2016 Annual Report ARIZONA Technology Access Program NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Institute for Human Development 22 Years of Service 2016 was our 22nd year of providing access to assistive technology for Arizona residents. Here are some highlights from our activities in 2016. 62% 62% OF AzTAP’S 2016 FUNDING WAS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ($597,288); THE BALANCE WAS SUPPORTED BY LEVERAGED FUNDING FROM STATE AGENCIES. Our Accomplishments by the Numbers: 3,897 DEVICES 970 persons borrowed 3,897 AT devices from our short term device loan libraries. DEMO 432 AzTAP staff conducted 432 device demonstrations attended by 1,121 persons. 52 EVENTS AzTAP conducted/hosted 52 educational events that were attended by 1,184 persons. 2,027 AzTAP staff responded to 2,027 requests for information and assistance. 39,015 AzTAP reached 39,015 individuals through its website, newsletters, print materials, social media and community events. 226 266 items were posted on the ATEX website and 114 exchanges took place. Spotlight on Success Rebecca, a woman in her mid-sixties, contacted AzTAP for help with assistive technology for her low vision. Prior to coming to AzTAP, she had tried a variety of low tech magnifying aids but these were no longer meeting her needs. During the demonstration at AzTAP, Rebecca had the opportunity to try several different video magnifiers including a small hand held model and a larger desktop magnifier. Rebecca decided that her best option was to get a compact video magnifier since she could use it for reading her mail and magazines at home; it is also small enough to take with her for shopping and reading labels. However, she was concerned about the cost. AzTAP's AT Specialist helped Rebecca complete the application for a financial loan from AzLAT – our alternative financing program. Her loan application was approved and she was able to buy the device with affordable monthly payments. 100 PARTICIPANTS AzTAP collaborated with the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to sponsor the Assistive Technology Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing workshop. The event reached capacity very quickly, with almost 100 people attending from every part of Arizona. $346K SAVED AzTAP’s reuse activities and assistance with finding potential funding sources saved consumers who needed assistive technology over $346,000! AzLAT - Alternative Finance Programs 14 LOANS AzLAT approved 14 low interest rate loans totaling over $76,000 to persons with disabilities, allowing them to buy their desired assistive technology. 100% of AzLAT’s borrowers reported that they were satisfied .with their AzLAT experience. Over 93% gave AzLAT the. .highest rating, reporting they were “highly satisfied.” “So much success!” We are having so much success with the [device we borrowed from AzTAP’s Loan Library], it is ridiculous. Our little one has gone from needing constant help and supervision on the computer to being completely independent – P.K., AT Coordinator, local school district HELP ONLY COMES WHEN THE PLEA IS HEARD Hello? Can some one help me please? Mary, an older woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was living in a group home and receiving Hospice services. She had been using a baby monitor to summon assistance from the staff, but as her illness progressed, her voice weakened and this system was no longer sufficient to alert the caregivers that she needed help. After being referred to AzTAP by the hospice nurse, AzTAP’s AT Specialist went to her home to assess her assistive technology needs. After trying different assistive technology products and exploring the pros and cons of each, Mary chose to borrow a switch that she controlled with a slight movement of her head. It was mounted so she could activate the call button. Now the staff could clearly hear her throughout the house. As a result of the successful device loan and setup, Mary’s family purchased the equipment for her. Both the family and group home were very pleased that Mary was able to independently summon assistance up to the end of her life. “Thank you… “I wanted to express my appreciation to you for going after hours to meet with my client at her work setting. Not just your knowledge & skill, but your kindness is what makes you & AzTAP so valuable to our clients.” – I.M., Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor AzTAP ARIZONA Technology Access Program 300 W. Clarendon Ave, Suite 475 Phoenix, AZ 85013 www.aztap.org (602) 728-9534 TTY: (602) 728-9536 Fax: (602) 728-9535 Toll-Free: (800) 477-9921 This publication was made possible by Grant Number 90AG0004 from the Administration for Community Living. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).