National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Iowa 2020
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 08 | 03 | 11 |
| Approved Not made | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 25 | 31 | 56 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $8,808 | Highest Income: | $82,800 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $292,606 | 11 | $26,601 |
| 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 | 05 | 04 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 11 |
| Percentage of Loans | 45.45% | 36.36% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 18.18% | 100% |
3. 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% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 11 | $36,164 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 11 | $36,164 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 2.47% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 14.25% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 86 | 11 | 7.79363636363636% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 01 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 04 |
| 6.1% to 8.0% | 00 |
| 8.1% - 10.0% | 05 |
| 10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
| 12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
| 14.1% + | 01 |
| Total | 11 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 01 | $404 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 01 | $2,900 |
| Daily living | 06 | $24,349 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 02 | $1,905 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 01 | $6,606 |
| Total | 11 | $36,164 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 05 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $2,556 |
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? | 00 |
|---|
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
We received an applicant who is an individual with cerebral palsy seeking financing for a GRIT wheelchair. With the new program changes, the individual first worked with the financial empowerment director to review other possible resources, to make sure that this individual knew of the other community resources including Easterseals Iowa. In addition, this individual was approved for a loan and if this individual completes their personalized financial empowerment plan, their interest rate will be reduced for the remainder of the loan
Iowa Able also received an application with this request: I know this may be an unusual request... I implore you to read through my story.... I am currently on Social Security Disability. I have not worked since November 2017. Prior to COVID-19, I was making huge strides with regards to my physical health - I had completed cardiac rehab and I was able to go to the gym 3 times a week and work out 2 hours (sometimes longer). My goal is to return to the workforce full-time. However, due to COVID-19, my overall health has slid backward. Due to my autoimmune disorders, my health care providers have advised me that it is not safe for me to return to cardiac rehab or to the gym. They have encouraged me to procure a recumbent elliptical, as walking is difficult due to balance issues and bulging discs in the lower back. This applicant was approved for the loan and has been an enthusiastic participant in the IAF Financial Empowerment Program.
E. 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 | 02 | 05 | 07 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 03 | 04 |
| 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 | 02 | 08 | 11 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 02 | 08 | 11 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 02 | 08 | 11 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 07 | 63.64% |
| Satisfied | 03 | 27.27% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 9.09% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 11 | |
| 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 | 08 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 239 |
| C. Total | 247 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure | 07 |
| 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 | 240 |
If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Of the eight individuals that reported Exchange activities via the Easterseals Iowa AT4all webpage, only seven reported performance data.
B. Device Exchange Activities
| 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 | 06 | $8,799 | $1,050 | $7,749 |
| Daily Living | 01 | $750 | $350 | $400 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 01 | $20,000 | $14,500 | $5,500 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 08 | $29,549 | $15,900 | $13,649 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| 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 | 139 | $175,045 | $6,495 | $168,550 |
| Daily Living | 69 | $137,560 | $5,965 | $131,595 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 102 | $50,245 | $2,705 | $47,540 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | $250 | $20 | $230 |
| Total | 311 | $363,100 | $15,185 | $347,915 |
D. Anecdote
Matthew is a young man who acquired a traumatic brain injury in the end of 2018. He spent much of 2019 in a rehabilitation facility and when he was finally physically able to return home, his facility was quarantined due to COVID-19. After being postponed several months, he was approved by the facility to transition home. Due to Matthew's level of need, the family sought in-home care services in their rural Iowa community to no avail. After hearing "no" on numerous occasions, they contacted the Easterseals Iowa Durable Medical Equipment to inquire about equipment that would allow Matthew's mother to perform his daily care routine and allow him to return home, after years of waiting. Matthew's family accessed a hospital bed with adjustable height which better allows for transitions when lower but also rises to a position that allows Matthew to operate his communication device when it is in a floor stand next to the bed; the family also accessed a stand-assist that supports Matthew in standing up for transfers or to support stretching in his legs. Matthew's family was incredibly grateful that Easterseals Iowa could fully sanitize and arrange for a no-contact pick-up of this equipment. Training was then provided virtually by the Occupational Therapist that Matthew was working with while in the rehabilitation facility.
E. 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 | 152 | 156 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 07 | 05 | 50 | 62 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 22 | 22 |
| 4. Subtotal | 09 | 07 | 224 | 240 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 09 | 07 | 224 | 240 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 09 | 07 | 224 | 240 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 228 | 92.31% |
| Satisfied | 19 | 7.69% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 247 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 103 |
| 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 | 17 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 11 |
| Total | 131 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 32 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 20 |
| Representative of Education | 07 |
| Representative of Employment | 16 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 20 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 04 |
| Representatives of Technology | 32 |
| Total | 131 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number |
|---|---|
| Vision | 05 |
| Hearing | 16 |
| Speech Communication | 11 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 54 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 06 |
| Daily Living | 75 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 86 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 59 |
| Total | 314 |
E. Anecdote
Daxton is a 4 year old boy with a rare genetic disorder, Phelan-Mcdermid Syndrome. He is a very sweet little boy, and the light of his family’s life. One part of Daxton’s syndrome is accelerated growth; therefore, he grew out of his specialized stroller and wheelchair a year before insurance would cover a new one. When this happened one of Daxton’s doctors at ChildServe suggested the family check out Easterseals Iowa. Since then, their family has been able to utilize the lending library checking out many devices to use at home. Daxton, like many other 4 years old’s, often gets bored of a toy after only a short period of time. With the lending library he is able to check things out free of charge, use the device at home, and bring it back when he is done. Daxton loves the giant sensory board he has checked out. When he is using it his mom has the opportunity to fold laundry or cook dinner for the family. His mom says “There are so many options that help Dax with his fine motor development, which is not only fun but also therapeutic! The process to check out devices is so easy! I show up with Dax and the staff is friendly, we will rummage through different bins and see what Dax is attracted to the most that day, and we are on our way! The process is so easy and Dax loves going and being treated so kindly by the staff.” Daxton loves to be outside, and is a wanderer. He will try to escape outside any chance he gets. His family was able to borrow door alarms as well to make sure he was safe inside the home! “Honestly, it is refreshing to have a "safe" place to go that truly understands situations like ours and caters to the needs and wants of kiddos. Financially, it is a lifesaver as well. Dax can borrow items and learn and play with them, it’s truly rewarding to see.
F. 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 | 17 | 37 | 57 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 04 | 12 | 22 | 38 |
| Subtotal | 07 | 29 | 59 | 95 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 05 | 02 | 08 |
| Subtotal | 08 | 34 | 61 | 103 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 08 | 34 | 61 | 103 |
| Performance on this measure | 87.5% | 85.29% | 96.72% | |
G. 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. | 04 | 03 | 04 | 11 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 04 | 04 | 07 | 15 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| 4. Subtotal | 08 | 08 | 11 | 27 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| 6. Subtotal | 09 | 08 | 11 | 28 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 09 | 08 | 11 | 28 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 88.89% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 120 | 91.6% |
| Satisfied | 10 | 7.63% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.76% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 131 | |
| 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 | 15 |
| Hearing | 08 |
| Speech Communication | 12 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 24 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 13 |
| Daily Living | 28 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 09 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 41 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 14 |
| Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 164 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 170 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 136 |
| Representatives of Education | 100 |
| Representatives of Employment | 117 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 44 |
| Representative of Community Living | 35 |
| Representative of Technology | 61 |
| Total | 663 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 179 |
| Service Provider | 115 |
| Vendor | 175 |
| Repair Service | 154 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 623 |
D. Anecdote
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program partnered with the Vocational Rehabilitation and Summer Programming with Iowa Department for the Blind to provide a demonstration to a 16-year-old woman named Latoya, from a rural area of Iowa. Latoya is legally blind with some ability to distinguish light but experienced a wide varitety of barriers due to limited mobility including a reduced range of motion. Due to limitations for in-person connections because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, an intial Zoom meeting was held to discuss the requested devices, abilities and barriers, and overall goals for Latoya. After the discussion, 11 devices were identified as beneficial devices for demonstration. These devices were sanitized, bagged and picked up via no-contact method by the Iowa Department for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor and delivered to Latoya. A second Zoom meeting was held to discuss the specific devices. During the zoom meeting each devices was taken out of the bag provided by Easterseals Iowa and maniulated by Latoya. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team member explained the purpose of the devices, one at a time, and the potential impact. These devices included various toileting aids, grabbers and reachers, and cooking aids for her goal of impacting her own health and wellness.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 23 | 75 | 59 | 157 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 01 | 00 | 04 | 05 |
| Subtotal | 24 | 75 | 63 | 162 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
| Subtotal | 25 | 75 | 64 | 164 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 25 | 75 | 64 | 164 |
| Performance on this measure | 96% | 100% | 98.44% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 535 | 80.69% |
| Satisfied | 128 | 19.31% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 663 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 06 | 07 | 161 | 174 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 12 | 09 | 60 | 81 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 22 | 23 |
| 4. Subtotal | 18 | 17 | 243 | 278 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| 6. Subtotal | 19 | 17 | 243 | 279 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 19 | 17 | 243 | 279 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 94.74% | 94.12% | 90.95% | 91.4% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 26 | 92 | 96 | 214 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 12 | 26 | 43 |
| Subtotal | 31 | 104 | 122 | 257 |
| Have not made a decision | 02 | 05 | 03 | 10 |
| Subtotal | 33 | 109 | 125 | 267 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 33 | 109 | 125 | 267 |
| Performance on this measure | 93.94% | 95.41% | 97.6% | 96.25% |
| 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 | 99.81% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 64 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 17 |
| Representatives of Education | 197 |
| Representatives of Employment | 221 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 179 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 289 |
| Representatives of Technology | 15 |
| Unable to Categorize | 251 |
| TOTAL | 1,233 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 542 | 102 | 589 | 1,233 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 869 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 01 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 228 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 74 |
| Transition | 61 |
| Total | 1,233 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program implemented an immediate program modification in response to COVID-19 by taking presentations and training activity to a virtual platform. In the first week, over 50 professionals from across the state of Iowa attending online Zoom training that focused on consultation and individualized conversations of Assistive Technology. Throughout this discussion, the Easterseals Iowa Lending Library was discussed and as a response 10 individuals proceeded to a consultation phase throught the Lending Library and 8 devices were loaned. These participants proceeded to attend the weekly trainings that were marketed via Mailchimp for several weeks of the Pandemic and state shutdown.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program hosted a variety of online, virtual presentations focused on supporting individuals of transition age. One specific training focused on apps and tools for students and teachers to help them adjust to distanced learning. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members 5 devices and provided explanations of how they can be used to accommodate barriers that individuals may experience while attending school virtually. staff also demonstrated two electronic applications that can be used by families while their students are completing school work at home. Vendor contact information was also provided for over five dictation resources so the participants could compare and contrast the dictation options available. This presentation reached 9 participants, including representatives from education and technology. One participant, in particular, stated that he was very satisfied with our presentations and thanked us for sharing this information.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
At the end of March, the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program started a series of live presentations through Zoom. As part of these presentations, we provided ICT trainings which included topics including an introduction to ICT and our services, a demonstration of accessible Word and PowerPoint documents, PDFs, and sharing how to assess website accessibility through various tools and resources. Between March and May 2020, eight presentations were provided in total that focused on ICT services and improving accessibility. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members provided support to over 50 participants on a virtual platform.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 22 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 07 |
| No known outcome at this time | 45 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 74 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 39.2% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Not Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 23% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 0% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 51% |
| Community Living | 26% |
| 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:
In collaboration with Unity Way of Central Iowa, we established a 21-day Equity Challenge which included a day specific to persons with disabilities. This day included accessibility, accommodations, and assistive technology. Additionally, we provided training and resources so that all 21 days met accessibility standards.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program modified the Brain Fitness curriculum to be inclusive, including but not limited to: using assistive technology in lessons, having visuals include children with disabilities, and using inclusive terminology. Over twenty teachers were trained on the new inclusive Brain Fitness curriculum, as a direct result.
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. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program utilized a pre-existing platform to communicate with consumers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This platform is a MailChimp e-newsletter platform. During the state shutdown and the following months, this platform was utilized to communicate program adjustments aimed to reduce in-person contacts and offer services in an accessible manner. Over 30 total newsletters were sent out with an average open rate of 30% or approximatly 150 persons each. These newsletters reached across the state and drew inviduals to attend online, virtual trainings and presentation, virtual AT-Maker opportunities, communicated program specific and agency changes, and offered introduction to each Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff member which purposed to build a referral network as individuals, putting a face to the services in some instances.
2. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program has collaborated with the University of Iowa Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Northern Iowa Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Iowa Area Educational Agencies to offer an AAC Camp at Camp Sunnyside. The Summer of 2020 was the second year to offer this opportunity and due to COVID, the collaborative team offered an alternative option. The program transition to a virtual three-day camp through Zoom and the universities created an interactive website to guide each day. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology team members also provided “Camp in a Box”, where each attendee was mailed a box with all of the books, crafts, and necessary supplies they would need for camp activities. In total, four attendees from across the state participated virtually. The attendees were between the ages of 13 and 17. Campers had the opportunity to engage with books, practice vocabulary, and participate in creative activities with peers and graduate students studying Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Northern Iowa and The University of Iowa (under the supervision of their professors). Activities supported expressive language and literacy skills in a fun learning environment via Zoom video conferencing. Each AAC Camp session was one hour, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 28th, Wednesday, July 29th, and Thursday, July 30th, 2020. After the virtual camp, satisfaction surveys were sent to each attendee and family. 100% of attendees reported that they learned information that will improve their ability to say what they want or need.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 295 | 138 | 433 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 474 | 134 | 608 |
| Representative of Education | 301 | 51 | 352 |
| Representative of Employment | 576 | 45 | 621 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 218 | 34 | 252 |
| Representative of Community Living | 215 | 43 | 258 |
| Representative of Technology | 37 | 01 | 38 |
| Unable to Categorize | 781 | 12 | 793 |
| Total | 2,897 | 458 | 3,355 |
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? | 02 |
|---|
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.
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program collaborated with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to enhance the day-to-day process of selecting and funding assistive technology for job candidates resulting in a substantial increase of assistive technology approved and provided to the job candidates of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
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.)
Policies, practices, and procedure changes are included in the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Employee Handbook thus these are not public property.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Employment
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.
In collaboration with the Iowa Department of Aging, Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program established a coalition of stakeholders, statewide, to assess the needs and outcomes of The Liveable Home Project.
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.)
As a result of this coalition, the statewide need, program details, objects, and outcomes have been identified and an approach to align with the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative and Iowa Housing Initiative is in action.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
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
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Private | $30,000 | Technical Assistance |
| Federal | $10,000 | Training |
| Amount: $40,000 |
B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)
| 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 13:21:43 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)