Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library

About Pennsylvania Population (2005) 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) 2.1 million persons with disability 5 years old or older 11% persons below poverty

About PIAT

Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library: Overview 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) Contracted with PDE to manage/circulate the inventory; based program on PDE elements (free pick- up/delivery; data base) Unsuccessful attempt for Program Revision Request 1996 – Request included in Governor’s Budget but struck in final budget negotiations 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 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, :$ 750, :$ 750, : $ 809, $ 890, $ 890, $ 890, $ 890, $ 801, $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 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)