Senate Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #555 Assistive Technology of Florida
Requester:	Terry Ward, Ph.D.		Organization:		Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology
Project Title:	Assistive Technology of Florida		Date Submitted:		01/31/2000 10:58:51 AM
District Member:	Howard Forman		Service Area:		Statewide
Counties Affected:	{Statewide}
Recipient:	FAAST		Contact:		Terry Ward, Ph.D.
	1020 East Lafayette, Suite 110		Contact Phone:		(850) 487-3278
	Tallahassee 32301-4546
Project Description:
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology's (FAAST) mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Floridians with disabilities by promoting the awareness of, access to and advocacy for assistive services and technology.The ATA 98 established funding reductions of 25% which begin as FAAST will enter its eighth (8th) year of Federal funding. By funding this Community Budget Issue Request the Federal funds will be partially matched with State and the FAAST program will be able to continue and expand its responsibility to enhance the quality of life for all Floridians with disabilities. Without funding from the State the existing FAAST program will be reduced and the much needed information and services about assistive technology will get to fewer people.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
Increase the availability of public and private funding for and access to assistive technology services and devices on an individualized and continuing basis. Create system changes, where appropriate, by impacting policies, procedures, guidelines, laws, and regulations regarding assistive technology. Create a seamless delivery system with better coordination between organizations and agencies throughout the state. Develop and implement strategies to ensure timely asquisition and delivery of assistive technology to all persons with disabilities. Co-sponsor and host public education programs on assistive services and technology. Develop and implement a technical assistance program for providers. Develop and implement a responsive service delivery program of assistive services and technology. Provides materials to a broad base of organizations, agencies and programs. Removes barriers to improve access to assistive technology. Support and advocate for legislation that promotes the provision of assistive technology. Empower individuals with disabilties and family members, by increasing choice and control in selection and procurement of devices and services. The state beneits by having people with disabilties live a more productive and active life in the community needing less services from the State.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
FAAST satellite partners will increase (30%) from nine (9) to twelve (12). Consumers will be more aware of products available to them to improve their quality of life and abilities to function. Information and referral calls will increase (10%) from an annual total of 1200 to 1320. FAAST consumer contacts, trade shows, conferences, presentations, will increase 10% from 25,000 annually to 27,500. Attendance at training on the Tech Act, FAAST, assistive services and technology, Public Laws, dealing with assistive services and technology and the Tool Kit will expand 10% from 9,000 to 9,900 individuals. Increased number of people with disabilities who will be able to need less services from the state because of the use of asssistive technology.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$550,000
Total cost of the project:		$1,225,000

Request has been made to fund:			Operations
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?					No
Was this project previously funded by the State?					No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?					Yes
	Amount:	$750,000
	Purpose for future year funding:			Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?				Unknown
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?					No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?					No
Is there a documented need for this project?					Yes
	Documentation:	U.S. Public Law 105-394, FS 413.407
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?					No