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? | No |
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? | 01 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: STAR administers MN's accommodation fund for employees/applicants of executive branch agencies. |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 03 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 02 |
C. Total Served | 05 |
Performance Measure | Number |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 05 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 00 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Executive Branch agencies have a legal responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to their state employees and applicants; therefore, this information should be excluded.
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded |
Value of
AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 03 | $2,040 |
Hearing | 01 | $60 |
Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 01 | $997 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
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 | 05 | $3,097 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 00 |
---|
An employee of the Department of Natural Resources was having a difficult time performing their job duties due to vision loss. After the purchase of Zoomtext and dedicated training, their efficiency has once again returned.
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 | 00 | 00 |
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 | 00 | 00 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 05 | 100% |
Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 05 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 02 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 170 |
C. Total | 172 |
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 | 172 |
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 | 02 | $600 | $0 | $600 |
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 | 02 | $600 | $0 | $600 |
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 | 01 | $3,500 | $0 | $3,500 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Speech Communication | 98 | $393,248 | $0 | $393,248 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Daily Living | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Environmental Adaptations | 71 | $59,175 | $0 | $59,175 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 170 | $455,923 | $0 | $455,923 |
A 67-year-old gentleman was diagnosed with ALS. He is an iPad user. As his disease has progressed he is spending more time in bed and is having increased difficulty holding his iPad and touching the screen. We were able to loan him an adjustable iPad floor stand allowing him to position the iPad ideally for where he could best access it, thus lengthening the time he could use this device that he was accustomed to and comfortable with. Without proper device positioning, he was simply too weak to get his hand/fingers to the screen. This gentleman used his iPad's text to speech app for communication, as well as being able to stay in touch with his family members and support system via email and Facebook. Being confined mostly to his bed as his ALS progressed meant he needed his iPad more than ever, so the mount allowed him some extra time with that device before needing to transition to an eyegaze device.
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 | 170 | 170 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
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 | 01 | 00 | 171 | 172 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 01 | 00 | 171 | 172 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 01 | 00 | 171 | 172 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 172 | 100% |
Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 172 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 322 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 14 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 16 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 22 |
Total | 374 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 58 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 99 |
Representative of Education | 148 |
Representative of Employment | 12 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 28 |
Representatives of Community Living | 06 |
Representatives of Technology | 23 |
Total | 374 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number |
---|---|
Vision | 32 |
Hearing | 17 |
Speech Communication | 206 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 75 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 24 |
Daily Living | 53 |
Environmental Adaptations | 46 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 49 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 20 |
Total | 522 |
A mother requested the Karaoke Machine to use with her son. He is 6-years-old and loves anything to do with music and dancing. He receives support for ADHD and can have difficulty staying on task. He also can have challenges regulating his emotions safely when he is upset. After having the karaoke machine at home for a couple of weeks, the parent-reported that they have used it several times. When her son is feeling upset, talking, or singing into the karaoke machine microphone has helped him express what he is feeling more readily. This has helped him manage his emotions more safely. It has also helped his mom know what he is feeling so she can support him. During this time of distance learning, the parent indicated that the karaoke machine has been a helpful tool for practicing rote skills with her son. Historically, he has shown resistance to the repeated practice of skills, but he has been more willing to practice spelling and math tasks when he can use the karaoke machine.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 136 | 15 | 88 | 239 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 27 | 02 | 28 | 57 |
Subtotal | 163 | 17 | 116 | 296 |
Have not made a decision | 23 | 00 | 03 | 26 |
Subtotal | 186 | 17 | 119 | 322 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 186 | 17 | 119 | 322 |
Performance on this measure | 87.63% | 100% | 97.48% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 10 | 02 | 02 | 14 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 07 | 10 | 05 | 22 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 02 | 01 | 00 | 03 |
4. Subtotal | 19 | 13 | 07 | 39 |
5. None of the above | 11 | 01 | 01 | 13 |
6. Subtotal | 30 | 14 | 08 | 52 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 30 | 14 | 08 | 52 |
9. Performance on this measure | 63.33% | 92.86% | 87.5% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 322 | 86.1% |
Satisfied | 42 | 11.23% |
Satisfied somewhat | 09 | 2.41% |
Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.27% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 374 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 09 |
Hearing | 07 |
Speech Communication | 34 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 12 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 01 |
Daily Living | 07 |
Environmental Adaptations | 06 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 33 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 |
Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 111 |
Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 59 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 35 |
Representatives of Education | 21 |
Representatives of Employment | 12 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 39 |
Representative of Community Living | 11 |
Representative of Technology | 00 |
Total | 177 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 01 |
Service Provider | 54 |
Vendor | 31 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 00 |
Total | 86 |
A woman stopped in to discuss daily living aids to help her elderly husband remain in their home safely. The gentleman has been showing signs of dementia and has recently fallen several times in their bathroom. Together we explored several options to increase his safety while in the bathroom. He is at his most unstable when lowering/rising from the toilet. Due to the unique layout of the couple’s bathroom, his wife was concerned that he would fall into the bathtub if he were to lose his balance. The layout also poses a unique challenge when it comes to installing grab bars in the proper position. We explored the different styles and pros/cons of the following items to provide him with extra stability while using the toilet: toilet seat risers/raised toilet seats, toilet safety frame/ toilet safety rail, flip-up grab bar that is mounted to the wall, and clamp-on bathtub rails. Following the demo, research was conducted and possible solutions were provided via email for covering the bathtub in a way that would not damage the bathtub but would provide protection for the gentleman if he were to fall in the direction of the tub. We also provided specific equipment links so that the wife would be able to purchase the needed bathroom safety items.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 28 | 30 | 51 | 109 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
Subtotal | 28 | 30 | 52 | 110 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Subtotal | 28 | 31 | 52 | 111 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 28 | 31 | 52 | 111 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 96.77% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 170 | 96.05% |
Satisfied | 07 | 3.95% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 177 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 10 | 02 | 172 | 184 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 08 | 10 | 06 | 24 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 02 | 01 | 00 | 03 |
4. Subtotal | 20 | 13 | 178 | 211 |
5. None of the above | 11 | 01 | 01 | 13 |
6. Subtotal | 31 | 14 | 179 | 224 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 31 | 14 | 179 | 224 |
9. Performance on this measure | 58.06% | 85.71% | 99.44% | 92.86% |
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 | 164 | 45 | 139 | 348 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 27 | 02 | 29 | 58 |
Subtotal | 191 | 47 | 168 | 406 |
Have not made a decision | 23 | 01 | 03 | 27 |
Subtotal | 214 | 48 | 171 | 433 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 214 | 48 | 171 | 433 |
Performance on this measure | 89.25% | 97.92% | 98.25% | 93.76% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 98.63% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 183 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 13 |
Representatives of Education | 70 |
Representatives of Employment | 895 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 17 |
Representatives of Community Living | 09 |
Representatives of Technology | 145 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 1,332 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
1,019 | 313 | 00 | 1,332 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 41 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 78 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 1,211 |
Transition | 02 |
Total | 1,332 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
STAR presented to Minnesota's Department of Education consortium of Teachers of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students live captioning tools for the classroom. Districts have been reporting that they are not always able to get sign language interpreters and are having a hard time communicating with students in the classroom. We demonstrated live captioning in Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides. We were able to compare and contrast the features of the two software. Many of the attendees had not seen the two programs utilizing the live captioning features. This training was done pre-COVID and we are certain that once districts converted to virtual classrooms the students benefited from the prior training that educators had recieved.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
STAR has implemented an AT Transition Cross-Agency workgroup. Members of the group include the MN Department of Education, Department of Employment and Economic Development- Vocational Rehab, and Department of Human Services. The group has been reviewing and updating the Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology website ( https://mn.gov/admin/at/) this website is intended to inform users about AT, including, what it is, how to get it, how to use it. The intended audience is broad. Examples of users include; individuals with disabilities, caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, and administrators. The team is creating Assistive Technology Transitions Kits that will be available for professionals to borrow. There will be various kits based upon disability category (ie. Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Vision, etc.) additional projects include developing informational training for individuals in transition who may benefit from AT.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
STAR continues to work with Minnesota's Office of Accessibility (MOA) in a collaborative effort. Together with MOA, STAR is offering free online training (https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/accessibility/training/) on creating accessible Word documents. This training is available to all Minnesotans. During the Pandemic a number of state agencies made this mandatory training for all of their employees.
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
---|---|
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 1,211 |
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
No known outcome at this time | 00 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 1,211 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 34% |
---|---|
Employment | 42% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 9% |
Community Living | 15% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 0% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The Minnesota STAR Program Coordinator has been participating in the Technology First Task Force. The purpose of the task force, as defined in Chapter 256.01, subdivision 6 is to “advise the commissioner of Human Services on strategies to increase the use of supportive technology in services and programs the commissioner administers for persons with disabilities to enable them to live more independently in community settings, work in competitive integrated environments, participate in inclusive community activities, and increase the quality of life.” The group will be submitting their recommendations to the Commissioner in June of 2021. Current areas of discussion include; making AT more accessible to all people with disabilities, promote use and education of AT, increase consumer support of AT, and increase of AT providers especially in outstate MN.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
STAR's Program Coordinator was a member of the Advisory Task Force of State Employment and Retention of Employees with Disabilities. The 2019 Minnesota Legislature created the Advisory Task Force on State Employment and Retention of Employees with Disabilities. Minnesota Session Laws 2019, Chapter 10, Article II, Section 24 states that the task force must submit a report on strategies for attracting and retaining state employees with disabilities, including a proposal for any legislation necessary to implement the task force’s recommendations. The Task Force has finalized its report and will be submitting to the legislature in January.
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 MN STAR Program Coordinator presented to the MN Department of Human Services Support Planning Professionals' Learning Community on the topic of Assistive Technology Resources and Tools to Combat Social Isolation. The group consisted of county caseworkers who work with individuals who are on waiver services. The presentation focused on the MN STAR Program, the services that we offer and how to access them. We also showcased technology that can help with social isolation.
2.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 29 | 04 | 33 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 27 | 00 | 27 |
Representative of Education | 06 | 00 | 06 |
Representative of Employment | 37 | 00 | 37 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 21 | 00 | 21 |
Representative of Community Living | 07 | 00 | 07 |
Representative of Technology | 08 | 00 | 08 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 02 | 02 |
Total | 135 | 06 | 141 |
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 |
---|
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?
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 |
---|
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
---|---|---|
State Appropriations | $3,097 | State Financing |
Amount: $3,097 |
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Individuals Served | Other Outcome |
---|
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:27:42 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)