National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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?

The DD Network consists of three partners in each state and territory authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act) and administered by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD): University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), State Developmental Disabilities Councils (DD Councils), and State Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As). The DD Act authorizes—as well as other nationally significant initiatives and activities—DD Councils, P&As, and UCEDDs for the purpose of assuring that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs. As outlined in the general provisions of the DD Act, the DD Councils, P&As, and UCEDDs have unique—although complementary—roles to play in achieving this purpose. As a general practice, these DD network partners coordinate and collaborate as appropriate to the nature of the projects, initiatives, and activities they undertake to fulfill their unique mandates. University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) Authorized under Part D of the DD Act, UCEDDs are public service units of universities or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that serve as liaisons to service delivery systems to positively affect the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and work towards increasing their independence, productivity, and integration into communities. UCEDD conduct core activities of: Interdisciplinary training, community service (e.g., training, technical assistance, exemplary services), research, and information dissemination. Funds from ADD are used to support the operation and administration of the center and additional funds are leveraged by the UCEDD to implement the core activities. There are 68 UCEDDs with at least one in every US state and territory. State Developmental Disabilities Councils (DD Councils) Authorized under Part B of the DD Act, DD Councils develop and implement a statewide plan to address priority areas relevant to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. DD Councils strive to increase the independence, productivity, inclusion and integration into the community of people with developmental disabilities, through a variety of systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy activities. There are a total of 55 state and territorial DD Councils. State Systems for Protection and Advocacy of the Rights of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (P&As) Authorized under Part C of the DD Act, P&As develop and implement a system to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. P&As provide legal representation and other advocacy services to all people with disabilities, investigate charges of abuse and neglect, and provide information and referrals. There are a total of 57 state and territorial P&As, including a Native American consortium. Grants to these programs are administered through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CNMI Assistive Technology Program in collaboration with the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, CNMI-University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. partnered on an initiative to provide training to CNMI First Responders for the next five years per the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities five-year state plan 2022-2026. Training objective is to provide an overview of different disability types and accommodations that may be necessary, as well as an overview of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 as it relates to first responders. In addition, effective communication tools and strategies will be also covered. The total number of hours for this training is 8 hours. A certificate of participation will be provided to those individuals who have completed the training. Partners provided funding and/or staff support the following: • Training • Cost-share for venue rental • Printing of training materials • Staff support

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.

Measurable results were evident in the pre and post-tests conducted during the trainings. This allowed for the expansion of access and reach of and to Assistive Technology available in the CNMI, with the various agencies involved in the trainings. The initiative is an ongoing process that is also a significant part of the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities Five-Year State Plan. A part of this initiative contains ongoing evaluation plans that will be modified/adjusted based on feedback and data collected.

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

Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Health; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;