National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Mississippi 2018

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Project START
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.msprojectstart.org
Mailing Address:
1281 Highway 51 North
City:
Madison
State:
MS
Zip Code:
39110
Program Email:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov
Phone:
601-853-5248
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Mississippi Department of Rehabiliton Services
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1698
City:
Jackson
State:
MS
Zip Code:
39215
Program URL:
www.mdrs.ms.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):
Tucker, Jamie
Title:
Director
Phone:
601-853-5248
E-mail:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Howard, Chris
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
601-853-5200
E-mail:
choward@mdrs.ms.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Tucker, Jamie
Title:
Project START Director
Phone:
6018535248
E-mail:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

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

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Howard, Chris
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
601-853-5200
E-mail:
choward@mdrs.ms.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

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

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 00 00
8. Total 00 00 00 00
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 106
C. Total 106

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 106

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

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 03 $4,665 $0 $4,665
Hearing 01 $45 $0 $45
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 21 $21,866 $0 $21,866
Daily Living 18 $8,143 $110 $8,033
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 98 $34,800 $0 $34,800
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 141 $69,519 $110 $69,409

D. Anecdote

A consumer's daughter contacted us during her father's waiting period to have multiple pieces of equipment, home modifications and vehicle modifications approved. Her father was home bound, and he basically stayed in bed all day because he had no way of getting around the house or out into the community for doctor's appointments. She was in dire need of a way to transport him so we were able to provide her with a manual transport wheelchair. This allowed them to continue to be proactive in his care while they were waiting to receive everything they needed.

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. 19 02 22 43
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 01 03
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 35 02 16 53
4. Subtotal 56 04 39 99
5. None of the above 00 03 04 07
6. Subtotal 56 07 43 106
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 56 07 43 106
9. Performance on this measure 100% 57.14% 90.7%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 103 97.17%
Satisfied 01 0.94%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.89%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 106
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) 47
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 40
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 36
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 01
Total 124

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 84
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 11
Representative of Education 17
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 12
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 124

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 38
Hearing 04
Speech Communication 32
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 14
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 25
Daily Living 20
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 25
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total 164

E. Anecdote

We had an elderly man who was completely blind, and he'd tried several devices over the years but was never able to find something that he felt completely comfortable with. He lives alone, and he needed a way to look at bank statements, pay bills, read newspapers and books. He was completely reliant on others and was forced to have complete trust that his financials were handled properly. We loaned him an EyePal Solo that he fell in love with. He was so excited that he could finally handle all personal matters himself as well as enjoy reading his favorite newspapers and books again.

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 25 00 22 47
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 25 00 22 47
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 25 00 22 47
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 25 00 22 47
Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

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. 05 00 53 58
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 06 06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 06 07
4. Subtotal 06 00 65 71
5. None of the above 01 01 00 02
6. Subtotal 07 01 65 73
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 04 04
8. Total 07 01 69 77
9. Performance on this measure 85.71% 0% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 120 96.77%
Satisfied 01 0.81%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 03 2.42%
Total Surveyed 124
Response rate % 97.58%

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 14
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 70
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 19
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 13
Daily Living 10
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 04
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 103
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 94
Representatives of Education 33
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 13
Representative of Community Living 10
Representative of Technology 03
Total 256

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 55
Service Provider 07
Vendor 00
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 62

D. Anecdote

We had a preschool child with Down Syndrome with a language delay. He had been non-verbal, and his entire family was present for the demonstration due to their skepticism that any device would be helpful. He quickly began utilizing the communication device demonstrated to request actions and objects he desired. The apprehension that the family entered with visibly began to decrease. The child thoroughly enjoyed communicating to his sisters to dance, hop, stop and run. It was the first time he'd been able to fully express himself without being misunderstood. The device was ultimately recommended by his speech pathologist, and he will enter school with his device.

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 65 00 60 125
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 00 01 04
Subtotal 68 00 61 129
Have not made a decision 02 00 00 02
Subtotal 70 00 61 131
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 70 00 61 131
Performance on this measure 97.14% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 162 63.28%
Satisfied 66 25.78%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 28 10.94%
Total 256
Response rate % 89.06%

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. 24 02 75 101
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 07 09
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 36 02 22 60
4. Subtotal 62 04 104 170
5. None of the above 01 04 04 09
6. Subtotal 63 08 108 179
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 04 04
8. Total 63 08 112 183
9. Performance on this measure 98.41% 50% 92.86% 92.9%
ACL Performance Measure 75% 75% 75% 75%
Met/Not Met Met Not Met Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 90 00 82 172
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 00 01 04
Subtotal 93 00 83 176
Have not made a decision 02 00 00 02
Subtotal 95 00 83 178
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 95 00 83 178
Performance on this measure 97.89% NaN% 100% 98.88%
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 00
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 20
Representatives of Education 142
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 396
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 558

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
00 558 00 558

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 349
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 209
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Transition 00
Total 558

B. Description of Training Activities

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

Project START sponsored AT Awareness Week May 1-5 at various locations throughout the state . The mornings consisted of 3 presentations from Assistive Technology Professionals. After lunch the participants were divided into small groups in order to rotate between the various vendors for product demonstration and hands-on activities with the many assistive technology devices and services available.

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

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 48%
Employment 18%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 5%
Community Living 22%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 7%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Project START provided hands-on assistance to speech pathologists and educators through augmentative and alternative communication devices in the loan library.

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

Assistance was provided to an MDRS deaf counselor on how to better serve her deaf clients through the LAMP software on loaned iPads during their college 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. Project START attends the annual Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi’s conference, and this year MS hosted the southeast regional association as well. Conference attendees and vendors/exhibitors have the opportunity to get information, one on one consultation and success stories from the Project START booth

2. Project START in conjunction with T.K. Martin Center on the campus of Mississippi State University sponsored Camp Jabber Jaw in summer 2018. The camp is designed for kids with special needs and who use augmentative and alternative communication technologies. The camp had 19 campers and their families from 5 states. 19 speech pathology students learned AAC and facilitated learning for their campers and families. Students were from Mississippi University for Women, Jackson State University and University of Southern Mississippi. This is a week long camp that provides an opportunity for them to interact with other families going through the same steps. Campers have fun, hands-on activities daily.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 64 39 103
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 48 35 83
Representative of Education 07 00 07
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 47 14 61
Representative of Community Living 00 00 00
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 167 88 255

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.

Project START continues to increase access to Assistive Technology through reutilization at no cost to Mississippians with disabilities. In this reporting year more individuals with disabilities had the necessary assistive technology they needed when there were no options available in the community through reutilization efforts throughout the state. There is increased access to assistive technology through this reutilization at no cost to Mississippians with disabilities.


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.)

Project START continues to work closely with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Education, living independently centers and the community to receive donations from across the state for reutilization. As a result, individuals can transition sooner from a nursing home or rehabilitation center because of the on hand devices donated . The program does not charge a fee because it serves some of the poorest areas in Mississippi.


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 13:51:38 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.