National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Mississippi 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Project START
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.msprojectstart.org
Mailing Address:
1281 Highway 51 North
City:
Madison
State:
MS
Zip Code:
39110
Program Email:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov
Phone:
601-853-5248
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1698
City:
Jackson
State:
MS
Zip Code:
39215
Program URL:
www.mdrs.ms.gov

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):
Tucker, Jamie
Title:
Director
Phone:
601-853-5248
E-mail:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Howard, Chris
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
601-853-5200
E-mail:
choward@mdrs.ms.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Tucker, Jamie
Title:
Project START Director
Phone:
601-853-5248
E-mail:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Howard, Chris
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
601-853-5200
E-mail:
choward@mdrs.ms.gov

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

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 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

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 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 96
C. Total 96

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 96

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 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

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 96 $41,280 $0 $41,280
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 96 $41,280 $0 $41,280

D. Anecdote

Our computer refurbishment program continues to be a vital part of our program. We are able to put 96 desktops and laptops annually back out into the community for education and employment assistance.

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. 24 00 00 24
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 72 00 00 72
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 96 00 00 96
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 96 00 00 96
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 96 00 00 96
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 94 97.92%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 02 2.08%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 96
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) 103
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 08
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 18
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 24
Total 153

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 79 30 109
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 07 00 07
Representative of Education 17 19 36
Representative of Employment 00 01 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 103 50 153

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 45

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 34 13 47
Hearing 02 01 03
Speech Communication 17 17 34
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 16 08 24
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 30 12 42
Daily Living 10 05 15
Environmental Adaptations 00 00 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 05 08 13
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 114 64 178

E. Anecdote

Our sub-contractor located on the coast of MS, Institute for Disabilities Studies, loaned out a beach wheelchair to provide a family the opportunity to use during their visit to Bay Saint Louis. Their son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle wasting disease which is caused by a lack of dystrophin production. His mobility is assisted with the aid of a motorized scooter, but it won’t work on the beach and walking on sand is really hard on his muscles. Despite how hard the sand is for his disease, the ocean and beach gives so much to his spirit. He loves building sand castles, splashing in the water, watching the shore birds and looking for boats out in the water. Having access to a beach wheelchair allowed their son to experience and enjoy all the beauty of the ocean without the damage. This is such a valuable resource and the family deeply appreciated the chance to use it.

Narrative Picture
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 24 02 61 87
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 00 02 04
Subtotal 26 02 63 91
Have not made a decision 05 00 07 12
Subtotal 31 02 70 103
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 31 02 70 103
Performance on this measure 83.87% 100% 90%

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. 12 00 18 30
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 01 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 12 01 05 18
4. Subtotal 25 01 24 50
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 25 01 24 50
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 25 01 24 50
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 142 92.81%
Satisfied 04 2.61%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.65%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 06 3.92%
Total Surveyed 153
Response rate % 96.08%

I. Notes:

Our sub-contractor, T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, noted that the biggest impact they had seen this year with equipment loans was the ability to help individuals maintain access to technology safely. As teachers, students and families have quarantined the students have been able to maintain access to needed OT, PT and SLP services. While this does not replace face to face services, it has been helpful in serving individuals during a pandemic.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 00
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 43
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 00
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 43

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 43
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 49
Representatives of Education 03
Representatives of Employment 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 01
Representative of Community Living 00
Representative of Technology 01
Total 97

C. Number of Referrals

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

D. Anecdote

A community client first sought services in January 2021 from our Technology Assistive Device Center at North MS Regional Medical Center. She was a young girl with Periventricular Leuokomalacia and chromosomal disorders who is non-ambulatory and non-speaking. She was referred to our center via her speech-language pathologist as she was not using symbolic communication. Accessing any communication device was extremely difficult for her. During the initial evaluation, it was difficult to tell if she was intentionally activating the communication device. It was determined she may need more time to learn to use the device. A loaner device (Accent 800) was provided through Project START for her use. While she made some progress on this device, her mother and speech-language pathologist weren't sure it was the best option for her. A different loaner device (Tobii Dynavox I-110) was provided. Her mother and SLP reported she was making significant progress and was more motivated to use this communication device. She was eventually able to receive funding for her own device, and her mother reports that she continues to do well and is making progress. This young client is an example of how assessment and acquisition of AT can and often should be done on a continuum . The TAD Center was able to get the appropriate information and services to meet her needs.

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 25 00 10 35
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 01 02
Subtotal 26 00 11 37
Have not made a decision 06 00 00 06
Subtotal 32 00 11 43
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 32 00 11 43
Performance on this measure 81.25% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 41 42.27%
Satisfied 49 50.52%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 07 7.22%
Total 97
Response rate % 92.78%

G. Notes:

T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, our sub-contractor, provided demonstrations in AAC, seating and mobility, and adaptive computer access. They are located on a major university campus with access to reach several individuals.

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. 36 00 18 54
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 73 00 01 74
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 12 01 05 18
4. Subtotal 121 01 24 146
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 121 01 24 146
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 121 01 24 146
9. Performance on this measure 90.08% 0% 79.17% 87.67%
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 49 02 71 122
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 00 03 06
Subtotal 52 02 74 128
Have not made a decision 11 00 07 18
Subtotal 63 02 81 146
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 63 02 81 146
Performance on this measure 82.54% 100% 91.36% 87.67%
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 99.10% 95% Met
Response Rate 96.24% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 77
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 07
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 37
Representatives of Community Living 42
Representatives of Technology 21
Unable to Categorize 66
TOTAL 250

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
49 201 00 250

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 208
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 42
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Transition 00
Total 250

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The Permobil Academy provided a training designed for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, assistive technology professionals and medical suppliers/providers. During this training pediatric mobility, wheeled mobility solutions for older adults, overcoming obstacles to improve outcomes and the least costly alternatives were discussed.

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

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

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 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 00
Performance Measure Percentage NaN%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

The ATP at T.K. Martin Center for Technology provided a training on overall assistive technology assessments for college students enrolled in AT class. They provide this resource/class annually.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education %
Employment 100%
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:

Project START staff provided technical assistance with the managers of Disability Determination Services housed within the MS Department of Rehabilitation Services in the loan library. We discussed the ways to consult with our staff in order to better assist in serving their claimants receiving disability benefits.

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. Project START, in partnership with the Arc of MS, collaborated in effort to keep people receiving services in residential and other programs or who may be in isolated situations, connected with their families and friends during this COVID experience. COVID-19 has hit everyone, but the impact on people who receive services and supports on a daily basis has been especially difficult. Often, the technology and resources are not available for people to remain in touch with their families and friends and may not understand the reasons for the isolation. STAY CONNECTED program provides I-Pads and the related technology and resources to providers and facilities for the use of the residents/participants. Each location has a person on site who is responsible for the safe usage of the equipment. The level of independence in using the technology is person-centered. Information was disseminated on Project START services, demos, trainings and other events within the centers to residents and families.

2. Project START partnered with Mississippi Society for Disabilities on accessible playground equipment in a local community park/playground.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 00 00 00
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00 00 00
Representative of Education 00 00 00
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representative of Community Living 07 00 07
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 07 00 07

Notes:

Project START's new accessible website went live in May, and we provided a quick tour to our advisory council.

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?

Project START collaborated with The Arc of Mississippi in a "Stay Connected" program to provide technology to keep families connected during the pandemic. iPads were loaned for use by people currently receiving residential services and living under COVID conditions. This technology was used to help people stay connected with their families and friends using face-to-face communication. The Arc initiated this initiative and took the lead with the funding they receive as a sub-contractor for our mission.

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.

Support coordinators and ID/DD service providers were the leads on a location basis. One person per location was identified as the responsible party. Quarterly ZOOM meetings took place with responsible parties to learn from the experience. All residents/participants were eligible for the use of the equipment. We asked that family and friends be made aware of the opportunity as well. We have had a very successful partnership with the Arc as they partner with us to put on our annual Assistive Technology conference.

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

Community Participation and Integration;

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

Device Loan;

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? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported

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 11:08:33 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.