National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

South Dakota 2019

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
DakotaLink
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.dakotalink.net
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
City:
Sturgis
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57785
Program Email:
atinfo@dakotalink.net
Phone:
605-977-1779
TTY:
605-347-5212

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
South Dakota Department of Human Services
Mailing Address:
3800 East Hwy 34 Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 E. Capitol
City:
Pierre
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57501
Program URL:
http://dhs.sd.gov/

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
City
Sturgis
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57785
Program URL:
https://bhssc.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Hudson, Page
Title:
Program Manager
Phone:
605-977-1779
E-mail:
phudson@dakotalink.net
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Weiss, Eric
Title:
Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Phone:
605-773-4644
E-mail:
eric.weiss@state.sd.us
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Hauge, Joe
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
605-347-4467
E-mail:
jhauge@bhssc.tie.net

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Rechtenbaugh, Shawnie
Title:
Secretary, South Dakota Dept. of Human Services
Phone:
605-773-5990
E-mail:
Shawnie.Rechtenbaugh@state.sd.us

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3
Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 00 02 02
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 00 02 02

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $26,440 Highest Income: $53,098

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$79,538 02 $39,769

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
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 00 01 00 01 00 00 02
Percentage of Loans 0% 50% 0% 50% 0% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 02 100%
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 02 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 02 $37,505
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 02 $37,505

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5%
Highest 5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
10 02 5%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 02
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 02

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 02 $37,505
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 02 $37,505

6. Defaults

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? 01
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? AT Leasing Program
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
Geographic Distribution
County of Residence Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) 100
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 121
C. Total Served 221

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 221

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Type of AT Device / Service Number Provided Total Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 221 $442,000 $33,120 $408,880
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 and transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 221 $442,000 $33,120 $408,880

D. Anecdote

A long time state employee with a disability had to retire due to health issues, received a wheel chair from MERR (Our Reuse and Recycle Program) at a great cost savings and is in the process of purchasing a modified vehicle through the DakotaLink AT Loan Fund. This allowed him to go home 5 weeks earlier from the hospital if he would gone through Medicaid.

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 00 221 221
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 00 00 223 223
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 223 223
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 223 223
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 200 89.69%
Satisfied 23 10.31%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 223
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 81
C. Total 81

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 81

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 02 $508 $0 $508
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 19 $67,378 $0 $67,378
Daily Living 62 $97,931 $0 $97,931
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 83 $165,817 $0 $165,817

D. Anecdote

2 iPads were provided for distance communication using AAC apps and Skype, Facetime and email. We were also able to keep 2 people from staying in the hospital longer by being able to get them wheelchairs from the MERR Program.

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 79 79
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 00 80 80
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 80 80
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 00 00 81 81
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 98.77%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 71 87.65%
Satisfied 10 12.35%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 81
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 08
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 10

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 02
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 00
Representative of Education 06
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 10

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number
Vision 02
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 03
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 04
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total 10

E. Anecdote

A Speech and Language Pathologist was working with a recent stroke patient who lost his voice. She borrowed an iPad with a communication app it. After the successful trial she indicated that he wanted to move forward with acquiring one but did not have insurance to cover the cost of the device. Because his communication needs included distance communication we were able to refer him to the State Telecommunication Adaptive Device Program. Individuals are eligible to acquire an iPad with a communication app if they distance communication needs. He qualified for the program and was provided an iPad with training from DakotaLink.

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 06 02 00 08
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 06 02 00 08
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 06 02 00 08
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 06 02 00 08
Performance on this measure 100% 100% NaN%

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. 00 00 02 02
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 02 02
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 02 02
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 02 02
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 08 80%
Satisfied 02 20%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 10
Response rate % 100%

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 77
Hearing 04
Speech Communication 08
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 34
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04
Daily Living 13
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 79
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 220

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 226
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 88
Representatives of Education 29
Representatives of Employment 13
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 17
Representative of Community Living 03
Representative of Technology 01
Total 377

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 158
Service Provider 70
Vendor 06
Repair Service 00
Others 11
Total 245

D. Anecdote

2. I worked with a 47 year old woman from Mitchell who had a back injury due to a car accident as well as fibromyalgia and was confined to recliner and couldn’t lift or hold anything heavy and she couldn’t afford internet. We were able to get her an ultra-light computer with Dragon Naturally Speaking and a lap tray so the laptop wouldn’t sit on her legs. We also setup a range extender to port her mother’s internet to her home which was next door. Without this setup, she would not have been able to continue her master’s degree in counseling and is doing very well with that to this day.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 82 40 54 176
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 02 05 08
Subtotal 83 42 59 184
Have not made a decision 08 12 16 36
Subtotal 91 54 75 220
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 91 54 75 220
Performance on this measure 91.21% 77.78% 78.67%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 334 88.59%
Satisfied 40 10.61%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.27%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 0.53%
Total 377
Response rate % 99.47%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 302 302
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 03 03
4. Subtotal 00 00 305 305
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 305 305
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 00 00 306 306
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 98.69% 98.69%
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 88 42 54 184
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 02 05 08
Subtotal 89 44 59 192
Have not made a decision 08 12 16 36
Subtotal 97 56 75 228
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 97 56 75 228
Performance on this measure 91.75% 78.57% 78.67% 84.21%
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 99.85% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.71% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 299
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 109
Representatives of Education 92
Representatives of Employment 33
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 20
Representatives of Community Living 11
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 02
TOTAL 566

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
248 317 01 566

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 524
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 34
Combination of any/all of the above 07
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Transition 01
Total 566

B. Description of Training Activities

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

We did not have any innovative or high-impact training activity.

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

This fall I worked with 10 students in a transition format. Project SEARCH is a unique business-led transition program for students with disabilities. It provides students who want to work a chance to explore careers and develop transferable job skills. The ultimate goal: independent adults working in a competitive environment. I assessed all 10 students and provided the appropriate equipment for them to help them through this transition course. All of them were very excited for this unique opportunity and I’m already hearing about some of them identifying jobs that they would be good at.

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

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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 36%
Employment 25%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 11%
Community Living 26%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 2%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The Telecommunications Adaptive Device Program has in the past provided adaptive telephones to those with physical and sensory disabilities. Over the last several years the State opened up that program to allow people to also acquire iPads with apps related to their disability. DakotaLink makes referrals to this program on a weekly basis. Now individuals with disabilities are gaining improved access to their telecommunications needs as a result of this. As a direct result of this program these individuals are also gaining better access to the internet and their direct communication needs as well.

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

We attend at least 8 transition events annually called Catch the Wave events. During this event DakotaLink technician describe how these individuals can benefit from Assistive technology. We then explain the process to acquire this technology usually through the State Vocation Rehabilitation Program. Hundreds of transitioning students attend these events. DakotaLink also attends the Youth Leadership Forum annually in Aberdeen South Dakota. Many transitioning students work on their self advocacy and leadership skills during this event.

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. DakotaLink provided 500 newsletters, posted on 1000 listsrvs/blogs/social media. We provided presentations expos and conferences to reach 1081 people. For Recycle and Reuse, we had 3 Printed materials, 125 Internet information and 52 Presentation/Expo and Conferences.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 295 06 301
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 106 08 114
Representative of Education 32 03 35
Representative of Employment 08 01 09
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 20 07 27
Representative of Community Living 18 06 24
Representative of Technology 00 02 02
Unable to Categorize 06 02 08
Total 485 35 520

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? 00

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.


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?


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

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)

Non-State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Individuals Served Other Outcome

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 09 2020 08:49:13 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.