How Does Your Device Demonstration Program Work? NATTAP Specialized Workshop February 12, 2007

Willie Gunther,

Executive Director

Illinois Assistive Technology Program

Overview of IATP Demonstration Program Part of State AT Act Program (begun in FFY90) which also

includes device loan, device reutilization & state financing programs

Length of Demo Program Operation: Begun in FFY93; MUCH growth since then!

Structure: Both center-based and mobile

Devices: Representing all AT Classification Areas

Staffing: Less than one full time FTE

Overview of IATP Demonstration Program (cont’d)

Annual Budget: $150K for staff, space, insurance, other administrative costs; excludes equipment purchase, repair & replacement costs

Target Population: All ages, all disabilities, statewide

Demonstration Activity - old definition: Over 600 individuals visit center; nearly 50 mobile demos

Demonstration Activity - new definition: Began tracking demos as of 1/1/07

What is a “Device Demonstration” under the current law?(D) Device Demonstrations.

(i) In general. – The State shall directly, or in collaboration with public and private entities, such as one-stop partners, as defined in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801), demonstrate a variety of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services (including assisting individuals in making informed choices regarding, and providing experiences with, the devices and services), using personnel who are familiar with such devices and services and their applications.

Illinois Demographics Over 12 million residents – 6th largest in population (Florida just

overtook our 5th place!)

Nearly 58,000 square miles – 25th largest in size

Relatively high state per capita income BUT very large low income population

Chicago Metropolitan area is nearly 80% of population & 20% of size

Chicago Metropolitan area has enormous resources

Remainder of state is mostly rural with approximately a dozen cities or large towns dispersed throughout having few or no resources

Est. Statewide AT Demonstration Center in 1993- Reasons for both center-based & mobile AT Demonstration Program approach vs. subcontractors on a regional or local basis- Initial AT Demonstration Center was sparsely equipped

IATP moved offices in 1995 and again in 1997

- Located in center of downtown

- Close to State Capitol - Larger space- Program & inventory expansion- Creation of “rooms”

Program History & Evolving Design

Program History & Evolving Design (cont’d ) Funding

- AT Act Dollars- Several one-time-only state funds awards- Small philanthropic grants - Role of legislative receptions, tours for other government officials

Official hours of operation – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Open to walk-ins or by scheduled appointments

(weekends and evenings too)- Open to anyone statewide- Will travel out to communities to conduct demonstrations

Operated with one Coordinator for 13 years; now two half-time Co-Coordinators

- Staff also responsible for I&A and the majority of exhibits

Demonstration Center Design & Layout

Current layout of the Demonstration Center

- Nearly 3,000 square feet

- Nine areas available to showcase AT:

Adapted bathroom Adapted kitchen

Adapted bedroom Adapted office

Vision area Hearing area

ADLs

- Resource area for vendor information and catalogs

- Downtown store front window where we feature AT in various themes such as: holidays, Route 66

Festival, Springfield’s Art Show, seasonal recreation, etc.

Demonstration Center AT Equipment More than 500 devices ranging from very low,

inexpensive technology to expensive, high-tech equipment

Devices: Speech Communication, Vision, Hearing, Computers, ADLs, Learning, Environmental Adaptations, Mobility, Vehicle Mods/Transportation, Recreation

Basis for device selection: available funds, consumer input, frequency of requests

Arrrangement of Devices: wherever possible, to demonstrate how or where AT will be used, e.g. bathroom, kitchen, office & bedroom

Demonstration Center AT Equipment (cont’d)

Each demo area includes a laminated list of featured devices with the specifics about those products

Inventory of AT available in the AT Demonstration Center is posted on IATP’s website www.iltech.org

Sources of featured devices:- Establish relationships with Vendors to obtain the

latest- Take advantage of promotional programs arranged through ATAP- Beg!

Non-AT “room” furnishings & construction: courtesy of Goodwill, garage sales, donation of staff family time & talent

Daily Living

Hearing & Recreation

Aug Comm & Toys/Switches

Bathroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Kitchen

Vision

Office

Other Usable Space

Tucked in a Corner

Store Front Window

Program Operations

On a routine basis staff:

- check to see if devices are working or need repair- check to see if devices are still current- follow schedule for charging batteries- see if any devices or components are missing- maintain resource materials

Center-based demonstrations can be arranged in advance or on a walk-in basis

Mobile demonstrations must be arranged in advance

Staff maintain a wish list of devices

Additions/deletions to the demo inventory are reflected on the IATP Homepage

Program Operations cont.

Demos range in length based on the number of devices being demonstrated

As of 1/1/07, staff collect & enter data using intake forms on all customers who receive a demonstration

Historically referred customers to IATP & community resources including vendors; now staff will document the actual referral to external resources

Staff will attempt to obtain the Customer Satisfaction Form at the conclusion of the demo; if not, a survey will be sent to customers no later than 2 weeks following the demonstration

Staffing Patterns:- Recent change from having just one Demo Coordinator to a shared position- Ensures coverage of both center-based & mobile operations- Fosters better cross-training among staff

Staffing Qualifications: What is possible with the funding available?- Necessary skills, background & experience - Training needs of the AT Demonstration staff/other staff

Extent of inventory expansion, maintenance & repair - it’s all about choices:

- Limits of available funds & cost of insurance- Frequency of requests

- Loss, theft

Program Administrative Issues

AT Demonstration Center Budget

Only half of the cost of the Demo Program staff’s salaries/fringes are covered by AT Act

Very little of the AT Act funds are dedicated for the purchase, repair or replacement of the equipment

Reliance on one-time-only state funds & small grants

Future Plans, Desires and Necessities - Line Item in Lead Agency’s Budget

Outcomes

In FY 2006, IATP’s AT Demonstration Center conducted 195 tours reaching 619 individuals

As of 1/1/07, IATP separately counts tours and demos

Data being collected from demos will provide information about:

- Primary Purpose (Education, Employment, Community

Living & IT/Telecommunications)

- Whether the AT device/service will meet, will not meet or

have not made a decision

Customer Satisfaction Form will provide information and suggestions to assist in refining, improving or expanding the inventory