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

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

G. Notes:

Maryland's low interest financial loan program, the ATLP, experienced a sharp decline in approved applications between FY19 and FY20. In an effort to preserve the loan fund as it has not generated new funds since 2007, the program implemented lowered loan limits, reducing the number of applications received for adapted vehicles (typically the largest portion of the loan program portfolio). In addition, as COVID established itself as a national pandemic starting in March of 2020, the ATLP experienced a sharp decline in loans as many people faced economic insecurity, effectively reducing loan requests for the second half of the federal fiscal year.

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

G. Notes:

During FY20, the Maryland AT program's device exchange Facebook page experienced reduced identifiable exchanges, largely due to the COVID19 pandemic. However, the program was able to continue its other equipment reuse activities, and launched its High-tech AT Reuse Center in January 2020. Although the data numbers in this area reflect a decrease due to the pandemic and obvious concerns around transmittable viruses on reused equipment, the program anticipates a more level reuse numbers in FY21.

I. Notes:

The number of device loans was significantly reduced in FY20 because of COVID-19. With the outset of the virus in March, MDTAP and its regional contractors stopped all device loans until May, at which time we began loaning only items related to COVID needs. In July, we resumed regular device loans with extensive sanitation protocols in place, and adjusted the loan process by shipping out devices one day a week, and receiving devices back on a limited, scheduled system. Because of these limitations, the number of device loans were drastically reduced. However, we are hopeful that in FY21 we will resume more level activity around device loans.

G. Notes:

As a recurring data theme this year, MDTAP experienced a reduction in device demonstrations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As MDTAP worked to convert its services to a virtual platform, and support our regional contractors in this process, we were unable to maintain a level of device demonstrations that had been consistent for our program previously. MDTAP and our regions have now converted to virtual demonstrations, with extremely limited in-person demonstrations (on a case-by-case basis). We anticipate that for FY21, our numbers of device demonstrations will start to return to more consistent level with previous years.

C. Description of Training Activities

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

On 11/6/19 MDTAP staff trained ADA Coordinators for the Maryland Court system on using assistive technology in the courtroom. This included discussing what was already in the courts and the availability of device loans from MDTAP for other items. The intended impact is that lawyers and other court staff will be able to help meet the needs of jurors and witnesses with AT needs.

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

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

ICT staff worked with the Governor's Office of Maryland to provide training to communications staff on how to create accessible Executive Orders (EOs). ICT staff was first approached in March 2020 to support accessibility needs when the Governor began releasing multiple Executive Orders in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. As ICT staff worked to remediate these orders, they also worked with the office to identify key communications staff that would be trained to handle the remediation's going forward. The initial training was provided April 7th, and focused on using Adobe Acrobat DC specifically to make executive orders accessible through manual and automated remediation procedures. A follow up training has been scheduled for new staff in the Governor's Office. As a long-term solution to this issue, the Governor's Office has identified the need to create screen reader friendly versions to exist in addition to, not to replace, the original executive orders, because the Executive Orders are nearly always are posted online at a moment's notice. Staff has also discussed and will confer with ICT staff on how to house the accessible EOs on the Governor's website in a way that is easy for users to find.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

MDTAP supported the MD State Arts Council in their development of an accessibility policy to ensure physical and digital access to events they run, events they support through grants, and to the artists that are supported through their initiatives. This work will including serving as advisor on the development of their policies, their notification forms for inaccessible events, and providing direct resources to their team on funding, remediation, and modifications. Staff participated in multiple planning sessions, resulting in a comprehensive accessibility guide and development of ADA compliant policies around ensuring access to services both in-person and virtually. MDTAP also provided guidance on a wide range of assistive technology that can be incorporated into events to increase access and meet ADA compliance.

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

MDTAP worked closely with the Maryland Department of Aging and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to facilitate cross collaboration as it related to CARES Act funding for technology. MDTAP staff, with additional support from the MD Department of Disabilities, pulled together planning meetings so that all the agencies could collaborate on how CARES Act funding would be allocated to Marylanders without duplication of services or efforts. Through bi-weekly and then monthly planning calls, the programs identified a system in which the Department of Aging would purchase technology for seniors in the community in need of equipment to reduce social isolation and attend doctor's appointments; the CILs would purchase the equipment for consumers in nursing facilities seeking to transition out and stay connected with family and providers; MDTAP would provide AT consultation to both agencies and device loans to all consumers waiting for equipment through either the CIL or MDoA.

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. After Maryland shifted to remote work and learning, especially in the area of developmental disability services, MDTAP Was invited to present a session on AT supports during the Developmental Disability Administrations weekly provider resource webinar, hosted on June 12, 2020. MDTAP's ED hosted a 45 minute presentation and discussion with DDA leadership and DDA providers, families, and individual clients. The session was attended by 618 people across Maryland and the focus included using AT to support remote services, reduce social isolation, and continue engaging in needed medical and provider appointments.

2. On January 21, 2020, MDTAP's Executive Director provided an AT presentation and MDTAP overview to the Maryland Civil Rights Commission. This was in honor of the 30th anniversary of the ADA and included a discussion of the impact of AT in equalizing access for people with disabilities, a brief history of the movement of assistive technology, and an overview of AT services in Maryland currently. Approximately 15 people attended in person.

Notes: