National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Iowa 2018

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Easterseals 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:
IA
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
Mailing Address:
2 Gilmore Hall
City:
Iowa City
State:
IA
Zip Code:
52242
Program URL:

Implementing Entity

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

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Keninger, Tracy
Title:
Director
Phone:
515-309-2371
E-mail:
tkeninger@eastersealsia.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Christensen, Julie
Title:
Director
Phone:
319-384-5934
E-mail:
julie-christensen@uiowa.edu
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Keninger, Tracy
Title:
Director
Phone:
515-309-2371
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 19 00 19
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 08 00 08
Total 27 00 27

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $8,484 Highest Income: $76,916

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$442,448 19 $23,287

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 06 09 02 01 00 01 19
Percentage of Loans 31.58% 47.37% 10.53% 5.26% 0% 5.26% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 19 100%
Partnership Loans
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 19 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 19 $44,844
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 19 $44,844

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 9%
Highest 14%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
218 19 11.4473684210526%

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% 10
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 08
14.1% + 01
Total 19

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 03 $10,249
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 09 $4,500
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $2,899
Daily living 01 $545
Environmental adaptations 01 $4,666
Vehicle modification and transportation 01 $11,900
Computers and related 03 $10,085
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 19 $44,844

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 02
Net loss for loans in default $61

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

Lender, Susan, wrote, "Iowa Able Foundation was the first program informing me of the availability and concrete relevance of any assistive technology towards my visual-spatial disability" and " providing me with a practically-applied means to have more business independence towards more financial independence, and [Iowa Able] has also shown how much their staff cares to help and improve my credit options." Susan also reports that her errand service business is successful. Susan also received a business school scholarship to maker her self-employment dreams a reality.

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. 08 06 02 16
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 08 06 02 16
5. None of the above 03 00 00 03
6. Subtotal 11 06 02 19
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 11 06 02 19
9. Performance on this measure 72.73% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 09 47.37%
Satisfied 04 21.05%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 5.26%
Nonrespondent 05 26.32%
Total Surveyed 19
Response rate % 73.68%

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 456
C. Total 460

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 04
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 456

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 03 $6,955 $3,000 $3,955
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $20,000 $14,000 $6,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 04 $26,955 $17,000 $9,955

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 186 $258,320 $7,315 $251,005
Daily Living 85 $140,230 $6,155 $134,075
Environmental Adaptations 184 $74,645 $4,635 $70,010
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $0 $0 $0
Total 456 $473,195 $18,105 $455,090

D. Anecdote

A VA counselor, working with a veteran, was looking for a solution to easily transfer the veteran from his manual wheelchair to the tub/shower area. The situation was one that a simple transfer tub bench was not adequate and safe to use. A recent donation was picked up and in that donation was a shower Buddy Chair system. This system is designed with a shower seat on wheels that can roll up to framework that is set up in the tub area. Once positioned correctly, the seat and individual slides on the framework into the tub area. There is no transferring of the individual from a wheelchair to the transfer tub bench and back to the wheelchair after bathing. The bathroom is less congested without having the manual wheelchair and the transfer tub bench in the bathroom. With less transfers, this is a safer option for the veteran. After the system was delivered and installed, a call was received from the VA counselor stating this was a great solution for the home. The counselor also said the veteran had not been able to take a shower for a long time prior and was delighted to be able to again.

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. 01 03 350 354
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 01 18 20
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 03 77 82
4. Subtotal 04 07 445 456
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 04 07 445 456
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 04 07 445 456
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 451 98.04%
Satisfied 09 1.96%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 460
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) 105
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 03
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 16
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 15
Total 139

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 40
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 35
Representative of Education 12
Representative of Employment 11
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 21
Representatives of Community Living 20
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 139

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 11
Hearing 07
Speech Communication 10
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 74
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 08
Daily Living 147
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01
Computers and Related 55
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 77
Total 391

E. Anecdote

Taylor is a 34 year old male from a rural area of Iowa. Taylor experienced a traumatic brain injury two years prior resulting in limited dexterity in both upper and lower extremities. Currently, Taylor is receiving services from the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services for employment support. Before the brain injury, Taylor worked in computer networking. The company Taylor previously worked for contacted him with interest in hiring him back on in the same position. Taylor felt ready to return to work but explains that he has a difficult time navigating a typical mouse due to issues with coordination and stability of his hands. Taylor visited the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program with support from his Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Easterseals Iowa team members supported Taylor with demonstration of several styles of mouse options including a Mycestro, a finger-worn mouse; a 3M Ergonomic Mouse, a joystick style mouse; a Smart Nav Navigation System, a hands-free mouse option, and a GlassOuse Assistive Device, a Bluetooth hands-free mouse option. Taylor reported success with both the Smart Nav and the GlassOuse devices and requested a loan of the Smart Nav devices. After a 30-day trial period loan, Taylor reported that he had success but believed that due to his workstation set-up the receiver box for the reflective dot that controls the mouse movement was not picking up nuances in his movement. Taylor returned the Smart Nav and requested to trial the GlassOuse. After a 30-day trial with the GlassOuse device, Taylor stated that he had greater success using the Smart Nav device.

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 12 10 50 72
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 03 21 28
Subtotal 16 13 71 100
Have not made a decision 02 00 02 04
Subtotal 18 13 73 104
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 18 13 74 105
Performance on this measure 88.89% 100% 97.26%

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 01 09 10
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 02 11 21
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 01 01
4. Subtotal 08 03 21 32
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 08 03 22 33
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 08 03 23 34
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 95.45%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 112 80.58%
Satisfied 22 15.83%
Satisfied somewhat 03 2.16%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 1.44%
Total Surveyed 139
Response rate % 98.56%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 41
Hearing 59
Speech Communication 47
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 189
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 62
Daily Living 600
Environmental Adaptations 57
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 32
Computers and Related 345
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 325
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 1,757

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 533
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 437
Representatives of Education 269
Representatives of Employment 228
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 504
Representative of Community Living 298
Representative of Technology 04
Total 2,273

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 198
Service Provider 159
Vendor 1,954
Repair Service 292
Others 00
Total 2,603

D. Anecdote

The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff contacted and spoke with a case manager from the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, to further explore if there were ways that the Assistive Technology (AT) Program could support clients served by their agency. The case manager supported a client with significant arthritis experiencing barriers of daily living due to the pain. Language had also been a barrier to exploring these needs, and so the AT employee organized a meeting with the client, their case manager and a translator. The client came to the Assistive Technology Center and Demonstration Center. The client shared that they sometimes struggled to stand in the home and that they missed being able to cook in their kitchen. They also shared they often had to sit at a table to complete cooking preparation. Through demonstrations with daily living devices in the accessible kitchen, the client was able to try devices that may assist with cooking. The client checked out the Etac One Handed Cutting Board, a Staybowlizer that stabilizes cooking items on the counter and Folding Pan Holder to assist with securing pans on the stove. These items could be used on the table, so that the client only had to focus on the one action of cutting or stirring, rather than be worried about whether or not the items would be secure on the table. They also discussed ways to make the home more accessible and staff provided demonstrations of the accessible kitchen cupboards and sink. The client also shared that they were working with a physical therapist and they were able to check out an exercise mat that had a thicker material to assist them with exercises they needed to do to decrease pain from arthritis.

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 426 487 713 1,626
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 29 37 60 126
Subtotal 455 524 773 1,752
Have not made a decision 00 05 00 05
Subtotal 455 529 773 1,757
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 455 529 773 1,757
Performance on this measure 100% 99.05% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,855 81.61%
Satisfied 418 18.39%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 2,273
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 10 361 380
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 09 03 29 41
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 03 78 83
4. Subtotal 20 16 468 504
5. None of the above 03 00 01 04
6. Subtotal 23 16 469 508
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 23 16 470 509
9. Performance on this measure 86.96% 100% 99.57% 99.02%
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 438 497 763 1,698
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 33 40 81 154
Subtotal 471 537 844 1,852
Have not made a decision 02 05 02 09
Subtotal 473 542 846 1,861
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 473 542 847 1,862
Performance on this measure 99.58% 99.08% 99.65% 99.46%
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 292
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 140
Representatives of Education 184
Representatives of Employment 154
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 443
Representatives of Community Living 256
Representatives of Technology 02
Unable to Categorize 73
TOTAL 1,544

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,145 355 44 1,544

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,394
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 39
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 91
Transition 20
Total 1,544

B. Description of Training Activities

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

Discovery is a process utilized by Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to engage with job candidates and develop more individualized and personal plans for employment. Easterseals Iowa partnered with a representative from Griffin Hammis to provide trainings across the state on implementation of Assistive Technology into the Discovery Process. These trainings involved demonstration and basic training on Assistive Technology and examples of accommodations that have been implemented through success stories.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program engaged in collaboration with the statewide Area Educational Agencies (AEA). Trainings were provided at various transition events including area conferences and fairs. At the Assistive Technology on the Mississippi (ATOM) Conference, Easterseals Iowa provided training on the health and wellness disparity experienced by individuals with disabilities, the benefit of access to inclusive opportunities, and Assistive Technology that may encourage inclusive engagement. This presentation was provided to individuals working in school districts, AEA professionals, and other professionals.

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 0%
Employment 28%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 57%
Community Living 15%
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:

In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff coordinated a variety of Technical Assistance activities across the state of Iowa. One collaboration was with Passageway, a Club-House Model Community Based Mental Health Agency. This Technical Assistance activity focused on the impact health and wellness can have on anyone, especially individuals with disabilities, chronic health issues, and mental illness on how Assistive Technology may be of assistance to address client needs. A series of three trainings were provided to the staff of the Agency to create a trickle-down impact on the impact of health and access to supportive services, through the use of Assistive Technology.

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

In Des Moines, IA a collaborative effort to support transition age individuals has been developed by Easterseals Iowa, the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the Des Moines Community School Districts. Through this pilot project, called TEAM, designated staff are located in each high school building and are tasked to provide pre-employment opportunities for the transition-age youth. The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program offered Technical Support Activities to the TEAM staff that operate within the school districts. This effort involved training on Assistive Technology services available, referral methods, and training on basic Assistive Technology assessment. Additional efforts for TA were provided within the employment setting to provide applicable examples of implementation of Assistive Technology.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

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. The Iowa Department of Human Services provides a Money Follows the Person (MFP) Partnership as a Community Integration Project. This project provides opportunities to Iowans to transition to community based living arrangements. The use of Assistive Technology for independence is a highly important aspect of MFP. Awareness was provided to MFP staff statewide through in-personal presentations, follow-up mailings, and loans of Assistive Technology. Over 50 MFP staff members were reached through this Awareness effort, an unknown number of individuals were supported in addition.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 268 79 347
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 176 58 234
Representative of Education 131 48 179
Representative of Employment 72 15 87
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 254 112 366
Representative of Community Living 87 27 114
Representative of Technology 11 11 22
Unable to Categorize 16 01 17
Total 1,015 351 1,366

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.

The Iowa Workforce Development provides services to individuals seeking employment across the state. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program provided training in various offices to support staff awareness of AT and the benefit it may serve for many job candidates. With implementation of various accessibility enhancements, including access to tablets for job candidates, Iowa Workforce Development partnered with Easterseals Iowa to provide information and demonstration on a variety of tablet holders that would enhance the universal design of the Workforce Development offices.


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. This Act expresses the importance of assistive technology implementation in all areas of employment for individuals with disabilities. Iowa Workforce Development has developed collaboration with Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program for staff training and loan of devices for the individuals with disabilities they support.


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.

The second year of the collaboration between Easterseals Iowa and the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services provided opportunity for Easterseals team members to present to eight area offices regarding Easterseals Assistive Technology Program services and Assistive Technology solutions for employment outcomes. As a result, Easterseals Iowa has seen an increase in the number of clients of the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services being served by the Durable Medical Equipment Loan, Demonstration Center, and the Lending Library.


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.)

Easterseals Iowa, the state Protection and Advocacy entity and the state Vocational Rehabilitation services collaborated to enhance access of services to Iowans living in rural areas by modifying existing policies on Assistive Technology funding for individuals seeking self-employment. These policies included expanding the definition of self-employment to include expansion of agricultural endeavors and removing the required 51% ownership regulation.


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

Employment

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
Public/State Agency$10,000Training
Public/State Agency$10,000Training
Public/State Agency$6,800Demonstration
Public/State Agency$4,500Device Loan
Amount: $31,300

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).


Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Wed Mar 13 2019 13:48:35 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)


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This FY18 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.