National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Maryland 2018

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Maryland Technology Assistance Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.mdtap.org
Mailing Address:
2301 Argonne Drive, Rm T42
City:
Baltimore
State:
Maryland
Zip Code:
21218
Program Email:
mdtap@mdtap.org
Phone:
410-554-9477
TTY:
1-866-881-7488

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Maryland Department of Disabilities
Mailing Address:
217 E Redwood Street, Suite 1300
City:
Baltimore
State:
Maryland
Zip Code:
21202
Program URL:
http://mdod.maryland.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):
McCarthy, James
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
410-554-9245
E-mail:
jmccarthy@mdtap.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Brennan, John
Title:
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Phone:
410-767-3640
E-mail:
john.brennan@maryland.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):
Markland, Lori
Title:
Director, Access Maryland & Accessibility Programs
Phone:
410-554-9477
E-mail:
lmarkland@mdtap.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Brennan, John
Title:
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Phone:
410-767-3640
E-mail:
john.brennan@maryland.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 69 02 71
Approved Not made 18 00 18
Rejected 51 01 52
Total 138 03 141

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $8,820 Highest Income: $315,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$5,858,588 71 $82,515

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 07 06 08 08 36 71
Percentage of Loans 8.45% 9.86% 8.45% 11.27% 11.27% 50.7% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 10 14.08%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 61 85.92%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 71 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 71 $1,986,151
Total 71 $1,986,151

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
218 71 3.07042253521127%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 71
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 71

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 $3,500
Hearing 10 $35,211
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 01 $595
Environmental adaptations 05 $40,976
Vehicle modification and transportation 52 $1,899,329
Computers and related 02 $6,540
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 71 $1,986,151

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 06
Net loss for loans in default $55,460

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

The Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) provides loans for a variety of devices including adapted vehicles, vision aids, and hearing aids. During FY18, the ATLP issued 11 loans for hearing aids, all of which impact the individual consumer's life in monumental ways. One applicant in particular was elderly, low income, and losing her hearing. Although hesitant to take on an added debt, she was aware that she absolutely needed hearing aids to maintain her independence. After working with ATLP staff, she felt more comfortable taking on the loan, made a point to follow up to let staff know that now she feels far more secure functioning in social situations, hearing church sermons, and retaining her dignity.

Impact Area

Ms. S works fulltime and utilizes Paratransit in Maryland to get back and forth to her job. Ms. S is a triple-amputee with good credit and work history. Because of the desire to increase her employment options within her company and more flexibly attend meetings off site, Ms. S applied to the AT Loan Program to finance an adapted vehicle. This loan has allowed her to purchase a new, adapted vehicle and improve her chances to advance her career.

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 26 26
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 16 17
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 01 42 43
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 42 43
7. Nonrespondent 00 09 19 28
8. Total 00 10 61 71
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 10% 68.85%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 11 15.49%
Satisfied 32 45.07%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 28 39.44%
Total Surveyed 71
Response rate % 60.56%

G. Notes:

The Maryland Technology Assistance Program did not have a contract with AT Discount Sales and Services (a discounted cooperative buying program in Maryland) during FY2018. Because of the absence of this contract, our state financing numbers reflect only the activities of our alternative financing program (low interest financial loans). However, for FY19, MDTAP has reinstated the contract to provide discounted AT services and this activity will be counted in the FY2019 report.

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 19
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 18
C. Total 37

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 01
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 36

If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

Recipient out-of-state

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 01 $250 $0 $250
Speech Communication 01 $2,995 $0 $2,995
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 08 $16,900 $700 $16,200
Daily Living 07 $11,965 $0 $11,965
Environmental Adaptations 01 $7,500 $800 $6,700
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $25,000 $0 $25,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 19 $64,610 $1,500 $63,110

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 02 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 13 $2,065 $0 $2,065
Daily Living 05 $163 $0 $163
Environmental Adaptations 06 $230 $0 $230
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 26 $5,458 $0 $5,458

D. Anecdote

S.R works with individuals with disabilities. She has requested various items from our reuse listings for her clients. Many of these items are too expensive to be purchased new. In September, 2018, she was able to obtain a Stannah Chair lift at no cost for a savings of $3,000 in order to give an individual the ability to go up and down the stairs in their home.

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 24 24
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 09 09
4. Subtotal 00 00 33 33
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 00 00 36 36
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 36 36
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 91.67%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 35 94.59%
Satisfied 01 2.7%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 2.7%
Total Surveyed 37
Response rate % 97.3%

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) 147
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 07
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 27
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 05
Total 186

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 87
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 40
Representative of Education 14
Representative of Employment 13
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 14
Representatives of Community Living 14
Representatives of Technology 04
Total 186

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 66
Hearing 34
Speech Communication 43
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 08
Daily Living 08
Environmental Adaptations 16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 62
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total 240

E. Anecdote

K. M. is a middle-aged man who is suddenly losing his vision. He wants to continue to work and is enrolled in classes at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) to learn Braille. K. M. was able to borrow the Perkins Brailler and a Braille note taker to practice his Braille. The loan made it possible for him to complete coursework and to decide on a Braille note taker to purchase.

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 36 18 44 98
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 11 05 23 39
Subtotal 47 23 67 137
Have not made a decision 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 47 23 68 138
Nonrespondent 01 01 07 09
Total 48 24 75 147
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 98.53%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 02 02
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 28 29
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 01 30 31
5. None of the above 02 01 03 06
6. Subtotal 02 02 33 37
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 01 02
8. Total 03 02 34 39
9. Performance on this measure 0% 50% 90.91%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 169 90.86%
Satisfied 13 6.99%
Satisfied somewhat 04 2.15%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 186
Response rate % 100%

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 42
Hearing 33
Speech Communication 29
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 07
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10
Daily Living 09
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 10
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 141

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 133
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 87
Representatives of Education 19
Representatives of Employment 03
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 06
Representative of Community Living 13
Representative of Technology 00
Total 261

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 10
Service Provider 16
Vendor 58
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 84

D. Anecdote

H.W. is a middle-aged man with cognitive impairments. He wanted a device he could speak into to ask questions or help him spell words. Staff demonstrated the Kindle Fire with the Alexa app and H.W. was successful in using it. He purchased one for himself and is pleased with it.

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 15 08 72 95
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 03 04 11
Subtotal 19 11 76 106
Have not made a decision 02 09 20 31
Subtotal 21 20 96 137
Nonrespondent 04 00 00 04
Total 25 20 96 141
Performance on this measure 76% 55% 79.17%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 223 85.44%
Satisfied 38 14.56%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 261
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. 00 00 52 52
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 02 44 46
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 09 09
4. Subtotal 00 02 105 107
5. None of the above 02 01 06 09
6. Subtotal 02 03 111 116
7. Nonrespondent 01 09 20 30
8. Total 03 12 131 146
9. Performance on this measure 0% 16.67% 80.15% 73.29%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Not Met Not Met 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 51 26 116 193
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 15 08 27 50
Subtotal 66 34 143 243
Have not made a decision 02 09 21 32
Subtotal 68 43 164 275
Nonrespondent 05 01 07 13
Total 73 44 171 288
Performance on this measure 90.41% 77.27% 83.63% 84.38%
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 154
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 78
Representatives of Education 158
Representatives of Employment 82
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 191
Representatives of Community Living 105
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 17
TOTAL 785

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
713 72 00 785

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 552
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 23
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 174
Transition 36
Total 785

B. Description of Training Activities

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

On June 20, 2018 staff presented at the Baltimore Fire Academy. The presentation included an overview of assistive technology and emergency situations. Attendees were shown what types of devices individuals might be using during an emergency evacuation, either small or large scale. First responders were made aware of these devices so they know what they look like, what they are used for, and why it is necessary to bring the devices with the individual as they evacuate.

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

On April 7, 2018 staff presented at the Expo for Transitioning Youth in Harford County. The students and family members who attended learned about the various apps that could help with the transition from high school to higher education or the workplace. There has been follow-up from some of these families to see more demonstrations of these apps and to borrow various devices.

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 0%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Community Living 100%
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:

The Maryland Technology Assistance Program worked closely with the Maryland Department of Aging and each of their Maryland Access Points (MAPs) to evaluate their assistive technology needs, provide assistive technology training to staff, and support their development of assistive technology kits/libraries in each office. The MAP offices will each house their own set of assistive technology devices and policies regarding how and when they provide or demonstrate these devices to their constituents.

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

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. On April 4, 2018 staff exhibited at the Carroll County Senior Expo. Over 150 people attended and gained knowledge about MDTAP and the Assistive Technology Loan Program. This event was geared at senior citizens in Maryland, an increasing large population that has expressed greater needs for devices to retain independence and stay in their homes. We have had quite a few individuals contact MDTAP for demos, loans and information because of this event.

2. On October 4, 2017, staff exhibited at the Howard County Transition Fair. Over 100 family members and students attended the fair. They were able to gain information on various AT apps and devices that could be used as they transition out of high school. Some individuals have since come in to see and borrow items both for their transition into higher education and for transitions into the workforce.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 443 44 487
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 167 10 177
Representative of Education 50 00 50
Representative of Employment 39 01 40
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 81 02 83
Representative of Community Living 125 02 127
Representative of Technology 27 00 27
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 932 59 991

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.

During FY18, the Maryland Technology Assistance Program provided direct support to the Maryland Department of Disabilities Director of Emergency Preparedness. This work culminated in the final draft of a Standard Operating Procedure for MDOD Accessibility kits, and the creation of 12 assistive technology kits available at every shelter location in the state of Maryland.


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 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for MDOD Accessibility Kits is a document made available to all shelters across the state that serve in a capacity to support victims of natural disasters, emergencies, etc. The SOP accompanies access to the physical assistive technology kit, which includes a variety of low-tech and mid-tech devices available to accommodate and facilitate the needs of individuals with a variety of cognitive, physical, and developmental disabilities. The SOP can obtained from Cecilia Warren, Director of Emergency Preparedness, with the Maryland Department of Disabilities.


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

Community Living


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).


Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs . Saved: Wed Mar 13 2019 13:50:24 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.