National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Montana 2019
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 05 | 04 | 09 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 05 | 04 | 09 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $14,976 | Highest Income: | $93,423 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $391,982 | 09 | $43,554 |
| 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 | 03 | 02 | 01 | 00 | 02 | 09 |
| Percentage of Loans | 11.11% | 33.33% | 22.22% | 11.11% | 0% | 22.22% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 09 | 100% |
| 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 | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 09 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 09 | $130,001 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 09 | $130,001 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 4% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 09 | 3.11111111111111% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 01 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 08 |
| 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 | 09 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 01 | $1,499 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 01 | $7,346 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 07 | $121,156 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 09 | $130,001 |
6. 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? | 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
Harvey Keim was an over-the-road truck driver for decades. Forced to retire from truck driving when he developed foot drop as a complication of his muscular dystrophy, he is still able to drive while wearing braces. That is, he can drive when he has something to drive. This year, Keim’s Ford Explorer was totaled when he hit a deer on the highway. His limited income required him to shop for a salvage title to get the best possible price, but his bank does not finance salvage titles. Bargain shopping is crucial because making any vehicle accessible increases the cost of the vehicle by $20,000-26,000. The single father of two daughters was relieved to learn about MonTECH’s Montana Assistive Technology Loan Program (MATL). Through MATL, Keim was able to purchase an accessible Toyota Sienna with a ramp for his power chair. Application to purchase took about 10 days, and now Keim is once again able to get to his appointments, run errands, and drive his girls all the many places they (think) they need to go.
N/A
E. 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 | 02 | 06 | 08 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 02 | 07 | 09 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 02 | 07 | 09 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 02 | 07 | 09 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 09 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 09 | |
| 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 | 00 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 129 |
| C. Total | 129 |
| 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 | 129 |
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
| 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
| 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 | 05 | $12,300 | $0 | $12,300 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 02 | $1,000 | $0 | $1,000 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 | $110 | $0 | $110 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 105 | $98,466 | $0 | $98,466 |
| Daily Living | 03 | $535 | $0 | $535 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 02 | $458 | $0 | $458 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 43 | $62,379 | $0 | $62,379 |
| Total | 161 | $175,248 | $0 | $175,248 |
D. Anecdote
It was life as usual for Alicia Bunch until late summer 2019, when an auto accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. So began her odyssey of learning to navigate the world with a disability and minimal income. Alicia has encountered obstacles no matter how straightforward her need. Case in point: she was prescribed a walker with a seat and brakes by her care team, yet Medicaid will only pay for a collapsible aluminum walker with neither seat nor brakes. “They’ll only cover something that’s potentially going to cause more issues,” Shea Kumaewa, Alicia’s Supportive Living Coordinator, observed. “It just seems counter-intuitive to me.” Buying the recommended walker was out of the question. “I can’t work,” Alicia explained. “I live in HUD housing and have only $250 a month. I don’t even have $20.00 to pay for a walker.” Alicia left MonTECH with a donated walker. An excellent example of needs being met by MonTECH’s re-use/exchange program, this free walker has the medically prescribed features required for Alicia to walk safely.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 05 | 02 | 120 | 127 |
| 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 | 05 | 02 | 120 | 127 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 05 | 02 | 120 | 127 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| 8. Total | 05 | 02 | 122 | 129 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 98.36% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 128 | 99.22% |
| Satisfied | 01 | 0.78% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 129 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 395 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 01 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 00 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 02 |
| Total | 398 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 362 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 03 |
| Representative of Education | 08 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 25 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Total | 398 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number |
|---|---|
| Vision | 103 |
| Hearing | 36 |
| Speech Communication | 311 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 62 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 32 |
| Daily Living | 75 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 02 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 58 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 14 |
| Total | 693 |
E. Anecdote
Jack Fay’s vision is failing. Fay served as a machinist aboard the USS Pollux and the USS Firedrake in Vietnam, 1961-1965. Now a retired senior, he likes to spend time in his shop. “I’m a fixit man,” he says. “As a mechanic, you’ve got to be able to read. But my eye sight is going because I’ve got macular degeneration.” Unwilling to be overwhelmed with technology that is new to him, Jack borrowed only one device from MonTECH: a video magnifier. One month later he came in to exchange it for something different. Jack plans a return trip in the near future to see what else is available. MonTECH staff respects his need to thoroughly trial only one device at a time, and that approach is paying off for Jack. “MonTECH is really helpful,” he explains. “It gave me an idea of what’s out there. Just because you can’t see doesn’t mean you can’t do stuff!”
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 86 | 20 | 138 | 244 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 17 | 02 | 22 | 41 |
| Subtotal | 103 | 22 | 160 | 285 |
| Have not made a decision | 13 | 00 | 23 | 36 |
| Subtotal | 116 | 22 | 183 | 321 |
| Nonrespondent | 35 | 04 | 35 | 74 |
| Total | 151 | 26 | 218 | 395 |
| Performance on this measure | 88.79% | 100% | 87.43% | |
G. 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. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 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 | 02 | 02 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 0% | NaN% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 303 | 76.13% |
| Satisfied | 20 | 5.03% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.25% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 74 | 18.59% |
| Total Surveyed | 398 | |
| Response rate % | 81.41% |
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 | 61 |
| Hearing | 08 |
| Speech Communication | 40 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 26 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 |
| Daily Living | 06 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 16 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 |
| Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 162 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 125 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 112 |
| Representatives of Education | 20 |
| Representatives of Employment | 06 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 45 |
| Representative of Community Living | 08 |
| Representative of Technology | 03 |
| Total | 319 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 96 |
| Service Provider | 07 |
| Vendor | 200 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 303 |
D. Anecdote
John wants to order a Big Mac at McDonalds without embarrassment. John’s difficulty with word recall, combined with a speech impairment, make it extremely difficult for him to order. The pressure of other customers lined up behind him compounds the problem. MonTECH offered John an iPad and provided a demonstration outlining the features of several apps that could help John decide what would meet his needs. John decided on Buzz Cards to type and save his order on a digital card. Once he’s face-to-face with the cashier, he can simply open his card and show it to her. Boom! Big Mac on the way. The second app John chose to use is App2Speak, is a communication app designed with seniors in mind. It requires simple scrolling from page to page as opposed to clicking into new screens. Increasingly customizable, one useful feature allows John to press a button, and a list of questions he might want to ask in that environment instantly pops up on the screen. Between the two apps and the support he received from MonTECH’s AT specialist, John can speak for himself now.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 51 | 17 | 75 | 143 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 51 | 17 | 76 | 144 |
| Have not made a decision | 06 | 00 | 12 | 18 |
| Subtotal | 57 | 17 | 88 | 162 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 57 | 17 | 88 | 162 |
| Performance on this measure | 89.47% | 100% | 86.36% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 315 | 98.75% |
| Satisfied | 04 | 1.25% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 319 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 05 | 04 | 126 | 135 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 |
| 4. Subtotal | 05 | 04 | 129 | 138 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| 6. Subtotal | 06 | 04 | 129 | 139 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| 8. Total | 06 | 04 | 131 | 141 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 83.33% | 100% | 97.71% | 97.16% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 137 | 37 | 213 | 387 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 17 | 02 | 23 | 42 |
| Subtotal | 154 | 39 | 236 | 429 |
| Have not made a decision | 19 | 00 | 35 | 54 |
| Subtotal | 173 | 39 | 271 | 483 |
| Nonrespondent | 35 | 04 | 35 | 74 |
| Total | 208 | 43 | 306 | 557 |
| Performance on this measure | 89.02% | 100% | 87.08% | 88.82% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Satisfaction Rating
| Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.87% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 91.35% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 251 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 64 |
| Representatives of Education | 328 |
| Representatives of Employment | 08 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 132 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 82 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 |
| TOTAL | 865 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 652 | 167 | 46 | 865 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 482 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 160 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 185 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 10 |
| Transition | 28 |
| Total | 865 |
B. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
This year, MonTECH hosted Montana’s first state-wide conference focused solely on alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). ! In order to build AAC capacity in the state, MonTECH brought in a nationally known expert in AAC systems for a full day of learning, networking, and discussing AAC needs in Montana. The conference drew approximately 85 participants and plans are already in the works for MontComm 2020.
Breifly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
MonTECH trained youth on assistive technology that can help with employment and college at the Montana Youth Leadership Forum in Helena. The Leadership Forum is a four day summer camp that empowers students to develop a leadership and resource development plan to help students transition and complete their academic and employment goals.
Breifly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
MonTECH staff trained state employees from Human Resources, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other state agencies to learn about accessible documents. Our AT Specialist was able to take information learned from the Train the Trainer in St. Louis to create and implement this training. The state ADA coordinator hired MonTECH to put on two three hour trainings that outlined the basics of accessibility for PowerPoint and Microsoft Word.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 08 |
| Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
| No known outcome at this time | 02 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 10 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 80% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 55% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 27% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 0% |
| Community Living | 18% |
| 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:
Consulted and helped plan the AT component of My Transitions conference with director Mary DiBiase. We planned sessions and organized framework for an open lab to provide school staff, parents, and youth resources on assistive technology and tools for transitioning to college or career. As a result, MonTECH was able to participate in the conference, reach a broad audience, and provide a dynamic and engaging training for youth on assisitive technology for transition.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
MonTECH staff worked with the Commissioner of Higher Education to organized technical assistance related to accessibility on college campuses. We hired a consultant to deliver trainings to key stakeholders in the MUS system. on designing practices and policies for digital accessibility.
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. MonTECH was heavily involved in planning the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation HOPE Conference in Kalispell, Montana, September 14th. The conference was free of charge and featured speakers touched on medication management, the latest research, Rock Steady Boxing, and care-partner support. Vendors, including MonTECH, added to the value of the conference. The event drew over 80 attendees and closed with a Walk for Parkinson’s on September 15th. Fifty-one enthusiastic Walk participants raised $4,609!
2. When a high school robotics team visited MonTECH this fall, we put them to work! Members of the local robotics team, along with parents and their coach, visited MonTECH to learn about assistive technology and the role the maker movement plays in the field of AT. We ended the day making adaptive switches from inexpensive parts purchased at the dollar store. One student converted a $5.00 push light into a switch, then used a battery interrupter to activate an animated toy. Another student built a rocker switch out of an LED tap light. The switches built that day were all between $1.50 and $5.00 – impressive when you consider even a basic Buddy Button switch, a no frills option, costs $65.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 114 | 30 | 144 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 131 | 13 | 144 |
| Representative of Education | 185 | 13 | 198 |
| Representative of Employment | 10 | 00 | 10 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 176 | 15 | 191 |
| Representative of Community Living | 88 | 07 | 95 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Unable to Categorize | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Total | 707 | 78 | 785 |
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.
We were able to train speech language pathologists and occupational therapists statewide on augmentative and alternative communication. This area of information is a strong need in our state and we hope to build statewide capacity in this area.
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.)
We were able to have a focus group around AAC needs. From this focus group, we started conversations with the University of Montana Speech Language and Pathology department on creating a work group that could discuss AAC related issues as statewide professional development for Speech Language Pathologists.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
B. State Improvements
1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.
2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Additional And Leveraged Funds
Additional and Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | No |
|---|
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
|---|
B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)
| 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 08:44:39 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)