The Alternative Financing Program for Assistive Technology Outcomes Database and Management System was developed in 2000-2001 by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago in conjunction with staff from RESNA and the six states that received the first Alternative Financing Program grants. The addition of Outcomes Database and Management System for the Access to Telework Fund Program was developed in 2003-2004 in conjuction with staff from RESNA and a representative 8 state work group. By clicking on the various navigation buttons at the top of the page, you will be able to access the following components of the website:
Input Data - This is the entry place to access the web-based survey forms, including the:
The three web-based forms for both programs are used to collect the federally mandated participant data. The data collection forms are only available to participating states and territories, and require a special login and password.
Results by State/Territory - This page contains a publicly accessible summary of the data from all of the reports listed above. The information is provided through charts and summary statistics. Through this page, it is possible to obtain individual state/territory program reports and nationwide aggregate data.
Success Stories - This page highlights current outcomes of the program and links to individual success stories on the RESNA web site.
Links - This page contains links to RSA, RESNA and UIC Department of Occupational Therapy for more information about each program.
Contact - This page contains contact information for the UIC
Department of Occupational Therapy researchers and staff.
Download the full AFP help documents for more detailed instructions on how to use the Outcomes Database and Management System:
An Initial Applicant Survey is completed and entered into the database for all individuals who completed the application process, even if they withdrew before the financing decision was made or refused to accept the loan after it had been approved.
If an individual reapplies for a loan for the same assistive technology (previously they had withdrawn their completed application, did not accept an approved loan or were denied a loan) or an individual is applying for a loan for a different type of AT, this is considered a new contact and another initial contact form is completed.
Why is the collection of data required?
The 23 questions included on this form have been developed to obtain the federally mandated information about individuals who have applied for an alternative financing loan.
How will these data be used?
In order to have the information about the success (or not) of the Alternative Financing Program, it is critical that all questions are answered as completely and accurately as possible (except for those questions that the respondent refuses to answer).
Why is this important?
Whenever a new applicant is entered into the database, the system will generate a random identifier code for that applicant. It is critical that this code be recorded by the program staff person, and that these codes are safeguarded. The codes are used to link the program’s participants to their record in the data system.
Why is this important?
It is critical that all Alternative Financing Programs RECORD identifier codes and store the codes in a secure place (e.g., locked cabinet). Each state or territory program should develop a policy regarding who is assigned to maintain and store this list. A form is found in APPENDIX 1 (in the downloadable version of the instruction manual) that provides an example of how your program may want to record these codes.