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Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.
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Hi, this is Audrey Busch, and I’m the executive director of the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs. And this is your Assistive Technology Update.
Josh Anderson:
Hello and welcome to your Assistive Technology Update. A weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist individuals with disabilities and special needs. I’m your host, Josh Anderson with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads in beautiful Indianapolis, Indiana. Welcome to episode 509 of Assistive Technology Update. It’s scheduled to be released on February 26th, 2021. On today’s show, we couldn’t be happier to have Audrey Busch, the executive director of ATAP on. She’s ready to talk about a new AT toolkit developed by the AT3 center. We also have a quick story about individuals with disabilities forming bonds with Alexa and other personal assistance. We want to thank you all for listening, but don’t forget, I still need your ideas for new guests. Send me an email at tech@eastersealscrossroads.org. Call our listener line at (317) 721-7124, or drop us a line on Twitter @INDATAproject with those suggestions. So without any further ado, let’s go ahead and get on with the show.
Josh Anderson:
Now we all know smart speakers have made some amazing changes, especially in the world of assistive technology. Back in the day to really automate most things in a home it required a whole lot of money for some rewiring, a general contractor, and usually maybe even some creationism things that didn’t even exist before. But then these devices, these personal assistants started coming out and not to completely and totally just focus on the Amazon Echo, but that is probably the most popular, the ones that have more people have in their home. I found a story over at Forbes, and it’s got some pretty interesting thoughts in it. It’s titled Amazon Alexa — Blurring The Boundaries Between Assistive Tech And Companionship, it’s written by Gus Alexiou. And it really just starts off with talking about, well, some of the things that I just said, how these devices have really helped folks control their homes and on their lights, cook their food, answer questions, set reminders, all these different things just by using their voice. But it digs into a little bit more about how has helping individuals emotional wellbeing and even staving off loneliness.
Josh Anderson:
Now, if you can think, and there’s a lot of programs out there, including ones that we’re working on here to use the devices with the cameras and the screens in order to stave off loneliness, so that folks don’t get socially isolated, can actually talk to people, family members and things like that with these devices. But this isn’t talking about that, this is talking about staving off loneliness and helping with emotional wellbeing by talking to the device itself. And it actually gets into talking about a couple of different studies that have really looked at the way that especially individuals with disabilities are beginning to form genuine emotional bonds with what they call an intelligent personal assistant or an IPA. And to do this, they kind of interviewed folks. They kind of did a broad sweep of some different reviews of the device, as well as some keyword searches and things like that.
Josh Anderson:
So, I mean, it’s new research to kind of see how it does, but here’s a few of the quotes that they got from these individuals. One individual said, I can talk to Alexa when I’m lonely, have a question, or my executive function is failing. Others even say that Alexa is not only a caregiver and friend, that I rely on her all the time. She’s not only a companion, she’s so much more. So if you really think these folks are actually completely bonding with this device and in some ways that’s completely understandable if you really think any time do I have a question, anytime that I want to be reminded of something, anytime that I want to, heck, to make a call, or a turn on a light, or really do anything in my home. I just ask Alexa and she does it.
Josh Anderson:
Not only that, I can even have casual conversation play games where there do all these other things, and a lot of other stuff that perhaps I couldn’t do with my direct service professional, with a family member that maybe comes by every once in a great while. It’s someone that’s always there, someone that always answers and someone that kind of just does whatever you ask it to do by just using that little key word. As it gets kind of deeper in there, it talks about that individuals with disabilities are more likely to suffer from a lack of independence, loneliness, and isolation. And of course we all probably kind of knew that. And I’m very sure that the pandemic really exacerbated that issue, but it’s definitely something that I did not know was quite at the scale that it was. So here in 2017 a survey said that over a typical day one in eight individuals with a disability experience less than half an hour of interaction with another person, think about that.
Josh Anderson:
I mean, just really and truly think about that and how little time that is. And it also says here, additionally, 85% of young adults with disabilities age 18 to 34 reported feeling lonely. So that loneliness was really there. And of course that can lead to a lot of issues later in life and just nobody really wants to be lonely. So they’re using these voice assistants to kind of talk to. It’s actually a pretty good article with a lot of different kinds of thoughts. And even at the end gets into those ethical questions of I’m making friends, I’m relying on this device that is owned by a sales company, basically. So could that be used for maybe not good purposes?
Josh Anderson:
Of course. I mean, of course that’s always kind of there, but I suppose we need to look on the good side here and look on the AT purposes and how it can really help individuals with disabilities. So all of us in this field really know. And here on this show, we’ve talked about it sometimes on what Alexa could do, but I did want to share this story with everyone just because I found it very interesting, raises a lot of great questions and really is something that I think we’re going to see more and more of as we go on. And as these types of devices, these IPAs as they call them, become more and more intuitive. So we’ll put a link to this story over in our show notes.
Josh Anderson:
Assistive technology can be really hard to explain to folks. I still think that a lot of my family and friends believe that I work in IT and they really just don’t know the differences. Some of this is them not really listening. And some of it is that you just don’t know what you don’t know. For employers and other organizations, knowledge about assistive technology can be the difference between attracting and keeping valuable employees and for organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and aging populations, this knowledge can be the difference and increased independence and accomplishing goals. But where in the world do you start? Well, I’m a little bias, but I would say that this podcast is a great place to start, but we’re also lucky enough to have Audrey Busch from the AT3 center on to talk about an AT toolkit that they’ve developed to help out. Audrey, welcome to the show.
Audrey Busch:
Thank you. Glad to be here.
Josh Anderson:
Yeah. I’m really excited to get to talk about the toolkit and everything, but before we do that, can you tell our listeners a little bit about yourself and your background?
Audrey Busch:
I’m the executive director of ATAP, the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs. I have worked for this organization for almost 10 years. I also do all of their policy and advocacy work and have been doing that also for the past 10 years. So we work on reauthorizing the Assistive Technology Act and working with Capitol Hill and members of Congress and the White House, as well as. And this, what we’re going to talk about today, is part of our organization, but it’s the Technical Assistance Center that we oversee that actually published the document we’re going to talk about today.
Josh Anderson:
And can you tell us a little bit more about the AT3 center?
Audrey Busch:
The AT3 center is the National Technical Assistance Center on assistive technology that is actually funded through the Assistive Technology Act. And we have four individuals that work on providing technical assistance to state assistive technology act programs throughout the country. So state and territory programs, and they are true experts in the assistive technology that’s available, working with state programs to ensure that they’re able to do all of the state level activities that they are statutorily required to conduct, which lead a consumer through the ability to access assistive technology, and then also acquire the assistive that they need.
Josh Anderson:
So I guess technically with all that stuff, you’re kind of my boss. I’m just kidding.
Audrey Busch:
I don’t think so. I hope not.
Josh Anderson:
Very indirectly, but man, that changes the way I’m going to have to conduct this interview. Audrey, now that we have a little bit of background, let’s dig into why I actually have you here today and let’s talk about this AT toolkit that’s been developed. First of all, why was this device?
Audrey Busch:
Sure. The conversation that began this actually was with our overseeing agency, the Administration for Community Living, which is housed at the Department of Health and Human Services. And we realized there was an acute need to help outside organizations and stakeholders understand state assistive technology act program, state and territory assistive technology programs, and also when their services and what assistive technology resources are available to those in the state and localities, especially during a time of this global pandemic.
Josh Anderson:
I know a lot of our policy, not so much policies, but definitely the things people were looking for in the service delivery definitely changed a lot during the pandemic, but I’m sure that kind of happened for almost every business. So it can’t feel too awful bad, but as we dig into the toolkit, I’d kind of like to go through some of the different sections with the, and talk about them if that’s okay. So the very first section is understanding your organization’s AT needs, capacity, and resources. Kind of why is this important and how can an organization kind of dig in and look at these things?
Audrey Busch:
Sure. I think that one of the things that was highlighted during the pandemic and while this was obviously a time of great strife, there was also an opportunity for significant learning for all organizations serving consumers that were greatly affected by the pandemic. And as a result became those who needed assistive technology greatly. So understanding in an organization who may serve a population that’s aging, per se, understanding what their abilities were to serve needs that retained to assist their technology is really a key component when trying to actually really address the root of the issue out there, and also knowing what resources they have at their fingertips in order to better serve the communities that they’re instructed to. So really what we felt like is that one of the biggest things to bring awareness to organizations is what the 56 state and territory AT act programs do in terms of their structure, their services, and being able to identify them across the nation.
Audrey Busch:
The structure of state AT programs varies according to every state and territory, and that makes it a bit complex because it is not the same everywhere. So it’s unique to each state and therefore, if you’re located in Indiana or you’re located in Missouri, it’s a different structure and you need to be able to reach out and find that state AT program. So this is one access point in doing that and also understanding what they actually do, what services they provide, and how that can best serve the demographic that that organization is trying to help. So the beginning part of this is really looking at what an organization is currently doing to serve assistive technology needs and how partnering with an AT program can enhance those services, or actually help do those services if that organization wasn’t currently servicing AT needs at that time, our programs can help them do that.
Josh Anderson:
Section two kind of goes into understanding assistive technology. And I know that unless this toolkits a thousand pages long, there’s no way to completely get that, but how does this section kind of help to explain AT and the services related to AT interventions?
Audrey Busch:
So it’s interesting because I think that one, a key piece, and just even understanding state assisted technology programs is knowing what AT is. And I think there was confusion during the pandemic, for instance, about technology versus assistive technology and there being mixed language and mixed kind of terms used, but it’s defined clearly in the AT act, which is that it means any item, a piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that’s used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. And really what you find is with that definition, you could argue that it’s simply providing a piece, an iPad to someone who is socially isolated due to the pandemic, for instance, it does technically become a piece of AT as it is meeting someone’s needs that is experiencing a disability. And that iPad may have modifications on it that also address that individuals needs.
Audrey Busch:
So I think that the point of this particular session is to open up, and explain what assistive technology actually is provide a very clear definition, which is it’s rather broad actually. And that people know that AT can be homemade, it can be store bought, it can be modified to address an individual’s specific needs, it can range from items that can be made at home and have no cost to them to very expensive, complicated devices. Some devices require no training and others require a great deal of intensive training to both the user and their caretaker. So I think that understanding the range, understanding what assistive technology is, is really a key piece to this discovery process about finding what assistive technology works best for an individual consumer.
Josh Anderson:
We do a lot of work kind of on the other side of our program with folks going to work and getting jobs and things. And so many times they may need AT, but they’re not going to be used in a computer. And it’s like, well, the assistive technology doesn’t have to be high tech. It doesn’t have to be a computer based software program. There’s all kinds of AT out there that can just help with getting that functional capacity a little bit higher, being able to actually do the job and overcome those barriers. So I’m glad that you included it in there because I know that’s a huge misunderstanding that everything has to be high tech and robots and stuff, and it really doesn’t. And I like the way that you said it can be homemade. I think my favorite place to look for different accommodations is Home Depot, as opposed to online sometimes just because you can make some pretty cool stuff that can really help folks. So I’m glad that you got the definition in there as well as get people thinking about different things that can really help folks.
Audrey Busch:
Yes, absolutely. It’s a key and essential piece. We have a lot of programs that talk about this particular, using items in your home to create assistive technology. And we have this one particular program in New Hampshire that takes political campaign signs that are no longer needed during those primaries. And they reuse them and they build things that out of those campaign signs that can be used as assistive technology. So that’s just one instance of where things can be repurposed. Home Depot is a great other place to find some gems. And so I do think it’s a key part of the process and finding the right piece for you.
Josh Anderson:
Yeah. And I think that the pandemic has shown so many people working from home that everybody’s an amateur ergonomist and an amateur AT specialist just because whenever I try to explain it to people, I’m like, well, have you used a box to put your feet on so your legs don’t go to sleep? Well, that’s a little bit of AT. And it can really get them thinking, especially when that need is there, that it’s not always going to be a super expensive or super high tech kind of thing.
Audrey Busch:
Absolutely great point.
Josh Anderson:
So section three, I think is extremely important because this is developing an effective collaboration plan. And as someone that’s worked in nonprofits for a while, collaboration isn’t always the thing that we all do best. So kind of in this, what are some of the things that it kind of talks about on how to develop an effective collaboration plan?
Audrey Busch:
So first I just think I want to also emphasize the importance of some kind of collaboration and partnership because it does reduce duplication of services. And I think I just want to harp on that for one second, because in a time of COVID where all resources were stretched, still are in many instances, since many organizations did not receive stimulus dollars to help boost their services and how many people can be served. We definitely don’t want to be duplicating services. And so it does create efficiencies, these partnerships, and that includes efficiencies and resources. And so also it allows for joint problem solving and the ability to really take a holistic approach to service delivery. And also it allows and creates and facilitates understanding and trust between organizations or different state agencies. And so which also may lead to other future collaborations and partnerships. So it’s really a key thing, not just in a global pandemic, but beyond.
Audrey Busch:
And we do hope that the pandemic is sparking new collaboration. And that being said, I think that one of the big things that partnerships allow for is, again, you have assistive technology experts housed at the state and territory AT programs, and it’s difficult for all organizations to be an expert in everything. So I think one of the unique items that the state and territory AT programs bring to a collaboration is that other organizations don’t have to have that level of expertise and then they can rely on their state and territory AT program to help them provide that, and so that’s another sort of efficiency that is ultimately created as well. In order to create a collaboration, I think it’s really important and we’ve kind of harken back to really looking at your organization’s needs and capacities. So it’s really important for an organization to understand where AT fits into their mission, their environment, their activities, and then working to really understand the resources that are there to support AT in the state and the community.
Audrey Busch:
It’s important for an organization to understand the diverse structure and capabilities of the AT program and how they’re able to really service the demographic that that organization works to reach out to. And also a huge step is really increasing the awareness and resources to older adults and individuals with disabilities about AT devices and services. So understanding what level of understanding that demographic, that organization serves has regarding AT is a real key component too. So one of the things that we think is really important in these collaborations that may be forgotten because we really focused on the procurement of AT and making that best match for that consumer, but there’s a third stage in the adoption of a piece of assistive technology for a consumer, which is really being trained on that device, understanding how to use it, and having that support system moving forward once that match is made. And that is something unique as well that our programs provide. And I think that that’s another key piece of that collaboration that organizations can look towards state and territory AT programs to help them do for their population that they’re serving.
Josh Anderson:
Yeah. I couldn’t have said that better at all. And I’d like to go back to just the training part’s important. Sorry, just in case anyone’s listening that doesn’t take that training part’s important. I just want to make sure, because I harp on that a lot too. So it’s nice to get a little backup. The toolkit itself ends with some next steps and some resources. What are some of those?
Audrey Busch:
Sure. So really one of the things that this toolkit is meant to do is to lead someone through the process of learning about AT, learning about state and AT programs, and then providing them with examples of assistive technology to begin the process of really understanding what options are out there for certain needs that their individuals that they serve may have. So giving options for supporting daily living and education and employment. And also the big thing too is providing examples. Since part of this is the objective of this toolkit is to lead to a collaboration is we provide a few examples of where the collaborations have happened and where they’re they’re successful.
Audrey Busch:
We actually have a wealth of resources on the AT3 website, which we will make sure we post in the resources for this publication as well. And one of the things that we have our case studies on some successful partnerships, so they link to those case studies in the toolkit. And also then the toolkit leads to a variety of resources. This is a document that’s living and breathing on the AT3 website that we are continuously updating and adding and curating. So it is always up to date and it provides a wealth of information about awareness. It provides AT tips and solutions, funding options for assistive technology, which is a huge component to the process.
Audrey Busch:
So I think that the second half of the toolkit can be used as those partnerships are formed because I do think state AT programs can help guide an organization through how to use the resources that are included in this. However, also it can be done without the facilitation of a state AT program as well. I think the ultimate goal is we are looking for organizations to connect with their state or territory AT program. This is to ultimately better serve consumers around assistive technology. And we really feel that our programs play an important role in ensuring that the best match is made with AT and that we’re able to help connect consumers with the resources and the funding that they would need to acquire a piece of AT as well. So hopefully this will drive organizations to reach out and find where their state or territory AT3 program is.
Josh Anderson:
Definitely. You led me right into my next question. Audrey, where would folks go to find out about their local AT program to find this toolkit and to find out more about the AT3 program?
Audrey Busch:
Sure. So this toolkit leads you to the directory, but I will say the website is AT3, the number three, center.net. And that is the website. And on the website, there is a directory where anyone can go and look for a contact in their state or territory. And it will lead you to a variety of individuals that work for the state AT program for your respective state or territory. And you’ll be able to get a phone number and an email address for those individuals and can reach out directly.
Josh Anderson:
All right. Well, we will put a link to that over in the show notes. Audrey, thank you so much for coming on today and telling us all about the AT toolkit and just how it can really help to, I guess, get the word out about AT and really get people thinking about it, and just give them that tool and that kind of starting point to really be able to, well, help the folks that they serve, their employees, their friends, their family, and really anyone out there that could benefit.
Audrey Busch:
Well, we’re really grateful to be on, and thank you for the opportunity to share this resource with more individuals and organizations.
Josh Anderson:
Most definitely. We’ll look forward to having you on again sometime. Thanks again.
Audrey Busch:
Thank you.
Josh Anderson:
Do you have a question about assistive technology? Do you have a suggestion for someone we should interview on assistive technology update? If you do, call our listener line at (317) 721-7124. Shoot us a note on Twitter @INDATAproject, or check us out on Facebook. Are you looking for a transcript or show notes? Head on over to our website at www.eastersealstech.com. Assistive technology update is a proud member of the accessibility channel for more shows like this, plus so much more, head over to accessibilitychannel.com. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily that of this host or the INDATA Project. This has been your Assistive Technology Update. I’m Josh Anderson with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thank you so much for listening.