National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Nebraska 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Nebraska Assisitive Technology Partnership

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://atp.nebraska.gov

Mailing Address:

3901 N. 27th Street, Suite 5

City:

Lincoln

State:

Nebraska

Zip Code:

68521

Program Email:

atp@nebraska.gov

Phone:

402-471-0734

TTY:

402-471-0652

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Nebraska Department of Education - Assistive Technology Partnership

Mailing Address:

3901 N. 27th Street, Suite 5

City:

Lincoln

State:

Nebraska

Zip Code:

68521

Program URL:

https://atp.nebraska.gov

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Orr, Tobias

Title:

Director

Phone:

402-853-1582

E-mail:

tobias.orr@nebraska.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Orr, Tobias

Title:

Director

Phone:

402-853-1582

E-mail:

tobias.orr@nebraska.gov

Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Orr, Tobias

Title:

Director

Phone:

402-853-1582

E-mail:

tobias.orr@nebraska.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Yes

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Last resort - Activity

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	50
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	50

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	50

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Devices Funded	Value of AT Provided
Vision	0	0.00
Hearing	0	0.00
Speech communication	0	0.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	0.00
Mobility, seating and positioning	3	11813.00
Daily living	8	17622.00
Environmental adaptations	19	99441.00
Vehicle modification and transportation	19	120886.00
Computers and related	1	822.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	0.00
Total	50	250584.00

Activity 2

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	6
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	3
C. Total Served	9

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	9

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Devices Funded	Value of AT Provided
Vision	1	1819.00
Hearing	4	203.00
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	23	10341.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	0.00
Total	28	12363.00

C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan?

D. Anecdote

A 71 years old man from Sarpy County in Nebraska submitted a Service and Device Application (S&D) to ATP for funding coordination to make his bathroom accessible. He experiences paralyses on his right side. Upon review of the S&D, he qualified for funding through the Enrichment Foundation Grant (EFG), which offers grant funding for projects in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. He was referred to an ATP Technology Specialist who worked directly with the family to assess the bathroom and accessibility needs. In coordination with the EFG funding, he also qualified for funding with the HISA Program through the Veterans Administration. These coordinated funding sources have allowed this gentleman to have a shower that allows him to shower with independence.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

Our iCanConnect Program partners closely with multiple agencies in the community. Our partnership with Outlook Nebraska and Outlook Enrichment provides not only referrals, but also training assistance. One of our mutual clients applied for iCC and was determined to be eligible for services. He received an iPhone SE with case and AppleCare through the iCC Program. He then worked with Outlook Enrichment to learn to use the device properly and be able to communicate efficiently with his friend and family members. A thank you note was received from our client after his iCC case was completed saying: “I would like to thank you for the iPhone. I really like the many things that I can do with the phone. I can listen to the football games on it. I like the fact that I can text my friends and they can text me. It really opened the door for me. I’m able to save my contacts in my phone. The voice is better quality and understanding. There is a lot to learn. Once again thank you very much. I really enjoy my phone.”

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	11	27	38
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	05	05	11
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	07	00	07
4. Subtotal	01	23	32	56
5. None of the above	00	02	01	03
6. Subtotal	01	25	33	59
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	01	25	33	59
9. Performance on this measure	100%	92%	96.97%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	52	88.14%
Satisfied	06	10.17%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	1.69%
Total Surveyed	59
Response rate %	98.31%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	151
C. Total	151

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	151

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

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	02	$3,500	$0	$3,500
Hearing	02	$360	$0	$360
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	106	$41,665	$0	$41,665
Daily Living	102	$16,497	$0	$16,497
Environmental Adaptations	01	$372	$0	$372
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	213	$62,394	$0	$62,394

D. Anecdote

When L of Lincoln retired his goal was to get a dog. Last January that goal became a reality when Mac, a golden retriever, moved in with him. It wasn’t long before he realized the growing puppy needed more walking than his health could manage. Diabetes affects his feet and limits the amount of walking he can do on a daily basis. L and Mac's goal is to walk two to five miles a day. L knew a scooter would be beneficial and expensive. He contacted his insurance and it was an item that was not covered. A call to ATP solved the problem. Within a couple weeks he was matched with a scooter that had been donated. L says, "The scooter makes it possible for me to walk Mac everyday and do errands—and I am keeping my feet healthy. When I drop my hat, gloves or mask because my hands are stiff due to gout and diabetes, Mac picks them up." L has attached bells to Mac's harness to help him know where he is located. People tell him it sounds like Santa coming down the street and during the summer an ice cream truck!

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	06	01	92	99
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	23	23
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	01	18	19
4. Subtotal	06	02	133	141
5. None of the above	00	00	10	10
6. Subtotal	06	02	143	151
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	06	02	143	151
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	93.01%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	149	98.68%
Satisfied	02	1.32%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	151
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	208
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	16
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	277
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	08
Total	509

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	133	00	133
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	125	00	125
Representative of Education	177	00	177
Representative of Employment	27	00	27
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	34	00	34
Representatives of Community Living	05	00	05
Representatives of Technology	08	00	08
Total	509	00	509

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	11	00	11
Hearing	14	00	14
Speech Communication	79	00	79
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	219	00	219
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	248	00	248
Daily Living	108	00	108
Environmental Adaptations	116	00	116
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01	00	01
Computers and Related	57	00	57
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	08	00	08
Total	861	00	861

E. Anecdote

A transition student working with Nebraska VR was referred to us to assist in helping find technology that would help them be successful when they started college in the fall. The individual is diagnosed with a specific learning disorder (SLD) in writing and reading comprehension. An iPad with the app Audio Note was loaned to the individual, along with a C-Pen to try out during their last month in high school. In the end the Audio Note app was beneficial and the student and their family ended up purchasing it from the Apple store and installing it on their own iPad. The C-Pen was not as beneficial and they decided not to pursue obtaining one. Now the student is able to record and take notes when listening to a lecture, and can go back and easily identify which notes go with each part of the lecture when they are studying.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	96	07	04	107
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	70	01	01	72
Subtotal	166	08	05	179
Have not made a decision	19	01	00	20
Subtotal	185	09	05	199
Nonrespondent	08	01	00	09
Total	193	10	05	208
Performance on this measure	89.73%	88.89%	100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	10	10	227	247
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	09	02	30	41
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	04	04
4. Subtotal	19	12	261	292
5. None of the above	00	02	02	04
6. Subtotal	19	14	263	296
7. Nonrespondent	03	00	02	05
8. Total	22	14	265	301
9. Performance on this measure	100%	85.71%	99.24%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	354	69.55%
Satisfied	117	22.99%
Satisfied somewhat	04	0.79%
Not at all satisfied	01	0.2%
Nonrespondent	33	6.48%
Total Surveyed	509
Response rate %	93.52%

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	00
Hearing	03
Speech Communication	07
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	33
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	23
Daily Living	08
Environmental Adaptations	02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	02
Computers and Related	05
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated	83

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities	64
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	07
Representatives of Education	13
Representatives of Employment	42
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	02
Representative of Community Living	00
Representative of Technology	11
Total	139

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	95
Service Provider	01
Vendor	02
Repair Service	00
Others	00
Total	98

D. Anecdote

A client from Nebraska VR was referred to ATP. The individual is pursuing a career in the medical field and because of a hearing loss has trouble using a stethoscope. An E-Scope electronic stethoscope was demonstrated along with 2 types of headphones (E-Scope Convertible and Traditional). After trying out the two different types of headphones and the stethoscope the consumer and Nebraska VR decided to purchase the E-Scope stethoscope along with the E-Scope Convertible headphones. Now the consumer is able to participate fully in their clinicals as they finish up school.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	19	44	09	72
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	06	02	09
Subtotal	20	50	11	81
Have not made a decision	00	02	00	02
Subtotal	20	52	11	83
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	20	52	11	83
Performance on this measure	100%	96.15%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	133	95.68%
Satisfied	06	4.32%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	139
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	16	22	346	384
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	10	07	58	75
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	08	22	30
4. Subtotal	26	37	426	489
5. None of the above	00	04	13	17
6. Subtotal	26	41	439	506
7. Nonrespondent	03	00	02	05
8. Total	29	41	441	511
9. Performance on this measure	100%	70.73%	92.03%	90.71%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	115	51	13	179
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	71	07	03	81
Subtotal	186	58	16	260
Have not made a decision	19	03	00	22
Subtotal	205	61	16	282
Nonrespondent	08	01	00	09
Total	213	62	16	291
Performance on this measure	90.73%	95.08%	100%	92.2%
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	99.39%	95%	Met
Response Rate	96.04%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	78
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	31
Representatives of Education	349
Representatives of Employment	92
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	267
Representatives of Community Living	25
Representatives of Technology	00
Unable to Categorize	88
TOTAL	930

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
147	245	538	930

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	359
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	78
Combination of any/all of the above	399
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	43
Transition	51
Total	930

C. Description of Training Activities

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

This year ATP started up it's first AT Cadre where a selected group of 21 educators that work with students with disabilities were selected to participate in the 9 month program. The program provided intensive professional development on school-based assistive technology practices. Activities included monthly group meetings, one on one individual coaching, and a final project to demonstrate how they will apply what they have learned at their school. Participants were also provided with a one year membership to the Assistive Technology Industry Association Learning Center and a one year membership to the Closing the Gap Solutions giving them access to hundreds of AT focused courses, articles and resources.

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

ATP participated in the Project SEARCH Job Expo's put on by Nebraska VR. During 4 of the 5 expo's a virtual learning session on various type of assistive technology was given to the students. The focus was on AT that would benefit them in the workplace such as scheduling apps and different types of timers.

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

ATP put on a webinar series for educators focusing on Chromebooks and built in accessibility features.

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	05
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	26
No known outcome at this time	11
Nonrespondent	01
Total	43
Performance Measure Percentage	72.1%
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	95%
Employment	%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	%
Community Living	5%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

ATP partnered with the Parent Training and Information (PTI) of Nebraska to produce an Assistive Technology Parent Support Guide for parents of children ages 0 - 3. It was designed to help parents/families understand assistive technology, the purpose of assistive technology, and the importance of assistive technology within the context of Part C (0-3) services. Examples of potential assistive technology across multiple domains are provided. Key questions for parents/families are suggested for three stages that may be encountered during Part C services: (1) thinking about assistive technology needs; (2) thinking about assistive technology once the child has devices/systems written into his/her IFSP; and (3) transitioning from Part C to Part B services.

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

ATP has been partnering over this past year with the state Career and Technical Education (CTE) department in reviewing CTE sites within secondary and post secondary settings to ensure that the facility is ADA compliant, and that appropriate accommodations including assistive technology are being provided to the students. These reviews include on-site visits, document reviews, and interviews with staff.

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. Communicating with our partners, Nebraska VR and Nebraska Health and Human Services, continues on a quarterly basis via an electronic email to their staff. Messages include program updates, success stories, training opportunities, and new technology. The challenge of keeping a current list of staff and their email addresses has been overcome by using Nebraska VR’s staff listserv. For HHS, a link to the latest edition is sent to an HHS contact who distributes it to Waiver staff (service coordinators, supervisors, etc.) The link is also included in staff email signatures to increase the outreach.

2. With the increase of virtual conferences and webinars, the ATP home page highlights events for the upcoming two months. Webinars for person-centered planning, ADA and 508 trainings, Nebraska’s Disability Education series, and trainings aimed at consumers and educators provided by Nebraska VR and ATP are posted.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	164	285	449
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	185	74	259
Representative of Education	304	41	345
Representative of Employment	109	105	214
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	85	151	236
Representative of Community Living	199	142	341
Representative of Technology	31	32	63
Unable to Categorize	64	14	78
Total	1,141	844	1,985

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?

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?

Nebraska ATP has a contract with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services-Home and Community Based Waivers to provide assessments and project management for all home modifications, vehicle modifications, and assistive technology services statewide for individuals receiving services through the Nebraska Aged and Disabled Waiver. Referrals are sent to ATP by Services Coordinators. The referral is then screened for appropriateness by the Program Supervisor and then assigned to a technology specialist (many referrals are not appropriate due to DHHS regulations). The technology specialist then contacts the individual and sets up a date/time to perform an assessment. At the assessment the technology specialist assesses for the individuals accessibility/assistive technology needs taking into consideration their functional limitations. An evaluation is written up and recommendations are made using the lowest cost option that will meed the consumer's needs. ATP then obtains permission from the consumer to proceed with the project. The project is then sent out for bid (including blueprints and specifications when necessary) to numerous vendors/contractors. Once bids are back the project is sent to the Program Supervisor for a final review. The project is then awarded to the lowest most appropriate bidder using a Service Authorization. On average the contractor/vendor has 60 days to complete the work/provide the equipment. If more time is needed because of shipping issues, weather, or any unforeseen circumstances the vendor/contractor is required to inform the technology specialist overseeing the project. During the project the technology specialist is available to both the consumer and contractor in case there are questions or concerns. Once the project is finished the contractor invoices ATP. The technology specialist then sets up a date/time to inspect the work/product with the consumer to ensure that everything was done to specification and that the project will meet the needs of the consumer, and to provide training if necessary. The consumer and the technology specialist then sign off on the project allowing the Accounting Department to proceed with paying the invoice. In the past year this program has provided consumers with entrance and bathroom modifications, vertical platform lifts, ceiling track patient lifts, vehicle modifications, and assistive technology. This program is funded through Medicaid dollars and serves between 500 and 800 Waiver eligible consumers across Nebraska yearly.

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.

This program helps ensure that Waiver eligible consumers are getting the most appropriate cost effective solutions to enable them to remain independent in their homes and communities. This program also helps to save tax dollars by keeping consumers that meet a nursing home level of care out of long term care facilities. The average cost of these projects is usually less than a 3 month stay in a long term care facility. Through funding coordination ATP helps to leverage Waiver funding for qualified consumers against Vocational Rehabilitation funding, and various private grants. Also, through ATP's loan program temporary solutions are put in place while the project is moved forward. Consumers are also introduced to other programs that ATP offers, including Reuse, Resource Coordination, and AT Demonstrations. These programs help consumers learn about and obtain assistive technology and needed equipment that may not qualify under the Waiver program. This partnership between ATP and DHHS will be continuing into the foreseeable future.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; State Financing; Information & 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?

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
Private	$250,584	State Financing	True
Federal	$34,772	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$682,143	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$93,675	Technical Assistance	True
	Amount: $1,061,174

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 11:10:21 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)