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 | 16 | 31 | 47 |
Approved Not made | 00 | 02 | 02 |
Rejected | 11 | 09 | 20 |
Total | 27 | 42 | 69 |
Lowest Income: | $6,240 | Highest Income: | $124,140 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$1,725,323 | 47 | $36,709 |
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 | 16 | 11 | 08 | 05 | 03 | 04 | 47 |
Percentage of Loans | 34.04% | 23.4% | 17.02% | 10.64% | 6.38% | 8.51% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 47 | 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 | 47 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 47 | $405,723 |
Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
Total | 47 | $405,723 |
Lowest | 5.5% |
---|---|
Highest | 5.5% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
259 | 47 | 5.5% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
4.1% to 6.0% | 47 |
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 | 47 |
Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Vision | 01 | $701 |
Hearing | 08 | $48,360 |
Speech communication | 05 | $16,243 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 05 | $15,215 |
Daily living | 05 | $37,272 |
Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 21 | $263,732 |
Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 02 | $24,200 |
Total | 47 | $405,723 |
Number Loans in default | 10 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $21,275 |
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? | 02 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: Funding Eligibility Assistance |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 154 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 338 |
C. Total Served | 492 |
Performance Measure | Number |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 00 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 492 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded |
Value of
AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 35 | $20,971 |
Hearing | 76 | $20,186 |
Speech communication | 43 | $40,810 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 23 | $7,981 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 91 | $120,855 |
Daily living | 191 | $68,584 |
Environmental adaptations | 19 | $79,855 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 02 | $14,842 |
Computers and related | 14 | $16,655 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 03 | $1,710 |
Total | 497 | $392,449 |
How would you describe this state financing activity? | telecommunications distribution |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 226 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 307 |
C. Total Served | 533 |
Performance Measure | Number |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 00 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 533 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded |
Value of
AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 117 | $31,302 |
Hearing | 319 | $78,009 |
Speech communication | 16 | $3,901 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 54 | $10,302 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 27 | $6,501 |
Daily living | 00 | $0 |
Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
Total | 533 | $130,015 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 00 |
---|
K-Loan, the Kansas Alternate Finance Program, worked with a family with 12 children, 2 of them having physical disabilities. K-Loan collaborated with the Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff to identify private funds to lower the cost of the loan. ATK staff were able to raise $2,500 towards the van and the parents received a K-Loan for the remaining costs. The mother sent a thank you and reported, "Having a van with a lift has made life so much easier. Lifting our children into their car seats really wasn't safe for them or for us. This is a blessing!"
George is a 22 month old boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy which results in global muscular weakness that limits his ability to move, breath, swallow or hold his head up. He is most comfortable lying down. Despite being unable to communicate in more traditional ways, he is very communicative with his family. He is unable to vocalize due to being on a ventilator, but he smiles, laughs, frowns, cries, and turns his head away slightly or looks away slightly if he is uninterested or is protesting. When George is lying down, he is able to slightly shake his head from midline and his parents recognize this slight movement, along with his furrowed brow, as his "no" response when asked a yes/no question. His family reached out to Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff to explore accessible play activities and communication options. After demonstration and loan of multiple switches and exploring placement options, he is able to activate a light contact switch to activate cause/effect toys, games, lights or say something recorded on a voice output switch. His parents have hung Christmas lights up around their living room that George can turn on/off. He is also in charge of dance parties in their home, turning on the music, disco ball, and bubbles, while his siblings dance around him. After trial use of complex communication devices, he successful used an eyegaze communication device. He called his siblings to come play when they were in another room, selected activities he wanted to play, and commented on people’s behavior (you grumpy). ATK staff funded the device through private health insurance and he is happy to keep up with his siblings.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 103 | 126 | 291 | 520 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 27 | 11 | 481 | 519 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 03 | 11 | 19 | 33 |
4. Subtotal | 133 | 148 | 791 | 1,072 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 133 | 148 | 791 | 1,072 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 133 | 148 | 791 | 1,072 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 798 | 74.44% |
Satisfied | 271 | 25.28% |
Satisfied somewhat | 03 | 0.28% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 1,072 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 00 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 422 |
C. Total | 422 |
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 | 422 |
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 | 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 |
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 | 04 | $5,490 | $0 | $5,490 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 186 | $236,031 | $0 | $236,031 |
Daily Living | 258 | $135,561 | $0 | $135,561 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 01 | $500 | $0 | $500 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | $110 | $0 | $110 |
Total | 450 | $377,692 | $0 | $377,692 |
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff received a request from a retired nurse who needed home modifications and assistive technology to continue living independently during the pandemic. Due to a double knee replacement and rheumatoid arthritis, she was not able to access all areas of her home. Her goal is to stay as independent as possible while living in her home. ATK Reuse provided a Bruno stair glide so that she could get to the basement for access to her laundry and backyard. ATK Reuse also provided a refurbished four-wheel scooter that allowed her to move safely around her basement and backyard. She also uses the scooter to go outside, get her mail, and sit on her porch swing to enjoy the fresh air and wave at neighbors.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 47 | 17 | 338 | 402 |
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. | 08 | 00 | 12 | 20 |
4. Subtotal | 55 | 17 | 350 | 422 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 55 | 17 | 350 | 422 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 55 | 17 | 350 | 422 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 356 | 84.36% |
Satisfied | 60 | 14.22% |
Satisfied somewhat | 06 | 1.42% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 422 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff moved to remote work-at-home status in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Contactless pick-up and delivery of durable medical equipment resumed in late June to mid-July 2020 depending on the positivity rate in the different regions of the state. Outreach efforts traditionally held in the summer were limited to one contactless effort therefore reducing the numbers of donations. Additionally, the cosponsorship of the Theatre Lawrence season traditionally yielded significant high value donations however due to the pandemic the theatre season was severely impacted. This remains a valuable program and our outreach efforts will resume as the virus is contained in our state.
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 202 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 02 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 91 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 29 |
Total | 324 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 202 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 29 |
Representative of Education | 47 |
Representative of Employment | 01 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 11 |
Representatives of Community Living | 20 |
Representatives of Technology | 14 |
Total | 324 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 28 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number |
---|---|
Vision | 07 |
Hearing | 36 |
Speech Communication | 40 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 108 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 68 |
Daily Living | 81 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 |
Computers and Related | 57 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 05 |
Total | 403 |
The infant toddler team and family of a 3-year old girl with significant vision and hearing loss, seizures and mobility issues received AT consultant services from Assistive Technology for Kansans staff at the Western AT Site. Her parents and the educational team prioritized a manageable way for her mom to transport her and essentials on frequent eight-hour trips to medical appointments with out of state medical specialists. ATK staff arranged for demonstrations and short-term loans of the Firefly WeGo-Push Chair and Backpack to help transport her for appointments. The Firefly GoTo Floorsitter with Backpack was tried out for in-home and private therapy. The device loans were extended to the family due to the onset of Covid-19 so there was no need to change equipment while funding was pursued. The team’s occupational therapist and physical therapist helped the AT Specialist with documentation for a funding request through the Kansas Deaf Blind Funds managed by the Department of Education. When additional funds were made available, a communication device, learning toys and switches and swing for vestibular integration were added to the request with input from the team’s speech-language pathologist and AT Specialist. The request was submitted in September and all items were received by mid-December. A shower chair and feeder seat were also provided through the ATK refurbished reuse program. The family benefited from great team collaboration and all those trips are so much easier.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 76 | 12 | 98 | 186 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 04 | 00 | 06 | 10 |
Subtotal | 80 | 12 | 104 | 196 |
Have not made a decision | 03 | 00 | 03 | 06 |
Subtotal | 83 | 12 | 107 | 202 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 83 | 12 | 107 | 202 |
Performance on this measure | 96.39% | 100% | 97.2% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 41 | 00 | 17 | 58 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 12 | 01 | 27 | 40 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 10 | 00 | 14 | 24 |
4. Subtotal | 63 | 01 | 58 | 122 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 63 | 01 | 58 | 122 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 63 | 01 | 58 | 122 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 208 | 64.2% |
Satisfied | 109 | 33.64% |
Satisfied somewhat | 06 | 1.85% |
Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.31% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 324 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff closed the ATK Loan System and loan from the regional AT Sites from March - August 2020 due to the pandemic. People who had borrowed equipment were notified to keep the devices until ATK could determine best practices for cleaning and sanitizing devices and handling boxes and packing. Some devices are still not available due to sanitization concerns. ATK did purchase UV light cabinets and wands and conducted staff training on cleaning and sterilizing devices before loan resumed.
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 25 |
Hearing | 29 |
Speech Communication | 50 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 59 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 46 |
Daily Living | 61 |
Environmental Adaptations | 04 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 03 |
Computers and Related | 27 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 04 |
Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 308 |
Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 308 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 82 |
Representatives of Education | 59 |
Representatives of Employment | 02 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 22 |
Representative of Community Living | 41 |
Representative of Technology | 05 |
Total | 519 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 527 |
Service Provider | 171 |
Vendor | 349 |
Repair Service | 141 |
Others | 18 |
Total | 1,206 |
An 11-year-old boy with autism and his single mother have worked with ATK staff in southeast Kansas since he was 3 years old. In 2017, his mother purchased an iPad for him to use and ATK staff helped the family get funding for Proloquo2Go. In 2nd and 3rd grade, Robbie learned to read and he began using his Proloquo2Go app in a new way. Rather than using picture messages, his preference was to spell out individual words. ATK staff helped his educational team explore text-based speech output apps so that he could communicate effectively in his preferred mode. Private funding was obtained to purchase a new smaller iPad Mini, a rugged case and Proloquo4Text. He used this device successfully for several years. This year, Robbie’s team contacted ATK for help replacing his iPad, which was no longer holding a charge through the day. Robbie’s mother had recently gotten a new job as a COVID Tracer, but was unable to work as she had tested positive for COVID19 and the additional stress of having his communication device down was adding considerable stress. ATK loaned a device in the interim but was able to obtain private funding for a new iPad Mini and case. A few days after delivery, Robbie dropped his new iPad and the screen broke which was about the last straw for his mom. Robbie prefers not to wear the cross body strap and tends to drop them when he's finished with them. The challenge was to find a wearable case that did not use a cross body strap. ATK staff found a belt clip holster used by contractors sold at Home Depot. Administrators at Robbie’s school collaborated with the Access Site to fund the screen repair, belt clip holster and new case. Robbie’s communication system is secure and working well and his mom is greatly relieved.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 84 | 26 | 139 | 249 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 03 | 00 | 09 | 12 |
Subtotal | 87 | 26 | 148 | 261 |
Have not made a decision | 17 | 03 | 27 | 47 |
Subtotal | 104 | 29 | 175 | 308 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 104 | 29 | 175 | 308 |
Performance on this measure | 83.65% | 89.66% | 84.57% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 334 | 64.35% |
Satisfied | 176 | 33.91% |
Satisfied somewhat | 09 | 1.73% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 519 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff began remote work-from-home in March 2020 due to the pandemic. ATK management conducted multiple staff trainings on strategies for quality virtual device demonstrations. Delivery of this core service received considerable attention and held steady during the early days of the pandemic. ATK staff held virtual meetings with State Agency staff to explain how virtual AT services worked and gain their buy-in to the new service delivery model.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 191 | 143 | 646 | 980 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 39 | 12 | 508 | 559 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 21 | 11 | 45 | 77 |
4. Subtotal | 251 | 166 | 1,199 | 1,616 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 251 | 166 | 1,199 | 1,616 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 251 | 166 | 1,199 | 1,616 |
9. Performance on this measure | 91.63% | 93.37% | 96.25% | 95.24% |
ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 160 | 38 | 237 | 435 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 00 | 15 | 22 |
Subtotal | 167 | 38 | 252 | 457 |
Have not made a decision | 20 | 03 | 30 | 53 |
Subtotal | 187 | 41 | 282 | 510 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 187 | 41 | 282 | 510 |
Performance on this measure | 89.3% | 92.68% | 89.36% | 89.61% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 98.93% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 294 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 114 |
Representatives of Education | 396 |
Representatives of Employment | 14 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 208 |
Representatives of Community Living | 230 |
Representatives of Technology | 03 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 1,259 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
198 | 1,019 | 42 | 1,259 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 276 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 65 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 585 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 06 |
Transition | 327 |
Total | 1,259 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff and Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) collaborated on five highly interactive, virtual workshops to vocational rehabilitation regions. ATK staff explained the core services (state level activities) and how to access AT Services through the AT Provider Agreement for individuals seeking employment support services from KRS, also known as Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. This information was interspersed with multiple device demonstrations tied to specific employment case studies, polling questions, and interactive planning exercises. The impact of this activity was a significant increase in request for AT services for VR customers across the state.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff (ATK) and Kansas Infant Toddler Services collaborated on a statewide interactive, virtual workshop for 73 Family Service Coordinators serving families with infants and toddlers with disabilities and delays. ATK staff reviewed the core services (state level activities) and how to access each through the regional AT Sites and the ATK Device Loan System. Devices were demonstrated and specific case studies were used to illustrate how and when to access ATK services. Over half of the case studies involved preparation for transition from infant toddler services to preschool programs. As a result of the training, family service coordinators provided requests for specific items to be added to the ATK Device Loan System inventory, shared positive stories about interactions and support received from ATK staff, and made suggestions on ways to improve ATK services. This interactive workshop was evaluated quite highly and participants requested additional training in 2021.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff revised existing materials on accessible Word and PowerPoint documents and conducted a training for 40 Kansas State University (KSU) Extension staff. The training was well received and KSU Extension requested that ATK staff develop a module on accessible documents and meeting planning. The module will be offered quarterly and made available on demand for all KSU Extension staff. This effort is in response to the concern for future meetings and conferences to be accessible for people of all abilities.
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
---|---|
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 02 |
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 03 |
No known outcome at this time | 01 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 06 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 83.3% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 25% |
---|---|
Employment | 25% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 16% |
Community Living | 25% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 9% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The onset of the pandemic in Kansas (March 2020) provided numerous opportunities for technical assistance. Assistive Technology for Kansans received requests from Kansas Rehabilitation Services and Kansas Health Policy Authority for assistance in identifying technology to implement virtual services. ATK staff provided information on a range of virtual platforms and social media that included rules on how to appropriately match the IT platform to the service. Consideration was given to the need for security, connectivity demands, timeliness, and access for the consumer.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff were asked to help identify employment technology to develop a pool of loan devices to be used by consumers served by Kansas Rehabilitation Services Pre-Employment Training Services (PRE-ETS) staff. ATK staff conducted repeated virtual meetings demonstrating technology and discussing types of devices that would be in high demand by youth with disabilities in employment settings. A pool of equipment was purchased and is available for youth across the state.
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 Western AT Access Site, a field office of Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK), devised a new targeted outreach method in response to the pandemic. Traditionally they relied on a variety of in-person events and were trying to find a new strategy. ATK staff identified underserved populations (seniors and people with health conditions who did not identify as having a disability) and then developed a list of providers and community organizations that served these populations in their region. The list included senior center staff, ministers, hospital rehabilitation staff and discharge planners, and low vision specialists. ATK staff identified key liaisons within each of these groups to increase the effectiveness of the effort and attempt to establish ongoing relationships. A mailing packet was developed that included a cover letter highlighting AT devices and programs relevant to these populations, program brochures, copies of relevant applications, and promotional items to increase the likelihood of follow-up. As a result of these efforts, Western ATK staff saw a significant increase in requests for TAP telephones, donations for the ATK reuse programs, and requests for device demonstrations.
2. The Hays Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) invited Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff to participate in their virtual, regional health fair. Invited exhibitors were asked to either submit an electronic document or develop a video highlighting their services. The Western Kansas AT Access Site staff embraced the opportunity and created a 2 1/2 minute video that highlighted three programs relevant to seniors - the Telecommunications Access Program, ATK-KEE Reuse program, and iCan Connect Deaf Blind Equipment Program. One ATK staff behind the scenes handled the cue cards and watched the time while another monitored the camera shot and lighting. The "onscreen talent" provided a succinct description of technology relevant to each program and the credits included the ATK contact information and website address. The open captioned video was posted throughout the two month virtual health fair and received more views than any other exhibitor. Furthermore, the Western AT Site staff received 2 referrals for iCan Connect and multiple requests for TAP applications. After the success of this effort, the Western ATK team conducted a productive equipment donation drive at 3 locations and attributed its success at least partially to this outreach effort.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 1,212 | 512 | 1,724 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 412 | 308 | 720 |
Representative of Education | 388 | 214 | 602 |
Representative of Employment | 98 | 88 | 186 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 336 | 319 | 655 |
Representative of Community Living | 289 | 98 | 387 |
Representative of Technology | 111 | 37 | 148 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 2,846 | 1,576 | 4,422 |
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 |
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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.
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff submitted a proposal for consideration to a task force created by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). ATK's initiative was integrated into the Kansas ACL CARES Act proposal serving seniors and adults with disabilities who were at risk of social isolation and wanting to transition from long term care facilities. The outcome of the effort was to recognize that selection of technology should be tailored to each individual's needs and personal support system with virtual training provided to increase efficacy of the technology.
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.)
Data from the project is being used to document the need for technology and mandate the coverage of digital technology and internet service plans for consumers served by the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waivers, Medicaid managed care organizations, and programs for seniors.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
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 |
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Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
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Public/State Agency | $192,500 | Demonstration |
Public/State Agency | $167,670 | Demonstration |
Public/State Agency | $285,000 | Reuse |
Private | $75,000 | Device Loan |
Public/State Agency | $22,000 | Device Loan |
Public/State Agency | $13,000 | Training |
Private | $2,100 | State Financing |
Federal | $180,000 | Demonstration |
Federal | $151,000 | Demonstration |
Amount: $1,088,270 |
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Individuals Served | Other Outcome |
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Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:21:59 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)