National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Nebraska 2018

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Nebraska Assisitive Technology Partnership
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://atp.nebraska.gov
Mailing Address:
3901 N. 27th Street, Suite 5
City:
Lincoln
State:
Nebraska
Zip Code:
68521
Program Email:
atp@nebraska.gov
Phone:
402-471-0734
TTY:
402-471-0652

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Nebraska Department of Education - Assistive Technology Partnership
Mailing Address:
3901 N. 27th Street, Suite 5
City:
Lincoln
State:
Nebraska
Zip Code:
68521
Program URL:
https://atp.nebraska.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):
Orr, Tobias
Title:
Director
Phone:
402-853-1582
E-mail:
tobias.orr@nebraska.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Orr, Tobias
Title:
Director
Phone:
402-853-1582
E-mail:
tobias.orr@nebraska.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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Orr, Tobias
Title:
Director
Phone:
402-853-1582
E-mail:
tobias.orr@nebraska.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 03 01 04
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 03 01 04

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $13,140 Highest Income: $130,308

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$217,116 04 $54,279

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 01 00 01 00 01 04
Percentage of Loans 25% 25% 0% 25% 0% 25% 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 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 04 100%
Total 04 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 04 $49,183
Total 04 $49,183

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 4%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
16 04 4%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 04
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 04

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 01 $1,683
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $17,500
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 02 $30,000
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 04 $49,183

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? 02
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? telecommunications distribution
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 10
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 06
C. Total Served 16

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 16

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 05 $7,147
Hearing 12 $945
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 37 $13,218
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 54 $21,310

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity? Other: Private Grant
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 41
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 00
C. Total Served 41

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 41

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service Number of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 01 $344
Speech communication 01 $139
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 04 $13,609
Daily living 04 $9,450
Environmental adaptations 22 $97,312
Vehicle modification and transportation 13 $87,670
Computers and related 01 $658
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 46 $209,182

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

P is an 83-year-old female who experiences arthritis, high blood pressure, and leg cramping. She was recently hit by a car and broke some ribs, her sternum, and an arm. P has difficulty walking due to the arthritis in her back and uses a walker or cane for short distances. She is only able to lift her leg 2” to 3” off the ground. A recent diagnosis of thyroid and lung cancer have caused her to need a wheelchair when out in the community and on days she is feeling weak. A request was sent to ATP by P and her husband to have their bathroom modified to make it more accessible. ATP recommended widening the doorway to 36”, changing the door swing, installing a roll under sink, new toilet with fold down grab bars, and a roll in shower. Funding for this project came from the Enrichment Foundation Grant ($5,661.25), a HISA grant since her husband suffers from service related injuries ($2,000), and Part B Independent Living funds ($5,537.75). Because of ATP’s recommendations, project oversight, and funding coordination P and her husband are able to safely access their bathroom and remain independent in their community.

Impact Area

i Can Connect (ICC) is Nebraska's Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution program. It helps people with a combined vision and hearing loss obtain telecommunication equipment. Our iCC technology specialists worked with a younger individual who is in school and is diagnosed with Bilirubin Encephalopathy. This diagnosis resulted in profound deafness and they also require glasses to help with vision. When outside in the sunlight they become totally blind and they are sensitive to fluorescent lights. They receive accommodations through their school, but the technology was only for school use and was not available for personal use. This individual was provided an iPad through the iCC Program for personal use to be able to send emails, text messages and FaceTime with family and friends. A case and AppleCare were also provided to ensure the technology would be safe for long term use. This individual was also able to benefit from bone conduction headphones to help with hearing on the iPad and other Bluetooth compatible devices. These devices have allowed the client to be able to independently telecommunicate with others.

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 11 27 38
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 17 18
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 00 12 45 57
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 00 12 47 59
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 02 02
8. Total 00 12 49 61
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 91.84%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 51 83.61%
Satisfied 05 8.2%
Satisfied somewhat 01 1.64%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 04 6.56%
Total Surveyed 61
Response rate % 93.44%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 27
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 554
C. Total 581

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 581

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 11 $16,395 $175 $16,220
Daily Living 11 $9,085 $2,425 $6,660
Environmental Adaptations 02 $6,649 $0 $6,649
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $85,869 $100 $85,769
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 27 $117,998 $2,700 $115,298

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 13 $8,243 $0 $8,243
Hearing 29 $4,922 $0 $4,922
Speech Communication 07 $17,292 $0 $17,292
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 06 $425 $0 $425
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 204 $137,294 $0 $137,294
Daily Living 243 $29,964 $0 $29,964
Environmental Adaptations 18 $6,924 $0 $6,924
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 04 $5,955 $0 $5,955
Computers and Related 26 $6,727 $0 $6,727
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 04 $704 $0 $704
Total 554 $218,450 $0 $218,450

D. Anecdote

In April 2018, the Reuse Network in Nebraska hosted the Lose it and Reuse it: Medical Equipment Exchange event in Omaha. The Reuse Network gave away 305.43 lbs of donated equipment to community members, and countless more has been added to the inventory at partner organizations – extending its use and preventing it from ending up in Nebraska landfills. This also resulted in a cost savings of approximately $5,766.53 for these individuals and their families – based on estimated current retail price of the used equipment. 14 volunteers including agency representatives, family members, coworkers, etc. assisted in making the equipment exchanges seamless. There were many individual success stories to share: the young lady whose insurance would not cover the cost of her manual wheelchair was able to find a chair that fit and was able to be adjusted and modified by a licensed OT partner; a parent who was able to find a reclining, belted shower chair for her adult child to bathe safely and comfortably and safely; a family found a manual wheelchair, wheelchair cushion, and toilet riser for their father preparing to exit a rehabilitation facility; a woman who donated her commode that didn’t quite fit, was able to swap hers out for one that was just right; there was the reuse partner who found a perfect condition stair lift for his neighbor’s family member to regain safe access to their homes; a representative of a parent organization donated several pediatric items and turned around to pick up a Kid Walk for another family in her group; the numerous CPAP machines donated for which a licensed RT partner is able to refurbish and donate back out to those in need.

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. 42 18 291 351
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 12 19 115 146
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 05 03 66 74
4. Subtotal 59 40 472 571
5. None of the above 02 07 01 10
6. Subtotal 61 47 473 581
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 61 47 473 581
9. Performance on this measure 96.72% 85.11% 99.79%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 543 93.46%
Satisfied 29 4.99%
Satisfied somewhat 05 0.86%
Not at all satisfied 04 0.69%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 581
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) 465
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 36
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 445
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 18
Total 964

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 165
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 376
Representative of Education 300
Representative of Employment 25
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 62
Representatives of Community Living 24
Representatives of Technology 12
Total 964

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 18
Hearing 57
Speech Communication 74
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 352
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 338
Daily Living 258
Environmental Adaptations 149
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 05
Computers and Related 124
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 08
Total 1,383

E. Anecdote

Over the summer months, while a young student was home from school in western Nebraska the family identified their need for an EasyPivot Patient Lift Transfer Aide for her care attendant to assist with transfers while home. Previously a parent had been home for the summer, and while she was smaller in stature the parent was able to assist. This summer the need for the Transfer Aide became apparent. While at school, the young lady had access to an EasyPivot Patient Lift Transfer Aide, but the family was without home resources. The family found the loan device on AT4ALL.com, requesting its use over the summer. Staff accommodated this request, approving the extension of the loan beyond established program policy guidelines. A family member was able to pick up the lift in Omaha using their previously modified vehicle, as this is a large piece of equipment. Throughout the course of these conversations to coordinate the loan, a patient lift transfer aide became available for sale in another community. Staff assisted with connecting both parties to assist in the exchange. The loan was ultimately returned within 30 days and the family has a patient lift transfer aide for their home use on a permanent basis.

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 272 67 32 371
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 28 20 09 57
Subtotal 300 87 41 428
Have not made a decision 34 00 03 37
Subtotal 334 87 44 465
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 334 87 44 465
Performance on this measure 89.82% 100% 93.18%

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. 42 07 323 372
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 16 72 105
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 08 13 22
4. Subtotal 60 31 408 499
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 60 31 408 499
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 60 31 408 499
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 882 91.49%
Satisfied 78 8.09%
Satisfied somewhat 04 0.41%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 964
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 01
Hearing 15
Speech Communication 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 26
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 09
Daily Living 12
Environmental Adaptations 03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 25
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 91

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 126
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 37
Representatives of Education 91
Representatives of Employment 23
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 140
Representative of Community Living 00
Representative of Technology 21
Total 438

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 279
Service Provider 03
Vendor 02
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 284

D. Anecdote

J is a high school student and is diagnosed with profound deafness. He is pursuing an EMT course through the local Community College in Norfolk, NE and needed a specialized stethoscope in order to hear clearly. He worked with ATP and the AT4ALL website to compare different stethoscopes until he found a ThinkLabs One Digital Stethoscope that was compatible with his cochlear implant. Jared is a NE VR Pre-ETS student, so NE VR was unable to fund the AT equipment recommended, however Jared completed a Service & Device application and through ATP funding coordination was able to find funding assistance through Part B funds to purchase a stethoscope like the one demonstrated and loaned to him. Jared and his family were also able to contribute financially to the cost of the stethoscope. He plans to become a Certified Emergency Medical Technician and after graduation from high school, continue his training to become licensed as a paramedic. The stethoscope obtained will allow him to be successful in this career field as well as the training along the way.

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 46 08 69
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 14 04 18
Subtotal 15 60 12 87
Have not made a decision 04 00 00 04
Subtotal 19 60 12 91
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 19 60 12 91
Performance on this measure 78.95% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 438 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 438
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. 84 36 641 761
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 29 36 204 269
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 06 11 80 97
4. Subtotal 119 83 925 1,127
5. None of the above 02 07 03 12
6. Subtotal 121 90 928 1,139
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 02 02
8. Total 121 90 930 1,141
9. Performance on this measure 98.35% 92.22% 99.46% 98.77%
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 287 113 40 440
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 28 34 13 75
Subtotal 315 147 53 515
Have not made a decision 38 00 03 41
Subtotal 353 147 56 556
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 353 147 56 556
Performance on this measure 89.24% 100% 94.64% 92.63%
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 99
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 96
Representatives of Education 562
Representatives of Employment 44
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 49
Representatives of Community Living 13
Representatives of Technology 02
Unable to Categorize 34
TOTAL 899

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
581 318 00 899

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 579
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 42
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Combination of any/all of the above 91
Transition 187
Total 899

B. Description of Training Activities

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

ATP was asked by the Nebraska Safety Council to provide a training to rural transit drivers on different types of manual and power wheelchairs as part of a wheelchair tie down training the drivers were going through. One of ATP's ReUse partners who is a licensed Physical Therapist was asked to attend along with a staff member from ATP. The two provided training on various types of manual and power wheelchairs to the 13 drivers that came in from their rural communities. The drivers were able to come up and look over the various types of wheelchairs that were brought as visual aids. Because of this training, these drivers are now more comfortable working with different types of manual and power wheelchairs.

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

ATP was asked to provide a training to an introduction to Special Education class at the University of Nebraska. ATP staff presented to 40 students on different types of AT and their uses. They also covered regulations surrounding assistive technology in the school system and how to incorporate AT into an IEP. Various activities were done with the students to help increase their comfort level when using AT. How to obtain AT in Nebraska was also discussed and different resources on AT were shared. The students left the training with a better understanding of assistive technology and how to obtain it.

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:

During FY 18, ATP continued to promote webinars related to IT accessibility training on their website and calendar. The following were promoted: Section 508 Best Practices Webinar (Great Lakes ADA) Tools Tips and Tricks on Mobile Web Platforms (Accessibility On-line) Web Accessibility (Easter Seals) AT Trends (Center on Technology/Disability) Creative Technology for Inclusion/Engagement (CTD Institute) These were listed on our website and promoted through Constant Contact (email). ATP does not have a way to know if our marketing efforts were successful which is reflected in the lack of participant data in the IT/Telecommunications Training and Performance Measure.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 95%
Employment 0%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 0%
Community Living 5%
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:

ATP was contacted by an elementary school in Grand Island NE for technical assistance on a new playground they were installing. The school was provided with a layout for the equipment by the vendor, but the plans did not take into account factors such as drainage, other playground equipment, property infrastructure such as underground piping, utility access covers etc. Also, playground equipment vendors do not typically meet the students with special needs or get input from school specialists such as a physical and occupational therapists. The architect ended up rotating the playground 90 degrees due to the placement of the storm drainage metal grates. This change to the original layout resulted in the accessible route to the equipment overlapping with the basketball court hoops. After consulting with the U.S. Access Board the ATP staff and the school personnel developed a plan to address the access and safety issues by relocating the basketball hoop, marking the accessible route on th

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

Central Valley High School contacted the ATP Program Coordinator to review green house kit plans and specifications before they placed the order. ADA considerations included accessible route from the main high school building to the proposed greenhouse site, width of entry door, floor size and arrangement of interior growing benches and work table to allow an accessible work space. During a site visit in March, 2018, the greenhouse was installed outside the career education wing of the high school on the side of the parking lot; door threshold modifications were suggested and growing bench product information was reviewed. The SPED teacher showed a switch adapted garden sprayer the district purchased from Enabling Devices which allowed all students to help with plant care.

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 Nebraska Educational Technology Association held its spring conference at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha on April 19-20, 2018. There were over 2,000 conference attendees from across Nebraska and the region. The Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) provided an informational table in the exhibitor area on both Thursday and Friday where educators could find information about the ATP-Education program and also interact with a few AT devices. Approximately 150 visitors stopped by the table for more information. On Friday, ATP-Education also presented an all-day, hands-on session. Attendees were able to spend their time interacting with hundreds of devices and pieces of AT that filled the 1700 square foot room. A PowerPoint explaining the ATP-Education program was showing in the room as participants were able to browse and ask questions. ATP staff answered specific questions about AT devices and services from attendees. Approximately 200 educators visited the interactive Assistive Technology "Playground" throughout the day. This activity gave those teachers a chance to see and interact with various types of assistive technology increasing their level of comfort and knowledge of assistive devices available.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 418 225 643
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 205 260 465
Representative of Education 312 199 511
Representative of Employment 224 195 419
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 188 240 428
Representative of Community Living 157 38 195
Representative of Technology 204 236 440
Unable to Categorize 132 26 158
Total 1,840 1,419 3,259

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? 00

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.


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?


B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)


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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
Public/State Agency$83,736Training
Federal$87,436Technical Assistance
Private$225,000State Financing
Amount: $396,172

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 13:53:19 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.