National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Massachusetts 2021
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
State Financing
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 28 | 00 | 28 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| Total | 35 | 00 | 35 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $9,000 | Highest Income: | $148,000 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $1,206,017 | 28 | $43,072 |
| Income Ranges | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or Less |
$15,001- $30,000 |
$30,001- $45,000 |
$45,001- $60,000 |
$60,001- $75,000 |
$75,001 or More |
||
| Number of Loans | 05 | 07 | 07 | 02 | 04 | 03 | 28 |
| Percentage of Loans | 17.86% | 25% | 25% | 7.14% | 14.29% | 10.71% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 20 | 71.43% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 05 | 17.86% |
| With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
| With loan guarantee only | 03 | 10.71% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 28 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 20 | $36,512 |
| Partnership Loans | 08 | $206,698 |
| Total | 28 | $243,210 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 4% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 28 | 1.07142857142857% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 20 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 08 |
| 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 | 28 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 12 | $26,200 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 04 | $6,740 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 01 | $22,348 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 08 | $182,101 |
| Computers and related | 03 | $5,821 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 28 | $243,210 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
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
Maureen is a 35-year-old single parent of a 10-year-old son with complex medical needs. After spending several years trying to build up her credit with the earnings from her new job following a difficult divorce, she applied for a financial loan to purchase an adapted vehicle so she can take her son to his medical and other appointments. Maureen was approved for a traditional low-interest loan and is now a very proud owner of a new mini-van, with all the necessary adaptations to accommodate her son. As a result of services provided by the AFP, Maureen is able to independently transport her son to all of his medical and other appointments. In an email she wrote to the AFP team, she wrote “You have no idea how excited I am, this made my DECADE!”.
A 34-year-old woman reached out to the MA Alternative Finance Program looking for a way to purchase a much-needed power scooter. She lives with her wife and was unable to do basic daily activities due to her lacking mobility and severe pain from pinched nerves and degenerative disc disease. Knowing that the Mini-Loan program could provide her with an interest-free loan for up to $2,000, she began to look for mobility devices that would fit this price range. Once approved, she was able to purchase a power wheelchair for under $2,000 within just a week of applying to the program. The client has since reported a drastic increase in independence during her daily life. She stated that she is able to do “personal grooming, get the mail, do laundry and take out the trash” all of which she could not do before without the chair.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 05 | 23 | 28 |
| 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 | 05 | 23 | 28 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 05 | 23 | 28 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 05 | 23 | 28 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 28 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 28 | |
| 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 | 07 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 1,895 |
| C. Total | 1,902 |
| 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 | 1,902 |
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
| 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 | 07 | $1,065 | $0 | $1,065 |
| 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 | 07 | $1,065 | $0 | $1,065 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 10 | $6,818 | $0 | $6,818 |
| Hearing | 21 | $5,228 | $0 | $5,228 |
| Speech Communication | 03 | $946 | $0 | $946 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 04 | $8,300 | $0 | $8,300 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 1,230 | $2,306,947 | $2 | $2,306,945 |
| Daily Living | 611 | $259,941 | $2 | $259,939 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 04 | $1,673 | $0 | $1,673 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 74 | $28,544 | $0 | $28,544 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 1,957 | $2,618,397 | $4 | $2,618,393 |
D. Anecdote
REquipment had a request from a local business for a power wheelchair for a 93-year-old WW2 veteran. The veteran’s home was not accessible and the gentleman was having difficulties ambulating. Habitat for Humanity and several other local businesses pitched in to renovate his house to make it accessible. REquipment staff worked with the veteran to find an appropriate power wheelchair. The group let REquipment know the day they were building the ramp and REquipment showed up to deliver the wheelchair that day. As a result of the services provided by the REquipment DME Reuse Program and all the other partners, the veteran is once again mobile and very happy and grateful.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 14 | 12 | 887 | 913 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 03 | 01 | 134 | 138 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 14 | 03 | 646 | 663 |
| 4. Subtotal | 31 | 16 | 1,667 | 1,714 |
| 5. None of the above | 07 | 03 | 178 | 188 |
| 6. Subtotal | 38 | 19 | 1,845 | 1,902 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 38 | 19 | 1,845 | 1,902 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 81.58% | 84.21% | 90.35% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 1,762 | 92.64% |
| Satisfied | 134 | 7.05% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 03 | 0.16% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 03 | 0.16% |
| Total Surveyed | 1,902 | |
| Response rate % | 99.84% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 320 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 62 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 72 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 32 |
| Total | 486 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 52 | 60 | 112 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 85 | 46 | 131 |
| Representative of Education | 75 | 23 | 98 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 | 04 | 05 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 39 | 14 | 53 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 03 | 01 | 04 |
| Representatives of Technology | 65 | 18 | 83 |
| Total | 320 | 166 | 486 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 44 | 14 | 58 |
| Hearing | 24 | 08 | 32 |
| Speech Communication | 80 | 34 | 114 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 60 | 23 | 83 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 27 | 41 | 68 |
| Daily Living | 70 | 28 | 98 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 31 | 41 | 72 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 208 | 69 | 277 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 04 | 04 |
| Total | 544 | 264 | 808 |
E. Anecdote
The mother of a young man called the AT Regional Center in Pittsfield looking for a way to help her son into and out of their home. Her son had been submitted to hospice care due to a rare condition, but he and his family wanted him to have easy access to the outdoors and appointments. The AT staff scheduled a time to go to the home to measure the homes steps to ensure they had the proper sized ramps. Upon visiting the home, the AT staff discovered that the house would need two ramps to accommodate the multiple rises on the steps. The AT staff established that they had exactly the right sized ramps available. The AT staff returned to the AT center and picked up the ramps to be delivered in the very same day. In less than 3 hours, the young man had easy access into and out of his home. Weeks later, the mother called asking if they could use the ramps for a little longer, her son’s condition had worsened, and they needed to be able to get him out of the house in case of an emergency. The AT staff gladly extended the loan. Two weeks later, the mother called stating she no longer needed the ramps and that her son had passed away. In the same call, the mother expressed immense appreciation for how timely and accommodating the AT staff and AT center was in helping her and her son maintain some freedom.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 113 | 04 | 99 | 216 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 21 | 01 | 57 | 79 |
| Subtotal | 134 | 05 | 156 | 295 |
| Have not made a decision | 15 | 00 | 07 | 22 |
| Subtotal | 149 | 05 | 163 | 317 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| Total | 150 | 05 | 165 | 320 |
| Performance on this measure | 89.93% | 100% | 95.71% | |
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 23 | 08 | 76 | 107 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 20 | 03 | 22 | 45 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 09 | 00 | 04 | 13 |
| 4. Subtotal | 52 | 11 | 102 | 165 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 52 | 11 | 102 | 165 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 8. Total | 52 | 11 | 103 | 166 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 469 | 96.5% |
| Satisfied | 12 | 2.47% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 02 | 0.41% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 03 | 0.62% |
| Total Surveyed | 486 | |
| Response rate % | 99.38% |
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 | 18 |
| Hearing | 19 |
| Speech Communication | 31 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 22 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 05 |
| Daily Living | 12 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 14 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 22 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 |
| Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 144 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 103 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 56 |
| Representatives of Education | 78 |
| Representatives of Employment | 93 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 194 |
| Representative of Community Living | 41 |
| Representative of Technology | 04 |
| Total | 569 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 111 |
| Service Provider | 111 |
| Vendor | 136 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 358 |
D. Anecdote
The ATRC in Pittsfield sent it’s AT mobile van "AT Roadshow" to Greenfield, Ma at the business park that houses the MRC offices and a handful of other healthcare providers. Three AT staff accompanied the roadshow to demonstrate various types of technologies to professionals in the industry. One individual, Rachel, who had come to the roadshow was being shown a handful of items for vision impairment by one of the AT specialists. Rachel was excited to see some of the higher-tech technologies that exist, such as the OrCam reader! After seeing these items, Rachel joked, “I wish you guys had something for Color-blind folks! My colleague is color-blind and it would be awesome there were anything to assist him!” In that same moment, the AT staff pulled out the EnChroma Color-blind glasses. These glasses correct most types of color-blindness. Rachel was stunned and was extremely thrilled that she would be able to borrow the glasses for her colleague moments later! The AT staff had her filled out the appropriate paperwork and they were hers to test!
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 31 | 17 | 65 | 113 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 02 | 01 | 10 | 13 |
| Subtotal | 33 | 18 | 75 | 126 |
| Have not made a decision | 05 | 04 | 09 | 18 |
| Subtotal | 38 | 22 | 84 | 144 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 38 | 22 | 84 | 144 |
| Performance on this measure | 86.84% | 81.82% | 89.29% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 520 | 91.39% |
| Satisfied | 48 | 8.44% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.18% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 569 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 37 | 25 | 986 | 1,048 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 23 | 04 | 156 | 183 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 23 | 03 | 650 | 676 |
| 4. Subtotal | 83 | 32 | 1,792 | 1,907 |
| 5. None of the above | 07 | 03 | 178 | 188 |
| 6. Subtotal | 90 | 35 | 1,970 | 2,095 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 8. Total | 90 | 35 | 1,971 | 2,096 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 66.67% | 82.86% | 57.97% | 58.76% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 144 | 21 | 164 | 329 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 23 | 02 | 67 | 92 |
| Subtotal | 167 | 23 | 231 | 421 |
| Have not made a decision | 20 | 04 | 16 | 40 |
| Subtotal | 187 | 27 | 247 | 461 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| Total | 188 | 27 | 249 | 464 |
| Performance on this measure | 89.3% | 85.19% | 93.52% | 91.32% |
| 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 | 99.80% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 99.80% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 346 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 319 |
| Representatives of Education | 177 |
| Representatives of Employment | 308 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 462 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 228 |
| Representatives of Technology | 141 |
| Unable to Categorize | 126 |
| TOTAL | 2,107 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,084 | 23 | 00 | 2,107 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 1,777 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 49 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 199 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 00 |
| Transition | 82 |
| Total | 2,107 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
ADRC AT Training Series During FY21, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs partnered with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and the MassMATCH AT Program to provide a series of AT trainings to the Aging and Disability Resource Consortia (ADRC) network in Massachusetts. The series was made possible by funding received through the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act). The trainings were developed and conducted by Easterseals MA and UCP of Western Massachusetts (the provider organizations operating the Assistive Technology Regional Centers (ATRCs)) under Massachusetts’ Assistive Technology Act program – MassMATCH. The trainings were aimed at staff working in ADRC partner organizations or other community organizations throughout Massachusetts. The purpose of the trainings was to help ADRC staff prevent, prepare for, and respond to the effects of COVID-19 on older adults and people with disabilities. In particular, the trainings were to help ADRC staff and others understand what technologies are available to support remote interactions, and how to help consumers use technology to provide and receive services and increase social engagement while reducing social isolation. In all, 8 separate workshops were held and attended by a total of 228 individuals. 95.8% of respondents rated the series as being of high quality and that they were very satisfied with what they learned. And 91.7% of them said they will recommend the trainings to others. Among the topics covered in the series were: Smart Homes; Introduction to Assistive Technology; AT for Connectivity; Internet Safety; Computer Literacy; Phones and Tablets Accessibility; and Accessing Community Services, Parts One and Two.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Partnership with the McKinsey Youth Leadership Forum on AT The Youth Leadership Forum is a two-day leadership workshop conducted by McKinsey & Company Boston. It is open to sophomore, junior, and senior high school students in the Greater Boston Area. The Youth Leadership Forum has a dual focus on leadership training and strategic problem-solving. Participants hone their leadership and problem-solving skills by helping a Boston-area nonprofit develop a strategy to solve a problem they are facing. In FY21, The McKinsey Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) reached out to the MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) in Boston to conduct a training session for that year's cohort on the topic of Assistive Technology. The McKinsey Youth Leadership group is made up of students looking to develop skills and acquire experience through the assistance of industry leaders. During this specific virtual training, Michele Boutelle COTA/L, ATP, DCP presented to the McKinsey Youth Leadership groups on Assistive technology. Information was presented to students so they would get a better understanding on types of Assistive technology on the market and how that technology could help individuals in the areas of communication, hearing, vision, switch access, ADL and smart home technology. A virtual tour of the center was also provided to the participants in order to provide them visual understanding on how devices can be utilized and adapted to meet specific goals and needs. The goal of the training is for the students to be able to take this information and implement what they learned into their own transition through post-secondary education and future employment, Among the cohort, there were 44 individuals with disabilities.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 00 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 00 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | NaN% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Not Met |
E. Notes:
Due to internal staffing changes we were unable to implement a plan we had developed to procure the services of an outside AT provider organization to help us offer ICT trainings to meet this requirement. We are now on track to meet this requirement in FY22.
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 15% |
|---|---|
| Employment | % |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 37% |
| Community Living | 24% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 24% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Dr. Linda Long an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School/ Commonwealth Medicine reached out to the MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Center in Worcester, operated by Easterseals of MA to partner on an innovative approach to the training of their medical school students. Dr. Long wanted Michele Boutelle, the Manager of the ATRC to facilitate a series of sessions focusing on education, demonstration and explanation on Assistive technology and how the medical students can play a vital role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can have access to and obtain needed Assistive Technology. Over the 2021 fiscal year, Michele Boutelle spoke to the UMass students on seven different occasions. The goal was to help these future medical professionals gain an in-depth understanding of different types of Assistive technology, how they can refer patients for devices and funding as well as their role in filling out required paperwork to justify their recomm
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Michele Boutelle, COTA/L, ATP and the Manager of the MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) locations in Boston and Worcester was initially asked to present to the Greater North Shore Link (GNSL) partners meeting. The content of the presentation covered how individuals working with the aging population could help provide access to Assistive Technology devices, services and resources to their region. This presenter covered how to introduce AT devices to clients as well as what factors or issues to think about, look at and discuss to ensure that clients were receiving the best devices possible for their particular functional needs. Following that first presentation, staff from the GNSL consulted with Michele Boutelle on an ongoing basis throughout the year to review what types of assistive technology would be beneficial to clients they were working with as well as help with recommendations for funding and other AT services. Approximately 20 hours of Technical Assistanc
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. With funding from Mass Rehab Commission, MassMATCH hosted a virtual AT expo on 9/17/21. The event, dubbed “AT Expo and Training: The Way of the Future” was held using the vFair online platform. The platform provided an interactive experience allowing participants to explore different rooms such as a Lobby, exhibit hall and auditorium. The lobby allowed for an easy flow from room to room. The exhibit hall held 19 AT vendors from areas of education, employment, community living, mobility, communication, hearing and vision as well as Massachusetts based AT programs. The auditorium displayed the day’s schedule of 8 training sessions. A total of 354 people registered for the event. There were participants from across the country, including 20 states and 3 from outside the United States. There were a total of 2017 exhibitor booth visits, with 734 of them being unique booth visits. The registrants were made up of 63 family members, Guardians, or Authorized Representatives, 45 Individuals with disabilities, 53 representatives of community living, 34 representatives of education, 32 representatives of employment, 66 representatives of health, allied Health and rehabilitation, and 59 representatives of technology. Toni Wolf, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission delivered the Opening Remarks. The Keynote speaker for the entire event was Dr. Therese Willkomm, Ph.D., who is the Director of New Hampshire’s State Assistive Technology Program. Among the wide variety of topics covered by the training component of the event include the following: Intro to Assistive Accessibility in Microsoft 365; Getting Serious about Self-Determination with Tools with Build Autonomy; Top Low Vision Technology for employment, Educators and Seniors; Successfully integrating Deaf, hard of hearing and late deadened employees into your workplace; AAC Tips to Communicate in Home, School and Community; 5 Smart Technologies for a more Accessible workspace; Client testimony: Highlighting individuals with disabilities and the technology they use to work, live and play; and Requesting Accommodations in the Workplace.
2. On Thursday Mar 4, 2021, Kobena Bonney, the MassMATCH AT Program Coordinator, presented at the statewide 6th Annual Disability Summit hosted by the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD). The summit was held virtually on the Zoom audiovisual conferencing platform. The 2021 Disability Summit focused on Reasonable Accommodations and Socialization in a Virtual World. There was a wide range of engaging speakers who shared information about themselves and/or their organizations. Among the main speakers were Michael Heffernan, Secretary of the Executive Office of Administration & Finance, who offered Opening Remarks and Mary Mahon McCauley, Executive Director of MOD, who delivered the Welcome Address. Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Perkins Library (the local NLS affiliated Talking Book Library for Massachusetts) presented on their accessible library services for People with Disabilities, including the delivery of materials to patrons’ homes. In the case of the MassMATCH presentation, Kobena addressed the topic “Assistive Technology Resources in the Workplace and in Our Personal Lives.” He shared information about himself as a blind person and how on a day-to-day basis he uses assistive technology in his work as well as in his personal life. In addition, he discussed the wide range of assistive technology resources that already exist in the Commonwealth and how to access them. Presenting at the 2021 Disability Summit was an excellent opportunity for Kobena to promote the MassMATCH AT Program and the activities it offers to a very large audience of persons with disabilities, their family members and friends, service providers, and agency representatives. A total of 192 people participated in the 2021 Disability Summit, and there was a sharp increase in contact with MassMATCH following the event.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 464 | 24 | 488 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 2,141 | 43 | 2,184 |
| Representative of Education | 85 | 08 | 93 |
| Representative of Employment | 66 | 06 | 72 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 342 | 04 | 346 |
| Representative of Community Living | 49 | 04 | 53 |
| Representative of Technology | 93 | 01 | 94 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 3,240 | 90 | 3,330 |
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? | 1 |
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A. Coordination/Collaboration
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?
During the year under review, MRC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division collaborated with MRC’s MassMATCH AT Act program to carry out a number of projects related to Assistive Technology and employment. Through these projects, MassMATCH’s three AT Regional Centers in Boston, Worcester and Pittsfield increased access to AT devices related to employment, as well as provided training opportunities for staff of MRC, providers, employers, educators, or others who work with individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals. The overall purpose of the initiatives was to expand access to and awareness of AT and how it can help individuals with disabilities achieve employment-related goals. The specific projects carried out include: • Purchase of additional AT devices related to employment, education or vocational training to augment the inventory of the Device Loan program. • Development of an online AT Toolkit, which includes information and recommendations on devices, programs, apps and other information specifically related to the achievement of an employment goal. • AT Trainings: 13 separate training sessions were conducted in total; 9 for staff at MRC VR offices, as well as one each for MRC’s Placement Team, Pre-Employment Transition Service providers, Competitive Integrated Employment Services (CIES) providers and VR-Independent Living staff at the Independent Living Centers. • Virtual AT Training and Expo, which provided 8 different AT training workshops to a broad audience focusing on employment-related topic as well as an opportunity for attendees to meet and learn about AT from 19 different AT vendors who exhibited.
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.
That was the first time there has been a collaboration of this kind between the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation Division and the State AT Program. The audience reached was made up of MRC Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellors and others who work to assist MRC consumers achieve their employment goals. A total of 500 plus people were able to learn about assistive technology in ways they had not before. Participants were very happy with what they learned. Additionally, all the entities that participated in the initiatives believed they were very successful and are open to continue on an annual basis. One of the lessons learned was to offer the sessions in a less concentrated form in order to provide interested participants more opportunities to attend more sessions.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); 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; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;
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 |
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Additional And Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Appropriations | $1,271,600 | State Financing | True |
| State Appropriations | $643,556 | Reuse | True |
| Federal | $17,000 | Training | True |
| Federal | $125,000 | Training | True |
| Amount: $2,057,156 |
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 11:07:08 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)