National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Vermont 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Vermont Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atp.vt.gov
Mailing Address:
NOB 1 North, 280 State Drive
City:
Waterbury
State:
Vermont
Zip Code:
05671
Program Email:
dail.atinfo@vermont.gov
Phone:
802-241-0285
TTY:
802-241-0341

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
HireAbility (formerly Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation)
Mailing Address:
HC 2 South 280 State Drive
City:
Waterbury
State:
Vermont
Zip Code:
05671
Program URL:
www.hireabilityvt.com

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):
Phillip Seiler
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
802-241-0312
E-mail:
phillip.seiler@vermont.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
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):
Diane Dalmasse
Title:
DVR Director
Phone:
802-241-0317
E-mail:
diane.dalmasse@vermont.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 23 34 57
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 23 34 57

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $10,716 Highest Income: $167,184

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$3,867,867 57 $67,857

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 03 09 09 09 08 19 57
Percentage of Loans 5.26% 15.79% 15.79% 15.79% 14.04% 33.33% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 57 100%
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 57 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 57 $1,232,301
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 57 $1,232,301

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 3%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
171 57 3%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 57
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 57

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 52 $124,785
Speech communication 03 $15,744
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 02 $32,599
Daily living 01 $3,010
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 26 $1,056,163
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 84 $1,232,301

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

A retired dad financed a modified vehicle loan to support his disabled son’s mobility needs. This will greatly assist them to travel with ease.

Impact Area

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 00 51 51
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 01 01 02
4. Subtotal 00 01 52 53
5. None of the above 00 02 02 04
6. Subtotal 00 03 54 57
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 03 54 57
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 33.33% 96.3%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 27 47.37%
Satisfied 30 52.63%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 57
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 55
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 00
C. Total 55

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 55

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 02 $69 $0 $69
Hearing 07 $1,136 $0 $1,136
Speech Communication 01 $40 $0 $40
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 13 $785 $0 $785
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 08 $567 $0 $567
Environmental Adaptations 03 $544 $0 $544
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 20 $2,733 $0 $2,733
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $5 $0 $5
Total 55 $5,879 $0 $5,879

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

D. Anecdote

A gentleman with cerebral palsy who lived by himself requested ideas for a landline phone with a speaker, programmable numbers, and accessible buttons without the risk of dialing 9-1-1. He trialed the E-Z Call switch from Med Labs to use in bed with a discontinued, but functional switch adapted landline phone from our AT Exchange called Ameriphone Clarity RC200 that came with a switch adapted pendant. He is now able to call 2 family contacts independently from bed if he needs help in the middle of the night. He also purchased an additional phone for his living room to use during the day.

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 01 02
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 02 25 37
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 10 03 26 39
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 10 03 26 39
7. Nonrespondent 05 05 06 16
8. Total 15 08 32 55
9. Performance on this measure 66.67% 37.5% 81.25%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 31 56.36%
Satisfied 08 14.55%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 16 29.09%
Total Surveyed 55
Response rate % 70.91%

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) 428
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 07
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 08
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 13
Total 456

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 202 02 204
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 29 07 36
Representative of Education 96 05 101
Representative of Employment 04 00 04
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 86 05 91
Representatives of Community Living 04 00 04
Representatives of Technology 07 09 16
Total 428 28 456

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 31 10 41
Hearing 51 03 54
Speech Communication 35 10 45
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 65 09 74
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 16 00 16
Daily Living 160 19 179
Environmental Adaptations 16 00 16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 263 31 294
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05 02 07
Total 642 84 726

E. Anecdote

A mother and daughter came to the tryout center for a demonstration of assistive technology to support executive functioning skills at high school. We discussed Glean, Notabilty, Read&Write, and the Pomodoro technique. They borrowed an Apple Pencil 2 and planned to download the Notability app to trial during the first few weeks of school. The daughter enjoyed arts and crafts and was excited about the features of Notability which were a success! The family purchased the Apple Pencil 2 and app for the daughter.

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 156 81 64 301
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 21 17 18 56
Subtotal 177 98 82 357
Have not made a decision 26 13 09 48
Subtotal 203 111 91 405
Nonrespondent 02 10 11 23
Total 205 121 102 428
Performance on this measure 87.19% 88.29% 90.11%

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. 00 00 01 01
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 05 08 23
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 03 01 04
4. Subtotal 10 08 10 28
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 10 08 10 28
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 10 08 10 28
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 368 80.7%
Satisfied 44 9.65%
Satisfied somewhat 09 1.97%
Not at all satisfied 04 0.88%
Nonrespondent 31 6.8%
Total Surveyed 456
Response rate % 93.2%

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 25
Hearing 18
Speech Communication 25
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 49
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03
Daily Living 22
Environmental Adaptations 32
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 30
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 204

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 174 14 188
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 16 36 52
Representatives of Education 07 20 27
Representatives of Employment 01 36 37
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 03 14 17
Representative of Community Living 01 04 05
Representative of Technology 02 11 13
Total 204 135 339

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 84
Service Provider 35
Vendor 133
Repair Service 00
Others 04
Total 256

D. Anecdote

An individual’s back injury prevented them from returning to their labor-intensive job. They were anxious about seeing A.T to brainstorm work accommodations. The A.T consultant attempted multiple strategies to engage them. We learned they enjoyed hunting but felt they could no longer pursue it. Limited by pain, they spent at least 10 hours a day on their phone on TikTok at home for entertainment; they were otherwise dependent on their wife to read emails and texts. They recently received a new diagnosis of dyslexia. A.T demoed sit to stand desks and Apple’s accessibility feature, spoken content. They tried Googling a truck they were interested in and read aloud the specs with spoken content. The A.T consultant offered to share ideas about accessible hunting when they were ready. At the end of the tryout center visit, the very soft-spoken, one-word speaking individual beamed and exclaimed, “This was worth it!”

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 51 70 61 182
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 08 02 11
Subtotal 52 78 63 193
Have not made a decision 01 03 06 10
Subtotal 53 81 69 203
Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
Total 54 81 69 204
Performance on this measure 96.3% 96.3% 91.3%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 302 89.09%
Satisfied 20 5.9%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.29%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 16 4.72%
Total 339
Response rate % 95.28%

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. 00 01 53 54
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 20 07 33 60
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 04 02 06
4. Subtotal 20 12 88 120
5. None of the above 00 02 02 04
6. Subtotal 20 14 90 124
7. Nonrespondent 05 05 06 16
8. Total 25 19 96 140
9. Performance on this measure 80% 42.11% 89.58% 81.43%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 207 151 125 483
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 22 25 20 67
Subtotal 229 176 145 550
Have not made a decision 27 16 15 58
Subtotal 256 192 160 608
Nonrespondent 03 10 11 24
Total 259 202 171 632
Performance on this measure 89.11% 91.67% 90.63% 90.31%
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 98.34% 95% Met
Response Rate 93.05% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 21
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 06
Representatives of Education 17
Representatives of Employment 08
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 38
Representatives of Community Living 14
Representatives of Technology 23
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 127

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
05 122 00 127

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 12
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 05
Transition 110
Total 127

C. Description of Training Activities

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

VATP attended an event at the White River Junction VA hospital and provided one-on-one training to Veterans as well as employees of the facility on specific AT items. One of the items we trained on was the OrCam and its usefulness for independence. After demonstrating the device, Veterans spoke about seeing the usefulness of the device in their lives. They especially liked that it reinforced independence and did not look like bulky, ancient equipment that would make them visually stand out.

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

VATP conducted a training with an Area Agency on Aging and its staff and partners, delivered by presentation but coupled with interactive and break-out group activities such as guess this AT. A large focus of the training was to help debunk the misconception that low tech items are not AT and have limited usage. (Ex. grabbers, magnifying glasses, gripping aids, etc...) VATP still encounters the belief that AT only encompasses items like wheelchairs and walkers. Dispelling this idea is essential to seeing AT more normalized in service to the communities we serve.

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

VATP provided training and technical assistance to a working group evaluating the accessibility of a local municipal park. We spent considerable effort teaching about accessible web design and how important that step is in the entire process of providing accessible spaces as an inaccessible web site often means the individual interested will explore no further to learn the space itself is actually accessible.

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 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 05
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 05
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 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 100%
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:

VATP held our annual retreat at an accessible outdoor recreation area this past fall. As part of our activities, the team explored the facility and noted both the accessibility successes as well as areas for improvement. For example, the accessibility for physical disabilities was excellent but many opportunities were missed to increase accessibility for those with vision issues. As part of our visit, the team created a report to share with the facility for future improvements.

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

VATP, in collaboration with Age Well of Vermont, one of the state's Area Agencies on Aging, are participating in an ongoing project to incorporate AT in individual's living situations to help alleviate social isolation, especially when transitioning home from long-term care facilities. We have explored specific devices, such as ElliQ and other virtual assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google), as well as provided technical assistance on smart home options that could assist Vermonters to be independent in their own homes. We also offered general assistance on other related topics such as available community resources and programs that supplement funding to purchase AT for transitioning older Vermonters.

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. Two representatives from VATP appeared on an interview show on local radio station WDEV to discuss the AT program including the services provided, how they are accessed, and what to expect. We also provided examples of AT and discussed how they might benefit Vermonters. Listeners were able to call in and ask questions directly of the program staff during this hour-long appearance.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 119 64 183
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 122 78 200
Representative of Education 88 06 94
Representative of Employment 51 15 66
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 74 23 97
Representative of Community Living 67 33 100
Representative of Technology 05 01 06
Unable to Categorize 01 00 01
Total 527 220 747

Referral Types:

VATP routinely presents for organizations that request it. In the last year we appeared on a local radio program, did individual events at senior centers and libraries, and even attended an event on the statehouse lawn held by a local group, All Brains Belong. We also published articles on blogs for both AT3 and with our local Area Agencies on Aging. We see many individuals request our services at these events leading to increases in demos and loans.

Referral Sources:

VATP receives referrals from a variety of sources including local speech language pathologists, area agencies on aging, Vermont's Center for Independent Living, HireAbility, Vermont's VR program, UVM programs including CDCI and OT doctorate degree and many others. But the largest source of referrals come from word of mouth of existing clients. We would estimate that 33% of our new clients access our services this way.

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?

VATP partnered with Vermont's VR program, HireAbility, on a research grant project called the Vermont Career Advancement Project (VCAP.) The focus of the grant is to help VR participants gain credentials and advanced learning to enable them to have advancing careers rather than simply a job. As part of that effort, funds from the grant were allocated to hire a full time AT Consultant.

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.

While the project is still ongoing, in the first year we have seen a large increase in use of AT services with HireAbility clients. In fact, AT usage has doubled for VCAP participants versus standard VR participants. Although there are multiple factors influencing this increase, we believe the primary one has been the engagement of the AT consultant with the career counselor on a regular basis where they review all the open cases and jointly decide who might benefit from AT services. Although the grant has a few years left we do believe this will be a permanent shift in how HireAbility services participants leading VATP to also make adjustments.

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

Education; Employment;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration;

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
Federal$12,782Device LoanFalse
Amount: $12,782

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 14:15:53 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)

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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.