National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

Lead Agency

Implementing Entity

Program Director and Other Contacts

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Certifying Representative

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

G. Notes:

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

G. Notes:

I. Notes:

During the Covid 19 pandemic, the centers remained operational but with limited in-person activities. The University of the Virgin Islands implemented the Governor's stay-at-home orders, along with the local Department of Health protocols and the CDC's mandate for social distancing. During this reporting period, there was no request for short-term device loans.

G. Notes:

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Provided training to an 84-year old male who is deaf-blind o the use of the various features and options on the NOAA Solar Crank CR-1009 Weather Radio. Due to significant hearing and vision consumer displayed some difficulty in maneuvering the different knobs and dials. The proper and complete training of this device is critical as this consumer lives alone and recognizes the benefits of having a weather radio that can be used during an emergency, which also charges his iPhone during power outages which are often frequent. The weather radio has an alert/alarm button and can access FM/AM and Shortwave bands.

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

The Department of Human Services, Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services provides pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities. This division provides work readiness training to transitioning student population to prepare them to enter the workforce and pursue post-secondary opportunities. To maintain compliance with the CDC guidelines as it relates to social distancing, the services were delivered virtually and took place over the course of ten (10) weeks. A partnership was created with VIUCEDD's Assistive Technology devices, equipment and services that would aid and support students as they transition to the world of work and post-secondary educational opportunities. This collaboration is ongoing.

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

A physical education teacher, who is visually impaired, received training on how to navigate Zoom for teaching through screen sharing and Schoology. This training was important for effective communication in accessible formats that would enable to continue virtual learning, for communications with their families, colleagues, and administrators. This client was then able to participate in a 5-hour webinar sponsored by the Department of Education and used the devices and software with minimum assistance.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Technical assistance was provided to the Director of Counseling & Career Services and Learning Assistance Program Coordinator at the University of the Virgin Islands regarding assistive technology for students with learning disabilities, visual impairment and hearing impairment, and other physical disabilities. ,

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

Technical assistance was provided to the Administrator at the Department of Human Services, Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services. Support was provided to develop a training tool/presentation to assist students who needed AT support as they transition to the workforce. The training would include a virtual tour of the AT lab, with a description and demonstration of each device.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. June 2,1 through July 21, 2021, a 30-second radio ad featuring services provided under the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, locally known as the Virgin Islands iCanConncect program, was aired on 103.05FM The Reef Broadcasting, which is also live stream. The Reef Broadcasting is noted as one of the most popular radio stations because it provides a forum for residents to call in and engage in topics that range from politics to healthcare and everything in between. It is during this time from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm that most of the ads were aired. The Reef Broadcasting reaches the US and the British Virgin Islands and down islands in the Lesser Antilles. It is estimated that about 5000 individuals heard the daily advertisement.

2.

Notes:

The numbers for this reporting period reflect a decrease from the previous years due to the ongoing infractions caused by the global pandemic. Most activities are being done virtually and many of the disability population lack the resources to connect remotely. .

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

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 Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) at the University of the Virgin Islands was awarded a grant to proved telehealth equipment and technical support to community and governmental agencies across the territory. Coordination of this initiative was developed in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide telehealth equipment that would provide access to healthcare virtually. This equipment is intended for residents in senior care facilities that are managed by the DHS.

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.)

While VIUCEDD will provide technical support, the Department of Human Services is responsible for housing and securing the equipment, and providing access and support to the residents they serve. This initiative is still in the implementation phase.

3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Community Living