National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Kentucky 2019

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
KY Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.katsnet.org
Mailing Address:
8412 Westport Road
City:
Louisville
State:
KY
Zip Code:
40242
Program Email:
info@katsnet.org
Phone:
800.327.5287
TTY:
KY Relay 711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
Mayo—Underwood Bldg; 500 Mero Street; 4th Floor
City:
Frankfort
State:
KY
Zip Code:
40601
Program URL:
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/default.aspx

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):
Brown, James
Title:
Program Coordinator
Phone:
800.327.5287
E-mail:
JamesA.Brown@ky.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Brown, James
Title:
Program Coordinator
Phone:
800.327.5287
E-mail:
JamesA.Brown@ky.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):
McNabb, Cora
Title:
Executive Director, Office of Vocational Rehab.
Phone:
800.372.7172
E-mail:
Cora.McNabb@ky.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 777
C. Total 777

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 777

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 01 $182 $0 $182
Hearing 15 $891 $0 $891
Speech Communication 06 $6,513 $0 $6,513
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 06 $549 $0 $549
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 656 $345,528 $0 $345,528
Daily Living 1,835 $218,881 $0 $218,881
Environmental Adaptations 21 $18,610 $0 $18,610
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 05 $6,830 $0 $6,830
Computers and Related 27 $33,005 $0 $33,005
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 07 $1,420 $0 $1,420
Total 2,579 $632,409 $0 $632,409

D. Anecdote

Ada S. is an elderly lady who has been utilizing both our CARAT and lending library services for several months, since falling and breaking her hip. Ada has gotten multiple items including a bed rail, shower chair, walker, and gait belt from our CARAT program. Ada lives on a very limited income and says she would have been unable to purchase these items for herself. These items have helped Ada to be more independent and to also do everyday activities safely. Ada is currently living with her daughter, who says that our center has been a “Godsend” and that the items from CARAT, as well as a transfer board they are borrowing from the lending library, have made taking care of her mom, much easier and safer for everyone. They hope to be able to donate these items back to HDI CATS upon Ada’s recovery.

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. 32 03 675 710
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 06 07 18
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 08 02 36 46
4. Subtotal 45 11 718 774
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 45 11 721 777
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 45 11 721 777
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.58%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 754 97.04%
Satisfied 23 2.96%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 777
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

The MSRP listed for Hearing devices includes hearing aid batteries that we received as as a donation of NOS (New Old Stock) batteries from a vendor stocking local retail stores. The batteries were expired and could not be sold in the stores. Also included here is costs associated with repairs of hearing aids paid through salvage credits received through Starkey from used hearing aids collected.

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) 969
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 33
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 142
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 100
Total 1,244

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 137
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 534
Representative of Education 141
Representative of Employment 13
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 327
Representatives of Community Living 82
Representatives of Technology 10
Total 1,244

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 52
Hearing 15
Speech Communication 163
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 242
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 358
Daily Living 192
Environmental Adaptations 277
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 378
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 209
Total 1,886

E. Anecdote

Tammy Maynard works for Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS), an organization that works with children ages birth to 3 years old who have visual impairments. VIPS provides early intervention and family programs for parents, teachers, and children. They provide services both at home and in the classroom. Currently, Ms. Maynard is working with several children who have Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). CVI is a temporary or permanent visual impairment caused by a disturbance of the posterior visual pathways and/or occipital lobes of the brain. Ms. Maynard has checked out several items for use with these children including, mini light boxes, oval texture multisensory switch, lightbox pictures, iPad 12.9” with case and stand. She has also checked out several switch adapted sensory toys. Being able to borrow these items from our lending library has been very beneficial to her and the children in the VIPS program. Borrowing items allows Ms. Maynard an opportunity to have multiple items to utilize with children with varied degrees of visual impairment. Some of the items, such as the iPad, are being used for a trial basis, to help make a decision in purchasing. Ms. Maynard has expressed her gratitude for our center and says she will continue to take advantage of our services.

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 204 11 704 919
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 11 00 28 39
Subtotal 215 11 732 958
Have not made a decision 01 00 10 11
Subtotal 216 11 742 969
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 216 11 742 969
Performance on this measure 99.54% 100% 98.65%

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. 56 07 103 166
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 01 03 06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 54 01 48 103
4. Subtotal 112 09 154 275
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 112 09 154 275
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 112 09 154 275
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,130 90.84%
Satisfied 108 8.68%
Satisfied somewhat 04 0.32%
Not at all satisfied 02 0.16%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,244
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

None at this time

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 03
Hearing 10
Speech Communication 293
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 110
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04
Daily Living 16
Environmental Adaptations 11
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 206
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 653

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 639
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 670
Representatives of Education 400
Representatives of Employment 06
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 478
Representative of Community Living 104
Representative of Technology 00
Total 2,297

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 67
Service Provider 01
Vendor 27
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 95

D. Anecdote

A young child with a cochlear implant was hearing sounds for the first time and needed to improve her sound awareness and identification of sounds. An ATRC team member demonstrated several sound producing puzzles to see if the child could identify a sound associated with a picture on the puzzle. The demonstration of the sound producing puzzles allowed the family to see if this would be a good option to help the child improve her sound awareness and overcome the barrier of a hearing impairment. The ATRC collaborated with the child’s family, interpreter and speech therapist who were all present and participated in the demonstration. The child interacted with the items and showed increased engagement as well as increased motivation to participate in vocal play. The sound producing puzzles will help expand this child’s play skills, improve cognition, and assist her with increasing familiarization with sounds in her environment and will improve her access to education.

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 326 01 313 640
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 03 04
Subtotal 327 01 316 644
Have not made a decision 06 00 03 09
Subtotal 333 01 319 653
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 333 01 319 653
Performance on this measure 98.2% 100% 99.06%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,284 99.43%
Satisfied 13 0.57%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 2,297
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

None to report

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. 88 10 778 876
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 07 07 10 24
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 62 03 84 149
4. Subtotal 157 20 872 1,049
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 157 20 875 1,052
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 157 20 875 1,052
9. Performance on this measure 60.51% 85% 90.06% 85.55%
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 530 12 1,017 1,559
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 12 00 31 43
Subtotal 542 12 1,048 1,602
Have not made a decision 07 00 13 20
Subtotal 549 12 1,061 1,622
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 549 12 1,061 1,622
Performance on this measure 98.72% 100% 98.77% 98.77%
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 99.86% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 473
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 49
Representatives of Education 3,415
Representatives of Employment 89
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 493
Representatives of Community Living 173
Representatives of Technology 38
Unable to Categorize 15
TOTAL 4,745

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
4,457 70 218 4,745

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 3,491
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 275
Combination of any/all of the above 85
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 706
Transition 188
Total 4,745

B. Description of Training Activities

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

Our Western KY Regional AT Center hosted an adapted vehicle training workshop called "Go Baby Go!". The workshop provides adapted ride-on cars to infants and toddlers with limited mobility. Five children with disabilities received battery-operated, ride-on cars modified so each driver could make it go forward or backward by pushing a large button on the steering wheel. The workshop was conducted by John Koshy, an engineer from GoBabyGo!, and Jana Billingsly, ATP from the Western KY Regional AT Center. The intended audience of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Assistive Technology Specialists, Electricians, and Engineers gained information about how to adapt a ride-on vehicle for children with limited mobility. They were provided with hands-on experience adapting a ride-on vehicle and fitting the child with proper supports. Five children received modified ride-on cars that will allow them to explore their environment and participate in age appropriate activities. See: https://www.owensborotimes.com/life/2019/02/gobabygo-provides-independence-for-kids-at-wendell-foster/ for article about the event.

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

Our Western KY AT Center hosted a one-day training, "Creating an individual plan for parents/ guardians" designed to explore areas related to planning for the future of a child with a disability, including guardianship, health care powers of attorney, financial powers of attorney, and special needs trusts. The target audience included Parents, guardians, and extended family. The goal was to provide families with information that will enable them to make informed decisions. Families were able to gain valuable knowledge from a special needs attorney. The training was provided by Michele Cecil, Attorney at Law. The center also hosted another training, called "Advocacy Throughout the Lifespan". This session was conducted by David DeSanctis, self-advocate, motivational speaker, lead character in the feature film “Where Hope Grows” and member of the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities and Nicole Maher, Self-Advocacy Coordinator, for the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities and mother of a 19-year old daughter with Down syndrome. The objective of this training was to learn how to advocate for yourself and/or your child or adult with a disability. The target audience was adults with disabilities, parents, guardians, and extended family. The goal was to learn from a self-advocate and a parent about how to advocate effectively in a variety of situations. Attendees were able to learn practical information that will help them in their advocacy efforts.

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

Jimmy Brown, KATS Program Coordinator and Carol Weber, OVR Rehab Tech Branch Manager, conducted a training session at the annual EEO conference hosted by the KY Personnel Cabinet. The session focused on the basic steps of creating an accessible Word Document, converting the document to an accessible PDF and how to test existing Word and PDF documents for accessibility. Attendees included both State government employees and Private Sector employers. Attendees were encouraged to bring their own laptops to follow along with the trainers in creating an accessible word document from scratch.

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 379
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 284
No known outcome at this time 43
Nonrespondent 00
Total 706
Performance Measure Percentage 93.9%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

None at this time

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 0%
Employment 50%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 50%
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:

KATS provided technical assistance to the state Personnel Cabinet on developing an accessible time sheet for state employees to report work time on. KATS collaborated with OVR to develop and test the time sheets. Prior to this, state employees using screen readers would have to rely on a sighted coworker to complete their time sheets for them. KATS also worked with the cabinet on making sure information on insurance and other employee benefits were provided in an accessible format. As a result of this TA, a workgroup was created to address ongoing accessibility needs for state employees. The workgroup consists of staff from KATS, OVR, Personnel and representatives of the State ADA Coordinators. The workgroup meets monthly via zoom webinar platform and in person as needed.

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

C. Notes:

None to report

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 KATS Network and its Regional AT Center in Owensboro co-sponsored a Special Needs Expo at the Convention Center in downtown Owensboro. Families attending were able to learn valuable information about the services and programs offered in this community, and the agents attending also learn as vendors. Vendors included booths set up with information on adult day services, advocacy and support, assistive technology, behavior supports and early childhood information. The expo also offers employment information, future planning help, health and rehabilitation vendors, recreation and waivers. In addition to the vendors, Ambucs trike screenings were provided by Wendell Foster’s Physical Therapists on site. There was also a sensory room available for those needing to take a break during the event. The event was advertised in local newspapers and Facebook, with a reach of (est.) 48,000 readers and subscribers. There were over 400 families in attendance. An article was published at https://www.owensborotimes.com/features/non-profits/2019/07/wendell-foster-hosting-second-special-needs-expo/

2. Our Owensboro regional AT center hosted an Open House event in celebration of AT Awareness Day on March 27, 2019. The event provided information on AT Funding resources, AT Demos, switch adapted toys, AT Reuse, among others.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 2,210 00 2,210
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 1,373 23 1,396
Representative of Education 186 01 187
Representative of Employment 13 00 13
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 18,051 08 18,059
Representative of Community Living 1,426 07 1,433
Representative of Technology 85 05 90
Unable to Categorize 05 01 06
Total 23,349 45 23,394

Notes:

None to report

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.

Personnel information provided to new and existing state employees were made accessible. This includes time sheets, information on insurance and other benefits as well as personnel memos sent out to state employees. Personnel Cabinet staff were trained to learn how to create and edit accessible documents. KATS staff are now represented on work groups developing documents.


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.)

KATS provides annual training to cabinet staff and state EEO and ADA coordinators on accessible documents, ADA and general accessibility. KATS presented at the the annual statewide EEO Conference attended by both state and private employers.


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

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT


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
Private$1,176Reuse
Private$71,000Device Loan
Amount: $72,176

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).

None to report


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 09 2020 08:41:41 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.