National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Iowa 2017

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.iowaat.org/
Mailing Address:
401 NE 66th Avenue
City:
Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip Code:
50313
Program Email:
atinfo@eastersealsia.org
Phone:
866-866-8782
TTY:
515-289-1281

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa Health Care
Mailing Address:
2 Gilmore Hall
City:
Iowa City
State:
Iowa
Zip Code:
52242
Program URL:

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program
Mailing Address:
401 NE 66th Avenue
City
Des Moines
State:
Iowa
Zip Code:
50313
Program URL:
www.easterseals.com/ia/at

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Christensen, Julie
Title:
Director
Phone:
319-384-5934
E-mail:
julie-christensen@uiowa.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Keninger, Tracy
Title:
Director
Phone:
515-309-2371
E-mail:
tkeninger@eastersealsia.org
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Keninger, Tracy
Title:
Directory
Phone:
5153092371
E-mail:
tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Karwal, Kim
Title:
Assistive Technology Center Coordinator
Phone:
515-309-2394
E-mail:
kkarwal@eastersealsia.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Christensen, Julie
Title:
Director
Phone:
319-384-5934
E-mail:
julie-christensen@uiowa.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 06 35 41
Approved Not made 01 00 01
Rejected 00 09 09
Total 07 44 51

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $4,860 Highest Income: $102,276

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$903,360 41 $22,033

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 17 17 03 01 02 01 41
Percentage of Loans 41.46% 41.46% 7.32% 2.44% 4.88% 2.44% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 41 100%
Partnership Loans 0%
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 41 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 41 $0
Partnership Loans 00 $126,707
Total 41 $126,707

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 8%
Highest 13.25%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
402 41 9.80487804878049%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 14
10.1%-12.0% 13
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 14
Total 41

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 01 $9,995
Hearing 02 $5,422
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 14 $6,250
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 08 $12,422
Environmental adaptations 05 $21,969
Vehicle modification and transportation 09 $59,959
Computers and related 02 $10,690
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 41 $126,707

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 02
Net loss for loans in default $39

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

This year the Iowa Able Foundation had the pleasure of bringing on a new client names Scott, who is legally blind. Thanks to our AT loan program he was able to purchase eSight glasses. These glasses use high-speed cameras to display what is surrounding the indvidual. Some of Scott's favorite things to experience since obtaining the glasses is flying a drone and watching the animals at the zoo. Although the eSight glasses have drastically transformed all aspects of Scott's life, he feels the greatest impact at his workplace. Scott was quoted saying, "I don't have to ask anybody for help now- I can just do everything on my own." Scott owns and operates his own vending machine company.

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. 02 09 25 36
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 03 03
4. Subtotal 02 09 28 39
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 02 09 28 39
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 01 02
8. Total 03 09 29 41
9. Performance on this measure 66.67% 100% 96.55%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 30 73.17%
Satisfied 08 19.51%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 2.44%
Nonrespondent 02 4.88%
Total Surveyed 41
Response rate % 95.12%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 10
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 402
C. Total 412

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 10
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 402

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 02 $2,900 $1,300 $1,600
Daily Living 01 $900 $500 $400
Environmental Adaptations 05 $21,301 $5,950 $15,351
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 02 $66,561 $11,000 $55,561
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 10 $91,662 $18,750 $72,912

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 153 $203,255 $6,525 $196,730
Daily Living 95 $151,925 $7,205 $144,720
Environmental Adaptations 153 $66,635 $4,050 $62,585
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $1,500 $50 $1,450
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 402 $423,315 $17,830 $405,485

D. Anecdote

The Reuse Program received a request from an individual seeking a power wheelchair for his wife, Susan, who experiences paralysis. Two power wheelchairs were available that met Susan's individualized needs. After she chose the one she preferred, minor adjustments were made to position the joystick control and armrests to meet Susan's seating needs. A week after the loan was processed, Susan mailed a letter thanking Easter Seals Iowa for the service. The note read: "How can we thank you for such an awesome gift which is truly changing our lives for the better? What a wonderful service you provide. We never dreamed there was such a place. I'm doing things I haven't been able to do in years! Our hearts are overwhelmed at the great service you provide."

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. 06 04 283 293
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 21 22
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 75 76
4. Subtotal 08 04 379 391
5. None of the above 00 02 09 11
6. Subtotal 08 06 388 402
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 08 06 388 402
9. Performance on this measure 100% 66.67% 97.68%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 369 89.56%
Satisfied 43 10.44%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 412
Response rate % 100%

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) 82
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 07
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 07
Total 97

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 38
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 22
Representative of Education 06
Representative of Employment 08
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 12
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 06
Total 97

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 06
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 06
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 48
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 16
Daily Living 118
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 34
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 73
Total 306

E. Anecdote

Devion is co-founder of a large-scale garden operation with three honeybee hives, 25 goats, 50 chickens, a quarter acre orchard, and five acres of sweet corn. Devion is a veteran of the United States Army and experiences chronic pain from injuries to her spine, shoulder, knees, and feet. Devion is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress. Devion accessed services through the Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Center to obtain ergonomic gardening tools, as she experiences many barriers managing her operation with chronic pain and hoped there were devices to support her ability to grow her operation. Devion borrowed several types of ergonomic and long-reach gardening tools including a Garden Scooter, Radius Ergonomic Gardening Tool Set, Extendable Handle Garden Tools, and Pistol-Grip Long Reach Garden Hoe. After trialing all the devices, Devion decided that the Radius Gardening Tool set was the most appropriate and successful device to meet her needs. Easter Seals Iowa Rural Solutions Team members then worked with Devion to apply for a grant to fund the purchase of these devices, fencing, and a garden cart to enhance her success with her operation. Funding was awarded to Devion from a mini-grant through Easter Seals and Sodexo. Devion was able to purchase many devices that support her success in her operation. Now that Devion is able to produce more goods than she has previously, she donates extra fresh produce to food banks in order to support others in her community.

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 15 17 50 82
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 15 17 50 82
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 15 17 50 82
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 15 17 50 82
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

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. 01 02 12 15
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 01 02 12 15
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 02 12 15
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 02 12 15
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 80 82.47%
Satisfied 12 12.37%
Satisfied somewhat 05 5.15%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 97
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 15
Hearing 22
Speech Communication 24
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 239
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 85
Daily Living 537
Environmental Adaptations 35
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 25
Computers and Related 140
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 187
Total # of Devices Loaned 1,309

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 621
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 311
Representatives of Education 59
Representatives of Employment 126
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 430
Representative of Community Living 07
Representative of Technology 21
Total 1,575

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 1,110
Service Provider 50
Vendor 1,326
Repair Service 95
Others 02
Total 2,583

D. Anecdote

Tom, age 19 experiences physical limitations in his upper and lower extremities, due to Muscular Dystrophy. The barriers that Tom was experiencing were due to a recent decrease in the dexterity of his fingers, causing his previous method of operating the computer, through pressure switches on his power wheelchair, to prove unsuccessful. Tom explained to staff that due to limits with his health, they were not able to travel to the physical location of the Demonstration Center. Staff coordinated a virtual demonstration, to support Tom in identifying potential solutions to the current barrier of operation a computer. Staff virtually demonstrated different types of mouse options including the Smart Nav Navigation System, GlassOuse, and a Tecla Shield. This virtual demonstration was successful and provided Tom with comparison and contrast between the devices. Tom made a decision that the Tecla Shield would be the most effective and proceeded to borrow the devices for a trial period.

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 190 162 906 1,258
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 04 40 47
Subtotal 193 166 946 1,305
Have not made a decision 00 02 02 04
Subtotal 193 168 948 1,309
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 193 168 948 1,309
Performance on this measure 100% 98.81% 99.79%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,230 78.1%
Satisfied 337 21.4%
Satisfied somewhat 08 0.51%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 1,575
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. 09 15 320 344
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 21 22
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 78 79
4. Subtotal 11 15 419 445
5. None of the above 00 02 09 11
6. Subtotal 11 17 428 456
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 01 02
8. Total 12 17 429 458
9. Performance on this measure 91.67% 88.24% 97.67% 97.16%
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 205 179 956 1,340
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 04 40 47
Subtotal 208 183 996 1,387
Have not made a decision 00 02 02 04
Subtotal 208 185 998 1,391
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 208 185 998 1,391
Performance on this measure 100% 98.92% 99.8% 99.71%
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 75
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 96
Representatives of Education 42
Representatives of Employment 60
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 241
Representatives of Community Living 570
Representatives of Technology 08
Unable to Categorize 76
TOTAL 1,092

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
682 486 00 1,168

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 760
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 293
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 05
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Transition 110
Total 1,168

B. Description of Training Activities

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

In August of 2015, the Iowa Department of Human Services announced the organizations for Governor Branstad’s Medicaid Modernization Initiative. These Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) have since taken over the services and care coordination for Iowans receiving Medicaid. Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program quickly engaged to ensure services for Iowan’s with disabilities across the state would be inclusive and provide access to assistive technology devices and services. Through advocacy and collaboration, the Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program offered a webinar to Amerihealth Caritas, one of the MCOs, that serves 213,000 Iowan’s with disabilities statewide. This webinar reviewed the importance of Iowan’s receiving demonstration on available assistive technology, trial period loan to ensure the devices meets individual need, and advocacy on the importance of funding. This webinar was presented to over 200 case managers with Amerihealth Caritas.

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

Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR), a federal requirement to ensure individuals residing in nursing homes or assistive living facilities for long-term care are residing in a least restrictive environment, must be maintained for a state to have its Medicaid plan approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In the past fiscal year, trainings were implemented across the state of Iowa to educate employees of long-term care facilities regarding the importance of timing and service delivery of a PASRR. The Iowa Department of Human Services invited Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program to all of these trainings an allowed staff to present on the importance of assistive technology considerations during these screenings. Over 300 individuals were introduced to Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program services through these statewide trainings and educated on the role assistive technology may play with transition to the least restrictive environment.

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

Drake University, located in Des Moines, IA offers a Master’s Program for Clinical Mental Health, Clinical Rehabilitation, and School Counseling. All specializations are required to be proficient in Group Procedures, which is a class offered to second and third year graduate students. This class challenges students to develop, market, and lead a group counseling session. Education is provided to the students for assistive technology considerations including information and communication technology accessibility. Students are not only educated on these topics, but also graded on their ability to adhere to the standards in place for 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 03
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 02
Total 05
Performance Measure Percentage 60%
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 0%
Employment 6.5%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 37%
Representative of Community Living 50%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 6.5%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience severe health risks such as stroke, obesity, heart attack, and diabetes. This disparity can only be impacted through education, and must begin with those providing services to the individuals with disabilities. Through a grant from the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development and a collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Director traveled to a rural community in Iowa to provide Technical Assistance (TA) to service providers and agencies. This TA involved educational training, conversational interview, and development of a plan to impact the staff and clients of the agencies involved. This service was provided to community based health and wellness programs to address accessibility with the use of Assistive Technology.

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

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. Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program connected with statewide Area Education Agencies (AEA) that support school-aged individuals. GreenHills AEA, in a rural area of Iowa, collaborated with Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program to offer a hands-on demonstration open house for the community. This open house allowed parents, caregivers, and transition-age youth an opportunity to demonstrate a variety of assistive technology devices for independent living, engagement in community events, and employment. An increase in service delivery was demonstrated after the open house with an influx of ten additional community residents contacting the Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program and obtaining services.

2. The Iowa Therapeutic Recreation Association is an independent chapter of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. This association involves professionals and students for networking opportunities and educational experiences that focus on the value of therapeutic recreation within the healthcare delivery system. During their 2016 annual conference, Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program was present to provide an overview of services, demonstration of assistive technology devices, and answer any questions regarding assistive technology. Nearly 200 individuals visited the Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program booth during the conference.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 57 23 80
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 98 14 112
Representative of Education 13 00 13
Representative of Employment 08 00 08
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 38 20 58
Representative of Community Living 33 19 52
Representative of Technology 05 00 05
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 252 76 328

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? 02

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.

In Iowa, the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services engaged in collaborative opportunities with the Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program, outlining how lives would be impacted by additional referral and engagement with one another’s services. This advocacy resulted in the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services creating an Assistive Technology Leadership team, comprised of ten staff members from various areas across Iowa. Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff provided assistive technology training in the Assistive Technology Demonstration Center to the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Leadership Team.


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.)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, funded through the United States Departments of Labor and Education, outlines service delivery with special attention to assistive technology. There is specific language that mandates collaboration between the Assistive Technology Project in Iowa and the Vocational Rehabilitation Services.


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

Employment


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.

Iowans with disabilities have a right to access assistive technology services and devices. Education on this right and avenues of services was impacted in the past fiscal year through a collaborative effort between Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program and Disability Rights Iowa to develop and market advocacy educational handouts regarding the acquisition of assistive technology.


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.)

Disability Rights Iowa defends and promotes human and legal rights of Iowans with disabilities and mental illness. Through collaboration with Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Program, Disability Rights Iowa developed educational materials for obtaining assistive technology through managed care organizations.


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

Community Living

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
Private$9,000Device Loan
Federal$10,000Training
Federal$6,000Training
Public/State Agency$50Device Loan
Federal$15,000Training
Amount: $40,050

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.


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