National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Montana 2017

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
MonTECH
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/
Mailing Address:
52 Corbin Hall, UM, MonTECH-Rural Institute
City:
Missoula
State:
Montana
Zip Code:
59812
Program Email:
montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu
Phone:
406-243-5751
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Health and Human Services-Disability Employment and Transitions Division
Mailing Address:
PO Box 4210
City:
Helena
State:
Montana
Zip Code:
59601
Program URL:

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
MonTECH at Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities
Mailing Address:
52 Corbin Hall, UM, MonTECH-Rural Institute
City
Missoula
State:
Montana
Zip Code:
59812
Program URL:
http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Anna-Margaret Goldman
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
4062435769
E-mail:
anna-margaret.goldman@mso.umt.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Hermanson, Mike
Title:
Program Manager
Phone:
(406) 444-3833
E-mail:
mhermanson@mt.gov
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):
Hermanson, Mike
Title:
Program Manager
Phone:
(406) 444-3833
E-mail:
mhermanson@mt.gov

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 01 00 01
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 01 00 01

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $78,224 Highest Income: $78,224

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$78,224 01 $78,224

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

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 01 100%
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 01 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 01 $2,551
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 01 $2,551

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3.5%
Highest 3.5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
04 01 3.5%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 01
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 01

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 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $2,551
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 01 $2,551

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

Ms. R is a 63-year-old woman who has multiple medical issues that leave her unable to walk very far. When she first came to Rural Dynamics, Inc., Community Lending (RDICL), she had been getting around using a wheelchair with assistance from her dog, which helped pull her around. She was interested in getting a scooter, since her mobility was becoming more and more restricted. She explained she could no longer depend upon her aging dog, which was getting arthritis and could not pull her reliably, and she felt increasingly confined in inclement weather. Thus began our journey to help Mrs. R find an acceptable solution. She had never been able to shop for a scooter before, and it opened up a new world for her. We worked with Mrs. R to make sure her payments were affordable for her budget. She was thrilled that we could offer her low monthly payments and that we went out of our way to help her. She now has a piece of assistive technology that is well suited to her health concerns.

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

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 01 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 01
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 04
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 66
C. Total 70

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 70

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 01 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 01 $500 $0 $500
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 $600 $0 $600
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01 $1,790 $0 $1,790
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 04 $5,890 $0 $5,890

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 23 $38,107 $0 $38,107
Hearing 02 $1,200 $0 $1,200
Speech Communication 51 $12,737 $0 $12,737
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04 $2,845 $0 $2,845
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 15 $9,794 $150 $9,644
Daily Living 21 $5,198 $0 $5,198
Environmental Adaptations 01 $300 $0 $300
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 11 $8,998 $0 $8,998
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $994 $0 $994
Total 129 $80,173 $150 $80,023

D. Anecdote

B, a 2 year old, in rural Montana has a very rare genetic mutation. His family reached out to MonTECH to help find resources for B's complex medical needs. He needs help with feeding, mobility, and position. MonTECH was able to loan his family mobility and positioning equipment that B badly needed to live comfortably in their home. Because B's father is a farmer and they live in a rural community on Montana's Highline, finding knowledge, support, and the right devices were difficult to come by in their part of the state. MonTECH was able to consult with them and ship the equipment they need to their home for length of need.

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. 15 01 38 54
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 01 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 06 08
4. Subtotal 18 01 45 64
5. None of the above 02 00 01 03
6. Subtotal 20 01 46 67
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
8. Total 20 01 49 70
9. Performance on this measure 90% 100% 91.84%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 55 78.57%
Satisfied 14 20%
Satisfied somewhat 01 1.43%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 70
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) 457
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 02
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 17
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 01
Total 477

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 239
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 58
Representative of Education 57
Representative of Employment 08
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 105
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 05
Total 477

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 100
Hearing 33
Speech Communication 278
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 45
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 81
Daily Living 64
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 03
Computers and Related 211
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 41
Total 860

E. Anecdote

S's father, an outdoor enthusiast, had not ridden a bike in years due to progression of Parkinson’s disease. Hoping to once again enjoy a ride with her dad, S borrowed an adapted bike from MonTECH’s Wheels Across Montana (WAM) program. “At 81, my father has always loved to be out in nature,” S said. “Thanks to our rental, he got to bike again for the first time since his Parkinson’s diagnosis.” Borrowing a bike through WAM is free to any Montanan with any disability.

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 62 15 179 256
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 01 31 44
Subtotal 74 16 210 300
Have not made a decision 19 03 17 39
Subtotal 93 19 227 339
Nonrespondent 24 05 89 118
Total 117 24 316 457
Performance on this measure 68.14% 71.91% 73.72%

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 00 04 05
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 01 04 08
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 01 03
4. Subtotal 06 01 09 16
5. None of the above 00 01 03 04
6. Subtotal 06 02 12 20
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 06 02 12 20
9. Performance on this measure 100% 50% 75%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 308 64.57%
Satisfied 49 10.27%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.63%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 117 24.53%
Total Surveyed 477
Response rate % 75.47%

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 65
Hearing 05
Speech Communication 33
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 12
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03
Daily Living 05
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 35
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Devices Loaned 161

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 182
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 148
Representatives of Education 96
Representatives of Employment 15
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 35
Representative of Community Living 36
Representative of Technology 05
Total 517

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 54
Service Provider 14
Vendor 150
Repair Service 04
Others 00
Total 222

D. Anecdote

After coming in to MonTECH and having a demonstration with our staff, Mr. N learned that an iPad would help him with many of his daily community living challenges related to his vision impairment. He now uses KNFB reader to read text and uses Siri to help answer some of his questions without having to strain his eyes with typing. Through the demonstration process, Mr. N has been able to learn about Amazon Echo, accessibility features on his iPhone, and some helpful apps for an iPad. Mr. N now has the information needed to pick and choose the technologies that are right for him.

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 42 17 85 144
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 42 17 85 144
Have not made a decision 06 02 09 17
Subtotal 48 19 94 161
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 48 19 94 161
Performance on this measure 87.5% 89.47% 90.43%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 495 95.74%
Satisfied 16 3.09%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.39%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 04 0.77%
Total 517
Response rate % 99.23%

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. 16 01 43 60
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 04 01 05 10
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 04 00 07 11
4. Subtotal 24 02 55 81
5. None of the above 02 01 04 07
6. Subtotal 26 03 59 88
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
8. Total 26 03 62 91
9. Performance on this measure 92.31% 66.67% 88.71% 89.01%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Not 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 104 32 264 400
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 01 31 44
Subtotal 116 33 295 444
Have not made a decision 25 05 26 56
Subtotal 141 38 321 500
Nonrespondent 24 05 89 118
Total 165 43 410 618
Performance on this measure 70.3% 76.74% 71.95% 71.84%
ACL Performance Measure 70% 70% 70% 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met Met Not Met Not Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 462
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 327
Representatives of Employment 11
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 364
Representatives of Community Living 186
Representatives of Technology 05
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,355

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,137 202 16 1,355

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 336
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 432
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 30
Combination of any/all of the above 503
Transition 54
Total 1,355

B. Description of Training Activities

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

MonTECH trained para-educators and teachers in special education. The participants walked away with the basics of AAC and assistive technology that can enhance the learning experience for K-12 students. MonTECH staff educated teachers about the changes in assistive technology, how to utilize accessibility features on devices they already own and use in the classroom, and gave hands-on exploration of AT devices that students could benefit from using in the classroom.

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

MonTECH presents and trains students to Movin' On Montana. Movin' On is a four day on-campus experience for 20 Montana high school students. Movin' On in Montana includes several seminars, a campus tour, campus experiences, and community activities. Seminars include topics such as self-advocacy skills, career/college interest exploration, disability accommodations, student resources, basic communication/soft skills, and a class lecture. MonTECH provides training on AT for learning for students who transition.

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

MonTECH worked with the association of Special Education Administrators(MCASE) at their annual conference to teach them about how to create and best utilize accessible documents.

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 30
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 30
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
RSA Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 50%
Employment 0%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Representative of Community Living 50%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 0%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

MonTECH provides assistance to a school district to help special educators and para-professionals. We provide information on changes in assistive technology, basics of AAC, and how to use accessibility features on devices that teachers use frequently in the classroom,

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

MonTECH commits annually to the Montana Youth Transitions Conference. At this training, we led several different sessions for students, their parents, and their teachers. We focus on skills that students needed for a successful transition to college as well as information that could help students transition into the workforce.

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. We have had an event open to the public to showcase the opening of our Billings office. We invited community stakeholders, people with disabilities, educators, and healthcare providers to come meet our coordinator, see the space, and learn about the assistive technology available at the Billings office. Because of this initial outreach, schools, local special education co-ops, staff at Montana State University-Billings, healthcare providers, and local DD providers have utilized this office in the last fiscal year.

2. MonTECH has created an online newsletter that is shared with over 1,500 MonTECH clients and stakeholders each month. Staff highlights new assistive technology, people who are using AT to go to work, school, or live independently,updates about the program, and upcoming events. The newsletter has been a great way to communicate to Montanans across the state.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 46 00 46
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 93 02 95
Representative of Education 113 08 121
Representative of Employment 14 01 15
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 70 01 71
Representative of Community Living 52 09 61
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 02 00 02
Total 390 21 411

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? 01

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.

MonTECH has hired an Eastern Clinic Coordinator successfully opened an office in Billings at Montana State University-Billings to serve the Eastern part of Montana.


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.)

In one year, we have hired an Eastern Clinic Coordinator, increased the number of demonstrations, trainings, and device loans to residents in the Eastern part of the state.


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

Education


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 15:26:38 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)