National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Minnesota 2019

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Minnesota STAR Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
mn.gov/star
Mailing Address:
658 Cedar Street, Suite 358 Centennial Office Building
City:
Saint Paul
State:
MN
Zip Code:
55155
Program Email:
Star.Program@state.mn.us
Phone:
651-201-2640
TTY:
800-627-3529

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Minnesota Department of Adminstration
Mailing Address:
50 Sherburne Avenue
City:
Saint Paul
State:
MN
Zip Code:
55155
Program URL:
mn.gov/admin

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):
Moccia, Kim
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
651-201-2297
E-mail:
Kim.Moccia@state.mn.us
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Beyer-Kropuenske, Laurie
Title:
Director, Community Services
Phone:
651-201-2501
E-mail:
Laurie.Beyer-Kropuenske@state.mn.us
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):
Beyer-Kropuenske, Laurie
Title:
Director, Community Services
Phone:
651-201-2501
E-mail:
Laurie.Beyer-Kropuenske@state.mn.us

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? 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? 01
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? Other: STAR administers MN's accommodation fund for employees/applicants of exec. branch state agencies.
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) 12
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 00
C. Total Served 12

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 12
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 00

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

Executive branch agencies have a legal responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to their state employees and applicants; therefore, this information should be excluded.

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 08 $9,353
Hearing 02 $1,543
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 01 $997
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $1,029
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 12 $12,922


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

An employee was having difficulty performing computer-based work due to a decline in vision. Screen magnification software and training were provided as an accommodation, which allowed the employee to remain in her current position.

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 12 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 12
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 240
C. Total 241

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 241

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 01 $350 $0 $350
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 01 $350 $0 $350

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 02 $359 $0 $359
Speech Communication 131 $340,937 $0 $340,937
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 108 $60,563 $0 $60,563
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 241 $401,859 $0 $401,859

D. Anecdote

STAR partners with the ALS Association to provide open-ended loans to Minnesotans diagnosed with ALS. Recently, a gentleman reached out to the association for help accessing his iPad, which is his sole means of communication and entertainment. He has limited movement and spends most of his day at home on his couch, which made it difficult to use his iPad. The ALS Association loaned him a Magic-Arm clamp-on tablet mount. Using this mount, he can position his iPad in such a way as to conserve his energy and independently use his iPad longer.

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 00 239 239
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 02 02
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 00 241 241
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 241 241
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 241 241
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 240 99.59%
Satisfied 01 0.41%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 241
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) 456
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 20
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 66
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 32
Total 574

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 116
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 118
Representative of Education 216
Representative of Employment 36
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 50
Representatives of Community Living 04
Representatives of Technology 34
Total 574

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 25
Hearing 35
Speech Communication 250
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 94
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 28
Daily Living 42
Environmental Adaptations 54
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 120
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 36
Total 684

E. Anecdote

A school professional borrowed the Liftware Steady Starter Kit from our partner, Pacer Center’s Simon Technology Center. According to the professional, “The student I trialed this for had a history of throwing utensils across the room when frustrated because of spillage due to a tremor/unsteadiness. Therefore, the staff had begun to feed him, reducing his independence. The spoon worked well for him, and he was able to eat calmly and independently again. Seeing his smile was great! I will be ordering one for his continual daily use at school!”

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 186 20 132 338
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 35 09 28 72
Subtotal 221 29 160 410
Have not made a decision 32 03 11 46
Subtotal 253 32 171 456
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 253 32 171 456
Performance on this measure 87.35% 90.63% 93.57%

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. 17 01 10 28
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 26 05 41
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 05 01 11 17
4. Subtotal 32 28 26 86
5. None of the above 29 00 03 32
6. Subtotal 61 28 29 118
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 61 28 29 118
9. Performance on this measure 52.46% 100% 89.66%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 477 83.1%
Satisfied 76 13.24%
Satisfied somewhat 15 2.61%
Not at all satisfied 02 0.35%
Nonrespondent 04 0.7%
Total Surveyed 574
Response rate % 99.3%

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 09
Hearing 11
Speech Communication 124
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 39
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04
Daily Living 04
Environmental Adaptations 15
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 47
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 254

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 125
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 33
Representatives of Education 77
Representatives of Employment 20
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 26
Representative of Community Living 03
Representative of Technology 01
Total 285

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 29
Service Provider 161
Vendor 25
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 215

D. Anecdote

A child with multiple needs was seen for an AAC Evaluation at school by our partner, Regional Assistive Technology Center in Moorhead, Minnesota. The purpose of the evaluation was to demonstrate and determine possible switch accessible tools and supports for this second-grade student. Several cause and effect toys were shown in addition to single button messages via switch access. The student was very motivated to hear and see the toys that she could control. The greatest motivator was access to a switch connected to a butterfly button that allowed her to color on paper. It was apparent that she knew she was in control of the coloring and that she was independently creating pictures. The paraprofessional was also delighted to see the student color for the first time! The coloring butterfly was loaned in addition to switches and single message devices.

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 82 74 98 254
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 82 74 98 254
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 82 74 98 254
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 82 74 98 254
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 256 89.82%
Satisfied 28 9.82%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.35%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 285
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. 17 01 249 267
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 26 07 43
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 05 01 11 17
4. Subtotal 32 28 267 327
5. None of the above 29 00 03 32
6. Subtotal 61 28 270 359
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 61 28 270 359
9. Performance on this measure 44.26% 96.43% 94.81% 86.35%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not 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 268 94 230 592
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 35 09 28 72
Subtotal 303 103 258 664
Have not made a decision 32 03 11 46
Subtotal 335 106 269 710
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 335 106 269 710
Performance on this measure 90.45% 97.17% 95.91% 93.52%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 98.38% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.64% 90% 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 00
Representatives of Education 27
Representatives of Employment 16
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 74
Representatives of Community Living 122
Representatives of Technology 266
Unable to Categorize 11
TOTAL 516

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
499 02 15 516

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 78
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 318
Transition 120
Total 516

B. Description of Training Activities

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

STAR staff conducted a two-day training for occupational therapy students. The purpose of the training was to increase awareness of assistive technology and provide practical hands-on experience. The training included lectures, case studies, and time exploring AT stations that addressed specific needs (e.g., vision, hearing, learning).

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

STAR’s Program Director participated in AT Consideration training for Anoka county case workers. Two sessions (morning and afternoon) were held. There were a total of 120 attendees. The purpose of the training was to provide case workers with an opportunity to practice AT consideration skills (based on previous training) using real-life case scenarios. STAR provided a brief presentation on its services, answered AT questions, and assisted case workers with problem-solving the practice scenarios presented. AT consideration is required under Minnesota state law during service intake as well as at an annual review of needs.

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

Last year, STAR reported in its APR that it collaborated with Minnesota’s Office of Accessibility to create e-learning modules on how to create accessible documents. Training is available free online at https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/accessibility/training/. This year, the modules were added to the state employee electronic learning management system. Starting in May, state IT professionals began taking our online accessibility training. The goal for future years is to have all state employees complete the modules to increase awareness and skills needed to develop and implement accessible documents and influence policies and procurement practices.

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 307
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 11
Nonrespondent 00
Total 318
Performance Measure Percentage 96.5%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 68%
Employment 25%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 7%
Community Living 0%
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:

STAR and its advisory council provided feedback to the Minnesota Department of Health regarding its current Crisis Standards of Care framework, which guides the department on strategies for optimal allocation of scarce resources during a crisis (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic).

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

STAR’s program director worked with the Governor’s Office and Minnesota’s Office of Management and Budget to review and revise Executive Order 19-15 as well as supporting policies and procedures designed to increase the hiring and retention of people with disabilities working in state government.

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. STAR staff provided a hands-on AT Experience lab at the Age & Disabilities Odyssey conference in Duluth. This conference, hosted by Minnesota’s Department of Human Services and Minnesota Board on Aging, is for advocates, consumers, policymakers, and providers dedicated to improving services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities. There were 1,700 attendees at this event.

2. STAR staff participated in the 11th Annual Charting the Cs cross-categorical conference for education professionals as well as a pre-conference Family Day for students with disabilities and their families. This event attracts over 600 professionals from around the state and provides STAR with an opportunity to share AT-related resources with educators and demonstrate AT available to help students succeed. Family Day provides students and their family with an opportunity to learn about and explore AT options available through our program.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 28 00 28
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 36 02 38
Representative of Education 03 01 04
Representative of Employment 23 00 23
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 33 00 33
Representative of Community Living 11 03 14
Representative of Technology 09 00 09
Unable to Categorize 02 00 02
Total 145 06 151

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.

Minnesota's State AT Act Program is part of a cross-agency disability Forum that provided technical assistance to the Governor's Office and Minnesota Management and Budget. This technical assistance is increasing the hiring and retention of workers 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.)

Technical assistance related to the employment of people with disabilities resulted in Executive Order 19-15 (https://mn.gov/governor/assets/2019_04_01_EO_19-15_tcm1055-378183.pdf) revision to state policies https://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/equal-opportunity/ada/, revisions to Minnesota’s Connect 700 program (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/connect-700-program.jsp) and the formation of a task force https://mn.gov/mmb/mmbhome/meeting-minutes-agendas.jsp?id=1059-406158.


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

Employment


B. State Improvements

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


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
State Appropriations$12,922State Financing
Amount: $12,922

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).


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 09 2020 08:43:21 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)


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This FY19 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.