National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Delaware 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.cds.udel.edu/at
Mailing Address:
210 Hullihen Hall
City:
Newark
State:
DE
Zip Code:
19716
Program Email:
dati-ud@udel.edu
Phone:
800-870-3284
TTY:
800-870-3284

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of Delaware
Mailing Address:
210 Hullihen Hall
City:
Newark
State:
DE
Zip Code:
19716
Program URL:
www.dati.org

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):
Mineo, Beth
Title:
Project Director
Phone:
302-831-1589
E-mail:
mineo@udel.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Mineo, Beth
Title:
Project Director
Phone:
302-831-1589
E-mail:
mineo@udel.edu
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):
Berdoulay, Allison
Title:
Project Coordinator
Phone:
302-831-3632
E-mail:
aberd@udel.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Roth, Clarissa
Title:
Contract & Grant Specialist
Phone:
302-831-8626
E-mail:
croth@udel.edu

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? 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? 4
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: 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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)5
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served5

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures5

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 5689.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 00.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total5689.00

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: 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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)14
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served14

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures14

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 20883.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 00.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total20883.00

Activity 3
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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)6
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served6

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures6

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 00.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication31066.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 224594.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total255660.00

Activity 4
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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)5
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served5

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures5

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 126634.00
Hearing 00.00
Speech communication00.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 157361.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total2713995.00



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? 0

D. Anecdote

A young adult from the mid-state region, who has Down Syndrome and Autism, had broken the iPad he used as an AAC device. His family could not afford to purchase a replacement at this time and he was without a means of expressive communication. Through the CSI program, which is partially funded by the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council (Combating Social Isolation through Technology), he was able to obtain a new iPad with the AAC application he was familiar with. He was also provided with a rugged case with amplification (as he also has a hearing disability) and carrying strap. He can now communicate his needs and wants again.

Consumer using an iPad with AAC
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 02 28 30
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 02 28 30
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 02 28 30
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 02 28 30
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 29 96.67%
Satisfied 01 3.33%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 30
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

COVID-19 has resulted in social isolation and significant access issues for people with disabilities. In response to heightened interest in establishing equipment distribution programs to enable people with disabilities, DATI collaborated with the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council to create CSI Delaware (Combating Social Isolation through Technology) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 10
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 00
C. Total 10

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 10

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 05 $5,147 $0 $5,147
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 01 $7,820 $0 $7,820
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03 $8,897 $300 $8,597
Daily Living 01 $35 $0 $35
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 10 $21,899 $300 $21,599

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
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 00 $0 $0 $0

D. Anecdote

A customer from our central region, who was served in the past by our BOLD (Borrow to Own Low Vision Device) program requested a color indicator device for identifying his clothes. Unfortunately, the cost was $190, which exceeded the limits of the equipment giveaway program that was available. A member of our staff reached out to Blindsight, a local non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired. This organization had recently received one as a donation and gave it to us for our client. We picked it up in their office, verified the functionality and gave it to the customer who reported being very happy with the device.

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 06 06
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 03 04
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 01 00 09 10
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 00 09 10
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 00 09 10
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 09 90%
Satisfied 01 10%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 10
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) 86
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 09
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 06
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 08
Total 109

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 28 00 28
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 25 00 25
Representative of Education 00 22 22
Representative of Employment 00 01 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 33 00 33
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 86 23 109

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 35 19 54
Hearing 10 07 17
Speech Communication 30 10 40
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 16 03 19
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 08 00 08
Daily Living 09 00 09
Environmental Adaptations 28 18 46
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 40 21 61
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 21 00 21
Total 197 78 275

E. Anecdote

A school-based Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant visited our Kent County Assistive Technology Resource Center to explore a variety of computer mice and keyboards for his student aged 6-11. Several items were loaned including a Roller Plus joystick. They were very grateful that we allowed them to trial the product for several months to determine whether this was the "right" device, giving feedback that it was instrumental in helping the student with her computer usage. It was determined this device worked and the district ordered the Roller Plus joystick.

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 27 02 27 56
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 02 12 17
Subtotal 30 04 39 73
Have not made a decision 06 00 07 13
Subtotal 36 04 46 86
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 36 04 46 86
Performance on this measure 83.33% 100% 84.78%

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. 02 00 00 02
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 07 02 06 15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 01 02
4. Subtotal 09 03 07 19
5. None of the above 02 00 01 03
6. Subtotal 11 03 08 22
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 12 03 08 23
9. Performance on this measure 81.82% 100% 87.5%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 99 90.83%
Satisfied 09 8.26%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.92%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 109
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 11
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 07
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 02
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 01
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 26

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 17
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 16
Representatives of Education 06
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 08
Representative of Community Living 01
Representative of Technology 00
Total 48

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 07
Service Provider 01
Vendor 00
Repair Service 00
Others 64
Total 72

D. Anecdote

An older couple made an appointment to visit one of the Assistive Technology Resource Centers because the wife’s vision loss was progressing and she was struggling with activities of daily living. She wanted to be able to cook independently again, yet was unable to read her recipes and did not want her husband to have to read them aloud to her. On their first visit, they were given demonstrations of several devices, including CCTVs, handheld video magnifiers, and magnifying glasses, and were also shown how their smartphone could be used to enlarge print. On a second visit, they met with a vendor for demonstrations of additional devices not in the DATI inventory. In the end, the customer purchased a handheld video magnifier similar to one in the DATI inventory but a bit less costly.

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 07 01 07 15
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 00 01
Subtotal 08 01 07 16
Have not made a decision 04 01 05 10
Subtotal 12 02 12 26
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 12 02 12 26
Performance on this measure 66.67% 50% 58.33%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 45 93.75%
Satisfied 03 6.25%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 48
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Due to COVID-19, the Assistive Technology Resource Centers in all three counties operated with modified schedules and with protocols in place to provide in-person services while keeping our customers and staff safe. To continue to provide services, team members made accommodations whenever possible when services such as demos could be done via Facetime or Zoom.

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. 02 02 34 38
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 02 09 19
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 01 02
4. Subtotal 10 05 44 59
5. None of the above 02 00 01 03
6. Subtotal 12 05 45 62
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 13 05 45 63
9. Performance on this measure 83.33% 80% 95.56% 91.94%
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 34 03 34 71
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 02 12 18
Subtotal 38 05 46 89
Have not made a decision 10 01 12 23
Subtotal 48 06 58 112
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 48 06 58 112
Performance on this measure 79.17% 83.33% 79.31% 79.46%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.49% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 06
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 05
Representatives of Education 450
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 00
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 06
TOTAL 469

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
469 00 00 469

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 287
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 172
Transition 10
Total 469

C. Description of Training Activities

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

With partial support from the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative partnered with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to offer a training series for older adults to assist them in aging safely and independently at home—and secure or maintain employment, if that was their preference—through the use of assistive technology. Highlighted technology was useful to those with vision loss, hearing loss, compromised fine motor function, and organizational/memory challenges, and ranged from items that can be found at local discount stores to high-tech smart home technology. A series of AT Fact Sheets was produced to accompany the training. The series, which was offered in both spring and fall of 2021, was delivered virtually to 17 individuals.

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

With program funding from JPMorganChase Co., the Center for Disabilities Studies at the University of Delaware offers a comprehensive academic and pre-employment program, known as Spectrum Scholars, for undergraduates on the autism spectrum. The AT Specialist in our on-campus Assistive Technology Resource Center provided two trainings for the benefit of the Spectrum Scholars: one for the scholars themselves, and one for those serving as peer mentors. The trainings familiarize the participants with the types of technologies available through Disability Support Services at the university as well as other assistive technologies in the DATI inventory. Some neurodiverse students find that standard accommodations alone do not provide the types of support they need to be successful at the college level, so our trainings include an overview of such items as time management trackers, mindfulness supports, fully-featured calendars, and study tools. Peer mentors recognized the benefit of such tools not only for the students they support but also for themselves!

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

The undergraduate assistive technology course at the University of Delaware is required for all elementary teacher education students. The one-credit course, which is taught by a DATI staff member, reached 172 students this past year via both virtual and hybrid delivery. One of the emphases of the course is that student needs, preferences and learning styles can be accommodated to a great extent with technology features already resident in mainstream technology such as laptops, tablets, and Chromebooks.

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 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 172
Nonrespondent 00
Total 172
Performance Measure Percentage 0%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

This training was for pre-service educators, so we have no information yet about their application of what they learned.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

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

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The DATI is contracted by the Delaware Department of Education to operate the Delaware Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) Center, which serves public school children across the state who have print disabilities by transforming standard instructional materials into large print, DAISY and Accessible PDF formats. Several years ago, Delaware implemented two different mechanisms to qualify students for AIM. The first followed the traditional model in which eligible students were required to demonstrate either vision loss, physical disability, or “reading dysfunction of an organic nature.” The second mechanism only required that students be identified by their IEP teams as having a print disability and have the need for AIM documented in their IEPs. Following the enactment of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act, we are now able to collapse these two eligibility categories into one. TA was provided to DOE as it sought to modify its eligibility forms to conform with the new guidance.

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

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 Winter 2021, a DATI Assistive Technology Specialist contributed an article to Autism Delaware’s newsletter The Sun highlighting internet safety, screen time and setting and maintaining limits for children, teens and adults with ASD. The newsletter has a mail circulation of 1,360, and is also accessible from the organization’s website (ww.autismdelware.org/stay-connected). The article was written in response to the increase in screen time experienced by almost everyone during the height of the pandemic.

2. A session titled Assistive Technology: Knowing and Navigating Policy was offered for the 2020-2021 Partners In Policymaking cohort in June 2021. Partners in Policymaking is a leadership training program that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents, and caregivers of children and adults with I/DD to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. In Delaware, Partners in Policymaking is supported by the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council. For the last 30 years, DATI has provided training on assistive technology, including policy and funding, to the Delaware Partners. This year’s cohort included ten self-advocates and family members.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 26 06 32
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 41 07 48
Representative of Education 13 00 13
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 12 02 14
Representative of Community Living 03 01 04
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 96 16 112

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? 2

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 partnership with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), the Center for Disabilities Studies—home of the DATI—secured funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs to design and launch the Special Education Administrative Leadership (SEAL) Program. SEAL is an 18-month alternate route program leading to certification in the State of Delaware as a Special Education Administrator. Assistive technology is prominently represented in the curriculum in both coursework and specialty sessions. One specialty session this year featured Ron Hager, Managing Attorney for Education and Employment at the National Disability Rights Network, who has extensive experience in special education and assistive technology, and Beth Mineo, director of the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative and co-director of the SEAL Program.

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.

Our first cohort of scholars will complete the program shortly. We expect them to move into district and building leadership roles in the coming years, and they will bring with them a contemporary perspective on the responsibilities of the education system relative to AT access. They have familiarity with tools such as the QIAT Matrices and the SETT Framework that they can implement for quality improvement, and with the services that they can access through the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative. The DDOE also provides funding for the SEAL Program, and it is our intent for the program to be sustained after federal funding ceases through a combination of DDOE support and tuition paid by the scholars. URL: https://www.cds.udel.edu/seal/

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

Education; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);

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

Training;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

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 collaboration with the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, the DATI extended its equipment distribution portfolio with the addition of “CSI Delaware” (Combating Social Isolation and Promoting Community Engagement through Assistive Technology). The program places equipment that will be used to mitigate social isolation into the hands of individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We engaged staff from the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services in getting the word out to individuals served by that state agency. To date, 22 items have been distributed that enable people with I/DD to engage with their communities and communicate more effectively.

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.

One of our frequent observations is that a number of individuals are seeking technology without the benefit of an evaluation of their needs to enable a match between the user’s profile and the features of the technology. The CSI program offers both evaluation and training services, which lengthens the device acquisition process but increases the likelihood that the equipment provided will meet the needs of our customers. Many individuals seeking equipment through our program have tried to get it through other means but have been turned away. Funding from the DD Council is slated to expire in June 2022; we intend to share de-identified data about applicants and their needs with a variety of state agencies to demonstrate the unmet needs among their constituents. Adults with I/DD have the greatest challenges in securing AT devices/services that meet their needs. URL: https://www.cds.udel.edu/at/giveaway/

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

Education; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);

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

State Financing;

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$9,626Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$28,711Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$9,788TrainingTrue
Private$9,500Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$175,041Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$5,115State FinancingTrue
Private$2,679State FinancingTrue
Private$736Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$11,035State FinancingTrue
Federal$25,761State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$77,936TrainingTrue
Private$737DemonstrationTrue
Private$1,968TrainingTrue
Amount: $358,633

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).

The private funding in the amount of $9500 was used to upgrade our data collection and reporting system, thus it served all of the state plan activities (we could only select one in the "Use of Funds" dropdown, and we selected "Loan")


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 07 2022 11:02:08 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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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.