National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Montana 2018

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:
29 McGill Hall
City:
Missoula
State:
Montana
Zip Code:
59812
Program Email:
montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu
Phone:
4062435751
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Health and Humans Services-Disability Employment and Transitions
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:
29 McGill 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):
Berg, Beverly
Title:
Program Administrator
Phone:
4064546081
E-mail:
bberg@mt.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Goldman, Anna-Margaret
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
406-243-5769
E-mail:
anna-margaret.goldman@mso.umt.edu

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Berg, Beverly
Title:
Program Administrator
Phone:
4064546081
E-mail:
bberg@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 10 06 16
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 01 00 01
Total 11 06 17

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $10,428 Highest Income: $85,320

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$532,792 16 $33,300

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 01 09 02 02 01 01 16
Percentage of Loans 6.25% 56.25% 12.5% 12.5% 6.25% 6.25% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 16 100%
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 16 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 16 $126,636
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 16 $126,636

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
49 16 3.0625%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 02
2.1% to 4.0% 14
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 16

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 02 $7,990
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $3,000
Daily living 06 $16,005
Environmental adaptations 01 $1,500
Vehicle modification and transportation 06 $98,141
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 16 $126,636

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

Sarah Imoe, 66, moved to Hamilton from the south in 2015 to be near a new grandchild. Reliant on a power chair for mobility due to her progressive multi minicore myopathy, it didn’t take long to realize she would need an accessible vehicle to transport her chair through Montana’s dramatic winters. “I was limited in the amount of money I could apply to repayment,” Sarah explains. “I was getting desperate. Then I heard about the loan program and thought, it doesn’t hurt to try.” Through the assistive loan program, Sarah was able to purchase a reliable, accessible van for $4,000. Having her own vehicle means she can now pursue interests that enrich her life: window shopping, attending church, and, of course, loving on those grandchildren.

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 00 00
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 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 16 16
8. Total 00 00 16 16
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 0%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 16 100%
Total Surveyed 16
Response rate % 0%

G. Notes:

For the first time in the history of Montana's financial loan(at least to my knowledge), we have received over 4 financial loans. There was not a system in place to send the customer satisfaction survey out to participants. This will be addressed next fiscal year by increased communication with the financial partner, Rural Dynamics.

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 08
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 100
C. Total 108

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 108

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 02 $3,100 $1,100 $2,000
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 08 $7,418 $473 $6,945
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 08 $500 $0 $500
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 18 $11,018 $1,573 $9,445

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 17 $29,980 $0 $29,980
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 08 $3,902 $0 $3,902
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04 $2,298 $0 $2,298
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 192 $182,222 $0 $182,222
Daily Living 05 $7,365 $0 $7,365
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 02 $2,450 $0 $2,450
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05 $1,838 $0 $1,838
Total 233 $230,055 $0 $230,055

D. Anecdote

Caleb Casey was life-flighted from the Bozeman Hospital to Seattle one day after his birth for open-heart surgery. Now two years old, Caleb continues to face a number of medical and developmental issues. But with the support of his large and loving family, Caleb consistently defies expectations. One cleared hurdle was his need for support while walking. To move independently, Caleb now uses a gait trainer that was formerly part of MonTECH’s adaptive equipment inventory. With the assistance of his gait trainer, Caleb can take advantage of increased independence and spontaneous social opportunities. “When any of his siblings try to direct him or guide the walker, he does what any other kid would do,” mom Elaine effuses. “He says, like, ‘Eh! Get away!’ Just good, natural development things!”

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. 10 02 93 105
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 10 02 95 107
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 10 02 96 108
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 10 02 96 108
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 98.96%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 104 96.3%
Satisfied 03 2.78%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.93%
Total Surveyed 108
Response rate % 99.07%

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) 402
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 01
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 405

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 348
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 10
Representative of Education 07
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 39
Representatives of Community Living 01
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 405

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 82
Hearing 44
Speech Communication 418
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 72
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 41
Daily Living 51
Environmental Adaptations 19
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 03
Computers and Related 65
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 11
Total 806

E. Anecdote

Being fed by his parents at home wasn’t a big deal for Heath Montgomery. As a fourth grader with cerebral palsy, he was used to it. But being fed at school in front of his peers? It was just really weird having other people watching me while I was getting fed by an adult,” he explains. “It felt awkward,” a classmate agrees. Enter Obi, the robotic feeding companion. MonTECH arranged for a trial of Obi. Heath’s multiple test drives of Obi provided data proving he was able to use Obi to eat independently. Coupled with mom Jenny’s research about the health benefits of self-feeding, the Montgomerys were able to pursue funding for an Obi for Heath. Now Heath’s Obi allows him to eat independently at school, at home, and in restaurants. Heath’s classmate confirms the cool factor: “We think it’s just really awesome that Heath can eat by himself without his mom.”

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 103 25 141 269
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 03 23 38
Subtotal 115 28 164 307
Have not made a decision 07 00 04 11
Subtotal 122 28 168 318
Nonrespondent 14 06 64 84
Total 136 34 232 402
Performance on this measure 94.26% 100% 97.62%

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 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 02 02
5. None of the above 01 00 00 01
6. Subtotal 01 00 02 03
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 00 02 03
9. Performance on this measure 0% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 283 69.88%
Satisfied 35 8.64%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.25%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.25%
Nonrespondent 85 20.99%
Total Surveyed 405
Response rate % 79.01%

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 58
Hearing 06
Speech Communication 16
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 18
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 07
Daily Living 11
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 15
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 131

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 132
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 117
Representatives of Education 35
Representatives of Employment 04
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 16
Representative of Community Living 26
Representative of Technology 01
Total 331

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 34
Service Provider 30
Vendor 203
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 267

D. Anecdote

Sixth-grader Olivia Hawley has dyslexia and dysgraphia. For Olivia, school had become a source of constant anxiety and fear of failing. She came to MonTECH with her mother, Kimberly, looking for help. During her 1:1 demonstration in the Missoula lab, Olivia tried multiple apps and devices to see what might best support her academically. She now uses an iPad in the classroom, with apps to help her ‘ear read’ and fill out worksheets. Now Olivia’s ambitious dream of becoming a neurosurgeon seems less daunting. “This program is absolutely incredible as are those who are involved in it,” Kimberly says. “Assistive technology is a game changer for my girl and we could not do it without MonTECH.”

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 25 14 64 103
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 25 14 65 104
Have not made a decision 09 01 17 27
Subtotal 34 15 82 131
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 34 15 82 131
Performance on this measure 73.53% 93.33% 79.27%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 312 94.26%
Satisfied 19 5.74%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 331
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. 10 02 95 107
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 10 02 97 109
5. None of the above 01 00 01 02
6. Subtotal 11 02 98 111
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 16 16
8. Total 11 02 114 127
9. Performance on this measure 90.91% 100% 85.09% 85.83%
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 128 39 205 372
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 03 24 39
Subtotal 140 42 229 411
Have not made a decision 16 01 21 38
Subtotal 156 43 250 449
Nonrespondent 14 06 64 84
Total 170 49 314 533
Performance on this measure 82.35% 85.71% 72.93% 77.11%
ACL Performance Measure 70% 70% 70% 70%
Met/Not Met Met Met Not Met Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 133
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 30
Representatives of Education 300
Representatives of Employment 17
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 92
Representatives of Community Living 58
Representatives of Technology 20
Unable to Categorize 15
TOTAL 665

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
418 246 01 665

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 314
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 98
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 04
Combination of any/all of the above 178
Transition 71
Total 665

B. Description of Training Activities

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

MonTECH staff delivered three trainings around Montana that focused on the needs of students, teachers, and therapists. This series of trainings was organized through the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development(CSPD) and in coordination with Independent Living(IL) centers to reach the intended audience.

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

In Billings, our Eastern Clinical Coordinator trained students at Movin' On, a week long camp for students transitioning from high school to college. In this training, they tried assistive technology that could help them learn in the classroom.

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

Worked with Missoula County Public Schools and University of Montana on accessible content in the classroom, with procurement, and on faculty staff pages.

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 04
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 04
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 82%
Employment 0%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 6%
Community Living 0%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 12%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

MonTECH staff connected University of Montana accessibility staff and Missoula County Public Schools professionals to help assist in their accessibility efforts and see how the two entities could learn from each other while improving how they make purchasing, software, curriculum, and online courses accessible.

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

MonTECH participates and helps advertise for the My Transitions conference. MonTECH staff consult at our "Open Lab" with educators and families looking for tools and technology to help their children with disabilities succeed in high school, college, or career.

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. Shawna, MonTECH's Outreach Coordinator, collaborated with Missoula Public Library to make rounds on their Web on Wheels, or WOW bus. Through these visits she was able to tell people about MonTECH, assistive technology, and how to access services. These visits were a way to inform rural residents from communities surrounding Missoula about assistive technology and MonTECH services. From these visits, we saw an increase of loans from these communities.

2. MonTECH Outreach Coordinator participated in this year's Special Olympics Montana festivities. She had information geared towards families with children who have disabilities at some of the week's events such as their opening ceremonies.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 88 22 110
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 93 08 101
Representative of Education 165 02 167
Representative of Employment 06 00 06
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 124 11 135
Representative of Community Living 184 27 211
Representative of Technology 02 00 02
Unable to Categorize 01 00 01
Total 663 70 733

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 moved to a new location on campus that greatly increased our ability to host small trainings and conduct demonstrations in a more accessible environment with room for caregivers and therapists to join.


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.)

N/A


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 13:52:56 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.