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

402 total devices loaned:

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

Quicklinks

WVATS Services