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 | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Lowest Income: | $11,124 | Highest Income: | $91,000 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$148,660 | 03 | $49,553 |
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 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
Percentage of Loans | 33.33% | 0% | 0% | 33.33% | 0% | 33.33% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 00 | 0% |
Partnership Loans | ||
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
With loan guarantee only | 03 | 100% |
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
Total | 03 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
Partnership Loans | 03 | $62,470 |
Total | 03 | $62,470 |
Lowest | 4% |
---|---|
Highest | 5% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
13 | 03 | 4.33333333333333% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 02 |
4.1% to 6.0% | 01 |
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 | 03 |
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 | 00 | $0 |
Daily living | 00 | $0 |
Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 03 | $62,470 |
Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
Total | 03 | $62,470 |
Number Loans in default | 03 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $38,289 |
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? | 1 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Telecommunications equipment distribution |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 6 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
C. Total Served | 6 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 6 |
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 | 15 | 8392.00 |
Hearing | 1 | 56.00 |
Speech communication | 0 | 0.00 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | 0.00 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | 0.00 |
Daily living | 0 | 0.00 |
Environmental adaptations | 0 | 0.00 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | 0.00 |
Computers and related | 0 | 0.00 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | 0.00 |
Total | 16 | 8448.00 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
One of our AT Loan Program applicants is also a para-Olympian in training for the 2022 Winter Olympics requiring him to drive many miles to across the country. His older vehicle had high mileage and he no longer felt safe relying on it for transportation to work as a teacher and tutor or to training and competitions. Although he was a former loan borrower in good standing and we recommended the loan to our bank partner, they declined to provide the loan through their usual methods. Not to be discouraged the applicant appealed the decision and the Advisory Board unanimously approved the loan with a 100% guarantee. The CT Tech Act Project was able to grant the loan and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services assisted in covering the costs of the modifications he required in order to be able to transport himself to and from work. After receiving his new vehicle, the borrower contacted us to say “I love my new van!!!” He has been a reliable borrower making all of his payments and in fact, “came into money” and was able to turnaround and pay off the loan within a few months. We wish him the best as he competes in the upcoming Olympics as an American Curler!
A former AT Loan borrower returned for services from the CT AT Act Program. As her disability progressed, she became eligible for our National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program. She received several devices from our program including an iMac and Microsoft Office which allowed her to participate in a virtual Social Media Marketing internship and in virtual classes through the Helen Keller National Center. Her devices “made it much easier” for her to stay organized, take notes during class, track her to-do lists, write letters, use social media and more. When asked about her experience, she stated, “I’m truly thankful for everything that the Access Through Technology program has provided me with and all the support their staff have given me. I can’t say enough good things about my experience with their program and their awesome staff.”
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 | 03 | 08 |
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 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 09 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 02 | 03 | 04 | 09 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 02 | 03 | 04 | 09 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 08 | 88.89% |
Satisfied | 01 | 11.11% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 09 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Grant / Additional funding: We were able to secure $30,000 in grant funding for an applicant who was likely going to be denied a loan. This grant allowed her to obtain the modified vehicle she needed. For another applicant, he received an additional $30,048 in external funding from the Vocational Rehabilitation program to pay for his vehicle modifications. Defaulted Loans: Two out of the three defaulted loans ($16,485) were sent to collections and we paid the percentage of loan guarantee per agreement. For the third defaulted loan, the borrower eventually paid the loan in full in the amount of $21,803. Due to ongoing COVID pandemic, loan applications were greatly reduced from pre-COVID numbers. We expect to be able to do additional outreach in the new year to begin increasing the number of applications and serving more individuals.
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 01 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 534 |
C. Total | 535 |
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 | 535 |
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 | 01 | $500 | $100 | $400 |
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 | 01 | $500 | $100 | $400 |
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 | 15 | $16,241 | $2,410 | $13,831 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Speech Communication | 12 | $3,570 | $0 | $3,570 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 06 | $690 | $250 | $440 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 361 | $215,460 | $30,632 | $184,828 |
Daily Living | 167 | $26,640 | $6,086 | $20,554 |
Environmental Adaptations | 04 | $764 | $295 | $469 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 30 | $8,366 | $15 | $8,351 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 05 | $5,500 | $280 | $5,220 |
Total | 600 | $277,231 | $39,968 | $237,263 |
The CT AT Act program received a call from an older gentleman who is blind and married to a woman who is also blind. He had been using an old HIMS notetaker from about 2009. The battery no longer worked, and he could only use it while it was plugged in which made it impossible for him to take it with him on the go. He called around to try to find a replacement battery but given the unit’s age, he could not find one. His timing was perfect because when he called, it just so happened, we received two braille notetakers back from our National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program evaluator inventory as the units were outdated, and no longer being used or recommended. We were planning to put them into our reuse program. The individual was given the opportunity to borrow both devices to see if either one would meet his needs. One of them did work and he was very happy to have a working device that was in great condition and offered him a huge cost savings.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 09 | 14 | 435 | 458 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 01 | 74 | 77 |
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 | 11 | 15 | 509 | 535 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 11 | 15 | 509 | 535 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 11 | 15 | 509 | 535 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 524 | 97.94% |
Satisfied | 09 | 1.68% |
Satisfied somewhat | 02 | 0.37% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 535 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, Reuse activities were opened primarily by appointment only. The number of individuals participating in reuse activities along with the number of devices and cost savings are lower compared to pre-pandemic numbers. We hope to be able to increase the number of individuals served in this new year as individuals return to community activities.
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 221 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 21 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 66 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 23 |
Total | 331 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 57 | 61 | 118 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 04 | 01 | 05 |
Representative of Education | 100 | 46 | 146 |
Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 15 | 01 | 16 |
Representatives of Community Living | 45 | 00 | 45 |
Representatives of Technology | 00 | 01 | 01 |
Total | 221 | 110 | 331 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Hearing | 03 | 04 | 07 |
Speech Communication | 237 | 58 | 295 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 67 | 03 | 70 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Daily Living | 07 | 00 | 07 |
Environmental Adaptations | 37 | 60 | 97 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Computers and Related | 195 | 76 | 271 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Total | 551 | 201 | 752 |
Justice, a 9-year old student on the Autism Spectrum, needed a way to engage with school from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning from home was the new reality for many students, and as schools found out through these new expectations: not all students had equal access to remote learning. Many students like Justice needed access in more than one way: requiring access to technologies that they did not have at home and access to the curriculum due to their unique learning differences based on an array of disabilities. Special education services that readily took place in school buildings now needed to be delivered remotely at home. Justice benefited from CT AT Act Program partner agency “The Assistive Technology Training Center of CT” (ATECH) Device Lending Library. ATECH provided Justice with a Samsung Tablet with ClassLink for remote classroom access, apps that were being used at his school, and a range of educationally appropriate apps selected to address Justice’s specific learning needs, including math, science, and literacy apps and supports. The tablet and apps worked out so well for Justice, that at the end of the device loan period his guardian was able to purchase a tablet and downloaded all of the apps that were used on the loaned device.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 86 | 06 | 85 | 177 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 21 | 01 | 03 | 25 |
Subtotal | 107 | 07 | 88 | 202 |
Have not made a decision | 07 | 01 | 07 | 15 |
Subtotal | 114 | 08 | 95 | 217 |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 02 | 00 | 04 |
Total | 116 | 10 | 95 | 221 |
Performance on this measure | 93.86% | 87.5% | 92.63% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 21 | 01 | 01 | 23 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 16 | 01 | 42 | 59 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 06 | 00 | 01 | 07 |
4. Subtotal | 43 | 02 | 44 | 89 |
5. None of the above | 20 | 00 | 01 | 21 |
6. Subtotal | 63 | 02 | 45 | 110 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 63 | 02 | 45 | 110 |
9. Performance on this measure | 68.25% | 100% | 97.78% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 286 | 86.4% |
Satisfied | 38 | 11.48% |
Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.3% |
Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.3% |
Nonrespondent | 05 | 1.51% |
Total Surveyed | 331 | |
Response rate % | 98.49% |
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, AT Loan activities were challenging to provide. Pre-pandemic, delivering devices to individuals was done face to face. There was no budget for mailing items to individuals. Because of COVID-19, we moved to mailing devices to consumers directly and provided virtual supports to help them utilize the device. This took place with mixed results and it was more challenging to get items back and to collect responses for Performance Measures. Later in the fiscal year both face to face and mailing of devices were used. We hope to be able to increase the number of individuals served in this new year and resume a greater amount of face to face services to improve the quality of services and the engagement with the AT Act Program and AT Partners in order to better obtain the performance measures required.
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 11 |
Hearing | 00 |
Speech Communication | 100 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 78 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 01 |
Daily Living | 30 |
Environmental Adaptations | 14 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 44 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 06 |
Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 284 |
Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 205 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 123 |
Representatives of Education | 606 |
Representatives of Employment | 02 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 40 |
Representative of Community Living | 17 |
Representative of Technology | 08 |
Total | 1,001 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 16 |
Service Provider | 22 |
Vendor | 744 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 00 |
Total | 782 |
Joshua moved into a cluster apartment – his main goal was to be as independent and safe as possible at home. To help him achieve his goal, CT AT Act partner agency, ATECH, conducted AT demonstrations on a variety of daily living devices and a range of assistive technology tools. Joshua has trouble remembering to take his medications, the Med-Minder Jon was demonstrated because of specific features such as locking other med slots so only the meds he needs to take are available to him. Another device demonstrated was the Claris Companion to allow Joshua to video chat feature with staff when he needed assistance with something in his home. This device has a feature to only allow contacts programmed and approved in the device to be called adding additional safety. Other devices demonstrated that met his needs included the Ring Peephole Video doorbell, the CookStop, and the Microwave Safe-T Sensor. All of these items were put in place for Joshua as a result of the AT demonstration and it has allowed him to achieve his goal of living independently and safely.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 205 | 10 | 62 | 277 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 03 | 00 | 01 | 04 |
Subtotal | 208 | 10 | 63 | 281 |
Have not made a decision | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
Subtotal | 210 | 10 | 64 | 284 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 210 | 10 | 64 | 284 |
Performance on this measure | 99.05% | 100% | 98.44% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 773 | 77.22% |
Satisfied | 210 | 20.98% |
Satisfied somewhat | 18 | 1.8% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 1,001 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, AT Demo activities were challenging to provide. The AT Act Program and Partner agencies utilized virtual platforms which were less effective and began conducting in person demonstrations later in the fiscal year but not to the degree we did pre-pandemic. As a result, the number of individuals participating in AT demo activities are lower than we would like. We hope to be able to increase the number of individuals served in this new year as individuals return to community activities.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 32 | 18 | 439 | 489 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 18 | 02 | 117 | 137 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 06 | 00 | 01 | 07 |
4. Subtotal | 56 | 20 | 557 | 633 |
5. None of the above | 20 | 00 | 01 | 21 |
6. Subtotal | 76 | 20 | 558 | 654 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 76 | 20 | 558 | 654 |
9. Performance on this measure | 65.79% | 100% | 99.64% | 95.72% |
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 | 291 | 16 | 147 | 454 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 24 | 01 | 04 | 29 |
Subtotal | 315 | 17 | 151 | 483 |
Have not made a decision | 09 | 01 | 08 | 18 |
Subtotal | 324 | 18 | 159 | 501 |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 02 | 00 | 04 |
Total | 326 | 20 | 159 | 505 |
Performance on this measure | 97.22% | 94.44% | 94.97% | 96.41% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 98.82% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 99.73% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 165 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 68 |
Representatives of Education | 1,824 |
Representatives of Employment | 66 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 128 |
Representatives of Community Living | 108 |
Representatives of Technology | 69 |
Unable to Categorize | 221 |
TOTAL | 2,649 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
2,191 | 458 | 00 | 2,649 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 1,385 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 49 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 1,078 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 119 |
Transition | 18 |
Total | 2,649 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
AT Act partner agency CREC provided a training titled, "Using Engaging Strategies for Online Learning" where 42 participants learned how to engage their AT and AAC users within online learning tasks. These teachers had not been very familiar with strategies before the pandemic started for distance learning. They had a few tools in their toolkit. However, after this training, they reported that they were able to use many of the tools in order to better engage their students - particularly students who rely on AT and AAC - in a distance learning setting.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
AT Act partner agency EASTCONN provided a training to 7 Transition students with disabilities receiving 18-22 Transition Services. Topics covered included: What is AT and How Can it Help Me Now in School; How do I get it what I need to succeed in Education, Work and Community Settings; and, How AT can assist in Post-secondary, Work and Community. Students learned about technology that they were not familiar with. A variety of AT devices were provided as well as discussion of how these devices could be helpful in future school, work and community settings.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
AT Act Partner, EASTCONN providing training on "Digital Accessibility: A How to Guide for Word and PDFs" to the statewide Transition Community of Practice, which is a quarterly statewide meeting for special education directors, transition specialists and providers. 61 participants attended the training and received an introduction to making Word Documents and PDF Files accessible. Participants learned about the Accessibility Checker, editing alt text, the use of document styles, etc. In PDFs, the use of the accessibility checker, reading order and tags was also explained. A demonstration of a screen reader accessing an inaccessible and accessible document was demonstrated to emphasize the importance of document accessibility.
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 | 22 |
No known outcome at this time | 20 |
Nonrespondent | 45 |
Total | 119 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 45.4% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Due to COVID a majority of our trainings, if not all, moved to a virtual platform. This was one service that translated easier from in person to virtual delivery. However, one area we found more challenging about providing virtual trainings was ensuring that performance measure data was completed. This data was collected via survey link which many participants willingly utilized and followed through on, but many did not, no matter how many follow up emails we sent. As a result for ICT training we had an high amount of non respondents without the capacity to place individual calls to each of them.
Education | % |
---|---|
Employment | 70% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 3% |
Community Living | 27% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | % |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic & the Stay Home, Stay Safe orders, the CT Vocational Rehabilitation remained open to serve consumers 100% virtually. However there were many consumers who did not have access to the proper technology to be able to engage with their VR Counselors or to access VR services, meet with Community Rehabilitation Providers, or participate in school as part of their VR services. AT Act Program Director suggested the pursuit of the Tablet Technology Initiative to provide VR consumers with the technology they would need to be able to participate in VR services. With approval from the VR Director and working in partnership with Bureau of Rehabilitation Services colleagues, Program Director was able to provide the necessary TA to help to quickly and successfully establish this program, including researching devices to provide choice and the best match for consumer; assisting with the creation of new VR services, writing policies and guidelines for VR counselors to follo
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, CT AT Act Program Director did not have the opportunity to provide TA for transition.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, CT AT Act Program Director did not have the opportunity to provide TA for transition. NOTE: Some TA activities could have been listed under Technology but were listed under Employment or Community Living due to the dual nature of the TA.
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 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association. The event typically hosts presentations of new products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry. AT Act Partner, the NEAT Center, participated in the CES 2021, which was completely virtual. NEAT staff was interviewed about their Smart Home on Wheels (the SHOW) and their partnership with the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. The SHOW was created specifically with support from the CT AT Act Program, to be able to show consumers smart home technology they may be able to use in their homes to increase independence and improve their quality of life. The SHOW has become quite a hit, making appearances at AT and technology events in New England and beyond. This interview was aired during CES 2021, over 175,000 typically attend this event. To watch the interview visit https://cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/CES-2021, scroll down the interviews on the right panel to find "Kristopher Thompson New England Assistive Technology Oak Hill."
2. CT AT Program, Partner Agency EASTCONN presented at ATIA in 2021 on the topic of "Digital Accessibility: A How to Guide for Word and PDF Documents". This ICT session provided an excellent opportunity for the 163 attendees to learn about the importance of digital accessibility and learn some of the steps to actually creating accessible word and PDF documents. They were also provided information about where they could learn more - through AT ACT ICT trainings. Feedback received from this presentation session demonstrated a desire among the attendees to learn more and to pursue additional training. Feedback included, "So much great information pack into a small amount of time," "I want to know MORE!"
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 297 | 37 | 334 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 204 | 20 | 224 |
Representative of Education | 295 | 08 | 303 |
Representative of Employment | 70 | 00 | 70 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 105 | 04 | 109 |
Representative of Community Living | 327 | 12 | 339 |
Representative of Technology | 81 | 01 | 82 |
Unable to Categorize | 16 | 00 | 16 |
Total | 1,395 | 82 | 1,477 |
Most I&A data is captured by AT Partners via the individuals' participation in other services, such as Reuse, Demo, Device lending, and trainings.
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? | 1 |
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1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
Using CARES Act funding, the CT State Unit on Aging approached the CT state AT Act program to collaborate and develop a program to help socially isolated adults, 60 and older, and individuals with disabilities, 18 and older, in Connecticut to have access to technology to remain connected with family, friends, telehealth, and their communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The "Stay Connected" program was created, bringing together a partnership of all 5 Area Agencies on Aging, all 5 Centers for Independent Living along with 3 AT Act partner agencies. Using a social isolation screening tool the AAAs and CILs screened individuals for social isolation and those who met the criteria were referred to the AT partners for AT consultation, recommendation of device(s) and training on the item(s) received. For the purchase of recommended devices, we were able to leverage CARES Act funding by tapping into multiple funding sources, including towns, private grants, Medicaid, National Family Caregiver Program funds and more. Individuals who did not meet the criteria were still provided with resources and other services by the AAAs and CILs.
2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.
Using a validated screening tool 748 individuals were screened and approximately 30% met the criteria for socially isolated. 293 individuals were referred for assistive technology services, which included a virtual consultation with an AT expert, recommendation of device(s), provision of device(s) by various funding sources, virtual set up and training on device(s). A range of technology was recommended from smart home devices like digital assistants, basic laptops and Chromebook, tablets or smart phones. Participants benefitted from the access to technology to participate in virtual community activities, virtual social activities with family and friends as well as access to telehealth. This often resulted in an improved quality of life and measurable reduction in social isolation. Lessons learned included the recognition that individuals benefit from the full range of AT services; funding for devices and AT services continues to be a challenging barrier; the tool used was too complex and unevenly implemented; we had difficulty reconnecting with individuals for post surveys; and there was not enough funding to serve everyone who was eligible. We had to turn away over 60 eligible individuals and screening halted once we knew there would not be sufficient funds to serve everyone. Things we would do differently include having one or two navigators or case managers to guide participants through the full process and ensure no one falls through the cracks but also help them apply for and follow up on funding; use a less complex screening tool; continue to search for additional funding to serve the unmet needs. We are currently trying to use lessons learned to streamline the process. The state AT Act program is working with CT's Department of Public Health on a new version of this program with one high burdened community to test the new process. Also using lessons learned to build a new, more sustainable process with same partners using ARPA funding. We continuing to look for ways to replicate the project if possible.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;
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 |
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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.
Given the work described in the Section A. of Coordination / Collaboration Activities, the Stay Connected program resulted in a state improvement in that we have created a replicable program that is being used with the CT Department of Public Health and one high burdened community in CT. It is also being used to help establish a newer and better program to be used with ARPA funding and has also been used as a model to help establish similar technology programs related to employment within other parts of the state Department of Aging and Disability services including the state Vocational Rehabilitation agency and State Unit on Aging in partnership with the Workforce Alliance working on employment for seniors. Additionally, this program influenced written policy and practices for the National Family Caregiver Supplemental Program, allowing for the purchase of AT Services (consultation and training) along with the devices.
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.)
In the various iterations of the Stay Connected program, referral forms, flow charts and guidance have been created. For the National Family Caregiver Supplemental Program, policy and guidance have also been created and is being utilized.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
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Federal | $93,500 | Technical Assistance | True |
Private | $25,000 | Training | True |
Federal | $20,000 | Training | True |
Federal | $32,253 | Demonstration | True |
Public/State Agency | $45,764 | Device Loan | True |
Public/State Agency | $59,444 | Demonstration | True |
Federal | $41,071 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
Public/State Agency | $10,800 | Technical Assistance | True |
Federal | $32,253 | Device Loan | True |
Private | $30,000 | Demonstration | True |
Private | $20,000 | Device Loan | True |
Public/State Agency | $49,700 | Training | True |
Public/State Agency | $53,750 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
Amount: $513,535 |
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 07 2022 11:01:54 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)