National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
North Dakota 2017
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 01 | 00 | 01 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $30,773 | Highest Income: | $30,773 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $30,773 | 01 | $30,773 |
| 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 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. 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 | 100% |
| With loan guarantee only | 01 | 0% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 01 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 01 | $3,995 |
| Total | 01 | $3,995 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 5.25% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 5.25% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 01 | 0% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 01 |
| 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 | 01 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 01 | $3,995 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 01 | $3,995 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
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? | 01 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | last resort activity |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 07 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 14 |
| C. Total Served | 21 |
| Performance Measure | Number |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 00 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 21 |
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
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded |
Value of
AT Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 02 | $1,103 |
| Hearing | 05 | $4,269 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 02 | $1,096 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 04 | $4,015 |
| Daily living | 05 | $2,449 |
| Environmental adaptations | 02 | $502 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 04 | $3,029 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 24 | $16,463 |
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? | 00 |
|---|
D. Anecdote
A man with quadriplegia and vision loss due to a car accident contacted Assistive for computer access equipment, so he could continue to get on Facebook, pay bills, read the newspaper, and communicate with family and friends. He wanted a way to access his desktop computer while tilted back in his power wheelchair. He also had frequent, long hospital stays and wanted a laptop and computer access equipment during those stays to be able to maintain his independence. After Assistive conducted an assessment of his needs in his home and provided equipment demonstrations, he rented the devices to determine items for purchase through the Assistive Equipment loan program. Then he applied for and received the following through the Assistive Possibilities Fund (a Last Resort Program): a 17” laptop, high quality microphone, Dragon Naturally Speaking speech recognition software, and a keyboard with keyguard. He was recently hospitalized and was able to bring his new AT to the hospital and continue to communicate with family and friends, pay his bills, and more!
E. 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 | 06 | 13 | 22 |
| 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 | 03 | 06 | 13 | 22 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 03 | 06 | 13 | 22 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 03 | 06 | 13 | 22 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 22 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 22 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 00 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 97 |
| C. Total | 97 |
| 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 | 97 |
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
| 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 | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Daily Living | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| 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 | 13 | $4,029 | $0 | $4,029 |
| Hearing | 62 | $6,762 | $0 | $6,762 |
| Speech Communication | 05 | $3,127 | $0 | $3,127 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Daily Living | 07 | $1,073 | $0 | $1,073 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 10 | $5,267 | $0 | $5,267 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 97 | $20,258 | $0 | $20,258 |
D. Anecdote
A woman with a vision loss came to Assistive to find a magnifier to help her independently complete activities such as: read her mail, books, magazines, and newspapers; write letters; pay her bills; see her medication bottles and recipes; and do close-up crafts. She tried several devices during a demonstration at the Assistive Home Demonstration Center. She decided on a magnifier to purchase, but did not have the funds. Thanks to the Assistive Open Ended Loan Program, she was able to borrow a video magnifier for five months until she could obtain the funding to purchase her own device. This created immediate independence for her, so she could actually read and write to apply for funding. She now has her own 15” Topaz PHD portable video magnifier in her home where she can independently read anything she needs, do crafts, and write to her heart’s content.
E. 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 | 02 | 75 | 80 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 01 | 12 | 13 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| 4. Subtotal | 03 | 04 | 88 | 95 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
| 6. Subtotal | 04 | 04 | 89 | 97 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 04 | 04 | 89 | 97 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 75% | 100% | 98.88% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 78 | 80.41% |
| Satisfied | 18 | 18.56% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 1.03% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 97 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 161 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 02 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 04 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 04 |
| Total | 171 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 78 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 70 |
| Representative of Education | 05 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 02 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 15 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Total | 171 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 42 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number |
|---|---|
| Vision | 23 |
| Hearing | 36 |
| Speech Communication | 27 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 30 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 04 |
| Daily Living | 26 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 08 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 17 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total | 171 |
E. Anecdote
A woman with a traumatic brain injury that affected her vision, memory, and motor skills contacted Assistive for help figuring out assistive technology solutions, so she could go back to work. After Assistive conducted an assessment of her needs, she rented the following through the Assistive Equipment Loan Program: a Livescribe Echo Smartpen (a note taking pen with audio recording); a Rollermouse (specialized mouse to access the computer); and an iPad Pro 12.9” with built-vision accommodations such as speech and magnification and apps such as Visor (magnification app), KNFB Reader (an app that takes a picture of text and reads it aloud), AudioNote2 (an app that works similar to the Smartpen), and ScanWritr (a digital form filling app) After the equipment trials, she worked with her employer to obtain the needed equipment and is currently transitioning back to work.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 21 | 09 | 88 | 118 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 00 | 27 | 34 |
| Subtotal | 28 | 09 | 115 | 152 |
| Have not made a decision | 03 | 02 | 04 | 09 |
| Subtotal | 31 | 11 | 119 | 161 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 31 | 11 | 119 | 161 |
| Performance on this measure | 90.32% | 81.82% | 96.64% | |
G. 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 | 02 | 02 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 02 | 04 | 07 |
| 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 | 01 | 02 | 06 | 09 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 02 | 07 | 10 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 02 | 07 | 10 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 85.71% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 139 | 81.29% |
| Satisfied | 30 | 17.54% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 02 | 1.17% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 171 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 149 |
| Hearing | 29 |
| Speech Communication | 97 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 131 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 |
| Daily Living | 12 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 06 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 30 |
| Computers and Related | 56 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 |
| Total # of Devices Loaned | 511 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 283 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 326 |
| Representatives of Education | 38 |
| Representatives of Employment | 10 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 12 |
| Representative of Community Living | 37 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 |
| Total | 706 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 141 |
| Service Provider | 55 |
| Vendor | 646 |
| Repair Service | 01 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 843 |
D. Anecdote
A woman with muscular dystrophy and her family came to the Assistive Home Demonstration Center in Mandan to find assistive technology solutions to access her phone, computer, and home environment. She was having more and more difficulty accessing the touchscreen of her phone and using the mouse/keyboard of her computer. She could not let anyone in her front door without leaving it open nor could she independently access any appliance, TV, fan, or light in her home. Several devices were demonstrated such as: an iPhone with the Hook+ switch interface and switch; a mobile device stand with wheels; wheelchair mounts; a computer and various computer access devices such as a Jouse and Headmouse Extreme; and an Amazon Echo with smarthome controls. This demonstration led to rentals and purchases of a phone, mobile device stand, wheelchair mount, switch interface, and Grasp switches through the ND Telecommunications Equipment Distribution program. She is now able to access her iPhone for fun, daily tasks, or emergencies. She can call, email, text, surf the net, access apps, and more. She is currently investigating the other items demonstrated through rentals and eventual purchase through the Assistive Last Resort Program and ND HCBS Medicaid Waiver. She recently stated the following about Assistive, “They can help people be at home, doing things they otherwise could not do,” “It’s so amazing. People just don’t know what’s out there—it just blows your mind.”
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 79 | 24 | 362 | 465 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 05 | 06 |
| Subtotal | 79 | 25 | 367 | 471 |
| Have not made a decision | 10 | 00 | 30 | 40 |
| Subtotal | 89 | 25 | 397 | 511 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 89 | 25 | 397 | 511 |
| Performance on this measure | 88.76% | 100% | 92.44% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 661 | 93.63% |
| Satisfied | 35 | 4.96% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 10 | 1.42% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 706 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 06 | 08 | 90 | 104 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 03 | 16 | 20 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| 4. Subtotal | 07 | 12 | 107 | 126 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 6. Subtotal | 08 | 12 | 109 | 129 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 08 | 12 | 109 | 129 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 87.5% | 100% | 98.17% | 97.67% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 75% | 75% | 75% | 75% |
| Met/Not Met | Met | Met | Met | Met |
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 100 | 33 | 450 | 583 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 01 | 32 | 40 |
| Subtotal | 107 | 34 | 482 | 623 |
| Have not made a decision | 13 | 02 | 34 | 49 |
| Subtotal | 120 | 36 | 516 | 672 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 120 | 36 | 516 | 672 |
| Performance on this measure | 89.17% | 94.44% | 93.41% | 92.71% |
| 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
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 04 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 00 |
| Representatives of Education | 30 |
| Representatives of Employment | 23 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 111 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 05 |
| Representatives of Technology | 18 |
| Unable to Categorize | 30 |
| TOTAL | 191 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 184 | 37 | 00 | 221 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 65 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 51 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 18 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 00 |
| Transition | 87 |
| Total | 221 |
B. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
This year an Assistive consultant provided two, 2-hour trainings to 60 ND Occupational Therapists at the 2016 Annual ND Occupational Therapy Conference. One of the trainings focused on children and AT, and the goal was to teach the OTs about AT for safety, independence, and learning. The other training focused on adults and AT, and the goal was to teach the OTs about AT for Aging, focusing on memory, safety, hearing, and vision. Each of the trainings also included equipment demonstrations, the opportunity for hands-on exploration, and information on Assistive Services. Several OTs have contacted Assistive this year and named these trainings as a factor in considering our services.
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:
This year Assistive provided training to the entire customer service and technical support team at BekTel Communications, a ND regional telecommunications company, providing Internet, phone, and cable services. This training occurred over 6 separate times and several days and included information on Assistive Services, relay services, specialized telephones, amplified telephones, alternative telecommunications access, captioning phones and their required internet services, and other AT for making telecommunication devices accessible. They learned the following: the procedure when one of their consumers’ needs a specialized phone; the procedure when a specialized phone breakdown occurs; and about the internet/phone line requirements of CapTel phones. These trainings also resulted in the company waiving fees for internet services when their customers only need internet due to the CapTel Phone.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 11 |
| Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented | 06 |
| No known outcome at this time | 01 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 18 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 94.4% |
| RSA Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 65% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 5% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 5% |
| Representative of Community Living | 5% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Assistive consultants delivered 363 hours of technical assistance (TA) to AT Specialists, Therapists, Special Education Teachers, Special Education Directors, VR counselors, and University Disability Specialists throughout North Dakota regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Program for children ages 14-21. This technical assistance included help with choosing AT for their current and future students, advice on next steps with the AT assessment process, inventory of existing and future AT purchases and more. In addition, Assistive provided the following to students, parents, teachers, and therapists: AT assessments, consultations, presentations, and group/individual trainings.
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.
1. Assistive opened the Mandan Home First Demonstration Center to the public this reporting period. This is the second Home First Demonstration Center for Assistive in ND. These are the only two that we know of in the Tri-State Region. The new center features a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and living room filled with Assistive technology. In addition, there is a demonstration room filled with AT for hearing, vision, computer access, communication, and adapted toys. Activities included an open house in January 2017, which was open to the public; a legislative spouse’s open house; and several monthly tours. These tours groups included: special education teachers; occupational and physical therapists; ND Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and administration; ND Aging Services; area businesses; Workforce Safety and Insurance; ID/DD facilities; Public Health Units; a telecommunications company; service groups; college students in physical and occupational therapy and special education; ND School for the Blind; and high school students. The number of people visiting our Mandan office for tours or open houses for this reporting period was 296 which is a 410% increase in visits to the Western Assistive office from the previous reporting year without the Home First Demonstration Center.
2. Assistive started its fifth year of blogging up to two times per week. The blogs written focused on various equipment, anecdotes of users, general AT information, and funding. This year Assistive received 134,870 visits of people from all over the world with approximately 75% from the United States and 25% internationally. The ten most visited states include (in order by # of visit) North Dakota, California, Texas, New York, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts. Although not calculated in our data, Assistive received many calls and emails from all of the world from people with disabilities, their family members, and the professionals that work with them. They named the Assistive blog as the reason for contacting us. Most requests were regarding equipment discussed in the blog or where they could receive services in their area.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 217 | 18 | 235 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 430 | 14 | 444 |
| Representative of Education | 27 | 01 | 28 |
| Representative of Employment | 33 | 00 | 33 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 122 | 03 | 125 |
| Representative of Community Living | 70 | 06 | 76 |
| Representative of Technology | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Unable to Categorize | 06 | 00 | 06 |
| Total | 907 | 42 | 949 |
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.
During this reporting period, Assistive commented on the proposed renewal of the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver. Assistive requested that the waiver be amended to include AT evaluations under the Specialized Equipment (SE) and Environmental Modifications (EM) portions. In addition, Assistive requested that the qualifications for those providing AT evaluations under the EM portion be similar to Minnesota's. The response included research with comparisons to other states’ services, as well as, comparisons to other ND waivers. Due to these efforts and a meeting in February, 2017, ND Aging Services agreed to amend the HCBS Wavier to include coverage of AT evaluations in both Specialized Equipment and Environmental Modifications. They also changed the provider qualifications for AT evaluations under the EM portion to match Minnesota’s. In addition, they changed their internal paperwork, so entities who wanted to offer this service could apply.
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.)
The HCBS Medicaid Waiver now includes a provision for assistive technology evaluations under Specialized Equipment and Environmental Modifications. In addition, the requirements to be able to provide AT evaluations under the Environmental Modification provision have changed to be similar to Minnesota's. The documentation (ML 3515 - SC 525-05 HCBS.pdf) for the HCBS Medicaid Waiver for the Aged and Disabled is available at: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/policymanuals/52505/52505.htm, and the contact person is the Aging Services Director, Nancy Nickolas-Maier. She can be reached at nmaier@nd.gov.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
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? | No |
|---|
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
|---|---|---|
| State Appropriations | $36,004 | Reuse |
| State Appropriations | $36,000 | Public Awareness, I&A |
| State Appropriations | $70,198 | Device Loan |
| State Appropriations | $10,798 | Technical Assistance |
| State Appropriations | $10,798 | Training |
| State Appropriations | $70,198 | Demonstration |
| State Appropriations | $36,004 | State Financing |
| Amount: $270,000 |
B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)
| 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).
Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Fri May 04 2018 15:28:22 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)