National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Minnesota 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Minnesota STAR Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

mn.gov/star

Mailing Address:

658 Cedar Street, Suite 358 Centennial Office Building

City:

Saint Paul

State:

Zip Code:

55155

Program Email:

Star.Program@state.mn.us

Phone:

651-201-2640

TTY:

800-627-3529

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Minnesota Department of Adminstration

Mailing Address:

50 Sherburne Avenue

City:

Saint Paul

State:

Zip Code:

55155

Program URL:

mn.gov/admin

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Perron, Amy

Title:

Program Director

Phone:

651-201-2295

E-mail:

amy.perron@state.mn.us

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Perron, Amy

Title:

Program Director

Phone:

651-201-2295

E-mail:

amy.perron@state.mn.us

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):

Hayes, Betsy

Title:

Assistant Commissioner

Phone:

651-201-2400

E-mail:

betsy.hayes@state.mn.us

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

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

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?

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?

D. Anecdote

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
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	00	00
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	00	00
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	00	00
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	00	NaN%
Satisfied	00	NaN%
Satisfied somewhat	00	NaN%
Not at all satisfied	00	NaN%
Nonrespondent	00	NaN%
Total Surveyed	00
Response rate %	NaN%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

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	259
C. Total	259

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	259

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	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$0	$0	$0

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	08	$8,319	$0	$8,319
Hearing	07	$2,618	$0	$2,618
Speech Communication	136	$396,108	$0	$396,108
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	03	$645	$0	$645
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	01	$1,000	$0	$1,000
Daily Living	23	$5,742	$0	$5,742
Environmental Adaptations	89	$60,251	$0	$60,251
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	02	$299	$0	$299
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	269	$474,982	$0	$474,982

D. Anecdote

A 33-year-old woman with ALS has very limited physical movement, so in order to access her tablet, phone, and computer screen, she needed a hands-free mouse. Through the Open Ended Loan program, she was able to borrow a GlassOuse Pro. The Pro is worn like a headband and allows her to access all of her devices. The GlassOuse Pro easily switches between devices, giving her access to all of her screens with the pointing of her head and click of a bite switch that she has plugged into the mouse. In addition to hands-free computer access, the device also allows her to manage her smart home devices through her tablet or phone when her voice is tired and she is unable to use verbal commands.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	233	233
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	04	01	20	25
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	04	01	254	259
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	04	01	254	259
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	04	01	254	259
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	255	98.46%
Satisfied	04	1.54%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	259
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	314
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	09
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	32
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	29
Total	384

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	144	24	168
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	67	11	78
Representative of Education	45	18	63
Representative of Employment	03	05	08
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	27	05	32
Representatives of Community Living	15	02	17
Representatives of Technology	13	05	18
Total	314	70	384

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	45

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	71	04	75
Hearing	49	28	77
Speech Communication	80	17	97
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	54	10	64
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	07	01	08
Daily Living	48	14	62
Environmental Adaptations	37	14	51
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	72	31	103
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	07	07	14
Total	425	126	551

E. Anecdote

Client A is a 24-year-old adult with a medical diagnosis of autism and mixed receptive and expressive language delay. She resides at home with her parents. Client A is non-speaking and communicates primarily through vocalizations and actions. Non-familiar listeners are rarely able to understand her communicative attempts. Client A had received a communication device in the past; however, her access to speech-language pathology (SLP) services was disrupted in 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Client A has not received SLP services since that time. Her parents report that they did not receive adequate training with the device and Client A rarely used it outside of treatment sessions. The device she owns has become outdated and also has a damaged screen. We were able to demonstrate a variety of communication devices with the client and provide training on a device of interest to the family. Client A was able to complete a short-term loan with the Via Pro 11 communication device. The family expressed their appreciation and excitement for being able to view a variety of communication devices and loan them at no cost to determine the best fit.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	70	19	151	240
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	05	08	27	40
Subtotal	75	27	178	280
Have not made a decision	12	07	15	34
Subtotal	87	34	193	314
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	87	34	193	314
Performance on this measure	86.21%	79.41%	92.23%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	07	05	14	26
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	20	08	09	37
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	00	02	04
4. Subtotal	29	13	25	67
5. None of the above	01	01	01	03
6. Subtotal	30	14	26	70
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	30	14	26	70
9. Performance on this measure	96.67%	92.86%	96.15%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	324	84.38%
Satisfied	57	14.84%
Satisfied somewhat	01	0.26%
Not at all satisfied	02	0.52%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	384
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	111
Hearing	26
Speech Communication	20
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	23
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	09
Daily Living	51
Environmental Adaptations	15
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	104
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	05
Total # of Device Demonstrations	364

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	318	05	323
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	30	13	43
Representatives of Education	04	10	14
Representatives of Employment	04	14	18
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	01	13	14
Representative of Community Living	06	12	18
Representative of Technology	01	03	04
Total	364	70	434

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	111
Service Provider	56
Vendor	26
Repair Service	00
Others	01
Total	194

D. Anecdote

"A" attended Rochester’s “International Persons with Disabilities Day” where our partner hosted a table to highlight a variety of assistive technology devices. "A" and her mother were provided with information regarding our partner's services and our AT Program. "A" is a freshman in high school and indicated she is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and noted that she is an auditory learner and has struggled to find technology that would allow her text-to-speech access. The OrCam Read was available at this event, along with the C-Pen. This ATS provided a brief demo of these devices, and we spent time discussing what she has been using in school. "A" and her mom indicated they would reach out to come in and obtain a full demo and discuss possible short-term loans. Within the same week, "A"’s mom reached out to make arrangements for a meeting. This ATS provided the family with a demonstration of the C-Pen and OrCam Read. "A" recognized right away that she was not interested in the C-Pen, so we spent our time navigating through the various features and practicing how to utilize the OrCam Read. "A" noted how she liked the audio output and the ease with which it took to operate the device. "A" stated she would like the opportunity to trial the device in school and see its potential in helping her increase her independence at school and in her home. ATS completed the necessary paperwork and loan agreement that day. A and her parents left the AT Lab that day feeling very excited and hopeful.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	23	78	254	355
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	03	03
Subtotal	23	78	257	358
Have not made a decision	01	02	03	06
Subtotal	24	80	260	364
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	24	80	260	364
Performance on this measure	95.83%	97.5%	98.85%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	420	96.77%
Satisfied	14	3.23%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	434
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	07	05	247	259
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	24	09	29	62
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	00	03	05
4. Subtotal	33	14	279	326
5. None of the above	01	01	01	03
6. Subtotal	34	15	280	329
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	34	15	280	329
9. Performance on this measure	91.18%	93.33%	98.57%	97.57%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	93	97	405	595
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	05	08	30	43
Subtotal	98	105	435	638
Have not made a decision	13	09	18	40
Subtotal	111	114	453	678
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	111	114	453	678
Performance on this measure	88.29%	92.11%	96.03%	94.1%
ACL Performance Measure				90%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services	Percent	ACL Target	Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied	99.72%	95%	Met
Response Rate	100%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	36
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	23
Representatives of Education	86
Representatives of Employment	296
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	105
Representatives of Community Living	250
Representatives of Technology	15
Unable to Categorize	50
TOTAL	861

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
496	172	193	861

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	336
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	01
Combination of any/all of the above	437
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	27
Transition	60
Total	861

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The MN STAR Program collaborated with the MN Department of Human Services Disability Services Division and our Board on Aging to created 20 AT Kits to distribute community supports such as our Triple A’s, CIL’s and Home Health Care supporters. STAR team members met with each program that received the kits and discussed how to have conversations with seniors, people with disabilities, and their advocates about assistive technology and how helpful it can be. We gave them ideas on how to use the items in the kits and got them to think about unique ways to use some of the technology. The recipients of the kits can take them with them to events and consumer visits.

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

A collaborative training took place with Sherburne County Case Managers about different services and organizations available to the clients that they serve who are working to increase their independence. Our conversation included examples for transitioning from K-12 to postsecondary and employment options. Additionally, we discussed supports available to Minnesotans who would benefit from overnight supports. This collaboration included the Minnesota STAR Program, representatives from Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota and various service providers. We discussed strategies to introduce and increase clients and their supporter's buy-in to consider technology and overnight support. We showed attendees online resources including the MN Lending Library and our services (including demos, device loans, Information/assistance, and training). We had a couple of tables of assistive technology and shared examples of how various devices have helped Minnesotans and their independence. Attendees were able to interact with the equipment and ask questions.

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

STAR presents Monthly to the State of Minnesota Supervisor Cohorts. Our “Triple A” Session covers: Assistive Technology, Accommodation Fund, and Accessibility for Computer Access. Attendees are introduced to assistive technology and given examples of how AT can be helpful in the workplace. We show them several devices in various categories and discuss some case studies of how the equipment has been used. We give information on the AT Act Programs and how to access them. The second portion of this training is to educate Supervisors on MN’s Centralized Accommodation Fund. We inform them on the history of the program, who qualifies, requirements, and how to apply for reimbursement. The final section of the training is an introduction to digital accessibility, specifically, we speak on creating accessible Microsoft documents and best practices for remote meetings and presentations. We show attendees Microsoft 365 built-in accessibility tools and share examples of barriers that people with disabilities may face in regard to digital access.

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	27
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	00
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	27
Performance Measure Percentage	100%
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	38%
Employment	34%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	10%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	18%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The MN STAR Program Director serves on the Technology Accessibility Advisory Committee. This committee meets quarterly to advise the State Chief Information Officer on Accessibility. In addition to defining standards related to accessibility, the TAAC sets the strategic vision for defining and implementing digital accessibility and usability throughout the executive branch.

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

The MN STAR Program Director is part of a cross-agency collaboration that involves: the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (Transition Specialist, State Services for the Blind rep, Vocational Rehabilitation Rep) and the Department of Education (Assistive Technology Specialist, BVI specialist, DHH specialist). The team is documenting a process map for "Considering Assistive Technology for Transition-aged Youth". This is an ongoing project that has been quite time-consuming. The group is currently meeting once per month.

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. STAR collaborated with our state IT services division to assist them at the GOVIT Symposium, a conference for all state IT employees (Government, state, county, and city). STAR helped conduct an "Experience Lab" where the goal was to educate IT employees on alternative access to technology, specifically in the areas of Vision, Motor, Hearing, and Cognition. This lab had exercises that simulated what a disabled user might experience when trying to access technology with conventional methods. The solutions to overcome these barriers were given through assistive technology and principles in accessible design. While helping individuals with the exercises, we were able to promote assistive technology and hand out information regarding our program services and lending library.

2. STAR was a guest on the Disability Landscape show which is broadcast on the YouTube Channel through CCX Media. We shared information on our state's AT program with the viewers and discussed the various services we offer Minnesotans. We showcased a number of popular items and answered questions about assistive technology.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	89	20	109
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	54	10	64
Representative of Education	18	01	19
Representative of Employment	58	01	59
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	47	06	53
Representative of Community Living	73	03	76
Representative of Technology	23	03	26
Unable to Categorize	06	00	06
Total	368	44	412

Referral Types:

The Minnesota STAR Program recently collaborated with our department of Human Services in a campaign to promote assistive technology. Although we do not currently have the ability to provide numeric data we do know that after the campaign we did see an increase in calls from people who heard about us through Senior Linkage Line and the Disability Hub. Both programs were part of the campaign. Additionally, STAR participated in the last year with a group of AT professionals traveling around the state presenting to county caseworkers about assistive technology. After these trainings we did see an increase in calls from the particular counties where we presented.

Referral Sources:

Although STAR does not currently have the ability to provide specific data on referral sources we are in the process of working out a procedure to do this. We do know that after events like our AT awareness campaign with the Department of Human Services, county caseworker presentations, and ADA coordinator trainings we do see individuals reaching out to us specifically from these events.

Notes:

The STAR team is trying to develop a reliable system to track calls and emails to provide numerical data without being too burdensome to our staff.

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?

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?

The Minnesota STAR Program collaborated this past year with North Dakota Assistive to host monthly one-hour webinars on various assistive technology topics. Additionally, we have been creating short videos about assistive technology devices. Together the two programs came up with topics for the webinars, we invited subject matter experts from both states to participate. The two states took turns serving as event hosts. Similarly, for the device videos, we used technology owned by both states. Because the STAR program is very small and does not currently have internal staff to create and edit these recordings we contracted with North Dakota Assistive using the Public Health Workforce Grant to manage that piece of the project.

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.

All participants were required to register for the events.

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

Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Training; Information & 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?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
State Appropriations	$7,968	Device Loan	False
	Amount: $7,968

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.

The Minnesota STAR Program oversees the Centralized Accommodation Fund for State of Minnesota Executive Branch Agencies. STAR reviews purchases of assistive technology devices that agencies have made as reasonable ADA accommodations for employees. If the purchases meet the established requirements (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/16B.4805) STAR authorizes the agency partial reimbursement from the general fund.

B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

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.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY23 (9/30/2023) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY23 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY23, but plan to expend funding in FY24 and/or FY25
We expended some of all of this funding in FY23 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY23:

$27,900.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.25
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.25
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

Through a contract, we have hired North Dakota Assistive to help us with creating content for monthly webinars on various assistive technology-related topics including but not limited to (AT for Med Management, Accessible Gardening, Adaptive Outdoor Rec, Digital Accessibility, and more). In addition to content, they assist with registration, gathering data, and captioning the videos. The second part of the contract involves the creation of informational videos on various types of assistive technology. Both the webinars and videos are shared on our social media pages and housed on our YouTube Channel.

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 14:08:28 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)