National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

G. Notes:

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

N/A

G. Notes:

During 2019, the NC Exchange website was deactivated due to the host company no longer serving the state AT program sites. NCATP has focused efforts on our reuse program during 2019 increasing the number of reused devices received and given out to consumers across the state. However, there were no exchanges for 2019.

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

B. Description of Training Activities

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

In October 2018, NCATP staff in Charlotte presented at two events held by the Metrolina Falls Prevention coalition. These events were attended by over 200 seniors in Mecklenburg county. During the presentation Tammy Pereboom explained how AT devices can reduce someone’s risk of falling. Topics included were changing the lighting of a room or stairway, using adaptive bathing equipment, removing tripping hazards or alternative equipment for cleaning/household chores. She demonstrated the use of the Amazon Alexa products to control lights allowing a hands-free way to increase lighting. She also had a booth at their Expo and talked individually to participants about Assistive Technology that could make them more independent in their homes. Following the expo, several individuals visited the Charlotte office of NCATP and borrowed devices.

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

NCATP Greenville staff worked with a gentleman who transitioned from the hospital/nursing care back home. The gentleman is CVA, nonverbal and bed bound. NCATP staff provided him a Tobii device for communication, alarm, and a way to connect with his local community. Staff worked with his spouse to assist with setting up the devices and provided instruction on how to operate and change the settings. A few months after returning home, the spouse contacted NCATP to obtain assistance with setting up devices in their new larger home.

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

Over the past two years, NCATP Raleigh worked with UNC Greensboro and the Beyond Academics program providing training on accessible documents and access to accessible material. This year, one student in his senior year of the program was beginning his job search and desired to continue living independently in the Greensboro area after graduation. He was having a difficult time maintaining, administering and taking his medication. This was impacting him ability to live independently away from family. NCATP staff worked with him to use his personal iPhone with downloaded apps that would serve as reminders, as well as medication managers. One app called Medisafe allowed his caregiver to monitor whether his medication was taken on time. It also maintained a current list of medications and their dosages, information on the client’s doctors, medical appointment and some basic health measurements like pulse and blood pressure. He was taught to use Siri on his iPhone to set reminders to “back up” Medisafe. Additionally, staff recommended two automatic pill dispensers were recommended helping him organize his daily medicines. These modifications made it possible for him to live independently without concerns over compromised health.

E. Notes:

We had a larger number of participants in the "no known outcome" this year. In reviewing the data, there appears to be some discrepancy with how this specific data is collected by staff. Management is currently reviewing data and providing updated training on collection of the performance measure for IT/Telecom trainings.

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

NCATP Wilmington staff worked with a 36 year old individual with a traumatic brain injury. She wanted to access Facebook and her email on her PC. She was using assistive technology peripherals and a switch. Both devices being used had broken. They included a device called a Jouse that and an eyebrow switch. Total to replace both items was well over $1,600.00. The AT staff worked with her and shared information on how to navigate text and Facebook/email through voice control on the iPhone. This new iOS system update just came out in September 2019. The staff worked with her set up her iPhone and navigate using the new voice control. Via email, she followed up with staff after several day stating that her voice control was working great and she had access to Facebook and her email through her phone. She stated she would have called but had lost her voice from "using it to much over the weekend".

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

NCATP Morganton office worked with a 93 year old lady with motor limitations living in a senior facility. Her speech is unintelligible and she has difficulty using her hands. She has a Tobii communication device that she used to communicate. Her family was interested in her participating more with family activities and visits within the community. The AT staff was able to set her with an Echo Show and tv hub. She now uses the Tobii device to communicate with her family via the Echo Show and operates her TV via the Echo and hub by using commands that are programmed on the Tobii. She and her family are thrilled at how much she actively participates with them in person and through use of the Echo Show.

C. Notes:

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. NCATP hosted the 2018 Assistive Technology Expo Vendor event held on October 5, 2018 at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center located in Raleigh, NC. This annual affair serves to meet the needs of NC citizens with disabilities through providing access to numerous services. Over 200 citizens participated from across the state which included parents of children special needs, older adults, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and other various professionals. Over 30 vendors were represented with individual booths providing information regarding their products. Vendors also had the opportunity to present new and upcoming products and/or services during 12 (30 minute) sessions throughout the day. Some of the vendors present included: SureHands Lift & Care Systems, Quintex Low Vision, Mobility Works, Allied Instructional Services and Sorenson Video Relay Services, et.al. The event was co-sponsored by 7 local and state agencies across North Carolina. Feedback from all attendees and vendors was very positive and helped plan the 2019 event.

2. Two NCATP staff members presented at the national EEOC conference held in Charlotte NC focusing on assistive technology in the workplace. Over 350 attendees were present representing EEOC offices across the country. Following the presentation, over 50 people stopped by the NCATP booth to look at items on display. Since the presentation, NCATP staff have been requested to present at 4 separate events across the state focusing on employment, assistive technology and return to work.

Notes: