National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Iowa 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? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 19 | 20 | 39 |
| Approved Not made | 03 | 04 | 07 |
| Rejected | 31 | 13 | 44 |
| Total | 53 | 37 | 90 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $7,608 | Highest Income: | $120,595 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $1,395,227 | 39 | $35,775 |
| 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 | 16 | 09 | 06 | 05 | 01 | 02 | 39 |
| Percentage of Loans | 41.03% | 23.08% | 15.38% | 12.82% | 2.56% | 5.13% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 39 | 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 | 39 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 39 | $207,992 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 39 | $207,992 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 9% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 186 | 39 | 4.76871794871795% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 16 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 10 |
| 6.1% to 8.0% | 12 |
| 8.1% - 10.0% | 01 |
| 10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
| 12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
| 14.1% + | 00 |
| Total | 39 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 02 | $6,550 |
| Speech communication | 01 | $500 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 02 | $2,723 |
| Daily living | 14 | $47,378 |
| Environmental adaptations | 09 | $22,010 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 10 | $127,234 |
| Computers and related | 01 | $1,597 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 39 | $207,992 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 02 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $2,717 |
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
Iowa Able Foundation/ Able Up Iowa received an application requesting a loan for hearing aids. In the application, they wrote that she was unable to go outside and visit with people due to her severe hearing loss. She was house-bound and didn't feel safe because she was not able to hear. The loan was approved and she agreed to participate in the financial empowerment program to lower her interest rate and monthly payment after meeting the milestones set in her personalized empowerment plan. She is making payments and working with the financial empowerment program.
Iowa Able Foundation / Able Up Iowa developed a partnership with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate that serves Black Hawk County. This partnership has resulted in two borrowers working with the affiliate for home modifications. This partnership benefits the homeowner, borrower, and the two organizations to help Iowans live independently in their homes.
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 | 01 | 37 | 38 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 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 | 01 | 38 | 39 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 01 | 38 | 39 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 01 | 38 | 39 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 16 | 41.03% |
| Satisfied | 10 | 25.64% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 13 | 33.33% |
| Total Surveyed | 39 | |
| Response rate % | 66.67% |
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 04 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 281 |
| C. Total | 285 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure | 04 |
| 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 | 281 |
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 | 02 | $2,400 | $500 | $1,900 |
| Daily Living | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 02 | $11,500 | $500 | $11,000 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 04 | $13,900 | $1,000 | $12,900 |
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 | 07 | $24,023 | $750 | $23,273 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 129 | $196,510 | $7,080 | $189,430 |
| Daily Living | 70 | $121,710 | $5,280 | $116,430 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 84 | $45,435 | $2,205 | $43,230 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 01 | $199 | $0 | $199 |
| Computers and Related | 45 | $15,757 | $0 | $15,757 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 336 | $403,634 | $15,315 | $388,319 |
D. Anecdote
Denny heard about the durable medical equipment program through a caregiver that was assisting his brother. His brother is an 87-year-old man suffering from dementia and heart problems. He was able to get a hospital bed that lowers and raises, and has made a tremendous impact in helping with mobility! The opportunity for the family to access and be able to afford a medical bed was made possible through the Assistive Technology program at Easterseals Iowa. "The process was so quick, easy, and non-exhausting! We had no idea this program was available and we are so incredibly grateful! Craig could not have been more kind, and helpful. Thank you Easterseals Iowa!"
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. | 12 | 35 | 115 | 162 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 05 | 08 | 14 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 05 | 18 | 82 | 105 |
| 4. Subtotal | 18 | 58 | 205 | 281 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 18 | 58 | 205 | 281 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 18 | 58 | 205 | 281 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 232 | 81.4% |
| Satisfied | 45 | 15.79% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 06 | 2.11% |
| Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.35% |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 0.35% |
| Total Surveyed | 285 | |
| Response rate % | 99.65% |
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) | 87 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 03 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 11 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 11 |
| Total | 112 |
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 | 30 | 00 | 30 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 27 | 00 | 27 |
| Representative of Education | 09 | 00 | 09 |
| Representative of Employment | 17 | 00 | 17 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 14 | 00 | 14 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 05 | 00 | 05 |
| Representatives of Technology | 10 | 00 | 10 |
| Total | 112 | 00 | 112 |
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 | 26 | 00 | 26 |
| Hearing | 24 | 00 | 24 |
| Speech Communication | 06 | 00 | 06 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 13 | 00 | 13 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Daily Living | 69 | 00 | 69 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Computers and Related | 120 | 00 | 120 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 46 | 00 | 46 |
| Total | 313 | 00 | 313 |
E. Anecdote
Taylor is an individual with Cerebral Palsy who was looking for a way to access her communication device independently. It was stored behind her power wheelchair so she could not access it without assistance. When she did have it in front of her, there were days that she struggled to use it because she had less control of her dominant wrist. Additionally, she wanted to find a device that would allow her to have a private phone conversation. She is unable to hold the phone up to her ear, so for every phone call she had to put the other person on speakerphone. Taylor visited the Easterseals Iowa Assisistive Technology Program and accessed the Lending Library to trial a wireless Bluetooth headset for phone calls, a cosmonaut stylus to support navigation on her devices, and a standing mount for her communication device. These devices were highly successful in supporting Taylor's independence.
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 | 04 | 13 | 34 | 51 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 02 | 18 | 25 |
| Subtotal | 09 | 15 | 52 | 76 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 05 | 04 | 10 |
| Subtotal | 10 | 20 | 56 | 86 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Total | 11 | 20 | 56 | 87 |
| Performance on this measure | 90% | 75% | 92.86% | |
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. | 04 | 05 | 08 | 17 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 04 | 01 | 03 | 08 |
| 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 | 08 | 06 | 11 | 25 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 08 | 06 | 11 | 25 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 08 | 06 | 11 | 25 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 101 | 90.18% |
| Satisfied | 09 | 8.04% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 02 | 1.79% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 112 | |
| 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 | 09 |
| Hearing | 01 |
| Speech Communication | 01 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 12 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 01 |
| Daily Living | 25 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 |
| Computers and Related | 34 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 16 |
| Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 100 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 69 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 36 |
| Representatives of Education | 30 |
| Representatives of Employment | 06 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 39 |
| Representative of Community Living | 22 |
| Representative of Technology | 08 |
| Total | 210 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 45 |
| Service Provider | 21 |
| Vendor | 100 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 166 |
D. Anecdote
As a collaboration with Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program, Great Prairie AEA provided demonstrations virtually to OT/PT & Instructional Tech Coaches. Items included alternative access to computers such as a 3M ergonomic mouse and Glasshouse. IEP team demos were given for specific students to address adapted play, computer access via adapted keyboard, mouse, and alternative access methods to computers/tablet technology. GP AEA AT dept. was able to make a determination to purchase the Glasshouse head-tracking device and corresponding puff switch given the opportunity to evaluate and trial this device and the corresponding bite switch. Opportunities for the Teachers of the Visually Impaired to review PEN friend 3 and large print keyboards were provided, however, given the pandemic, in-person demonstrations were a challenge. Easterseals inventory has been cataloged properly and AEA staff will be able to check out AT equipment for evaluation and trial by teams with and for students
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 14 | 13 | 61 | 88 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 04 | 03 | 05 | 12 |
| Subtotal | 18 | 16 | 66 | 100 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 18 | 16 | 66 | 100 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 18 | 16 | 66 | 100 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 180 | 85.71% |
| Satisfied | 30 | 14.29% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 210 | |
| 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. | 16 | 41 | 160 | 217 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 05 | 06 | 12 | 23 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 05 | 18 | 82 | 105 |
| 4. Subtotal | 26 | 65 | 254 | 345 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 26 | 65 | 254 | 345 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 26 | 65 | 254 | 345 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 80.77% | 72.31% | 67.72% | 69.57% |
| 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 | 18 | 26 | 95 | 139 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 09 | 05 | 23 | 37 |
| Subtotal | 27 | 31 | 118 | 176 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 05 | 04 | 10 |
| Subtotal | 28 | 36 | 122 | 186 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Total | 29 | 36 | 122 | 187 |
| Performance on this measure | 96.43% | 86.11% | 96.72% | 94.62% |
| 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 | 98.58% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 97.83% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 88 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 08 |
| Representatives of Education | 49 |
| Representatives of Employment | 262 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 347 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 194 |
| Representatives of Technology | 02 |
| Unable to Categorize | 80 |
| TOTAL | 1,030 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 901 | 129 | 00 | 1,030 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 759 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 158 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 96 |
| Transition | 17 |
| Total | 1,030 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
In August of 2021, the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program presented at the Harkin Disability Employment Summit. This event, hosted in Des Moines, Iowa, brings together representatives from around the world to increase access to employment for individuals with disabilities. This collaborative presentation featured Assistive Technology as a means to enhance employment to individuals living with varying levels of abilities.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program engaged in a collaboration with Great Prairie AEA in Southeast Iowa. This collaboration enhanced access to demonstration and loan of all devices in the Assistive Technology Program inventory. Team members engaged in "Technology Tips" presentations that were 'lunch and learn' opportunities for the staff of the AEA on two occasions to support the impact of this collaboration. These presentations featured Assistive Technology for educational and transition environments, with a discussion on accessing the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Lending Library.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
In January 2021, in collaboration with the University of Iowa, the AT Program was able to offer a free, asynchronous accessibility course online called "Creating Accessible Materials". This course includes an introduction to accessibility, with one module for each focus (ex: Creating Accessible Documents is Module 2). In 2020, team members worked with Patricia Bahr and TM Weissenberer at the University of Iowa. As part of the collaboration, key accessibility information was selected and demonstration videos were made. This course was shared with other professionals, college students, and collaborators. Since January 2021, we have had 73 students sign up and provide demographic information and feedback on what was helpful and what could be improved. Many students shared that this was their first introduction to accessibility and they were grateful to have learned the skills to become more accessible in their profession
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 52 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 26 |
| No known outcome at this time | 18 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 96 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 81.2% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 5% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 22% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 30% |
| Community Living | 28% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members participated in the Liveable Homes Coalition which drafted legislation to include funding assistance for Iowans in need of housing modifications. The legislation was not passed during the 20-21 FY but will be included in the 21-22 FY legislative activity.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members worked collaboratively with Iowa's protection and advocacy, Disability Rights Iowa, to include new policies and procedures to fund Assistive Technology and to provide training on Assistive Technology in Iowa's Medicaid Money-Follows-The-Person, a service designed to support individuals with disabilities as they transition in life.
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. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program designed and implemented a No-Contact Durable Medical Equipment Drive to increase the number of donations of Reutilization devices and increase the awareness of program services. Information was disseminated through the program's virtual newsletter and through the Agency's social media platforms for two months in advance of the event. Marketing efforts also included calls and mailing of fliers to identified organizations and individuals in the amount of nearly 3,000.
2. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program re-evaluated the program website, updating all areas including education, training resources, and marketing materials. Collaboration with "Recite Me" enhanced the accessibility of the website. A virtual tour of the demonstration center was created, connecting the Lending Library and Demonstration services with interactive images of the center, over 500 individuals accessed this virtual tour.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 429 | 147 | 576 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 428 | 149 | 577 |
| Representative of Education | 234 | 45 | 279 |
| Representative of Employment | 66 | 36 | 102 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 244 | 42 | 286 |
| Representative of Community Living | 169 | 66 | 235 |
| Representative of Technology | 23 | 09 | 32 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 1,593 | 494 | 2,087 |
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?
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program, through Cares Act Funds, in coordination with The Aging and Disability Resource Center, The Iowa Department of Aging, and Iowa's University Center on Excellence, The University of Iowa Center for Disability and Development provided training on the use of Assistive Technology to address the needs of Iowan's experiencing social isolation, as well as, funds to purchase Assistive Technology to address social isolation.
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.
The No Wrong Door collaboration served over 55 persons, who received Assistive Technology packages to reduce their experiences of isolation. As a program, more time was spent than expected in the assessment/evaluation phase of identifying the appropriate Assistive Technology. Additionally, there has been a hand full of circumstances that despite all efforts, virtual training was not effective.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration;
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?
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program in coordination with the Iowa Department of Public Health, University of Iowa Center for Disability and Development, Black Hawk County YMCA, and Inclusion Connection collaborated to create three videos on the inclusion of people with disabilities and the use of Assistive Technology in health and wellness activities.
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.
The audience of the videos included staff of health and wellness facilities. Response of the videos included excitement on learning how various modifications and Assistive Technology could be used to support persons with disabilities. The project was completed in August 2021 and the reach and outcomes are yet to be determined.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Recreation / Leisure;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; 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? | 01 |
|---|
B. State Improvements
1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.
Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program developed an Assistive Technology basic training on a software program called iSpring. This software allows the presentation to operate as training with success measures that participants can complete at their individual pace. A pilot project of the AT 101 Training was implemented at an agency level with interest in partnering organizations such as state vocational entities.
2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)
AT 101 was implemented for all staff members at Easterseals Iowa to complete as part of their onboarding training and annual training requirements, policies in place ensure team members complete these training requirements on a regular basis. As this pilot project was implemented interest arose from state vocational entities and statewide Area Agencies on Aging thus in 21-22 FY AT 101 and a planned AT 102 will be implemented for the interested parties as part of their onboarding and team training.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Technology (ICT accessibility and AT
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | $25,000 | Training | True |
| Public/State Agency | $50,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Federal | $25,000 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Amount: $100,000 |
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 11:04:53 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)