National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

G. Notes:

If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

G. Notes:

We are working to create a statewide network to increase the reach of the reuse program. Maine CITE is working with ALLTECH to find funding for an accessible van or box truck with a lift to travel the state to pick up and drop off equipment. The program relocated this year to a more visible space that should increase program activities.

I. Notes:

The lead agency and the implementing agency have met with subcontractors to set performance goals for FY22 to encourage them to increase their outreach and service provision. Due to the low performance of the subcontractors Maine CITE will begin providing demonstrations and loans in FY22 as well to assist in meeting the needs of rural areas.

G. Notes:

As mentioned in the note for device loans, subcontractors have been assigned performance goals and notified that the current level of performance is unsatisfactory. Maine CITE is beginning to build its own equipment loan and demo program to assist in meeting the needs of Maine residents. Subcontractors will be terminated if they are unable to meet their FY22 goals. Additionally, one subcontractor was replaced with a new subcontractor for FY22; that program required some time to set up and begin loan and demo operations.

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Tools for Independence was a highly attended training focusing on daily living tools for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The session was attended by over 50 representatives from community living, providing them with low cost and low-tech options to increase independence for their clients. The technology discussed included tools and strategies for cooking, cleaning, and cognition.

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

Maine's DOE is currently in the process of extended the age of eligibility to receive services. As a member of the transition development team, Maine CITE provided training to stakeholders including representatives from vocational rehabilitation, education, community living and parent network programs. The training provided information regarding the need for transition planning to include assistive technology and the impacts of changing technology on consumers. Many attendees were not aware of the barriers students face when they leave the school system and no technology has been put in place.

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

Maine CITE has developed a close partnership with the instructional design team at the University of Maine Augusta. Through this partnership we have been able to provide training to the team to ensure all information they are putting out to faculty is fully accessible. The training will be offered to faculty and staff in FY22.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Maine CITE began working with the University of New England to assist in designing an AT certificate program for the school. The collaboration brought together other universities and faculty across disciplines to develop the program. Maine CITE was essential to the development of the first course which will be offered in Spring 2022, Foundations of Assistive Technology. Maine CITE will continue to work with UNE as the program continues.

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

Maine CITE participates on the transition planning team for the Department of Education as they begin planning to extend the age of eligibility for students. Through this partnership we have been able to showcase the benefits of the loan and demo program and how they can assist in work experience opportunities and job skills training.

C. Notes:

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. Many of Maine CITE's planned face-to-face public awareness activities were canceled due to COVID, however we did attend the conference for Maine's special education staff. Maine CITE showcased a variety of AT for cognition and learning while discussing the needs of educators in the state and how the program could benefit them. The event opened a dialogue between districts and Maine CITE staff regarding the lack of AT knowledge in the school system. The event sparked conversation about future events and learning opportunities for educators to increase knowledge about AT. These events are now in the planning stages.

2.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities