ERIC Number: ED342367
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1990-Dec
Pages: 81
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Integrating Technology into Service Delivery (ITSD) Project: Final Report.
Schoech, Dick; And Others
The emerging field of assistive technology offers employment and independent living for people with disabilities. However, agency staff, people with disabilities, and their guardians often spend substantial time finding appropriate technological solutions. The integration of technology into the existing service system is needed to maximize scarce resources. Based on Texas's long history of exploring technology for people with disabilities, funds were awarded in 1985 on behalf of the Texas Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities (TPCDD) for a 4-year project to develop and test a system change model to integrate technology into the local service delivery system. This report contains a detailed description of the project, the results of the model tested, and the revised model, and provides statewide and local recommendations for its use. The Integrating Technology into Service Delivery (ITSD) model was successful in implementing an electronic mail and bulletin board system with 290 subscribers. A resource database was also created, the Developmental Disability Technology Library, which contains over 6,000 entries. The ITSD model, with varying success, also attempted to involve agency and formal industries in ITSD activities, distribute computers and other equipment to agencies and individuals, increase public awareness of ITSD functions, provide workshops, and develop computer software. A Local Assistive Technology Services Network (LATSN) model was developed based on ITSD successes and failures. LATSN service categories include: (1) broker, coordination, developer, think tank; (2) device examination and prescription; (3) training and technical assistance; (4) information analysis; and (5) non-core services and projects. Appendices contain samples of electronic mail messages, tables presenting services usage data, a list of donated equipment, an article about the service technology at the University of Texas at Arlington, and a prioritized list of needs in a state plan for technology-related assistance. (4 references) (DB)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Austin.; Texas Planning Council for Development Disabilities, Austin.
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A