National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Iowa 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

http://www.iowaat.org

Mailing Address:

401 NE 66th Avenue

City:

Des Moines

State:

Zip Code:

50313

Program Email:

atinfo@eastersealsia.org

Phone:

866-866-8782

TTY:

515-289-1281

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa

Mailing Address:

2 Gilmore Hall

City:

Iowa City

State:

Zip Code:

52242

Program URL:

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

Name of Implementing Agency:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program

Mailing Address:

401 NE 66th Avenue

City

Des Moines

State:

Zip Code:

50313

Program URL:

www.iowaat.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):

Keninger, Tracy

Title:

Director

Phone:

515-309-2371

E-mail:

tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Willis, Derrick

Title:

Director

Phone:

319-384-5934

E-mail:

derrick-willis@uiowa.edu

Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:

Keninger, Tracy

Title:

Director

Phone:

515-309-2371

E-mail:

tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Chance, Kim

Title:

Assistive Technology Center Coordinator

Phone:

515-309-2394

E-mail:

kchance@eastersealsia.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Willis, Derrick

Title:

Director

Phone:

319-384-5934

E-mail:

derrick-willis@uiowa.edu

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
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	25	07	32
Approved Not made	03	01	04
Rejected	00	00	00
Total	28	08	36

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$20,748	Highest Income:	$39,228

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$674,263	32	$21,071

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
Number of Loans	09	14	05	04	00	00	32
Percentage of Loans	28.12%	43.75%	15.62%	12.5%	0%	0%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	32	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	32	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	32	$195,137
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	32	$195,137

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	0%
Highest	8%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
72	32	2.25%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	22
2.1% to 4.0%	00
4.1% to 6.0%	03
6.1% to 8.0%	07
8.1% - 10.0%	00
10.1%-12.0%	00
12.1%-14.0%	00
14.1% +	00
Total	32

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	02	$3,800
Speech communication	01	$350
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	02	$2,723
Daily living	07	$35,443
Environmental adaptations	09	$22,010
Vehicle modification and transportation	10	$128,331
Computers and related	01	$2,480
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	32	$195,137

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?

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?

D. Anecdote

Iowa Able Foundation / Able Up Iowa continues a partnership with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate that serves Black Hawk County. This partnership has resulted in two borrowers working with the affiliate for home modifications. This partnership benefits the homeowner, borrower and the two organizations to help Iowans live independently in their homes.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

A borrower was referred to Able Up Iowa by a partnering organization and approved a loan for a ramp. The borrower called us to share when the ramp was installed and was so excited about being able to take his wheelchair out of his home so he could get around more. He was also very grateful and called at least four times to talk with the loan officer (while she was out on medical leave) so he could thank her personally.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	28	28
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	04	04
4. Subtotal	00	00	32	32
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	32	32
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	32	32
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	09	28.13%
Satisfied	10	31.25%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	13	40.63%
Total Surveyed	32
Response rate %	59.38%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	762
C. Total	763

Performance Measure
D. 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
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	763

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

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	01	$2,310	$0	$2,310
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	01	$2,310	$0	$2,310

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	33	$29,642	$875	$28,767
Hearing	06	$891	$0	$891
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	20	$1,197	$0	$1,197
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	174	$239,485	$9,110	$230,375
Daily Living	376	$165,928	$7,100	$158,828
Environmental Adaptations	163	$43,389	$3,800	$39,589
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	06	$66	$0	$66
Computers and Related	77	$14,763	$0	$14,763
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	07	$1,502	$0	$1,502
Total	862	$496,863	$20,885	$475,978

D. Anecdote

A Licenced Rehabilitation Practitioner contacted the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Durable Medical Equipment Loan seeking a RAZ shower chair for a consumer, Murray, who would be released from an in-patient facility within a couple of days. A RAZ shower chair is not a style of chair that is donated very often, luckily one was donated and available for loan at the time of this request. This style of shower chair can range in cost from $1500 to $2000, brand new. The one-time fee from Easterseals is $50.00 to use, saving this individual $1450.00 or more. The practitioner provided the following quote, "this program is a valuable resource for durable medical equipment is a cost saving service for individuals living in Iowa."

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	501	501
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	40	178	218
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	19	25	44
4. Subtotal	00	59	704	763
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	59	704	763
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	59	704	763
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	473	61.99%
Satisfied	274	35.91%
Satisfied somewhat	16	2.1%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	763
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	110
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	14
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	16
Total	140

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	34	00	34
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	12	00	12
Representative of Education	16	00	16
Representative of Employment	24	16	40
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	10	14	24
Representatives of Community Living	13	00	13
Representatives of Technology	01	00	01
Total	110	30	140

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
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	31	00	31
Hearing	21	00	21
Speech Communication	12	00	12
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	40	18	58
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	06	00	06
Daily Living	76	28	104
Environmental Adaptations	08	00	08
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	08	00	08
Computers and Related	89	00	89
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	29	00	29
Total	320	46	366

E. Anecdote

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program began a Lending Library pilot project with the Easterseals Iowa Brain Health Program. Brain Health supports the mental health and wellbeing of individuals in central Iowa through Crisis Stabilization, counseling, and wrap-around supports. The Brain Health team identified devices that would support clients during their counseling sessions including B-Calm Audio Sedation system, fidgets, weighted lap pad, and Vibes ear plugs. These devices are loaned to the counselors and utilized with the clients during counseling sessions. The counselors reported high satisfaction among clients and satisfaction in regard to the ease of access to the devices. A protocol for sanitation in between loans as well as a reporting structure was also a piece of this pilot project.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	10	11	39	60
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	09	05	24	38
Subtotal	19	16	63	98
Have not made a decision	02	01	07	10
Subtotal	21	17	70	108
Nonrespondent	00	01	01	02
Total	21	18	71	110
Performance on this measure	90.48%	94.12%	90%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	04	07	14	25
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	00	01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	01	01
4. Subtotal	05	07	15	27
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	05	07	15	27
7. Nonrespondent	00	01	02	03
8. Total	05	08	17	30
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	91	65%
Satisfied	33	23.57%
Satisfied somewhat	14	10%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	02	1.43%
Total Surveyed	140
Response rate %	98.57%

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	05
Hearing	01
Speech Communication	05
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	06
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	03
Daily Living	43
Environmental Adaptations	09
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	60
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	03
Total # of Device Demonstrations	135

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	92	00	92
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	20	10	30
Representatives of Education	07	02	09
Representatives of Employment	03	05	08
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	11	04	15
Representative of Community Living	01	15	16
Representative of Technology	01	02	03
Total	135	38	173

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	12
Service Provider	05
Vendor	35
Repair Service	00
Others	02
Total	54

D. Anecdote

Megan experiences high levels of anxiety and found this impedes her ability to remain organized at her university, as a freshman. Her father contacted the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program on her behalf and scheduled an onsite demonstration. During this demonstration, Megan shared that she tends to misplace paper and notes very frequently and has attempted to keep notes in her phone which has proven successful but limited. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff demonstrated an iPad and note-taking apps which Megan was very excited as these notes could be shared between her phone and computer as well as an iPad. Megan purchased an iPad independently and reported continued success into the fall semester.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	07	04	110	121
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	09	00	10
Subtotal	08	13	110	131
Have not made a decision	01	01	02	04
Subtotal	09	14	112	135
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	09	14	112	135
Performance on this measure	88.89%	92.86%	98.21%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	99	57.23%
Satisfied	65	37.57%
Satisfied somewhat	09	5.2%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	173
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	04	07	543	554
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	40	178	219
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	19	30	49
4. Subtotal	05	66	751	822
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	05	66	751	822
7. Nonrespondent	00	01	02	03
8. Total	05	67	753	825
9. Performance on this measure	100%	71.21%	96.01%	94.04%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	17	15	149	181
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	10	14	24	48
Subtotal	27	29	173	229
Have not made a decision	03	02	09	14
Subtotal	30	31	182	243
Nonrespondent	00	01	01	02
Total	30	32	183	245
Performance on this measure	90%	93.55%	95.05%	94.24%
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	96.43%	95%	Met
Response Rate	98.65%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	196
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	40
Representatives of Education	64
Representatives of Employment	161
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	430
Representatives of Community Living	235
Representatives of Technology	04
Unable to Categorize	663
TOTAL	1,793

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
1,445	348	00	1,793

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	1,699
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	91
Transition	03
Total	1,793

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff planned,coordinated, and hosted their first annual Assistive Technology Maker Workshop. This event brought Therese Willkomm as a guest lecturer. Attendees ranged from across the state of Iowa, in person, and from various countries, virtually. This event was a two-day workshop that purposed to speak on the benefits of low-tech AT and covered aids of daily living, employment, education, and sensory engagement. Over 50 attendees were present, virtually and in-person, and each attendee was able to create hands-on AT in minutes devices, virtual attendee kits were shipped in advance.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members provided training and support to the On Trac Health Project led by the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development. Presentations, consultation, and engagement were provided to revise the Direct Support Professional and Assistive Technology portions of the previously developed curriculum from Oregon. Additional assistance was provided for accessible formatting.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff supported the inclusivity of a Sensory Friendly Event developed and presented by the Des Moines Performing Arts Center. Staff reviewed materials, provided detailed feedback, and supported education on the implementation process.

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	11
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	70
No known outcome at this time	10
Nonrespondent	00
Total	91
Performance Measure Percentage	89%
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	21%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	07%
Community Living	72%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	00%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program presented on the Assistive Technology Center services and activities in a 4-part, national CEU-approved training in collaboration with CHP Community, NCHPAD, and Iowa Department of Public Health on the inclusion of people with disabilities in evidence-based practices for health and wellness, diabetes-prevention programming. Funding was provided from collaborators for the ESI ATP to purchase a wheelchair accessible scale to be housed in the AT Center and used for persons statewide in weight management. This opportunity is part of a continuum of coordination to enhance access of assistive technologies to better address the health and wellness disparity among individuals with disabilities, by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff are working alongside other programs at Easterseals to coordinate with the Department of Human Services. This collaboration will support individuals with disabilities as they transition from Woodward Resource Center (a state-operated institution) as a result of the Department of Justice report, citing complaints and non-compliance with the Olmstead Act and ADA. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff met with the leadership team at Woodward to explore how Assistive Technology could be of assistance to the residents, including the 140 residents that are transitioning to Woodward from Glenwood Resource Center, after its closure.

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. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff attended the Latino Resource Fair of Central Iowa in the summer of 2022. The Latino Resource Fair included community organizations, both disability and non-disability related, cultural meals, children's activities, a Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic, and bilingual tours of the Iowa State Capitol. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff arranged for an interpreter to be present to ensure communication and engagement with all attendees.

2. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff attended the Make Your Mark Conference as a vendor. This conference is designed for Iowans with disabilities who desire to enhance their advocacy skills at the local, state, and/or federal levels. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff purposed to host a table with various devices that could purpose to aid in self-advocacy as well as independence with various activities of daily living.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	535	118	653
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	451	99	550
Representative of Education	47	09	56
Representative of Employment	10	23	33
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	181	30	211
Representative of Community Living	145	26	171
Representative of Technology	10	02	12
Unable to Categorize	01	01	02
Total	1,380	308	1,688

Referral Types:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program piloted a demonstration kit project with an Area Agency on Aging in FY 21. With many positive results, this collaboration will expand to additional AAA across the state of Iowa with the goal of increasing the AAA referral type from its baseline of 2.86%.

Referral Sources:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program works closely with the Rural Solutions Program which has long been proven to be a 'word-of-mouth' referral program. With the data obtained by tracking the percentage of referral sources, it is apparent that past customers are the highest referral source (32.86%). External entities such as website visitors (17.14%), AAA (2.86%), and other disability and website visitors (7.14%) being much lower. Our outreach efforts will focus on creating a sustainable relationship with organizations to ensure that referrals are more clearly directed to Assistive Technology Program due to staff having greater knowledge and awareness of the services and impact of the AT Program. The final category of referral type was unknown (22.86%), the ESI ATP will enhance staff knowledge of the proper processes to lower this number by inquiring and documenting more precise referral information.

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?

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?

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Center's successful pilot project of demonstration kits with Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging provided motivation for project implementation to all six Area Agencies on Aging across the state of Iowa. Each Area Agency on Aging has, in their possession, a kit of 25 types of Assistive Technology that staff is trained by Easterseals Iowa team members on demonstrating and trialing with their consumers, as well as sanitation of the devices.

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.

Access to Assistive Technology is now in the hands of more direct support professionals across the state of Iowa. These DSPs have a long-standing relationship with the consumers and are now equipped to provide demonstration and support implementation of AT in the consumer's environment. Easterseals Iowa continues to communicate with each AAA, including reminders for data submission and continued satisfaction assessment with consumers, and training for AAA staff. This initiative does not have an end date and the current plan is to assess on an annual basis and determine if devices, within each kit, require replacement or if the kits require enhancement of additional devices.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program has enhanced its coordination and collaboration with state Area Educational Agencies. A prior existing relationship with Great Prairie AEA continued into its second year of device loan, as this AEA maintains a kit of devices that they demonstrate to students throughout the year. Relationships with AEAs were enhanced as Easterseals Iowa ATP implemented a pilot project with Heartland AEA with two Permobil Explorer Minis that will be maintained by the AEA Physical Therapists.

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program worked to implement the two Permobil Explorer Minis into Heartland AEA by purchasing the devices and coordinating their delivery. These devices will remain the property of Easterseals ATP but will reside at Heartland AEA. Heartland AEA staff developed a protocol for loaning these devices including instructional handouts, sanitation process, delivery and pick-up process, and staff education. Permobil Explorer Minis were implemented in February of 2022 and resulted in two demonstrations during the 2022 school year. High satisfaction has been a result for the end-users, families, staff at the AEA, and staff at Eastersals Iowa.

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

Recreation / Leisure; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);

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

Device Loan; Demonstration;

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?

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.

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program established a committee of key stakeholders regarding AAC. Per the committee's feedback, an online survey, an in-person survey, and a focus group were conducted with persons that use AAC, their family and guardians, and professionals related to AAC. At this time, there has not been a specific policy change but this committee has developed and approved an action plan which will be shared with the director of Iowa Medicaid Enterprise in 2023.

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.)

Key factors identified through this process included the lack of funding for AAC, lack of awareness for AAC, and limited opportunities for recreation and social engagement for those that utilize AAC.

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

Community Living

B.2 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.

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff participated in Iowa Medicaid Listening sessions and followed up with IME Director for an onsite tour. Discussion on gaps in funding for DME as well as exploration of more robust collaborative effort.

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff and Iowa Medicaid Enterprise, in conjunction with managed care organizations developed strategies for a statewide committee to explore the durable medical equipment needs of Iowans. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program implemented a change to Reutilization applications which included gathering data on the number of consumers served that currently are eligible for Medicaid services. Finally, Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program began collaborative efforts with other tech act programs, including Oklahoma AT program, to brainstorm and bring information to the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise for replication of appropriate projects.

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

Community Living

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	$15,000	Reuse	True
Federal	$100,000	Reuse	True
	Amount: $115,000

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. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY22 (9/30/2022) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY22 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY22, but plan to expend funding in FY23 and/or FY24
We expended some of all of this funding in FY22 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY22:

$0.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

C. 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: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:30:16 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)