National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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New Mexico 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.tap.gcd.state.nm.us
Mailing Address:
625 Silver Ave SW, Suite 100 B
City:
Albuquerque
State:
NM
Zip Code:
87102
Program Email:
tracy.agiovlasitis@state.nm.us
Phone:
505-841-4464
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
New Mexico Governor's Commission on Disability
Mailing Address:
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Lamy Building
City:
Santa Fe
State:
NM
Zip Code:
87501
Program URL:
www.gcd.state.nm.us

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):
Agiovlasitis, Tracy
Title:
AT PROGRAM MANAGER
Phone:
505-841-4451
E-mail:
tracy.agiovlasitis@state.nm.us
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Forsythe, Linnea
Title:
Governor's Commission on Disability Director
Phone:
505-660-8241
E-mail:
linnea.forsythe@state.nm.us
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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Forsythe, Linnea
Title:
Governor's Commission on Disability Director
Phone:
505-660-8241
E-mail:
linnea.forsythe@state.nm.us

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

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 06 01 07
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 06 01 07

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $16,248 Highest Income: $60,228

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$282,804 07 $40,401

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
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 00 02 02 02 01 00 07
Percentage of Loans 0% 28.57% 28.57% 28.57% 14.29% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 07 100%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 07 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 07 $200,333
Total 07 $200,333

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 3%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
18 07 2.57142857142857%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 07
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 07

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 07 $200,333
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 07 $200,333

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

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

A 40-year-old male with diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and foot drop is a wheelchair user who is unable to use his legs, so was not able to participate in his lifelong passion to hunt and fish. Through the Assistive Technology Program, he secured a fixed 2.55% interest rate loan of $26,891 to purchase a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) fitted with hand controls. The hand controls were donated with some custom fabrication to make it possible for him to operate it independently and teach his son how to hunt and fish. The success of getting an antelope this season impacted his whole family. He was very excited to regain his independence and is now able to also assist his wife including going to the store, picking up the mail and other household chores rather than just sit at home and feel depressed. This opportunity inspires him to tell others not to give up on the things they like to do because of sickness or physical problems.

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 07 07
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 07 07
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 07 07
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 07 07
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 07 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 07
Response rate % 100%

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 750
C. Total 750

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 750

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 04 $2,303 $0 $2,303
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 $499 $0 $499
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 386 $132,606 $0 $132,606
Daily Living 1,150 $52,075 $0 $52,075
Environmental Adaptations 02 $200 $0 $200
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $700 $0 $700
Computers and Related 164 $49,052 $0 $49,052
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06 $1,696 $0 $1,696
Total 1,714 $239,131 $0 $239,131

D. Anecdote

The Assistive Technology Program was able to provide refurbished computers to individuals with brain injuries. A licensed social worker supporting many individuals with brain injuries contacted the reuse program and was pleased to be able to provide equipment to six clients with the one call. Each situation was evaluated independently around individual needs. Two individuals benefited from desktops, three individuals from laptops and one from a tablet. Several persons can now participate in telehealth visits and schedule appointments utilizing a Wi-Fi webcam and speakers. The computers come with Microsoft Office allowing some to create resumes when looking for employment, participate in online education and organize their daily lives. Without this service, none of these individuals would have been able to afford the equipment, the training provided in the use of software or engage fully in life during the pandemic. The digital divide was bridged for six with one call!

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. 41 25 566 632
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 02 15 18
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 03 02 28 33
4. Subtotal 45 29 609 683
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 45 29 609 683
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 67 67
8. Total 45 29 676 750
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 90.09%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 644 85.87%
Satisfied 38 5.07%
Satisfied somewhat 04 0.53%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.13%
Nonrespondent 63 8.4%
Total Surveyed 750
Response rate % 91.6%

G. Notes:

The value of the number of daily living items is seemingly low, however this is in part due to many items being smaller as many folks are staying home with COVID protocols affecting lives especially for persons with disabilities. We are also in the process of updating our retail values which were also impacted by COVID economical changes.

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) 107
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 48
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 05
Total 169

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 70 18 88
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 06 08 14
Representative of Education 09 15 24
Representative of Employment 04 04 08
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 17 14 31
Representatives of Community Living 00 01 01
Representatives of Technology 01 02 03
Total 107 62 169

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 18 19 37
Hearing 09 09 18
Speech Communication 47 21 68
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 35 53 88
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 17 06 23
Daily Living 19 24 43
Environmental Adaptations 02 08 10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 40 41 81
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 13 07 20
Total 200 188 388

E. Anecdote

A four-year-old boy was non-verbal and unable to talk with his parents. His Speech Language Pathologist reached out to the Assistive Technology Program. With the support of the professional, an iPad tablet with specific speech generating software application was loaned to the boy for thirty days. Due to his young age, a robust case to hold the tablet and an extension of the loan period beyond a month allowed for a full experience. During this time, he was able to start forming his first sentences with his parents using the device with his hands pressing preset words on the screen. The trial of it gave the information of success that is needed to submit to insurance to purchase it for everyday life and upcoming school days. Inspired by realizing the communication he had with his parents; he also began to try to emulate a few words with his own voice. That was a remarkable and unexpected bonus resulting from trying a device before buying the right one.

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 03 37 67
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 04 06 12
Subtotal 29 07 43 79
Have not made a decision 09 02 13 24
Subtotal 38 09 56 103
Nonrespondent 01 00 03 04
Total 39 09 59 107
Performance on this measure 76.32% 77.78% 76.79%

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. 19 04 26 49
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 05 05
4. Subtotal 19 04 31 54
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 19 04 31 54
7. Nonrespondent 04 00 04 08
8. Total 23 04 35 62
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 146 86.39%
Satisfied 17 10.06%
Satisfied somewhat 04 2.37%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.59%
Nonrespondent 01 0.59%
Total Surveyed 169
Response rate % 99.41%

I. Notes:

Due to COVID pandemic protocols to telework and school at home, there was an increase in loans for accommodations that continued into 2021.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 06
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 06
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 61
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 01
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 01
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 75

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 73
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 12
Representatives of Education 36
Representatives of Employment 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 07
Representative of Community Living 00
Representative of Technology 00
Total 129

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 00
Service Provider 03
Vendor 03
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 06

D. Anecdote

A woman in her mid-50s was diagnosed with a fast-moving neurological process called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and lost her ability to speak. With a prognosis of 3 months to live she and her Speech Language Pathologist participated in a demonstration of several ways to generate speech with any movement ability that she had remaining. She chose an Eye Gaze system in a dedicated tablet which she could operate with her eyes, looking at applications on the screen to open or close them and using an on-screen keyboard to generate computerized spoken sentences. Another assistive technology device that held the device in place allowed her independence in using this speech device. The value of trying several types helped her decide which worked best for her and then she borrowed one from the Assistive Technology Program. She was able to communicate with her husband and loved ones up until the day she died. The quality of life this gave to her, and her family, is unmeasurable.

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 59 07 09 75
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 59 07 09 75
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 59 07 09 75
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 59 07 09 75
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 45 34.88%
Satisfied 84 65.12%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 129
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

There were two demonstrations for speech generating devices for young children who were unable to speak at all. While the child was present, the parents made the choice for the best option of devices on behalf of the child.

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. 41 25 573 639
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 20 06 41 67
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 03 02 33 38
4. Subtotal 64 33 647 744
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 64 33 647 744
7. Nonrespondent 04 00 71 75
8. Total 68 33 718 819
9. Performance on this measure 95.31% 93.94% 85.99% 87.05%
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 86 10 46 142
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 04 06 12
Subtotal 88 14 52 154
Have not made a decision 09 02 13 24
Subtotal 97 16 65 178
Nonrespondent 01 00 03 04
Total 98 16 68 182
Performance on this measure 90.72% 87.5% 80% 86.52%
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 98.99% 95% Met
Response Rate 93.93% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 59
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 43
Representatives of Education 342
Representatives of Employment 413
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 280
Representatives of Community Living 57
Representatives of Technology 35
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,229

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
885 344 00 1,229

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,126
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 61
Combination of any/all of the above 12
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 09
Transition 21
Total 1,229

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The Assistive Technology Program staff provided a high impact assistive technology training to the Carlsbad New Mexico School District over the course of two, 2-hour trainings. The school district wanted to utilize more assistive technology options for their students in all fourteen school for the upcoming semester but needed more expertise regarding learning disabilities, hearing, vision, and speech technology. Over 30 district educators were trained via Zoom, on several intermediate to advanced levels of assistive technology devices and applications. The training’s high impact going forward will be the implementation of more assistive technology devices for the students in that distract and the utilization of devices loans to have students trial equipment before purchasing is considered.

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

The Assistive Technology Program staff provided a transition training event at the Parents Reaching Out Conference that was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents Reaching Out is an organization supporting students with disabilities and their parents. The training was around assistive technology to promote literacy for students in school and those transitioning into the workforce. Showing how the apps or devices work demonstrated carefully under a camera to see the full operations allows for a clear understanding. This session was able to provide 21 students/individuals with disabilities, parents, and educators the chance to see mobile/tablet apps, and standalone devices that aid in and improve literacy skills. This will come in handy for those who are doing distance learning, those transitioning back to in-person learning, and those getting ready to graduate and enter the workforce or higher education.

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

The Central New Mexico Workforce Connections requested assistance prior to launching their new website to ensure it was accessible. Two comprehensive trainings on website, documents, virtual platforms, and social media accessibility were provided to webmasters and additional staff members in February 2021. Training was provided by the Assistive Technology Program staff via ZOOM due to the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain social distance. The training involved education and discussions of relevant laws, types of disabilities, accessibility issues, how to fix website errors, along with a detailed overview of how to make Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PDF documents accessible. A plan was created for the staff webmasters to maintain full accessibility in all areas going forward. Their website currently remains 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 09
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 09
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 %
Employment %
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation %
Community Living %
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 100%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

A coalition of agencies formed the Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) coalition early in the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure accessible information to New Mexicans with disabilities. It is made up of multiple state and community agencies that serve persons with disabilities. The AT Program staff researched several video platforms as everyone scrambled to find accessible video platforms to continue providing services. A guidebook was created and several trainings on accessible video conferencing, social media, websites, and documents were provided to 136 members of the DAFN group. This allowed for information to be accessible to people with disabilities in all the partner agencies. Over 40 hours of work increased knowledge of digital accessibility needs and practical guidance on making access equitable to those with disabilities.

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. With an ever-increasing use of social media, the Assistive Technology Program launched a Facebook page in January 2021. Within nine months it had reached 10,835 people, with some posts forwarded by those people, therefore reaching even more individuals every day. The most popular posts are part of a video series created by staff called “What is...?”. This series focuses on explaining jargon and terms in the assistive technology world that may be confusing or difficult to understand. The video “What is an assistive listening device?” presented by program staff reached over 1.9 thousand people alone. Inquiries for services are beginning to reference awareness of the program from Facebook posts.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 152 06 158
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 37 01 38
Representative of Education 36 01 37
Representative of Employment 40 02 42
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 38 04 42
Representative of Community Living 16 02 18
Representative of Technology 03 00 03
Unable to Categorize 06 00 06
Total 328 16 344

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? 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?

The Assistive Technology Program collaborated with the University of New Mexico’s Speech and Hearing Sciences Department to provide training for the current group of graduate level Speech Language Pathology Students. Since Spring 2018, NMTAP has provided assistive technology training to nearly 120 students. The training involves an in-depth look at high tech and eye control devices for speech communication. The collaborative effort benefits the students because they can get technical experience with AT that they only get to hear about in lectures/textbooks. No funding is used for this partnership.

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.

Not only are the students learning about the speech communication devices, but they are learning how the program services benefit speech therapists across the state. Once they graduate, 60% percent of those that stay in state have returned to utilize program services for their clientele. The Speech and Hearing Science Department has implemented this collaboration into the course syllabus, and this has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Speech and Hearing Science Department staff and students also provide trainings in the annual AT conference, passing along their expertise to the conference attendees across the state regarding evaluations for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This has been a fruitful and successful ongoing collaboration for the AT program and the University that will continue for many years to come at no extra cost.

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

Education; Health;

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

Device Loan; Training; 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? 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 11:11:34 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.