accordingly, BancFirst, in its sole discretion, may approve or deny such applications.  BancFirst will process the application in a manner consistent with consumer loan underwriting guidelines, utilizing a maximum debt service to gross income ratio of 50%.  Loan applications, for qualified low interest loan applicants, may be completed over the phone or by fax with loan approval usually within 48 hours. 

If an applicant does not qualify for a low interest loan, based on consumer loan underwriting guidelines and/or credit criteria, a denial form will be mailed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  If an applicant, upon loan application completion, does not qualify for the low interest loan program upon release of information, a referral will be made to OkAT.  BancFirst will provide OkAT with appropriate documentation which will include at a minimum a loan application and credit report.  OkAT in turn, will provide the consumer information regarding the loan guaranty program.  The AFP Loan Coordinator will contact the applicant to determine if they would be interested in pursuing a loan guaranty request; if so, a loan guaranty packet will be mailed to the applicant.  Upon return receipt of the completed loan packet, the Board will meet via telephone conference, within one week of receiving the necessary information to determine whether an applicant will qualify for a low interest guaranty loan.  As a condition of the guaranty loan approval, an applicant must agree to an automatic deduction for the monthly payment from their checking and/or savings account.  Approved applicants for low interest loans or guaranty loans will have loan documents made available at either a local BancFirst branch or through the mail.  Upon receipt of executed loan documents, BancFirst will disburse the loan proceeds to the vendor(s) of the equipment to be financed.  All applicants must sign a BancFirst release of information to OkAT/ABLE Tech for the purposes of reporting loan disclosure, maintenance, and/or default and for completion of the Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Survey. 

In the event of late payment on a guaranty loan: BancFirst will contact the loan customer 15 days following a missed loan payment.  If the loan customer and BancFirst agree on an alternate payment arrangement or a renegotiation of loan terms, no further action is necessary by BancFirst.  If the loan customer and BancFirst do not agree on an alternate payment arrangement or a renegotiation of loan terms, BancFirst will contact OkAT in writing to inform them that a guaranty loan is delinquent.  Upon notice of delinquent loan, OkAT will contact the borrower to make immediate arrangements that may include one of the following options: (1) OkAT may choose to pay the missed loan payment within 45 days of original due date.  (2) OkAT and the loan customer will arrange to share in the cost of loan payments on a temporary basis.  (3) OkAT will pay default loan in full.  In all three instances OkAT will then seek reimbursement from the loan customer and/or sends delinquency obligation to a collection agency for payment.

BancFirst reports the outstanding balance of each guaranty loan every month and invoices OkAT the interest buy-down amount for each loan closed that month.  In addition, BancFirst will provide a quarterly report on all outstanding AFP/ATF loans, to OkAT, by the 15th of the following months: January, April, July, and October.  The report must contain, but is not limited to:

• Number of loan applications.
• Number of loans approved and whether it is an OkAT guaranty note.
• Interest rate and repayment terms of each loan.
• Types of assistive technology purchased.
• The outstanding balance of each loan.
• The total balance of all AFP/ATF loans.

BancFirst efforts to market the AFP/ATF will include distributing brochures to BancFirst branches across the state for BancFirst customers to access.

Access to Telework Fund Program - ATF

The Access to Telework Fund (ATF) model follows the procedures above with the exception that the applicant must first be determined eligible by ABLE Tech prior to completing a BancFirst application.  This added step ensures that the applicant is an Oklahoman with a disability that has an intended telework outcome, and the computer or other equipment purchased is for the primary purpose of meeting the telework outcome.

Oklahoma¿s AFP/ATF model, out of necessity, operates with very minimal administrative overhead.  Each partner fulfills a distinct collaborative role.  OkAT is comprised of a consumer majority volunteer board that meets quarterly to make all of the decisions of the program and currently has no paid staff or facility expense.  OkAT utilizes the expertise, manpower, and resources of both ABLE Tech and BancFirst for the daily operation of the program.  This unique, inexpensive partnership ensures that Oklahomans with disabilities have access to a quality program in which the bank provides all the administration of the loan as well as the loan funds.  The AT program is the disability/AT expert and the CBO controls the policies/procedures, and separate accounts of funds and determination of guarantees.  Cost of program includes lead agency indirect cost, lead agency expenditure to the program, CBO expenses and default losses.  To date, BancFirst has made 274 loans for a total of 1.6 million dollars; of that, OkAT has guaranteed 82 loans for a total of $578,830.  This cost effective model ensures program permanence.

Fire Safety Solutions for Oklahomans with Disabilities

Oklahoma ABLE Tech and Fire Protection Publications (FPP), both of Oklahoma State University, partnered to create and implement the ¿Fire Safety Solutions for Oklahomans with Disabilities¿ program through funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The project targets people statewide who are blind or have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and people with mobility impairments to provide them with free specialized smoke alarms and fire safety messages to meet their needs.  ABLE Tech accepts applications and determines eligibility.  Then FPP provides trained personnel to install a ¿Silent Call¿ smoke alarm with a strobe light and bed shaker, for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired or a ¿First Alert,¿ with remote control testing system for individuals with vision or mobility impairments.  Within three to six months, ABLE Tech surveys recipients to determine their satisfaction with the smoke alarm, the messages and the overall project.  ABLE Tech will report the acquisition of these specialized smoke alarms in the U.S. Department of Education data reporting system under ¿Other State Financing Activities¿.

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.

Device reutilization includes both device exchange programs and device repair/recycling programs.  Device exchange programs are those in which pre-owned items are listed in a ¿want-ad¿ type posting and consumers can contact and arrange purchase of the pre-owned item directly from the current owner.  Device repair/recycling programs are those in which pre-owned devices are accepted (usually by donation) into an inventory, are repaired or refurbished as needed, and then offered for sale, loan or give away to consumers as recycled products.  ABLE Tech operates both an assistive technology exchange program and partners through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Sooner AMBUCS, a non-profit community organization, to provide recycled/repaired computers. 

ABLE Tech plans to enhance the reutilization exchange program through the development of an interactive web based ¿want ad¿ and have contracted with AgoraNet, Inc. to provide this service.  The web based program will involve extensive data collection for reporting to the U.S. Department of Education on the reutilization activity. 

Oklahoma Equipment Connection

Since 1999 ABLE Tech has operated the Oklahoma Equipment Connection (OEC) a ¿want ad¿ which functions as an exchange program.  The OEC is a free statewide service to help Oklahomans with disabilities acquire assistive technology that is affordable, used equipment that can meet their needs.  ABLE Tech provides consumers information on the benefits and features of various assistive technology devices listed on the OEC. This will continue to be accomplished by ABLE Tech and its MOA partners by providing consumers with opportunities to access information and referral, training and technical assistance, device demonstration centers and short-term loan programs. 

Assistive technology is listed on the OEC in the following categories: 

To put a ¿want ad¿ on the OEC, sellers from across the state contact ABLE Tech either by the website (http://oec.okstate.edu/) or the toll free line (888-885-5588) to post a used AT device(s).  ABLE Tech in turn sends a letter to the seller explaining to them the terms of the listing which include:

• ABLE Tech does not warrant the condition of the device.
• ABLE Tech accepts no liability that may result between the transaction of the buyer and the seller.
• The seller agrees to provide ABLE Tech with the original price and the sold price of the item and the contact information of the buyer.
• The seller provides ABLE Tech with a description of the device along with any special features.
• No personal information is listed on the OEC except for first name, city and county.
• Seller must renew the listing every 90 days or the items will automatically be removed from the list.

The seller agrees to the terms and returns the Agrees to Participate OEC form.  ABLE Tech conducts a follow-up customer satisfaction survey via postage paid mailer on a semi-annual basis.

The OEC provides a cost savings for the seller because this program provides them a mechanism to sell or donate equipment to a targeted audience with no advertising expense.  The devices on the OEC are marketed by the AT category on ABLE Tech¿s fully accessible website and in hard copy that is mailed to disability-related agencies/organization and consumers in ABLE Tech¿s quarterly newsletter. 

The ASK Computer Recycling Program

Sooner AMBUCS operates Share4Life Komputer (ASK) which is a community service program to recycle/repair computers.  This program combines donated computers, components and software to put together usable computers for Oklahomans with disabilities to help recipients gain independence by acquiring computers that they would not otherwise have been able to obtain. 

The ASK Program provides donated computers that are refurbished, loaded with software, and given away to adults and children with disabilities at no charge.  The ASK Program was started in 1994.  In 2001, ASK became a National Program of AmBility, and more than 3650 computers have been acquired by Oklahomans with disabilities.  The program gives young children lower-level programs and computers.  They are donated to special education classrooms and to individual children for their home use.  Even a computer with a relatively small hard drive can be loaded with 60+ games and educational programs (all shareware).  A child with a learning disability, developmental delay, speech and hearing problem, mental retardation, autism, etc., can greatly benefit from these computer programs.  Additionally, children benefit from computers used in the classroom.  They increase their motor and mental skills, which helps them grow and learn.  It is important for children to have the same opportunity at home.  Siblings within the home also can benefit.  The program attempts to match to the highest level need in the home.  Software includes Spanish and sign language learning activities.  The program also donates computers to older children and adults.  Higher-level programs and computers are provided to this group.  People requiring assistive devices (e.g., screen readers, scanners, voice recognition software) need a higher-level Pentium system, which may be provided upon availability. 

The ASK Program is operated in the following manner: consumers with disabilities must make an application and be determined eligible for a computer.  ASK notifies approved applicants on the availability of a computer that matches the needs of the applicant and makes necessary arrangements for the applicant to pick-up the computer.  If a computer is not available, ASK maintains a waiting list and notifies the approved applicant on a first-come first-serve basis.  It may take up to three months to receive an available computer.  Currently, consumers statewide may pick-up computers at either the AMBUCS Norman or Woodward locations.  ASK maintains a website that has a downloadable application.  Additionally they market their program to disability-related organizations, other AMBUCS chapters and through ABLE Tech¿s website link. 

Both the OEC exchange program and the ASK computer recycle program support the acquisition of AT by providing consumers the option to acquire AT by either directly purchasing or being given a donated item that is free or inexpensive.  Additionally, the eligibility criteria is minimal or non-existence for persons with disabilities.  Therefore, items can be acquired in a timely manner.  Both the OEC exchange program and the ASK computer recycling program allows all Oklahomans with disabilities or those that have a dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of residence within the state or type of the assistive technology device to be able to use these services.

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. 

Device short-term loans are loans of AT to individuals or organizations for a variety of purposes such as allowing consumers and agencies to ¿try before they buy¿, assessment, meeting interim needs when devices go in for repair, and for personnel development activities, etc.  Previously, ABLE Tech had contracted with four Centers for Independent Living from 1995 until 2003 to provide a short-term loan program.  Under the advice of ABLE Tech ¿s Advisory Council and based on a reduction of Federal funds and the age and condition of the equipment, ABLE Tech made a determination to develop a new program that would be more cost effective and would better meet the needs of Oklahomans with disabilities.  ABLE Tech now operates the statewide Assistive Technology Equipment Loan (ATEL) Program out of its Stillwater office.  Additionally, ABLE Tech will continue to offer short-term loan programs via Memorandums of Agreement (MOA), in partnership with four new eight partners.  Both the MOA short-term loan program and the ATEL program will continue to provide the following specialized equipment: vision, hearing and speech, computer access, AmTrykes, environmental and educational technology to Oklahomans with disabilities or those that have a dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of residence within the state and/or appropriate targeted individuals and entities statewide. 

ABLE Tech¿s Advisory Council will annually evaluate the comprehensiveness of the program with regard to type of equipment and audiences reached to determine whether the program should be modified.  During Year One, ABLE Tech¿s Advisory Council recommended several MOA partnership modifications.  (1) At mid year the Oklahoma Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association and Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center (OATC) became partners.  OATC will specifically target children accessing SoonerStart services to loan them an AmTryke.  (2) Both the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Oklahoma School for the Blind were discontinued based on low outcome performance.  Equipment from those programs will be provided at the beginning of Year Two, to Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association and Oklahoma League for the Blind to outreach to the targeted population.  (3) ABLE Tech will add the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Division as a new MOA partner beginning Year Two.  (4) ABLE Tech expanded the equipment inventory for both the Department of Rehabilitation Service, Visual Services Division and the University of Tulsa, Mary K. Chapman Center for Community Disorders. 

The short-term loan partners were selected based on the following criteria:

• Partners needed improved access to specialized emerging technology that they could not otherwise afford or provide,
• Partners needed to improve AT services to current consumers,
• Partners needed to enhance outreach to their specialized populations,
• Partners needed to increase skills and competencies to their staff and contracting professionals,
• ABLE Tech needed to provide additional locations for easier equipment access to a larger audience,
• ABLE Tech needed to expand AT access to individuals with specific disabilities across the life span,
• ABLE Tech needed to partner with entities who could provide reputable/quality service delivery, and
• ABLE Tech needed increased capacity building resources without direct expenditures, therefore, leveraging limited federal funding.

MOA Short-term Loan Programs

The partners are the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services Division; Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center, the University of Tulsa, Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders, The Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Division, and the Oklahoma League for the Blind.  The partners will continue to provide increased access to equipment to targeted individuals and entities.  The MOA short-term loan programs operate out of the following locations: 1) the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services Division, Sheppard Mall in Oklahoma City, 2) Hearing Loss Association, in the Integris Baptist Medical Center, Third Age Life Center, Oklahoma City, 3) Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center, University of Oklahoma Allied Health Services, Oklahoma City, 4) University of Tulsa, Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders in Tulsa, 5) Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association, Tulsa, 6) the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Division, Evaluation Center in Oklahoma City and 7) the Oklahoma League for the Blind in Oklahoma City.  The MOA outlines an arrangement whereby ABLE Tech provides the specialized assistive technology in exchange for the partner managing the day to day operation of the program, as well as program data (outlined below) for no operating fee.  ABLE Tech provided each MOA partner with a budget and they in turn chose the equipment that they believed would enhance assistive technology access for improved informed choice to targeted individuals and entities.  ABLE Tech will maintain ownership of all equipment.  This program allows consumers and professionals the opportunity to borrow AT they would not have otherwise been able to access because no such program existed for specialized equipment.  

The MOA partners have each developed policies and procedures to operate their short-term loan program.  They have agreed to provide the following: 

1.       Identify personnel that will be responsible for the daily operation and reporting on device short-term loan.
2.       Space to house the assistive technology equipment.
3.       Provide ABLE Tech with a copy of the programs policies and procedures that at a minimum identify: 1) the maximum loan term can not exceed 42 calendar days; 2) borrowers are responsible for returning item in same condition, excluding normal wear and tear, and; 3) borrowers are responsible for the cost of repair.  
4.      Acknowledgement of partnership with ABLE Tech on any marketing materials, including web links.
5.       Report monthly utilization to ABLE Tech by the 10^th of each month for the proceeding month¿s data on device short-term loan using an Microsoft Access database.
6.        Report quarterly outcome data to ABLE Tech by the 10^th of the following months, January, April, July, and October as prescribed by ABLE Tech.
7.       Annual inventory report to ABLE Tech on condition of all assistive technology equipment using a Microsoft Access database.
8.       Routine maintenance of all assistive technology equipment as long as the equipment remains viable.  Once equipment is no longer functional or is obsolete, the status of the equipment will be reported in the monthly report to ABLE Tech.
9.         Two annual anecdotal ¿stories¿ of individuals with disabilities who have benefited from these services.
10.         An Assistive Technology (AT) Short-Term Loan Information Survey will be completed by the borrower for all short-term loans and returned with the device(s).

Assistive Technology Equipment Loan Program ¿ operated by ABLE Tech

ABLE Tech will continue to operate an assistive technology short-term loan program.  ABLE Tech¿s short-term loan program, known as the Assistive Technology Equipment Loan (ATEL), accepts applications for equipment loans from a person with a disability, family members, advocates or service providers (e.g. therapist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor).  Some devices available for loan may require specialized support for their use, therefore, the person requesting the loan will be asked to identify someone who recommended the device to them and who will provide support during a loan period. Support persons may include centers for independent living staff, vocational rehabilitation counselors, teachers, occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT) s, home health staff, etc.  The borrower may request a maximum of three (3) devices at any one time.  The length of the device loan is 42 days with a possible extension.  ABLE Tech will charge a rental fee and shipping and handling (S&H) for each item based on the following chart:

Device Value                          42 day Rental Cost

$100 - $1500                           $10 plus S&H

$1501 - $3000                         $20 plus S&H

$3001 - $6000                         $30 plus S&H

$6001 plus                               $40 plus S&H

This rental fee will ensure ABLE Tech the ability to sustain the program and update the equipment as needed.  In addition, the borrower will pay for shipping costs.  The ATEL program will ship devices statewide.  A renter may choose to pick up and return the device from the ATEL Program in Stillwater, eliminating shipping fees. 

ABLE Tech will continue to market both the MOA short-term loan programs and the ATEL program on their fully accessible website, quarterly newsletter, and through flyers to disability-related agencies and organizations. 

Each time a device(s) is loaned, data will be collected on the following: 1) characteristics of the person who is borrowing the device(s) 2) characteristics of the AT user such as age, disability and rural or urban residence, 3) primary purpose for the loan in regard to, education, employment, community living or IT/Telecommunication, and 4) did the loan help the AT user make an informed decision and if not, why.

Both the MOA short-term loan programs and the ATEL program will enhance informed choice to both individuals and professionals by utilizing equipment in a natural environment to ensure the device meets their needs.  Additionally, the short-term loan could result in cost savings to purchasers of the equipment who previously may have experienced abandonment, as well as lack of:

• effective utilization,
• product awareness,
• knowledge of the product features, and
• access to a device.

ABLE Tech recognizes that the current short-term loan programs are not fully comprehensive with regard to type of devices.  Both the MOA short-term loan program and the ATEL program do not provide durable medical equipment (DME).  DME has been restricted based on fiscal considerations and recommendations of the ABLE Tech Advisory Council.  This decision to not provide DME for the short-term loan programs is founded on the prohibitive costs associated with purchasing, storing, shipping, maintaining, and retrieval of DME due to limited funds and manpower.  ABLE Tech along with input from Advisory Council members determined not to continue a partnership with both the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf as a result of their inability to meet the conditions of the MOA.  The addition of new partners will continue to cover the targeted populations.

Additionally, ABLE Tech is conducting a statewide needs assessment to determine the most effective way in which to operate a short term loan program.  The objectives of the needs assessment are:

1.       Determine the AT equipment needs of select agencies across the state,
2.       Identify constraints and facilitators to agency participation in the short term loan program, and
3.       Guide the purchase of appropriate AT devices.

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.

Device demonstration compares the features and benefits of a particular AT device or category of devices for an individual or small group of individuals.  The purpose of a device demonstration is to enable an individual to make an informed choice to a particular device to support effective usage.  Device demonstrations should not be confused with training activities at which devices are demonstrated for larger groups.  Device demonstrations also should not be confused with public awareness activities at which devices are demonstrated.  The key difference is that device demonstrations are intended to enable an individual to make an informed choice rather than merely making him or her aware of a variety of AT.

ABLE Tech will operate an AT device demonstration center out of its Stillwater office.  ABLE Tech will also offer six device demonstration centers, via an MOA with the same partners utilized for the short-term loan program (Attachment 5.3) with the exception of the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center which only operates a short term loan program.  Additionally, ABLE Tech will continue its MOA with SoonerStart to provide AT devices for demonstration purposes.  Each demonstration center and SoonerStart will have assigned personnel familiar with AT devices and services available to demonstrate the device(s) to individuals and/or groups.  Not only will the devices be available at the seven centers and SoonerStart offices statewide but staff from each center will have opportunities to demonstrate devices for specialized training classes, public awareness events and workshop utilization statewide. 

The ABLE Tech center will be open to the public every Monday from 9 to Noon, every Tuesday from 1:30-4:30 p.m., or call for an appointment at 1-888-885-5588.  Requests for equipment demonstrations may be made by a person with a disability, family members, advocates or service providers (e.g. therapist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor).  ABLE Tech will sponsor quarterly open houses for featured device demonstrations that will be advertised to the general public.  The six MOA centers will operate with posted hours as well as by appointment.  Each time a device(s) is demonstrated at any of the centers, data will be collected on the following: 1) type of participant that is being demonstrated the device, 2) number and type of devices being demonstrated, 3) primary purpose for the demonstration in regard to, education, employment, community living or IT/Telecommunication, and 4) did the demonstration help the AT user make an informed decision, 5) number and type of referrals that were provided to the participant, and 6) customer satisfaction.

ABLE Tech also has a partnership, via a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with SoonerStart which serves children with disabilities birth to 3 years old.  The MOA outlines an arrangement whereby ABLE Tech provides AT demonstration kits for 26 regional offices.  In turn, SoonerStart will allow professionals to utilize the AT kits for the purposes of demonstrating AT devices for appropriate consideration of AT for the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).  The AT demonstration kits include devices across various AT categories that include: 1) vision, 2) assistive listening, 3) self care, 4) positioning, 5) mobility, 6) communication, 7) early reading, 8) early writing, 9) early math, 10) computer access, 11) play, and 12) environmental control.

This program will operate in the following way: SoonerStart professionals will check out the AT demonstration kit to take to the home of the family.  Appropriate devices from the kit, depending on the child¿s functional ability, will be utilized during the demonstration.  The professional will record which device(s) will be recommended in the IFSP, as well as, which device(s) will not benefit the child.  For the first time SoonerStart professionals across the State will have the necessary tools by which to appropriately make an informed choice for a child¿s AT needs.

Each time a device(s) is utilized for a demonstration, a SoonerStart professional will track the following data with regard to making an informed decision: 1) features of the device that were/were not appropriate for the child, 2) how the device could be integrated into the child¿s routine (natural environment), 3) family interest and enthusiasm for the potential of using AT with the child, 4) needed portability, usability, durability of the device, and 5) how the child could or could not do things differently using the device.

ABLE Tech will continue to market the MOA device demonstration programs, the ABLE Tech demonstration program and the SoonerStart demonstrations on the fully accessible website, quarterly newsletter, and through flyers to disability-related agencies and organizations. 

ABLE Tech recognizes that the six MOA device demonstration programs are not fully comprehensive with regard to type of devices or statewideness.  The types of devices located in the six device demonstration centers will be unique to the needs of the populations served by the partners.  Additionally, because of the fact that there are only seven centers, it may be difficult for individuals not living in close proximity to a center to access the devices.  Device demonstrations will be provided at different locations throughout the State upon request.

ABLE Tech¿s Advisory Council will annually evaluate the quality and comprehensiveness of the program with regard to type of equipment and audiences reached to determine whether the program should be modified.  During Year One, ABLE Tech¿s Advisory Council recommended several MOA partnership modifications.  (1) At mid year the Oklahoma Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association.  (2) Both the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and the Oklahoma School for the Blind were discontinued based on low outcome performance.  Equipment from those programs will be provided at the beginning of Year Two, to Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association and Oklahoma League for the Blind to outreach to the targeted population.  (3) ABLE Tech will add the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Division as a new MOA partner beginning Year Two.  (4) ABLE Tech expanded the equipment inventory for both the Department of Rehabilitation Service, Visual Services Division and the University of Tulsa, Mary K. Chapman Center for Community Disorders. 

Attachment 6:  Comparable Support

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.

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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.

Not applicable.

Attachment 7:  State Flexibility

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

Not applicable.

7.2 Maintenance of Statewideness and Comprehensiveness ¿ Demonstrate that the Statewide AT Program will continue to be comprehensive without conducting this activity.

Not applicable.

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.

Not applicable.

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.

Not applicable.

Attachment 8:  State Leadership Activities

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

Training

Over the next three years, ABLE Tech will engage in a number of training activities.  ABLE Tech already has developed a number of training curriculums targeted for specific audiences (including consumers) and on specific topics, and anticipates continuing to deliver such trainings upon request.  These include:

• Training for education professionals will continue to be provided to special education teachers, early intervention professionals, career technology teachers, adult learning professionals, higher education disability specialist and instructors, speech therapists, occupational and physical therapists.  A number of training sessions have been developed for education professionals, ranging from providing a basic understanding of AT, to including AT in the classroom, understanding the rights of students to access AT under various Federal laws such as Individual with Disabilities Education Act, (IDEA) Parts B&C, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, funding AT, to training on the use of specific devices. 

o       During Year One, ABLE Tech in collaboration with SoonerStart and the Oklahoma Statewide Training And Regional Support (STARS) provided training to all SoonerStart professionals utilizing the AT demonstration kits.  The training allowed professionals an opportunity to become familiar with the use and features of the devices to ensure that AT would become an integral part of the child¿s transition; thereby, fully integrating AT into the child¿s lifestyle and culture.  Information was also provided on AT law, policy, and funding, in order to assure children with disabilities birth to three years old and their families can access and acquire needed AT.

• Training for employment professionals will continue to be provided to Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and Visual Services counselors of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Supported Employment professionals, Disability Navigators of the Oklahoma Workforce Centers, and employers.  This training includes providing a basic understanding of AT, AT services and funding options, understanding the rights of employees with disabilities to access AT in the workplace under various Federal laws, such as, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA), and using specific AT in the workplace. 

• Training for community living professionals will continue to be provided to local Area Agencies on Aging, case managers of the Department of Human Services, Developmental Disability Services Division, community occupational therapists and physical therapists, community mental health providers, various disability-related support groups, home health professionals, respite care workers, Family Perspective, and Partners in Policy Making.  A number of training sessions have been developed for community living professionals, ranging from providing a basic understanding of AT, to including AT in various community settings, understanding the rights of citizens to access AT under various Federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) including the Supreme Court ruling of Olmstead vs. LC, Medicaid, Medicare, Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and training on the use of specific devices. 

o       During Year One the AgrAbility Project conducted four significant training opportunities to community occupational therapists, physical therapists and farmers with disabilities.  This was accomplished through collaboration with Integris Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital¿s Learning Resource Center that provided CEU¿s to professionals.  The training focused on effective methods for rehabilitating farmers with disabilities and peer support to enable farmers to continue their occupation.

• Training for information technology/telecommunication professionals will continue to be provided to agency officials and personnel, postsecondary institution faculty and staff, K-12 educational faculty and staff, procurement officials and staff, information technology and telecommunication developers, and consumers.  Training will promote the development of accessible electronic and information technology products and services and compliance to State IT accessibility standards according to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

o        During Year One ABLE Tech conducted an Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility training for 755 professionals that had six different topical sessions.  Nationally recognized experts conducted all sessions. 

o       During Year One ABLE Tech became one of 46 Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers (MARC) equipped with video demonstrations and resource CDs that help individuals learn about accessibility options.  The MARC program assist¿s ABLE Tech in the AT demonstration center in our effort to connect individuals in Oklahoma with the right accessible and assistive technology to accommodate their accessibility needs.

The training is developed to include information for a broad array of disabilities and devices.  Upon agency/entity request, ABLE Tech staff will continue over the next three years to train a variety of professionals as well as individuals with disabilities and their family members.  ABLE Tech will seek payment for training activities when appropriate.  ABLE Tech also will customize training for organizations that request training on specific topics or for specific audiences.  ABLE Tech will provide quarterly reports of all training activities to the Advisory Council, via an AT Training Calendar that will be listed on the ABLE Tech website.

Technical Assistance

Because ABLE Tech provides technical assistance to agencies and organizations by request, it is difficult to predict the type of technical assistance that will be provided over the next three years.

In the past, ABLE Tech has provided technical assistance such as the following:

• ABLE Tech provided the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) (the State Medicaid agency) technical assistance in changing its Durable Medical Equipment (DME) policy from providing DME for one month out of a twelve month period to that of permanent acquisition.  This involved educating the OHCA policy staff along with the Oklahoma Legislators on the discrepancy between Federal law and Oklahoma policy, and seeking directives from the Health Care Financing Administration regional office.  Technical assistance included researching appropriate State funding options along with fiscal cost analysis.  Additionally, ABLE Tech paid an out-of-state consultant.  The final outcome of the policy change resulted in ABLE Tech providing training and technical assistance to a variety of providers and consumers statewide.  Other Medicaid related issues that ABLE Tech has provided technical assistance include: the coverage of DME under Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) for Medicaid eligible children, Medicaid Buy-In options, the Medicaid benefits available to certain children with severe disabilities who ordinarily would not be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because of their parent¿s income or resources through the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA), local education agencies (LEAs) contracting to be providers of EPSDT services for IDEA eligible children, and accessing the need for appropriate DME prior to transitioning from institutional settings to community settings.

• ABLE Tech provided the Department of Rehabilitation Services with assistance in the development of their Assistive Technology Specialist staff positions.  This involved training to all Vocational and Visual Rehabilitation Counselors, AT work group participation with the agency Division Administrators, and providing input on policy development.  ABLE Tech paid an out-of-state consultant to help in the strategic planning process.  The agency now employs AT Specialists whose primary role is to provide consumer assessment and technical support to counselors.

• ABLE Tech provides the State Department of Education with ongoing support in oversight of the Special Education Services Division.  This involves researching current best practice methods across the four areas of service delivery of 1) knowledge and training, 2) monitoring 3) complaint and 4) due process.  Recommendations have been provided across all four areas and an implementation process is under review.  This effort will ultimately impact the access and acquisition to AT for special education students.

During Year One of this State Plan ABLE Tech provided technical assistance in the following areas:

• ABLE Tech led an AT subcommittee for the Olmstead Strategic Planning Committee.  The subcommittee was charged with creating a white paper that would be submitted to the Legislature as part of the Oklahoma Olmstead Plan.  The white paper identified issues, current status, barriers and recommendation to the access and acquisition of AT for individuals trying to transition from an institutional setting to the community or for individuals at high risk of moving into an institution.
• ABLE Tech took the lead in securing successful passage of Senate Bill 1493 that has a two-fold purpose, 1) inclusion of special education as part of the professional development program and 2) specialized training for substitute teachers in special education settings.  This was a positive outcome of the work supported by the State Department of Education, Special Ed Oversight Committee.
• ABLE Tech provides technical assistance to the AT Early Intervention Work Group.  The purpose of this group is to create an effective system for SoonerStart that will include:
• • Professional development opportunities on AT devices and services
  • Procurement process for the purchase of AT
  • Assessment process for determination of appropriate AT which includes the use of newly developed forms 
  • Quality indicators for ¿AT Best Practice¿
  • AT hiring requirements for therapeutic professionals
• ABLE Tech is the legislatively designated facilitator of the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (EITA) Advisory Council.  The purpose of this Council is to ensure the implementation of Oklahoma¿s EITA law passed in 2004.  The Council is charged with the development of the technical standards, grievance procedures and the rules that will establish how state agencies, public higher education, community colleges, and Career Technology Centers will comply and implement this new law.  ABLE Tech will continue to facilitate the work of this Council.  The 2006 Legislative session extended the EITA Advisory Council and ABLE Tech will continue to serve as an appointed member.

Transition

The transition process must have consumer (and when appropriate family) involvement that encourages decision-making and planning for independence, beginning within the family when children are young, following the individual throughout their life and including aging issues.  Transition assistance to individuals with disabilities should be a longitudinal plan to ensure a smooth/efficient movement from one or more program to the next.  The transition plan involves interagency collaboration with a comprehensive process to include preparation, implementation, and follow-up.  ABLE Tech will continue their involvement in the transition of individuals with disabilities from Special Education Services to post secondary education, employment and community living; and from institutional settings to community living with regard to Olmstead.

Special Education Services ¿ IDEA, Part B

IDEA Part B mandates a formal transition of children and youth with disabilities from school to post secondary education, employment and community living environments.  ABLE Tech is a member of the State Department of Education Transition Work Group.  ABLE Tech will support the inclusion of AT in the Transition Work Group strategic plan.  During Year One, ABLE Tech was a sponsor of Oklahoma¿s first Transition Institute which brought together 450 professionals that serve high school students.  ABLE Tech also conducted a break-out session entitled ¿Assistive Technology and the Transition Planning Process.¿  The outcome of the group will continue is to planning services, which may include post secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, supported employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living and community participation.  Additionally, the State Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation Services and ABLE Tech will hold an annual transition conference for the next three years.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) offers Summer Transition Camps to high school students with disabilities.  One is conducted at the School for the Deaf in Sulphur, Oklahoma and the other at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind in Oklahoma City.  The purpose of the Camps is to enhance transition planning and services from school to secondary education and/or work.  Youth with disabilities attend where they develop career goals, job readiness skills and work experience so that they can make better transitions to college or employment.  Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors participate in team building activities with the students.  DRS will track the student¿s success to show how the extra training makes them more successful in preparing them for life after high school.

ABLE Tech, in collaboration with DRS and State Department Education, Special Education Division, will provide training and demonstration at the Summer Transition Camps on specific AT devices to enhance the opportunity for AT to be an integral component of the transition process as students move from high school to college and work.  ABLE Tech will also link students, families and counselors to the State¿s short-term loan programs, device demonstration centers, the reutilization programs, and the alternative financing options.

Olmstead ¿ Transition from Institutional Settings to Community Living

ABLE Tech described in Attachment 2 its collaborative involvement with the Olmstead Strategic Planning Committee.  The Third Annual Report of the Oklahoma Olmstead Strategic Planning Committee, submitted July 2005, recommended a review of assistive technology issues for both children and adults as they transition into community living.  ABLE Tech took the lead in this interagency work group that is charged with identifying barriers to both the access and acquisition of AT, along with the needed changes and supports with regard to policy, funding and advocacy.  The final Olmstead Strategic Planning Committee Report is due to the Governor and Oklahoma Legislators, July 2007.

Additionally, this effort will connect interagency transition teams who are working to assist individuals that are transitioning from institutional care to community living by providing them information on how to access and acquire AT.  This will be accomplished through education and public awareness on the existence of the State¿s short-term loan programs, device demonstration centers, the reutilization programs, and the alternative financing options.  The increased opportunities for AT access in natural environments will provide consumers and professionals with a better understanding of the benefits of AT, thereby enhancing informed choice.

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

ABLE Tech will continue to provide the following public awareness activities: 

• Information and Referral ¿ The toll free ABLE Tech INFO-line provides free information and referral services on AT for people of all ages with all disabilities.  Family members, services providers and others who work in fields related to disabilities or AT may also use this service.  ABLE Tech staff provides information on the availability, benefits, appropriateness and cost of AT devices and services.  In addition, for many callers, ABLE Tech staff mails AT resource and device information in order for them to make a more informed decision.  ABLE Tech will track all calls and will meet the reporting requirements under the data collection system.  ABLE Tech INFO-line¿s resources include a statewide computer database, national resources, in-house collection of catalogs, and product literature.  Anyone can call 888-885-5588, V/TDD.
• Newsletter ¿ The ¿small changes¿BIG DIFFERENCES¿ newsletter is developed and disseminated both in hard copy and on the website by ABLE Tech on a quarterly basis.  Regular sections of the newsletter include AT information on: current events on ABLE Tech, highlight of AT (which discusses features of a specific AT devices) an insert that provides the latest Oklahoma Equipment Connection inventory, website resources on AT, and during Oklahoma legislative session, an update on disability-related legislation.  A consumer satisfaction survey will be mailed annually to subscribers to determine if they are satisfied with the information provided in the newsletter, if the information in the newsletter was helpful, and space will also be provided to allow the reader to comment on how ABLE Tech could improve this newsletter.
• Website ¿ The ABLE Tech website features in-depth information on the four State Level Activities of the ATA of 1998 as amended, as well as information on other programs ABLE Tech is involved with outside of the ATA of 1998 as amended: publications, IT Access resources, Legislation, AT resources and links.  The website also provides an opportunity for individuals to directly contact ABLE Tech for purposes of feedback, information and referral, listing for sale items on the Oklahoma Equipment Connection ¿want ad¿ and eligibility application for the Access to Telework Fund program. The address is http://okabletech.okstate.edu
• Publications ¿ Training materials and publications that cover AT information have been developed and disseminated for all types of audiences across the life span on a broad array of AT related issues.  All publication materials will be provided free of charge on the website and be available in alternative format.  Examples are provided in Attachment 8 under ¿Training and Technical Assistance.¿  For a complete listing of all publications see the ABLE Tech website.
• The OK Funding for AT, developed by ABLE Tech, is a comprehensive manual that details all public/private AT resources available in Oklahoma.  The manual describes the contact information, purpose, eligibility, AT devices provided, AT services provided, appeals process, and other pieces to the funding puzzle for each program.  ABLE Tech continually researches the AT funding and policy information of each program and has the agency/entity verify for accuracy.  The manual will be regularly updated and disseminated not only to consumers but also to State agencies, providers, consumer organizations and other targeted audiences in order to educate all parties.  OK Funding for AT will continue to be available in hard copy, CD, and on the ABLE Tech website in both PDF and HTML formats.  This information provides individuals with disabilities, their family members and providers an ability to make an informed choice on the public/private availability of funding for AT devices and services.
• List Serve - The ABLE Tech List Serve is a public forum for AT conversation among parents, consumers and people who work in the disability-related field.  It is a free service; all you need is E-mail. By using the List Serve, everyone on the list will be able to participate in a group conversation. To subscribe: Post an E-mail message to: LISTSERV@listserv.okstate.edu  Type the message: SUBSCRIBE ABLETECH-L your name.  After you have subscribed, you may E-mail a message to everyone on the list by using: ABLETECH-L@listserv.okstate.edu
• Exhibits/Booths - ABLE Tech will provide AT information, materials and selected AT devices at various statewide conferences/workshops.

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.

Because coordination and collaboration with public and private entities often is based on emerging, new, or changing policies and procedures, it is difficult to anticipate all of the coordination and collaboration activities that ABLE Tech will undertake over the next three years.  In the past, coordination and collaboration involved the proposal of new or changes to current AT policies, providing input on proposed AT policies, and analysis of the impact of current AT policies.  ABLE Tech does this by participating on task forces sponsored by State agencies, by being a member of consumer groups, advocacy groups, and disability networks throughout the State, and through independent efforts. 

During Year Two, ABLE Tech is will continue collaborating and coordinating with:

• The Olmstead Strategic Planning Committee on the inclusion of AT in the State¿s Comprehensive Effectively Working Plan for Placing Qualified Persons with disabilities in less restrictive settings, and to create a waiting list that moves people at a reasonable pace not controlled by the State¿s endeavors to keep its institutions fully populated.

• ABLE Tech participated as one of several agencies that created the Education Transition Work Group whose purpose was to implement a Transition Institute for secondary teachers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and career technology personnel.  As a result, Oklahoma held its first Transition Institute for over 400 professionals that will go back to their local entities to train others on effective transition services for students with disabilities.  Regional teams, now established, will collaboratively mentor and train other professionals and continue to build future Institute opportunities.  ABLE Tech will continue to collaborate as a member of this work group in order to effectively integrate AT as a component of secondary transition.  An additional outcome will allow ABLE Tech training opportunities.  

¿         ABLE Tech participates on the State Department of Rehabilitation Services Customer Service Improvement Committee which annually addresses the agencies policies and procedures.  The Committee reviews policy as it relates to the Rehabilitation Act and submits recommendations to the agency¿s Commission.

These collaborations will continue to ensure that ABLE Tech is in a variety of decision-making positions in order to guarantee that assistive technology is being effectively addressed statewide. ABLE Tech anticipates coordinating and collaborating on policies in a similar manner over the next three years.

Attachment 9:  Involvement of Public and Private Entities

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.

As described in Attachment 5, ABLE Tech will work with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services Division and Vocational Rehabilitation Division, the University of Tulsa, Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders, Hearing Loss Association of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center, Oklahoma League for the Blind and the Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association to implement its Device Loan Program and its Device Demonstration Program.  Each of these partners will provide storage space for AT devices free of charge as an in-kind contribution.  They also will provide general administrative support for the program such as office supplies, telephone, printing, postage as in-kind contributions.

Also described in Attachment 5, ABLE Tech will work with BancFirst of Stillwater to implement both its Alternative Financing Program (AFP) and the Access to Telework Fund (ATF) program.  BancFirst waives the documentation fee of $75.00 for all consumer loans to $25.00 for AFP and ATF borrowers.  BancFirst also provides administrative support for the AFP and ATF beyond their normal business practice by accepting all applications without a minimum balance requirement.  They also will provide general administrative support for the program such as; office supplies, telephone, printing, and postage as in-kind contributions.

As described in Attachment 8, ABLE Tech will work with SoonerStart to implement its AT Demonstration Program.  SoonerStart will provide storage space for AT devices free of charge as an in-kind contribution.  They also will provide general administrative support for the program such as; office supplies, telephone, printing, and postage as in-kind contributions.

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.

Not applicable.

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).

The Advisory Council met three times and an Ad Hoc subcommittee met once before the submittal of this plan in order to set general goals and objectives and to provide advice on how activities are to be carried out.  The development of new MOA partners for both the Device Loan Program and the Device Demonstration Program (Attachment 5) are directly based on the suggestions of the Council and other stakeholders involved in the planning.

The Council will continue to meet on a quarterly basis to evaluate progress on the baseline for each required activity.  The Advisory Council will provide guidance on the development of the long-term goal and short-term goals of the State Plan which will be submitted as an amendment of this Plan.  

Attachment 10 ¿ State Support

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).

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) since 2001 has had a line item to support assistive technology in their annual appropriations budget submitted to the Governor and Oklahoma Legislature.  It is anticipated that each year, the Division of Rehabilitation Services will include funds in its budget that will be provided to ABLE Tech.  This appropriation is contractually provided to Oklahoma ABLE Tech who in turn has utilized these funds as the State cash match for the Alternative Financing Program (AFP).  In July 2005, ABLE Tech submitted, an AFP - Notice Inviting Application to Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA) of the U.S. Department of Education to use Federal funds to expand Oklahoma¿s current AFP.  If ABLE Tech is awarded a new AFP, the DRS State appropriations will be utilized as the required 25% State cash match. 

ABLE Tech requested $485,169.00 of Federal funds.  ABLE Tech will provide the non-Federal share of the cost of the AFP in cash, from the DRS State appropriation from FY06 (July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006) and FY07 (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) sources, thereby ensuring all State matching funds will be available within the 12 month RSA grant period.  New State appropriations in the amount of $161,723.00 will be utilized toward the AFP.  A total award of $646,892.00 will fiscally comprise the AFP program.

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.

The Oklahoma State Portal houses ABLE Tech¿s fully accessible web site.  As a public service, the Portal developed and maintains an application for Oklahomans with disabilities to apply for a free specialized smoke alarm from ABLE Tech.