National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Wyoming 2023
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
State Financing
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 03 | 02 | 05 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Total | 05 | 04 | 09 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $31,149 | Highest Income: | $175,000 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $497,466 | 05 | $99,493 |
| Income Ranges | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or Less |
$15,001- $30,000 |
$30,001- $45,000 |
$45,001- $60,000 |
$60,001- $75,000 |
$75,001 or More |
||
| Number of Loans | 00 | 00 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 0% | 40% | 0% | 0% | 60% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | 0% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| With interest buy-down only | 05 | 100% |
| With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 05 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 05 | $71,229 |
| Total | 05 | $71,229 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 4% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 4% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 05 | 4% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 05 |
| 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 | 05 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 03 | $11,647 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
| Daily living | 02 | $30,882 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 02 | $28,700 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 07 | $71,229 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 2 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | Telecommunications equipment distribution |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 1 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
| C. Total Served | 1 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 1 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 1 | $56 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 1 | $56 |
Activity 2
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: GoBabyGo Wyo |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 2 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 2 |
| C. Total Served | 4 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 4 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 4 | $2,000 |
| Total | 4 | $2,000 |
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 Laramie County mother applied for a Wyoming Technology Access Program (WYTAP) financial loan to purchase assistive technology to make her home accessible for her 13-year-old son with multiple disabilities and health issues. Due to medical complications, the son had been hospitalized long-term for his high medical needs. She was then able to transition her son from an institutional setting back to living at home with his family.
A 17-year-old resident of Campbell County was happy to receive a Wyoming Technology Access Program (WyTAP) financial loan to purchase hearing aids. Access to hearing aids allows them to pursue more opportunities in employment and education as they begin the next chapter of their life after high school.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 04 | 00 | 01 | 05 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 03 | 04 |
| 4. Subtotal | 04 | 01 | 05 | 10 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 04 | 01 | 05 | 10 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 04 | 01 | 05 | 10 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 10 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 10 | |
| 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 | 03 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 36 |
| C. Total | 39 |
| 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 | 39 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
B. Device Exchange Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Exchanged | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 09 | $16,448 | $0 | $16,448 |
| 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 | 01 | $1,915 | $0 | $1,915 |
| Total | 10 | $18,363 | $0 | $18,363 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 03 | $76 | $0 | $76 |
| Hearing | 02 | $220 | $0 | $220 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 05 | $669 | $30 | $639 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 24 | $17,046 | $0 | $17,046 |
| Daily Living | 04 | $1,349 | $0 | $1,349 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 | $1,500 | $0 | $1,500 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 02 | $218 | $0 | $218 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 05 | $1,012 | $10 | $1,002 |
| Total | 46 | $22,090 | $40 | $22,050 |
D. Anecdote
A Laramie resident was very happy to find a Medline electric homecare bed from WATR's Reuse Program. It was recently donated and was in like-new condition. This bed will be used by their spouse in an assistive living residence. They were very grateful for our reuse program and that it was no cost to them.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 16 | 17 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 04 | 00 | 12 | 16 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 05 | 06 |
| 4. Subtotal | 06 | 00 | 33 | 39 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 06 | 00 | 33 | 39 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 06 | 00 | 33 | 39 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 39 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 39 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Vision reassignment dollar value was low at $76, due to the devices being low-tech and low-cost vision magnifiers.
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 147 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 04 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 23 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 17 |
| Total | 191 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 133 | 18 | 151 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 06 | 04 | 10 |
| Representative of Education | 04 | 20 | 24 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 03 | 01 | 04 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 147 | 44 | 191 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 42 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 34 | 05 | 39 |
| Hearing | 01 | 06 | 07 |
| Speech Communication | 87 | 35 | 122 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 38 | 25 | 63 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 01 | 21 | 22 |
| Daily Living | 15 | 18 | 33 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 87 | 29 | 116 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | 05 | 07 |
| Total | 268 | 146 | 414 |
E. Anecdote
A Speech-Language Pathologist from the Children's Resource Center in Park County borrowed an iPad with communication apps to trial with a student. "WATR is an incredible resource for our state. It provides such great tools and allows families access to devices and services while awaiting funding."
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 59 | 04 | 46 | 109 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 10 | 06 | 22 | 38 |
| Subtotal | 69 | 10 | 68 | 147 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 69 | 10 | 68 | 147 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 69 | 10 | 68 | 147 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 02 | 01 | 04 | 07 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 19 | 01 | 14 | 34 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 4. Subtotal | 22 | 02 | 20 | 44 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 22 | 02 | 20 | 44 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 22 | 02 | 20 | 44 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 186 | 97.38% |
| Satisfied | 04 | 2.09% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.52% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 191 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
Six week loans or 42 days is our standard loan period, since 2005.
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 06 |
| Hearing | 03 |
| Speech Communication | 33 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 10 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 01 |
| Daily Living | 05 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 02 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 13 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 03 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 76 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 48 | 01 | 49 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 06 | 08 | 14 |
| Representatives of Education | 12 | 09 | 21 |
| Representatives of Employment | 01 | 03 | 04 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representative of Community Living | 05 | 08 | 13 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Total | 76 | 30 | 106 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 08 |
| Service Provider | 04 |
| Vendor | 14 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 10 |
| Total | 36 |
D. Anecdote
Three representatives of Goodwill Industries of Wyoming, Cheyenne, made a trip to Laramie in September to visit the WATR lab for device demonstrations and to learn what devices we have available to loan to the public so they can now share with their clients. WATR demonstrated communication devices, vision magnifiers, computer aids, and smart home devices. They reported being very happy to learn about WATR and meet the WATR staff in person.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 36 | 09 | 30 | 75 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 36 | 09 | 31 | 76 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 36 | 09 | 31 | 76 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 36 | 09 | 31 | 76 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 98 | 92.45% |
| Satisfied | 07 | 6.6% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.94% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 106 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 03 | 01 | 21 | 25 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 27 | 01 | 27 | 55 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 02 | 01 | 10 | 13 |
| 4. Subtotal | 32 | 03 | 58 | 93 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 32 | 03 | 58 | 93 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 32 | 03 | 58 | 93 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 93.75% | 66.67% | 82.76% | 86.02% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 95 | 13 | 76 | 184 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 10 | 06 | 23 | 39 |
| Subtotal | 105 | 19 | 99 | 223 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 105 | 19 | 99 | 223 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 105 | 19 | 99 | 223 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 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 | 99.42% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 61 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 38 |
| Representatives of Education | 365 |
| Representatives of Employment | 04 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 61 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 108 |
| Representatives of Technology | 14 |
| Unable to Categorize | 22 |
| TOTAL | 673 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 112 | 351 | 210 | 673 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 445 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 01 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 48 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 42 |
| Transition | 137 |
| Total | 673 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
UW ECHO in Assistive Technology is a bi-weekly virtual training in the spring and fall that provides training and the sharing of best practices for educators and service providers to consider, implement, and evaluate the use of assistive technology to improve outcomes for students or clients. National network participants include users of assistive technology and their families, assistive technology professionals, specialists and teams, school administrators, general and special education teachers, paraeducators, case managers, school counselors, school psychologists, state agency staff, and special education service providers, including OTs, PTs, SLPs.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
The Albany County School District Project Transition is a community-based transition program for young adults (18-21 years old) with intellectual disabilities who are working on a certificate of completion. This group of students visited the WATR lab and were trained on smart home devices available through WATR's device loan program. Some of these devices they may trial at their new learning lab apartment in town include the ECHO Smart Home Hub which can help create and update a grocery list.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) and Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) provided training on "Three Small But Mighty Ways to Increase Course Accessibility" at the University of Wyoming's Coe Library for faculty, students, and staff. This training was a high-level introduction to easy fixes and consideration of accessible digital content, including live text, color contrast, font considerations, PowerPoint design, alternative text, captioning, and audio description.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 31 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 09 |
| No known outcome at this time | 02 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 42 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 95.2% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 82% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 02% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 04% |
| Community Living | 08% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 04% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Terri Wofford, SLP, and Ryan Rausch, OT, ATP, were part of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Task Force to support Hearing Aid Bill SF0089. They looked at the needs and services of individuals in Wyoming who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing at Governor Mark Gordon's request. Meetings were hosted by Jen Davis, Senior Policy Advisory, Human Services. Bill SF0089 requires coverage and services for hearing aids through health insurance and disability insurance.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
A Crook County School District #1 speech-language pathologist received technical assistance from Terri Wofford, SLP, through an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)/Speech Generating Device (SGD) tiered assessment (no fee) for a student getting ready to graduate high school. An iPad with several communication apps was borrowed from the WATR Loan Program. Terri provided enhanced resources and services and increased awareness of evidence-based practices. "So excited to report that the student obtained a SGD which was fully funded prior to their high school graduation! It has been wonderful to have the funding expertise readily available." Note: WATR tiered assessments provide technical assistance to providers, which builds community capacity. Therefore, no assessment fees are charged.
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. Governor Mark Gordon signed the formal proclamation for Wyoming Assistive Technology Awareness Month at the Wyoming State Capitol Building in Cheyenne on May 3, 2023. Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Wyoming will bring attention to the importance of assistive technology and how residents can access services through Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR), the state AT Act Program. This event was sponsored by the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities Assistive Technology Advisory Council. In attendance were AT users, AT Advisory Council members, Wyoming Relay representatives, and WATR and WIND staff.
2. Brooke Varland, WATR AT Ambassador, hosted a table at the Douglas Farmer's Market on August 12, 2023. Attended by community members, service providers, school districts, and the local senior center. Brooke set up WATR devices to demonstrate at the table centered around accessible gardening. A local Physical Therapist was interested in the GoBabyGo program and Brooke shared information on this program.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 360 | 05 | 365 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 365 | 31 | 396 |
| Representative of Education | 960 | 72 | 1,032 |
| Representative of Employment | 54 | 00 | 54 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 248 | 48 | 296 |
| Representative of Community Living | 228 | 11 | 239 |
| Representative of Technology | 127 | 10 | 137 |
| Unable to Categorize | 537 | 87 | 624 |
| Total | 2,879 | 264 | 3,143 |
Referral Types:
The Eppson Center for Seniors referred some of their clients to WATR. Most were looking for wheelchairs and durable medical equipment (DME) on a short-term basis. This has resulted in increases of wheelchair and DME from our reuse program. Ramp requests have increased due to The WyRamp Project which is an ongoing collaboration between the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources, Wyoming Life Resource Center, and Goshen County Senior Friendship Center, covering Lander, Laramie, and Torrington. WATR has been a resource recommended for ramp assistance which has increased our numbers. Our ongoing relationships with school districts throughout the state initiate requests for device loans, demonstrations, and training.
Referral Sources:
Referrals from school districts and child development centers across the state include requests for help in assessing students and finding the right device to trial with them. Approximately 32% of the total referrals come from school districts, child development centers, and child resource centers. About 24% of our referrals are individuals with disabilities and their family members or authorized representatives, which we have seen a 2% increase from last fiscal year. Other referrals come from partners like the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Wyoming Independent Living (WIL), which are primarily from the Laramie and Cheyenne offices in the state, as well as the WyRAMP Project and iCanConnect Program. Our overall referrals increased 23% in FY 2023.
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?
The Child Development Center of Natrona County and Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources are collaborating to customize ride-on-cars to meet the specific needs of a child and provide the car at no cost for a family. Go Baby Go Wyo is a program that modifies off-the-shelf ride-on toy cars for kids with disabilities. This program services children birth-5 years old who have mobility impairments. Ride-on-cars can be a great tool to help children with disabilities increase independent movement while encouraging play, exploration, and socialization. Go Baby Go is committed to increasing movement for children with disabilities, by providing them with adapted ride-on-cars that empower them to explore their environment on their own terms. Go Baby Go is sponsored by the Child Development Center of Natrona Count with additional funding from the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities Family to Family Health Information Center.
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.
To date, the program has provided 4 ride-on cars for 4 children with disabilities and their families. This partnership increased access to AT as families reported that they would not have been able to afford the ride-on cars. In addition, families reported that they would not have been able to adapt the cars for independent mobility for their children. The partnership has been successful due to a shared vision and mission. Our vision is a Wyoming where every child explores and participates in their surroundings on their own terms. As always, sustaining a project is always a goal, but when the one-time funding is extinguished, we may see commitments wane with no funding. For replication, Dr. Cole Galloway, Professor at University of Delaware, is the founder of GoBabyGo and a wealth of knowledge to help others start their own chapter, which is all open-sourced.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Other: Early Intervention;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
State Financing;
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? | 01 |
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B. State Improvements
1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.
WATR’s initiative has been to build capacity for AT Teams in schools statewide. Through our AEM contract with Wyoming Department of Education, we conduct a 2-day workshop and an online, asynchronous AT Team development course, which has led school districts to implement high quality AT services.
2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)
WATR guides school district AT teams in crafting policies, practices, and procedures tailored to effectively address the needs of their students through the AT Teams development workshop and course. For additional details, please reach out to WATR at watr@uwo.edu.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Education
Additional And Leveraged Funds
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public/State Agency | $9,800 | Demonstration | True |
| Public/State Agency | $101,718 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Public/State Agency | $18,691 | Demonstration | True |
| Amount: $130,209 |
For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).
None
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Apr 09 2024 14:27:42 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)