National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Back to state program information page

North Carolina 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/north-carolina-assistive-technol
Mailing Address:
805 Ruggles Drive, MSC 2801
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Zip Code:
27699
Program Email:
tammy.koger@dhhs.ng.gov
Phone:
919-855-3544
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
NC Department of Health and Human Services DVRS
Mailing Address:
805 Ruggles Drive, MSC 2801
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Zip Code:
27699
Program URL:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

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):
Koger, Tammy
Title:
Director, NCATP
Phone:
919-855-3544
E-mail:
tammy.koger@dhhs.nc.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Koger, Tammy
Title:
Director, NCATP
Phone:
919-855-3544
E-mail:
tammy.koger@dhhs.nc.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):
Cohen, Mandy
Title:
Secretary, DHHS
Phone:
919-855-4800
E-mail:
mandy.cohen@dhhs.nc.gov

State Financing

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

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 05 02 07
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 01 01
Total 05 03 08

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $9,716 Highest Income: $68,121

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$284,628 07 $40,661

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 01 02 02 01 00 07
Percentage of Loans 14.29% 14.29% 28.57% 28.57% 14.29% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 07 100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 07 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 07 $36,952
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 07 $36,952

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 4%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
28 07 4%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 07
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 07

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 02 $3,829
Hearing 01 $2,513
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 02 $22,610
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 02 $8,000
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 07 $36,952

6. Defaults

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

As a result of a fall and subsequent surgeries, Cherri F has mobility limitations that make it impossible for her to get up and down the stairs at her home. She has been unable to access the second level of her home due to not being able to maneuver the stairs for several years. The unique design of the staircase had made it very difficult to find a good and affordable solution. Through work with the NCATP program and the Alternative Financing Program (AFP) with Self-Help Credit Union, a solution was identified, and Ms. F. was able to purchase the perfect stairlift allowing her access to the upstairs of her home. Ms. F. was overjoyed that a workable solution was identified, and the AFP program was available to help her purchase the lift. Ms. F shared a photo showing her appreciation and wonderful smile as she uses her new lift.

Cherri-Stair Lift
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 03 03
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 03 03
4. Subtotal 00 00 06 06
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 06 06
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 00 00 07 07
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 85.71%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 07 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 07
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 17
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 130
C. Total 147

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 147

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 03 $340 $0 $340
Daily Living 12 $13,374 $500 $12,874
Environmental Adaptations 01 $8,000 $0 $8,000
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $17,000 $10,000 $7,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 17 $38,714 $10,500 $28,214

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 04 $8,550 $0 $8,550
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 96 $1,405 $0 $1,405
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 21 $13,898 $0 $13,898
Daily Living 04 $203 $0 $203
Environmental Adaptations 01 $700 $0 $700
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 02 $165 $0 $165
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 $1,215 $0 $1,215
Total 130 $26,136 $0 $26,136

D. Anecdote

A year into the CoVid pandemic, local communities were setting up mass vaccine sites across North Carolina. Several communities reached out to NCATP to provide durable medical equipment for need at these vaccine sites. Items needed were manual wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices assisting individuals with mobility limitations. NCATP utilized the AT Reuse program and provided several manual chairs and other devices to local communities across the state. AT staff picked up and delivered devices to local vaccine sites and provided instruction on assisting individuals with mobility limitations during the vaccine process.

Narrative Picture
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. 65 00 32 97
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 00 29 32
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 18 18
4. Subtotal 68 00 79 147
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 68 00 79 147
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 68 00 79 147
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 147 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 147
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 454
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 12
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 90
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 06
Total 562

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 198 00 198
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 114 00 114
Representative of Education 40 00 40
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 186 00 186
Representatives of Community Living 12 00 12
Representatives of Technology 11 00 11
Total 562 00 562

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 03 00 03
Hearing 12 00 12
Speech Communication 312 00 312
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 53 00 53
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 32 00 32
Daily Living 27 00 27
Environmental Adaptations 23 00 23
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 90 00 90
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 10 00 10
Total 562 00 562

E. Anecdote

Ms. CJ is currently employed with Lowe’s Corp. as a Workforce Supervisor in Wilkesboro, NC. NCATP staff met the Ms. J who was very concerned about being able to perform the keyboarding function of her job with only one hand. Staff introduced a few possible improved access options for using her computer: a). a one-handed keyboard, b). Five Finger Typist (software), and c). speech recognition. After reviewing her options, Ms. J wanted to try a couple of the devices at her worksite. She borrowed the RH Maltron Keyboard, a uniquely shaped one-handed keyboard which optimizes layout to minimizes finger movement by having the more common letters closer to the finger ‘home position’. She also borrowed the trial version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking would allow an individual to create text from their voice, along with a noise canceling headset and microphone. After using the keyboard and software at her worksite, Ms J loved the benefit and stated she was much more productive at work. She and her employer then requested information on how to purchase the items for use in her position as a Workforce Supervisor.

CJ at Work - Loan
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 136 27 198 361
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 19 18 17 54
Subtotal 155 45 215 415
Have not made a decision 15 01 20 36
Subtotal 170 46 235 451
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 170 46 238 454
Performance on this measure 91.18% 97.83% 91.49%

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. 16 03 11 30
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 23 04 33 60
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 03 03
4. Subtotal 39 07 47 93
5. None of the above 06 00 01 07
6. Subtotal 45 07 48 100
7. Nonrespondent 00 05 03 08
8. Total 45 12 51 108
9. Performance on this measure 86.67% 73.3% 97.92%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 509 90.57%
Satisfied 47 8.36%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.36%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 04 0.71%
Total Surveyed 562
Response rate % 99.29%

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 19
Hearing 23
Speech Communication 319
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 41
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 30
Daily Living 31
Environmental Adaptations 40
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 03
Computers and Related 135
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 11
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 652

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 422
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 382
Representatives of Education 250
Representatives of Employment 04
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 178
Representative of Community Living 59
Representative of Technology 88
Total 1,383

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 77
Service Provider 136
Vendor 80
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 293

D. Anecdote

Subrea Calhoun is an undergraduate student at East Carolina University studying Rehabilitation Services. She is currently completing a dual internship with NCATP in the Morganton A.T Center and the Vocational Rehabilitation/Independent Living Office in Hickory, NC. Subrea states that in the beginning she “was unaware of what assistive technology was and the services provided through this program.” Months later nearing the end of her internship, she has learned the fundamentals of A.T. and felt strong enough in her skills to be one of the first presenters in NCATP’s Accessibility for All virtual demonstration sessions. Subrea demoed the OrCam My Eye 2, a device with the capability to read aloud printed text and identify faces, colors, money, and much more! Subrea states, “AT goes hand in hand with Occupational therapy. This is a great opportunity to get a general insight as to what I will be up against in my future career field. My overall goal for this internship was to be able to teach others about a device that I was foreign to myself. Completing research on this device opened a new door for me. I learned how the device works and who benefits from the use of it. In all, this internship and completing the demo video has been an exciting and memorable experience.” Subrea plans to use this newly gained knowledge and apply it to her goal of becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).

Narrative Picture
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 108 97 386 591
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 01 04 07
Subtotal 110 98 390 598
Have not made a decision 13 16 25 54
Subtotal 123 114 415 652
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 123 114 415 652
Performance on this measure 89.43% 85.96% 93.98%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,253 90.6%
Satisfied 95 6.87%
Satisfied somewhat 35 2.53%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 1,383
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 81 03 46 130
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 26 04 62 92
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 24 24
4. Subtotal 107 07 132 246
5. None of the above 06 00 01 07
6. Subtotal 113 07 133 253
7. Nonrespondent 00 05 04 09
8. Total 113 12 137 262
9. Performance on this measure 94.69% 87.5% 80.6% 87.06%
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 244 124 584 952
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 21 19 21 61
Subtotal 265 143 605 1,013
Have not made a decision 28 17 45 90
Subtotal 293 160 650 1,103
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 293 160 653 1,106
Performance on this measure 90.44% 89.38% 93.08% 91.84%
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 98.23% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.81% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 236
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 101
Representatives of Education 560
Representatives of Employment 420
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 394
Representatives of Community Living 664
Representatives of Technology 268
Unable to Categorize 47
TOTAL 2,690

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,222 1,468 00 2,690

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,634
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 544
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 431
Transition 81
Total 2,690

C. Description of Training Activities

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

On December 1, 2020 and following a presentation to the NC IPS (Individual Placement and Support) program, NCATP staff was requested to present at the International IPS Learning Community Bimonthly meeting, which had individuals in 26 states and 4 countries on a Webex platform. Following the presentation, staff was contacted by the Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Mental Health requesting NCATP to speak at the Illinois IPS state meeting via Webex in January 2021 on Assistive Technology and Individuals with Mental Health Conditions. Information was provided on NCATP, as well as iATP (Illinois Assistive Technology Program). Attendees were provided information on apps, built in accessibility on iOS devices, low- & high-tech AT, and time for Q&A. Strategies, information and assistance on using AT with individuals was also discussed. There were 61 Illinois state professionals/policy makers in attendance. Following this presentation, NCATP staff received another request to speak on the same topic later in the year at a regional training event. In March 2021, NCATP staff presented to the Illinois IPS Regional group on utilizing AT with individuals with mental health conditions and included employment specific assistive technology, per the request of the regional director.

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

NCATP received a grant under the CARES act as a sub-contractor to the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS). This has helped enhance relationships across North Carolina with providers serving individuals who are aging and/or disabled adults. NCATP staff had the opportunity to present to 3 separate providers serving individuals under the Money Follows the Persons waiver. These groups consisted of transition coordinators and community inclusion consultants. At each event, there were over 20 individuals serving North Carolinians transitioning out of residential settings and ICF facilities. Since these initial trainings, NCATP has received several additional requests to meet with local providers and family members enhancing services to individuals in transition.

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

NCATP is one of the partners in North Carolina’s AEM Cohort team (Accessible Educational Material) The NC AEM Cohort team partners with the national AEM Center team, which consists of a wide range of CAST staff and 6 other States in the Cohort to implement evidence-based practices for building robust, coordinated systems for providing accessible materials and technologies – in a timely manner – for all learners who need them. The Quality Indicators with Critical Components for the Provision of Accessible Educational Materials and Technologies is foundational to the technical assistance (TA) the AEM Center team provides to each State in the Cohort. The team uses the Quality Indicators to develop a vision for providing AEM and accessible technologies to learners across state education programs and to develop a plan for coordinating efforts over the four years of the project. Being an AEM state requires establishing and sustaining a State AEM Leadership Team that includes state- and local-level representation. NCATP staff serve on the state-level leadership team providing direct feedback and training on accessible technologies used in secondary, post-secondary and workplace settings and provides assistance in developing online accessible materials for all students. NCATP staff assist with providing AT information and TA in each area above as well as for transitioning between the settings especially transitions into the workplace and/or higher education.

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 431
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 431
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 5%
Employment 14%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 35%
Community Living 12%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 34%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

In the summer of 2021 NCATP staff was contacted by the Deaf/Blind Tele-Health Project with the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) to assist in developing a curriculum for individuals who are deaf/blind, caregivers and providers. NCATP staff has been assisting with providing information on assistive technology and equipment regarding Braille and accessibility of various tele-health portals. More specifically guidance and suggestions on how portals will be used before, during, and after a telehealth appointment. Example, patient portals to check prescription refills, schedule appointments, messaging care providers are being evaluated. NCATP staff has worked with the DSB group to identify and test various assistive technologies and is currently working on developing a curriculum for individuals around the use of assistive technologies when accessing various tele-health platforms.

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

NCATP staff was contacted by the Money Follows the Person waiver coordinator regarding a pilot program using iPads with individuals in transition in the western part of the state. Care Managers at the Manage Care Organization (MCO) were trying to use the iPads to meet with individuals remotely. Staff were becoming frustrated and stated “no one wants to use the iPads”. NCATP staff met with the MCO care team and the MFP social workers and identified ways to assist staff in utilizing the iPads in a fund and interactive manner getting the attention of the individual users. NCATP also assisted with identifying individuals who needed additional assistive technology to access the iPads and provide one on one assistance with the individuals and care coordinators. Follow up training and technical assistance continues with the MCO staff to continue implementing the use of AT in virtual meetings and supports for individuals in transition.

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. In 2020, NCATP had to switch from a face to face expo event to a virtual expo as a result of the CoVid pandemic. Staff worked with the NC State McKimmon Center and hosted an all day virtual event in October 2020. The event featured 14 vendors presenting every 30 minutes via a zoom platform. Vendors had 20 minutes to present and 5 minutes for question/answer before moving to the next vendor. Over 400 people registered for the event and max attendance was 338. Individuals attending consisted of individuals with disabilities, family members, care-givers, professionals in the field of AT and therapy, and state policy makers. Nine states were represented across the country. Feedback from attendees was very positive and an overall rating of 4.3 on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being highly satisfied. Vendors rated the event with an overall rating of 4.8 utilizing the same scale. Feedback also included ideas for upcoming topics and “what worked/what didn’t”. The next AT Expo, planned for October 2021 used suggestions from participants and vendors to enhance the overall experience.

2. NCATP continues to partner with the NC AgrAbility project serving farmers and gardeners with disabilities and/or medical limitations across NC. In May 2021, NCATP presented at the Agricultural Safety and Health Workshop hosted by the NC Extension Service. Over 100 farmers and family members attended the virtual event where NCATP staff had the opportunity to discuss the overall program and provide virtual demos of various low tech devices used in farming/gardening that can assist in preventing injuries. Items such as the garden scooter, long handle tools, modified tools, hauling carts, and various applications were discussed. Several farmers/family members asked questions during the session and has followed up with the NC AgrAbility program to obtain more information and/or assistance.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 948 100 1,048
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 650 153 803
Representative of Education 201 09 210
Representative of Employment 398 05 403
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 909 65 974
Representative of Community Living 275 43 318
Representative of Technology 420 58 478
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 3,801 433 4,234

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

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?

In 2019, NCATP partnered with the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) under the CARES grant to provide access to assistive technology for individuals who are aging and disabled and who were facing difficulties in accessing vaccine related care, medical care, as well as dealing with social isolation. In 2020, DAAS and NCATP continued this partnership and obtained additional funding to continue the efforts of ADRC COVID-19 Relief Response project. Focus continued to be on the most vulnerable and at-risk older adults and people with disabilities. This additional funding supported NCATP by opening a new service to purchase assistive technology, equipment for the intended population of the grant.

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.

Individuals served included: over 65: aging, disabled, medical conditions; Age 19-64: disabled, medical conditions; and Age Below 19: will have access to demo/loan equipment but are not included in the purchase of these items unless documentation is included regarding limited to no access to funding stream and failure to obtain device will hinder access to medical/vaccine care or increase social isolation. Specific focus will be on individuals within rural areas facing social isolation and who may be home bound or in residential care facilities. This partnership continues to develop and more individuals are reached. The success of the partnership has been the developing relationships with stakeholders and community groups within the aging population. This has been a new and exciting partnership. Approximately 250 individuals are targeted to reach in this project which will continue through September 30, 2022.

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

Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; State Financing; Training; Public Awareness;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$125,000DemonstrationTrue
State Appropriations$10,000ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$65,000Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$125,000Device LoanTrue
Private$53,757TrainingTrue
Private$53,757Technical AssistanceTrue
State Appropriations$211,003Public Awareness, I&ATrue
State Appropriations$211,003TrainingTrue
Private$53,757Device LoanTrue
State Appropriations$211,003DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$65,000TrainingTrue
State Appropriations$211,003Technical AssistanceTrue
State Appropriations$211,003Device LoanTrue
Private$53,757DemonstrationTrue
Amount: $1,660,043

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 11:12:10 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)

Back to state program information page | Top of page

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.