Assistive Technology of Alaska

Developing Alaska’s Assistive Technology

Consortium

Kathy Privratsky, ATLA Executive Director

April 28 - 29, 2010

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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

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Alaska and the Lower 48

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• 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

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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

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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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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