National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Vermont 2017

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Vermont Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atp.vt.gov
Mailing Address:
NOB 1 North, 280 State Drive
City:
Waterbury
State:
VT
Zip Code:
05671
Program Email:
dail.atinfo@vermont.gov
Phone:
802-241-0285
TTY:
802-241-0341

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
HC 2 South 280 State Drive
City:
Waterbury
State:
VT
Zip Code:
05671
Program URL:
www.vocrehab.vt.gov

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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Karen Blake-Orne
Title:
VR Field Services Manager
Phone:
802-241-0484
E-mail:
karen.blake-orne@vermont.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):
Karen Blake-Orne
Title:
Field Services Manager
Phone:
802-241-0484
E-mail:
karen.blake-orne@vermont.gov

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Diane Dalmasse
Title:
DVR Director
Phone:
802-241-0317
E-mail:
diane.dalmasse@vermont.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 12 23 35
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 12 23 35

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $6,956 Highest Income: $146,640

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$1,399,925 35 $39,998

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 04 12 10 03 02 04 35
Percentage of Loans 11.43% 34.29% 28.57% 8.57% 5.71% 11.43% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 35 100%
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 35 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 35 $248,093
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 35 $248,093

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 7.99%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
119 35 3.41342857142857%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 31
4.1% to 6.0% 02
6.1% to 8.0% 02
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 35

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 30 $140,048
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 02 $8,403
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 03 $99,642
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 35 $248,093

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

A customer used the Independence Fund to finance the purchase of a recreational wheelchair that would allow them to play soccer. This person is a paraplegic with limited movement of their arms. After obtaining the wheelchair, they were able to join a wheelchair league that traveled around the Northeast. In addition, the customer also used the Independence Fund to purchase a modified vehicle that they travel in for soccer and other independent daily living needs.

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 10 10
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 00 00 12 12
5. None of the above 00 07 16 23
6. Subtotal 00 07 28 35
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 07 28 35
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 0% 42.86%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 11 31.43%
Satisfied 23 65.71%
Satisfied somewhat 01 2.86%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 35
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 12
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 11
C. Total 23

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 23

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 07 $42,650 $1,700 $40,950
Daily Living 03 $2,069 $100 $1,969
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 02 $68,000 $13,000 $55,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 12 $112,719 $14,800 $97,919

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 02 $199 $0 $199
Speech Communication 01 $550 $0 $550
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 01 $80 $0 $80
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 07 $2,298 $0 $2,298
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 11 $3,127 $0 $3,127

D. Anecdote

A woman with MS was having difficulty using the phone. Because of her condition, she could no longer hold a traditional handset up to her ear. Her husband is her primary caretaker, and when he leaves the home, she had no way of contacting him or emergency services, resulting in a safety issue as well as a loss of independence. The AT Program had a phone that had been discontinued, but was switch adapted, and would work perfectly for her situation. The AT Specialist worked with the family to find an appropriate switch, help them set up the phone with caller ID, and helped them to devise a functional set up. The phone costs $500, and they would not be able to afford the set up otherwise, as they do not qualify for Vermont’s Equipment Distribution Program. This phone has helped her to maintain her independence, and her peace of mind.

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 08 08
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 03 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 00 00 11 11
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 00 00 14 14
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 09 09
8. Total 00 00 23 23
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 47.83%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 19 82.61%
Satisfied 01 4.35%
Satisfied somewhat 01 4.35%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 8.7%
Total Surveyed 23
Response rate % 91.3%

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) 314
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 08
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 12
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 15
Total 349

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 85
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 63
Representative of Education 103
Representative of Employment 09
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 82
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 02
Total 349

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 20
Hearing 56
Speech Communication 38
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 88
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 21
Daily Living 64
Environmental Adaptations 11
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 262
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 35
Total 595

E. Anecdote

A client with hearing loss was referred to us through our collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation. She was not eligible for a hearing aid upgrade through VR services, and therefore was looking for alternative solutions. She works at a local courthouse that had just changed office layouts which made it impossible for her to meet the essential functions of her job because of her hearing loss. She borrowed a personal amplifier and neckloop that would work with her current hearing aids. This allowed her to use the phone independently again, to talk with consumers through a bullet proof glass partition, and participate in office conversations and meetings. She also advocated to have personal amplifiers for the public to use in court hearings.

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 101 22 64 187
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 24 17 27 68
Subtotal 125 39 91 255
Have not made a decision 35 02 17 54
Subtotal 160 41 108 309
Nonrespondent 04 00 01 05
Total 164 41 109 314
Performance on this measure 76.88% 95.12% 83.76%

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. 07 00 02 09
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 05 06 21
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 01 00 02
4. Subtotal 18 06 08 32
5. None of the above 02 01 00 03
6. Subtotal 20 07 08 35
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 20 07 08 35
9. Performance on this measure 90% 85.71% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 289 82.81%
Satisfied 50 14.33%
Satisfied somewhat 05 1.43%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 05 1.43%
Total Surveyed 349
Response rate % 98.57%

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 05
Hearing 29
Speech Communication 14
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 99
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 11
Daily Living 11
Environmental Adaptations 20
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 45
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 04
Total # of Devices Loaned 238

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 186
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 94
Representatives of Education 72
Representatives of Employment 89
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 45
Representative of Community Living 15
Representative of Technology 09
Total 510

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 74
Service Provider 177
Vendor 307
Repair Service 00
Others 23
Total 581

D. Anecdote

A woman with ALS came for a demonstration of equipment to help with environmental control. Her family came as well. At this point in her disease progression, she only has her voice and head movement as access points. Her husband is a farmer, and leaves early in the morning for several hours to do chores, leaving her stranded in the dark every morning with nothing to do. She saw a demonstration of a voice controlled platform that connected to smart lights, a universal remote, and audio books. This allows for her to turn on her lights with her voice, and to start an audio book (or music, news, etc.) in the morning independently while she waits for him to return. We assisted with set up over the phone with her daughter, and were able to hear her operate the lights successfully.

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 76 85 55 216
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 02 02 07
Subtotal 79 87 57 223
Have not made a decision 05 04 05 14
Subtotal 84 91 62 237
Nonrespondent 00 01 00 01
Total 84 92 62 238
Performance on this measure 94.05% 94.57% 91.94%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 436 85.49%
Satisfied 59 11.57%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.39%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.2%
Nonrespondent 12 2.35%
Total 510
Response rate % 97.65%

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. 07 00 20 27
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 05 09 24
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 01 02 04
4. Subtotal 18 06 31 55
5. None of the above 02 08 19 29
6. Subtotal 20 14 50 84
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 09 09
8. Total 20 14 59 93
9. Performance on this measure 90% 42.86% 52.54% 59.14%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Not Met Not Met Not 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 177 107 119 403
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 27 19 29 75
Subtotal 204 126 148 478
Have not made a decision 40 06 22 68
Subtotal 244 132 170 546
Nonrespondent 04 01 01 06
Total 248 133 171 552
Performance on this measure 82.26% 94.74% 86.55% 86.59%
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 20
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 42
Representatives of Education 15
Representatives of Employment 50
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 06
Representatives of Community Living 44
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 177

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
86 91 00 177

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 58
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 36
Transition 83
Total 177

B. Description of Training Activities

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

Vocational Rehabilitation was restructuring how hard of hearing consumers would be served statewide. This included distributing the caseload to counselors that were less familiar with hearing loss and supports. The AT Program collaborated with the Deaf Services Coordinator, the VR Training Coordinator, and a rehab counselor for the deaf to devise a training that covered types of hearing loss, hearing aids (both surgical and non-invasive), hearing devices, funding opportunities, and new procedures/policies. VR is serving around 200 people with hearing loss statewide and this training provided them with knowledge to help them do that better.

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

The director and an AT specialist went to a community services program that is focused on providing career development employment opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. This was a 1.5 hour training that went through the history of assistive technology, an overview of the AT program, and a hands-on exploration of the CETT Process (adapted from Joy Zabala’s SETT process) which included 3 case studies and a report out section.

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

N/A

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 0%
Employment 3.6%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 56.9%
Representative of Community Living 4.5%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 35%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

TA was provided to Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living in collaboration with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection partners under the No Wrong Door initiative to create an equipment demonstration kit as well as a video training series that can be distributed to staff and the public alike. This project will increase AT awareness by partners working in the field as well as increase the geographical reach of the AT program.

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

- TA was provided to VocRehab to develop enhanced AT Services as a part of their Linking Learning to Careers research project. This included development of a consultation model, procurement of AT for demonstration, training of AT staff and VR Counselors, etc. Enhanced Assistive Technology services are incorporated into the study to see how comprehensive AT services affect successful transition of Highschool students into post-secondary ed or 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. This year we were able to coordinate a visit with Congressman Peter Welch and his team. We shared several stories from our consumers, and how assistive technology improves their independence. For example, we demonstrated how someone with paralysis might be able to navigate an iPad using switch control. With some training, Congressman Welch was able to take a selfie using just the switches. It illustrated the determination that someone with a disability has to have in order to perform everyday tasks that we take for granted

2. For Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we hosted a public Open House of our central Vermont tryout center. This gave the public an opportunity to tour the center, ask questions, learn about our services, and try out equipment. The Commissioner of the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, a reporter from Vermont Public Radio, as well as many special educators, rehab specialists, family members, and state employees were in attendance. As a result, we were able to connect with the Agency of Digital Services, which became a technical assistance project.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 220 70 290
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 114 24 138
Representative of Education 151 10 161
Representative of Employment 99 05 104
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 217 18 235
Representative of Community Living 97 22 119
Representative of Technology 12 03 15
Unable to Categorize 06 03 09
Total 916 155 1,071

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.

A VATP AT Access Specialist worked with representatives from Vermont Agency of Digital Services (ADS), Department of Human Resources, Risk Management, VocRehab, and Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired to work on improving the procedures and policies around IT procurement, installation, and maintenance in regard to accessibility. Specifically, they addressed the problems that arose with the statewide implementation of a VoIP phone system, where users with varying disabilities could no longer use their phones.


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.)

As a result of this work, accessibility is considered throughout the procurement process and in reasonable accommodation procedures through HR. The policies, practices, and procedures will be published in the future.


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.


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$6,336Technical Assistance
Federal$4,087Technical Assistance
Federal$834Technical Assistance
Amount: $11,257

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
Public/State Agency$345Technical Assistance58Staff Training and plan development for VR
Public/State Agency$82,501Demonstration101VR Consumers provided with AT Consults & Training
Private$362Demonstration1Private Consultation for VNA Client
Amount: $83,208Individuals Served: 160

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).

Funding provided by VocRehab went to activities including: equipment purchases (which is equipment also used in our regular loan/demo pool), consultations, training of individual consumers, and staff training.

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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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