Oklahoma ABLE Tech - A Great Return on Investment
FFY 2022 Federal Investment: $493,519
Savings & Benefits for Oklahomans: $3.4 million
About Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is the statewide Assistive Technology Act Program – a program of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. ABLE Tech is funded through the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is made possible through the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended in 2004 (ATA 2004).
Our Mission: To improve the lives of all Oklahomans by providing assistive technology (AT) devices and services, financing opportunities, digital accessibility services, advocacy, and education.
ABLE Tech provides AT through comprehensive, consumer-responsive statewide programs and services: Device Demonstrations, Device Short-Term Loans, Device Reutilization, and State Financing Activities.
An AT device is any piece of equipment or device used to improve the capabilities of people with disabilities. An AT service directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device.
A Quick Look - FFY 2022
- $493,519 federal investment in Oklahoma ABLE Tech
- More than 34,000 direct service recipients
- More than $3.4 million in savings and benefits
- That’s $6.89 for every federal dollar invested
With more than $1.27 million in additional leveraged funding through support programs, we provide an additional $2.58 leveraged for every federal dollar invested!
FFY 2022 Key Initiatives
State Level Activities
Device Demonstrations result in informed decision-making about which AT will and will not meet an individual’s disability needs and prevent wasted expenditures on ‘mismatched’ AT. For example, if an agency/individual explores two electronic magnification devices and decides that one costing $2,000 is perfect – they have potentially saved another $2,000 by knowing the other device they explored would not meet their needs (avoided purchasing to only find the device was not a good match).
13,472 individuals participated in 7,634 device demonstrations conducted by Oklahoma ABLE Tech in FFY 2022. Projecting a modest $50 savings for each demonstration conducted results in a statewide savings of $381,700.
Device Short-Term Loans result in informed and accurate AT purchasing decisions especially in unique contexts like a classroom or workplace. When a school or employer can borrow a device and make sure it will allow the individual with a disability to be successful, they save money by avoiding ‘incorrect’ purchases. Device short-term loans also allow individuals to remain functional while a device is being repaired, preventing costly loss of wages, lost school days, or the need for increased community living supports.
1,863 device short-term loans were made to individuals or agencies with 3,278 devices borrowed from Oklahoma ABLE Tech in FFY 2022 for a total savings of $1,739,460.
-
- 1,650 loans were made for the purpose of helping individuals decide about AT. Using an average savings of $1,000 per loan with more than one device associated (at least one device was rejected as being a match and a second one was borrowed) results in statewide savings of over $1,650,000.
- 213 loans were made for the purpose of serving as a repair or while waiting for funding, to provide a short-term accommodation, and/or to conduct training, self-education, or other professional development activity. Projecting a minimum $10 per day rental fee for the average loan period of 42 days results in a total savings of $89,460.
Device Reutilization programs support the reuse and exchange of durable medical equipment (DME) and AT that is no longer needed or used by its original owner. Recipients usually obtain equipment at a significantly lower cost or no cost.
Reutilization efforts include retrieval, refurbishment, repair, and reassignment of DME and AT. 2,042 individuals received 2,452 devices for a total savings to Oklahomans of $355,276.
- Exchange efforts include the transfer of AT devices from person to person. 211 individuals received 410 exchanged devices for total savings to Oklahomans of $47,304.
- 1,831 Oklahomans acquired 2,042 gently-used devices through Oklahoma ABLE Tech in FFY 2022 for a total value of $307,972.
State Financing programs help individuals purchase/obtain needed AT through a variety of initiatives.
Financial loan programs provide Oklahomans with affordable, flexible borrowing options statewide. Through ABLE Tech’s alternative financing program in FFY 2022, 183 borrowers obtained financial loans funding 342 devices totaling $914,759.
Through ABLE Tech’s AT Fabrication program, 50 individuals obtained 83 3D-printed devices totaling $481 with an additional 3 Oklahomans receiving 3 devices through a collaboration with the Lifeline Program totaling an additional $600. This program offers free cell phones to individuals who qualify. ABLE Tech assisted individuals who could also use cell phones as AT or to access AT.
State Leadership Activities
These programs support efforts that include instructional training, information and assistance (I&A), public awareness, and technical assistance activities. Data is specifically collected on training and I&A.
- 3,597 individuals received in-person/virtual training on topics including AT devices and services, funding, and Digital Accessibility, or a combination of any/all of the above.
- 12,885 individuals received I&A via phone, email, or other virtual platforms in FFY 2022.
Coordination & Collaboration
Leveraged Funding
ABLE Tech maintains coordination and collaboration efforts that provide funding to help enhance the opportunities for individuals to access and acquire needed AT.
- Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (DDCO)
- National Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Center
- Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
- Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT)
- Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
- Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)
- Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE)
- Southwest Americans with Disabilities Act Center (SWADA)
Service Highlights
Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (DDCO)
This year ABLE Tech partnered with DDCO to begin developing self-paced curriculum on topics of Digital Accessibility. Beyond the development of the course curriculum, this project required the vetting, selection, and implementation of a learning management system (LMS) and development tools for functionality and accessibility. ABLE Tech released two courses, Accessible Webpage Design and Content Course and Web Accessibility Testing: Basic Course, to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries in FFY 2022.
National Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Center
ABLE Tech led Oklahoma’s AEM Cohort team through year 2 of the 4-year project to improve access to literacy and educational opportunities for individuals across the lifespan. The core state-level AEM leadership team includes representatives from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), the AIM Center at the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Liberty Braille, Decoding Dyslexia Oklahoma, and ABLE Tech. Interagency Collaborative representatives include the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program; Byng and Norman Public Schools, and Oklahoma School for the Blind; Tulsa Community College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the State Department of Career and Technology Education, the Oklahoma Parents Center, and the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
This year ABLE Tech collaborated with team members to host the National AEM Center! The team reviewed the Intensive Technical Assistance (ITA) plan and made revisions. The stated objectives of the plan are to “.... gather baseline information regarding performance on quality indicators for AEM and accessible/assistive technologies, use baseline data to create resources/materials to assist in improving performance on quality indicators, and demonstrate improved performance on quality indicators for AEM and accessible technologies.” Ultimately, the goal is to increase the accessibility of educational materials for all Oklahomans. Oklahoma ABLE Tech is one of seven national leaders in this effort. This visit was the first in the nation conducted by the National AEM Center for this cohort. We are grateful to our partners for their contributions and to the National AEM Center for its guidance and support throughout this collaboration!
Oklahoma Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
In FFY 2022 Oklahoma ABLE Tech actively sought partnerships and collaborations to support the demand for equipment offered through the Device Reutilization Program. Through investing time and exploring existing relationships, ABLE Tech was able to identify three dynamic partnerships that have resulted in a positive impact to the program. These partnerships include two Area Agency on Aging (AAA) programs - specifically the Central Oklahoma Economic Development District (COEDD) AAA and the Indian Nation Council of Governments (INCOG) AAA. ABLE Tech collaborated with these two specific AAAs to specifically use special grant funds provided through the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Association of Area Agencies on Aging receive the Masonic grant funds to support Oklahoma seniors as they age in place in their homes.
Through Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), ABLE Tech and the two AAAs collaborated to provide needed AT and DME through the Device Reutilization Program for individuals who reside in the AAAs' service territories – a combined 10 counties in Oklahoma. These collaborations resulted in an additional $21,000 to support the provision of needed DME, AT, and related equipment at no cost to Oklahoma's seniors.
Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT)
OkAT has partnered with ABLE Tech since its inception in 2001 to assist Oklahomans with disabilities in getting the assistive technology and durable medical equipment they need. OkAT's primary mission is to promote community development by assisting Oklahomans with disabilities of all ages and their family members, advocates, and authorized representatives or entities to increase understanding, access to, and acquisition of needed AT through financial loans, financial education, and other identified resources. The collaboration results in the successful implementation of ABLE Tech’s Financial Loan Program and other alternative acquisition activities. The great work of the program could not be achieved without this partnership!
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
It has been through strong collaboration between the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and ABLE Tech that Oklahoma continues to be a leader in providing accessible technology to its citizens and workforce. Partnerships with DRS, the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development (OOWD), the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), the Southwest Americans with Disabilities Act (SWADA) Center support training and technical assistance to targeted audiences building capacity statewide. Through these collaborations, agencies and organizations have improved service delivery, and Oklahomans with disabling conditions statewide have greater equity and timely access to information, services, and educational/employment/community opportunities, with the ultimate goal of “Access for All." Additional agency support goes to the ABLE Tech Financial Loan Program helping individuals with disabilities purchase needed AT and DME at a low-interest rate.
ABLE Tech also collaborates with DRS for the provision of staff support services for the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) as set forth in Section 105 and Section 4.2 of the State Plan of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. ORC is to facilitate consumer education and empowerment, to assure services are of high quality and lead to the employment of individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma.
During FFY 2022, the ORC fulfilled all membership requirements of Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act with appointments by the Governor. ORC had 18 members, 3 being ex-officio nonvoting members from the Designated State Agency (DSA). Of the voting members, 60% of the Council is represented by persons with disabilities. The council members are a cross-section of individuals with disabilities who have a stake in vocational rehabilitation services.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)
ABLE Tech’s Device Reuse Program would not be made possible without the financial and programmatic support of OHCA (Oklahoma’s Medicaid Agency also known as SoonerCare). Through increased collaboration, greater communication is occurring with SoonerCare members which should lead to many more successful matches of appropriate DME!
Through an ongoing agreement with OHCA, ABLE Tech is a DME Provider of speech-generating devices (SGDs), specifically vending iPads, communication apps, cases, and accessories to eligible SoonerCare members under the age of 21. During FFY 2022 ABLE Tech facilitated the acquisition of 46 iPads as SGDs to Oklahomans through this collaboration. The iPads as SGDs have allowed individuals who were previously unable to communicate due to disabilities or conditions such as childhood apraxia of speech, Down syndrome, and autism to express their needs, wants, thoughts, and so much more! The provision of iPads as SGDs has had a positive and transformative impact on the 46 SoonerCare members and their families who received them.
Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE)
OSDE has been a dedicated partner, collaborating with ABLE Tech on all major State Level and State Leadership activities to better serve students with disabilities in Oklahoma and the administrators, educators, and related service providers who support them. OSDE leveraged funds are used each year to increase the Device Demonstration and Short-Term Loan inventory and provide training, technical assistance, public awareness, and information and assistance to school administrators, educators, related service providers, and families. These activities are of direct benefit to students, Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, infants and toddlers receiving SoonerStart Early Intervention Services statewide, and their families. In FFY 2022, 183 representatives of education participated in device demonstrations, 409 borrowed AT for short-term loans, and 1,101 participated in ABLE Tech trainings. Topics include AT devices and services, funding, and Digital Accessibility.
Every year, OSDE is a proud supporter of ABLE Tech’s premier web and digital accessibility conference. The 7th annual TechAccess Oklahoma was held on April 19-21, 2022, with the largest attendance recorded to date. This virtual conference featured nine accessibility experts from around the US and Canada, speaking on topics related to digital accessibility. 500 individuals registered, which was an increase of 100% over the previous year. Each of the speakers was rated above 4 out of 5 stars, with the average being 4.5 for all speakers. Participants learned how to design with accessibility in mind, how to include people with disabilities in user research, how to create accessible social media, how to create accessible InDesign files, and many other skills.
ABLE Tech also collaborates with OSDE to operate the Special Education Resolution Center (SERC). In FFY 2022, 11 Special Education Due Process hearings were resolved by SERC - keeping state dollars in the classroom educating students. Due Process proceedings can cost the state an average of $300,000; therefore, resolved hearing requests saved Oklahomans approximately $3,300,000.
Southwest Americans with Disabilities Act Center (SWADA)
In FFY 2022 ABLE Tech collaborated with SWADA on multiple projects surrounding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Accessibility. ABLE Tech works to ensure Digital Accessibility compliance for those entities for which Oklahoma’s Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (EITA) law addresses (i.e. state agencies, higher education institutions, Career Tech systems, and Workforce centers) and the Office of Management and Enterprise Systems (OMES) as the keeper of the state Digital Accessibility standards.
This year, Oklahoma ABLE Tech's Digital Accessibility team began developing self-paced curriculum on digital accessibility. Beyond the development of the course curriculum, this project required the vetting, selection, and implementation of a learning management system (LMS) and development tools for functionality and accessibility. Using Public Health Workforce funds from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), ABLE Tech hired an instructional designer to help develop the course curriculum, with a goal to create instructional content that will change the behavior of learners, increase competencies and proficiencies in producing accessible digital content, and create more accessibility professionals. ABLE Tech has released three courses so far on topics of Accessible Webpage Design and Content Authoring, Web Accessibility Testing: Basic Course, and Accessibility in Microsoft Word. This project will eventually produce many courses, and the team is in the process of moving these courses into curriculum pathways in an Oklahoma ABLE Tech course catalog. Adding self-paced course curriculum allows ABLE Tech to expand and support face-to-face training, as well as increase learner retention.
Spotlight on Success
Device Demonstration – Employment
Mr. Gilbert is a 46-year-old who entered the MOVE Program through NewView Oklahoma. The MOVE Program is a specialized training to help individuals learn necessary skills to go back to work, enter the workforce, or go back to school. For 90 days Mr. Gilbert received Occupational Therapy, AT and Orientation and Mobility services, and gained skills and training to be more independent. During this time, NewView therapists were able to assist Mr. Gilbert with training in mobility, cooking, cleaning, finances, JAWS training on his computer, and many other daily living skills. With access to AT through a partnership with Oklahoma ABLE Tech, the therapists at NewView were able to show Mr. Gilbert different types of accessibility equipment to help with reading mail, magazines, menus, currency, cooking instructions, and much more. Mr. Gilbert recently graduated from the MOVE Program and stated: "As I reflect on these last 4 months, I just have to be speechless of how the knowledge is being absorbed into body, mind, and soul. Knowledge that can never be broken or forgotten. You know for many years I've sat under some strict instructors, but none that were willing to sit down and explain these things to me. Not just how, but why. I just feel like something good is about to happen. The team at NewView has done what no other teacher could do with me and that, my friend is saying something!"
Device Short-Term Loan – Education
Julian is 6 years old and was diagnosed with autism in 2019. Through a partnership between Oklahoma ABLE Tech and the Moore Autism Center, Julian was introduced to speech generating device solutions to help him communicate. Through demonstrations and trials using the LAMP Words for Life app on an iPad, Julian is now able to request objects to play with such as potato head toys and colors. He also communicates, "hi" and "bye" as well as "all done" and "more". Julian's goals for the future are to continue building his vocabulary to improve his communication with others. This will also assist him at school while interacting with teachers and peers.
Device Reuse – Community/Education
Ashton, a student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Tulsa Community College, had foot surgery that left her unable to bear weight on her left foot. She received crutches from the hospital; however, walking made her significantly fatigued. After obtaining a rolling knee walker through Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Device Reuse Program, Ashton was able to do her everyday tasks, including field trips to museums, with much greater ease. When reflecting on her experience receiving the rolling knee walker through the program, Ashton commented, “This has made doing everything possible.”
State Financing – Employment
Derek of Alva had been severely injured in the line of duty as a police officer in Oklahoma during a police pursuit. The injuries left him paralyzed on his left side and unable to walk. His existing wheelchair was only able to function on solid hard ground, which limited him from doing activities he has always enjoyed -such as fishing, hiking, and nature trails. He had heard about an Action Track Chair that has tracks instead of wheels to get him back outside doing what he enjoyed before his injury. The ABLE Tech low-interest Financial Loan Program helped Derek purchase the Action Track Chair. Derek notes, “I was able to purchase this chair and I love it!! I am now enjoying time with my kids and grandkids doing what we enjoy which is fishing and camping. This chair has changed my life for the better. I never would have been able to go fishing again with my kids if I didn’t have this chair.”
Alternative Acquisition – Community
Through a collaboration with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) AAA learned about ABLE Tech's new Low-Tech assistive technology (AT) initiative that includes 3D-printed AT solutions. After receiving training on these devices and service, INCOG identified options to help clients through their programs. Three sets of 3D-printed items - signature bars, round pen holders, and adapted silverware holders – were given to field staff who demonstrated these items during in-home assessments and used the items for those who needed assistance with signing documents and forms during meetings. After each successful demonstration, INCOG AAA staff were then able to assist the clients in acquiring the no-cost solutions through ABLE Tech's Low-Tech AT program!
Accessibility Training – Employment
ABLE Tech provides training on many AT devices and services, including Digital Accessibility. The Digital Accessibility team trained a variety of groups this year, ranging from a Workforce Development Board to a local city government group. The team worked to improve ABLE Tech trainings this year, including handouts and exercise guides that supplemented the concepts being taught.
Feedback included, “The instructors were great. I liked that they involved the class and kept the business lighthearted. Really good course.”
ABLE Tech also held the seventh annual TechAccess Oklahoma conference virtually, with the largest attendance recorded to date. This event builds the accessibility community and creates new accessibility advocates in Oklahoma (and beyond!). Here is what some attendees had to say about TechAccess:
“This is my second year - you do a fabulous job. Quality presentations, organized, accessible.”
When asked what the most valuable piece of the conference was, one attendee said, “Presentations by people using the assistive technology themselves and giving real-life feedback on what is essential and what is helpful.”
Public Awareness Collaboration – Community
Oklahoma History Center
Oklahoma’s People with Disabilities Awareness Day (PWDAD) is hosted each year by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. In 2022, PWDAD was located at the Oklahoma History Center. Oklahoma ABLE Tech collaborated with the Oklahoma History Center to provide current AT devices for PWDAD and then extended the experience through the History Center’s “History of DisABILITIES” display in their Research Library. Staff at ABLE Tech and the Oklahoma History Center worked together to create a list of AT devices from ten different categories, descriptions of each device, and QR codes for visitors to learn more about each one. AT was on display from the beginning of Spring 2022 through the end of 2022 ensuring hundreds of Oklahomans visiting the Center became more aware of AT devices and services available through programs, like Oklahoma ABLE Tech.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech – Partners
ABLE Tech has partnerships statewide to enhance all core program activities. Device Demonstration and Short-Term Loan Partners allow Oklahomans the opportunity to touch, try, and borrow AT devices to improve independence in the community, school, and workplace. Financial Loan Program partners assist ABLE Tech in processing low-interest loans that provide needed AT to Oklahomans with disabilities. Device Reutilization partners are in central and rural locations and provide drop-off and pick-up sites for reutilization and exchange items donated to the program.
Device Demonstration Partners
- AbleGamers Charity – Kearneysville, West Virginia, 703.891.9017
- Alzheimer’s Association – Tulsa, 918.392.5009
- Bethany Children's Health Center – Bethany, 405.789.6711
- Handicapped Vehicle Sales & Services – Tulsa, 918.622.8400
- Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) Area Agency on Aging – Tulsa, 800.211.2116
- Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma (KEDDO) Area Agency on Aging – Wilburton, 800.722.8180
- Moore Autism Center – Moore, 405.735.8478
- Newby-Vance Mobility – Guthrie, 405.282.2113
- NewView Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, 405.521.4880 – Tulsa, 855.811.9699
- Oklahoma State University Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders – Stillwater, 405.744.6021
- Pathways Therapy Center – Tulsa, 918.712.7868
- Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Assistive Technology Labs – Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ada, 800.845.8476
- United Access Mobility Auto Sales, Oklahoma City, 888.939.1010
Device Short-Term Loan Partners
- AbleGamers Charity – Kearneysville, West Virginia, 703.891.9017
- Bethany Children's Health Center – Bethany, 405.789.6711
- NewView Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, 405.521.4880 – Tulsa, 855.811.9699
- Pathways Therapy Center – Tulsa, 918.712.7868
- Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, 405.521.4984
Financial Loan Program Partners
- BancFirst of Stillwater, Stillwater, 405.742.6200
- Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) – Stillwater, 800.257.1705
Device Reutilization Program Partners
- Bethany Children's Health Center – Bethany, 405.789.6711
- Central Oklahoma Economic Development District (COEDD) Area Agency on Aging – Shawnee, 405.273.6410
- Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG Area Agency on Aging – Tulsa, 800.211.2116
- JD McCarty Center for children with disabilities – Norman, 405.307.2800
- Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma (KEDDO) Area Agency on Aging – Wilburton, 800.722.8180
Department of Wellness Sponsored Programs
Staff Contributing in FFY 2022
- Todd Misener, Chief Wellness Officer /Director, OSU Department of Wellness
- Allyson Robinson, Assistant Director
- Jo Anne Blades, SERC Program Manager
- Austin Bricker, Reutilization Senior Administrative Support Specialist
- Richard Buntin, Fiscal Operations Specialist
- Carolina Colclasure, ORC Program Manager
- Gretchen Cole-Lade, State Leadership Program Specialist
- Leslie Dady, Administrative Operations Specialist
- Shannon Esmeyer, SERC Administrative Assistant
- Peyton Haley, Accessible Communications Coordinator
- Terri Harris, Senior Administrative Support Specialist
- Joshua Hawkins, State Leadership Program Manager
- Stephanie Hesser, Financial Loan Program Specialist
- Averie Hinchey, Speech Language Pathologist
- Shelley Gladden, State Level Program Manager
- Brent Greyson, Instructional Design & Accessibility Specialist
- Rob Keiter, SERC Grant Coordinator
- Kimberly O’Meilia, Marketing & Communications, Accessible Formats Specialist
- Lyssa Prince, Digital Accessibility Program Manager
- Natalie Rohwer, Financial Loan Program Coordinator
- Louise Ruleford, Program Specialist
- Shelby Sanders, Assistive Technology Specialist
- Brian Sargent, Reutilization Site Coordinator
- Adam Thiel, Digital Accessibility Coordinator
- Amy Woods, Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Kim Young, Reutilization Program Specialist
- Michele Young, Fiscal Grant Manager
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University – Department of Wellness
Seretean Wellness Center
1514 W. Hall of Fame
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405.744.9748
Fax: 405.744.2487
Toll-free: 800.257.1705 (v/tty)
Website: www.okabletech.org
Email: abletech@okstate.edu