National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Maryland 2017

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:
Maryland Technology Assistance Program MDTAP
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.mdtap.org
Mailing Address:
2301 Argonne Drive, T-17,
City:
Baltimore
State:
MD
Zip Code:
21218
Program Email:
info@mdtap.org
Phone:
410 554-9230
TTY:
410-554-9237

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Maryland Department of Disabilities
Mailing Address:
217 East Redwood Street, Suite 1300
City:
Baltimore
State:
MD
Zip Code:
21202
Program URL:
www.mdod.maryland.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
McCarthy James
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
410 554-9245
E-mail:
jmccarthy@mdtap.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Brennan John
Title:
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Phone:
(410) 767-3640
E-mail:
john.brennan@maryland.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Brennan John
Title:
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Phone:
(410) 767-3640
E-mail:
john.brennan@maryland.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3
Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 65 05 70
Approved Not made 31 03 34
Rejected 30 02 32
Total 126 10 136

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $11,051 Highest Income: $238,131

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$5,649,337 70 $80,705

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less
$15,001-
$30,000
$30,001-
$45,000
$45,001-
$60,000
$60,001-
$75,000
$75,001
or More
Number of Loans 02 08 08 11 05 36 70
Percentage of Loans 2.86% 11.43% 11.43% 15.71% 7.14% 51.43% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans 0%
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 98.5714285714286%
With loan guarantee only 69 1.42857142857143%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 01 0%
Total 70 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 70 $1,932,988
Total 70 $1,932,988

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
220 70 3.14285714285714%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 70
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 70

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 03 $9,094
Hearing 07 $20,045
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 02 $12,647
Daily living 03 $14,374
Environmental adaptations 03 $16,042
Vehicle modification and transportation 51 $1,857,610
Computers and related 01 $3,176
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 70 $1,932,988

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 04
Net loss for loans in default $18,094

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 00


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 01
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? cooperative buying activity
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 143
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 00
C. Total Served 143

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 143

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service Number Provided Total Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 129 $5,940 $5,347 $593
Hearing 04 $417 $417 $417
Speech communication 886 $152,309 $119,552 $32,757
Learning, cognition, and developmental 233 $15,901 $16,863 ($962)
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily living 47 $3,068 $2,764 $304
Environmental adaptations 51 $6,563 $5,937 $626
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and related 12 $679 $629 $50
Recreation, sports, and leisure 258 $27,407 $25,094 $2,313
Total 1,620 $212,240 $176,603 $35,637

D. Anecdote

Many of our applicants need assistive technology devices and equipment in order to make daily living easier. We are also able to allow parents to take advantage of the loan program to finance items for their young children with disabilities, who are just getting started in navigating school or are beginning to build their own self-confidence and self-awareness. One set of parents used our program to purchase a desktop magnification system for their young son. He is legally blind, and they found this device could help with his productivity, magnification when playing with blocks, and in seeing finer details of smaller items. The family and child were able to greatly benefit from this assistive technology.

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 21 13 82 116
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 21 13 82 116
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 21 13 82 116
7. Nonrespondent 23 04 70 97
8. Total 44 17 152 213
9. Performance on this measure 47.73% 76.47% 53.95%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 81 38.03%
Satisfied 35 16.43%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 97 45.54%
Total Surveyed 213
Response rate % 54.46%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 19
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 28
C. Total 47

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients 00
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 47

If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 13 $30,087 $2,000 $28,087
Daily Living 02 $6,000 $0 $6,000
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 04 $54,300 $2,800 $51,500
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 19 $90,387 $4,800 $85,587

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 28 $104,434 $0 $104,434
Daily Living 06 $20,300 $0 $20,300
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 $3,100 $0 $3,100
Total 36 $127,834 $0 $127,834

D. Anecdote

The equipment I get is usually for a family member or friend, my grandmother was paying $99 a month for a hospital bed, I was very upset about this, so I searched on the MDTAP Equipment Link, to see if I could find a bed that was reasonably priced. Not only did we get the bed, this person was also selling a lift chair and a wheelchair, all for $300, I knew that we had hit the jackpot.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 03 00 37 40
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 06 06
4. Subtotal 03 00 43 46
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 03 00 44 47
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 03 00 44 47
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 97.73%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 45 95.74%
Satisfied 01 2.13%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 2.13%
Total Surveyed 47
Response rate % 97.87%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 170
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 06
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 03
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 05
Total 184

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

Loans By Borrower Type
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Individuals with Disabilities 86
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 49
Representative of Education 12
Representative of Employment 06
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 10
Representatives of Community Living 13
Representatives of Technology 08
Total 184

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 00

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number
Vision 70
Hearing 27
Speech Communication 34
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05
Daily Living 30
Environmental Adaptations 20
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 46
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03
Total 240

E. Anecdote

Priscilla, a speech-language pathologist, borrowed several items from our loan library including an iPad with AAC apps, an AMDi 32 AAC device, and the NOVA Chat 8 AAC device. She used them during an in-service training to teachers with little AAC knowledge. She also used the devices with students in the school system. One student previously screamed during their first two sessions but was able to use one of our loaner AAC devices to talk with Priscilla during the third session.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 29 23 54 106
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 10 10 39 59
Subtotal 39 33 93 165
Have not made a decision 03 00 02 05
Subtotal 42 33 95 170
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 42 33 95 170
Performance on this measure 92.86% 100% 97.89%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 01 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 01 01
4. Subtotal 01 00 03 04
5. None of the above 01 03 04 08
6. Subtotal 02 03 07 12
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 02 02
8. Total 02 03 09 14
9. Performance on this measure 50% 0% 36.14%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 168 91.3%
Satisfied 03 1.63%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.09%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.54%
Nonrespondent 10 5.43%
Total Surveyed 184
Response rate % 94.57%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Demonstrations by Device Type
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 08
Hearing 20
Speech Communication 06
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 00
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Loaned 41

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 40
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 22
Representatives of Education 03
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00
Representative of Community Living 02
Representative of Technology 00
Total 67

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 05
Service Provider 10
Vendor 41
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 56

D. Anecdote

Priscilla, a speech-language pathologist, borrowed several items from our loan library including an iPad with AAC apps, an AMDi 32 AAC device, and the NOVA Chat 8 AAC device. She used them during an in-service training to teachers with little AAC knowledge. She also used the devices with students in the school system. One student previously screamed during their first two sessions but was able to use one of our loaner AAC devices to talk with Priscilla during the third session.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 01 00 38 39
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 01 00 38 39
Have not made a decision 02 00 00 02
Subtotal 03 00 38 41
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 03 00 38 41
Performance on this measure 33.33% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 63 94.03%
Satisfied 04 5.97%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 67
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 24 13 120 157
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 01 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 07 07
4. Subtotal 25 13 128 166
5. None of the above 01 03 05 09
6. Subtotal 26 16 133 175
7. Nonrespondent 23 04 72 99
8. Total 49 20 205 274
9. Performance on this measure 51.02% 65% 62.44% 60.58%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Not Met Not Met Not Met Not Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 30 23 92 145
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 10 10 39 59
Subtotal 40 33 131 204
Have not made a decision 05 00 02 07
Subtotal 45 33 133 211
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 45 33 133 211
Performance on this measure 88.89% 100% 98.5% 96.68%
ACL Performance Measure 70% 70% 70% 70%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 85
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 23
Representatives of Education 69
Representatives of Employment 32
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 181
Representatives of Community Living 83
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 473

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
443 30 00 473

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 208
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 265
Transition 00
Total 473

B. Description of Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:

For our No Wrong Doors initiative, one individual from each of the state’s MAP Area Agency on Aging sites received a training designed to help them become more aware of assistive technology AT devices that can help people with the variety of conditions, low vision, reduced hearing, reduce mobility and so forth. Those trained were urged to provide the training to their colleagues, received training tools to help and TAP staff could support as needed. A key goal of the training is to help MAP frontline staff become more comfortable suggesting possible AT rather than human provided services. The SETT approach, individual, environment, task and tool guided the training and staff were reminded that MDTAP could offer more comprehensive support if complicated AT situations.

Breifly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

Breifly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 00
Performance Measure Percentage NaN%
RSA Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

In the past, Maryland has engaged in IT/telecommunications trainings but have not been able to cature necessary data for reporting, something we need to work through with our partner The National Federation of the Blind. Additionally, we need to gain a better understanding of this area as we should be able to meet the performance measure.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 0%
Employment 40%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Representative of Community Living 60%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 0%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation received a grant from the United States Department of Labor, by which it is developing training programs for individuals with disabilities in two counties, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery. MDTAP surveyed each of the two county America’s Job Center locations, evaluating the assistive technology AT in use, suggesting updated AT and providing reports to each that include this information. These reports also referenced Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines suggesting a review for topics such as turning space for wheel chairs and reach ranges, but MDTAP is not an agency with expertise in that area. The state agency/America’s Job Center locations purchased technology in accordance with the two reports. A MDTAP AT specialist provided approximately 2 hours to each of the job centers on basic access of the technology they purchased. Finally, MDTAP staff and Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation staff who oversee the grant join

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 575 60 635
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 132 07 139
Representative of Education 60 125 185
Representative of Employment 27 08 35
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 67 03 70
Representative of Community Living 109 55 164
Representative of Technology 23 00 23
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 993 258 1,251

Notes:

State Improvement Outcomes

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 01

A. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

The Maryland legislature required the Maryland Department of Disabilities, through MDTAP, to convene a workgroup that would determine the degree that higher education instructors in Maryland institutions are teaching what they call accessibility concepts to students majoring in Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology. The baseline has been determined by means of a survey of department chairs throughout the state and improvement will be measurable by repeating the survey yearly and will be encouraged through issuing up to 3 grants to instructors through a competitive application process cosponsored by the Department of Disabilities and the National Federation of the blind, a process that should increase awareness of the accessibility concepts resulting in more students learning them in the above majors of study.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

Program policies and procedures are outlined in a final report provided to the Maryland General Assembly by the Department of Disabilities, which will be, but has not yet been posted to the web. Requests can be made to jmccarthy@mdtap.org for the report. The report indicates annual surveys to department chairs for measure and proposes the fellowship grants the means of encouraging improvements but does not establish procedures for the making the fellowship awards, which will be made through funds provided by the state to the National Federation of the Blind for its NON-VISUAL ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVE.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT


B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
Public/State Agency$58,165Demonstration
Amount: $58,165

B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)

Non-State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Individuals Served Other Outcome

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).

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This FY17 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.


Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Fri May 04 2018 15:25:09 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)