National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Back to state program information page

Massachusetts 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Massachusetts Maximizing Assistive Technology in Consumers' Hands (MassMATCH)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.massmatch.org
Mailing Address:
600 Washington Street
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Zip Code:
02111
Program Email:
info@massmatch.org
Phone:
877-508-3974
TTY:
617-204-3815

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Mailing Address:
600 Washington Street
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Zip Code:
02111
Program URL:
www.massmatch.org

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):
Bonney, Kobena
Title:
MassMATCH AT Program Coordinator
Phone:
617-204-3826
E-mail:
kobena.bonney@mass.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Bonney, Kobena
Title:
MassMATCH Program Coordinator
Phone:
617-204-3826
E-mail:
kobena.bonney@mass.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):
Wolf, Toni
Title:
Commissioner
Phone:
617-204-3600
E-mail:
toni.wolf@mass.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 48 00 48
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 01 00 01
Total 49 00 49

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $1,790 Highest Income: $224,400

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$3,180,908 48 $66,269

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 04 09 06 04 06 19 48
Percentage of Loans 8.33% 18.75% 12.5% 8.33% 12.5% 39.58% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 22 45.83%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 25 52.08%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 01 2.08%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 48 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 22 $39,623
Partnership Loans 26 $981,188
Total 48 $1,020,811

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
98 48 2.04166666666667%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 22
2.1% to 4.0% 26
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 48

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 00 $0
Hearing 16 $32,186
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 01 $2,000
Mobility, seating and positioning 02 $4,000
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 01 $15,000
Vehicle modification and transportation 27 $966,335
Computers and related 01 $1,290
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 48 $1,020,811

6. Defaults

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? 0


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? 0

D. Anecdote

John is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who had his right leg amputated above the knee due to a service-related accident. Now approaching age 78 and having received a modified vehicle from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decades ago, John had a need to update his Assistive Technology. While the VA was unable to purchase a second modified vehicle for him, they were able to fund modifications to an updated vehicle. Even after utilizing all known opportunities to help reduce the price, such as the Semper Fi Fund and Help Our Military Heroes Grant, John was still over $14,000 short of being able to afford a used vehicle capable of the modifications that he needed. Fortunately, his auto dealer referred him to the Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program (MAFP). After reviewing John’s situation, including his budget, the MAFP was able to provide a loan through Berkshire Bank to make up the difference in funds. John’s monthly payment was well within his budget, and he was able to maintain the level of independence that he desired.

Impact Area

Mary was 19 and had been an inpatient at the hospital for over a year. She had become paralyzed from the waist down as a result of an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. Mary was being discharged sooner than expected and her parents needed to purchase a modified van to transport her home for the holidays. Thanksgiving was only a few days away and everything was going to close. Unfortunately, the entire process, including the vehicle loan and registration, wouldn’t be able to be completed in the two days available, however, the Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program staff were able to assist Mary’s family in finding a vehicle to rent so that Mary could come home. Once temporary transportation was acquired through one of the Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program’s partner vehicle dealers, the team worked with Mary’s family over the Thanksgiving weekend in order to ensure that everything was as ready as possible once business resumed the following Monday. The process was completed quickly, and Mary’s family were able to safely transport her moving forward. “I appreciate that this places an enormous burden on both of you to work MAGIC with our financing arm and the Mass RMV on a holiday week. On Mary’s behalf, THANK YOU!”

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. 00 01 32 33
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 05 05
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 00 01 38 39
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 38 39
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 09 09
8. Total 00 01 47 48
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 80.85%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 47 97.92%
Satisfied 01 2.08%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 48
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 86
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,841
C. Total 1,927

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 1,927

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

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 01 $45 $0 $45
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 85 $83,985 $0 $83,985
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 86 $84,030 $0 $84,030

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 04 $1,256 $0 $1,256
Hearing 20 $6,876 $0 $6,876
Speech Communication 01 $330 $0 $330
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 09 $3,622 $0 $3,622
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 1,140 $1,834,294 $0 $1,834,294
Daily Living 667 $288,295 $0 $288,295
Environmental Adaptations 36 $6,429 $0 $6,429
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 06 $2,752 $0 $2,752
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 12 $29,850 $0 $29,850
Total 1,895 $2,173,704 $0 $2,173,704

D. Anecdote

In the fall of 2022, Nary, a 38-year-old woman suffering from metastasized colon cancer needed a wheelchair to get around in the community, due to the cancer diagnosis. When her nurse case manager met her, Nary was sharing her mother’s walker. She hadn't been out of her house in months except for medical appointments. Nary needed a wheelchair sooner than the insurance process would take; her “big wish” was to attend the upcoming Cambodian New Year’s celebration with her family, including her mom, her fiancé, and three children, ages 8, 10 and 18. . Her case manager searched REquipment’s online inventory and found two manual wheelchair options. Nary was able to select the chair she wanted. Within a few days, REquipment staff called the nurse to arrange a pick-up time in Worcester. Her case manager brought Nary her wheelchair that day. The Cambodian New Years celebration includes three days of food and picnics. Nary enjoyed all of it. She had the wheelchair for six weeks before passing away in the spring. And during that time, she was. able to get out of the house for meals out and other family activities. Her case manager tells the REquipment Program staff, “If it wasn’t for you guys, I’m not sure any of these last moments with Nary would have happened. The family is so grateful. These are moments that her kids and fiancé can always remember her by.”

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 04 1,201 1,208
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 605 605
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 16 16
4. Subtotal 03 04 1,822 1,829
5. None of the above 01 03 93 97
6. Subtotal 04 07 1,915 1,926
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 04 07 1,916 1,927
9. Performance on this measure 75% 57.14% 95.09%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,771 91.9%
Satisfied 156 8.1%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,927
Response rate % 100%

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) 351
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 26
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 55
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 49
Total 481

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 40 32 72
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 87 35 122
Representative of Education 69 11 80
Representative of Employment 06 01 07
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 48 12 60
Representatives of Community Living 01 06 07
Representatives of Technology 100 33 133
Total 351 130 481

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 55 20 75
Hearing 17 11 28
Speech Communication 126 12 138
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 77 37 114
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 19 50 69
Daily Living 155 84 239
Environmental Adaptations 33 40 73
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 231 78 309
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05 04 09
Total 718 336 1,054

E. Anecdote

Nguyen is a visually impaired individual who relies very heavily on vision devices to live independently. Two days before Nguyen's family was leaving to go out of state for vacation, his device broke. The company was not able to get a replacement device out to him in time. However, Nguyen was able to borrow a vision device from the ATRC quickly and use it while away. The device allowed Nguyen access to the community, GPS, social interaction as well as leisure activities. As a result, Nguyen has a successful vacation. Nguen and his family were very appreciative of the ease of receiving the loan and the role of the device in Nguyen maintaining his independence.

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 201 15 84 300
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 00 17 29
Subtotal 213 15 101 329
Have not made a decision 11 00 08 19
Subtotal 224 15 109 348
Nonrespondent 02 00 01 03
Total 226 15 110 351
Performance on this measure 95.09% 100% 92.66%

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. 17 04 19 40
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 21 05 37 63
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 03 00 16 19
4. Subtotal 41 09 72 122
5. None of the above 04 00 04 08
6. Subtotal 45 09 76 130
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 45 09 76 130
9. Performance on this measure 91.11% 100% 94.74%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 471 97.92%
Satisfied 07 1.46%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.21%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 0.42%
Total Surveyed 481
Response rate % 99.58%

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 19
Hearing 07
Speech Communication 31
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 25
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 11
Daily Living 26
Environmental Adaptations 20
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 29
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Device Demonstrations 170

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 54 10 64
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 25 45 70
Representatives of Education 17 22 39
Representatives of Employment 02 00 02
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 47 22 69
Representative of Community Living 15 27 42
Representative of Technology 10 06 16
Total 170 132 302

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 07
Service Provider 04
Vendor 66
Repair Service 00
Others 01
Total 78

D. Anecdote

A lady came to the ATRC Pittsfield to look at different options to help her quadriplegic mother out of bed and into her wheelchair. The staff demonstrated the pros and cons of 2 different sit-to-stand devices in stock. They also talked with her about her needs, her mother's needs, and where they plan on using such a device. The consumer decided to try the smaller sit-to-stand with turning ability. The staff showed her how to properly use the device before she borrowed it. She was so happy to try this device out as she is really having difficulty caring for her mother independently.

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 37 06 58 101
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 00 05 07
Subtotal 39 06 63 108
Have not made a decision 11 10 41 62
Subtotal 50 16 104 170
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 50 16 104 170
Performance on this measure 78% 37.5% 60.58%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 297 98.34%
Satisfied 04 1.32%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.33%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 302
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. 20 09 1,252 1,281
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 21 05 647 673
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 03 00 33 36
4. Subtotal 44 14 1,932 1,990
5. None of the above 05 03 97 105
6. Subtotal 49 17 2,029 2,095
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 10 10
8. Total 49 17 2,039 2,105
9. Performance on this measure 83.67% 82.35% 93.13% 92.83%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met 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 238 21 142 401
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 14 00 22 36
Subtotal 252 21 164 437
Have not made a decision 22 10 49 81
Subtotal 274 31 213 518
Nonrespondent 02 00 01 03
Total 276 31 214 521
Performance on this measure 91.97% 67.74% 77% 84.36%
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 99.93% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.93% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 118
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 25
Representatives of Education 140
Representatives of Employment 68
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 272
Representatives of Community Living 159
Representatives of Technology 55
Unable to Categorize 114
TOTAL 951

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
951 00 00 951

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 516
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 12
Combination of any/all of the above 82
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 75
Transition 266
Total 951

C. Description of Training Activities

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

In the FY23 fiscal year, the Manager of the State AT Program's Assistive Technology Regional Centers in Boston and Worcester, Michele Boutelle, COTA/L, ATP provided a training workshop to students enrolled in The Polus Center's new Human Services training program. Participants are looking to work in the non-profit/Human Services field. The 13-week program provides a comprehensive overview of the types of jobs in Human Services and the skills needed to succeed in that field. The program has a component where participants are introduced to the topic of Assistive Technology and its importance. ATRC staff presented a workshop on Assistive Technology and the wide variety of AT Programs and resources available in Massachusetts. As a result of the workshop, participants gain a better understanding of the role of AT as a tool in the lives of persons with disabilities and how they can help promote the use of AT with their consumers.

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

On behalf of the Assistive Technology Regional Center in Boston, Michele Boutelle COTA/L, ATP, and Jennifer O'Connor COTA/L presented a series of AT workshops to the Boston High School transition classes. The full day of presentations included 3 student sessions and an open teacher slot for participants to learn about Assistive technology in the areas of Vision, Hearing, Communication, Learning and activities of daily living. The goals of the student sessions were to introduce participants to AT that they could use post-graduation for success with employment and/or secondary schooling. Each second session, students were paired with peers to participate in a scavenger hunt following a program presentation. The scavenger hunt was to get students thinking about AT in a functional and personal manner. They were asked to explore the AT displayed and find devices that would meet specific goals and needs. This activity helped students connect with peers and understand different types of AT and how it could help people with diverse abilities.

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

During the 2023 fiscal year, the Massachusetts State AT Program conducted three Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility workshops. The trainings were on a variety of topics including the need for making all devices accessible and how to create accessible documents. 75 people attended the sessions. Participants were very highly satisfied and believe they benefited tremendously from the trainings. Many participants stated that they look forward to applying the knowledge and skills acquired in their procurement policies. Others plan to develop or implement training or technical assistance policies informed by what they learned.

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 14
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 47
No known outcome at this time 08
Nonrespondent 06
Total 75
Performance Measure Percentage 81.3%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 100%
Community Living 00%
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:

In FY23, the MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) in Boston provided technical assistance services to a professor/researcher from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. The researcher is interested in innovations on self-feeding. He is currently working on modifying the universal cuff so that spinal cord injury patients are able to change out the attachment independently. He is looking for feedback and support for the trial and subsequent modifications to the devices that may be needed. In addition to providing him technical assistance services over many months, ATRC staff and Easterseals continue to work collaboratively with the researcher on trialing the devices and providing feedback and 3D printing support for his prototypes.

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

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. In FY23, The Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) in Worcester, operated by Easterseals of Massachusetts launched an Adaptive Toy Drive. The ATRC organized the toy drive, which has now become an annual holiday season event, to collect mainstream toys and then switch-adapt them for children with disabilities who would otherwise not be able to use such toys. The adaptive toy drive was highlighted on a local Worcester television news station - Spectrum. A reporter from the station visited the ATRC to film the toys that were adapted, asked about the project, who it will impact, and how the toys were to be distributed. 32 toys were adapted and donated to children with disabilities throughout Massachusetts. The report highlighted the importance of accessible play, how one can take a toy and with some simple modification and a switch provide play for a child with a movement disability. The report raised awareness about the importance of play to those with physical limitations and the relative scarcity of toys and other recreational options for persons with disabilities. It is hope that the show would create more publicity for future adaptive toy drives and increased public awareness about the ATRC and its offerings.

2. During the first week of September 2023, the State AT Program - MassMATCH and its provider agencies such as Easterseals of MA participated in a two-day statewide conference hosted by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) in collaboration with other sister state agencies. The two-day event was titled “Explore Possibility Summit", and was held in Framingham, MA. The purpose of the conference was to bring together providers of services to the disability community as well as individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and other stakeholders. The event fostered a learning environment for attendees, offering diverse workshops to help them understand resources, services, and tools that were available from MRC and its statewide partners. The first day, Thursday September 7th, was focused on educating people with disabilities about services available through workshops, lectures, and vendor tables such as the Easterseals Assistive Technology booth. Staff from the ATRC in Worcester were able to meet and interact with roughly 200 individuals at the table to discover the possibilities with Assistive Technology. With a very diverse group of individuals at the conference, a wide variety of disabilities were discussed and explored. Many individuals that had disabilities were able to find and learn about Assistive Technology devices that were helpful for them at our table. Many individuals spoke of the helpful presence and opportunity to explore the possibilities of Assistive Technology at the ATRC Worcester Assistive Technology table. Other highlights of the conference included the following: • An inspiring presentation by the conference Keynote Speaker, Jake Haendel, and the introduction of his new phone app Ahoi, which focuses on Accessibility. • Live Assistive Technology demos, including adaptive van demonstrations. • Over 20 different Exhibitors, including many state agencies and private non-profit service providers. • One-on-one Q&A session with MRC's Assistive Technology Program staff.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 66 16 82
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 78 28 106
Representative of Education 40 01 41
Representative of Employment 09 00 09
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 79 02 81
Representative of Community Living 49 17 66
Representative of Technology 55 01 56
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 376 65 441

Referral Types:

In Massachusetts, the bulk of referrals to the State AT Program come from staff of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and its sister state agencies that serve individuals with disabilities and their hundreds of provider agencies across the state. Another major source of referrals to the program is the state's 10 Independent Living Centers, followed by Councils on Aging. A sizable number of referrals to the State AT Program also comes from the state's vast network of hospitals and other healthcare institutions. In the case of referrals to the device demonstration and loan program, individuals who contact the program learn about the state AT program mostly through their interaction with employees of any of the state agencies that serve individuals with disabilities or their provider partners as they seek services. In the case of the reuse program, such referrals mostly come from local senior centers or healthcare institutions. Most of the time, individuals with disabilities and/or their family members are referred to the reuse program because they need a piece of durable medical equipment urgently. Often, people contact the reuse program for DME because their insurance does not cover the needed equipment or it is going to take some time to obtain one from insurance, and they need one to use in the meantime.

Referral Sources:

The Massachusetts State AT Program and its partners are making every effort to track and analyze information about our referral sources to inform our future outreach and public awareness activities. Our outreach strategies include disseminating information about our offerings on our respective websites and social media, attendance at conferences, fairs, and expos, as well as conducting electronic/hard copy mail campaigns to reach the public. We work with a wide variety of partners across the state including sister state agencies such as the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. We also work with organizations such as the Federation for Children with Special Needs, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, Independent Living Councils, Area Agencies on Aging, as well as healthcare organizations and individual practitioners, educators, rehabilitation counselors and many other professionals.

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

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?

As stated in last year's Annual Progress Report (APR), MassMATCH, the Massachusetts State AT Program participated in a major statewide collaborative effort among Massachusetts state agencies that serve individuals with disabilities and older adults. Under the leadership of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the collaboration brought together representatives from seven different executive secretariats and state agencies to brainstorm ideas on how best to enhance Assistive Technology services in the commonwealth using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Participating secretariat/agencies included representatives from the Executive Office on Elder Affairs(EOEA), the Mass Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), The Mass Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS), the Mass Department of Health (DPH), the Mass Department of Mental Health (DPH), and MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid agency. The resulting coordination/collaboration effort, which came to be known as the “Enabling Member Technology Initiative” put in place a total of 9 separate AT projects valued at approximately $17.5 million to serve over an estimated 10,000 individuals with disabilities and older adults through March 2025 .

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.

During FY23, all the nine individual projects were fully implemented and are ongoing. A couple of projects were so successful that they have been suspended due to oversubscription. At this time, all remaining initiatives are estimated to continue until March 2025. Below is a brief description of each project and status to-date. Initiative name Implementation update DDS Assistive Technology (AT) Services: Evaluation, Training and AT Device Acquisition ARPA funding used to provide comprehensive person-centered evaluations and acquire recommended assistive tech. DDS Remote Supports and Monitoring Startup Funding This incentive continues to be offered to any provider that expresses interest in providing this service. Support 6+ providers thus far. DDS Supportive Technology Innovation Funding The innovation funding awarded in FY23' was expended and final reports of achieved outcomes submitted by awardees. The projects that were awarded funding for FY24' are being implemented. DMH Technological Independence and Access Initiative DMH allocated SFY24 funds to Clubhouse programs and Young Adult Access centers. Hybrid Programming for Councils on Aging Estimated that 25 organizations will be awarded funding. In the process of finalizing contracting. EOEA Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults Estimated 24 organizations will be awarded funds. In the process of finalizing contracting. MRC Adaptive Vehicle & Adaptive Housing Modifications A total of 6 Vehicle mod/Driver eval jobs were authorized, of which 5 of them have already been billed out. A total of 15 Home Mod jobs were authorized, with a total of 7 jobs completed and billed. A total of 4 Architect jobs were authorized and all 4 have been completed and billed out. MRC Supporting Independence for Community Living Consumers 175 Consumers are actively authorized and or receiving AT services across SL, HCAP & SHIP. 5 consumers are receiving remote supports. MRC continues discussions around remote support best practices with UCP WM. MRC AT Training and Support The project continues to receive referrals through the referral tool and is providing services, and running smoothly; We continue to have regular calls with Easter Seals and UCP to review referrals, trainings and billing.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;

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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
State Appropriations$1,367,496ReuseTrue
Amount: $1,367,496

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.

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 14:07:49 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)

Back to state program information page | Top of page

This FY23 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.