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:

G. Notes:

People who acquired items on the exchange did so one item at a time. There were 70 items listed on the site this year. It remains difficult to contact people after exchanges to complete information

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

Demonstrations were impacted by COVID, which halted face to face demonstrations at the end of the 2nd quarter.

C. Description of Training Activities

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

MATP facilitated an online training session via Zoom during one of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council's weekly COVID-19 webinar series. The presentation focused on Assistive Technology for medication management and memory and included a live showing of how Amazon's Alexa may be able to help while at home due to COVID 19 precautions and beyond. It was a lively session with lots of good questions and comments from the participants throughout. When asked what was helpful about the training, some highlights of comments are listed below: "Resources Given for AT, AT Guides for Medications, AT for Memory and Reminders. Overall Great Resources Given at this Training! Very Helpful!" "all the different options available that some may not think about both low tech and higher tech options. Like the loan options as well." "Introductions to new technology, and very useful new tips on how to use existing technology. Great job, everyone!" "Learned more about the breadth of AT available for help with common but important functions of everyday life that I take for granted but which present huge challenges for many others. Very eye-opening as the need for such assistance can become a reality in any of our lives at any time!"

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

The AT Specialist at Disability Network/Mid-Michigan presented to a group of people with disabilities and their caregivers at Senior Services on AT for living in the community in Midland County. The group seemed most interested in small items such as the door handle grippers, remotes, and key holders. They also asked several questions about the items such as the spatulas and knives and where to get them and we reviewed where might get some items locally. The training was part of Senior Services of Midland's monthly caregivers' group where a different topic is provided every month. People at the training were responsible for purchasing or providing AT for themselves or family members they are caring for.

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

MATP team member, Kathryn Wyeth presented to 17 staff members of SAIL from across the UP on reasons why to make accessible presentations using PowerPoint and techniques for achieving them. Discussed how to evaluate and check to be sure the digital version would be accessible to those using AT. Staff indicated they would be changing their practices to incorporate the techniques for accessible presentations.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The Michigan AT Program partnered with Disability Network/Capital Area to work with the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society to address the disproportionate number of deaths among people with disabilities vs. the general population. The Fire Inspectors received funding to purchase smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and were looking for guidance from us on which devices to purchase and how to best reach the disability community, MATP and Disability Network helped connect the group with the Sonic Alerrt company and Harris Communications for fulfillment. MATP will continue to work with the Fire Inspectors on outreach to the disability community.

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

AT program staff are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of residents in nursing facilities during the COVID crisis. Residents are experiencing additional social isolation and loneliness due to visitors being banned during the crisis. TAT program staff partnered with the MDHHS staff to plan for providing technical assistance and trainings to residents and staff at facilities to implement programs funded by CMS and Civil Monetary Penalty Funds to purchase communication equipment to use in facilities. This equipment could include iPads, tablets, and Amazon echo/echo show devices and accessories that will allow residents to use video conferencing to connect with friends and family and to use apps to participate in learning and engaging activities. Trainings are planned for next quarter to assist facilities and residents to choose and implement devices and apply for funding for the devices. AT program staff are also collaborating with MDH

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. MATP provided an online presentation at the Self-Determination Conference from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHAM) (originally scheduled for in-person on May 5, 2020, and was rescheduled online for September 1st, 2020 due to the pandemic.) The presentation’s topic was Disability Pride and Assistive Technology and was attended by over 200 participants from around the state. This presentation addressed the stigma that surrounds AT, and how that stigma affects one's ability to experience the full benefit of assistive technology. Looking at assistive technology through a Disability Pride lens, MATP highlighted ways that AT can be meet the needs of a diverse spectrum of people on their journey of disability (and AT) pride. Specifically, in the following situations: 1. While traveling; 2. Use for school and work; 3. While dining out; and 4. Personal care. As a result of the success of this activity, MATP was asked to present at the Winter Conference, and other organizations in attendance expressed interest in having MATP present as well. Some of the written feedback includes: "If you can [assess] the quality of presentation by the way it changes your thinking in a positive way and increases awareness this ranks among the best I've been a part of" "This particular seminar was very valuable to me. I have worked in mental health for 25 years and have made some of the mistakes or offenses illuminated here. Will definitely help guide my future practice"

2.

Notes: