National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
South Carolina 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? | No |
|---|---|
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | No |
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
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 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 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 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | NaN% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | NaN% |
| Total Surveyed | 00 | |
| Response rate % | NaN% |
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 09 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 286 |
| C. Total | 295 |
| 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 | 295 |
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 | 04 | $38,700 | $1,600 | $37,100 |
| Daily Living | 05 | $9,243 | $2,000 | $7,243 |
| 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 | 09 | $47,943 | $3,600 | $44,343 |
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 | $15,802 | $0 | $15,802 |
| Hearing | 19 | $1,798 | $0 | $1,798 |
| Speech Communication | 19 | $54,711 | $0 | $54,711 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 15 | $1,582 | $0 | $1,582 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 334 | $299,052 | $1,000 | $298,052 |
| Daily Living | 152 | $21,276 | $0 | $21,276 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 01 | $2,490 | $0 | $2,490 |
| Computers and Related | 50 | $1,790 | $0 | $1,790 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 52 | $7,862 | $0 | $7,862 |
| Total | 652 | $406,363 | $1,000 | $405,363 |
D. Anecdote
I broke my ankle and an SCATP staff member was able to get me a shower chair and a knee scooter while I recovered. Because of the knee scooter I was still able to work, take my dogs outside and run errands. As a single mom it was so helpful to still be independent and not have to rely on my daughter to do everything for me! -Mary Yarborough
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. | 06 | 07 | 183 | 196 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 05 | 07 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 11 | 04 | 19 | 34 |
| 4. Subtotal | 19 | 11 | 207 | 237 |
| 5. None of the above | 11 | 04 | 41 | 56 |
| 6. Subtotal | 30 | 15 | 248 | 293 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| 8. Total | 32 | 15 | 248 | 295 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 59.38% | 73.33% | 83.47% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 280 | 94.92% |
| Satisfied | 14 | 4.75% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.34% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 295 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
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) | 204 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 21 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 13 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 21 |
| Total | 259 |
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 | 34 | 16 | 50 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 89 | 11 | 100 |
| Representative of Education | 35 | 18 | 53 |
| Representative of Employment | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 44 | 08 | 52 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 204 | 55 | 259 |
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 | 31 | 10 | 41 |
| Hearing | 05 | 03 | 08 |
| Speech Communication | 181 | 20 | 201 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 20 | 08 | 28 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 04 | 12 | 16 |
| Daily Living | 19 | 01 | 20 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 03 | 06 | 09 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Computers and Related | 30 | 15 | 45 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 44 | 43 | 87 |
| Total | 338 | 118 | 456 |
E. Anecdote
Betty Worrell is 92 years old. She was having a lot of difficulty seeing to read. Her daughter and granddaughter helped her borrow vision devices from the SC Assistive Technology Program. Mrs. Worrell said her vision was not bad enough to use the devices and they were too complicated. A few months later she said her vision was worse and wanted to borrow the same items again, this time SCATP staff encouraged her to try another, less complicated device and she loved it. Her granddaughter found the device on sale on the internet and gave it to her grandmother for her birthday. Now, Mrs. Worrell is able to read books, her mail, and the newsletter from her senior living community, bringing back a lot of quality of life that she had been missing for quite some time.
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 | 110 | 06 | 42 | 158 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 01 | 07 | 15 |
| Subtotal | 117 | 07 | 49 | 173 |
| Have not made a decision | 22 | 01 | 08 | 31 |
| Subtotal | 139 | 08 | 57 | 204 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 139 | 08 | 57 | 204 |
| Performance on this measure | 84.17% | 87.5% | 85.96% | |
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. | 20 | 01 | 05 | 26 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 10 | 11 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 13 | 00 | 03 | 16 |
| 4. Subtotal | 34 | 01 | 18 | 53 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
| 6. Subtotal | 35 | 01 | 19 | 55 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 35 | 01 | 19 | 55 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 97.14% | 100% | 94.74% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 229 | 88.42% |
| Satisfied | 27 | 10.42% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.39% |
| Not at all satisfied | 02 | 0.77% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 259 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 30 |
| Hearing | 05 |
| Speech Communication | 78 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 46 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 |
| Daily Living | 15 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 |
| Computers and Related | 19 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 09 |
| Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 205 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 157 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 124 |
| Representatives of Education | 110 |
| Representatives of Employment | 16 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 52 |
| Representative of Community Living | 18 |
| Representative of Technology | 03 |
| Total | 480 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 34 |
| Service Provider | 25 |
| Vendor | 278 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 337 |
D. Anecdote
Yashica Peebles called SCATP to find out if there was any type of vision supports that could help her in her daily life. Yashica has neurosarcoidosis, post-stroke and is a victim of domestic violence. She is the mother of three children and trying to communicate with the children’s schools, help her children with the new virtual learning, complete forms at the many doctor’s appointments she and her children have, pay the bills, navigate public transportation, and go to the grocery store. It is a daily struggle to do what she needs to do for her family. A program coordinator at the SC Assistive Technology Program met with her to demonstrate different types of vision equipment. Yashica borrowed the MyEyes 2 device for 2 weeks. She liked the device’s capabilities but was unsure if it was the best device for her based on cost and usability. Yashica then borrowed an iPad with the SeeingAI app on it to see if the larger screen on the iPad would make a significant difference instead of using it on her cell phone. Yashica felt that the iPad with the Seeing AI app would be the best device for her. Yashica needed assistance with funding. The coordinator gave her multiple funding resources and Yashica called all of them. The SCATP coordinator also made calls to several funding resources and finally Lions Club International agreed to fund the iPad for Yashica. SCATP staff met with Yashica to help her load on the Apps that she will need to assist her with her vision deficit. With the iPad, she is now able to independently communicate with the children’s schools, complete forms at the many doctor’s appointments she and her children have, pay the bills, navigate public transportation, and go to the grocery store.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 118 | 14 | 72 | 204 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 118 | 14 | 72 | 204 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 118 | 14 | 73 | 205 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 118 | 14 | 73 | 205 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 98.63% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 468 | 97.5% |
| Satisfied | 12 | 2.5% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 480 | |
| 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. | 26 | 08 | 188 | 222 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 03 | 00 | 15 | 18 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 24 | 04 | 22 | 50 |
| 4. Subtotal | 53 | 12 | 225 | 290 |
| 5. None of the above | 12 | 04 | 42 | 58 |
| 6. Subtotal | 65 | 16 | 267 | 348 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| 8. Total | 67 | 16 | 267 | 350 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 43.28% | 50% | 76.03% | 68.57% |
| 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 | 228 | 20 | 114 | 362 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 01 | 07 | 15 |
| Subtotal | 235 | 21 | 121 | 377 |
| Have not made a decision | 22 | 01 | 09 | 32 |
| Subtotal | 257 | 22 | 130 | 409 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 257 | 22 | 130 | 409 |
| Performance on this measure | 91.44% | 95.45% | 93.08% | 92.18% |
| 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 | 99.61% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 720 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 355 |
| Representatives of Education | 4,939 |
| Representatives of Employment | 762 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 1,381 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 323 |
| Representatives of Technology | 263 |
| Unable to Categorize | 217 |
| TOTAL | 8,960 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,214 | 1,456 | 290 | 8,960 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 1,254 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 25 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 7,346 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 226 |
| Transition | 109 |
| Total | 8,960 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
The SC Assistive Technology Program and the SC Department of Education co-hosted a virtual assistive technology leadership conference. The topic was virtual learning and included several speakers on the subject. Attendees were broken into small groups to brainstorm and network and then met in a large group to share resources. 76 people from K-12 assistive technology teams across the state participated.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Staff from the SC Assistive Technology Program provided a training at the Transition Alliance of SC annual conference on augmentative and alternative communication for teens. 66 educators attended this session.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
A three-part virtual training was given by a guest presenter on the following topics: Using Microsoft Word to Create More Accessible Documents, Learn how to Make PDF Documents Accessible, and Using Google Docs to Create More Accessible Documents. 196 people total attended across the three days.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 46 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 39 |
| No known outcome at this time | 41 |
| Nonrespondent | 100 |
| Total | 226 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 37.6% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Not Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 52% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 31% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | % |
| Community Living | % |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 17% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The staff of the SC Assistive Technology Program provides technical assistance to the staff at the SC Department of Education (SCDE) throughout the year. Resources, device loans, demonstrations, trainings and support for statewide school staff is provided throughout the year. The SCDE assistive technology specialist provided a virtual training conference on implementation of assistive technology in the school. Our staff provided support with all aspects of advertising, planning, co-writing trainings and support for prior to, during and after the day of the event.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
The staff of the SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) provides technical assistance to the Transition Alliance of South Carolina (TASC). We attend regular meetings and support TASC members during their conferences held during the year. SCATP's staff exhibit and present at their state-wide events.
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. The SC Assistive Technology Program hosted its annual assistive technology expo. The event was virtual and included a keynote speaker and 12 presentations. The presentations showcased assistive technology devices, apps and software. The subjects ranged from automatic feeding devices, to vision devices, to communication devices, to devices for people with print disabilities. Door prizes were given between each speaker and at the noon break. 885 people attended the one-day event.
2.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 143 | 57 | 200 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 151 | 62 | 213 |
| Representative of Education | 93 | 14 | 107 |
| Representative of Employment | 19 | 06 | 25 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 65 | 23 | 88 |
| Representative of Community Living | 48 | 09 | 57 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 520 | 171 | 691 |
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?
The SC Assistive Technology Program and the SC Department of Education co-hosted a virtual assistive technology leadership conference. The topic was virtual learning and included several speakers on the subject. Attendees were broken into small groups to brainstorm and network and then met in a large group to share resources. 76 people from K-12 assistive technology teams across the state participated.
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 conference occurred when students and teachers were struggling to virtually carry on school activities. Participants were from K-12 AT Teams. The focus of the conference was on virtual learning platforms, curriculum, and creating accessible materials. This was also a great venue for letting school personnel from across the state know that the SC Assistive Technology Program was still open and active in meeting their assistive technology needs. This was the 4th year for this initiative and plans are for it to continue each year. Advice would be to engage Assistive Technology Specialists at your state department of education. The SC Assistive Technology Program participated in planning meetings, recruiting speakers, presenting, advertising, providing the virtual forum, and creating handouts.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; 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 |
|---|
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 | $74,542 | Device Loan | True |
| Amount: $74,542 |
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 11:15:30 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)