National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Nevada 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Nevada Assistive Technology Collaborative
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/ATforIL/Nevada_Assistive_Technoloyg_Collaborative_(NATC)/Nevada
Mailing Address:
9670 Gateway Drive, Suite 100
City:
Reno
State:
Nevada
Zip Code:
89521
Program Email:
jrosenlund@adsd.nv.gov
Phone:
7756870835
TTY:
7756882969

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Aging and Disability Services Division
Mailing Address:
9670 Gateway Drive, Suite 100
City:
Reno
State:
Nevada
Zip Code:
89521
Program URL:
http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/ATforIL/Nevada_Assistive_Technoloyg_Collaborative_(NATC)/Nevada

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):
Rosenlund, John
Title:
Social Services Program Specialist III
Phone:
7756870835
E-mail:
jrosenlund@adsd.nv.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
John Rosenlund
Title:
NATC Director; SSPS III
Phone:
7756870835
E-mail:
jrosenlund@adsd.nv.gov
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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
John Rosenlund
Title:
NATC Director; SSPS III
Phone:
7756870835
E-mail:
jrosenlund@adsd.nv.gov

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? last resort activity
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) 86
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 17
C. Total Served 103

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 103

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

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 09 $7,842
Hearing 14 $28,982
Speech communication 04 $3,523
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 03 $2,480
Daily living 48 $170,724
Environmental adaptations 201 $700,153
Vehicle modification and transportation 29 $171,578
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 308 $1,085,282


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

B is a 4 year old boy with a very rare syndrome. He requires full assistance with all his care needs, including transferring with his ventilation equipment. His mother was struggling with transfers to the toilet and bathtub and back to his chair with all the breathing equipment attached. His mother is the primary caregiver his grandmother pitches in as well. Adding to the struggle his mother had health issues as well and was in danger of becoming injured and unable to provide care for her son. The case was prioritized to avoid any possibility of institutionalization. An overhead lift system was installed enabling the mother to lift her son out of bed and transfer him to the various self-care areas and be able to control the breathing equipment as well. His mother states the system is a life saver. Bs mother, and grandmother, are now able to transfer him without any risk of injury to anyone.

Impact Area

A is a senior that lives alone. She only has one relative in the state could periodically check in on her. She experienced a fall that caused her to be hospitalized. Her home was not accessible enough for her to return and she was placed in a rehab facility. Her family member reached out to the AT/IL Program to see what could be done to address accessibility is the home. She needed to be able to access the bathing and toileting area independently, as well as something to assist her with transferring in or out of her mobility device to/from her bed. All possible solutions were explored with A and her family member to determine what the best solutions were for her and would enable her to come back home and independently care for herself. The bathroom was modified with a roll-in shower, a grab bar next to her toilet, and bed rail provided to aid in transfers in her bedroom. These modifications met her bathing, toileting and transferring goals, which were prioritized for her to return home. Besides her physical limitations, A also has hearing loss, making it difficult for her to be able to communicate. Options were explored and the final solution was to obtain hearing aids. A is happy to live at home and in her community. It is extremely likely that without the assistance of the AT/IL Program that A would have not been able to return to her home. This would not only have resulted in an unnecessary placement but also a significant cost. The modifications and service costs were far less than 90 days in a care facility.

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 48 48
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 52 53
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 01 01
4. Subtotal 01 00 101 102
5. None of the above 00 01 00 01
6. Subtotal 01 01 101 103
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 01 101 103
9. Performance on this measure 100% 0% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 51 49.51%
Satisfied 05 4.85%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.97%
Nonrespondent 46 44.66%
Total Surveyed 103
Response rate % 55.34%

G. Notes:

The Assistive Technology for Independent Living (AT/IL) program uses state funding to make direct AT purchases. The program helps consumers develop their Independent Living goals, identify barriers, provide potential AT solutions, and explain the options that the consumer has available to obtain the AT solution. The program’s focus is to keep individuals in their community. The resources can be used to provide many forms of AT including home access modifications, vehicle mods, and AT that is necessary daily living. The program prioritizes if the services is related to a Transition from institutional living, as well as Preventative. Program funding provided 83 AT solutions that had Prevention implications and 19 AT solutions were provided for Transition of the consumer from a care facility and back into the community. We could not report 83 AT solutions from other resources, but that too is a benefit of this program, identifying other resources for the consumer.

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,513
C. Total 1,513

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 1,513

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 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

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 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 1,247 $240,680 $0 $240,680
Daily Living 1,073 $77,010 $0 $77,010
Environmental Adaptations 52 $10,113 $0 $10,113
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 2,372 $327,803 $0 $327,803

D. Anecdote

The consumer is a 16-year-old with a significant disability. His grandparents had recently taken guardianship. Due to pending insurance and other obstacles, the family were referred to CARE Chest for assistance. The consumer needed several AT devices for his personal mobility and to accommodate his specific needs. Through the Durable Medical Equipment program (Reuse Program) he was able to obtain a wheelchair, a front wheeled walker, and a walker with seat to cover all his personal mobility needs. The AT device enabled him to remain in school and independently move throughout the school without having to rely on others.

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 1,314 1,314
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 04 16 20
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 135 135
4. Subtotal 00 04 1,465 1,469
5. None of the above 00 00 44 44
6. Subtotal 00 04 1,509 1,513
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 04 1,509 1,513
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 97.08%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,472 97.29%
Satisfied 41 2.71%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,513
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

NATC community partner CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada has maintained this significant Reutilization of AT in Nevada for 30 years. The program continues to grow and make impacts be collaborating with other organizations that deliver food and resources to rural communities. The program continues to make huge impacts to those with both limited and no resources available to them. The availability of appropriate used AT prevents a larger waitlist to the statewide Assistive Technology for Independent Living (AT/IL) program. All consumers accessing the AT/IL program are encouraged to donate AT that is no longer needed. After losing a long-time partner in southern Nevada the NATC will continue to work with and support reuse efforts that support all people with disabilities and maximize the reuse of AT within the state.

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) 11
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 05
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 14
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 40
Total 70

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 25
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 02
Representative of Education 01
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 37
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 70

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number
Vision 13
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 06
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 10
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10
Daily Living 15
Environmental Adaptations 11
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 05
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total 70

E. Anecdote

A young high school student and her family contacted the program to inquire about technology that might assist her in her schoolwork. She has difficulty with reading, comprehension, and other language processing barriers. The school had provided some resources, but the student needed tools at home. The program explored options with the student and family as a whole and the student knew exactly what she needed, which were basic accessibility tools such as reading text out loud, word prediction and completion, and things like task reminders. The student and family had some experience with tablets and the program provided a loaner tablet as an accommodation to complete the remaining school year. The family would also look into acquiring a device down the road. This situation highlights the importance of AT lending for a short-term accommodation. Many of the systems, or resources, that may provide the AT are not quick acting. AT programs can fill gaps in service and provide a resource that has an immediate impact on the life of the person with a disability and their support network.

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 03 00 07 10
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 03 00 07 10
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 03 00 07 10
Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
Total 04 00 07 11
Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

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. 02 02 04 08
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 13 07 01 21
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 04 18 24
4. Subtotal 17 13 23 53
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 17 13 23 53
7. Nonrespondent 01 01 04 06
8. Total 18 14 27 59
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 32 45.71%
Satisfied 16 22.86%
Satisfied somewhat 04 5.71%
Not at all satisfied 01 1.43%
Nonrespondent 17 24.29%
Total Surveyed 70
Response rate % 75.71%

I. Notes:

The impact of Covid in Nevada was significant. Prior to the state shut down our number of consumer engagements were consistent, but this changed significantly just prior to the state shut down. Accessing the inventory had challenges as well as sanitization concerns which likely impacted consumer requests. Initially the unknowns were an issue and later the inability to obtain supplies. The most significant impact was trying to rebuild a program this year. The NATCs long time community partner ended an AT program that was supported since 2005. Rebuilding was going to be tough enough but with Covid there were hiring freezes and the inability to travel or secure office space. Fortunately, as the operational year came to an end the program was able to hire one staff and is securing a location for the program to live. As restriction reside, we look forward to engaging with people directly again and rebuilding a solid AT resource center.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 32
Hearing 02
Speech Communication 03
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10
Daily Living 20
Environmental Adaptations 06
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 03
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 81

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 51
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01
Representatives of Education 04
Representatives of Employment 03
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 08
Representative of Community Living 14
Representative of Technology 00
Total 81

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 06
Service Provider 01
Vendor 02
Repair Service 03
Others 00
Total 12

D. Anecdote

Completed multiple device demonstrations with the Veterans Hospital in Northern Nevada in order to establish and enhance their assistive technology program. They were particularly interested in switch controls for individuals with upper body motor control issues and home automation technology so folks could control their environment whether in the hospital or at home. The program demonstrated a variety of wired and bluetooth switches that might be used to control phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. These demonstrations lead to a number of device loans and trainings and our relationship with the VA Hospital as a community partner is a success.

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 05 04 49 58
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 04 03 12
Subtotal 10 08 52 70
Have not made a decision 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 10 08 53 71
Nonrespondent 00 00 10 10
Total 10 08 63 81
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 82.54%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 37 45.68%
Satisfied 18 22.22%
Satisfied somewhat 11 13.58%
Not at all satisfied 01 1.23%
Nonrespondent 14 17.28%
Total 81
Response rate % 82.72%

G. Notes:

The impact of Covid in Nevada was significant. Nearly all demonstrations before the state shut down were in-person engagements. Moving to online platforms works for only those that are not behind the digital divide. Other impacts were that the program did not always have the ability to have AT present and hands on for the consumer. The most significant impact was trying to rebuild a program this year. The NATCs long time community partner ended an AT program that was supported since 2005. Rebuilding was going to be tough enough but with Covid there were hiring freezes and the inability to travel or secure office space. Fortunately, as the operational year came to an end the program was able to hire one staff and is securing a location for the program to live. As restriction reside, we look forward to engaging with people directly again and rebuilding a solid AT resource center.

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. 02 02 1,366 1,370
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 14 11 69 94
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 04 154 160
4. Subtotal 18 17 1,589 1,624
5. None of the above 00 01 44 45
6. Subtotal 18 18 1,633 1,669
7. Nonrespondent 01 01 04 06
8. Total 19 19 1,637 1,675
9. Performance on this measure 88.89% 72.22% 87.88% 87.72%
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 08 04 56 68
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 04 03 12
Subtotal 13 08 59 80
Have not made a decision 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 13 08 60 81
Nonrespondent 01 00 10 11
Total 14 08 70 92
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 84.29% 87.91%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 98.93% 95% Met
Response Rate 95.64% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 267
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 13
Representatives of Education 06
Representatives of Employment 03
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 54
Representatives of Community Living 09
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 15
TOTAL 367

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
334 24 09 367

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 78
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 44
Combination of any/all of the above 111
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 103
Transition 31
Total 367

C. Description of Training Activities

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

During COVID-19 restrictions that began in March of 2020 the program moved its User Group for individuals with vision impairments to an online platform. This particular group as well as the general population was unfamiliar with these platforms such as Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. In addition, as we soon found out using certain assistive technology such as screen readers while on a Zoom meeting or in a Zoom webinar created a major challenge. The program provided initial training on how to download, log in and use the platform. Then additional training was provided in how to effectively use their technology (screen readers) with the platform. We continue to address certain barriers that exist with webinars and presentations that are not fully accessible. This also led to developing a Zoom training of its own that was recorded and is being made available to the vision impaired community.

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

Provided training to the Veterans Hospital in Northern Nevada to establish and enhance their assistive technology program. Speech pathology and occupational therapy staff participated in the training. Loaned the Double Robot to their program that was used by their skilled nursing residents to be able to explore their environment beyond their hospital bed using the robot and its video technology. (Visit Doublerobotics.com for more information). The VA is continuing to improve their program so that individuals with disabilities within their setting have the opportunity to explore assistive technology during their transitions. Hopefully to a more independent living setting.

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

In October of 2019 the program provided a series of trainings to 3 different state agencies regarding effective communication for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and speech impaired. It included information on assistive technology and other devices and services such as TTY's, Relay Services, Video Remote Interpreting, and Video Relay Services. There were 60 employees trained from the 3 different state agencies and the training led to additional technical assistance and policy and procedure additions and modifications that will improve services to the deaf, hard of hearing, and speech impaired population.

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 38
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 60
No known outcome at this time 05
Nonrespondent 00
Total 103
Performance Measure Percentage 95.1%
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 21%
Employment 8%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 13%
Community Living 33%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 25%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The project assisted in the development, writing, and implementation of policies and procedures for 3 agencies within the Nevada Department of Industrial Relations as part of a settlement agreement with the Civil Rights Center/US Department of Labor. The policies and procedures clarify and improve the process of providing effective communication to consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, and speech impaired. The agencies engaged services for Video Remote Interpreting for walk-ins and developed additional processes for requesting accommodations and services.

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

Soon after the COVID restrictions in education, most students were doing online learning in Nevada. We began to hear frustrations with online platforms that school districts were using. Some of these complaints came from parents who have sensory impairments such as vision and hearing. The project decided to assist the parents and the school district to identify the barriers and to create a more inclusive environment for both parents and students. Online platforms were looked at and technical assistance was provided to both the parents and the school district. Issues were discussed about picture-based homework and how certain applications used posed a problem to a non-visual learner or parent. Awareness of the issues were addressed, and the project will be following up with the districts and schools to discuss adopting better practices in online learning.

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. An outreach strategy was utilizing The Challenger newspaper. Described as Nevadas only independent Health, Rehabilitation, Seniors and People with Disabilities newspaper. With 14 years of publishing and distributed statewide. Initially the engagement was in the form of a series of advertisements with our contact information and brief program description. That lead into having a front-page article in the September issue. The publication has a readership estimated over 20,000 individuals including service providers and agencies in the healthcare field in the State of Nevada. Here is an excerpt from that article. "We are currently living in extraordinary times in so many ways. We continue to advance exponentially in technology at such a fast pace that often we are months if not years behind what is current and where we will be going in the future. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and 22 years since the Assistive Technology Act was enacted, there is still a great deal of work to be completed. One of those areas is access to technology, and more importantly using technology to stay connected and current while in social isolation during a pandemic. So whether you are trying to work from home, attend school, or just maintaining your everyday activities, technology might be able to help. If you are an agency or a service provider and require technical assistance or would like to set up a more formal device demonstration or training, we can do that. This might take place on a more virtual platform, for the time being, but we are well positioned to offer this flexibility in these difficult times."

2. Over the course of the last year, CARE Chest has professionally produced and released 7 short films highlighting our programs and services. The films each feature clients and track their use of programming at CARE Chest. They highlight the impact made by the community at large as they donate funds or gently used equipment and supplies for reuse. To date, the films have been seen by more than 64,000 individuals across CARE Chest's service area.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 349 36 385
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 22 04 26
Representative of Education 03 06 09
Representative of Employment 02 03 05
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 07 02 09
Representative of Community Living 33 04 37
Representative of Technology 19 02 21
Unable to Categorize 09 00 09
Total 444 57 501

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? 01

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.

The major impact was the change in service delivery methods that increased equal access to information and communication technology for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf/blind individuals in Nevada trying to access a state system that was discriminatory. These changes clearly laid out the process and provided public notice of that process in a clear and concise manner. Working with the CRC at the DOL was also a great experience for the project as they were very particular in enforcing and ensuring compliance with the effective communication mandate under Title II of the ADA.


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.)

The project was recommended by the Civil Rights Center (CRC) at the US Department of Labor (DOL) to assist with a settlement agreement in an ADA Complaint involving deaf and hard of hearing barriers to effective communication. The agreement had many different parts, but several parts involved a major technical assistance and training component on technology used within this population. Those efforts included a thorough review of current policies and procedures. A written evaluation report identified existing barriers to effective communication, an action plan was developed and approved by the CRC. Based on the barriers identified in the report the action plan included the development and implementation of policies and procedures. The policy would provide information on how a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf/blind can request accommodations. (To obtain copies of policies and procedures developed contact syoungs@unr.edu)


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT


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
Federal$140,000State Financing
State Appropriations$1,318,992State Financing
Amount: $1,458,992

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 13:29:15 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.