National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Referral Types:

Project START in collaboration with its sub-contractors and the Arc of Mississippi hosts an annual AT Conference titled "Technology Tools for Today: Assistive Technology for Everyone." The attendance has grown exponentially each year with participants ranging across the board in profession and individuals with disabilities including rehabilitation counselors, assistive technology professionals, teachers, various specialty therapists, parents of children with disabilities and countless others. The event is prefaced with an overview of the services provided by our tech act grant program and an invitation to visit our informational table with assistive technologists from MS Department of Rehabilitation Services on hand. Our 2023 conference had a variety of presenters including sports and recreation, prosthetics, internet and social media safety and creating technology that works for everyone with Cathy Bodine PhD, CCC-SLP, director, Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering at University of Colorado. All presenters stayed to interact with participants and share their knowledge and provide resources! Although specific quantitative data is not available (and is estimated), we did have around 250 attendees this year. This event increases our referrals each year, but this year we've seen an increase in requests for recreational assistive technology. We are looking to expand our device loan library to include such AT.

Referral Sources:

The majority of our referrals are provided by Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services' vocational rehabilitation counselors, disability determination services adjudicators, centers for independent living, hospital-based and school therapists and various disability advocacy groups across the state. Through our growing outreach and lead agency (MDRS) we've also increased in our community referrals.

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?

Project START has collaborated with MS Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to provide accessible hunting blinds/shooting houses at five Wildlife Management areas across the state. This partnership will give individuals with physical disabilities including wheelchair users the opportunity to get outside and enjoy their hobby and recreation again. Grant funding was used in this collaboration effort.

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 this is a fairly new initiative that began later in the reporting period, there are not significant measures and numbers to provide at this time; however, we look forward to reporting further as the collaboration progresses. A representative from the company that designed the shooting houses was present at our annual AT conference in June to showcase the accessible blinds which was a huge hit among our hunting and rural population. Once these are available for use we will work closely with Wildlife Management to secure the number of individuals who essentially use these on loan. This will be a long-term collaboration and coordination between state agencies.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure;

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

Device Loan;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

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 Arc of Mississippi, in partnership with Project START at The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation, continues the effort to keep people receiving services in residential and other programs or who may be in isolated situations, connected with their families and friends. COVID-19 has affected everyone in some way, but the impact on people who receive services and supports on a daily basis has been especially difficult. Often, the technology and resources are not available for people to remain in touch with their families and friends and may not understand the reasons for the isolation. STAY CONNECTED provides I-Pads and the related technology and resources to providers and facilities for the use of the residents/participants. Each location has a person on site who is responsible for the safe usage of the equipment. The level of independence in using the technology is person-centered, and grant funding included in the partnership contract is used.

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.

The Executive Director of the Arc of MS states, "our world of support was forever changed due to the impact of Covid 19 for the people we support. We were unable to personally ride by and check on individuals, due to the dangers of face-to-face interactions. Many of whom lost contact with families and other outside supporters because of the difficulties with quarantining in place, like the government was requiring. Because of our partnership with project START and our “Staying Connected” project, the Arc was able to share connected iPads with regional centers and community partners and some individuals to “stay connected” with their loved ones. To date, we would estimate, several hundred interactions that would not have taken place, have in fact happened because of this partnership. Participants have connected with family, friends and providers of service using these devices. We continue to be proud of this service and in this post-covid era the skills learned are still being used today. One of the participants from Westpoint MS said, “without calling you, I would not have anyone to talk to outside of my house. Thank you, project START, for making this happen for me.” There are many more quotes that could be shared and all are positive as to the impact of this partnership. One of the highlights continues to be project "Success", a crisis intervention project of Boswell regional center in Magee MS. Boswell was a recipient of two devices and they continue to use them today for their clients who are in their program for short periods of time- to get their behaviors under control. They are able to stay connected with their families and caregivers back in the programs that they came from. The devices have been used to send pictures and videos throughout their stay, in an effort to stay connected with the program/families that they will be returning to." He also stated, "we, here at The Arc of Mississippi, continue to be proud of our involvement with person’s who experience disability daily and of our continued partnership with project START and their leadership in serving people statewide who have a disability."

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

Community Participation and Integration; Aging; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Device Loan;