National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

U.S. Virgin Islands 2017

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Virgin Islands Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
viucedd.org
Mailing Address:
#2 John Brewers Bay
City:
St. Thomas
State:
Virgin Islands
Zip Code:
00802
Program Email:
sharon.williams@uvi.edu
Phone:
340-692-4267
TTY:
340-693-1319

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of the Virgin Islands
Mailing Address:
#2 John Brewers Bay
City:
St. Thomas
State:
VI
Zip Code:
00802
Program URL:
www.uvi.edu

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):
Williams, Sharon
Title:
Assistant Director
Phone:
340-692-4267
E-mail:
sharon.williams@uvi.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Kimberly Mills
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
340-692-4265
E-mail:
kimberly.mills@uvi.edu
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):
Mills, Kimberly
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
340-692-4265
E-mail:
kimberly.mills@uvi.edu

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 00 02 02
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 04 04
Total 00 06 06

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $13,976 Highest Income: $24,304

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$38,280 02 $19,140

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 01 01 00 00 00 00 02
Percentage of Loans 50% 50% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans 0%
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 100%
With interest buy-down only 02 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 02 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 02 $9,734
Total 02 $9,734

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 4%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
00 02 0%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 02
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 02

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 02 $9,734
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
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 02 $9,734

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? 00


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

Living on a small island often mean residents may not have access to the many services and resources that are so common on the U.S. mainland. Individuals with a disability who reside in the US Virgin Islands are further challenged by the limited access to meaningful employment and are often unemployed or underemployed. With a population of approximately 4,000 residents, St. John has limited job opportunities. For JV who is has moderate to severe loss of hearing, maintaining her livelihood is a main priority. This means having the right kind of hearing devices that will help her to better communicate with her clients. JV operates a catering business out of her home which requires personal contact and interaction with her customers. By having access to our interest buy-down cash loan program, JV was able to purchase a pair of high quality hearing aids that comes with a maintenance plan. JV praises that loan process and speaks candidly about how vital this service is to individuals with disabilities. JV also noted that the entire loan process was simple, efficient and professional.

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 01 01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 00 01
4. Subtotal 00 01 01 02
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 01 02
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 01 01 02
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 02 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 02
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 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 00
C. Total 00

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 00
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 00

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 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

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

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 NaN%
Satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied somewhat 00 NaN%
Not at all satisfied 00 NaN%
Nonrespondent 00 NaN%
Total Surveyed 00
Response rate % NaN%

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) 01
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 01
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 04

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 02
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 00
Representative of Education 01
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 04

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 02
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 02
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total 04

E. Anecdote

VC who is 49 years old recently went blind in one eye as a result of an accident. VC considers herself a community activist and is president of a community organization whose focus is keeping the island clean and revitalizing the area's cultural icons. According to VC she works part-time in a busy office, and has difficulty seeing the computer. During the intake process access to the software ZoomText was provided as well as large print key boards. She was more interested in the large print key board and a 30-day loan was offered. The device would be primarily used at work. After having used the large print keyboard for about 37 days, she returned it and decided to continue to work without it because of a scheduled operation that she hoped would improve her vision.

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 01 00 00 01
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 01 00 00 01
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 01 00 00 01
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 01 00 00 01
Performance on this measure 100% NaN% NaN%

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 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 01 01 03
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 01 01 01 03
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 01 01 03
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 01 01 03
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 03 75%
Satisfied 01 25%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 04
Response rate % 100%

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 12
Hearing 02
Speech Communication 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 02
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 06
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Loaned 22

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 18
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 02
Representatives of Education 00
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00
Representative of Community Living 02
Representative of Technology 00
Total 22

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 01
Service Provider 13
Vendor 00
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 14

D. Anecdote

CG has limited mobility and has difficulty with his vision. However he stays active by going to the senior center three times a week, and participating in many community activities some of which he serves as a board member. CG primary need to be able to access his email, use his computer to stay informed and to be able to do these activities independently. CG was finding it increasingly difficult to see the the computer screen. With a visit to his home, staff was able to demonstrate the ZoomText and Jaws. After discussing the advantages of both CG decided that the software ZoomText would best meet his need.

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 00 04 16 20
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 00 04 16 20
Have not made a decision 00 00 02 02
Subtotal 00 04 18 22
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 00 04 18 22
Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 88.89%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 15 68.18%
Satisfied 05 22.73%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 9.09%
Total 22
Response rate % 90.91%

G. Notes:

Since the demonstration of devices is to help consumers determine if the device/equipment meet their needs, the center tries to have a variety of devices available so clients can make good and informed decisions. However the centers has lost some of its equipment due to water damage (constant leaking) and because some equipment are now obsolete, devices are limited. A shrinking equipment budget is the main reason for not having a robust the center. The low numbers in this report demonstrates this reality.

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 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 01 02 04
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 00 01
4. Subtotal 01 02 02 05
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 02 02 05
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 02 02 05
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100% 100%
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 01 04 16 21
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 01 04 16 21
Have not made a decision 00 00 02 02
Subtotal 01 04 18 23
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 01 04 18 23
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 88.89% 91.3%
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 12
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 08
Representatives of Education 03
Representatives of Employment 02
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 04
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 31

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
00 31 00 31

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 31
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Transition 00
Total 31

B. Description of Training Activities

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

Through the Virgin Islands iCanConnect program individuals who have a significant combined hearing and vision lost, their families and providers are offered training on the use of the equipment. During this reporting period we were able to work with a young man who required additional equipment and training. These additional services allow him to improve his skills and productivity while on the job. As a part-time employee at the Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living, his primary function is to provide technical assistance on various devices for community living, employment and education. As technology advances it is important that people with disabilities have access to equipment and devices that continue to promote their quality and functionality of lives. Training was also provided to the staff of the independent living center.

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

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

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 15%
Employment 40%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 15%
Representative of Community Living 25%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 5%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is the government agency responsible for providing assistance to individuals with a disability who are seeking employment, those who are already working, as well as those who are receiving job training, attending college or training school. This assistance comes through the means of support through funding of assistive technology and an assigned social worker. A consumer was referred to our agency as she has a goal of becoming a certified child care worker. The St. Croix Educational Complex and Vocational School conduct classes for child care certification. However, this client was concerned about her ability to attend and progress through the program because of low vision. Technical assistance was provided with instruction of the use of an Apple computer with built in voice over. The access and use of the computer along with TA will be provided at the center for the duration of her participation

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

C. Notes:

Coordination of transitional activities for students transferring from high school to work,vocational school, higher education must be inclusive of various entities to ensure a smooth and successful transition. However Parents/guardians are often left on their own to figure out next steps for their child. Request for assistance from VITRAID may come directly from a parent who is seeking some other services. The vocational rehabilitation centers that once operated day activities for students with disabilities up to the age of age are no longer functional. One way to help ensure better outcomes for youth with disabilities is through good transitional planning between the Department of Education, Division of Special Services, Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and agencies that serve the disability community.

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. Unlike most parts of the United States residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands largely rely on talk radio to receive and share information on what is happening in their island communities. Every day residents can tune in to various radio stations to hear and participate in discussions, decisions and provide their opinion on maters that may impact them. This platform has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to reach the disability community. The Virgin Islands iCanConnect program has invested it resources by purchasing advertising time on one of the most popular radio stations for adults listeners. During March, April and May of 2017, WDHP 1640 AM ran six, 30 second radio spots a day, Monday - Saturday. The V.I. Source, an online newspaper, ran a big banner ad that rotated above all articles on both sites. We were also able to run for two weeks, an in-article advertising - which we received as a bonus free of charge.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 00 46 46
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00 14 14
Representative of Education 00 40 40
Representative of Employment 00 08 08
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00 14 14
Representative of Community Living 00 02 02
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 66 66
Total 00 190 190

Notes:

Each year the VIUCEDD host the autism conference. This conference which in held in both the St. Croix and St. Thomas districts is designed to bring awareness to autism and give parents and professionals best practices and access to resources when dealing with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The annual Voices that Count is a public policy forum focused on issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. This forum brings together persons with disabilities, advocates, and the VI legislative body to address issues. Afternoon on the Green is a University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) event which allow UVI departments and programs to showcase their services and engage attendees in various activities. During these annual events - held on each island district - information on access to services provided by the Virgin Islands Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities is provided to attendees.

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? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
Federal$35,000Demonstration
Amount: $35,000

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).

Perkins School for the Blind manages the resources authorized for use of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program for the Virgin Islands. VIUCEDD serves as the consultant and conducts territorial activities, participates in monthly meetings and provide monthly reports.

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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.


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