National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Idaho 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Idaho Assistive Technology Project
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://idahoat.org
Mailing Address:
1187 Alturas Dr
City:
Moscow
State:
ID
Zip Code:
83843
Program Email:
idahoat@uidaho.edu
Phone:
1-800-432-8324
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of Idaho
Mailing Address:
875 Perimeter Dr
City:
Moscow
State:
ID
Zip Code:
83844
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):
Carson, Janice
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
208-885-6104
E-mail:
jcarson@uidaho.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Shaver, Deborah
Title:
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
Phone:
208-885-4627
E-mail:
dshaver@uidaho.edu
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):
Brooks, Mellowdee
Title:
Assistive Technology Consultant
Phone:
208-885-6117
E-mail:
mellowd@uidaho.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Shaver, Deborah
Title:
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
Phone:
208-885-6651
E-mail:
dshaver@uidaho.edu

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 06 04 10
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 01 01 02
Total 07 05 12

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $1,098 Highest Income: $81,600

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$428,334 10 $42,833

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 01 03 01 02 02 01 10
Percentage of Loans 10% 30% 10% 20% 20% 10% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 04 40%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 06 60%
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 00 $0
Partnership Loans 10 $50,916
Total 10 $50,916

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 3%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
33 10 3.3%

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 05 $13,018
Speech communication 01 $1,098
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $6,558
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 04 $30,242
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 11 $50,916

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 02
Net loss for loans in default $1,665

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

A gentleman and his wife applied for hearing aids for the wife in southeastern Idaho. They have a newborn and she wanted to be able to hear her baby. They had been victims of identify theft and had fled a dangerous family situation. Because of these, their credit score was damaged and they were unable to qualify for a loan. They have been making double and triple payments to pay off past debts, and working to rebuild their credit. The committee looked at both character and their current capacity to pay, felt they would continue this upward trend, and guaranteed their loan. The mother is delighted with her hearing aids. As she cares for her child and meets its daily needs, she enjoys being able to hear it better.

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 09 09
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 01 00 01
4. Subtotal 00 01 09 10
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 09 10
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 01 09 10
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 10 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
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 345
C. Total 346

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 346

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 $42,000 $0 $42,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 01 $42,000 $0 $42,000

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 14 $62,345 $0 $62,345
Hearing 13 $1,417 $0 $1,417
Speech Communication 01 $1,500 $0 $1,500
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05 $1,075 $0 $1,075
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 119 $42,878 $0 $42,878
Daily Living 184 $32,626 $0 $32,626
Environmental Adaptations 27 $2,249 $0 $2,249
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 43 $28,641 $0 $28,641
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $20 $0 $20
Total 407 $172,751 $0 $172,751

D. Anecdote

An elderly couple living in a rural area of northern needed a ramp. The gentleman had fallen off the stairs and the wife was not able to lift him up. The couple was able to able to use a modular aluminum ramp as an open-ended loan until they were able to obtain a permanent ramp.

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. 22 02 239 263
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 01 51 53
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 23 23
4. Subtotal 23 03 313 339
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 23 03 316 342
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 04 04
8. Total 23 03 320 346
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 97.81%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 284 82.08%
Satisfied 46 13.29%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 16 4.62%
Total Surveyed 346
Response rate % 95.38%

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) 318
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 10
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 30
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 17
Total 375

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 45 00 45
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 170 00 170
Representative of Education 77 00 77
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 71 00 71
Representatives of Community Living 01 00 01
Representatives of Technology 10 00 10
Total 375 00 375

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 of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 20 00 20
Hearing 37 00 37
Speech Communication 123 00 123
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 78 00 78
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10 00 10
Daily Living 14 00 14
Environmental Adaptations 49 00 49
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 202 00 202
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 07 00 07
Total 540 00 540

E. Anecdote

In northern Idaho, a parent of a child with a speech impairment borrowed an iPad from our lending library. They wanted to finish trials and had to wait for funding. They eventually were able to get an iPad for the student funded through Medicaid. Because they were able to keep the iPad through this process, the child was able to continue to effectively communicate during the transition. Another success story in northern Idaho includes the loan of an iPod Touch with an AAC app installed. The iPod offered more portability and decreased negative behaviors, as the child did not like the size of a full iPad. After the loan, the parents purchased the products for their child.

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 184 02 37 223
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 33 03 21 57
Subtotal 217 05 58 280
Have not made a decision 15 00 20 35
Subtotal 232 05 78 315
Nonrespondent 02 00 01 03
Total 234 05 79 318
Performance on this measure 93.53% 100% 74.36%

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. 14 02 22 38
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 01 07 13
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 04 00 02 06
4. Subtotal 23 03 31 57
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 23 03 31 57
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 23 03 31 57
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 354 94.4%
Satisfied 19 5.07%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.53%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 375
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 01
Hearing 08
Speech Communication 21
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 13
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 23
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 72

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 46
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 13
Representatives of Education 49
Representatives of Employment 03
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 03
Representative of Community Living 10
Representative of Technology 04
Total 128

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 16
Service Provider 07
Vendor 75
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 98

D. Anecdote

As part of the communication assessment for a new participant in the Idaho iCanConnect program, we did a demonstration that involved a variety of iPads to determine the best size for the Deaf Blind individual and assess whether the person would have difficulty adjusting to a newer model without a home button. The demo also included a wide variety of external and on-screen keyboards to determine which color, contrast, size, and word prediction options would meet the vision requirements and help increase the individual’s ability to produce text. We also explored some text-based communication apps to pre-record often used sentences for easy and speedy communication. As a result of this demonstration, the consumer acquired the equipment and is using the video table for video calls and is learning to use it to communicate in his environment.

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 40 08 14 62
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 04 05
Subtotal 41 08 18 67
Have not made a decision 01 00 01 02
Subtotal 42 08 19 69
Nonrespondent 03 00 00 03
Total 45 08 19 72
Performance on this measure 91.11% 100% 94.74%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 125 97.66%
Satisfied 02 1.56%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.78%
Total 128
Response rate % 99.22%

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. 36 04 270 310
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 06 02 58 66
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 04 01 25 30
4. Subtotal 46 07 353 406
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 46 07 356 409
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 04 04
8. Total 46 07 360 413
9. Performance on this measure 91.3% 85.71% 91.11% 91.04%
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 224 10 51 285
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 34 03 25 62
Subtotal 258 13 76 347
Have not made a decision 16 00 21 37
Subtotal 274 13 97 384
Nonrespondent 05 00 01 06
Total 279 13 98 390
Performance on this measure 93.14% 100% 78.35% 89.66%
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 99.76% 95% Met
Response Rate 98.02% 90% Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 11
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 14
Representatives of Education 247
Representatives of Employment 27
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 104
Representatives of Community Living 40
Representatives of Technology 598
Unable to Categorize 2,703
TOTAL 3,744

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
2,560 1,085 99 3,744

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 425
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 2,801
Combination of any/all of the above 399
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 111
Transition 08
Total 3,744

C. Description of Training Activities

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

A training was given to staff members of the infant/toddler program which detailed assistive technology equipment for young children. The trainees were provided with information on how to access and trial assistive technology equipment with their clients, and were given resource related to assistive technology funding options.

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

BSD and West Ada Transition Fairs IATP provided two trainings to transitioning students in the Boise and West Ada School districts March 3 and May 4, 2021. Trainings were presented via Zoom online format during after-school hours, and allowed parents and students to ask questions about assistive technology supports in Idaho and in college.

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

IDAC Spring PDF Form Accessibility Series 8-part series on PDF Forms accessibility - The series followed the workflow process to create an accessible PDF form. Participants were invited to build a form from scratch, working alongside the presenters during the 8 sessions. The completed form was designed to be printed or completed electronically and was accessible to assistive technology users. Attendees included webmasters and content creators from various Idaho agencies.

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 08
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 99
No known outcome at this time 04
Nonrespondent 00
Total 111
Performance Measure Percentage 96.4%
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 8%
Employment 4%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 45%
Community Living 35%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 8%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Communication Access Program In collaboration with the Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging and their availability of CARES Act funding to reduce social isolation in long-term care facilities, the Idaho AT Project created communication access kits and placed them in 21 long-term care facilities. We provided instruction, training, and technical assistance to the facilities on how to use the equipment in order to increase residents’ full access to communication.

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

BSD and West Ada Transition Fairs In these spring 2021 events, IATP provided technical assistance to transitioning students in the Boise and West Ada School districts. In this Zoom online format during after-school hours, parents and students were able to ask questions about assistive technology supports in Idaho and in college.

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. Due to COVID-19, our Public Awareness Activities significantly decreased this year. Many activities we usually participate in were either cancelled or held virtually. The Idaho AT Project was able to participate in an Americans with Disabilities Act "pop up" COVID -19 vaccine event. This was held in Latah County on July 22nd, 2021. We hosted a booth with information on our services and examples of different types of assistive technology including daily living, computer access, recreation and education, among other items. The Idaho AT Project had to cancel our Tools for Life this year due to the pandemic. Though face-to-face events have slowed, we continue to provide information to consumers through social media, Padlets and other forms of communication.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 138 42 180
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 177 29 206
Representative of Education 249 13 262
Representative of Employment 24 01 25
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 136 19 155
Representative of Community Living 147 20 167
Representative of Technology 06 01 07
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 877 125 1,002

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? 01

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.

Through a partnership with one of our Area Agencies on Aging, which included funding, we designed, developed, and implemented a communication access program, for long term care facilities, based on survey data.


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

The long-term care facilities did not develop written polices, practices, or procedures per se. Our goal was to grow awareness on the multiple aspects of communication access for older persons with functional needs within their personal space, withing their living residence, and outside the walls of the facilities. The facilities learned what that looked like for their residents. “We have a couple of residents who have had excellent success with the pocket talkers and wireless/transmitter system. They are very hard of hearing. Using these devices has had a great impact on their ability to hear and interact with others, especially with our therapy team.” IATP developed a final report for this first phase and additional supports are linked within the document. This project has been well received and embraced by the Idaho Commission of Aging and their Commissioners. Please contact: Janice Carson @ janicec@uidaho.edu for a copy.


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

Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation

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 Data Reported
Public/State Agency$31,486Technical AssistanceTrue
Federal$6,084DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$82,909Device LoanTrue
Federal$15,729Device LoanTrue
Federal$12,418State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$40,399DemonstrationTrue
Federal$7,953TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$60,560TrainingTrue
Federal$608Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$5,573Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$1,450ReuseTrue
Amount: $265,169

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 11:03:52 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.