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 |
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 |
Lowest Income: | $9,249 | Highest Income: | $116,000 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$388,579 | 11 | $35,325 |
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% |
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% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 11 | $157,694 |
Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
Total | 11 | $157,694 |
Lowest | 2% |
---|---|
Highest | 2% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
22 | 11 | 2% |
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 |
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 |
Number Loans in default | 00 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 01 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | last resort activity |
---|
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 |
---|---|
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:
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 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 00 |
---|
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!”
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”.
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% |
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% |
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:
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 |
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 |
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.”
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% |
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% |
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.
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 |
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 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 42 |
---|
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 |
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.
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% |
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% |
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% |
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 |
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 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 157 |
Service Provider | 134 |
Vendor | 280 |
Repair Service | 07 |
Others | 00 |
Total | 578 |
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/
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% |
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% |
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 |
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 |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.87% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
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 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
178 | 35 | 00 | 213 |
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 |
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/
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 |
Please note that our numbers for ICT training were low due to COVID-19.
Education | 0% |
---|---|
Employment | 0% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 100% |
Community Living | 0% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 0% |
Total | 100% |
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:
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/
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 |
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 |
---|
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
1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.
2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
---|
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
---|---|---|
State Appropriations | $15,000 | Training |
Private | $3,000 | Device Loan |
State Appropriations | $90,000 | Demonstration |
Private | $1,500 | Public Awareness, I&A |
State Appropriations | $50,000 | Reuse |
State Appropriations | $20,000 | State Financing |
State Appropriations | $90,000 | Device Loan |
State Appropriations | $50,000 | Public Awareness, I&A |
State Appropriations | $15,000 | Technical Assistance |
Private | $35,500 | Demonstration |
Amount: $370,000 | ||
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Individuals Served | Other Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
Public/State Agency | $155,000 | State Financing | 593 | |
Public/State Agency | $120,000 | State Financing | 319 | |
Federal | $26,336 | State Financing | 11 | |
Amount: $301,336 | Individuals Served: 923 |
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:30:51 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)