National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Louisiana 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.latan.org
Mailing Address:
10988 N. Harrells Ferry Rd., Ste. 5
City:
Baton Rouge
State:
Louisiana
Zip Code:
70816
Program Email:
info@latan.org
Phone:
8002706185
TTY:
2259259500

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Mailing Address:
628 North 4th Street
City:
Baton Rouge
State:
LOUISIANA
Zip Code:
70802
Program URL:

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
Mailing Address:
10988 N. Harrells Ferry Rd., Ste. 5
City
Baton Rouge
State:
Louisiana
Zip Code:
70816
Program URL:
www.latan.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Black, Yakima
Title:
President & CEO
Phone:
2259259500
E-mail:
yblack@latan.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Ruth Johnson
Title:
Undersecretary
Phone:
2253426726
E-mail:
ruth.johnson@la.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Black, Yakima
Title:
President & CEO
Phone:
2259259500
E-mail:
yblack@latan.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Black, Yakima K.
Title:
President & CEO
Phone:
2259259500
E-mail:
yblack@latan.org

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 04 02 06
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 04 02 06

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $11,660 Highest Income: $78,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$220,896 06 $36,816

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 01 02 01 01 00 01 06
Percentage of Loans 16.67% 33.33% 16.67% 16.67% 0% 16.67% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 05 83.33%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 01 16.67%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 06 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 05 $12,270
Partnership Loans 01 $4,250
Total 06 $16,520

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 2%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
08 06 1.33333333333333%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 06
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 00
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 06

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 02 $6,950
Hearing 02 $8,970
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 01 $356
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 01 $244
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 06 $16,520

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? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Last resort - Activity

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)1
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served1

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures1

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations1$1,617
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total1$1,617



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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?AT Leasing for Savings Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)2
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served2

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures2

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 1$2,741$2,741$0
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 0$0$0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 1$2,595$611$1,984
Daily living 0$0$0$0
Environmental adaptations 0$0$0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0$0$0
Computers and related 0$0$0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 0$0$0$0
Total 2$5,336$3,352$1,984


D. Anecdote

Twenty-six-year-old J.S, a student worker with a Louisiana state agency, has been legally blind since birth. Supported by his supervisor and the agency’s HR Director, J.S. came to LATAN to explore vision devices that could help him better perform his duties at work. J.S. was familiar with using video magnifier but needed devices that would be more portable as his work duties were performed in different environments within the office. Also interested in how LATAN could assist with other employees with disabilities, J.S.’ supervisor and the HR Director attended the device demonstration with J.S. During the demonstration, J.S was shown many devices, including the Orcam My Eye, which is a portable, artificial vision device that allow visually impaired individuals to understand text and identify objects through audio feedback, describing what they are unable to see. J.S. stated that his parents previously asked him to look at the Orcam and to his surprise, he was having an opportunity to have it demonstrated. After the demo and loaning out some vision devices to be used on the job, J.S called his parents to let them know he tried out the Orcam and he loved it! He let his parents know that LATAN’s Alternative Financing Program (AFP) could help him to purchase it. J.S. and his parents decided to use the AFP and acquired the Orcam MyEye Pro. After using the Orcam for a week, J.S. stated, “I love it, it’s everything I heard and imagined it would be! It helps me read independently when I’m at work or at school as well as when I’m out in the environment. Thank you all again.”

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. 01 00 04 05
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 03 03
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 00 01
4. Subtotal 01 01 07 09
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 01 07 09
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 01 07 09
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 08 88.89%
Satisfied 01 11.11%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 09
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 82
C. Total 82

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 82

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 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

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 12 $9,203 $0 $9,203
Hearing 03 $208 $0 $208
Speech Communication 17 $7,877 $0 $7,877
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 06 $646 $36 $610
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 38 $39,473 $0 $39,473
Daily Living 50 $6,504 $0 $6,504
Environmental Adaptations 02 $209 $0 $209
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 06 $1,523 $0 $1,523
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 134 $65,643 $36 $65,607

D. Anecdote

Ms. M. is the mother of 7-year-old, twin boys. “Raising twins is not easy” according to Ms. M. Add being non-verbal with Autism to the mix for both boys and it seems an even more daunting task. Ms. M. heard about LATAN from a therapist working with her boys and scheduled a visit to the Demonstration Center to explore Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies. AT Specialist demonstrated iPads with Proloquo2go and Speak2me software systems. While Ms. M. felt the AAC technology options would be helpful for her sons, she explained that she could not afford to purchase or even finance the devices and software. The best option for Ms. M. and her sons was to acquire the devices through LATAN’s Reuse program, the AT Marketplace. Ms. M stated, “Receiving the iPads and communication applications from LATAN has been a huge blessing to our family. We cannot wait to work with the boys over the next year and see how the devices improve their ability to communicate what they want, feel or need. We are so happy that LATAN staff did not give up but continued to look for a way to get our twins the communication devices. We will definitely recommend LATAN to other families.”

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. 01 00 65 66
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 03 04
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 06 06
4. Subtotal 02 00 74 76
5. None of the above 02 00 04 06
6. Subtotal 04 00 78 82
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 04 00 78 82
9. Performance on this measure 50% NaN% 94.87%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 80 97.56%
Satisfied 02 2.44%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 82
Response rate % 100%

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) 41
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 00
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 01
Total 42

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 30 00 30
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 06 00 06
Representative of Education 01 00 01
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 03 01 04
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 41 01 42

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 35

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 08 00 08
Hearing 00 00 00
Speech Communication 09 02 11
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 07 00 07
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 23 00 23
Daily Living 01 00 01
Environmental Adaptations 03 00 03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 14 01 15
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 65 03 68

E. Anecdote

At 89 and recently diagnosed with glaucoma, has been experiencing vision loss. Her daughter contacted LATAN to explore vision technology after being referred by the Louisiana State Library. Ms. E and her daughter scheduled a demonstration for a CCTV, as well as other vision devices. During the demonstration, both Ms. E. and her daughter expressed amazement of all the vision device options available at LATAN. After about an hour of trying out the devices, Ms. E. showed interest in the Acrobat HD, an ultra-video magnifier that is designed to enlarge and enhance images to improve the lives of individuals with low vision. Rather than purchasing the device immediately, Ms. E. opted to use the Device Loan program to try it out for 35 days. Ms. E. stated that she really liked the device so, once the device loan period was over, she decided to purchase her very own. Ms. E. purchased the portable lightweight Acrobat HD mini and reports that she loves it. Her daughter stated”, When momma first realized she was losing her vision, she used to sit in her chair in her room with her eyes closed, giving up on hope. Now she’s able to read the mail, read books, and the newspaper like she used to”.

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 06 01 34 41
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 06 01 34 41
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 06 01 34 41
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 06 01 34 41
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 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. 00 00 00 00
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 00 00
4. Subtotal 01 00 00 01
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 00 00 01
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 00 00 01
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% NaN%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 36 85.71%
Satisfied 06 14.29%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 42
Response rate % 100%

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 19
Hearing 04
Speech Communication 18
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 19
Daily Living 12
Environmental Adaptations 03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 04
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 83

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 60 08 68
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 12 35 47
Representatives of Education 00 04 04
Representatives of Employment 00 02 02
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 06 09 15
Representative of Community Living 04 00 04
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 82 58 140

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 00
Service Provider 01
Vendor 02
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 03

D. Anecdote

Ms. A. called LATAN on behalf of her 57-year-old brother, Paul, who had a stroke a little over a year prior. Her brother is non-verbal and unable to communicate by writing or by keyboard. Interested in a communication device demonstration for him that incorporated eye tracking technology, Ms. A. contacted LATAN. He had a demonstration of the TOBII 15 the year before but wanted to try another similar device to see if he could be more successful with it. LATAN’s AT Specialist scheduled a device demonstration onsite at the hospital to explore the PRC eye gaze. It was determined that the PRC eye gaze was not a good fit. The next option suggested by the AT Specialist was to arrange a demonstration of Control Bionics’ Neuro Node technology. This demonstration would require collaboration with the representative from Control Bionics. During the demonstration, Paul lit up with excitement when he was able to use the device with both eye gaze and neuro-node technology together. Paul had tears in his eyes due to this new ability to communicate. Following the device demonstration, Ms. A. took the next steps to acquire the device for Paul. She stated, “I am so thankful for LATAN! This device has been lifechanging for my brother.”

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 10 03 60 73
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 04 04
Subtotal 10 03 64 77
Have not made a decision 00 00 06 06
Subtotal 10 03 70 83
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 10 03 70 83
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 91.43%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 127 90.71%
Satisfied 11 7.86%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.71%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.71%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 140
Response rate % 100%

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. 02 00 69 71
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 06 08
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 06 07
4. Subtotal 04 01 81 86
5. None of the above 02 00 04 06
6. Subtotal 06 01 85 92
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 06 01 85 92
9. Performance on this measure 66.67% 0% 88.24% 85.87%
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 16 04 94 114
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 04 04
Subtotal 16 04 98 118
Have not made a decision 00 00 06 06
Subtotal 16 04 104 124
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 16 04 104 124
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 94.23% 95.16%
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 99.27% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 01
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 01
Representatives of Education 15
Representatives of Employment 33
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 17
Representatives of Community Living 07
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 13
TOTAL 87

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
86 01 00 87

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 23
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 16
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 00
Transition 48
Total 87

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The owner of the Say and Play speech therapy facility in Hammond contacted LATAN to conduct a training. LATAN’s AT Solutions Specialist traveled to the facility to conduct an in-service which included demonstration of various devices, as well as hands-on training with therapists and other professionals regarding the programs and services offered by LATAN. Participants of the training were able to try the Tobii Dynovox i15, Proloquo, Speak for Yourself, mirror training tool, GoTalk 20, Quick Talker 12, Bluebee Bear, Twin Talker, and other devices. The training offered a mutual opportunity for future collaboration and referral of LATAN services.

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

This training session was provided by LATAN AT Solutions Specialists to the Life Supports Therapy Group of New Orleans. The topic of the training session was Adaptive Switches and their application in the school and home settings. The therapists in attendance wanted an alternative solution to standard button switches, so LATAN staff offered demonstrations on high-tech switches such as life-breath, foot switches, pillow switches, and more. The result of the training was a better understanding of the types of adaptive switches available for their clients to utilize.

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

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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 25%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 50%
Community Living 25%
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:

An AT User contacted LATAN because they were having issue with the Orcam My Eye acquired from LATAN via the AFP Leasing program. Reportedly, the headphone jack was not working. After contacting the manufacture to troubleshoot, the AT Specialist returned to the client's residence to attempt to solve the the issue. Technical assistance was provided to the AT User to prevent connection issues. The end result was the AT User was able to continue using his vision device and was provided additional skills that empowered him to troubleshoot and resolve small issues with the Orcam device.

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

LATAN facilitated InspireNola Schools professional development training for speech therapists. The training covered applying assistive technology (AT) for students with disabilities in accordance with IEPs/504 Plans. The SLPs being trained serve students from K-12 and provide transition planning for students beginning in 8th grade. The training explored AT devices through various assessment processes, acquiring AT to perform educational activities in classroom, using AT for independent living activities, AAC devices, and will offered demonstrations of and training on various types of AAC technologies needed in the classroom for performing academic activities. For continuity, LATAN staff also trained on its Alternative Financial Programs, Device Loans, and Reuse program (AT Marketplace) to be used by parents/caregivers interested in using the same or different AT in the home with the student.

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. To commemorate National AT Awareness Day, LATAN provided AT education to the Louisiana State Legislature, staffers, and patrons of the State Capitol. This high impact public awareness activity, more than 500 people received device demonstrations and information of AT programs and services.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 214 35 249
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 58 09 67
Representative of Education 01 00 01
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 26 01 27
Representative of Community Living 04 00 04
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 304 45 349

Referral Types:

LATAN uses numerous strategies to increase awareness of the State AT Program and direct referrals. In recent years, direct marketing campaign via parish newspaper ads and small budget TV and radio commercial have been launched with varying levels of success. LATAN also exhibits AT devices and services during professional conferences hosting OTs, PTs, SLPs, elementary and high education. Participation on various committees with the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs (monitors and supports the AAA, ADRCs, and Council on Aging), the State Independent Living Council and other service providers offer referrals to LATAN as well.

Referral Sources:

Direct outreach to Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities yield referrals from a diverse population of novice AT users, oftentimes having new chronic illnesses/disabilities. State colleges and universities educating future OTs, Rehabilitation Counselors, and SLPs, reach out to LATAN for training. This group constitutes approximately 5% of referrals to LATAN. In addition, approximately, 20% of our total referrals come from private rehabilitation facilities.

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? 0

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 16:31:01 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.