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Developing Alaska’s Assistive Technology Consortium Kathy Privratsky, ATLA Executive Director

Developing Alaska’s Assistive Technology Consortium Kathy Privratsky, ATLA Executive Director April 28 - 29, 2010. Assistive Technology of Alaska. What is ATLA?. Assistive Technology Library of Alaska (ATLA) Implementing Agency for Tech Act

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Developing Alaska’s Assistive Technology Consortium Kathy Privratsky, ATLA Executive Director

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  1. Developing Alaska’s Assistive Technology Consortium Kathy Privratsky, ATLA Executive Director April 28 - 29, 2010 Assistive Technology of Alaska Assistive Technology of Alaska

  2. 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

  3. Alaska and the Lower 48 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  4. AT Consortium History • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  5. Advisory Committee Priorities • Convene an AT Consortium and develop a 6 – 18 month plan to execute the priorities defined by AT Advisory Committee • Leadership from State Department of Education (DEED) • Share agendas and planning statewide • Increase education of AT through life span • Influence the 3 to 5 year state plans of state and advocacy organizations Assistive Technology of Alaska

  6. Advisory Committee Priorities • Develop an AT component for Early Intervention and Infant Learning Programs • Coordinate information across constituents, agencies, and individuals • Provide clarity on how DVR can systematically support AT • Generate relationships and partnerships with “Boomers and Seniors” leadership • Develop opportunities for cross agency marketing Assistive Technology of Alaska

  7. The Beginning…… • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  8. Purpose of the Consortium • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  9. Focus: Get AT into the Mainstream • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  10. Coordinated Activities • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  11. Outcomes to Date • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  12. Outcomes to Date • 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 Assistive Technology of Alaska

  13. Lessons Learned • 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. Assistive Technology of Alaska

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