National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

New Jersey 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center of DRNJ
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
at4nj.org
Mailing Address:
210 South Broad St 3rd Floor
City:
Trenton
State:
NJ
Zip Code:
08608
Program Email:
mmarotta@drnj.org
Phone:
800-922-7233
TTY:
609-633-7106

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Mailing Address:
1 John Fitch Plaza, PO Box 110
City:
Trenton
State:
NJ
Zip Code:
08625
Program URL:
http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center of DRNJ
Mailing Address:
210 South Broad St 3rd Floor
City
Trenton
State:
NJ
Zip Code:
08608
Program URL:
www.at4nj.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Marotta, Michael
Title:
Director
Phone:
609-777-0961
E-mail:
mmarotta@drnj.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Carroll,Karen
Title:
Director DVRS
Phone:
609-292-4967
E-mail:
Karen.Carroll@dol.nj.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Marotta, Michael
Title:
Director
Phone:
609-777-0961
E-mail:
mmarotta@drnj.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Leibowitz Naomi
Title:
AT Specialist
Phone:
609-777-0185
E-mail:
nleibowitz@disabilityrightsnj.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Carroll, Karen
Title:
Director DVRS
Phone:
609-292-4967
E-mail:
Karen.Carroll@dol.nj.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 1,583
C. Total 1,583

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 1,583

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 02 $35 $10 $25
Hearing 08 $120 $24 $96
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 2,849 $773,488 $257,829 $515,659
Daily Living 1,394 $323,085 $99,776 $223,309
Environmental Adaptations 2,016 $811,155 $251,142 $560,013
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 153 $13,595 $13,595 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 35 $3,362 $1,254 $2,108
Total 6,457 $1,924,840 $623,630 $1,301,210

D. Anecdote

Was lab for the University of the Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy program. Working with the assistant professor, GWHME provided equipment and open space for the students to go on a “scavenger hunt” to identify equipment that was requested in their patient problem. Each team had 2-3 critical problems that required adaptive equipment and they were required to locate and take photos of the equipment and describe how it would apply. This was an opportunity to have 80 students through our warehouse who will soon become Occupational Therapists

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 00 934 934
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 269 269
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 348 348
4. Subtotal 00 00 1,551 1,551
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 1,551 1,551
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 32 32
8. Total 00 00 1,583 1,583
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 97.98%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,142 72.14%
Satisfied 418 26.41%
Satisfied somewhat 23 1.45%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,583
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) 90
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 04
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 23
Total 117

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 43 00 43
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 21 00 21
Representative of Education 42 00 42
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01 00 01
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 09 00 09
Total 117 00 117

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 21

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 24 00 24
Hearing 14 00 14
Speech Communication 32 00 32
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 44 00 44
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 09 00 09
Daily Living 20 00 20
Environmental Adaptations 05 00 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 00 00 00
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 333 00 333
Total 481 00 481

E. Anecdote

Worked with the Child Study Team counselor to find the best keyboard with a keyguard for one of their students. They tried the Big Keys Keyboard LX, Chester Creek Big Blu and standard keyboard with keyguard. They found the standard keyboard with keyguard most effective and were appreciative of the ability to try different devices.

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 40 28 22 90
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 40 28 22 90
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 40 28 22 90
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 40 28 22 90
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

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. 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 27 00 00 27
6. Subtotal 27 00 00 27
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 27 00 00 27
9. Performance on this measure 0% NaN% NaN%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 117 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 117
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 43
Hearing 20
Speech Communication 136
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 110
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05
Daily Living 50
Environmental Adaptations 32
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 134
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 11
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 541

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 230
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 174
Representatives of Education 251
Representatives of Employment 21
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 43
Representative of Community Living 112
Representative of Technology 76
Total 907

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 482
Service Provider 10
Vendor 09
Repair Service 00
Others 02
Total 503

D. Anecdote

The school psychologist arranged the demo a few different FM systems for one of her students. At the end of last year, they tried the SoniVox, and this February they tried the ChatterVox. They liked the SoniVox, but also wanted to be aware of other options before making any purchasing decisions.

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 118 40 85 243
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 01 03
Subtotal 119 41 86 246
Have not made a decision 29 09 11 49
Subtotal 148 50 97 295
Nonrespondent 158 33 55 246
Total 306 83 152 541
Performance on this measure 38.89% 49.4% 56.58%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 554 61.08%
Satisfied 39 4.3%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 314 34.62%
Total 907
Response rate % 65.38%

G. Notes:

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. 00 00 934 934
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 269 269
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 348 348
4. Subtotal 00 00 1,551 1,551
5. None of the above 27 00 00 27
6. Subtotal 27 00 1,551 1,578
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 32 32
8. Total 27 00 1,583 1,610
9. Performance on this measure 0% NaN% 75.99% 74.72%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 158 68 107 333
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 01 03
Subtotal 159 69 108 336
Have not made a decision 29 09 11 49
Subtotal 188 78 119 385
Nonrespondent 158 33 55 246
Total 346 111 174 631
Performance on this measure 45.95% 62.16% 62.07% 53.25%
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 99.00% 95% Met
Response Rate 87.96% 90% Not Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 46
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 98
Representatives of Education 101
Representatives of Employment 21
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 43
Representatives of Community Living 40
Representatives of Technology 76
Unable to Categorize 3,752
TOTAL 4,177

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
00 00 4,177 4,177

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 3,765
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 26
Combination of any/all of the above 49
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 266
Transition 71
Total 4,177

C. Description of Training Activities

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

ATAC has joined forces with Missouri Assistive Technology to provide a community of practice focused on Assistive Technology and the Maker community. The monthly meetings have brought awarenss to the importance of Maker Space and the importance of making low-cost solutions when there may not be any. it has brought together college students that are looking for solutions. For further information and the fun the MakerSpace webinars are read the AT 3 blog. https://at3centerblog.com/2021/08/10/fishing-for-makers/

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

Held multiple workshops on accommodations beyond high school and what students may need in college or the workplace, that includes supports for notetaking, reading and writing.

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

Multiple training webinars were had from an user perspective of using screen readers with websites that may be accessible but not really user friendly. Also, we held a presentation that taught how important it is to create powerpoints in html for screenreaders. These sessions were held by screen readers users. This help spread awareness of the challenges a screen reader user has when materials is not created accessible.

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 266
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 266
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 50%
Employment %
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation %
Community Living 50%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) %
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

A woman with MS, found the right combination of technologies so that she could independently control her powered lift chair. Because of her disability she cannot control the chair’s standard hand controls, so a friend of hers modified it so she could control it via her Amazon Echo Dot (with custom voice commands) and an TP Link Smart Outdoor Plug. The problem was getting it all to work together. We identified a solution: place the Alexa app and Kasa Smart App (TP-Link) on a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8 tablet and link the two apps. It was successful and the client was very happy. Video of client using the lift chair. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SQC5GXgf-RWaDxUkL9mrlsxzzF1y1DdG/view

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

ATAC continued our ongoing collaboration with the Learning Disabilities Association of NJ (ldanj.org) by providing technical assistance throughout the year on assistive technology supports for transition. This included presenting at various LDANJ events that were held during 2021. ATAC co sponsored the Linking Information about Learning Disabilities virtual conference, which was a collaboration between LDANJ and LDAMI.

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. ATAC and MO AT Act Program teamed up to host AT Virtual AT Maker Roundtable. This is a group discussion to brainstorm and share ideas for less expensive alternatives and for items that may need to be customized. This group has reached individuals from all walks of life including professionals (OT, PT, teachers, etc), individuals, and staff. The event was advertised widely through social media and listserv of both AT Acts. It was also featured article in the AT3 blog. To learn more about it;s impact please visit https://at3centerblog.com/2021/08/10/fishing-for-makers

2. ATAC partnered with the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) to provide complimentary unlimited access to the ATIA Learning Center for anyone throughout NJ. ATIA provide access to an array of recorded learning sessions focusing on all aspect of AT. A kickoff virtual event was held to introduce the program to professionals and individuals with disabilities across NJ. ATAC is using social media to promote online learning videos. Plans for 2022 include developing playlists focused on specific areas of AT, watch parties where the AT recordings can be discussed in real time, and webinars that can be used to provide a forum for professionals and individuals to share implementation strategies to incorporate the AT information into the lives of individuals with disabilities. The program is in its early stages (Started October 2021) but we are confident that it will have a great impact on promoting AT in NJ and increasing the community capacity for identifying and implementing appropriate assistive technology.

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 00 00 00
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 41 00 41
Total 41 00 41

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?

University of the Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy, assistant professor, to promote Goodwill Home Medical Equipment warehouse as a sample lab for Occupational Therapy students. The collaboration with Goodwill Home Medical Equipment (GHME) gave students the ability to experience real equipment and interact with employees to complete their lab assignment. These students visited the warehouse over a period of 2 months with case assignments from their professor. Their assignments were to photograph equipment useful to their case study.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

This program was so successful that GHME currently have a doctoral student of Occupations Therapy doing her capstone project at Goodwill Home Medical Equipment. Her project’s focus is on expanding awareness through marketing professionals and consigner physicians. Her project will involve training and education of medical equipment for employees and customers. Providing updated handouts and in person training that will coincide with, and assist with, GHME CHAP accreditation.

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

Education; Community Participation and Integration;

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

Reuse; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;

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?

ATAC partnered with Stockton University’s disability support services office. Approximately 800 students are enrolled with the Learning Access Program, and approximately 30% of those students have an accommodation for peer note taking services. Peer note takers are not always effective as they are not always able to capture all components of a lecture. By installing and utilizing Rocketbook Beacons, students will be able to take exact images of the whiteboard and have it converted to accessible text into a cloud based service.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

This was a pilot program to see if notetaking services to students will improve by having the Rocetbook Beacons installed and using the Rocketbook app to take a picture of the whiteboard. By adding beacons to the classrooms, Disability Services was able to enhance their peer note taking system as they were already using the Rocketbooks to take notes. This allowed not only the students in the course, but the student note takers, the ability to record the whiteboard clearly and take notes on the verbal lecture and not just the content on the board. For the spring 2022 semester, Stockton College will hold workshops that focus on the use of the Beacons with effective note taking skills.

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

Education;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Training; Public Awareness;

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 11:11:19 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.