National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

North Dakota 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
ND Assistive
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.ndassistive.org
Mailing Address:
3240 15th St. S., Suite B
City:
Fargo
State:
ND
Zip Code:
58104
Program Email:
info@ndassistive.org
Phone:
800-895-4728
TTY:
800-895-4728

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
1000 E Divide Avenue
City:
Bismarck
State:
ND
Zip Code:
58501
Program URL:
https://www.nd.gov/dhs/dvr

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
ND Assistive
Mailing Address:
3240 15th St S, Suite B
City
Fargo
State:
ND
Zip Code:
58104
Program URL:
https://ndassistive.org/

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Krull, Jeannie
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
800-895-4728
E-mail:
jmkrull@ndassistive.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Robyn Throlson
Title:
Acting State Director
Phone:
701-328-8950
E-mail:
rthrolson@nd.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Jeannie Krull
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
800-895-4728
E-mail:
jmkrull@ndassistive.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Robyn Throlson
Title:
Acting Director
Phone:
701-328-8950
E-mail:
rthrolson@nd.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? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3
Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 07 04 11
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 07 04 11

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $9,249 Highest Income: $116,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$388,579 11 $35,325

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less
$15,001-
$30,000
$30,001-
$45,000
$45,001-
$60,000
$60,001-
$75,000
$75,001
or More
Number of Loans 03 02 04 01 00 01 11
Percentage of Loans 27.27% 18.18% 36.36% 9.09% 0% 9.09% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 11 100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 11 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 11 $157,694
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 11 $157,694

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 2%
Highest 2%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
22 11 2%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 11
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 11

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 02 $4,173
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 09 $153,521
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 11 $157,694

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

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) 11
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) 19
C. Total Served 30

Performance Measure Number
Performance Measure Number
D. Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 30

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 07 $3,551
Hearing 05 $1,232
Speech communication 04 $1,584
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 06 $5,761
Daily living 08 $5,958
Environmental adaptations 06 $3,148
Vehicle modification and transportation 07 $6,000
Computers and related 03 $1,910
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 46 $29,144


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

A twenty-something man with quadriplegia applied for the ND Assistive Last Resort program, the Possibilities Grant, to help him acquire a special lighting package for his wheelchair. This lighting package would allow him the freedom to go out at night and still be seen by others, especially oncoming vehicles and bikes. This particular wheelchair add-on, recommended by his physical therapist, was not covered by his insurance or any other funding avenue, so his therapist suggested that he contact ND Assistive. ND Assistive raises dollars through donations and various fundraisers to help ND residents with disabilities obtain the assistive technology (AT) they need for independence. All the dollars raised go directly toward the purchase of AT through the ND Assistive Possibilities Grant program. This program is intended to be a last resort, and cannot supplant other public funding avenues (e.g., vocational rehabilitation or public schools). The man reported, “Prior to me getting my LED lights on my electric wheelchair, I was limited to taking trips only during the day. Otherwise, if I was out in the dark I could not see what was exactly in front of me or it made it hard for me to be visible to cars. Thanks to the Possibilities Grant I now can be out and take trips in the dark with my electric wheelchair with my LED Lights. These lights are on the fender both in the front and back of my electric wheelchair. They allow me now to see about 5 feet in front of me as well as I am more visible to cars now. These LED lights allow for more independence and safety for me. Some insurance plans will help pay for needed assistive technology; but if they will not cover it, I would encourage them to reach out to ND Assistive and fill out an application!”

Man in a wheelchair with the light package installed
Impact Area

The nursing home staff of a young, rural ND woman with advanced MS, contacted ND Assistive for assistance. The woman had only limited control of two fingers and exhibited a very soft voice. She wanted to independently read her Kindle books, control her TV, watch YouTube, the news, and more. She was reliant on facility staff for every aspect of her entertainment. After two visits at the facility with ND Assistive staff, which entailed equipment demonstrations, equipment set-up, and short-term loan, the woman applied for and received a grant through North Dakota Assistive’s Possibilities grant program, a last-resort funding source, to purchase all of the equipment that worked for her. The equipment included an iPad with Voice Control enabled, which allowed her to access the apps such as Kindle and YouTube; an adjustable LEVO Deluxe Rolling Bookstand mount; a Logitech Harmony Hub, Amazon Echo Dot, and smart plugs, to control her TV, DVD player, reading lamp lights, and fan; and a Zoweetek voice amplifier, which helped the iPad and Echo understand her voice commands. The woman’s OT shared, “[She] uses her equipment every day… she is independent to do whatever she chooses to do. It has greatly improved the quality of her life. She is often excited to share something she has seen on [YouTube] and loves to talk about politics. I think it has helped her open up more with staff and improved her mood. She was even trying to take her own picture using her [iPad] today. Thank you for all you have done for [her].” When asked about the difference this AT has made in her life, the woman replied, “[It] made it so I have something to do. I can keep reading my books, watching [YouTube] and listening to music” and, “Helps me be more independent and I have things to do during the day”.

A picture of a woman laying down accessing an iPad via voice control
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. 01 03 34 38
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
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 03 35 39
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 03 35 39
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 02 02
8. Total 01 03 37 41
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 94.59%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 38 92.68%
Satisfied 03 7.32%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 41
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 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 91
C. Total 91

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 91

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 09 $937 $0 $937
Hearing 74 $8,136 $0 $8,136
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 03 $1,596 $0 $1,596
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 04 $800 $0 $800
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 01 $140 $0 $140
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 91 $11,609 $0 $11,609

D. Anecdote

A North Dakota man was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2017 and had recently moved into a nursing home in 2018 when he first contacted ND Assistive about getting an accessible cell phone. At the time, he had a flip phone that was unusable because his ALS had progressed to affect his limbs, and he was unable to dial or hold the flip phone. He received an iPhone 8+ from the ND Assistive Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Service and also received a Blue Ant Bluetooth Q2 No Button headset that allowed him to use his voice to call and use features on his cell phone. In July of 2020, the man called the AT consultant who was working with him and said that the Blue Ant Bluetooth Q2 No Button headset was damaged and no longer worked. The AT Consultant searched the web and found that the Blue Ant Bluetooth Q2 No Button headset was no longer sold. She searched the ND Assistive Device Reutilization shelves and found a Blue Ant Bluetooth Q3 No Button headset that worked the same as the Q2. Fortunately, the man still has a strong voice and was thrilled to be able to get the device that was working for him even though it wasn’t sold any longer. The man stated, “The Bluetooth headset has been extremely helpful. It has allowed me to stay in contact with my family and friends thru this pandemic period. It has allowed me to have the independence to answer the phone without any assistance. I am so grateful for Beth.”

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. 01 00 76 77
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 12 13
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 02 00 88 90
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 02 00 88 90
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 03 00 88 91
9. Performance on this measure 66.67% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 91 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 91
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

The number of devices provided is nearly equal to the number of recipients due to the fact that the majority of devices provided are recycled phones for those with hearing, vision, speech, physical, or cognitive disabilities. Under most circumstances, a person only needs one phone.

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) 137
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 01
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 138

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 61
Representative of Education 11
Representative of Employment 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 08
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Total 138

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 42

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number
Vision 04
Hearing 06
Speech Communication 26
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 50
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 23
Environmental Adaptations 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 26
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total 140

E. Anecdote

In 2018, a rural North Dakota man was involved in a work-related injury while working cattle. He shattered several vertebrae and incurred a left elbow injury, which prevented him from going back to his previous employer. He worked with North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) to assist him in identifying return-to-work options. WSI referred the man to ND Assistive to help him identify computer access assistive technology that would address his neck and upper extremity limitations. After a demonstration with ND Assistive staff where he was able to try various adapted keyboards, mice, and laptop stands, the man was able to borrow equipment from the ND Assistive Short-Term Equipment Trial program. The man received a device loan of a Balance Keyboard, Rollermouse, and a LEVO Laptop rolling stand to use with his laptop, which not only helped him determine if this equipment would work for him before making a purchase but also allowed him to complete the computer courses required by WSI. When an individual exits from a hands-on job that requires significant physical labor and then is put in a position where that type of work is no longer an option, it is sometimes very difficult to understand what the future could be when that person doesn’t know the possibilities of assistive technology. The man stated that the biggest benefit of utilizing ND Assistive's equipment trial program was that he gained self-confidence and a better attitude towards computer use, which will eventually help him find a job. He is currently searching for work options, which is problematic at the moment due to COVID-19.

Man sitting in recliner using a laptop on a rolling mount with an adaptive keyboard and mouse.
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 43 09 73 125
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 01 10 11
Subtotal 43 10 83 136
Have not made a decision 01 00 00 01
Subtotal 44 10 83 137
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 44 10 83 137
Performance on this measure 97.73% 100% 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. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 01 01
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 01 01
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 01 01
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 01 01
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 130 94.2%
Satisfied 08 5.8%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 138
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 64
Hearing 90
Speech Communication 27
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 31
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 11
Daily Living 110
Environmental Adaptations 38
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01
Computers and Related 29
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 403

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 156
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 186
Representatives of Education 09
Representatives of Employment 40
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 51
Representative of Community Living 47
Representative of Technology 01
Total 490

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 157
Service Provider 134
Vendor 280
Repair Service 07
Others 00
Total 578

D. Anecdote

A ND Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor contacted ND Assistive for training for a man with a reading disability, who was having difficulty reading on the job, specifically text on objects. A training was requested on the KNFB Reader app, a scan and read app. During the virtual training over Zoom (due to COVID) with the man and his mother, it became very clear to ND Assistive staff that the app was not appropriate for his needs, especially since it did not read text on objects. A virtual equipment demonstration over Zoom was scheduled for the following week. During the demonstration, the man and his mother were guided through how to turn on the free, built-in Android TalkBack features on his own phone for reading texts from work aloud, etc. He was then shown the Android Claro ScanPen app, which is a free app that takes pictures of text and reads it aloud. It works especially well on objects and it can even read some handwriting. By the end, he was walking around his apartment scanning objects with text, and the app was reading it aloud accurately. The man and his mom emailed later and then did an interview regarding their experience. In the email, they stated, “Now he can read text messages [from work] and everything on his phone, his TV screen, store flyers, coupons, you name it.” Later in the video, his mom reported, “The advice we had had in the past was 'Go buy an iPhone'...We owe so much thanks to you…it was a phenomenal lesson. It was clear. You were able to bring up the application on your screen, so we could see it real close.” A video of the interview and more information on the apps can be found at the link below. https://ndassistive.org/blog/the-right-assistive-technology-can-make-a-difference/

A Zoom call with 4 callers. One man is  holding his phone up to the camera.
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 29 20 312 361
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 01 16 20
Subtotal 32 21 328 381
Have not made a decision 01 00 21 22
Subtotal 33 21 349 403
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 33 21 349 403
Performance on this measure 96.97% 100% 93.98%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 485 98.98%
Satisfied 04 0.82%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.2%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 490
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. 02 03 110 115
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 14 15
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 03 03 124 130
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 03 03 124 130
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 02 03
8. Total 04 03 126 133
9. Performance on this measure 75% 100% 98.41% 97.74%
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 72 29 385 486
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 02 26 31
Subtotal 75 31 411 517
Have not made a decision 02 00 21 23
Subtotal 77 31 432 540
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 77 31 432 540
Performance on this measure 97.4% 100% 95.14% 95.74%
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 99.87% 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 21
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 01
Representatives of Education 49
Representatives of Employment 07
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 114
Representatives of Community Living 21
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 213

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
178 35 00 213

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 150
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 25
Combination of any/all of the above 10
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 10
Transition 18
Total 213

C. Description of Training Activities

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

In October, 2020, ND Assistive presented virtually and onsite to 110 Developmental Disability Program Managers and administrators, from all eight Human Service Centers and the administration building in Bismarck. This training was conducted to provide information and resources on assistive technology to attendees to aid them in connecting the individual they serve with the appropriate assistive technology to keep them in the least restrictive environment and to promote safety and independence.

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

ND Assistive presented at the Statewide Transition Conference in November 2019 and trained 10 special education directors and vocational rehabilitation counselors. The training consisted of general assistive technology devices, services, and applications. This training was conducted to provide information and resources on assistive technology to attendees to aid them in connecting their transitioning students with the appropriate assistive technology.

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

Over the last reporting period, ND Assistive provided training and technical assistance to one administrator with the ND Information Technology Department to build an accessible, user-friendly website for Relay North Dakota. This training included several phone calls, emails, and two onsite trainings focusing on accessible documents and web content. The result was an accessible user-friendly website with accessible documents. https://www.relaynorthdakota.com/

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 10
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 10
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Please note that our numbers for ICT training were low due to COVID-19.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 0%
Employment 0%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 100%
Community Living 0%
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:

Over the last reporting period, ND Assistive continued to provide technical assistance to the Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO) in Fargo, North Dakota. The HERO organization is a non-profit that collects and distributes donated healthcare supplies, durable medical equipment, and assistive technology to those in need locally and globally at low or no cost. This assistance was provided by the program director, the acting CEO, and the newly hired executive director. The technical assistance provided was regarding funding sources, potential collaboration, public awareness, and more. This technical assistance will continue next year.

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

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. During this reporting period, ND Assistive worked with the ND Department of Human Services, Aging Services Division to conduct the ADRC/No Wrong Door Funding Opportunity Critical Relief Funds for COVID-19 Pandemic Response-Connection Cart Project from Cares Act funding. This project focused on purchasing and distributing assistive technology devices to long-term care facilities to help access the internet and/or telephone services to increase social engagement and social connectedness, and to reduce social isolation. From July 2020 to September 30, 2020, over 1000 pieces of equipment were distributed to over 100 Long-Term Care Facilities (basic, skilled, and then assisted living as funds allow). This project will continue to run through June of 2021 or until the funds run out. This project also created an opportunity for public awareness regarding ND Assistive Services and the benefits of assistive technology in general. Many Zoom presentations, phone calls, and informative emails took place during this period with the 100 nursing homes across the state. Hundreds of facility administrators, social workers, activity directors, information technology managers, therapists, etc. learned of the benefits of AT. As a result, each facility not only acquired technology through the Cares Act, but these events led to referrals for equipment demonstrations, loans, and future training opportunities.It also opened the door of communication for future needs.

2. Last winter, ND Assistive was contacted by the North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN) regarding showcasing our services and the benefits of assistive technology in a video format for the people served by NDBIN. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the video below. This video includes footage of staff from both of our centers in Mandan and Fargo and was shot and produced by NDBIN, Center for Rural Health. It’s part of a project called Provider’s Perspective located in the Resource Directory section of their website, which also features several other companies. A blog was written in March, 2020, regarding this collaboration. The link to the blog and video are below. https://ndassistive.org/blog/new-video-collaboration-with-the-nd-brain-injury-network/

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 254 38 292
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 315 45 360
Representative of Education 39 04 43
Representative of Employment 29 00 29
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 164 16 180
Representative of Community Living 70 08 78
Representative of Technology 16 01 17
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 887 112 999

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.

ND Assistive worked with the ND Department of Human Services, Aging Services Department to make a significant change to the ND Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Services (TEDS) program. A cognitive disability, such as dementia, is now an included physical functional need under the eligibility requirements. In addition, devices, which make it easier to connect with family members, such as the Amazon Echo Show with its “Drop-In’ calling feature and the Consumer Cellular’s “Grand Pad” are now allowable under the TEDS program.


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 ND Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Services (TEDS) program now has an equipment list that includes the Amazon Echo Show, Consumer Cellular’s “GrandPad”, and large-screen mobile devices. The application and webpage are located here: https://ndassistive.org/teds/ . The contact person at ND Assistive is Jeannie Krull jmkrull@ndassistive.org and the state program administrator for the TEDS is Mary Weltz mweltz@nd.gov


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

Community Living


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$15,000Training
Private$3,000Device Loan
State Appropriations$90,000Demonstration
Private$1,500Public Awareness, I&A
State Appropriations$50,000Reuse
State Appropriations$20,000State Financing
State Appropriations$90,000Device Loan
State Appropriations$50,000Public Awareness, I&A
State Appropriations$15,000Technical Assistance
Private$35,500Demonstration
Amount: $370,000

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
Public/State Agency$155,000State Financing593
Public/State Agency$120,000State Financing319
Federal$26,336State Financing11
Amount: $301,336Individuals Served: 923

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).


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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.