National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

G. Notes:

South Dakota's elderly population consistently present financial need with vision loss issues remaining their primary difficulty During this reporting period we did not have any other AT requests which we were unable to satisfy through other available funding sources. We believe the need for alternative sources of funding is increasing and plan to add an AT revolving loan fund to our next three year State Plan.

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

G. Notes:

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

B. Description of Training Activities

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

A DakotaLink technician traveled to a small rural school to provide training on a speech to text program. The school district had purchased the assistive technology for a prior student who had moved on and only recently enrolled another student who could benefit from its use. Five teachers were trained in a "train the trainer" format to become proficient in the programs use and able to pass that knowledge on to their colleagues. The technician assisted the school in upgrading their software to the latest version and made recommendations on hardware updates to maximize the programs capabilities. Each teacher was provided with one on one, as well as group learning experience and felt they acquired the knowledge necessary to work with their students and train other teachers to use the program.

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

A DakotaLink technician partnered with Project Search, a business led transition program for students with disabilities. Training was provided to eleven students in an immersive employment setting on the use of mobile apps for time management and tracking, point of sale software, and tablet communication applications to increase their employment skills.

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

A DakotaLink technician provided training to two individuals responsible for technology procurement on accessibility evaluation and accessible web design to increase their skill levels and improve access for individuals with disabilities.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

DakotaLink provided technical assistance during this reporting period to the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medicaid Services in the ongoing development and implementation of a Medical Equipment Reuse and Recycle program to benefit medicaid eligible individuals in South Dakota. A pilot site has been established in South Dakota's largest community to support the evolution of the program which will continue to receive ongoing technical assistance.

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

DakotaLInk provided technical assistance to a major health conglomerate in western South Dakota as they reviewed their discharge planning policies and procedures. Information was provided to include outpatient resources and alternative access to Assistive Technology devices that could help improve transition outcomes as patients return to their primary living arrangements.

C. Notes:

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. DakotaLInk Staff presented information on a variety of assistive technology devices, their benefits and associated costs to 439 students with disabilities, parents and educational professionals at five regional Catch the Wave events across South Dakota. Information was presented through a didactic presentation, panel discussions and dissemination of printed materials. Catch The Wave is an one-day conference designed specifically for high school students who have a disability and are considering post-secondary education (either college or technical institutes). Students learned about preparing for college life, securing appropriate accommodations, and developing self-advocacy and communication skills. Highlights of the conference were panel discussions with individuals who have a disability and have experienced a post-secondary setting and disability coordinators discussing entrance and eligibility requirements.

2. DakotaLInk Staff presented information to 70 community care providers and interested citizens at an Aging Gracefully Conference on a variety of assistive technology devices including aids for daily living, smart home technologies, and recreational devices designed to address the effects of aging and the importance of staying active. Information was presented through a didactic presentation and dissemination of printed materials including information on services available specifically for aging individuals in South Dakota.

Notes: