National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Wisconsin 2021

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
WisTech Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wistech/index.htm
Mailing Address:
1 W. Wilson St., Room 551, PO Box 2659
City:
Madison
State:
Wisconsin
Zip Code:
53703
Program Email:
DHSWistech@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Phone:
608-514-2513
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources
Mailing Address:
1 W. Wilson St., Room 551, PO Box 2659
City:
Madison
State:
Wisconsin
Zip Code:
53703
Program URL:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph/badr.htm

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):
Plummer, Laura
Title:
Assistive Technology Program Coordinator
Phone:
608-514-2513
E-mail:
laura.plummer1@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Plummer, Laura
Title:
Assistive Technology Program Coordinator
Phone:
608-514-2513
E-mail:
laura.plummer1@dhs.wisconsin.gov
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):
Sobczyk, Lisa
Title:
Social Services Supervisor
Phone:
608-266-9354
E-mail:
lisa.sobczyk@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Molke, Carrie
Title:
Bureau Director
Phone:
608-267-5267
E-mail:
Carrie.Molke@dhs.wisconsin.gov

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 08 00 08
Approved Not made 10 03 13
Rejected 06 00 06
Total 24 03 27

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $13,864 Highest Income: $88,430

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$373,486 08 $46,686

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 02 01 02 01 01 01 08
Percentage of Loans 25% 12.5% 25% 12.5% 12.5% 12.5% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 04 50%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 04 50%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 08 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 04 $23,480
Partnership Loans 04 $35,904
Total 08 $59,384

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5.75%
Highest 5.75%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
46 08 5.75%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 08
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 08

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 01 $1,998
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $937
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 01 $5,000
Vehicle modification and transportation 04 $50,808
Computers and related 01 $641
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 08 $59,384

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 02
Net loss for loans in default $12,658

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? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)898
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)598
C. Total Served1496

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure1496
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures0

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

Performance measures were not collected from these programs.

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 4519679.00
Hearing 2522559227.00
Speech communication232115785.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning00.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 19895165.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total2997789856.00



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 consumer reached out to the Wisloan program to apply for a loan to purchase a wheelchair accessible van. She had great difficulty trying to get financing and funding elsewhere. Wisloan provided financing for the much needed family van. When asked about the Wisloan program she said “My son has Cerebral Palsy and is a wheelchair user. He needed specific modifications done so that he could independently get in and out of our vehicle. It was very challenging getting him to all of his appointments without adequate transportation. With a loan through the Wisloan program and the help of the staff, we were able to purchase a van that fits his needs. We are so grateful for the Wisloan program!”

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 08 08
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 08 08
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 08 08
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 08 08
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 08 0.53%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 1,496 99.47%
Total Surveyed 1,504
Response rate % 0.53%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 71
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 594
C. Total 665

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 245
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 420

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

Our partner through the Department of Corrections conducts Refurbishment and Reuse activities but they are not able to provide devices directly to individuals. All ReUse for this program is conducted via third party so it is not possible to collect performance measures or satisfaction data. Furthermore, with the necessity of contact-less pickup or delivery, it often was not possible to get full compliance with completion of outcomes.

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 06 $1,818 $0 $1,818
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 32 $19,926 $4,915 $15,011
Daily Living 32 $4,225 $1,740 $2,485
Environmental Adaptations 13 $2,166 $100 $2,066
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $19,000 $14,000 $5,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 86 $47,135 $20,755 $26,380

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 50 $2,067 $0 $2,067
Hearing 61 $14,009 $0 $14,009
Speech Communication 04 $439 $0 $439
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04 $239 $110 $129
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 400 $116,163 $14,920 $101,243
Daily Living 96 $9,439 $65 $9,374
Environmental Adaptations 07 $708 $0 $708
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 02 $1,399 $0 $1,399
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 07 $2,135 $0 $2,135
Total 631 $146,598 $15,095 $131,503

D. Anecdote

IndependenceFirst, a WisTech subcontractor, worked with a consumer with a traumatic brain injury that uses a power wheelchair for mobility outside of his home. This individual also relies on public transportation which is somewhat distant from his residence. This individual also lives in Wisconsin so his mobility equipment is subject to a wide range of weather conditions which tend to cause the devices to wear out prior to his eligibility for replacements. This consumer recently obtained a re-use wheelchair from WisTech and IndepdenceFirst after he learned his current chair could no longer be repaired. He was ecstatic because it the used wheelchair fit him better and had better suspension than his old chair. He quickly modified the used chair with a homemade cane holder. He felt that having reliable mobility would allow him to attend training to develop computer skills which he needs in order to obtain employment. The used chair is a life changer as he strives to become economically self-sufficient.

Image of a consumer in a power wheelchair he received through Independence First.
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. 05 02 268 275
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 06 86 102
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 26 26
4. Subtotal 15 08 380 403
5. None of the above 01 01 10 12
6. Subtotal 16 09 390 415
7. Nonrespondent 01 01 03 05
8. Total 17 10 393 420
9. Performance on this measure 88.24% 80% 96.69%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 326 49.02%
Satisfied 32 4.81%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 307 46.17%
Total Surveyed 665
Response rate % 53.83%

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) 318
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 113
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 434
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 10
Total 875

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 651 00 651
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 179 00 179
Representative of Education 04 00 04
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 11 00 11
Representatives of Community Living 18 00 18
Representatives of Technology 12 00 12
Total 875 00 875

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 59 00 59
Hearing 172 00 172
Speech Communication 16 00 16
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 11 00 11
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 357 00 357
Daily Living 342 00 342
Environmental Adaptations 134 00 134
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 05 00 05
Computers and Related 55 00 55
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 41 00 41
Total 1,192 00 1,192

E. Anecdote

Options for Independent Living, a WisTech subcontractor, has an all terrain wheelchair available for device loan. Recently, an 11 year old who has Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome, and his father borrowed the Action Trackchair for a camping and hiking expedition in rural Wisconsin. This was the first time they have been able to fully access the outdoors without the father having to carry his son through the woods. The young consumer was able to navigate hills (up & down), rocky terrain, wet areas, and ultimately traveled for 5 miles (and over 4 hours on a Saturday). “The All-Terrain Outdoor Wheelchair (Action Trackchair) is so important for our family. I cannot thank you enough for the work you are doing to change lives across our area.”

Image of a consumer in an action track chair out in the woods on an off road trail.
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 03 08 172 183
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 06 81 89
Subtotal 05 14 253 272
Have not made a decision 00 02 16 18
Subtotal 05 16 269 290
Nonrespondent 00 02 26 28
Total 05 18 295 318
Performance on this measure 100% 87.5% 94.05%

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. 04 04 101 109
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 02 327 329
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 20 20
4. Subtotal 04 06 448 458
5. None of the above 00 05 27 32
6. Subtotal 04 11 475 490
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 66 67
8. Total 05 11 541 557
9. Performance on this measure 100% 54.55% 94.32%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 649 74.17%
Satisfied 118 13.49%
Satisfied somewhat 11 1.26%
Not at all satisfied 04 0.46%
Nonrespondent 93 10.63%
Total Surveyed 875
Response rate % 89.37%

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 37
Hearing 64
Speech Communication 07
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 10
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 54
Daily Living 37
Environmental Adaptations 33
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 68
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 16
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 326

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 285
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 160
Representatives of Education 03
Representatives of Employment 02
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 16
Representative of Community Living 19
Representative of Technology 09
Total 494

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 80
Service Provider 99
Vendor 27
Repair Service 01
Others 30
Total 237

D. Anecdote

Society’s Assets, a WisTech subcontractor, had the opportunity to meet with a young woman who experienced quadruple amputation. This consumer was seeking assistance with remaining as independent as possible. She worked with Society’s Assets to apply for telecommunications funding through TEPP and then had device demonstrations of smartphone solutions that provided her access to her iPhone using Bluetooth and hands-free solutions.

Image of a consumer with quadruple amputationin a power wheelchair using assistive technology for the phone
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 20 24 187 231
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 03 35 40
Subtotal 22 27 222 271
Have not made a decision 05 03 46 54
Subtotal 27 30 268 325
Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
Total 28 30 268 326
Performance on this measure 78.57% 90% 82.84%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 418 84.62%
Satisfied 68 13.77%
Satisfied somewhat 05 1.01%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.2%
Nonrespondent 02 0.4%
Total 494
Response rate % 99.6%

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. 09 06 377 392
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 08 413 431
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 46 46
4. Subtotal 19 14 836 869
5. None of the above 01 06 37 44
6. Subtotal 20 20 873 913
7. Nonrespondent 02 01 69 72
8. Total 22 21 942 985
9. Performance on this measure 90.48% 66.67% 90.18% 89.65%
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 23 32 359 414
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 09 116 129
Subtotal 27 41 475 543
Have not made a decision 05 05 62 72
Subtotal 32 46 537 615
Nonrespondent 01 02 26 29
Total 33 48 563 644
Performance on this measure 81.82% 89.13% 88.45% 88.15%
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 98.72% 95% Met
Response Rate 46.35% 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 389
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 136
Representatives of Education 361
Representatives of Employment 395
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 1,104
Representatives of Community Living 913
Representatives of Technology 91
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 3,389

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,951 1,361 77 3,389

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 603
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 142
Combination of any/all of the above 2,033
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 481
Transition 130
Total 3,389

C. Description of Training Activities

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

WisTech, part of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, collaborated with the Eau Claire County ADRC to address the barrier of social isolation related to COVID. A virtual training was provided on the use of smart home technology and other solutions that support older relatives and individuals with disabilities. The training, “Alexa, Drop In On Mom” was conducted by a couple who support one of their parents in another state and WisTech staff sharing technology options in general. The session was recorded and archived on the WisTech AT Council YouTube channel. Alexa, Drop In On Mom video link. The presentation itself reached 54 Wisconsin residents and has been viewed online almost 200 times. The presentation also resulted in several requests for a similar training for other areas of the state.

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

WisTech and Independence First, a subcontractor, participated in the AT Forward Community of Practice for educators by providing two training sessions. AT Forward is a project through the Department of Public Instruction funded through the CARES Act. One session focused on the creation and provision of accessible content. The second session focused on access to digital learning. The second training reviewed the options around reading and writing supports as well as guidance to create a low distraction virtual learning environment.

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

WisTech hosted a virtual training titled “Improving Access to Digital Spaces for those with Learning and Cognitive Disabilities”. We brought in trainers from the State of Minnesota’s Office of Accessibility and from Deque, a digital access company. This training provided a slightly different approach to ICT by focusing on the steps we can take to ensure our content is accessible to individuals with cognitive and learning differences. Over 125 individuals were able to benefit from this virtual training. It is also now archived on the WisTech YouTube channel as a resource we provide during all of our ICT trainings.

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 327
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 118
No known outcome at this time 36
Nonrespondent 00
Total 481
Performance Measure Percentage 92.5%
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 10%
Employment 2%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 7%
Community Living 68%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 13%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Wistech, part of Wisconsin Department of Health Services, routinely provided support to the statewide COVID Response Team and various individual state program departments throughout this past funding year. This work included serving in an advisory role to members of the COVID response team, sharing detailed information on the development and launch of website content and other COVID related materials. Specific guidance to increase the accessibility of testing sites, vaccine registry, and community education related to COVID was provided. WisTech identified inaccessible features of the vaccine registry process and worked directly with the programmers to make improvements. Also, when DHS initiated state-run vaccine points of distribution, WisTech conducted a review and provided disability accessibility guidance to ensure equal access.

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

WisTech staff served on a work group hosted by the Department of Public Instruction and played a key role in the implementation of the AT Forward Project. The AT Forward project utilized CARES Act funding to create a Community of Practice for educators, family members, and service providers to advance awareness and use of assistive technology in education. The second year of this project has included the launch of microcredentials for educators. Further discussions continue around the alignment of assistive technology loan program information and inventories.

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. CILWW, a WisTech subcontractor, provides services to a 10 county, mostly rural area of Wisconsin. Articles were provided to each of the ADRCs in this service area to share information and highlight the availability of assistive technology. AT highlighted in these articles included the Generations App, ice cleats, magnifiers, and daily living devices for the kitchen.

2. North Country Independent Living, a WisTech subcontractor, harnessed the power of social media to promote the use of assistive technology. Throughout the year, NCIL selected a product category of the month. Daily posts were then made on their Facebook page of products within that category. Analytics and user interaction demonstrated that individuals were able to learn about a broad range of assistive technology solutions and their page reach grew to more service providers and community members.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 1,797 493 2,290
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 1,195 185 1,380
Representative of Education 26 11 37
Representative of Employment 42 05 47
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 206 40 246
Representative of Community Living 18,924 58 18,982
Representative of Technology 18 10 28
Unable to Categorize 37 02 39
Total 22,245 804 23,049

Notes:

Wisconsin's I&A data now includes the I&A requests from the ADRCs. Wisconsin ADRCs track the topic of AT when they are contacted about services and information. This is a new addition to our federal reporting and it is a welcome opportunity for continued collaboration with our ADRCs. The total number of I&As for the ADRCs was 18,540. Improvements for next year will include breaking down this data by the type of participant.

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 Bureau of Aging and Disabilities (BADR, located within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) includes offices that address the service delivery needs both individuals with disabilities and those who are older. This puts WisTech in a position to collaborate closely with the ADRCs, Aging Units, and Tribal Aging units. This past year WisTech has actively participated in the planning of a monthly Aging and Disability Forum that provides support, education, and fosters collaboration among aging programs and independent living centers. BADR staff from each of the associated departments and the Bureau Director participate in this planning.

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.

The Aging and Disability Forums served several purposes. Initially, the purpose was to provide education and support regarding COVID. This included safety, best practices for service delivery, and reconstituting in-person services. Additional outcomes included furthering equity and inclusion as well as modeling accessible meeting practices for people with disabilities. WisTech, serving on this committee enabled the topic of AT to remain "visible" to the planners and the participants. We have included the I&A numbers related to AT as tracked by the ADRCs and will be evaluating what the impact of these forums had by looking at the data from prior to the ADN Forums and what they will look like in the future.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Information & 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? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Federal$181,738State FinancingTrue
Amount: $181,738

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 11:19:00 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


Back to state program information page | Top of page

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.