Q&A with ATP

Brian W. Author

03/16/2021 Added

9 Plays

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Q&A with ATP

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[00:00:00.870]Hello, my name is Tobias Orr,
[00:00:02.450]and I'm the director of
[00:00:03.283]the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:00:08.150]The presentation today will cover numerous programs
[00:00:10.640]offered by the agency.
[00:00:11.647]And our hope at the end is that you'll be able to identify
[00:00:14.030]at least four services offered by ATP,
[00:00:16.850]identify three ways in which ATP can support children
[00:00:19.370]and students receiving services
[00:00:20.770]through the educational systems.
[00:00:22.650]And state three ways in which services
[00:00:24.310]may be requested from the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:00:30.510]This session will be a panel presentation
[00:00:32.230]by the different coordinators of the different programs
[00:00:34.240]from the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:00:36.140]At the end we have time to answer any questions
[00:00:38.320]that you may have.
[00:00:42.780]So ATP, ATP is the Assistive Technology program
[00:00:47.010]of the state of Nebraska.
[00:00:51.710]In 198, Nebraska VR applied for grant
[00:00:54.390]under the technology of related assistance
[00:00:56.130]for individuals with disabilities act of 1988.
[00:00:59.300]That is a mouthful.
[00:01:00.800]In 1989 Nebraska was one of the first five states
[00:01:03.530]to be awarded funding under the act.
[00:01:05.360]And so ATP was created as part of Nebraska VR
[00:01:08.860]within the department of education.
[00:01:10.570]Today all states and territories have an AT program
[00:01:14.640]and an under the Assistive Technology act of 2004.
[00:01:21.220]So under this act, ATP has two different types of activities
[00:01:26.200]that they are required to do.
[00:01:27.580]The first is state leadership activities.
[00:01:29.930]These are training where we help people increase
[00:01:32.930]their knowledge and skills regarding Assistive Technology.
[00:01:35.730]technical assistance, which is targeted support
[00:01:37.900]the organization, the groups and public awareness,
[00:01:40.260]providing information on the availability of benefits,
[00:01:42.860]appropriateness and cost of assistive technology.
[00:01:47.750]The other activities are called state level activities.
[00:01:50.860]These would be state financing.
[00:01:52.540]This is where we increase access to
[00:01:54.140]and funding for assistive technology.
[00:01:56.610]This would be part of our funding coordination
[00:01:59.450]or resource coordination that you hear about next.
[00:02:01.770]And some of the partnerships that we have
[00:02:03.210]with various other agencies and entities
[00:02:05.280]to help people acquire assistive technology.
[00:02:08.200]Another state level activities device demonstrations
[00:02:11.250]where we compare features and benefits of devices.
[00:02:13.570]This has helped people make a informed choice
[00:02:15.940]when purchasing assistive technology.
[00:02:18.020]We also have device lending, is their short term loans
[00:02:20.450]to assistant in decision-making,
[00:02:22.010]serve as a loaner while waiting for repair,
[00:02:24.150]provide a short term accommodation
[00:02:26.100]or for professional development.
[00:02:27.830]A lot of this is done on our website AT4ALL.com.
[00:02:31.320]We manage the site,
[00:02:32.250]but it's open to anybody in Nebraska
[00:02:34.000]to request or check out items for short term
[00:02:37.620]usually about 30 days,
[00:02:39.170]or we also have an EDUCATIONAT4ALL.com,
[00:02:42.350]that you'll hear about later
[00:02:43.760]as part of our ATP education program.
[00:02:45.770]And the last state level activity is device reuse.
[00:02:48.790]This is where we help people find equipment
[00:02:51.560]that's gently used.
[00:02:52.670]That is no longer being needed by someone else.
[00:02:55.140]This is a no charge the individual
[00:02:57.640]and these items too can be found AT4ALL.com.
[00:03:02.000]Next up, you're gonna hear from Angie Ransom.
[00:03:09.260]Thank you Tobias.
[00:03:11.010]My name is Angie Ransom.
[00:03:12.540]I am the resource specialist
[00:03:14.730]with the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:03:17.360]And funding coordination is an integral part
[00:03:20.320]to all services through
[00:03:22.440]the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:03:24.630]As Tobias mentioned we funding coordination
[00:03:27.810]comes under the state financing.
[00:03:30.580]One thing I'll talk about today
[00:03:32.000]as a service and device application
[00:03:33.900]and how that form can be used by individuals statewide
[00:03:37.680]to request assistance for funding
[00:03:40.930]for different kinds of assistive technology.
[00:03:43.770]On the screen you'll see listed here
[00:03:45.280]that assistive technology can be larger or small.
[00:03:47.980]It can be items similar to a smart device,
[00:03:51.140]or an app on a phone, or an iPad
[00:03:53.330]all the way to modifications to the home,
[00:03:55.100]to make it accessible and independent
[00:03:56.730]for the individual or the families.
[00:03:59.210]The service and device application is a multi-agency form
[00:04:03.030]that compiles information
[00:04:04.710]and is specific to the request for funding.
[00:04:08.810]It is found on our website.
[00:04:10.800]It also can be completed electronically or by paper version,
[00:04:14.640]and it is available in both English and Spanish.
[00:04:18.350]When an individual or a family
[00:04:19.770]completes the service and device application
[00:04:22.510]and it's received to our office.
[00:04:24.450]We're going to review it for a few things.
[00:04:26.960]Some of those are listed here.
[00:04:28.920]First of all, disability specific resources.
[00:04:31.680]There are agents using grants,
[00:04:33.590]both on a state level and national
[00:04:35.880]that provide resources based around
[00:04:37.670]a specific disability diagnosis.
[00:04:40.030]So when we receive that,
[00:04:41.250]we will reach out and see if the individual
[00:04:42.970]is familiar with that program.
[00:04:44.730]And if they're eligible for funding
[00:04:46.190]through those specific resources.
[00:04:48.890]The second point is geographical resources,
[00:04:51.450]throughout Nebraska there is funding
[00:04:53.670]based off of counties, cities and through the USDA.
[00:04:57.780]So we specifically look at the area
[00:04:59.650]that the individual lives in
[00:05:00.930]and try to piece together some funding resources
[00:05:03.710]based off of their county that they reside in.
[00:05:07.260]And other potential funding that we work with
[00:05:10.130]through some other programs.
[00:05:11.380]And we'll talk a little bit more
[00:05:12.270]about Medicaid Waiver in a moment and Nebraska VR.
[00:05:15.540]We also work with the Veterans Administration.
[00:05:21.620]The reuse network is a really important part
[00:05:26.010]to the Assistive Technology Partnership
[00:05:27.832]and resource funding coordination.
[00:05:30.950]Reuse of equipment is the term referred
[00:05:33.550]to recycled, reused or repaired,
[00:05:36.150]durable medical equipment, adaptive devices,
[00:05:38.740]or assistive technology.
[00:05:40.540]So when we receive a service and device application
[00:05:43.460]if the individual is needing equipment
[00:05:45.450]that we have available in the reuse network
[00:05:48.310]we will match it with the applicant.
[00:05:50.330]Multiple agencies work with this program.
[00:05:52.920]So the reuse network works to facilitate
[00:05:54.880]the management of those items.
[00:05:57.200]There's also no cost of these items.
[00:05:58.970]So when an applicant finds an item in the reuse network
[00:06:02.050]that will work for them it is theirs to keep.
[00:06:05.150]We also accept donations of items when appropriate.
[00:06:08.050]So when an individual no longer needs those items
[00:06:10.620]they can give us a call or email us.
[00:06:12.470]And we'll see if we can take that item back in.
[00:06:17.900]So let's talk a little bit about
[00:06:19.070]some of our multi-agency partners.
[00:06:20.930]As I mentioned, the service and device application
[00:06:23.310]uses multiple agency partners.
[00:06:26.280]Easterseals is an alternative finance solution
[00:06:30.400]where individuals can apply for a low interest loan
[00:06:32.920]for the purchase of assistive technology and devices.
[00:06:36.370]I've broken out the three different areas
[00:06:38.210]that they work through at Easterseals Nebraska,
[00:06:41.320]the Alternative Finance Loan, the Telework program
[00:06:44.960]and the Mini-Loan program.
[00:06:47.160]The other program that we work a lot with
[00:06:49.530]for funding coordination
[00:06:51.020]is the United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska.
[00:06:54.020]They offer, provide limited grants to qualified families
[00:06:57.710]and individuals with disabilities
[00:06:59.490]to promote independence and encourage empowerment.
[00:07:03.000]They offer a $1,000 client assistance grant.
[00:07:06.770]So if an individual has a interest and is possibly eligible
[00:07:10.940]we can forward the service and device application
[00:07:13.440]to the UCP of Nebraska.
[00:07:18.520]And lastly, the resource letter,
[00:07:20.360]once an individual fills out
[00:07:21.890]the service and device application
[00:07:23.670]we will provide them with a resource letter.
[00:07:26.070]This is includes specific contact information
[00:07:29.390]for loans, grants, and other possible agency referrals.
[00:07:33.530]I encourage once this resource letter is received
[00:07:35.700]by the family to give me a call.
[00:07:37.810]If they have questions, we can continue to talk
[00:07:39.890]about the resources and see if there's anything more
[00:07:42.270]that the Assistive Technology Partnership
[00:07:43.950]can do to find referrals for them.
[00:07:47.130]And I'm gonna turn it it over next to May Faith.
[00:07:49.860]I mentioned a few slides back
[00:07:51.500]that she works with the Medicaid Waiver program.
[00:07:53.630]And she'll talk a little bit about
[00:07:54.770]how that role plays into the funding coordination.
[00:07:58.480]Thanks Angie.
[00:08:00.450]Hi everyone, my name is May Faith
[00:08:02.250]and I am one ATPs HHS program supervisor.
[00:08:08.900]HHS actually offers four different waivers within Nebraska.
[00:08:12.650]So these are Medicaid Waivers.
[00:08:14.240]And of those waivers three out of four of them
[00:08:17.900]offer assistance with assistive technology in some form.
[00:08:22.130]So either home or vehicle modifications or technology.
[00:08:27.230]Two of those waivers are developmental disability waivers
[00:08:30.120]and they offer assistance with modifying the home
[00:08:33.240]or a vehicle sometimes with technology.
[00:08:36.860]And the agent and disabled waiver offers
[00:08:39.060]assistance with a home or vehicle model
[00:08:41.310]or some kind of technology.
[00:08:43.320]At the present time
[00:08:44.300]Nebraska's Medicaid Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver
[00:08:47.750]does not offer any assistive technology assistance.
[00:08:55.090]So at this point, each waiver has limitations
[00:08:59.420]and there are listed out within their program regulations
[00:09:02.430]that are found online.
[00:09:04.330]Some of those limitations are dollar amounts.
[00:09:07.660]Others are related to timelines,
[00:09:10.340]but all waivers advise
[00:09:11.490]that if the item or service can be obtained
[00:09:14.210]through the Medicaid managed care plan.
[00:09:16.340]So the insurance piece of things,
[00:09:18.700]then that is the route that it has to be sought out
[00:09:20.990]by the individual.
[00:09:25.140]In order to assess ATP services through Medicaid Waiver
[00:09:29.120]a person must first be eligible for Medicaid,
[00:09:32.730]and then they also meet,
[00:09:34.180]they need to meet an institutional level of care.
[00:09:37.120]So either nursing facility level of care
[00:09:39.660]or intermediate care facility
[00:09:41.500]for persons with developmental disabilities.
[00:09:44.410]And that's assessed by their services coordinators.
[00:09:46.900]So in order to apply for one of those waivers
[00:09:51.330]the DD application can be found online and completed online
[00:09:55.360]or you could contact them and request a paper application.
[00:09:58.950]For the aged and disabled waiver
[00:10:02.070]that actually needs to be done
[00:10:05.300]completely through phone calls and in-person interviews.
[00:10:08.630]I realized in the last year with COVID
[00:10:11.120]that in-person interviews have been suspended,
[00:10:13.160]but they do have a means to go ahead
[00:10:15.450]and complete those assessments.
[00:10:17.650]And so it's really a matter
[00:10:18.900]of contacting the appropriate agency.
[00:10:21.480]So it would either be
[00:10:24.030]Early Development Network Services Coordinator,
[00:10:26.300]Health and Human Services Services Coordinator,
[00:10:28.720]or the League of Human Dignity,
[00:10:30.810]or your area agency on aging.
[00:10:33.130]In order to access someone to complete that assessment.
[00:10:41.889]I jumped a little ahead of myself with this,
[00:10:43.880]but that's okay.
[00:10:45.090]So in order to complete that referral
[00:10:47.750]that contact has to be made
[00:10:49.290]and occasionally myself or Angie
[00:10:52.000]will make a referral upon request.
[00:10:53.970]So what that service and device application
[00:10:56.170]if you're describing some things that
[00:10:59.200]might actually be better served with a waiver,
[00:11:02.060]you can request that Angie submit
[00:11:03.890]a referral to one of those agencies for you,
[00:11:06.380]or I will myself depending on who you're speaking with.
[00:11:10.450]But as far as actually accessing the service
[00:11:13.660]under the waiver.
[00:11:15.720]Every individual that's on the aged and disabled waiver
[00:11:18.130]has to start with their services coordinator,
[00:11:19.900]because their regulations require
[00:11:21.850]that the need has to be assessed,
[00:11:24.260]and identified through their plan of services and supports
[00:11:28.450]as well as the service has to be requested
[00:11:31.090]from the services coordinator.
[00:11:32.330]They then fill in ATP's online referral form
[00:11:35.340]and it comes to me for review.
[00:11:37.580]If I have questions then I just ask
[00:11:39.310]those services coordinators those things
[00:11:41.120]and they gather that information.
[00:11:43.240]For developmental disabilities
[00:11:45.940]or anybody on one of those waivers.
[00:11:48.340]They have an internal referral process
[00:11:50.082]that requires individuals go ahead
[00:11:52.750]and complete an internal referral form.
[00:11:55.960]And then they go ahead and they do a review
[00:11:58.470]and determine whether or not the request meets
[00:12:00.930]what's within the regulations,
[00:12:02.250]or if an individual should be seeking the equipment,
[00:12:05.990]or modification through other means.
[00:12:08.345]Most often it is their Medicaid managed care plan
[00:12:11.620]if it's equipment.
[00:12:12.500]So there are times when things don't always make it to ATP
[00:12:18.020]but they may have gone through an internal referral process
[00:12:20.700]with DD and that's okay
[00:12:21.730]'cause that's the appropriate route to take.
[00:12:24.930]Once developmental disabilities has completed
[00:12:27.300]their internal referral process,
[00:12:28.730]they then complete the ATP online referral
[00:12:31.560]and finished requesting services through there.
[00:12:34.640]From there ATP picks it up and we follow our normal process.
[00:12:37.350]So we go out and visit individuals.
[00:12:41.100]And this is something that we do
[00:12:42.320]for every individual on every referral.
[00:12:45.230]We go out and see the individual.
[00:12:46.700]We take measurements and pictures,
[00:12:48.750]but we also look to see what solutions
[00:12:50.850]will best meet their needs.
[00:12:52.180]Because sometimes the home is a little bit tighter
[00:12:54.830]than they thought it would be.
[00:12:57.450]Sometimes the wheelchairs a little larger or heavier
[00:13:00.170]than they realized it was.
[00:13:02.020]And so it's really important that we go out
[00:13:04.230]and complete that assessment,
[00:13:05.510]to make sure that what we're recommending is most useful
[00:13:09.720]for that individual and will meet their needs long-term.
[00:13:16.040]So, knowing that we complete all of those steps
[00:13:19.180]to get somebody moving forward.
[00:13:20.550]I do wanna share one success story.
[00:13:23.550]Within my first few months of working with ATP
[00:13:25.980]I came across a referral for an individual
[00:13:28.090]who is left alone for a significant portion of the day.
[00:13:33.100]She's very functional and capable as far as people go
[00:13:36.330]but she has some physical limitations
[00:13:39.310]and cannot complete the activity of daily living
[00:13:42.690]of actually feeding herself.
[00:13:45.500]And so we worked with her to find a solution
[00:13:47.840]and it came in the form of the Obie feeding robot
[00:13:50.920]which is actually pictured here on the slide.
[00:13:53.610]What makes it unique is once the tray is loaded with food
[00:13:58.060]this individual can just press a couple of switches
[00:14:00.490]and eat throughout the day as she wants to,
[00:14:02.900]or have her full meal, depending on what's in that tray
[00:14:06.190]until I caregiver is available again.
[00:14:08.370]And since her situation
[00:14:10.680]entailed somebody coming over in the morning
[00:14:12.450]to help her get up and get going.
[00:14:14.080]And then she was alone for part of the day.
[00:14:16.140]And then somebody came back in the evening.
[00:14:18.320]This was the perfect solution for her.
[00:14:20.690]But when one of the waivers does an assessment
[00:14:24.670]they also determine what activities of daily living
[00:14:27.900]a person can or cannot complete.
[00:14:29.930]And she was actually able to
[00:14:33.750]now say that she was modified independent
[00:14:36.130]with this feeding robot.
[00:14:37.940]So it was one of the best things
[00:14:40.610]that we could have possibly done to say,
[00:14:42.270]hey, we've created some independence
[00:14:44.050]and it was really exciting,.
[00:14:47.030]But keeping in mind that technology and independence
[00:14:50.670]don't just stay with the home or with the vehicle.
[00:14:54.310]We also have some wonderful programs that assist.
[00:14:57.330]Younger individuals or individuals that are just trying
[00:14:59.830]to get into the workforce,
[00:15:01.010]because waivers really focused on the home life
[00:15:03.820]and keeping the person in the home.
[00:15:06.310]That is where ATP is VR and Pre-ETS programs
[00:15:11.310]come into play.
[00:15:12.160]So I'm gonna hand that over to Brooke.
[00:15:17.210]Thanks May,
[00:15:18.580]So my name is Brooke Harrie,
[00:15:20.610]and I am the ATP program supervisor
[00:15:23.640]within Nebraska VR partnership in the state of Nebraska.
[00:15:31.320]So I'm just gonna jump in and start talking
[00:15:33.840]about the Nebraska VR partnership that we have
[00:15:38.340]with Nebraska VR.
[00:15:40.220]We provide recommendations for modifications
[00:15:43.770]and assistive devices for people with disabilities.
[00:15:47.120]To help them get, keep and maintain jobs.
[00:15:51.720]So obviously the focus for this program is work,
[00:15:55.990]getting people what they need,
[00:15:57.380]so that they can be successful
[00:15:58.830]and as successful as possible in the world of work.
[00:16:04.090]With ATP we have VR technology specialists
[00:16:07.760]throughout the state,
[00:16:09.220]located out in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus,
[00:16:12.550]Kearney and Scottsbluff.
[00:16:16.060]Referrals are made by Nebraska VR to ATP.
[00:16:21.270]So technology specialists complete an assessment
[00:16:25.590]for the AT or assistive technology recommendations
[00:16:28.990]that would relate to that individual's disability
[00:16:32.690]and also their agreed upon job goal with Nebraska VR.
[00:16:38.460]So individuals who are eligible for Nebraska VR
[00:16:42.100]can, and also have an active case with them,
[00:16:45.480]could be referred for ATP services.
[00:16:48.970]So VR is in an order of selection right now
[00:16:51.600]and due to funding limitations.
[00:16:53.120]So someone on the waiting list when Nebraska VR
[00:16:56.180]would have to wait until they were taken off
[00:16:58.500]the waiting list to be referred to ATP by VR for services.
[00:17:05.070]So to request ATP services,
[00:17:08.090]the client would need to speak
[00:17:09.610]with her in Nebraska VR staff member
[00:17:11.300]who is assigned to their case.
[00:17:13.010]And then they would make that decision.
[00:17:14.560]If the technology being requested
[00:17:16.840]is something that Nebraska VR can support.
[00:17:19.960]And if so, then they would send that request over to ATP
[00:17:23.650]and a technology specialist would be assigned.
[00:17:28.560]So through this program,
[00:17:29.740]ATP can provide that assessment for the AT modifications
[00:17:35.870]can provide possible loans and demos of equipment.
[00:17:39.850]And also we provide a report with quotes
[00:17:42.300]and the recommendations for the best low cost solution
[00:17:45.910]that would meet that person's need.
[00:17:47.840]That information is then given to Nebraska VR.
[00:17:51.120]And they ultimately are the ones who make the final decision
[00:17:54.390]on if they could offer any funding assistance
[00:17:56.940]towards the recommendations.
[00:18:01.080]In this program, examples of AT recommendations
[00:18:05.370]can include a lot of things.
[00:18:06.710]Again, it's all related back to work.
[00:18:09.020]So that could include anything
[00:18:10.660]such as vehicle magnifications
[00:18:13.010]to help the person get to and from work,
[00:18:15.370]and have reliable transportation.
[00:18:17.760]Home modifications, to be able to go to work
[00:18:20.490]you need to be able to maintain your proper hygiene,
[00:18:23.500]have clean clothes, all that kind of stuff.
[00:18:25.390]So home mods could be involved cognitive aids
[00:18:30.620]and reminder systems just being able to be independent.
[00:18:33.340]Remember your work schedule is gonna be important
[00:18:37.140]for maintaining that job.
[00:18:38.920]Mobility devices, so you can get around
[00:18:41.370]communication equipment,
[00:18:43.780]various types of work site modifications,
[00:18:46.790]and also hearing devices.
[00:18:55.920]So another type of program with Nebraska VR
[00:19:01.020]is Pre-employment Transition Services also known as Pre-ETS.
[00:19:06.110]So this program works with students who have disabilities,
[00:19:09.840]who are currently aged 16 to 21.
[00:19:12.750]And Nebraska VR provides these students
[00:19:14.930]with different kinds of job exploration,
[00:19:17.760]counseling and activities, and workplace readiness skills.
[00:19:22.550]So ATP also partners with the Pre-ETS program
[00:19:26.180]and is able to work with these students
[00:19:28.232]to provide consultations for the assistive technology
[00:19:31.500]and modifications that they might need
[00:19:33.720]to be successful with school or work.
[00:19:36.960]So students who are eligible
[00:19:38.560]for the Nebraska VR Pre-ETS program
[00:19:41.110]can speak with our Nebraska VR staff,
[00:19:43.100]who is assigned to their school
[00:19:45.160]to discuss a referral to ATP.
[00:19:47.650]Nebraska VR typically meets
[00:19:49.960]with each school about once a month.
[00:19:53.330]So the student should be in contact with that individual.
[00:19:58.670]Nebraska VR is usually unable to assist with funding
[00:20:02.640]for the AT recommendations within the pre-meds program.
[00:20:06.840]So our technology specialists really focus
[00:20:09.190]on the low cost solutions, free services,
[00:20:13.240]free apps, stuff through our reuse program
[00:20:16.390]that Angie had talked about earlier.
[00:20:18.040]We really focus on those low cost things
[00:20:20.400]to help make this possible,
[00:20:22.170]for the students to receive the equipment that they need.
[00:20:24.800]We also utilize AT4All, our loans
[00:20:28.100]and demos of equipment through that program.
[00:20:30.820]And then resource coordination is also very helpful
[00:20:34.250]to give other resources that could be funding options
[00:20:36.870]to help again, these students obtain
[00:20:39.170]the technology that they need.
[00:20:42.410]ATP also works very closely
[00:20:44.010]with the project search program throughout the state.
[00:20:47.100]Project search are those internship programs
[00:20:49.990]for students with disabilities,
[00:20:51.730]that partners with businesses in the community.
[00:20:54.670]To provide work experience and training
[00:20:57.140]at different places like hospitals,
[00:20:58.926]assisted living centers and hotels.
[00:21:03.210]And then the majority of our Pre-ETS referrals to ATP
[00:21:06.063]are for those cognitive aids reminder systems,
[00:21:09.180]and those things just to help increase that students'
[00:21:12.360]independence and success at work.
[00:21:15.330]However, vehicle modifications, hearing devices,
[00:21:18.840]mobility devices, home mods all of that
[00:21:21.880]could potentially be a possibility.
[00:21:24.260]It's really just based on the individualized need
[00:21:27.170]of each student or client that we work with
[00:21:29.810]through this program.
[00:21:36.840]So last I'm just gonna talk about a little success story
[00:21:40.720]with Nebraska VR.
[00:21:42.100]And this, I like this story 'cause it really shows
[00:21:44.140]how all of our different agents
[00:21:45.560]or programs within ATP, within the agency
[00:21:48.730]can work together to benefit the client.
[00:21:51.450]So I was working with a client who utilize ATP
[00:21:56.600]by being referred from Nebraska VR.
[00:21:59.860]They needed help with a vehicle modification,
[00:22:03.320]so they could be transported in their wheelchair
[00:22:06.400]to finish their post-secondary degree.
[00:22:09.810]And then potentially later go on to get a job.
[00:22:12.620]So they did have an old modified vehicle
[00:22:15.110]that had broken down.
[00:22:16.770]So they needed to, they purchased their a new vehicle.
[00:22:20.290]Then they needed assistance with those modifications.
[00:22:22.640]So the individual could get
[00:22:23.820]in the van secure their wheelchair
[00:22:28.070]and then be transported to their post-secondary site.
[00:22:32.900]So ATP it received the referral from Nebraska VR,
[00:22:36.950]resource coordination was involved.
[00:22:39.790]The client completed that service end device application.
[00:22:42.860]It was found that they were eligible
[00:22:44.900]for a grant that was available
[00:22:47.690]and they also happen to be eligible
[00:22:50.450]for the A&D Waiver program through Medicaid and HHS.
[00:22:54.210]So they were able to receive funding assistance
[00:22:58.010]through all these different programs
[00:22:59.880]as well as Nebraska VR.
[00:23:01.710]So they all work together to help this client
[00:23:04.200]obtain the vehicle modifications they needed
[00:23:06.760]to meet their goal and be successful.
[00:23:14.030]So that is everything right now for Nebraska VR.
[00:23:17.860]And I'm gonna hand it off to Brian Wojcik.
[00:23:22.890]Hello everybody, My name is Brian Wojcik.
[00:23:25.260]I have the honor and privilege of serving
[00:23:27.590]as the Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
[00:23:30.880]education program supervisor.
[00:23:33.890]And this program is funded through
[00:23:36.990]and partners with the Nebraska Department of Education,
[00:23:39.950]special education, office of special education.
[00:23:43.480]And we focus a slightly different,
[00:23:46.360]on slightly different areas than some of the other programs
[00:23:50.160]within the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:23:53.900]One of the things to understand
[00:23:55.510]is that assistive technology services,
[00:23:57.960]when we're looking at services for students
[00:24:00.860]who are ages zero to three.
[00:24:03.880]So those are on those early intervention students
[00:24:07.250]or students who are school age three through 21.
[00:24:11.110]Those services start with school-based personnel.
[00:24:15.540]They start with the individuals who are working
[00:24:19.460]with children and students most directly.
[00:24:22.710]That means that assistive technology decisions
[00:24:25.910]assistive technology supports are provided
[00:24:29.140]by the teachers, therapists,
[00:24:32.540]other related service providers
[00:24:34.980]that are working with the students most directly.
[00:24:39.290]So that means that we have a slightly different charge
[00:24:44.000]when we are supporting services within zero to three
[00:24:48.580]and three to 21 services.
[00:24:50.840]The ATP education program activities and services
[00:24:55.020]really focus on how do we help build capacity
[00:24:59.370]of those individuals for working with children
[00:25:02.790]and students most directly.
[00:25:04.320]To provide those quality assistive technology services.
[00:25:09.370]And we do this by providing a series
[00:25:11.720]of professional development and supports that enable
[00:25:16.410]and empower individuals working on IEP and IFSP teams
[00:25:21.600]to provide those assistive technology services.
[00:25:24.710]That professional development comes in multiple ways.
[00:25:28.810]That includes, we have a series of online webinars
[00:25:32.580]that we release on a weekly basis,
[00:25:34.730]that focus on assistive technology processes,
[00:25:38.080]different types of assistive technologies
[00:25:40.480]that may be used by children and students
[00:25:43.620]in that zero through 21 age category.
[00:25:47.020]In a variety of different contexts,
[00:25:48.980]whether it be reading, or writing, or math,
[00:25:52.530]or positioning, or switch use
[00:25:55.880]a variety of different context.
[00:26:00.300]We also provide regional webinars
[00:26:02.960]where we may target a particular region
[00:26:06.320]and try to meet the needs of individuals in that state,
[00:26:10.190]or in that portion of the state that focus
[00:26:12.880]on various specific assistive technology services,
[00:26:17.260]or types of assistive technology.
[00:26:19.890]We also put together webinars for administrators
[00:26:24.520]so that to help them understand
[00:26:27.190]what do quality assistive technology services look like
[00:26:31.130]within zero to three and three through 21 services.
[00:26:35.670]We partner with members of the assistive technology industry
[00:26:39.880]to put together a series of webinars
[00:26:42.570]that focus on different products that are available
[00:26:46.220]within the marketplace that may be used by children
[00:26:51.470]and students receiving special education services.
[00:26:55.100]We also provide onsite training
[00:26:58.230]and that onsite training and can be in the form of workshop.
[00:27:01.920]It can be in the form of coaching,
[00:27:04.380]but we work in various parts of the state.
[00:27:08.650]We also have newsletters that support
[00:27:12.107]and inform not only upcoming professional development,
[00:27:16.060]but also give overview of different devices
[00:27:19.300]that are available different ways that assistive technology
[00:27:22.680]can be used to support the needs of children and students.
[00:27:26.510]We also provide a number of supports.
[00:27:29.530]Earlier was the ATP4ALL.com was mentioned
[00:27:34.440]and there was an illusion made to EDUCATIONATP4ALL.com,
[00:27:39.080]which I'm going to talk about
[00:27:40.790]in some detail a little bit later.
[00:27:42.830]But this focuses very specifically
[00:27:45.320]on a large loan statewide education loan pool
[00:27:50.350]in which members of the IFSP and IEP team can borrow from
[00:27:55.170]in order to try assistive technology and no charge
[00:27:59.620]to children and students with disabilities.
[00:28:02.790]Every time a loan is requested
[00:28:06.060]the individual who is requesting that loan is paired with
[00:28:09.820]one of our education program assistive technology team.
[00:28:15.870]And is provided support within that program.
[00:28:22.930]We also provide coaching to teams
[00:28:26.010]on aspects of assistive technology services.
[00:28:29.110]So if a team is thinking about assistive technology
[00:28:31.890]for a child or a student,
[00:28:33.670]and may have some questions about what process could be used
[00:28:36.920]to best make that match between the student's needs
[00:28:40.980]and potential assistive technology,
[00:28:43.250]or how to effectively write it into an IFSP, or an IEP,
[00:28:48.320]or how to implement it, or evaluate the effectiveness
[00:28:51.920]of that assistive technology.
[00:28:53.700]We can provide coaching around those processes.
[00:28:56.880]We can also provide coaching and training
[00:28:59.310]on how different assistive technology devices operate
[00:29:04.000]in order to help the team
[00:29:05.330]become better acquainted with those.
[00:29:11.450]To find different services
[00:29:15.140]and different professional development
[00:29:17.970]that the education program offers.
[00:29:20.730]It's recommended to go to her section
[00:29:23.790]of the Assistive Technology Partnership website,
[00:29:26.510]which can be found at atp.nebraska.gov/education.
[00:29:32.910]On that page, there will be information
[00:29:37.960]about different services
[00:29:39.350]and professional development opportunities
[00:29:41.960]that are available.
[00:29:43.590]But then there are also opportunities to contact us
[00:29:47.280]to request services.
[00:29:48.700]And that might be via email at atp.education@nebraska.gov.
[00:29:55.150]Phone at 8777134002.
[00:30:04.840]Or by clicking on the web form
[00:30:08.510]which allows an individual to go ahead
[00:30:10.980]and put in a specific request.
[00:30:14.650]We also have a live chat support option.
[00:30:17.320]So if we are in the office,
[00:30:19.910]we keep that open and live
[00:30:22.250]and you can engage in some instant message communication
[00:30:25.850]between the education program.
[00:30:28.320]And, I'm trying to,
[00:30:32.050]and we can answer any questions that you may have.
[00:30:36.520]Part of the ATP education program supports
[00:30:39.720]EDUCATION.ATP4ALL.com,
[00:30:42.510]which is our statewide education loan program.
[00:30:45.870]This is a service that is provided
[00:30:48.410]through the assistive technology partnership
[00:30:50.730]education program.
[00:30:51.900]And its main purpose is to support IEP and IFSP team members
[00:30:57.180]to make decisions about assistive technology.
[00:30:59.930]To help make that match between students' needs
[00:31:03.770]and potential assistive technology.
[00:31:08.190]The purpose of EDUCATION.ATP4ALL.com is twofold.
[00:31:12.430]As I mentioned, it's to trial
[00:31:14.240]those potential assistive technology tools and systems.
[00:31:17.930]So that the assistive technology need
[00:31:21.950]of children and students
[00:31:23.480]who are receiving special education services
[00:31:26.390]can be determined.
[00:31:27.840]And that assistive technology can then be written
[00:31:31.760]into the child's IFSP or IEP.
[00:31:38.150]In the case, we also do some short-term loans
[00:31:41.530]in the case of assistive technology
[00:31:44.020]that has been written into the IFSP or IEP.
[00:31:47.330]Sometimes there's a period of time after a decision is made
[00:31:51.340]that there is an acquisition process
[00:31:55.010]and that takes some time.
[00:31:56.620]So we do do some short-term loans,
[00:31:59.880]or if an assistive technology
[00:32:02.790]that has been written into the IEP or IFSP
[00:32:07.180]it has broken down, or needs to be repaired, or replaced.
[00:32:11.240]We can do some short-term loans around that as well.
[00:32:14.240]This is a free service,
[00:32:15.960]individuals who are requesting items
[00:32:18.400]from EDUCATION.ATP4ALL.com
[00:32:21.320]can request up to six items at a time.
[00:32:26.890]And to try for up to a period of 60 days.
[00:32:30.500]We send that equipment out to the requester
[00:32:34.780]and for free of charge we either bring out physically
[00:32:39.870]or we ship it via UPS.
[00:32:41.990]And then we also either pick it up
[00:32:44.200]or provide a return label.
[00:32:45.950]So this is a free service for education teams
[00:32:50.460]throughout the state.
[00:32:51.700]Who can borrow from EDUCATION.ATP4ALL.com?
[00:32:55.300]Members of the IFSP or IEP team.
[00:32:58.940]We loan to school-based members of the IFSP or IEP team.
[00:33:04.310]And those are the individuals that we asked
[00:33:07.020]to make requests from the loan pool.
[00:33:12.040]Recommended practices for using EDUCATION.ATP4ALL.com.
[00:33:16.660]One consider and identify
[00:33:18.760]the features of potential assistive technology.
[00:33:21.590]We have thousands of devices within our education loan pool.
[00:33:25.720]It's important to narrow that process down
[00:33:28.290]by identifying what are the types of features
[00:33:33.420]we want and the potential assistive technology
[00:33:35.720]in order to best meet the student's needs.
[00:33:38.550]If a team is unsure of what features
[00:33:41.500]or needs some assistance kind of identifying those features,
[00:33:45.240]or how to use this site.
[00:33:46.480]We ask that you reach out
[00:33:48.130]to the Assistive Technology Partnership education program
[00:33:51.500]and we're happy to go ahead and help with that.
[00:33:54.540]In the event that an individual is a therapist,
[00:33:58.540]or a transition coordinator,
[00:34:00.380]or as somebody who is working with multiple IEP teams.
[00:34:04.290]We do go ahead and make a request
[00:34:06.730]that in the individual from that local IEP or IFSP team
[00:34:11.640]make the loan requests.
[00:34:13.180]This way there's not limitations
[00:34:15.041]that are placed on one person
[00:34:17.680]who is supporting multiple teams
[00:34:19.670]on how many items can be checked out.
[00:34:22.760]That's the education program in a nutshell.
[00:34:25.190]We do a lot of different things
[00:34:27.070]in order to help support IEP and IFSP team members
[00:34:31.700]provide those quality assistive technology services.
[00:34:34.940]We're now gonna transition into a program
[00:34:38.040]that is a very specific and supports individuals
[00:34:41.630]with deaf blindness.
[00:34:42.580]So I'm going to hand it over back to Brooke.
[00:34:49.010]Thank you, Brian.
[00:34:49.970]So this is Brooke Harrie again,
[00:34:51.470]with the Assistive Technology Partnership.
[00:34:53.570]I also coordinate the ICANCONNECT program
[00:34:57.580]for the state of Nebraska.
[00:35:05.330]So the ICANCONNECT is also known as ICC
[00:35:09.280]or the National Deaf Blind equipment distribution program.
[00:35:14.550]ICC is a national program that is required by
[00:35:17.780]the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act
[00:35:22.220]that provides about $10 million a year
[00:35:25.180]throughout the United States for the distribution
[00:35:27.610]of telecommunications equipment and training,
[00:35:31.280]to individuals who are low income and also deaf blind.
[00:35:35.720]So ATP coordinates the program for the state of Nebraska.
[00:35:41.010]You could find an application to apply for these services
[00:35:44.940]at icanconnect.org.
[00:35:46.960]We'll also list there on the website information
[00:35:49.700]about the program's definition of deaf blind
[00:35:53.390]and also what is considered low-income
[00:35:55.790]for eligibility purposes.
[00:35:58.800]Examples of different equipment that could be provided
[00:36:02.140]to an eligible individual in this program could include,
[00:36:05.700]again anything for telecommunications.
[00:36:07.840]So that would include things like
[00:36:09.480]braille devices or displays, computers, iPads,
[00:36:13.780]smartphones, magnification software, amplifiers,
[00:36:18.610]and signalers really anything
[00:36:21.090]that would allow the individual who is deaf blind
[00:36:23.950]to send an email, access social media
[00:36:27.720]or make a phone call to keep in touch
[00:36:29.660]with their friends and family.
[00:36:35.640]So as far as ICANCONNECT in Nebraska
[00:36:37.430]this is a success story I wanted to share,
[00:36:40.130]to give you an example of how ICANCONNECT can help someone.
[00:36:44.150]So this program, or this client was determined
[00:36:46.770]to be eligible for the ICC program.
[00:36:50.140]And also it needed some sort of computers
[00:36:52.930]something to be able to communicate
[00:36:55.670]with their friends and family.
[00:36:57.010]So a technology specialist went out in assessment.
[00:37:01.170]They found that a laptop computer and JAWS software
[00:37:06.330]would be able to help this client
[00:37:08.380]to use their computer efficiently due to their vision loss.
[00:37:13.500]JAWS is a software program that is a screen reader.
[00:37:17.500]The client was also provided then with training.
[00:37:20.220]So she could effectively use that software as well.
[00:37:24.930]So she is now with her computer, her JAWS software,
[00:37:27.890]her training she is now able to be independent
[00:37:31.070]in sending those emails, using social media
[00:37:33.620]being able to stay in contact with her friends, family
[00:37:36.210]and also her employer for her job.
[00:37:40.110]So this program is great for this specific population.
[00:37:44.660]If you know anyone in the state of Nebraska
[00:37:47.330]who could possibly benefit,
[00:37:49.670]you can go to ICANCONNECT.org and look on Nebraska site.
[00:37:53.530]There's also a different agency
[00:37:56.450]who will coordinate the program in each specific state.
[00:37:59.150]So you can also search by state on icanconect.org.
[00:38:09.340]All right, well, we'd like to thank
[00:38:10.730]all of you for watching,
[00:38:11.730]and I hope you took something away from this presentation.
[00:38:15.210]Feel free to check out our website at atp.nebraska.gov.
[00:38:20.130]And we will be around to answer any questions
[00:38:23.240]that you may have.
[00:38:24.420]Thank you again.

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