Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library

About Pennsylvania• Population (2005) - 12.5 million• 44,816 square miles; 300 miles between

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia• 67 counties; 35 are “non-Metro” (most

rural state)• 15% 65+ (2nd only to Florida)• 2.1 million persons with disability 5 years

old or older • 11% persons below poverty

About PIAT

Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library: Overview

• 1993 - Begun with “Title I” funds to address a gap in availability of device loans to adults or other populations not served by PDE (between 1993 – 1998 developed an inventory of $150,000 of devices)

• 1993 - Contracted with PDE to manage/circulate the inventory; based program on PDE elements (free pick-up/delivery; data base)

• 1995 - Unsuccessful attempt for Program Revision Request

• 1996 – Request included in Governor’s Budget but struck in final budget negotiations

• 1997 - Success!

Keys to Success

• Strategy: Identify AT in state plans of key state agencies

• Have a champion at a high level (Deputy Secretary of DPW)

• Opportunity: Governor Ridge’s Disability Policy Agenda and Director

• Support from Disability Budget Coalition

Program Expansion 1997 - 98

• Stakeholders’ meetings

• Changed inventory contractor

• Expanded eligibility for program (all ages)

• Always cross-disability

• Always state-wide

• Always consumer-driven

Budget History (State Funds)

• 97-98: $ 700,000• 98-99: $ 750,000• 99-00: $ 750,000• 00-01: $ 809,000• 01-02 $ 890,000• 02-03 $ 890,000• 03-04 $ 890,000• 04-05 $ 890,000• 05-06 $ 801,000• 06-07 $1,001,000

Current Budget Highlights• ATRCs: $162,000 (staff, travel)

• PIAT “central”: Includes $155,000 of staff support (including function as ATRC) and $316,000+ in additions to the inventory

• Centralized Inventory: $326,500; includes $12,000 for repairs/replacement/warranty renewal; $112,600 shipping costs; $47,000 space rental

Structure• Builds on ATRC infrastructure (9 regions,

8 ATRC subcontractors)

• PIAT serves as an ATRC – gives a good indication of how things are running!

• Centralized inventory subcontractor

• 160+ “local branches” volunteer to assist with outreach, information and assistance to consumers

Staffing: ATRCs

• ATRC staffing ranges from 37% FTE – 70% FTE (ATLL only)

• Activities implemented by 1 – 3 individuals

• Some use support staff for follow up, reminder calls, etc.

• Staff include ATPs (no SLPs, OTRs, etc.)

Staffing: PIAT “Central”

• Approximately 4 FTE

• Includes administrative functions (ordering equipment; contract supervision and TA; web design and maintenance; informational materials)

• Includes ATRC functions (processing applications, follow up with consumers, etc.)

Staffing: Centralized Inventory Subcontractor

• 3.15 FTE total personnel (6 individuals)

• Includes .5 FTE IT technician and 1.5 staff who handle the packing, shipping, return and tracking of equipment

• Remaining staff handle administrative functions e.g. oversight, data base of equipment, repairs, borrowers, etc.

Program Activity 2005-2006• 4126 separate requests received• 6287 devices shipped• 1481 different borrowers (unduplicated)• 80% first-time borrowers• 80% people with disabilities• Purpose: 73% borrow for evaluation or trial;

13% for accommodation ; 12% for professional development/outreach; 1+% as a loaner (during repair or wait for funding)