National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Kentucky 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
KY Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.katsnet.org
Mailing Address:
8020 Veterans Memorial Drive, Suite 100
City:
Florence
State:
KY
Zip Code:
41042
Program Email:
info@katsnet.org
Phone:
800.327.5287
TTY:
KY Relay 711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
Mayo—Underwood Bldg; 500 Mero Street; 4th Floor
City:
Frankfort
State:
KY
Zip Code:
40601
Program URL:
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/default.aspx

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):
Weber, Carol
Title:
Assistive Technology Branch Manager
Phone:
859-292-2694
E-mail:
carols.weber@ky.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Weber, Carol
Title:
Assistive Technology Branch Manager
Phone:
859-292-2694
E-mail:
carols.weber@ky.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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
McNabb, Cora
Title:
Executive Director, Office of Vocational Rehab.
Phone:
800.372.7172
E-mail:
Cora.McNabb@ky.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 0


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

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

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 02
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 1,784
C. Total 1,786

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 1,786

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 $100 $0 $100
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 01 $800 $0 $800
Total 02 $900 $0 $900

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 07 $1,205 $0 $1,205
Hearing 83 $5,195 $0 $5,195
Speech Communication 55 $67,612 $0 $67,612
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 26 $1,508 $0 $1,508
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 963 $534,063 $140 $533,923
Daily Living 1,583 $338,937 $0 $338,937
Environmental Adaptations 35 $8,071 $0 $8,071
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 07 $25,370 $0 $25,370
Computers and Related 22 $4,651 $0 $4,651
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 23 $18,534 $0 $18,534
Total 2,804 $1,005,146 $140 $1,005,006

D. Anecdote

Between July 25 and July 30, 2022, eastern Kentucky was hit by devastating flooding due to periods of heavy rain which fell at a rate around 4 inches per hour. The primary impacts were felt along the Kentucky River and its stems (North, South, and Middle Forks). In addition to 43 individuals who lost their life, there was a tremendous toll on homes and businesses all along the rivers. Many entire houses were lost, including all the belongings of the residents. Our center in Eastern Kentucky at Hazard was able to provide reuse of 83 items between August and September 2022, with a total value around $13,600. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and shower benches were some of the first items claimed. Our center in Lexington was also able to aid in the response, partnering with Independence Place of Kentucky, to deliver over 50 items to eastern Kentucky. Even though many items were reused in the first two months following the flooding, by the end of September many people were still operating in survival mode and didn't have any place to take or store reuse equipment. It is anticipated that the need will continue as more people are able to find housing and start putting their lives back together.

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. 31 06 1,673 1,710
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 10 10
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 30 31
4. Subtotal 32 06 1,713 1,751
5. None of the above 08 00 06 14
6. Subtotal 40 06 1,719 1,765
7. Nonrespondent 00 01 20 21
8. Total 40 07 1,739 1,786
9. Performance on this measure 80% 85.71% 98.5%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,764 98.77%
Satisfied 01 0.06%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.06%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 20 1.12%
Total Surveyed 1,786
Response rate % 98.88%

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) 290
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 30
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 524
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 18
Total 862

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 22 107 129
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 122 278 400
Representative of Education 14 65 79
Representative of Employment 00 05 05
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 127 73 200
Representatives of Community Living 04 32 36
Representatives of Technology 01 12 13
Total 290 572 862

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 16 09 25
Hearing 03 02 05
Speech Communication 55 104 159
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 35 219 254
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 67 349 416
Daily Living 23 53 76
Environmental Adaptations 64 78 142
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 01 01
Computers and Related 45 67 112
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 168 43 211
Total 476 925 1,401

E. Anecdote

A center was able to work with a child, his individualized family support team, and his family to identify adaptive seating and toys to teach him cause and effect, allow him to interact and explore his environment, and help him learn to start to communicate his needs. The student has congenitally missing forearms, 3 digits on his right side and 2 digits on his left. His left leg is longer than his right and neither leg is functional for weight bearing at this time. When properly supported the child tries to interact with his environment, but gets easily frustrated with trying to grasp toys. The family has tried Velcro and things with hooks to allow the child to interact, but they have had little success. The center was able to loan a switch he could activate, including a mirror with lights, a fan, and a carousel play box. The family borrowed these items to aid in their decision-making about AT and found them to be effective for their child.

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 20 00 264 284
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 03 04
Subtotal 21 00 267 288
Have not made a decision 02 00 00 02
Subtotal 23 00 267 290
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 23 00 267 290
Performance on this measure 91.3% NaN% 100%

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. 144 05 391 540
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 09 00 08 17
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 05 05
4. Subtotal 153 05 404 562
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 153 05 407 565
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 05 07
8. Total 155 05 412 572
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.26%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 846 98.14%
Satisfied 01 0.12%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 15 1.74%
Total Surveyed 862
Response rate % 98.26%

I. Notes:

The KATS Network provides an extensive number of ramps to meet short-term needs, either to address short-term mobility needs or while waiting for a permanent ramp to be built. This explains the large number of loans that are not for decision-making purposes. Many First Steps loans are also made on a short-term basis to assist the consumer in reaching a developmental milestone.

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 00
Speech Communication 50
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 28
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 13
Daily Living 37
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 00
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Device Demonstrations 135

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 30 102 132
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 62 92 154
Representatives of Education 36 171 207
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 07 235 242
Representative of Community Living 00 01 01
Representative of Technology 00 12 12
Total 135 613 748

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 136
Service Provider 00
Vendor 23
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 159

D. Anecdote

Our center in Louisville, Kentucky is participating in a pilot Life Skills and Enabling Technologies program to address transitional needs of high school students. In individual sessions, the center staff are able to demonstrate various items in the areas of sensory equipment, ADL devices, AAC devices, and visual supports. The students, teachers, classroom assistants, and therapists can then choose for the student which devices should be incorporated into school programming. This project helps the center to reach more students who may not have otherwise accessed device demonstration services.

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 25 00 76 101
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 25 00 76 101
Have not made a decision 00 00 34 34
Subtotal 25 00 110 135
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 25 00 110 135
Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 69.09%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 748 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 748
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Many demonstrations are done for First Steps consumers and their parents. First Steps participants are from birth to three, and therefore it is their parents who are making the decision about technology.

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. 175 11 2,064 2,250
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 09 00 18 27
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 35 36
4. Subtotal 185 11 2,117 2,313
5. None of the above 08 00 09 17
6. Subtotal 193 11 2,126 2,330
7. Nonrespondent 02 01 25 28
8. Total 195 12 2,151 2,358
9. Performance on this measure 95.34% 91.67% 97.02% 96.85%
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 45 00 340 385
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 03 04
Subtotal 46 00 343 389
Have not made a decision 02 00 34 36
Subtotal 48 00 377 425
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 48 00 377 425
Performance on this measure 95.83% NaN% 90.98% 91.53%
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 99.97% 95% Met
Response Rate 98.97% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 27
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 100
Representatives of Employment 347
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 125
Representatives of Community Living 16
Representatives of Technology 80
Unable to Categorize 06
TOTAL 701

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
521 178 02 701

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 260
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 374
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 47
Transition 20
Total 701

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The Redwood ATRC team provided training to Speech and Language Pathology Master's Degree level students. The training was presented as a panel discussion in which the team, plus an occupational therapist, discussed the necessity of a team approach during AAC assessments and implementation. There were 43 students who participated and asked questions of the panel about funding for AAC, determining team members, and encouraging team participation in use of AAC. After the discussion, some of the students stayed to ask additional questions and to try some of the AAC that Redwood brought with them.

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

KATS Network staff participated in the University of Kentucky Summer Leadership Camp. The summer leadership cam is a transitional experience camp for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities in Kentucky. The training assisted these students, support staff, and college disabilities services staff in learning about new assistive technology available to aid in the transition from high school to college and beyond. It enabled the students to see how they could be successful in college and helped staff better understand how to support students with disabilities.

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

At the 2022 KATS Network/OVR Summer AT Workshop, a presentation was given to 47 individuals on the importance of document accessibility from the perspective of the user with a disability. The presenter provided examples of documents that were inaccessible (did not pass general accessibility checker), accessible (passed accessibility checker), and usable (passed the accessibility checker and also presented information in a way that was easy to access). The documents were demonstrated using various types of assistive technology to show how the assistive technology interacted with the document. The importance of including users with disabilities in document development and testing was discussed.

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 47
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 47
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 33%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 67%
Community Living 00%
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:

After devastating flooding in eastern Kentucky, the KATS Network was asked to provide technical assistance to Kentucky Emergency Management on the use of travel trailers for accessible temporary housing. While "accessible" trailers can be purchased, it takes months to get them so they cannot be used for emergency housing. KATS Network provided technical assistance in the evaluation of different models of available travel trailers for accessibility barriers and accessibility features. The team then developed a list of assistive technologies that could be added to the trailers to enhance accessibility, depending on the particular mobility impairment experienced by the potential resident.

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

KATS Network staff worked with the Kentucky Center for Statistics to develop the "Student's Right to Know" website which links college majors to the most in-demand jobs in the state along with typical education requirements, wages, and institutions offering these majors. Filters will change the dashboard to reflect outcomes for chosen majors of interest. Users can also see financial aid and graduate outcomes for selected majors at various postsecondary institutions, helping prospective students make more informed decisions about their future and ensuring that they are adequately aware of the cost of college. Additional Pathways information is also provided. Technical assistance was provided over several months to identify problems with accessing the information and determine solutions. The website is highly dependent on data visualization, so strategies had to be developed to assist students with visual disabilities in having easy access to the same information.

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. EnTECH initiated collaboration with Coalition for the Homeless due to the significant increase in homelessness in Louisville since the pandemic to provide information about the availability of assistive technology to aid people with disabilities. This collaboration has led to providing local homeless providers with mobility equipment as well as meetings to discuss needs for day shelters, emergency shelters, long term shelters and supported housing. Plans have been placed for tours of the enTECH and meetings to discuss future needs.

2. The staff of the Redwood ATRC participated in the NKY Stroke and Brain Injury Resource Fair at Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital. There were six other organizations participating, all with activities, services, or items that would be beneficial for individuals recovering from strokes or brain injury. The ATRC staff showcased assistive technology available for loan, handed out information about KATS, informed attendees about the device reutilization program, and provided information about funding sources. By participating in this event, the ATRC staff has two additional public awareness events this month, one with the Therapy Department at Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital and one with the Therapy Department at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 3,005 83 3,088
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 2,229 61 2,290
Representative of Education 565 17 582
Representative of Employment 137 03 140
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 13,140 127 13,267
Representative of Community Living 1,370 17 1,387
Representative of Technology 942 97 1,039
Unable to Categorize 117 00 117
Total 21,505 405 21,910

Referral Types:

The KATS Network Lexington ATRC (HDI CATS) works closely with Independence Place of Kentucky. IPKY is a consumer-directed cross-disability agency. More than half teh staff are persons with disabilities, as are more than half our board of directors. As people with disabilities working for people with disabilities, they offer advocacy, service, and support. We do everything it takes to empower people with disabilities to live active, self-determined lives. Through this unique partnership, HDI CATS is able to offer assistance to people with disabilities at various stages in life. This has increased referrals for people who are experiencing homelessness as well as people who are accessing other services, such as independent living or vocational rehabilitation.

Referral Sources:

In general, hospitals, insurance agencies, and home health care providers make most referrals. Often, however, people identify themselves as a "case worker" or do not specify. Many people report finding KATS Network through internet searches or social media. Many people report hearing about KATS Network through friends.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 1

A. Coordination/Collaboration

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

KATS Network, through the enTech AT Resource Center, is partnering with Jefferson Co. Public Schools in a program called Life Skills and Enabling Technology (LSET). enTech demonstrated several AT devices to 18 to 21 year old students in JCPS so they and their teams could make a decision about what technology might be useful in the transition from high school to adulthood. To date, three sessions have been held, with more to come. enTech may, as decisions are made, provide loaners to the schools and students. The school will implement the technology in the transition services.

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.

We started this collaboration in September, 2022. It is difficult to know at this time how successful this collaboration will be; however, we have provided in-depth AT services in a multi-disciplinary team across a wide range of AT types to 11 students. They are in the process of determining which equipment will be implemented in the school program for these transition students. We are going to be looking for additional funding to support this program in the future.

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

Education; Community Participation and Integration; 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? 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

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.


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 16:30:47 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY22 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.