National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
South Dakota 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 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 01 | 00 | 01 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $10,692 | Highest Income: | $10,692 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $10,692 | 01 | $10,692 |
| 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 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Percentage of Loans | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 01 | 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 | 01 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 01 | $2,500 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 01 | $2,500 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 5% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 5% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 05 | 01 | 5% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 01 |
| 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 | 01 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 01 | $2,500 |
| 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 | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 01 | $2,500 |
6. 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? | 1 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | AT Leasing for Savings Program |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 131 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 80 |
| C. Total Served | 211 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 211 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number Provided | Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 211 | 527500 | 29500.00 | 498000.00 |
| Hearing | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Speech communication | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Daily living | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Computers and related | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Total | 211 | 527500 | 29500.00 | 498000.00 |
D. Anecdote
DakotaLink provided a Merlin to a Veteran’s home and trained him and his wife about the power connections followed by the controls. We then trained them on the various functions of the Merlin. We followed up and the Veteran’s wife reported that he is happily using the Merlin to read a paperback novel and the instruction manual for a battery charger. They greatly appreciate having the Merlin.
DakotaLink provided a Merlin to a client’s home and set it up. We trained her and her daughter and niece where the power connections are and where all the controls are located. We then trained them on the various functions of the Merlin. Before we left we made sure they had our contact information and let them know they can contact us if they have any questions or need any further help. We followed up with the client’s daughter and she was very happy to report that she had taken a picture of her mom happily using the Merlin all by herself. The client is happily using the Merlin daily.
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 | 00 | 212 | 212 |
| 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 | 212 | 212 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 212 | 212 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 212 | 212 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 181 | 85.38% |
| Satisfied | 27 | 12.74% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 04 | 1.89% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 212 | |
| 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 | 59 |
| C. Total | 59 |
| 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 | 59 |
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 | 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
| 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 | 25 | $53,775 | $1,121 | $52,654 |
| Daily Living | 34 | $34,704 | $6,585 | $28,119 |
| 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 | 59 | $88,479 | $7,706 | $80,773 |
D. Anecdote
There are currently 257 devices available through the sd.at4all.com website which allows people to see all of the devices that are available for loan or sale. The number of requests directly from the website is increasing, but most people contact the program directly to determine the best-suited device they need to purchase or borrow. This also helps in determining if the person requesting is capable of using it effectively.
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 | 00 | 59 | 59 |
| 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 | 59 | 59 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 59 | 59 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 59 | 59 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 59 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 59 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
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) | 17 |
| 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 | 06 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 01 |
| Total | 32 |
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 | 11 | 00 | 11 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| Representative of Education | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 06 | 00 | 06 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 32 | 00 | 32 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 14 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Hearing | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Daily Living | 22 | 00 | 22 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 08 | 00 | 08 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 32 | 00 | 32 |
E. Anecdote
My husband is at Mayo Clinic and will be coming home April 30th. He has been there for 3 months. He was very week now was able to get a wheelchair from DakotaLink early to be able to get home in time. He would have had to wait 2 more weeks from the hospital.
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 | 15 | 01 | 01 | 17 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 15 | 01 | 01 | 17 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 15 | 01 | 01 | 17 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 15 | 01 | 01 | 17 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
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. | 11 | 01 | 03 | 15 |
| 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 | 11 | 01 | 03 | 15 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 11 | 01 | 03 | 15 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 11 | 01 | 03 | 15 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 32 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 32 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
A pebble needed repair so a client was happy to borrow one from DakotaLink while we assisted with her repair. We did this type of thing for several clients.
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 31 |
| Hearing | 03 |
| Speech Communication | 12 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 31 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 10 |
| Daily Living | 04 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 03 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 170 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total # of Devices Demonstrated | 264 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 154 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 29 |
| Representatives of Education | 12 |
| Representatives of Employment | 13 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 03 |
| Representative of Community Living | 48 |
| Representative of Technology | 05 |
| Total | 264 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 215 |
| Service Provider | 50 |
| Vendor | 04 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 269 |
D. Anecdote
AHE is a paralyzed veteran who uses a SureHands lift in his home that we installed several years ago and continue to service periodically. He has been in and out of nursing homes and rehab facilities, and his lift system has significantly reduced the amount of time he has to spend there and increased his independence while at home.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 105 | 49 | 110 | 264 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 105 | 49 | 110 | 264 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 105 | 49 | 110 | 264 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 105 | 49 | 110 | 264 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 264 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 264 | |
| 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. | 11 | 01 | 274 | 286 |
| 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 | 11 | 01 | 274 | 286 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 11 | 01 | 274 | 286 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 11 | 01 | 274 | 286 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | 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 | 120 | 50 | 111 | 281 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 120 | 50 | 111 | 281 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 120 | 50 | 111 | 281 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 120 | 50 | 111 | 281 |
| Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 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 | 99.29% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 292 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 101 |
| Representatives of Education | 11 |
| Representatives of Employment | 05 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 12 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 15 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 55 |
| TOTAL | 491 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 188 | 249 | 54 | 491 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 378 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 27 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 04 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 02 |
| Transition | 80 |
| Total | 491 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Over the summer of 2021, we trained all of the staff from the Department of Rehabilitation Services on the interactive process we have updated to ensure appropriate flow of documentation on clients. We also updated all staff on DakotaLink's status, new employees and transition of.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
We were able to conduct one Youth Leadership Forum this summer, but all of the other transition activities were canceled this year due to the COVID pandemic.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
The State of South Dakota recognizes the need to ensure equal access to electronic and information technologies for all individuals. The South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT) has specific standards for web development design in order to provide an accessible web presence that enables the public full access to South Dakota government information and services.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 01 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 01 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 02 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 20% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 5% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 3% |
| Community Living | 30% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 42% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The State of South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology has a List of Standard Assistive Technology and DakotaLink updates this list annually. The Software allows for State employees to have access to Informational Communication Technology specifically through the computer with access to email, the Web and other forms of communication technology. DakotaLink also has an agreement with the Bureau to provide training to State Employees on this technology. DakotaLink evaluated a new web-based file management system that the Department of Human Services was implementing. This includes having meetings with Department personal and the company providing the software. DakotaLink identifies issues they observe during the evaluation of products and makes recommendations that they implemented.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
DakotaLink participates in all of Catch the Wave events, which help students determine what they might need for going on to college from the high school level. Since the COVID pandemic, the events were canceled in 2021. We did participate in 1 Youth Leadership Forum that 80 students participated in which is a symposium for students with disabilities where Assistive Technology was introduced to them to increase their awareness of options for them when they attend post secondary educations.
C. Notes:
With COVID, we were not able to participate in several canceled events due to the pandemic. DakotaLink has had a long history of working with the State Bureau of Information and Technology and the Department of Human Services to ensure Website Accessibility in regards to Section 508 and W3C Standards. The State Bureau of Information and Technology has adopted and posted an Accessibility Policy and it is below in its entirety along with a Web Page dedicated to assisting other Departments in meeting Section 508 and W3C Standards.
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. DakotaLink sends out newsletters every quarter to the folks on our mailing list. We update the list as people show interest. This comes out to be approximately 500 newsletters over a years’ time. DakotaLink also posts on list/serves/blogs and social media. The list serves are at3center-ml@list.ataporg.org and The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) ataporg@ataporg.org. We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaLinkAT where we share what we are doing and keep people informed on our COVID status. We also have brochures for the DakotaLink program, the Medical Equipment Recycle and Reuse program and AT4All, which I have attached. We keep a spreadsheet of the presentations and conferences that we participate in. Due to COVID, we were not able to attend all of the conferences this year as many have been canceled. We were able to provide awareness in Zoom versions of these conferences.
2. DakotaLink has a resource directory that is on our website: https://www.dakotalink.net/at-partners/sd-partners
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 259 | 02 | 261 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 113 | 01 | 114 |
| Representative of Education | 10 | 00 | 10 |
| Representative of Employment | 08 | 00 | 08 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Representative of Community Living | 53 | 02 | 55 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Unable to Categorize | 08 | 01 | 09 |
| Total | 460 | 09 | 469 |
Notes:
Much of this activity was done virtually due to the COVD Pandemic.
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?
DakotaLink collaborated with the State Department of Human Services to provide training to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors throughout the State on their established process for how they provide Assistive Technology devices and services for their Consumers. South Dakota uses an electronic Referral Process that provides consumers access to Assistive Technology assessments, equipment, and training. DakotaLink has worked with the Department to develop a Program Guide and some changes to the policy were initiated to streamline the process. AT Act Funding was used to implement this initiative.
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.
A Survey Monkey was sent out to all of the participants and we had 100% positive feedback. This direct outline of procedures has streamlined the process of providing AT to individuals with disabilities. Being in front of the folks that provide us with referrals has a more efficient effect on the process than with other means. This initiative will continue and be modified as needed in the years to come. I would replicate this training at least once per year to cover turnover and ensure the process is in effect as expected.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Veterans; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Demonstration; Training; Public Awareness; 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.
The State Department of Human Services participates in the National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program and contracts with the Perkins School for the Blind to provide the equipment. DakotaLink worked with a Deaf Blind individual who requested an iPhone 12 because of the new LiDAR technology. LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. The wide-angle camera can help visually impaired people detect the presence of people around them and can guide them through and around other people. The Program did not provide the iPhone 12 at that time. Other models were available but did not have this technology. Perkins School for the Blind suggested that DakotaLink contact the FCC to allow this new model as an option in the Deaf Blind Program.
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.)
DakotaLink staff wrote emails to the person in charge at the FCC to explain why this would be an important addition to the Deaf Blind Program. The FCC in turn gave the green light to allow Perkins to provide this model iPhone to its consumers not only in South Dakota but also with the other 22 States it has contracts with.
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? | 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 11:15:58 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)