National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Louisiana 2023
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 | 02 | 01 | 03 |
| Approved Not made | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 03 | 01 | 04 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $19,710 | Highest Income: | $34,692 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $82,427 | 03 | $27,476 |
| 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 | 02 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 03 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 66.67% | 33.33% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 03 | 100% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
| With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 03 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 03 | $12,285 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 03 | $12,285 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 2% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 2% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 06 | 03 | 2% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 03 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 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 | 03 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 01 | $4,650 |
| Hearing | 02 | $5,100 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 01 | $2,535 |
| 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 | 04 | $12,285 |
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? | 1 |
|---|
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) | 1 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
| C. Total Served | 1 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 1 |
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 | 0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 1 | $4,281 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 1 | $4,281 |
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? | 1 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | AT Leasing for Savings Program |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 1 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
| C. Total Served | 1 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 1 |
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 Provided | Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 1 | $407 | $407 | $0 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 1 | $407 | $407 | $0 |
D. Anecdote
After many years of use, Ms. Bell’s hearing aids no longer worked properly and were always extremely uncomfortable. As her ability to hear continued to deteriorate, she was not able to “make do” with the current devices and found herself in desperate need of an updated, more usable pair. Unfortunately, her health insurance did not cover the device and with an over $5,000 cost, Ms. Bell was unable to afford the hearing devices she needed. After a friend told her about LATAN’s funding for assistive technology, she called. LATAN was able to assist Ms. Bell with access to the Revolving Loan Fund program to purchase the hearing devices. Today, Ms. Bell reports that LATAN’s services helped her to more gain more independence when attending her doctor’s appointments and to fully enjoy attending and participating in church activities.
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. | 00 | 01 | 04 | 05 |
| 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 | 00 | 01 | 04 | 05 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 01 | 04 | 05 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 01 | 04 | 05 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 05 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 05 | |
| 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 | 04 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 45 |
| C. Total | 49 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. 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 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 49 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
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 | 04 | $12,276 | $0 | $12,276 |
| Daily Living | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 | $900 | $0 | $900 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 05 | $13,176 | $0 | $13,176 |
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 | 07 | $3,444 | $25 | $3,419 |
| Hearing | 02 | $198 | $0 | $198 |
| Speech Communication | 01 | $600 | $0 | $600 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 | $325 | $0 | $325 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 16 | $9,498 | $0 | $9,498 |
| Daily Living | 22 | $4,883 | $0 | $4,883 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 04 | $5,000 | $0 | $5,000 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 05 | $834 | $0 | $834 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 58 | $24,782 | $25 | $24,757 |
D. Anecdote
Ms. McIntyre’s contacted LATAN looking for assistance reading on his computer. With a history of low vision, she has noticed that his eyesight was becoming worse and reading on her computer was becoming more cumbersome. After conducting a vision demonstration, LATAN recommended using a magnifying screen to be placed over the computer monitor, which was an inexpensive, yet effective AT solution for her. Fortunately, there was a screen magnifier available on the AT Marketplace and Ms. McIntyre was able to acquire it for open-ended reuse.
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. | 01 | 03 | 41 | 45 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| 4. Subtotal | 01 | 04 | 44 | 49 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 04 | 44 | 49 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 04 | 44 | 49 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 49 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 49 | |
| 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) | 21 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 00 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 01 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 00 |
| Total | 22 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 10 | 01 | 11 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Representative of Education | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 21 | 01 | 22 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 35 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Hearing | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Speech Communication | 14 | 00 | 14 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 04 | 01 | 05 |
| Daily Living | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Total | 33 | 01 | 34 |
E. Anecdote
Mr. X was visiting Louisiana to attend a relative’s funeral. He lives with ALS and uses a wheelchair; however, to make airline travel easier, he opted for personal assistance during his travel. As an AT user, Mr. X was aware of the State AT program and contacted LATAN to borrow a wheelchair during his week-long stay in Louisiana. Mr. X reported being extremely grateful that the device loan program exists and that LATAN had the equipment he needed to borrower available for use.
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 | 07 | 01 | 12 | 20 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 01 | 12 | 20 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 01 | 13 | 21 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 07 | 01 | 13 | 21 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 92.31% | |
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 | 01 | 01 |
| 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 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% | |
H. 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% |
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 | 20 |
| Hearing | 04 |
| Speech Communication | 31 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 02 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 15 |
| Daily Living | 17 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 08 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 15 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 112 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 85 | 02 | 87 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 14 | 46 | 60 |
| Representatives of Education | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Employment | 03 | 05 | 08 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 06 | 08 | 14 |
| Representative of Community Living | 04 | 28 | 32 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 112 | 89 | 201 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 00 |
| Service Provider | 00 |
| Vendor | 03 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 03 |
D. Anecdote
C.M., 43-year-old male living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and has 24/7 personal care assistance, was very excited about increasing independence and safety by having access to environmental controls and smart home technology. A self-identified "techy", C.M. reports being very interested in mainstream technology. He currently relies on the support of others to access all daily living activities. His caregivers rotate in 8-hour shifts which means that he is often sleeping when one person leaves, and another arrives. Unable to leave his bedroom without assistance transferring into his chair, C.M. inquired about home AT solutions that would provide him with access and more security. A keyless entry system can be controlled by C.M.'s cellphone allowing him the autonomy to lock and unlock his front door from his bedroom without assistance, as well as to see who is entering his home. Without these AT solutions, personal care assistants were sharing a physical key to his home. Also, C.M. is interested in smart lighting which would allow him to control the lighting in his home using a smart device. According to C. M., "I have great people helping them and this has nothing to do with not trusting them. I would just like to be able to control my environment and secure my home without waiting for someone to do it for me."
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 07 | 06 | 72 | 85 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 08 | 08 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 06 | 80 | 93 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 04 | 14 | 18 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 10 | 94 | 111 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 07 | 10 | 95 | 112 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 60% | 84.21% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 165 | 82.09% |
| Satisfied | 25 | 12.44% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 05 | 2.49% |
| Not at all satisfied | 02 | 1% |
| Nonrespondent | 04 | 1.99% |
| Total | 201 | |
| Response rate % | 98.01% |
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. | 01 | 04 | 46 | 51 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| 4. Subtotal | 01 | 05 | 49 | 55 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 05 | 49 | 55 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 05 | 49 | 55 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 80% | 95.92% | 94.55% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not 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 | 14 | 07 | 84 | 105 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 08 | 08 |
| Subtotal | 14 | 07 | 92 | 113 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 04 | 15 | 19 |
| Subtotal | 14 | 11 | 107 | 132 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 14 | 11 | 108 | 133 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 63.64% | 85.19% | 84.96% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Satisfaction Rating
| Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied and satisfied | 97.44% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 98.56% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 19 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 05 |
| Representatives of Education | 10 |
| Representatives of Employment | 02 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 38 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 411 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 02 |
| TOTAL | 487 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 210 | 06 | 271 | 487 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 167 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 01 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 28 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 03 |
| Transition | 288 |
| Total | 487 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
AT services training was provided to Medicaid Home and Community-based Support Coordinators from all regions of the state. The training consisted of Louisiana’s AT Program, as well as an explanation of LATAN's programs and services. Devices from various categories applicable to the people served by the Support Coordinators were demonstrated during the presentation. Devices in the categories of vision, communication, mobility, and daily living.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
The State AT Program Director and ATP/CRC facilitated a training to the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling graduate students from Southern University and A&M College. The training focused on using Assistive Technology in transitioning from school to work. The training included vocational assessment, AT devices and service delivery. These 1st year graduate students received AT device demonstrations among various categories including vision, computer access, daily living, smart home technology, speech, and cognitive learning.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
The State AT Program Director provided training with the executive leadership and Medicaid Waiver program managers on categories of AT devices (mobility, vision, speech, hearing, remote supports, recreation, daily living, cognitive/learning, computer access), as well as provided definitions of AT device categories to be included in the revised Medicaid Waiver service manuals. The result was increased awareness of state policy makers who also used the information to develop Medicaid procedure codes for medical billing in the Waiver programs. Historically, access to assistive devices in the Medicaid Waiver programs were focused on durable medical equipment rather than advanced AT devices. Now, broader access to those technologies may increase access to independence at home or work for individuals with developmental disabilities in Louisiana.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 00 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 03 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 03 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 05% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 00% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 10% |
| Community Living | 85% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 00% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The AT Program Director provided initial TA with the executive leadership and Medicaid Waiver program managers on developing procedures to expand remote technology for Waiver programs. In accordance with its Five-year business plan, OCDD intends to expand assistive devices, beginning with Remote Technology Supports, such as Mobile Emergency Response systems and monitored, medication reminder systems to promote and increase independence among individuals receiving Home and Community-based Waiver Services. Having the expansion of Assistive Technology as one of the strategic goals of the LA Dept. of Health/OCDD for the next five years will have a tremendous impact among hundreds of people throughout Louisiana.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
TA was provided to 60 school therapists, teachers and paraprofessionals at an Orleans parish Charter school system related to speech generating devices.
C. Notes:
Public Awareness
Public Awareness Activities
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. LATAN partnered with Texas AT program at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convention to promote awareness of the AT programs and services and 3D printing. High-tech AAC Devices were demonstrated. The ASHA convention is one of the largest professional development events for audiologists; speech-language pathologists; and speech, language, and hearing scientist. Bringing together approximately 15,000 attendees.
2. Presented information about LATAN's Program Services and demonstrated devices at the Council on Aging Senior Lunch and Quilt Show. Spoke with the group and individuals on types of AT that is available to assist with limitations they are experiencing. Several people are interested in devices and will reach out to LATAN for acquisition of devices.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 281 | 50 | 331 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 54 | 07 | 61 |
| Representative of Education | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representative of Employment | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 22 | 05 | 27 |
| Representative of Community Living | 11 | 03 | 14 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 375 | 65 | 440 |
Referral Types:
LATAN provides outreach and education among various state and community-based organizations to increase referrals for services. Some of those organizations include the Office of Aging and Adult Services, Council on Aging, State Independent Living Councils, Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, Elderly Affairs, Louisiana Municipal Association, Families Helping Families, professional, clinical organizations, among many others.
Referral Sources:
As a member of the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council and the Emergency Management Disability and Aging Coalition or EMDAC, LATAN is able to connect with a larger cadre of potential AT users, caregivers and families throughout. Engaging in these groups via regional training or monthly “Lunch and Learns” has afforded LATAN access to a broader base of service providers throughout the state resulting in the potential for increased referrals. LATAN has experienced an increase in referrals from private rehabilitation hospital social workers, as well as Care Coordinators assisting with transition from the inpatient care to home or long-term care.
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
| Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 1 |
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A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
LATAN has partnered and collaborated with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) to expand its Medicaid Waiver programs to include technology supports with remote features (mobile emergency response systems and electronic medication reminder systems), as well as other assistive technologies and services used to increase safety and independence among Waiver participants. Collaborating partners include OCDD executive leadership and Waiver program administrators along with LATAN’s State AT Program Director. This initiative is part of OCDD’s ARPA strategic plan; however, these plans will continue following the end of the ARPA funding and will be sustained through continued partnership with LATAN. The start this initiative, LATAN provided descriptions of AT devices by category and required services to be used in the revision of the Waiver program manuals, as well as in the development of the billing codes to be implemented. LATAN also provided direct AT services to the initial pilot of Waiver service participants.
2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.
As an initiative pilot, Medicaid Waiver Support Coordinators provided referrals of potential participants to LATAN to conduct an assessment for remote support and additional assistive technologies based on the participant’s goals and interests. Seven of the 10 participants referred received assessments, which included recommendations for technology supports with remote features and other AT such as AAC devices. Medicaid Waiver services historically have been provided by people with little use of technology. The biggest lesson learned thus far was that a significant amount of training on AT service delivery will be needed for Support Coordinators, direct services workers, and others who are part of the participant’s AT team and will need to be a coordinated effort. This initiative will expand use of assistive technology devices and services in Louisiana’s Medicaid Waiver program. As such, LATAN will provide more training and technical assistance to OCDD, regional Support Coordinators, direct support workers, and others to ensure quality-driven, Assistive Technology services will be provided and continue to be expanded within the Medicaid Waiver program. LATAN’s partnership with OCDD is ongoing and will continue beyond the end of the ARPA funding. Currently, LATAN continues to be a key partner in the development and implementation of assistive technology within Louisiana’s Medicaid Waiver programs.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Demonstration; Training; Technical Assistance;
Overview of State Improvement Activities
| 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? | 00 |
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Additional And Leveraged Funds
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | $10,000 | Reuse | True |
| Amount: $10,000 |
For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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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).
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:07:00 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)