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 |
Area of Residence | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
Approved Loan made | 30 | 00 | 30 |
Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Rejected | 14 | 00 | 14 |
Total | 44 | 00 | 44 |
Lowest Income: | $6,168 | Highest Income: | $256,000 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$2,292,729 | 30 | $76,424 |
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 | 04 | 03 | 06 | 04 | 03 | 10 | 30 |
Percentage of Loans | 13.33% | 10% | 20% | 13.33% | 10% | 33.33% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 05 | 16.67% |
Partnership Loans | ||
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
With interest buy-down only | 10 | 33.33% |
With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 15 | 50% |
Total | 30 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 05 | $9,841 |
Partnership Loans | 25 | $430,781 |
Total | 30 | $440,622 |
Lowest | 0% |
---|---|
Highest | 3.75% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
94 | 30 | 3.12166666666667% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 05 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 25 |
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 | 30 |
Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Vision | 02 | $4,919 |
Hearing | 04 | $11,163 |
Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 01 | $8,350 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 05 | $35,692 |
Daily living | 00 | $0 |
Environmental adaptations | 01 | $5,800 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 16 | $372,698 |
Computers and related | 01 | $2,000 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
Total | 30 | $440,622 |
Number Loans in default | 02 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $989 |
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 |
---|
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 00 |
---|
Justin is a 30 year old man with Multiple Sclerosis. It is a progressive disease, which has resulted in him losing a drastic amount of his mobility as he has gotten older. Justin is an avid traveler, but recently simply using a walker has become unsafe and Justin has fallen several times. A manual wheelchair was not a choice for him, so using an electric wheelchair is the only way that Justin would be able to travel and get around independently. Unfortunately, Justin’s insurance would not cover the cost of the chair and he was unable to pay for the entire cost of the chair on his own. Using the Mini-Loan Program, Justin was able to use the funds to cover the rest of the cost of his all-terrain wheelchair, allowing him to once again travel independently.
George is a 62 year old man who was recently diagnosed with significant hearing loss. George’s audiologist recommended he obtain hearing aids so that he could continue his 30+ year career in emergency medical services. The hearing aids that George required are expensive and he was unsure how he was going to be able to pay the cost upfront for the devices. He was introduced to the AT Loan program through an outside agency who provided him with the application. George was approved and was able to receive a 5 year loan to pay off the cost of the hearing aids. George expressed being thrilled that the financial loan program provided him with both longer terms and a lower interest rate than he would have received had he just applied for a personal loan from his local bank. George has since received his hearing aids and hopes to continue with his job in EMS until he is forced to retire!
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 01 | 24 | 26 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
4. Subtotal | 02 | 01 | 27 | 30 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 02 | 01 | 27 | 30 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 02 | 01 | 27 | 30 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 27 | 90% |
Satisfied | 03 | 10% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 30 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 06 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 2,618 |
C. Total | 2,624 |
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 | 2,624 |
If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
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 | 03 | $3,800 | $0 | $3,800 |
Daily Living | 01 | $2,000 | $0 | $2,000 |
Environmental Adaptations | 02 | $200 | $0 | $200 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 06 | $6,000 | $0 | $6,000 |
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 | 09 | $2,913 | $0 | $2,913 |
Hearing | 27 | $6,510 | $0 | $6,510 |
Speech Communication | 01 | $476 | $0 | $476 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 02 | $692 | $0 | $692 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 2,029 | $2,253,539 | $0 | $2,253,539 |
Daily Living | 510 | $333,983 | $0 | $333,983 |
Environmental Adaptations | 17 | $2,926 | $0 | $2,926 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 23 | $9,360 | $0 | $9,360 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 2,618 | $2,610,399 | $0 | $2,610,399 |
Recently REquipment received a request from a gentleman by the name Paul who said he is at the hospital sometimes 5 days a week for dialysis and doctor’s appointments. He wanted a manual wheelchair that his wife can use to transport him in and out of their family vehicle. Previously, his wife would have to park, get out and hopefully find a wheelchair, never mind one that works. Not to mention: when was the last time it was disinfected? After receiving the wheelchair, Paul wrote to thank the program staff. He says, "Now I arrive for dialysis on time [….] and the threat of cross-contamination from a hospital wheelchair has been eliminated.” The program staff are also grateful for their interaction with Paul and his family as it raised their awareness about the risk of cross-contamination from DME serving hospital lobbies and parking lots. It has taught them that people who rely on dialysis think about the risk of infection all the time. And obtaining a wheelchair from insurance for this transport purpose is not easy.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 15 | 15 | 1,433 | 1,463 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 07 | 00 | 60 | 67 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 55 | 04 | 696 | 755 |
4. Subtotal | 77 | 19 | 2,189 | 2,285 |
5. None of the above | 16 | 00 | 120 | 136 |
6. Subtotal | 93 | 19 | 2,309 | 2,421 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 203 | 203 |
8. Total | 93 | 19 | 2,512 | 2,624 |
9. Performance on this measure | 82.8% | 100% | 87.14% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 725 | 27.63% |
Satisfied | 85 | 3.24% |
Satisfied somewhat | 22 | 0.84% |
Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.04% |
Nonrespondent | 1,791 | 68.25% |
Total Surveyed | 2,624 | |
Response rate % | 31.75% |
The number of recipients reported by partners is questionable, and is estimated to be about 10% less. Activity reports from program partners give an equal number of recipients and devices reassigned; whether this is due to a technical systems error, or data entry is being determined.
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 508 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 58 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 91 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 147 |
Total | 804 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 175 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 232 |
Representative of Education | 135 |
Representative of Employment | 04 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 125 |
Representatives of Community Living | 11 |
Representatives of Technology | 122 |
Total | 804 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number |
---|---|
Vision | 184 |
Hearing | 60 |
Speech Communication | 141 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 108 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 112 |
Daily Living | 172 |
Environmental Adaptations | 121 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 59 |
Computers and Related | 364 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 04 |
Total | 1,325 |
The MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Center in Pittsfield received a request from Jane Doe of Great Barrington, MA. She was looking to borrow a wheelchair ramp for an upcoming family gathering. An ATRC staff drove to Great Barrington to measure for the ramp and later returned and installed a portable ramp for them to use for the weekend family gathering. Jane and John Doe later wrote to thank the ATRC staff for providing them information about custom ramps in general. They were also grateful for the portable ramp that was loaned to them as it made it possible for their aunt to be part of that four generation family gathering and for their 96 year-old parents to more easily go in and out of the house with walkers.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 113 | 30 | 137 | 280 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 22 | 06 | 65 | 93 |
Subtotal | 135 | 36 | 202 | 373 |
Have not made a decision | 14 | 00 | 18 | 32 |
Subtotal | 149 | 36 | 220 | 405 |
Nonrespondent | 34 | 16 | 53 | 103 |
Total | 183 | 52 | 273 | 508 |
Performance on this measure | 90.6% | 100% | 91.82% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 58 | 11 | 70 | 139 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 31 | 11 | 39 | 81 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 16 | 01 | 14 | 31 |
4. Subtotal | 105 | 23 | 123 | 251 |
5. None of the above | 04 | 00 | 08 | 12 |
6. Subtotal | 109 | 23 | 131 | 263 |
7. Nonrespondent | 08 | 00 | 25 | 33 |
8. Total | 117 | 23 | 156 | 296 |
9. Performance on this measure | 96.33% | 100% | 93.89% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 609 | 75.75% |
Satisfied | 63 | 7.84% |
Satisfied somewhat | 22 | 2.74% |
Not at all satisfied | 03 | 0.37% |
Nonrespondent | 107 | 13.31% |
Total Surveyed | 804 | |
Response rate % | 86.69% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 30 |
Hearing | 20 |
Speech Communication | 92 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 30 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 11 |
Daily Living | 36 |
Environmental Adaptations | 27 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 106 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 |
Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 354 |
Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 204 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 86 |
Representatives of Education | 25 |
Representatives of Employment | 42 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 89 |
Representative of Community Living | 34 |
Representative of Technology | 05 |
Total | 485 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 48 |
Service Provider | 165 |
Vendor | 46 |
Repair Service | 08 |
Others | 81 |
Total | 348 |
A Speech/Language pathologist came into the AT Regional Center in Pittsfield looking to trial a variety of communication apps with a student she was working with. Her student has sensory difficulties and needed a blue light filter for all touch-screen devices. She was shown how she could use the accessibility feature in the settings in the tablets to reduce the blue light that each of the tablets would emit. The SLP was very grateful to learn about this setting and that it could be used on multiple devices. The program staff also showed the SLP several different communication apps across different tablets. She learned that she could borrow any device in-person or online from the MassMATCH website anytime she wanted to trial other device/apps.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 41 | 37 | 172 | 250 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 09 | 07 | 07 | 23 |
Subtotal | 50 | 44 | 179 | 273 |
Have not made a decision | 07 | 11 | 33 | 51 |
Subtotal | 57 | 55 | 212 | 324 |
Nonrespondent | 08 | 04 | 18 | 30 |
Total | 65 | 59 | 230 | 354 |
Performance on this measure | 76.92% | 74.58% | 77.83% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 360 | 74.23% |
Satisfied | 74 | 15.26% |
Satisfied somewhat | 18 | 3.71% |
Not at all satisfied | 04 | 0.82% |
Nonrespondent | 29 | 5.98% |
Total | 485 | |
Response rate % | 94.02% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 74 | 27 | 1,527 | 1,628 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 39 | 11 | 100 | 150 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 71 | 05 | 712 | 788 |
4. Subtotal | 184 | 43 | 2,339 | 2,566 |
5. None of the above | 20 | 00 | 128 | 148 |
6. Subtotal | 204 | 43 | 2,467 | 2,714 |
7. Nonrespondent | 08 | 00 | 228 | 236 |
8. Total | 212 | 43 | 2,695 | 2,950 |
9. Performance on this measure | 55.39% | 88.37% | 60.94% | 60.95% |
ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 154 | 67 | 309 | 530 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 31 | 13 | 72 | 116 |
Subtotal | 185 | 80 | 381 | 646 |
Have not made a decision | 21 | 11 | 51 | 83 |
Subtotal | 206 | 91 | 432 | 729 |
Nonrespondent | 42 | 20 | 71 | 133 |
Total | 248 | 111 | 503 | 862 |
Performance on this measure | 86.45% | 84.21% | 84.67% | 85.11% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 96.53% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 51.13% | 90% | Not Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 81 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 13 |
Representatives of Education | 31 |
Representatives of Employment | 16 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 179 |
Representatives of Community Living | 300 |
Representatives of Technology | 05 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 625 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
625 | 00 | 00 | 625 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 163 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 81 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 277 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 56 |
Transition | 48 |
Total | 625 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
As noted in the FY18 Annual Progress Report, MassMATCH was working on refining the content of the pressure mapping technology training we developed under the Weight and Seating Independence Project funded by the Reeves Foundation so that it can be offered online via webinar to the general public sometime in the spring of 2019. We offered the resulting training "Getting Started with Pressure Mapping” as a 60-minute webinar on 3/20/19. We chose the webinar format because it would allow a wider audience to learn about the benefits of pressure mapping. 65 individuals from a wide range of backgrounds participated. They were introduced to the causes of pressure injury and the basics of prevention, the role of pressure mapping, and how to borrow and use pressure mapping equipment. The webinar was presented by Mary Jo Wagner, OTR/L, ATP who works for the MA Dept. of Developmental Services. She has over 30 years of experience working in wheelchair clinics for people of all ages, disabilities and settings. She was assisted by Louise Colbourne who at the time was the Director of the MassMATCH AT Regional Center operated by United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County. In that capacity, Louise led the initiative to make pressure mapping systems available to borrow across the Commonwealth through MassMATCH.
Breifly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
In the summer of FY19, MassMATCH sponsored a series of AT workshops at the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). YLF is a three-day conference for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Massachusetts. YLF participants build leadership skills and leave better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living. YLF is a partnership between the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Easterseals of MA, Independent Living Centers and many other organizations. The theme of the 2019 AT presentations was “AT will take you places”. Easterseals staff presented three different workshops titled Live, Learn, Work, all of which were aimed at demonstrating the degree to which AT can impact the lives of youth with disabilities, especially as they transition to adulthood. At the Learn presentation, participants learned about and tried apps they can use in school. In the Work presentation, participants were exposed to and they tried apps for the workplace.
Breifly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
MassMATCH hosted two full-day trainings on ICT Accessibility for people in Massachusetts. The trainings were held on 9/23/19 and 9/24/19 and were attended by a total of 65 unique individuals. Participants included web content managers and designers for state and private agencies, policy and legal staff, and many others who regularly use or who wanted to learn to create accessible MS Word, PowerPoint and PDF documents. Participants were introduced to a variety of topics including: Introduction to ICT Accessibility, Web Accessibility, Accessibility in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, and Accessibility in Adobe PDF Files. Participants rated the training very highly, as reflected in their evaluations. They were very happy they had the chance to learn about web accessibility, how to make accessible documents as well as the laws and standards that help ensure information is readable and usable by a wide audience, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The trainings were led by Rob Carr, ICT Accessibility Program Manager and Lyssa Prince ICT Accessibility Coordinator, both from Oklahoma ABLE Tech.
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 | 09 |
No known outcome at this time | 36 |
Nonrespondent | 11 |
Total | 56 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 16.1% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Education | 0% |
---|---|
Employment | 0% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 40% |
Community Living | 45.71% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 14.29% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
In early September 2019, MassMATCH participated in a focus group organized by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority MBTA's System-Wide Accessibility Department which was aimed at soliciting in-person feedback from MBTA customers who are blind or have low vision. The purpose of the focus group was to share information about ongoing projects designed to improve access for blind and low-vision customers. At the session, the MBTA staff discussed key policies & projects, ongoing initiatives, reviewed what works well and what does not, as well as current mobile applications under development/review. As a direct result of the participation in the focus group, Kobena Bonney, the MassMATCH Program Coordinator, who is himself blind began to work with staff from the MBTA's Customer Technology Unit on a mobile application they are developing. The app, which is still in the testing and development stages, is an iPhone application that makes it easier for travelers who are blind or visually i
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
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. In the lead-up to the first ICT accessibility training in MA, MassMATCH and our partner agency Easterseals of MA mounted a very extensive public awareness campaign to promote the upcoming training to a very wide audience. We employed some of the channels we have used in the past as well as new ones. We produced a series of electronic documents that we distributed to our respective mailing lists. We also created and disseminated announcements about the training via direct mail, blog posts and other social media channels. Furthermore, we promoted the training at most of the conferences and events we attended such as the statewide Disability Summit hosted by the Mass Office on Disability, the 3-day Abilities Expo Boston, the annual Human Service Providers Conference, and the annual statewide Independent Living Conference. The success of the campaign is reflected in the large number of people who registered to attend the two-day training, given the amount of time commitment that required.
2. In FY19, The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) applied for and received funding from ACL to carry out the Empowering Choices project. This was in partnership with two other partner agencies, Easterseals of MA and Southeast Center for Independent Living (SCIL). One unique feature of the project was the introduction of the concept of Community Ambassadors as an innovative way to conduct public awareness or outreach for the project. SCIL recruited two individuals – one from the Fall River area and another from New Bedford - to be the Community Ambassadors. Their job was to promote the financial literacy trainings, assistive technology and other disability or elder service resources to the targeted communities. The Community Ambassadors distributed materials and spoke with people at over 218 local community agencies, neighborhood meetings, shelters, libraries, housing authorities, and apartments in New Bedford and Fall River. The Community Ambassadors also hosted resource tables and spoke with participants about the project at eight community resource fairs. Another feature of the Empowering Choices initiative was the set-up of the Outreach Innovations Working Group. the group organized two focus groups, one in New Bedford and one in Fall River, to discuss how to effectively reach members of target communities. Participants discussed the importance of being part of the community that they serve, of going to community events, being a part of where the people go. Participants engage with multiple forms of outreach such as, fliers, social media, newsletters, and being present at community events. Through the outreach efforts of the Community Ambassadors, many individuals as well as local community organizations in the targeted region became more aware of assistive technology along with the other programs. Furthermore, project partners identified the importance of personal involvement and connections with specific community members and leaders in order to engage with members of the underserved populations.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 2,415 | 109 | 2,524 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 2,849 | 57 | 2,906 |
Representative of Education | 113 | 33 | 146 |
Representative of Employment | 171 | 45 | 216 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 1,494 | 22 | 1,516 |
Representative of Community Living | 196 | 95 | 291 |
Representative of Technology | 49 | 09 | 58 |
Unable to Categorize | 1,300 | 346 | 1,646 |
Total | 8,587 | 716 | 9,303 |
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 |
---|
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?
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?
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
---|
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
---|---|---|
State Appropriations | $51,377 | Device Loan |
Private | $2,027 | Device Loan |
State Appropriations | $669,226 | Reuse |
Federal | $626,103 | State Financing |
State Appropriations | $270,000 | State Financing |
Amount: $1,618,733 |
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Individuals Served | Other Outcome |
---|
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 09 2020 08:42:52 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)