developing alaska’s assistive technology consortium kathy privratsky, atla executive director
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Assistive Technology of Alaska
Developing Alaska’s Assistive Technology
Consortium
Kathy Privratsky, ATLA Executive Director
April 28 - 29, 2010
Assistive Technology of Alaska 1
What is ATLA?
• Assistive Technology Library of Alaska (ATLA)• Implementing Agency for Tech Act• Awareness, Demonstrations, Information & Assistance, Loans,
Trainings, AK Trading Post• Focus: Vision, Hearing, Communication, Computer Access, ECU,
Learning and Cognition• Fee for Service: Assessments and Trainings• Sales of AT• Midnight Sun AT Conference
Assistive Technology of Alaska 2
Alaska and the Lower 48
Assistive Technology of Alaska 3
• 3 years talking about and preparing for a statewide AT Consortium
• Time was right and we moved quickly!• Initial meeting with AT Advisory Committee and
Cathy Bodine presented the Colorado Model and helped the Committee develop initial goals and recommendations
• Presentation to and approval by the Governors’ Committee on Employment and Disabilities
AT Consortium History
Assistive Technology of Alaska 4
1. Convene an AT Consortium and develop a 6 – 18 month plan to execute the priorities defined by AT Advisory Committee
2. Leadership from State Department of Education (DEED)
3. Share agendas and planning statewide4. Increase education of AT through life span5. Influence the 3 to 5 year state plans of state and
advocacy organizations
Advisory Committee Priorities
Assistive Technology of Alaska 5
6. Develop an AT component for Early Intervention and Infant Learning Programs
7. Coordinate information across constituents, agencies, and individuals
8. Provide clarity on how DVR can systematically support AT
9. Generate relationships and partnerships with “Boomers and Seniors” leadership
10. Develop opportunities for cross agency marketing
Advisory Committee Priorities
Assistive Technology of Alaska 6
• 6 key decision-makers attended a half-day meeting and were educated on Tech Act priorities and the Colorado model
• Reviewed initial goals and recommendations from AT Advisory Committee
• Discussed who was missing at the table• Had a substantial group think and discussion• Explored building on existing efforts to increase
access to and utilization of Assistive Technology (AT)• Scheduled follow-up meeting
The Beginning……
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• Follow-up meeting formalized the purpose:• Leverage and coordinate resources• Coordinate advocacy activities• Build capacity (includes training and education)• Create systems and policy change• Share information (increase awareness)• Get AT into the mainstream by promoting
universal design of programs, services, and facilities across the life span
Purpose of the Consortium
Assistive Technology of Alaska 8
• Universal design of programs, services, and facilities across the life span
• Mainstream the acceptance of AT • Promote AT using universal design as the vehicle• Promote universal design through the effective use
of AT• Put policies in place that result in lasting systems
change and possible required certification
Focus: Get AT into the Mainstream
Assistive Technology of Alaska 9
• Increase training capacity statewide• Look at Medicaid and other funding barriers and
opportunities • Incorporate AT into ongoing activities and state plans• Emphasis on the early childhood and elementary
school• Frame AT in terms of a universal design overlay
– Helps all children learn better• Look at VR policies related to AT and work earlier
with students; share resources with schools
Coordinated Activities
Assistive Technology of Alaska 10
• Early Intervention & Infant Learning Programs• Statewide survey• AT Training component required for all new grantees• ATLA on the Board to guide new service plans• Statewide webinar and training
• Education• State Special Education Conference• Two large school districts recognize their limitations and
AT training and support needs
Outcomes to Date
Assistive Technology of Alaska 11
• Medicaid and funding meeting scheduled• Enlarge list of AT paid for as DME and SME• Discuss ways to save state money
• Influence on new State Plans• Independent Living Centers• Alaska Commission on Aging• Governors’ Council on Disabilities• Alaska Works Initiative 5yr Plan
Outcomes to Date
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• Key members on the Consortium are critical• Substitute attendees may be a barrier
• New members need background information on Tech Act, purpose of Consortium and current activities prior to initial meeting
• Members need specific “action steps”• Meet regularly • Move swiftly and don’t waste time; however,
change will take time.
Lessons Learned
Assistive Technology of Alaska 13
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