National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Minnesota 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Minnesota STAR Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
mn.gov/star
Mailing Address:
658 Cedar Street, Suite 358 Centennial Office Building
City:
Saint Paul
State:
MN
Zip Code:
55155
Program Email:
Star.Program@state.mn.us
Phone:
651-201-2640
TTY:
800-627-3529

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Minnesota Department of Adminstration
Mailing Address:
50 Sherburne Avenue
City:
Saint Paul
State:
MN
Zip Code:
55155
Program URL:
mn.gov/admin

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Christensen, Stacie
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
651-201-2500
E-mail:
stacie.christensen@state.mn.us
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Christensen, Stacie
Title:
Assistant Commissioner and General Counsel
Phone:
651-201-2500
E-mail:
stacie.christensen@state.mn.us
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Perron, Amy
Title:
Program Coordinator
Phone:
651-201-2295
E-mail:
amy.perron@state.mn.us

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Christensen, Stacie
Title:
Director, Community Services
Phone:
651-201-2500
E-mail:
stacie.christensen@state.mn.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? No

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? 01
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity? Other: STAR administers MN's accommodation fund for employees/applicants of executive branch agencies.
2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected
Geographic Distribution
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
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.

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
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


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? 00

D. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

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:

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 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

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 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

D. Anecdote

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.

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 00 170 170
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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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) 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

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 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

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
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

E. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

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. 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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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 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

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
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

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 01
Service Provider 54
Vendor 31
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 86

D. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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. 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

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 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

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 98.63% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
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

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,019 313 00 1,332

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
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

C. Description of Training Activities

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.

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 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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 34%
Employment 42%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 9%
Community Living 15%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 0%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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.

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. 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.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
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

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? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
State Appropriations$3,097State Financing
Amount: $3,097

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: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:27:42 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY20 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.