Annual Report 2020
West Virginia received $425,501 under the Assistive Technology Act Section 4 for WVATS to oversee the implementation of the assistive technology (AT) state plan for West Virginia. This plan includes providing West Virginia residents with assistive technology demonstrations, loans, trainings and information. WVATS also assists individuals in accessing equipment through reuse programs.
Device Reuse Activities
WVATS reuse program saved West Virginia residents $32,556 by providing them with gently used assistive technology devices.
Device Loan
- 128 assist in decision-making
- 90 loaner during repair or waiting list funding
- 90 short-term accomodation
- 10 training/professional development
Borrowers:
- 171 individuals with disabilities;
- 38 family members;
- 42 reps of education;
- 63 reps of health/rehab;
- 4 reps of Community Living
Types of devices loaned:
- 50 vision
- 42 daily living
- 17 hearing
- 41 environmental
- 66 speech communication
- 12 vehicle mod/transportation
- 32 learning, cognition & development
- 13 computers and related
- 85 mobility, seating and positioning
- 44 recreation, sports & leisure
Device Demonstration
87 devices demonstrated; 153 participants received device demonstrations (153 individuals with disabilities). Type of Device:
- 14 vision
- 3 speech communication
- 16 mobility, seating, and positioning
- 19 environmental adaptations
- 3 computers and related
- 10 hearing
- 8 learning, cognition, and developmental
- 9 daily living
- 2 vehicle modification and transportation
- 3 recreation, sports and leisure
Training
Provided training to 654 individuals on AT products/services, funding/policy/practice, information technology, and transition. WVATS provided numerous trainings on creating accessible documents and presentations to state and community agencies.
WV Facts:
- WV has the highest rate of people with disabilities in the nation.
- 2 out of 5 West Virginians 65+ have a disability
- 3rd highest rate of seniors in the country
- 39.2% of adults in West Virginian have some type of disability
Current Initiatives:
- Worked closely with Mid-Atlantic ADA Center to develop factsheets and videos for adolescents to increase their knowledge and use of assistive technology
- Sustained technology loan program through COVID identifying additional items needed by individuals and families.
- Expanded and implemented accessible documents trainings to university and community audiences.
WVATS Facts:
- Provides assistive technology services to all WV residents.
- Partners: Northern WV CIL, Jefferson Country Center On Aging, Disability Action Center in Fairmont
- Additional Collaborations: WV Department of Education, WV Birth to Three, Disability Rights WV, National Federation of the Blind WV Chapter, WV Traumatic Brain Injury program, WVU Positive Behavior Support Program
WVATS Goals:
- Increase the acquisition of assistive devices through device reuse and partnerships with equipment financing programs
- Increase partnerships for broader outreach and sustainability
- Increase outreach and services to WV seniors
WVATS - Morgantown
Phone: 800-841-8436
Email: wvats@hsc.wvu.edu
Fax: 888-510-3125
