National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Maine 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Maine CITE Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http:www.mainecite.org
Mailing Address:
46 University Dr
City:
Augusta
State:
Maine
Zip Code:
04330
Program Email:
iweb@maine,org
Phone:
207-621-3195
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Maine Department of Education
Mailing Address:
23 State House Station
City:
Augusta
State:
Maine
Zip Code:
04333
Program URL:
www.mdoe@maine.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Maine CITE Coordinating Center
Mailing Address:
46 Univeristy Dr
City
Augusta
State:
Maine
Zip Code:
04330
Program URL:
www.mainecite.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Adams, Kathryn
Title:
Director
Phone:
207-621-3195
E-mail:
kadams@mainecite.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Frazier, Erin
Title:
State Special Services Director
Phone:
207-624-6600
E-mail:
erin.frazier@maine.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

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

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Frazier, Erin
Title:
MDOE State Special Services Director
Phone:
207-624-6600
E-mail:
erin.frazier@maine.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 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

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 00 00
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

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 47
C. Total 47

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 47

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 36 $10,708 $1,696 $9,012
Daily Living 09 $456 $99 $357
Environmental Adaptations 01 $10 $1 $9
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 01 $34 $8 $26
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 47 $11,208 $1,804 $9,404

D. Anecdote

A woman came to ALLTECH to find a wheelchair or scooter mobility device for her elderly father. He had previously been very active around the town and housing complex where he lives. After a recent fall, the gentleman had a broken ankle and was quite immobilized. He had a walker but wanted to move about the building to visit friends and get out on the outside grounds too. His daughter bought a used power scooter wheelchair that she could handle for loading in her car. His housing building is in a small town so with the scooter he can really get out and about. This mobility device accommodates his limited mobility, distance endurance and stamina.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 19 19
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 15 15
4. Subtotal 00 00 35 35
5. None of the above 00 00 09 09
6. Subtotal 00 00 44 44
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
8. Total 00 00 47 47
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 74.47%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 36 76.6%
Satisfied 11 23.4%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 47
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 86
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 07
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 81
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 47
Total 221

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 27
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 87
Representative of Education 26
Representative of Employment 02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 69
Representatives of Community Living 02
Representatives of Technology 08
Total 221

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 21

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number
Vision 17
Hearing 02
Speech Communication 33
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 24
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 66
Daily Living 62
Environmental Adaptations 15
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01
Computers and Related 54
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 10
Total 284

E. Anecdote

#1 A woman borrowed an tablet with a communication App for her 55 yo husband who has ALS. They wanted to determine if they should buy this AT to improve his ability to communicate with medical staff, family caregivers and friends. After a trial use at home, he opted to not pursue this technology. #2 A speech pathologist borrowed a tablet with a few communication apps to use at school with a non verbal student. During the 3 week trial the educational staff took data on the child's communication and this was presented at an IEP meeting. Because of the device trial and data that showed the student could benefit from voice output, the IEP team agreed to funding the AT. Having access to the AT Loan program sped up the process and resulted in this child getting a speech generating device to improve his ability to communicate with teachers, other children and his family.

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 35 01 27 63
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 12 13
Subtotal 36 01 39 76
Have not made a decision 01 00 08 09
Subtotal 37 01 47 85
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 37 01 48 86
Performance on this measure 97.3% 100% 82.98%

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. 03 00 15 18
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 00 44 61
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 10 00 21 31
4. Subtotal 30 00 80 110
5. None of the above 00 00 07 07
6. Subtotal 30 00 87 117
7. Nonrespondent 17 00 01 18
8. Total 47 00 88 135
9. Performance on this measure 82.19% NaN% 91.95%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 180 81.45%
Satisfied 39 17.65%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.9%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 221
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 02
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 22
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01
Daily Living 01
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 05
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 35

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 06
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 13
Representatives of Education 08
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 16
Representative of Community Living 00
Representative of Technology 00
Total 43

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 10
Service Provider 04
Vendor 12
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 26

D. Anecdote

Pine Tree Society AT services acquired the Skyle eye gaze for the iPad tablet. It was demonstrated to a 10 yo student with cerebral palsy, the school based SLP, teacher and parent. The child was quite interested is this tech and was able to initiate basic communications using it. Through this demo session, it was decided to borrow the AT for a trial use at school. This process enabled the student, and IEP team and family the opportunity to decide about buying this AT.

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 13 00 08 21
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 01 01
Subtotal 13 00 09 22
Have not made a decision 03 00 07 10
Subtotal 16 00 16 32
Nonrespondent 02 00 01 03
Total 18 00 17 35
Performance on this measure 72.22% NaN% 52.94%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 29 67.44%
Satisfied 14 32.56%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 43
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. 03 00 34 37
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 00 45 62
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 10 00 36 46
4. Subtotal 30 00 115 145
5. None of the above 00 00 16 16
6. Subtotal 30 00 131 161
7. Nonrespondent 17 00 04 21
8. Total 47 00 135 182
9. Performance on this measure 64.52% NaN% 58.96% 60%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 48 01 35 84
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 13 14
Subtotal 49 01 48 98
Have not made a decision 04 00 15 19
Subtotal 53 01 63 117
Nonrespondent 02 00 02 04
Total 55 01 65 121
Performance on this measure 89.09% 100% 75% 81.67%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.36% 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 60
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 101
Representatives of Education 271
Representatives of Employment 97
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 393
Representatives of Community Living 371
Representatives of Technology 97
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,390

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
788 378 224 1,390

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 350
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 46
Combination of any/all of the above 838
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 104
Transition 52
Total 1,390

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The Maine CITE staff presented 44 training events in 2020 at conferences and via online webinars. "AT for Employment" was presented to the national rehab counsellors for Prudential Insurance Company. This professional team of 24 works with injured workers who have new disabilities and are located all over the US. Specific AT to optimize living independently and working productively were highlighted. National AT resources were shared.

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

In July 2020, sponsored by the Maine Parent Federation, Maine CITE staff presented on a webinar panel on " Transition, Self Advocacy and Technology for Adults with Disabilities. There were 52 attendees. AT was featured as a key element in any transition planning efforts to achieve optimal function for IL skills, work productivity, to combat social isolation and enhance community connections.

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

Maine CITE staff created and delivered a webinar on "Accessible Digital Documents: Correspondence and Social Media". there were 37 attendees. Guidance was shared on how to make digital content accessible. This webinar is archived on our site www.mainecite.org

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 32
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 72
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 104
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 25%
Employment 15%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 20%
Community Living 30%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 10%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

In January 2020, Maine CITE was asked to join a statewide advisory task force for the Maine Department of Education. Initiated in 2000 and through the last 20 years, the MDOE has invested millions of dollars in the statewide school laptop program called MLTI (Maine Learning Technology Initiative). Twenty years later this MLTI advisory group was convened to review and study the program and make recommendations. Maine CITE actively participated in numerous meeting over eight months to ensure that UDL is embraced and the MLTI program is fully accessible. In August 2020 a report and recommendations was submitted to the DOE Commissioner. The recommendations were accepted and a plan is being developed by the DOE staff for a renewed MLTI program rollout in the 2021-2022 school year.

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

During covid in the spring of 2020, the Maine DHHS - Office of Aging and Disability services (OADS) received a federal grant to be used by the Maine ADRCs. Administrators at OADS collaborated with Maine CITE about promoting AT to the regional ADRCs. The goal was to use AT to combat social isolation for seniors who were alone at home and separated from family and friends during covid. Maine CITE provided resource information to OADS staff about AT for seniors, AT provider contacts, and AT assessment fee recommendations. The goal of the OADS team was to keep seniors living safely at home, or return home from being hospitalized. Avoiding high risk facility placement is an ongoing goal. AT can be a critical element of achieving these goals.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. The annual Maine Autism Conference was held on March 7, 2020 just before covid hit and all conferences were cancelled. This is a very large gathering of service providers and families and consumers - more that 450 attendees. Maine CITE is one of the sponsors of this event and we also presented a workshop on AT. This PA event gives us the opportunity to showcase many types of AT for individuals of all ages with IDs that can be used in school, at home, in the community or at work.

2. On March 11, 2020, the last conference that we attended before covid was at the University of Maine AT Makers Fair. Maine CITE was a sponsor of this event and the Maine CITE Director did the keynote welcome address for more that 75 attendees from across Maine.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 38 28 66
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 61 41 102
Representative of Education 106 27 133
Representative of Employment 17 08 25
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 70 64 134
Representative of Community Living 120 98 218
Representative of Technology 31 19 50
Unable to Categorize 04 00 04
Total 447 285 732

Notes:

State Improvement Outcomes

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

A. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)


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


B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)


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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds

B. Leveraged Funding for Activities Not in State Plan (data not previously reported in other activity sections)

Non-State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Individuals Served Other Outcome

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Thu Feb 04 2021 13:26:35 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


Back to state program information page | Top of page

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.