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Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library. About Pennsylvania. Population (2005) - 12.5 million 44,816 square miles; 300 miles between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia 67 counties; 35 are “non-Metro” (most rural state) 15% 65+ (2 nd only to Florida)
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About Pennsylvania • Population (2005) - 12.5 million • 44,816 square miles; 300 miles between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia • 67 counties; 35 are “non-Metro” (most rural state) • 15% 65+ (2nd only to Florida) • 2.1 million persons with disability 5 years old or older • 11% persons below poverty
Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library: Overview • 1993 - Begun with “Title I” funds to address a gap in availability of device loans to adults or other populations not served by PDE (between 1993 – 1998 developed an inventory of $150,000 of devices) • 1993 - Contracted with PDE to manage/circulate the inventory; based program on PDE elements (free pick-up/delivery; data base) • 1995 - Unsuccessful attempt for Program Revision Request • 1996 – Request included in Governor’s Budget but struck in final budget negotiations • 1997 - Success!
Keys to Success • Strategy: Identify AT in state plans of key state agencies • Have a champion at a high level (Deputy Secretary of DPW) • Opportunity: Governor Ridge’s Disability Policy Agenda and Director • Support from Disability Budget Coalition
Program Expansion 1997 - 98 • Stakeholders’ meetings • Changed inventory contractor • Expanded eligibility for program (all ages) • Always cross-disability • Always state-wide • Always consumer-driven
Budget History (State Funds) • 97-98: $ 700,000 • 98-99: $ 750,000 • 99-00: $ 750,000 • 00-01: $ 809,000 • 01-02 $ 890,000 • 02-03 $ 890,000 • 03-04 $ 890,000 • 04-05 $ 890,000 • 05-06 $ 801,000 • 06-07 $1,001,000
Current Budget Highlights • ATRCs: $162,000 (staff, travel) • PIAT “central”: Includes $155,000 of staff support (including function as ATRC) and $316,000+ in additions to the inventory • Centralized Inventory: $326,500; includes $12,000 for repairs/replacement/warranty renewal; $112,600 shipping costs; $47,000 space rental
Structure • Builds on ATRC infrastructure (9 regions, 8 ATRC subcontractors) • PIAT serves as an ATRC – gives a good indication of how things are running! • Centralized inventory subcontractor • 160+ “local branches” volunteer to assist with outreach, information and assistance to consumers
Staffing: ATRCs • ATRC staffing ranges from 37% FTE – 70% FTE (ATLL only) • Activities implemented by 1 – 3 individuals • Some use support staff for follow up, reminder calls, etc. • Staff include ATPs (no SLPs, OTRs, etc.)
Staffing: PIAT “Central” • Approximately 4 FTE • Includes administrative functions (ordering equipment; contract supervision and TA; web design and maintenance; informational materials) • Includes ATRC functions (processing applications, follow up with consumers, etc.)
Staffing: Centralized Inventory Subcontractor • 3.15 FTE total personnel (6 individuals) • Includes .5 FTE IT technician and 1.5 staff who handle the packing, shipping, return and tracking of equipment • Remaining staff handle administrative functions e.g. oversight, data base of equipment, repairs, borrowers, etc.
Program Activity 2005-2006 • 4126 separate requests received • 6287 devices shipped • 1481 different borrowers (unduplicated) • 80% first-time borrowers • 80% people with disabilities • Purpose: 73% borrow for evaluation or trial; 13% for accommodation ; 12% for professional development/outreach; 1+% as a loaner (during repair or wait for funding)