National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Minnesota 2017

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:
358 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street
City:
Saint Paul
State:
MN
Zip Code:
55155
Program Email:
Star.Program@state.mn.us
Phone:
651.201.2640
TTY:
651.282.6671

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Minnesota Department of Administration
Mailing Address:
50 Sherburne Avenue, Room 200
City:
Saint Paul
State:
MN
Zip Code:
55155
Program URL:
mn.gov/admin

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):
Moccia, Kim
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
651.201.2297
E-mail:
kim.moccia@state.mn.us
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Beyer-Kropuenske, Laurie
Title:
Acting Assistant Commissioner
Phone:
651.201.2501
E-mail:
laurie.beyer-kropuenske@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):
Beyer-Kropuenske, Laurie
Title:
Acting Assistant Commissioner
Phone:
651.201.2501
E-mail:
laurie.beyer-kropuenske@state.mn.us

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? No

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? 01
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? STAR administers Minnesota's centralized reasonable accommodation fund for Executive Branch agencies
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 112
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 00
C. Total Served 112

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 112
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 00

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

Executive branch agencies have a legal responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations, therefore this information should be excluded.

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 04 $14,120
Hearing 106 $132,289
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 02 $7,467
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 112 $153,876


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? 00

D. Anecdote

Since this activity is excluded from performance measures, we do not have an anecdote to share.

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 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 0%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 112 100%
Total Surveyed 112
Response rate % 0%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 05
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 193
C. Total 198

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 05
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - 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
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 193

If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

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 $3,265 $0 $3,265
Hearing 02 $628 $0 $628
Speech Communication 01 $9,364 $0 $9,364
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 05 $13,257 $0 $13,257

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 03 $6,166 $2,995 $3,171
Hearing 05 $1,458 $0 $1,458
Speech Communication 184 $479,858 $1 $479,857
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01 $275 $0 $275
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 193 $487,757 $2,996 $484,761

D. Anecdote

A thirty-one-year-old male with low vision was having trouble seeing printed documents at work. After consulting with our partner in Southern Minnesota, he borrowed an electronic desktop magnifier through our open-ended loan program. Thanks to this device, he can efficiently magnify paperwork and other printed materials during the work day. Extra features such as changing the font size, font style, and background contrast have increased his productivity, and he is now able to keep up with his work demands.

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 02 189 191
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 02 02
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 02 191 193
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 02 191 193
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 02 191 193
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 196 98.99%
Satisfied 01 0.51%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.51%
Total Surveyed 198
Response rate % 99.49%

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) 365
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 13
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 43
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 12
Total 433

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

Loans By Borrower Type
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Individuals with Disabilities 134
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 109
Representative of Education 107
Representative of Employment 11
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 29
Representatives of Community Living 22
Representatives of Technology 21
Total 433

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
Vision 32
Hearing 16
Speech Communication 76
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 129
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 24
Daily Living 80
Environmental Adaptations 39
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 59
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 30
Total 485

E. Anecdote

We received a phone call from a man who is legally blind. For the past three years, he has been unable to read printed materials or shop independently. After discussing possible options with our AT Specialist, he made an appointment for a demonstration of assistive technologies designed for individuals with vision loss. During his visit to our office, various devices, including video magnifiers, were demonstrated. After trying several of the products, he borrowed the MyReader by Orcam. This product includes a small camera that attaches to the frame of eyeglasses; using simple gestures, the user activates the device which instantly recognizes and discreetly reads printed and even electronic text in most environments. A free thirty-day loan of the MyReader, allowed the borrower to read books, newspapers, and even product labels when shopping and convinced him that this was the product he needed to regain his independence.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 118 27 145 290
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 47 03 19 69
Subtotal 165 30 164 359
Have not made a decision 03 00 02 05
Subtotal 168 30 166 364
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 168 30 167 365
Performance on this measure 98.21% 100% 98.41%

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. 15 03 11 29
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 12 00 03 15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 01 19 22
4. Subtotal 29 04 33 66
5. None of the above 02 00 00 02
6. Subtotal 31 04 33 68
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 31 04 33 68
9. Performance on this measure 93.55% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 368 84.99%
Satisfied 52 12.01%
Satisfied somewhat 10 2.31%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.23%
Nonrespondent 02 0.46%
Total Surveyed 433
Response rate % 99.54%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Demonstrations by Device Type
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 09
Hearing 10
Speech Communication 22
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 39
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 06
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 37
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Devices Loaned 125

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 112
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 42
Representatives of Education 05
Representatives of Employment 11
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 24
Representative of Community Living 02
Representative of Technology 00
Total 196

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 12
Service Provider 29
Vendor 27
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 68

D. Anecdote

A 74-year old female diagnosed with Parkinson’s contacted one of our partners. Hand tremors were making it difficult for her to use her laptop and she was wondering if there were any alternatives to a standard mouse that would make it easier for her to use her computer. Our partner demonstrated the Kensington Turbo Mouse and the Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse. She tried both devices on her laptop to determine which one best met her needs. She was impressed with how well she was able to use the trackball. Staff provided her with information on where to purchase the trackball, which she immediately bought. She was grateful for the help and felt that she would not have been able to find a mouse alternative on her own without a lot of trial and error and wasting money buying items that didn’t meet her needs.

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 18 65 37 120
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 03 00 03
Subtotal 18 68 37 123
Have not made a decision 00 00 02 02
Subtotal 18 68 39 125
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 18 68 39 125
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 94.87%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 175 89.29%
Satisfied 20 10.2%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.51%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 196
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 15 05 200 220
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 12 00 05 17
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 01 19 22
4. Subtotal 29 06 224 259
5. None of the above 02 00 00 02
6. Subtotal 31 06 224 261
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 31 06 224 261
9. Performance on this measure 93.55% 100% 100% 99.23%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 136 92 182 410
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 47 06 19 72
Subtotal 183 98 201 482
Have not made a decision 03 00 04 07
Subtotal 186 98 205 489
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 186 98 206 490
Performance on this measure 98.39% 100% 97.57% 98.37%
ACL Performance Measure 70% 70% 70% 70%
Met/Not Met Met Met Met Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 10
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 23
Representatives of Education 33
Representatives of Employment 60
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 126

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
120 00 06 126

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 00
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 60
Transition 66
Total 126

B. Description of Training Activities

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

STAR's AT specialist was invited to St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota to talk to 34 occupational therapy students about assistive technology and related services. Post-lecture evaluations revealed that 33 students gained new knowledge and that all students felt the information would be useful to them in the future.

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

Training titled, Managing Time for Teens and Young Adults, was provided to foster independence and provide tools to help teens and young adults complete school and work tasks on time. The training was available on-site as well as online via live streaming to encourage attendance statewide. Participants were introduced to a variety of tools (devices and apps) that help with managing time, such as understanding and monitoring the passage of time and breaking tasks into manageable steps as well as helping participants understand their preferences and biases about time and time management. Each participant received a handout to help them match their needs with appropriate time management tools.

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

STAR did not conduct ICT training during 2017; however, we collaborated with our state's Office of Accessibility to develop e-learning modules, which are now available to the public and state employees. (See https://mn.gov/mnit/programs/accessibility/training/) We hope to work with our Office of Accessibility to promote the e-learning modules and provide additional support and training to state grantees and state vendors during 2018 and will collect data needed for our ICT performance measure.

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 Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 00
Performance Measure Percentage NaN%
RSA Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 70.8%
Employment 9.94%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Representative of Community Living 18.01%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 1.24%
Total 99.99%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

STAR facilitates a cross-agency AT workgroup tasked with establishing a common framework for considering assistive technology across state agencies that serve individuals of all ages with disabilities. Wrapping up its first full year, the workgroup will soon launch an online AT Guide that satisfies AT Action Items listed in Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan. The purpose of the Guide is to provide AT consumers, their family and caregivers as well as the professional who serve them, information about person-centered approach to considering, implementing and funding assistive technology to meet AT needs in all environments during the course of a lifetime.

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

STAR participated in a focus group to help ARRM (a non-profit association of more than 200 providers, businesses, and advocates of community-based services that support people with disabilities) explore a wide-range of technology (e.g., assistive, health, and monitoring) to increase independent living. STAR continues to meet and work with ARRM to promote awareness of and training around assistive technology.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

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’s program director presented information about the Minnesota’s AT Act program and its services to Partners in Policymaking Class 34 (Minnesota), which had 32 graduates. Partners in Policymaking is a program for self-advocates, families, and caregivers that teaches leadership skills, and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other individuals who make the policy decisions about disability-related services.

2. STAR staff conducted a presentation for state agency ADA coordinators to increase their awareness of STAR’s services and how assistive technology can increase, improve, and maintain functional needs of workers with disabilities.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 42 01 43
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 59 01 60
Representative of Education 05 00 05
Representative of Employment 17 00 17
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 40 02 42
Representative of Community Living 12 05 17
Representative of Technology 09 00 09
Unable to Categorize 02 00 02
Total 186 09 195

Notes:

State Improvement Outcomes

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

A. 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.


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.)


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?


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.


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.)


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds

B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)

Non-State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Individuals Served Other Outcome

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).

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This FY17 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.


Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Fri May 04 2018 15:25:47 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)