National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Arkansas 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
ar-ican.org
Mailing Address:
900 W 7th Street
City:
Little Rock
State:
Arkansas
Zip Code:
72201
Program Email:
ican@arkansas.gov
Phone:
5016668868
TTY:
5016668868

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
1 Commerce Way
City:
Little Rock
State:
Arkansas
Zip Code:
72202
Program URL:

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Anderson, Rick
Title:
Director of Community Service Programs
Phone:
5016833005
E-mail:
Rick.Anderson@Arkansas.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Nathan Winter
Title:
Associate Commissioner
Phone:
683-6052
E-mail:
Nathan.Winter@Arkansas.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):
Anderson, Rick
Title:
Director of Community Service Programs
Phone:
5016833005
E-mail:
rick.anderson@arkansas.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 03 10
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 07 03 10

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $24,168 Highest Income: $100,884

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$627,552 10 $62,755

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 00 02 01 02 01 04 10
Percentage of Loans 0% 20% 10% 20% 10% 40% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 10 100%
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 10 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 10 $176,183
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 10 $176,183

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3.75%
Highest 3.75%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
04 10 0.375%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 10
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 10

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 02 $8,330
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $4,495
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 07 $163,358
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 10 $176,183

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 05
Net loss for loans in default $56,989

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? 0


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? 0

D. Anecdote

The Arkansas Alternative Financing Program (AFP) financed a modified vehicle for Susan Ganger was having extreme difficulty in acquiring proper transportation in her attempt to maintain her full-time job position. Ms. Ganger voiced disappointment regarding the pursuit of another modified vehicle to replace her existing modified van which was experiencing numerous mechanical failures. The situation continued to escalate until AFP became actively involved. Due to Ms. Ganger’s multiple sclerosis (which causes damage to the myelin coating around the nerve fibers of the central nervous system), she is permanently and completely disabled. She learned about AFP through one of the local van vendors and applied for a modified vehicle loan. Since Ms. Ganger is confined to a wheelchair and needs assistance with traveling to and from work and vital appointments, it was determined that Ms. Ganger needed a modified van with a transfer seat, hand gear, knob-steering wheel, and an easy lock device. AFP was successful in helping her acquire this recommended vehicle with a low-interest rate and affordable monthly loan payments. Since obtaining her modified vehicle, Ms. Ganger has increased her independence, quality of life and stabilized her employment reliability once again. She can operate her modified vehicle now without complications. This vehicle has appreciably improved her work attendance and ability to manage multiple medical and personal appointments which are required on a regular basis. AFP is proud to be a small part of re-establishing her work endeavor and boosting her confidence in being a productive citizen in her local community.

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. 01 02 05 08
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 01 02 07 10
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 02 07 10
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 02 07 10
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 09 90%
Satisfied 01 10%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 10
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 01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 823
C. Total 824

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 01
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 823

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 01 $3,500 $2,500 $1,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 01 $3,500 $2,500 $1,000

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 17 $22,996 $0 $22,996
Hearing 04 $544 $0 $544
Speech Communication 05 $705 $0 $705
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 18 $2,231 $0 $2,231
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 436 $349,489 $0 $349,489
Daily Living 278 $73,672 $0 $73,672
Environmental Adaptations 33 $17,745 $0 $17,745
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $2,287 $0 $2,287
Computers and Related 26 $12,497 $0 $12,497
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05 $1,304 $0 $1,304
Total 823 $483,470 $0 $483,470

D. Anecdote

ICAN received a call from a long-time client, Elizabeth Isaacs. She called requesting to borrow a Knee Scooter, We began the loan process, asking if she’s able to get a note specifying the approval for this need. Elizabeth stated she has worked with ICAN and was ready with all necessary documentation. This statement alerted our staff member to ask if this would be a long-term need, Elizabeth affirmed and shared that this has been an ongoing process for her daughter for the last year with no prognosis date in sight just yet. We offered Elizabeth the option to receive a Knee Scooter from ICAN’s Reuse program, allowing for her to keep the scooter indefinitely or until her daughter’s ankle/foot has improved to resume normal gait. Elizabeth squealed her relief on the phone and confirmed that notion, asking when she could come to retrieve it. I offered an appointment slot within the hour for her, reviewing the newly implemented protocols ICAN has placed due to COVID-19, after hearing my spiel Elizabeth announced she would be there. During the transaction, Elizabeth shared with me the history behind her daughter’s injuries and shared that this would be a lifesaver for them during this turbulent time.

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. 19 03 745 767
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 04 05
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 13 04 33 50
4. Subtotal 33 07 782 822
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 33 07 783 823
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 33 07 783 823
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.87%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 820 99.51%
Satisfied 03 0.36%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.12%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 824
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) 413
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 110
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 419
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 28
Total 970

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 234 00 234
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 535 00 535
Representative of Education 60 00 60
Representative of Employment 03 00 03
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 127 00 127
Representatives of Community Living 06 00 06
Representatives of Technology 05 00 05
Total 970 00 970

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 46

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 72 00 72
Hearing 40 00 40
Speech Communication 195 00 195
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 81 00 81
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 362 00 362
Daily Living 201 00 201
Environmental Adaptations 130 00 130
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 100 00 100
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 18 00 18
Total 1,199 00 1,199

E. Anecdote

Latialia’s was the iconic success story for February 2021 report for ICAN. She was provided the necessary AT needed to help her succeed in her academic goal. As part of the many areas of support, ICAN is fortunate to be able to work with other programs to truly provide a broader net of support for clients struggling in whatever area. One such program is Access and Accommodations – Latialia was assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and sent for an evaluation over to Access and Accommodations. She was able to borrow many different devices that were recommended by the vocational team. With the team's evaluation and loan of items from ICAN, she was successful in her educational career.

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 115 26 236 377
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 09 05 12 26
Subtotal 124 31 248 403
Have not made a decision 02 05 03 10
Subtotal 126 36 251 413
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 126 36 251 413
Performance on this measure 98.41% 86.11% 98.8%

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. 31 11 479 521
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 00 02 10
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 15 00 11 26
4. Subtotal 54 11 492 557
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 54 11 492 557
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 54 11 492 557
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 954 98.35%
Satisfied 16 1.65%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 970
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 14
Hearing 25
Speech Communication 02
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 37
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 42
Daily Living 11
Environmental Adaptations 08
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 32
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 171

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 130
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 71
Representatives of Education 01
Representatives of Employment 03
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 17
Representative of Community Living 00
Representative of Technology 04
Total 226

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 166
Service Provider 03
Vendor 11
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 180

D. Anecdote

On Tuesday, Aug 18, 2021, We met with James L. James was having trouble hearing his alarm and smoke detector at home and also trouble with hearing on his office phone. Since James is an AT user for hearing aide. I explained to James about ICAN services & telecommunications program &, AT @Work & ARS. After giving him a brief demo of many related devices and loans on Hearing: Central Alert Audio Alarm, QH2 Clear Sound Amplifier, Sonic Alert Home Aware Bridge Unit, Sonic Alert Motion Sensor, Smartphone Transmitter, Smoke/Co. He was so happy that there was a program out there that could help. He was pleased with the services that were given to him and would recommend ICAN &TAP to others. Update James is working with AT@Work and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services of North Little Rock

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 41 41 43 125
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 05 02 07
Subtotal 41 46 45 132
Have not made a decision 02 24 13 39
Subtotal 43 70 58 171
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 43 70 58 171
Performance on this measure 95.35% 65.71% 77.59%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 224 99.12%
Satisfied 02 0.88%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 226
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. 51 16 1,229 1,296
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 09 00 06 15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 28 04 46 78
4. Subtotal 88 20 1,281 1,389
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 88 20 1,282 1,390
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 88 20 1,282 1,390
9. Performance on this measure 68.18% 80% 96.33% 94.32%
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 156 67 279 502
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 09 10 14 33
Subtotal 165 77 293 535
Have not made a decision 04 29 16 49
Subtotal 169 106 309 584
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 169 106 309 584
Performance on this measure 97.63% 72.64% 94.82% 91.61%
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 99.95% 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 08
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 03
Representatives of Education 402
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 93
Representatives of Community Living 32
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 57
TOTAL 595

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
336 197 62 595

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 62
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 01
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 532
Transition 00
Total 595

C. Description of Training Activities

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

We provided assistance to a colleague from National Park College who requested assistance with a problem they were having with a PDF form and how it was being read by JAWS. We trained her on how to make a PDF more accessible and she was able to successfully produce her document. This will impact many students in the future now that she has a good working knowledge of this application.

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

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

10.24.2020: Presented a 2-hour session to 23 adult education professionals through Arkansas Adult Learning Resource Center about digital access and tools available that are built into Windows and Mac operating systems to assist with access. The following comments were received in webinar evaluations. Enjoyed the presentation and I felt like a new world was opened up to me as to creating info that is more accessible. I realized I have much to learn and to improve, but I can start with baby steps that were provided, which was good! It could easily seem overwhelming since there is so much to learn.

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 532
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 532
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 89%
Employment 11%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation %
Community Living %
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) %
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The president of the Arkansas Museum Association contacted us to ask about video conferencing technology and accessibility. We provided her with things that she needs to think about, what are considered to be the more accessible tools, and how to provide captioning and interpreting within those tools.

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

Provided information about the limitations of automatic transcripts that are created in programs such as Zoom or Google Suites to a faculty member at the University of Central Arkansas, who is giving presentations to students transitioning from high school. We provided resources on getting quality captions, not only for her new students but for all of her presentations.

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 the reporting year, ICAN formed a great partnership with a new college and we were given the opportunity to Speak to the new PT class at ACHE(Arkansas Colleges of Health Education)about the AT Program and how to access it. In this presentation, we highlighted the importance of thinking about AT every time they are assessing clients. We gave the class real word scenarios that help them realize the importance of the AT program when moving forward in their careers.

2. We created a module on 101/UAMS (University of Arkansas Medical Sciences)TBI/Institue for Digital Health & Innovation Collaboration, in which we gave a complete guide to accessing the ICAN program and how it is useful to all Arkansans.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 471 68 539
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 458 43 501
Representative of Education 40 166 206
Representative of Employment 01 40 41
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 85 09 94
Representative of Community Living 23 06 29
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 01 01
Total 1,078 333 1,411

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 0

Overview of State Improvement Activities

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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.


B. 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: Mon Mar 07 2022 10:59:44 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY21 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.