June 2015 Highlights
PROJECT WIDE NEWS
Announcements
RIS-MIS Grant Reporting Update
Effective June 30, 2015, the Department of Education no longer supports the use of RSA-MIS for programs transferred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL). After June 30, 2015, Assistive Technology Program Grantees will no longer be able to submit grant information in RSA MIS from the ED RSA web site,https://rsa.ed.gov/. However, Assistive Technology Programs will be able to access program information in MIS via “read-only” format. ACL is working with ED to transfer a copy of the MIS system and the information about the AT grants to ACL. The plan is to integrate the system into ACL’s web site, and to ensure the system and the information contained in it will be available by October, 2015, for submitting and updating state plans and performance reports.
- Grant Reporting Summary:
- From June 30, 2015 forward, all transferred Assistive Technology Grantees will no longer have the ability to update a state plan or submit a performance report in RSA MIS.
- Existing state plans and reports will continue to be available in “read only” format.
- Beginning October 1, 2015, all grantees will use ACL MIS for submitting and updating state plans and performance reports.
For further information or questions, please contact Rob Groenendaal at Robert.Groenendaal@ed.gov.
AT Program Spring News - The ABLE Act for Funding AT
AT Program News (ATPN) is a newsletter and blog created to serve the common mission of the Statewide Assistive Technology Programs, the Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs), and their community partners. In this spring issue, Editor Eliza Anderson takes a look at the new ABLE Act and what it means for individuals with disabilities wanting to obtain AT. You can read this entire newsletter, as well as all archived ATPN newsletters athttp://www.atprogramnews.com/newsletter-archive.html.
AT Program News Call for Content: Aging in Place with AT
The next edition of AT Program News will report on "Aging in Place with Assistive Technology"! What strategies, partnerships, and devices best support seniors living at home and in their communities?
Tell us about your:
- Program outreach and marketing to seniors
- Partnerships with other agencies
- Funding strategies
- Devices you're excited about
- Success stories and more!
Send submissions, ideas, and suggestions to atprogramnews@gmail.com by July 27th, 2015. All submissions are provided with editing support. ATPN articles are for public consumption and available for reproduction.
Webinar: Beyond ADA/Section 508 Compliance: How FAAST made their website more usable for all-Thursday, July 23, 2015, 3:00-4:00p.m. EST
In a perfect world, all websites would be designed to be accessible to everyone including individuals who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or have mobility or language issues. In this webinar, Michael Daniels, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Inc. (FAAST) along with George Spohn, Region Manager at Ai Squared, will discuss how FAAST is using web-based software to make FAAST’s website more usable for people with vision, learning, mobility, and language challenges. In addition, Michael and George will conduct a live demo of Sitecues by Ai Squared, which is the web-based accessibility tool chosen by FAAST, to help make their website more usable for people with low vision. Time for questions and answers will follow the webinar presentation. Live streaming text will be available for this webinar. Register today at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5887268308003986178. Note: AT information is distributed by the RESNA Catalyst Project forinformational purposes only. Endorsement or recommendation is neither intended nor implied, and the RESNA Catalyst Project, RESNA, RESNA employees, collaborators, and partners take no responsibility for individual decisions, and shall bear no liability for any loss or damages resulting from the use of this information.
RESNA Catalyst Project and ATIA Webinars for 2015
The RESNA Catalyst Project continues its partnership with ATIA to offer live and archived webinars to all AT Act Entities! A total of 650 seats will be available through September 2015. The webinar subscription code is 15PDRESNA. This is referred to as the “Discount Code” in the online registration form and is the same for all registrations. The discount code must be used during the webinar and conference recording registration process to ensure the system does not charge any additional fees. Multiple attendees and multiple webinars can be registered during one registration transaction. However, each person for each webinar and conference recording counts as one registration. To access the online registration process visit: www.atia.org/webinarregistration. Online directories of Live Broadcast and Archived Recording webinars are available at: www.atia.org/webinars. Each listing includes full details of the webinar and an option to register.
2015 ATAP Conference - July 13-15, 2015
This year’s SGAT program conference is being sponsored by ATAP, and will be at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza, in Washington, DC. For more information and to register, visit the ATAP Conference registration link is at http://www.ataporg.org/ConferenceRegistration.aspx.
2015 AFP and Reuse Conference - August 31, and September 1, 2015
The RESNA Catalyst Project is very pleased to announce that in conjunction with the Pass It On Center, will host an Alternative Financing and Reuse Programs Conference in Washington, DC, August 31 and September 1, 2015. The Conference will be held at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel in Washington, DC. The Conference agenda is being finalized, and more information will be coming soon. Registration is free, and can be accessed at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-alternative-financing-and-re-use-conference-registration-16220135863. Register today today and see you in August!
STATEWIDE AT PROGRAMS
Announcements
Revisions to the Quality Indicators Manual for Device Loan and Device Demonstration
The RESNA Catalyst Project will be convening a work group and meeting this September to work on updates and revisions to the 2010 Quality Indicator Manuals for Device Loan and Device Demonstration. If you have suggestions for updates, please send them to Paul Galonsky, pgalonsky@resna.org.
Next Deaf Hard of Hearing Work Group - Wednesday, July 29, 2015, 3-4:00p.m. Eastern
The RESNA Catalyst Project along with Laura Plummer, Project Director with Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program (WisTech), will continue to hold the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Work Group on July 29, 2015.
Everyone is using smartphones and tablets so what are the common apps used by consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing? Speech to text? Video Relay? Alerting? Assistive Listening? Captions? The next Deaf/HOH Work Group will include a brief presentation on the apps available. Please join us and be ready to also share what apps you have found useful for consumers who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. To register visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3821767544821628417.
The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Work Group is designed to share in, and address, technical issues and solutions current to technologies for individuals who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. In addition, a LinkedIn page is available to share information and resources. To participate in this LinkedIn Group, visit https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RESNA-Catalyst-Deaf-HOH-Workgroup-6746896/about.
Recent EventsStatewide AT Program New Directors Webinar/Call-Quality Services and Indicators-Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT Act), as amended, statewide AT Act programs must provide a variety of assistive technology services consistently and in a quality manner. This webinar/call featured information on Quality Services and Indicators found in the fifth module of the New Director’s Curriculum (http://www.resnaprojects.org/statewide/newdirectors/mod5quality.html). In addition, Amy Goldman, Co-Executive Director for Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology,was on hand to share in her Program’s experiences with Quality Indicators for Device Loan and Device Demonstration. Look for details soon on the next New Director’s webinar/call.
PAAT PROGRAMS
Announcements
New Publication in “Did You Know” Series --When AT Does Not Meet Medicaid’s DME Criteria: Using Coverage Categories Other Than Durable Medical Equipment to Fund Assistive Technology
This two and one half page document is available at http://www.nls.org/files/Disability%20Law%20Hotlines/Did%20You%20Know/Using%20Non-DME%20Coverage%20Categories%20to%20Fund%20AT.pdf. NLS continues to their Did You Know series as a way to get out information of value to AT advocates in 2 and 3-page formats. As always, more in depth information on this topic can be found by following links in the document or by contacting staff of the National AT Advocacy Project. Check out all of the documents in our Did You Know series at http://www.nls.org/Disability/NationalAssistiveTechnologyProject/DidYouKnow.
Handouts Available from AT-Related Sessions at the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) Annual Meeting and Conference.
These sessions included:
- A full-day “Transition” institute - touched on transition requirements in IDEA and vocational rehabilitation law and regulations; some innovative approaches to use of AT in employment; focus on SSI work incentives for youth; and how AT can be funded to support a work goal.
- “Meeting the AT Needs of Infants, Toddlers, and Very Young Children: Looking to Medicaid and IDEA for Funding.” Speakers: Marge Gustas, Staff Paralegal, National AT Advocacy Project; Ron Hager, NDRN.
- “Medicaid Hearings and AT: What’s In Your Toolkit?” Speakers: Marge Gustas, Staff Paralegal and James R. Sheldon, Supervising Attorney, National AT Advocacy Project, Buffalo, NY
- “Overcoming Medicaid’s Most Common Reasons for Saying No to AT Funding Requests: Changing a No to a Yes.” Speakers: Marge Gustas, Staff Paralegal and James R. Sheldon, Supervising Attorney, National AT Advocacy Project.
Contact Jim Sheldon (jsheldon@nls.org) or Marge Gustas (mgustas@nls.org) for copies of handouts.
Another Medicaid Hearing Decision Awards Funding for a Standing Wheelchair
Diana Straube received a favorable Medicaid hearing decision (New York), awarding funding for a standing wheelchair for a 23 year old woman. Marge Gustas of Neighborhood Legal Services represented the woman at the first hearing and lost despite building a very good record. Diana then filed a state judicial review petition (Article 78). Because large parts of the hearing testimony could not be transcribed, the state agreed to a new hearing on the issue.
The second hearing decision noted the medical benefits of standing and, in our client’s case, the inability to realize those benefits with a separate stander because she requires a two person assist in transfers, even with a mechanical lift. She seldom has 2 people available, and clearly not often enough to get full benefits from standing. This hearing decision is now available through our AT Resource Library. Contact Diana Straube (dstraube@nls.org) if you would like a copy of the decision. Diana can provide you with additional resources to support your work on standing wheelchair cases, including other hearing decisions, court decisions, briefs, and medical articles to support the medical need for standing/standing wheelchairs.
New “AT Funding Toolkits” Series Kicks Off with Materials/Links to Support Medicaid Application for Standing Wheelchair
This is a collaborative effort between New York’s State AT Project (TRAID) and the National AT Advocacy Project. Marge Gustas of NLS is spearheading the effort to create “toolkits” for seeking Medicaid funding for a number of commonly sought items that can often be a challenge to get funded. Although the toolkits focus on New York they should have value throughout the country.
Our first toolkit focuses on the standing wheelchair, http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/services-supports/assistive-technology-traid/at-toolkits/standing-wheelchair. By going to the site you will see a Funding Request Checklist, with links to sample Letters of Medical Justification and other important resources to support the funding request. We will be working with TRAID on additional toolkits to publish this year.
ALTERNATIVE FINANCING AND TELEWORK LOAN PROGRAMS
Announcements
Individual TA Calls with Loan Program Directors
The RESNA Catalyst Project, in conjunction with ACL, is continuing to set up individual calls for loan program directors to discuss program needs. These are short, usually lasting approximately 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for contact from Jason Luciano to schedule a time.
Revisions to the Quality Indicators Manual
The RESNA Catalyst Project will be convening a work group to work on updates and revisions to the 2012 Quality Indicators Manual. If you are interested in joining this work group, please contact Jason Luciano atjluciano@resna.org.
Loan Directors Open Forum Call - June 16, 2015
RESNA Catalyst Project Director, Joey Wallace hosted an all Loan Program Directors Forum in June. This forum is designed for Directors to talk informally about programmatic issues that they may be currently facing, as well as technical guidance adhering to federal and state regulations. In addition, this forum is intended to provide for open discussion and sharing across programs. Stay tuned soon for an upcoming forum call date.
New Grantee Call - June 18, 2015
The monthly call bringing together the new AFP grantees was held June 18, 2015. These calls are for those programs receiving funding under the recent competitions to discuss unique opportunities and challenges presented to new AFP grantees.
Credit Builders Alliance Webinar - June 25, 2015
The RESNA Catalyst Project hosted a webinar in which the Credit Builder’s Alliance (CBA) presented on the benefits your Loan Program partnering with them to best meet the needs of your applicants. CBA representatives were able to discuss the services offered and how they can work with you on bettering your program. This webinar was recorded is posted on the RESNA Catalyst Project Website at http://www.resnaprojects.org/statewide/webedarchive.html.
Telework Webinar: Reading and Reviewing Business Plans - July 16, 2015, 2-3:00pm Eastern
Kathy Gilman from the Washington Access Fund will present on how to read and review business plans, which is a required element of certain telework applications. Information on logging in will be sent out soon, so watch your inboxes and plan on joining us!
New Grantee Call - July 23, 2015, 4-5:00p.m. Eastern
The next monthly call bringing together the new AFP grantees is scheduled for July 23, 2015. These calls are for those programs receiving funding under the recent competitions to discuss unique opportunities and challenges presented to new AFP grantees.
Loan Directors Open Forum Call - August 18th 3-4:00p.m. Eastern
RESNA Catalyst Project Director, Joey Wallace will host an all Loan Program Directors Forum in August. This forum is designed for Directors to talk informally about programmatic issues that they may be currently facing, as well as technical guidance adhering to federal and state regulations. In addition, this forum is intended to provide for open discussion and sharing across programs. Please join us by calling 1-800-211-4163 with pass code 57 48 484#.
OTHER RESOURCES
ADA 25th Anniversary
The Census Bureau is commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by releasing a "Facts for Features" providing a demographic snapshot of the U.S. population with a disability and examines various services available to them. The demographic snapshot includes information about institutionalization, transportation, employment, and accessibility. The statistics come from various Census Bureau censuses and surveys, covering differing periods of time.To learn more, visit http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-census-bureau-facts-for-features-25th-anniversary-of-americans-with-disabilities-act-july-26-300090360.html.
Source: Association of University Centers on Disabilities
ADA Act-Title II Primer
The Department of Justice revised its regulations implementing the ADA in September 2010. The new rules clarify issues that arose over the previous 20 years and contain new requirements, including the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards). This document provides general guidance to assist State and local governments in understanding and complying with the ADA's requirements. For more information, visit http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/title_ii_primer.html.
DOJ Findings on Amtrak/ADA
On June 9, 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a letter finding that Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to make stations for which it is responsible physically accessible to persons with mobility disabilities by the deadline in the ADA of July 26, 2010. Currently, only 18 out of nearly 400 Amtrak stations are accessible. The Letter of Findings is available on ADA.gov.
For more information on the Americans with Disabilities Act visit ADA.gov, or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
AT Radio & Podcasts in Indiana
INDATA has launched an internet radio station. AssistiveTechnologyRadio.com broadcasts 24/7 and includes a wide variety of AT programs. Programs include INDATA’s two podcasts as well as various AT training sessions. To view and listen to the growing list of episodes, visit:http://www.eastersealstech.com/on-air/. INDATA will include audio content from other AT projects. To submit radio content or to learn more about INDATA's AT radio and podcasts contact Wade Wingler at wwingler@eastersealscrossroads.org.
Follow the RESNA Catalyst Project on Twitter today! @ResnaCatalyst
The RESNA Catalyst Project now has a Twitter feed on the homepage at www.resnaprojects.org. Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables users to send and read "tweets", which are text messages limited to 140 characters.
Follow what is happening with the RESNA Catalyst’s Online Calendar
The RESNA Catalyst Project’s event calendar is on the homepage at www.resnaprojects.org. This interactive calendar allows individuals to access information on upcoming events as well as visit recent ones. Most events reported in these Highlights Newsletters will now be a simple click away to download, register, and share!
AT product information contained above is distributed by the RESNA Catalyst Project for informational purposes only. Endorsement or recommendation is neither intended nor implied, and the RESNA Catalyst Project, RESNA, RESNA employees, collaborators, and partners take no responsibility for individual decisions, and shall bear no liability for any loss or damages resulting from the use of this information.