Cover with five pictures over puzzle pieces
Pictures of Jim Jordan using refreshable Braille, keynote speaker Michael Aronin with Interpreter in background, Askia Adams and mother at Power Up Expo, Luncheon speaker Kyle Glozier using augmentative communication device with Interpreter in background, and the DisAbility Project theatre group performing
Fitting the pieces together . . .
Missouri Assistive Technology Annual Report 2002-2003
Reflections, 1993 – 2003
We’ve Come A Long Way
by James Jordan, retiring AT Council Member
Picture of Jim Jordan with headphones and working at his desk with American flags in foreground.
In my decade on the Council, I have witnessed changes in assistive technology (AT) and its delivery in this state that rival the change from the horse to the automobile. It is with nothing but pride that I look back on my time on the Council and feel blessed to have served with such a talented and forward thinking group of individuals. We have definitely been a proactive Council that has left Missourians with disabilities in a better position, when it comes to assistive technology, than they were when I was selected as one of the original Council members in 1993.
Ten years ago, this Council focused primarily on introducing Missourians with disabilities to assistive technology. To all corners of the state we went, explaining time and time again what AT is and how it could be beneficial in people’s lives. We followed this initiative with the creation of six demonstration sites around the state that provided individuals with the chance to see, try and learn about assistive devices. Yet, in some respects, our efforts seemed to be slightly hypocritical. Here we were introducing individuals to all of these wonderful adapted devices, but in far too many instances, they had no option, due to limited funding, to purchase devices or try them for extended periods of time.
Thus, the Council began shifting its emphasis more toward increasing the number of avenues in which individuals could obtain devices. This was a wonderfully effective move which has culminated in the development of the Telecommunications Access Program for Telephone and Internet, the $how-Me Loans Program, the Kids Assistive Technology Program, the Equipment Technology Consortium, Swap ‘n Shop and the Assistive Technology Reimbursement Program, all of which are further profiled in this annual report. The theme of this report, “fitting the puzzle pieces together” reflects the development and expansion of the Council’s programs into a collage of service “pieces” which create more comprehensive access to AT across the state.
My ten years of service to the Council have gone fast and have been most rewarding. While we still have some AT pieces missing and some that could better fit together, Missouri, I feel, has come far in assuring its citizens the best assistive technology access possible.
Missouri Assistive Technology
Policy Advocacy and Technical Assistance
Voting Reform
State legislation passed this session that revises Missouri election law to conform to the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Both HAVA and state legislation include several sections related to improving the ability of persons with disabilities to vote independently. The new state law includes a requirement for local election authorities to designate at least one voting site (and up to four additional sites) as an election day central polling place and these site(s) must conform to nationally accepted architectural accessibility standards. Implementation of HAVA also included development of a State Plan. MoAT staff was active on the State Plan Committee in drafting sections relating to accessible voting machines. Staff also drafted the state’s grant application for HAVA Section 261 funds to improve voting accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Information Technology Accessibility Standards
In January 2003, Missouri officially adopted information technology (IT) accessibility standards. As required by state law the standards were jointly adopted by the Assistive Technology Council and the Office of Information Technology. The standards are a modification of the federal Section 508 IT access standards and cover the areas of web, operating systems and software, telecommunications, video and multimedia, desktop and portable computers, and information, documentation and support. Missouri appears to be the first state to undertake comprehensive IT accessibility standards development and adoption to specifically address unique state needs and resources.
Assistive Technology Special Education Funding
Over $56,000 was made available for vision-related devices to be added to Missouri’s short-term equipment loan program (ETC). The funding was made possible through the combined efforts of MoAT, the Blind Task Force and Missouri’s Division of Special Education.
Additional funding, about $250,000 is expected to be made available again next year from the Division of Special Education to improve the ability of schools to provide assistive technology for school-aged children. More details on this year’s AT Reimbursement Program and on ETC, both administered by MoAT, are provided in a later section of the annual report.
Disabled Parking Laws
Legislation passed and was signed into law, which makes disabled parking windshield placards renewable for two years. Under prior law the placards had to be renewed each year.
Another bill also passed, but did not become law, which would have increased the penalty for fraudulently used a disabled parking plate or placard. This bill would have also expanded the types of medical practitioners who could certify disabling conditions in order for persons to obtain a disabled plate/placard. The bill also would have increased the penalty for practitioners who fraudulently issued a certificate for a plate/placard. This bill was vetoed by the Governor for issues having to do with provisions not related to disabled parking.
Health Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids
A bi-partisan effort was again made in the legislature to require health insurers to cover hearing aids for children. Former MoAT Chair Tom Bastean testified before the House Health Care Policy Committee on a bill to provide coverage. This legislation was a MoAT Council priority this year. Many children with hearing impairments go without hearing aids because their insurance does not cover them, resulting in problems with language development and educational achievement. While the two bills that were introduced did not pass, legislation is expected to be introduced again next session.
Tax Credit for Home Access Modifications
Missourians who need to make their homes accessible for themselves or for a family member often find it unaffordable to do so. Passage of legislation to provide a tax credit for individuals to help offset the expenses of home access modifications was a MoAT Council priority in the 2003 session. The bill that was introduced would have provided a tax credit for many types of home access improvements. The state’s tough budget year thwarted efforts to pass the bill, however legislation to help ease the expense of making homes accessible is likely to be introduced again in future sessions.
Missouri Assistive Technology
Training and Individual Assistance
Power Up Attendee Comments
“The opening speaker was excellent. I have never enjoyed a conference speaker more!”
“Conference Notebook is an outstanding reference!”
“The highlight was the involvement of people with disabilities as presenters and participants . . . practical info presented by people who use it!”
“Great conference (as usual). Keep up the good work!”
Picture of Power Up attendees clapping during a session
Power Up Highlights
MoAT again sponsored Power Up, a statewide AT conference and expo attended by almost 500 participants. Keynote speakers Michael Aronin and Kyle Glozier started and finished the conference and expo with exhilaration, inspiration, and high impact! A special theatrical performance by The DisAbility Project at the Monday evening reception had attendees raving! Recipients of the AT awards were Julie Ituarte, Blindness Skills Specialist in Springfield, and Alisha Criswell, Elaine Houtman, and Cheryl Snorgrass ofThe Capper Center of Kansas City.
With 42 Exhibitors and 38 sessions, attendees had a plethora of choices and a wealth of experience to learn from. Vendors from across the country demonstrated new technology, and the computer learning lab offered attendees hands-on experience. Visit our website for information on the Power Up 2004 Conference and Expo and come join us!
Picture of speaker Michael Aronin and attendee Lauren Moellering laughing during interaction with audience
Other Training
In addition to Power Up, MoAT staff conducted 22 other training events on assistive technology, reaching 1,361 Missourians.
Picture of large group of attendees during the Monday evening reception and performance by the DisAbility Project
Individual Assistance
Persons with disabilities and service providers contact Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) seeking assistance in obtaining assistive technology, securing device funding, accessing MoAT programs, and gaining disability policy knowledge. During this fiscal year, MoAT staff handled 16,752 inquiries and requests for assistance by telephone and e-mail.
The People Piece
Crossroads Hospice in Kansas City serves individuals who are gravely ill. In the fall of 2002, MoAT staff received a call from a Crossroads employee who was new to assistive technology, but who knew enough to know that assistive technology might be useful in helping individuals maintain the best quality of life possible. Toward that end, MoAT staff has been periodically assisting Crossroads staff with determining appropriate forms of assistive technology to use and have been loaning devices to Crossroads through the ETC program.
Picture of David Baker in the ETC exhibit booth at Power Up assisting several attendees with devices.
Graph of Major Contact Topics
Programs:
TAP – Internet, 3353
TAP – Telephone, 3347
ETC, 1741
$how Me Loans, 1047
KAT, 476
Swap 'N Shop, 469
AT Reimbursement, 307
Services:
Power Up, 1801
IT Access, 477
National/Federal AT, 382
Funding, 258
One Stops, 157
Equipment Technology Consortium (ETC)
Picture of portable ramp at a home
The People Piece
Of the 980 assistive devices offered through ETC, perhaps none has more impact on the lives of individuals then the portable ramps. A family in Columbia that rented a house last year well illustrates the affect the ramps produce. While waiting for a permanent ramp to be built on their home, the family coordinated with Show-Me Tech and Services for Independent Living to borrow a portable ramp via ETC. The loan of the portable ramp made things much easier for the family member with a disability as well as the members of his family. While they were waiting for a permanent ramp to be constructed, the temporary ramp enabled the young man to attend doctor’s appointments, complete his physical therapy routine, participate in community activities, and live with the knowledge that, in case of an emergency, he would be able to get out of his house in a quick and safe manner. Furthermore, family members no longer had to lift this family member and carry him in and out, ending the potential danger of a fall to both him and his family.
The Program Piece
In this, its fourth full year of operation, the ETC Program yet again loaned more equipment than in the prior year. Loans made in FY’03 totaled 1,265, an increase of 11% from FY’02. An additional 130 pieces of equipment were added to the inventory, bringing the total to 980, which helps the program maintain an up-to-date selection of devices and provide devices in a timely manner. This year also saw 33 new school districts and agencies joining the program, bringing the total to 384. Strong consumer satisfaction continues to be a hallmark of the ETC program with 98% of borrowers giving the program and its level of service strong marks.
Augmentative Communication, 399
Computer Access, 343
Vision, 191
Switches, 93
Hearing, 68
Learning, 61
Telecommunications, 43
Home Modifications, 18
Environmental Controls, 33
Activity Centers, 16
Total, 1265
Partial Year 1999, 21
1999-2000, 534
2000-2001, 946
2001-2002, 1143
2002-2003, 1265
Education, 692
Health, 53
Developmental Disabilities, 70
Vocational Service Providers, 188
Organizations, 262
One of the primary ideas behind the development of the ETC Program was to provide consumers, school districts and agencies around the state with an opportunity to borrow multiple items in order to compare them in different environments (e.g., in school, at home, and in the community). It is strongly believed that by so doing, prudent use of dollars, in particular public dollars, will occur; that there will be appropriate matches of devices to consumers based on evidence, not speculation; and that the assistive technologies purchased will be used by the consumer for many years.
ETC staff perform periodic follow-up with borrowers from around the state. Of particular focus in our follow-up surveying is the outcome achieved through borrowing. In other words, was an appropriate device found for the child or adult and if so, how many other devices were tried before the correct match was found? A southwestern Missouri school district with a high number of current and potential assistive technology users borrowed 74 devices over the course of the past year. At year-end, the school district reports that after conducting device trials using the equipment, they confidently purchased 29 devices ranging from computer access to portable word processors and from augmentative communication to Braille learning aids.
Missouri map of ETC and AT Reimbursement
Presence and Distribution By County 7/1/02 – 6/30/03
Single numbers relate to ETC unless otherwise noted. All but 13 counties are signed up for ETC.
Adair, 17
Andrew, 7
Audrain, 10
Bollinger, 3
Boone, 113 + 1
Buchanan, 34
Butler, 2 + 1
Callaway, 3 + 1
Camden, 1
Cape Girardeau, 7
Cass, 20 + 2
Christian, 15 + 1
Clark, 6
Clay, 63 + 3
Clinton, 1
Cole, 22 + 1
Cooper, 1
Crawford, 6
Daviess, 1
Dent, 1 + 1
Douglas, 4
Franklin , 5 + 3
Gasconade, 1
Greene, 54 + 3
Grundy, 8
Henry, 2
Jackson, 339 +7
Jasper, 94 + 3
Jefferson, 1
Laclede, 3 + 5
Lawrence, 49 + 3
Lewis, 4
Lincoln, 2 + 1
Linn, 2
Macon, 1 + 4
Madison, 2
Marion, 1 AT
McDonald, 3
Miller, 2
Mississippi, 1
Monroe, 1
Newton, 1
New Madrid, 1
Perry, 1
Pettis, 4
Phelps, 13 + 1
Pike, 1
Platte, 27
Polk, 2
Randolph, 1
Ray, 9
Ripley, 1 AT
Saline, 1 + 1
Scott, 24
St. Charles, 146 + 30
St. Francois, 8 + 2
St. Louis City, 30
St. Louis County, 75 + 5
Stoddard, 1 + 2
Stone, 5
Sullivan, 1 AT
Taney, 1 + 1
Texas, 1 AT
Vernon, 1
Webster, 2 + 1
Assistive Technology Reimbursement Program
Picture of Mikey using Intellikeys
The People Piece
Like many first-graders, Mikey thinks computers are cool; and his Kansas City area school believes they are integral to effective learning. Mikey’s ability to use computers like his fellow students, though, was hindered by his disability and his school’s inability to pay for the assistive technology he needs to access the computer. Through the Assistive Technology Reimbursement Program, Mikey’s school was able to acquire an Intellikeys adapted keyboard, a range of software tools to enhance the capabilities of the Intellikeys, and a switch that enables Mikey to operate the Intellikeys.
The Program Piece
The Assistive Technology Reimbursement Program is MoAT’s newest program. Funded by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education, the AT Reimbursement Program helps school districts offset the cost of purchasing assistive technology for students with assistive technology needs written into their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
AT Reimbursement chart of Dollars by Disability Type
Vision, $140,484
Hearing, $54,584
Speech, $21,595
Learning, $11,371
Mobility, $11,870
This year, the program received 226 applications from 60 different school districts throughout Missouri. MoAT was able to fund 88 applications divided among 42 different school districts. The program aims to fund those forms of assistive technology that cost between $1,000 and $5,000, items such as braille embossers, augmentative communication aids, computer access systems and personal FM systems.
The program was well received by school districts that applied, with several citing the fact that it was refreshing to see new sources of funding in a time when budgets are being reduced and programs eliminated. More importantly, however, is that it opens new opportunities to get assistive technology into the hands of students with disabilities, as in this instance:
“We have our purchased Jordy (a form of electronic enlarging) in the classroom and Hannah is so very happy to be using it.”
AT Reimbursement chart of Dollars by Device Type
Augmentative Communication, $18,795
Braille Embossers, $62,388
Computer Access: Learning, $11,371
Computer Access: Writing, $11,870
Computer Access: Vision, $19,943
Electronic Enlarging, $34,800
Electronic Notetakers, $20,185
Other, $2,800
Personal FM Systems, $34,136
Soundfield FM Systems, $20,448
Tactile Graphics Embossers, $3,168
Total, $239,904
AT Reimbursement chart of AT Purchases for Approved Applications
Other, 1
Tactile Graphic Embossers, 2
Electronic Notetakers, 7
Augmentative Communication, 9
Computer Access/Writing Aids (Physical), 10
Electronic Enlarging, 14
Computer/Writing Aids (Cognitive), 14
Personal FM Systems, 15
Soundfield Systems, 15
Screen Readers/Scanners, 22
Braille Embosser, 37
Telecommunications Access Program (TAP)
Every day, millions of Missourians use the telephone and internet to make purchases, search for jobs, apply for public services and to communicate with far-away family. The Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) provides adaptive telephone and computer equipment needed for basic access to telephone and internet telecommunication for Missourians with hearing, vision, mobility and other disabilities.
In 2000-2001 MoAT assumed operation of TAP for Telephone and initiated TAP for Internet. As projected, after several years of steady program growth, TAP for Telephone experienced a “leveling” off of applicants while TAP for Internet, as a new program, saw a 47% increase in the number of devices provided.
A critical component of TAP is the delivery of consumer support to assist individuals with disabilities select the most appropriate adaptive equipment and to assist with installation and use of the equipment provided. While adaptive equipment costs were relatively unchanged from last year, there was a significant increase in consumer support costs caused by the increasing number of complex computer based adaptive equipment provided by TAP for Internet. Administration costs continue to be very low at 6%.
TAP chart of Yearly Expenditures
Adaptive Equipment Costs
1998-99, $404,375
1999-2000, $451,810
2000-01, $620,008
2001-02, $1,083,692
2002-03, $991,902
Total Expenditures
1998-99, $583,375
1999-2000, $648,688
2000-01, $770,106
2001-02, $1,329,306
2002-03, $1,338,131
TAP chart of number of Devices Provided
Telephone
1998-99, 1,703
1999-2000, 2,847
2000-01, 6,070
2001-02, 8,114
2002-03, 7,637
Internet
2000-01, 224
2001-02, 687
2002-03, 1008
Missouri Map of TAP equipment distributed by Senatorial District
Senatorial District, pieces of equipment
1, 266
2, 227
3, 306
4, 117
5, 90
6, 190
7, 214
8, 414
9, 195
10, 263
11, 500
12, 469
13, 293
14, 160
15, 188
16, 210
17, 269
18, 285
19, 217
20, 338
21, 259
22, 204
23, 265
24, 177
25, 196
26, 144
27, 275
28, 247
29, 293
30, 287
31, 346
32, 309
33, 195
34, 233
TAP for Telephone
Picture of TTY with large visual display
The People Piece
A rural Center for Independent Living contacted TAP for Telephone regarding a consumer who needed equipment. The consumer had no speech and was low vision. She had good manual dexterity. TAP for Telephone advised that this individual would be a good candidate for Hearing Carry Over services through Relay Missouri. TAP for Telephone would be able to provide the Q90 TTY with External Speakers and a Large Visual Display. The Q90 is specifically set up for Hearing Carry Over (HCO). Because the consumer was unable to read the text she would be typing to the operator, a Large Visual Display was attached to the Q90, which would allow her to read text she was typing and she can now successfully use the telephone.
Equipment provided by TAP for Telephone can overcome years of inability to use the telephone. Forty-four percent of TAP for Telephone consumers indicate they were unable to use the telephone for 6 or more years before receiving adaptive equipment.
The Program Piece
This year, 7,637 adaptive telephone devices were provided by TAP for Telephone. A network of agencies across the state provides consumer support and receives ongoing training and demonstration equipment from MoAT. This network ensures correct equipment selection through trial use of demonstration devices. Follow-up data from program beneficiaries indicates that 62% relied on the adaptive telephone to make an emergency call and 56% indicated the adaptive telephone allowed them to remain living in their own home.
TAP-T chart of years consumers unable to use the phone
1 –2 years, 25%
3 – 5 years, 30%
6 – 10 years, 22%
11 – 20 years, 12%
More than 20 years, 11%
TAP-T chart of type of equipment
Amplified Phones, 59%, 4535
Signalers, 27%, 2074
Hands Free Phones and Accessories, 6%, 451
TTY's , 6%, 450
Voice Carry Over Phones, 1%, 94
Other (Anti-Stuttering Devices, Hearing Carry Over Phones, Speech Assisted Phones, etc.), 33
Total devices, 7637
TAP-T chart of age of recipients
21 and under, 105
22-40 yrs., 228
41-60 yrs., 707
61-75 yrs., 1272
76-90 yrs., 2171
91 yrs. and over, 304
Total, 4787
TAP-T chart of disability of recipients
Hearing, 66%, 3170
Vision, 11%, 510
Hearing and Vision, 9%, 427
Multiple and Other, 7%, 364
Mobility, 6%, 281
Speech, 1%, 35
TAP for Internet
Picture of Penny and computer screen with magnification
The People Piece
As is true of many of the “seniors” who apply to TAP-I, Penny has macular degeneration, which is causing her to lose her vision but not her motivation to keep doing all of the activities she loves like tatting, reading and talking to her many relatives, and friends via e-mail.
This lively lady uses adaptive technology to perform many daily activities. Included among the technology she uses everyday is her computer magnification software, ZoomText, which allows her to use the Internet and e-mail to keep in touch with her 3 children 13 grand children and 14 great grandchildren, and numerous friends,
To quote Penny, “Thank you and all of those who work with the visually challenged and without the Zoom I would be just an old 78 year old woman with a very dark and lonely day. It is a wonderful program for those who like to keep in touch with the world around Thanks.”
Picture of Robert using Big Keys alternative keyboard with computer
When you walk into Roger’s apartment the first thing you notice are the books that are everywhere. Roger is an avid reader who is particularly fond of the Stephen King and Daniel Kuntz genre. It is easy to get into a lively conversation with Roger about any of the books in his apartment, as he has read them all. It just makes sense that he would like to write his own book.
Being able to write has become a reality, because of the adaptive computer equipment Roger received through TAP-I. He now uses his adaptive hardware and software to access the computer on a daily basis. Because of the difference the adaptive equipment provided through TAP-I has made, Roger can now take advantage of social interaction offered via the internet such as chat rooms; look toward the possibility of attending college and becoming an author; and, increase his independence through internet based businesses such as ordering his groceries on-line.
The Program Piece
Consumers who received adaptive computer equipment through TAP for Internet report 55% are using the Internet and e-mail to conduct business and 37% are using it to access government services online.
Missouri continues to be the only state in the nation whose telecommunication equipment distribution program includes the adaptive devices needed for Internet access.
TAP for Internet provided 1,008 adaptive computer devices representing 124 different devices. The devices provided fall into four very broad categories including alternative keyboards and pointing devices, software adaptations, speech and braille output and enlargement software.
People with vision disabilities continue to be among the most prolific users of the program with 50% of the equipment provided being speech and braille output and enlargement software. Consumers with reading, decoding and/or comprehension disabilities represent 27% of the applicants. People with physical disabilities represent the minority with 18% representation. Given the proportionately larger number of people with physical disabilities, this percentage is expected to increase dramatically.
Because of the wide range of adaptive computer equipment provided through TAP-I, consumer support is a critical factor both for the selection and installation and use of the equipment. Over 400 consumer support sessions were provided this year.
TAP-I chart of Age of Recipients
Age 21 and under, 36%, 137
22 - 40 yrs., 17%, 65
41 - 60 yrs., 28%, 108
61 - 75 yrs., 12%, 47
76 - 90 yrs., 6%, 24
91 and over, 1%, 2
Total, 383
TAP-I chart of type of equipment
Alternative Keyboard and Adaptations, 37%, 379
Speech Output and Braille Display, 26%, 265
Enlargement, 18%, 179
Alternative Pointing Devices, 11%, 109
AT Accessories, 7%, 74
Other, 2
Total devices, 1008
TAP-I chart of disability of recipients
Vision, 51%, 194
Reading and Decoding, 27%, 105
Mobility, 19%, 72
Other, 2%, 9
Other with Vision, 1%, 3
$how Me Loans
Picture of John using print enlarger and scanner by computer
The People Piece
John is 44 years old and lives in Boone County. He is legally blind, but has some partial vision. He wanted to buy a Magni-Cam electronic print enlarger and a scanner so he could read all of his day-to-day print materials at home. He especially wanted the devices to be able to help his children with their schoolwork. He was able to get a discount on the Magni-Cam, but still needed $520 to purchase it and the scanner. It was just more than was affordable on his monthly disability payments. John applied for and received a $how-Me loan, and now enjoys using his new equipment while making monthly loan payments of only $30.
Picture of Cinthia in her accessible kitchen using the sink
Cinthia and Charles live in their home in Columbia. Their house was built in 1931, and Cinthia, who uses a wheelchair, was frustrated with the home’s inaccessible kitchen. There was very little usable counter space; cabinets were up too high for her to reach; she wasn’t able to open the windows; and appliances were situated so they were difficult or impossible to use. Cinthia wanted to have the ability to cook, do dishes, and other kitchen chores without having to rely on someone else for help all the time. A $how-Me Loan was approved with affordable monthly payments that allowed the couple to make access improvements so Cinthia can be much more independent in her home.
The Program Piece
$how-Me Loans is Missouri’s new low-interest loan program that helps persons with disabilities to purchase assistive technology. Borrowers have been able to improve independence for themselves or family members through the loan program with interest rates averaging 3.1%. The program can provide loans for any type of assistive technology device or equipment, or for making access improvements to homes or vehicles. During 2002-03, $how-Me Loans received 31 applications which were reviewed by a consumer majority loan committee. The average time needed to process and review applications was 23 days. The program approved $61,816 in loans for 18 Missouri families. Eight borrowers purchased hearing aids, 3 purchased wheelchair lifts for vehicles, 2 bought wheelchair ramps, 2 purchased computers, and others obtained home access modifications, an assistive listening system, a customized wheelchair and an electronic print enlarging device. The average amount loaned was $3434 with a range of $520 to $9,859. Terms of re-payment ranged from 18 to 60 months with an average of 37 months.
Even though half of borrowers had an annual income of less than $15,000 there were no defaults on loans. During the year, borrowers repaid a total of $20,462 in principal and interest.
Show Me Loans chart of AT by dollars loaned
Hearing Devices, 8, $25,578
Vehicle Access, 3, $13,080
Home Access, 3, $11,630
Custom Wheelchairs, 1, $7,316
Computers, 2, $3,692
Vision Devices, 1, $520
Total Loans, $61,816
Show Me Loans chart of annual Income of Approved Borrowers
Swap ‘n Shop
Picture of young girl using textbook in CCTV
The People Piece
A central Missouri school district initially borrowed several different types of CCTVs from the ETC program to determine the most appropriate device. The CCTV was so much easier to use than a hand-held magnifier. They feel fortunate to have found exactly what they needed on the Swap 'n Shop, and saved a thousand dollars too!
An individual from southern Missouri had previously found and purchased an accessible van off of the Swap n’ Shop program a few years ago, and was looking through the listings once again. They found a parachute harness. They were able to attach this to a hoyer lift and now can use this for weight bearing exercises as well as a way to get out of the sitting position at times. The consumer states that this was the first time they had ever seen this but it does the job better than anything else they have found and they saved $150!
The Program Piece
In fact, Missouri Assistive Technology helped citizens save $370,748 through the Swap N' Shop program, an equipment exchange program that allows people with disabilities to obtain devices from individuals in the state who no longer use them. The Swap n' shop program received 124 new equipment listing while 89 new consumers were able to place an ad. All types of assistive technologies were listed including accessible vehicles, porch and stair lifts, all types of mobility aids such as canes, and wheelchairs allowing other consumers from around the state to purchase used assistive technology at a reduced price.
Swap ‘n Shop chart of price range of transferred equipment
Less than $500
2001-02, 13
2002-03, 19
From $500 - $1000
2001-02, 9
2002-03, 6
From $1000 - $3000
2001-02, 19
2002-03, 9
From $3000 - $5000
2001-02, 5
2002-03, 8
From $5000 - 10,000
2001-02, 5
2002-03, 5
Over $10,000
2001-02, 4
2002-03, 9
Kids Assistive Technology Program (KAT)
Picture of Marty in his wheelchair on the lift attached to their deck with his Mom next to him.
The People Piece
A mother in St. Louis was worried about having to carry 12-year old Marty and his wheelchair up and down stairs in front of their home. Carrying Marty, who has cerebral palsy, was dangerous for both he and his mother. Since the house had a high porch and there was limited yard space, it was clear that a wheelchair lift would be a better solution for the family than a ramp. But Marty’s mom, a single mother of five, could not afford a lift costing several thousand dollars. The KAT program was able to provide most of the needed funding. Now even Marty’s brothers and sisters can operate the lift and don’t have to wait for help every time Marty wants to go outside or come in.
The Program Piece
For three years, families of children with disabilities have obtained assistive technology through the KAT program. Program funds have come from the Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Special Health Care Needs. While fewer KAT funds were available than in previous years, the program was still able to help 18 Missouri children. MoAT was able to utilize $24,438 in KAT funds to leverage another $29,378 in other funding to provide a total of $53,814 in devices and equipment.
KAT chart of dollars expended by type of AT
Vehicle Access Modifications, 7, $10,597
Missouri Disability Legislative Listserv
Missouri’s 2003 legislative year took many twists and turns including two special sessions. Persons with disabilities and other disability advocates needed up-to-date information on the status of disability-related legislation and budget issues. MoAT’s Missouri Disability Legislative Listserv helped them meet this need. More than 330 individuals and organizations subscribed to the Listserv at no cost, and provided the legislative information to hundreds of other Missourians with disabilities.
“I have appreciated the complete and up-date info. I have forwarded a lot of the emails to my son's caseworkers.” Parent of a child with a disability
“There is not much more I can ask from you...You did an awesome job of informing many of us on the legislative actions and bills... Keep up the good work” School special education administrator
“MoAT's listserv is considered one of the best resources for up to date Missouri legislative issues. It is clear and concise--all that is needed.” Director of a center for independent living
“The information provided is concise while offering all the important highlights. It is perfect for someone like myself that does not have a lot of time to review tons of information on the various issues. Anytime I have needed additional information I have been able to contact MoAT staff and get the information I needed.” Director of a community non-profit organization
“I think you do an excellent job of tracking legislative issues...I don't have the time (or the know how) to keep on top of all of the different issues being considered each session, so your reports are invaluable for keeping me up to date and informed. I subscribe to another list that does not seem to track anywhere near the number of legislative issues you track. Keep up the good work, we certainly appreciate it!” assistant director of a center for independent living
The Mission of the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council is
to increase access to assistive technology for Missourians with disabilities.
Council members during 2002 – 2003:
Consumer Representatives
Teddi Brace, Chairperson
Rita Lynch, Chairperson Elect
Shari LaRoussa, Past Chair
Karen Collier
Chris Craig
Marnie Gustafson
Neil Harms
Scott Higdon
Dick Hosty
Jim Jordan
Deana O’Brien
Rhonda Triller
Legislative Representatives
Senator Kenneth Jacob
Representative - vacant
Agency Representatives
Jim Brinkman – Rehab. Serv. for the Blind
Aurita Prince Caldwell – Health and Sr. Services
Jim Casey - Insurance
Melodie Friedebach - Special Education
Dolores Hampton – DD Planning Council
Ed Kniest - Medical Services
Nancy Nickolaus – Mental Health
Elaine Reiter - AARP
Vacant – Vocational Rehabilitation
In keeping with statutory requirements, the Missouri Assistive Technology Council is pleased to provide this report on the Council’s services and programs. Every attempt has been made to provide timely and comprehensive information in a cost effective manner by using existing staff resources. Alternate formats are available upon request and an accessible electronic version is available at www.dolir.mo.gov/matp/.
Photography by Bob LaRoussa and Tom Olin
MoAT logo
Missouri Assistive Technology
4731 S. Cochise, Suite 114
Independence, Misouri 64055
(816) 373-5193, voice
(816) 373-9315, tty
(816) 373-9314, fax
matpmo@swbell.net, email
www.dolir.mo.gov/matp/, website