National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Maryland 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Maryland Technology Assistance Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.mdtap.org
Mailing Address:
2301 Argonne Drive, Rm T42
City:
Baltimore
State:
Maryland
Zip Code:
21218
Program Email:
mdtap.general@maryland.gov
Phone:
1-800-832-4827
TTY:
1-866-881-7488

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Maryland Department of Disabilities
Mailing Address:
217 E Redwood Street, Suite 1300
City:
Baltimore
State:
Maryland
Zip Code:
21202
Program URL:
http://mdod.maryland.gov

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):
Lori Berrong
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
4105549477
E-mail:
lori.berrong@maryland.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Brennan, John
Title:
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Phone:
410-767-3640
E-mail:
john.brennan@maryland.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):
Brennan, John
Title:
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Phone:
410-767-3640
E-mail:
john.brennan@maryland.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3
Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 28 01 29
Approved Not made 21 01 22
Rejected 07 01 08
Total 56 03 59

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $9,360 Highest Income: $204,735

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$1,856,790 29 $64,027

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 06 04 07 03 08 29
Percentage of Loans 3.45% 20.69% 13.79% 24.14% 10.34% 27.59% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 04 13.79%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 25 86.21%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 29 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 29 $592,051
Total 29 $592,051

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 8.99%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
111 29 3.82620689655172%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 25
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 04
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 29

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 03 $10,040
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $8,079
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 08 $43,370
Vehicle modification and transportation 15 $522,956
Computers and related 03 $7,606
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 30 $592,051

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 02
Net loss for loans in default $29,807

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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)7
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served7

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures7

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 2$310
Hearing 4$660
Speech communication1$4,000
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total7$4,970



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?Cooperative Buying Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)118
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)6
C. Total Served124

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure73
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures51

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

School systems are required to purchase AT regardless of discounted AT purchases through the cooperative buying program.

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 38$30,811$26,974$3,837
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 559$95,598$84,273$11,325
Learning, cognition, and developmental 148$25,070$21,744$3,326
Mobility, seating and positioning 9$14,320$12,534$1,786
Daily living 55$8,561$7,111$1,450
Environmental adaptations 146$20,050$18,261$1,789
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0$0$0
Computers and related 91$16,344$14,949$1,395
Recreation, sports, and leisure 88$13,487$12,482$1,005
Total 1134$224,241$198,328$25,913


D. Anecdote

A Howard County family wanted to get the benefit of standing for their young adult daughter to help her bone density and give her a different view on the world. They identified a stander that would meet her needs then approached the cooperative buying program to see if it could save them any money, as the cost of the stander was nearly $5,000. AT Discount Sales was able to save them $600. After using the stander for a while they realized that they needed further help in adjusting it so that their daughter would stand up straighter. AT Discount Sales staff introduced them to a physical therapist and luckily within one visit she was able to make the changes needed and their daughter now enjoys standing on a daily basis.

A young woman uses a stander and looks toward the camera
Impact Area

Mr. H reached out to the ATLP when his previous adapted vehicle had become in-operable. He received a $20,000.00 loan through the ATLP in September 2022, to apply to the purchase of an adapted vehicle. Mr. H has Cerebral Palsy and relies on an adapted vehicle to get to and from work. In addition to his full time job, he owns his own consulting business and is an active community leader. The adapted vehicle allows him to participate in community events, get to work, and run his business. Mr. H's passion to support others with disabilities, along with his successful experience with the ATLP, led him to inquire about a future Board Member position with ATLP.

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. 02 27 56 85
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 02 27 58 87
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 02 27 58 87
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 02 27 58 87
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 132 82.5%
Satisfied 28 17.5%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 160
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

MDTAP has phased out its contracted work with the Telecommunications Distribution Program (TAM) now that TAM has moved under the same state agency as MDTAP. Both programs work collaboratively to share access to local equipment libraries and MDTAP has provided consultation as TAM has internally restructured to provide all telecommunications assessments and activities in-house. This phase-out of contracted services to TAM has resulted in an FY22 decrease of state financing numbers in Section B. The data currently reflected in FY22 State Financing is more consistent with what we anticipate future state financing data to look like.

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 334
C. Total 336

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 336

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 01 $2,800 $0 $2,800
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $20,000 $0 $20,000
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 02 $22,800 $0 $22,800

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 $12,485 $0 $12,485
Hearing 01 $160 $0 $160
Speech Communication 29 $47,890 $0 $47,890
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 16 $13,050 $0 $13,050
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 471 $798,981 $0 $798,981
Daily Living 17 $40,100 $0 $40,100
Environmental Adaptations 01 $250 $0 $250
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $4,500 $0 $4,500
Computers and Related 07 $4,060 $0 $4,060
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 $400 $0 $400
Total 552 $921,876 $0 $921,876

D. Anecdote

Mrs. M requested a CCTV for her husband C.M., whose vision is failing. His CCTV was over 16 years old and not working well. She contacted MATR (the Maryland High Tech Assistive Technology Reuse Program) looking for a replacement. They were otherwise unable to afford a new one and had few options. MATR takes in gently used AT, sanitizes & repairs the items when needed, and provides the equipment back out, for free, to those who cannot afford to purchase equipment. Mr. M. was able to acquire a Clearview+ CCTV for free through MATR, saving the family $2,945.

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. 08 03 320 331
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 00 01 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 01 03
4. Subtotal 11 03 322 336
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 11 03 322 336
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 11 03 322 336
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 336 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 336
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

MDTAP runs both the high-tech AT reuse center and an equipment exchange online site for the facilitation of gently used AT. In addition, the program maintains contracts with two pediatric equipment reuse programs in the state focused on providing expanded access to AT & DME to children and young adults with a variety of disabilities. MDTAP has also established a strong partnership with the MD Department Aging (MDoA), which runs the statewide DME reuse program, and has worked closely with their leadership to have two AT-specific questions integrated into the MDoA DME application to ensure appropriate referrals for anyone receiving DME through the state.

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) 143
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 07
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 09
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 03
Total 162

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 63 14 77
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 35 00 35
Representative of Education 07 02 09
Representative of Employment 01 01 02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 20 01 21
Representatives of Community Living 09 00 09
Representatives of Technology 08 01 09
Total 143 19 162

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 86 08 94
Hearing 11 01 12
Speech Communication 65 04 69
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 14 00 14
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 04 00 04
Daily Living 29 00 29
Environmental Adaptations 26 11 37
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 02 00 02
Computers and Related 41 00 41
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 22 00 22
Total 300 24 324

E. Anecdote

Dustin C. (who has Muscular Dystrophy) came to MDTAP wanting to explore adaptive gaming solutions. He borrowed the Xbox adaptive controller and switch pack. When Dustin first came to MDTAP, our AT Clinician was able to demonstrate the use of the gaming equipment, and was even able to capture a short video of Dustin gaming and using the equipment in our Library. From there, Dustin was able to borrow the equipment for home use and was able to independently game for the first time in 2 years. Without the equipment demonstration and support from MDTAP's AT Clinician, Dustin would not have had a good understanding of the most appropriate types of adapted gaming equipment to support his needs.

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 32 19 69 120
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 01 14 17
Subtotal 34 20 83 137
Have not made a decision 00 00 06 06
Subtotal 34 20 89 143
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 34 20 89 143
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 93.26%

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 08 08
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 01 01 05
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 03 01 09 13
5. None of the above 01 02 03 06
6. Subtotal 04 03 12 19
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 04 03 12 19
9. Performance on this measure 75% 33.33% 75%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 157 96.91%
Satisfied 05 3.09%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 162
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 64
Hearing 07
Speech Communication 33
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 08
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 06
Daily Living 10
Environmental Adaptations 08
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 02
Computers and Related 19
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06
Total # of Device Demonstrations 163

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 81 11 92
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 46 29 75
Representatives of Education 05 01 06
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 13 04 17
Representative of Community Living 12 05 17
Representative of Technology 06 04 10
Total 163 54 217

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 01
Service Provider 06
Vendor 03
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 10

D. Anecdote

MDTAP was contacted by Ken R (assistant to Maryland Senator Benjamin Cardin), who was experiencing pain in his upper extremities when typing for extended periods of time. The pain he was experiencing while using the computer (sending emails, typing documents, etc.) was making it difficult for him to complete his work with ease. MDTAP's AT Clinician, James Whitney, was able to meet with Ken on two separate occasions to demonstrate both speech recognition and speech dictation technology available in his laptop operating system. James was able to sit down with him and show him the accessibility features on Windows devices and recommend a headset to use with the dictation program. After this demonstration, Ken was better suited to utilize the access features in his operating system and more easily complete his work.

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 33 13 92 138
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 01 02 03
Subtotal 33 14 94 141
Have not made a decision 06 00 16 22
Subtotal 39 14 110 163
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 39 14 110 163
Performance on this measure 84.62% 100% 85.45%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 201 92.63%
Satisfied 16 7.37%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 217
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. 10 30 384 424
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 04 01 02 07
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 03 05
4. Subtotal 16 31 389 436
5. None of the above 01 02 03 06
6. Subtotal 17 33 392 442
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 17 33 392 442
9. Performance on this measure 82.35% 93.94% 98.47% 97.51%
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 65 32 161 258
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 02 16 20
Subtotal 67 34 177 278
Have not made a decision 06 00 22 28
Subtotal 73 34 199 306
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 73 34 199 306
Performance on this measure 91.78% 100% 88.94% 90.85%
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 100% 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 54
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 55
Representatives of Education 94
Representatives of Employment 148
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 126
Representatives of Community Living 56
Representatives of Technology 118
Unable to Categorize 215
TOTAL 866

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
807 57 02 866

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 226
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 62
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 552
Transition 26
Total 866

C. Description of Training Activities

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

This training was a Zoom webinar for the Baltimore County Department of Aging. The training was put together to offer providers & caregivers an introduction to assistive technologies that can be utilized to reduce caregiver strain and introduce new devices on the market. The training began with an overview of MDTAP programs & services, the AT library, and then went on to describe different categories of AT for caregivers including: Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), Medication Management devices, Blind / Low Vision (magnification) devices, Hearing amplification devices (assistive listening devices (ALDs)), ADL aids (including dressing, bathing, self-feeding, toileting, etc. ), and different home modifications (door knob, light fixtures, smart home devices, portable ramps, non-slip surfaces, grab bars, etc.). Each device featured during the training was complete with a link to a vendor for purchase within the slidedeck, as well as price points for each device, so the viewer had information on each device’s overall use but also the information on where to purchase it.

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

One MDTAP staff member, who is an internationally certified assistive technology professional, provided this training. The audience was staff at Linwood, a Maryland DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration) agency serving adults with I/DD. Most of the clients already have iPada, but staff was unsure how to best utilize them in support of their clients. The training included various types of assistive technology, with a focus on apps to support the clients’ transition into supported employment. The impact/positive result was that Linwood staff were made aware of many apps including scheduling, task analysis, and AAC, that would aid in their clients to be able to successfully transition into supported employment.

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

The IT Accessibility Initiative team conducted a half-day training session entitled the "Accessibility Education Project" on April 26, 2022. This session included 56 attendees from across Maryland state agencies. Participants were provided an overview of the state’s primary accessibility law (Maryland Non-Visual Access Clause) and how it affects the work they do for Marylanders every day. They were also provided with direct instruction and step-by-step interactive examples so they could better understand where and how to incorporate accessibility into their respective work processes. Attendees learned the technical standards and associated techniques to aid with improving the accessibility of their agency's digital footprint.

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 180
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 176
No known outcome at this time 177
Nonrespondent 19
Total 552
Performance Measure Percentage 64.5%
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 23%
Employment 07%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 32%
Community Living 35%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 03%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

MDTAP staff provided consultation to the Maryland State Department of Labor (DOL) on improving AT access and awareness at the DOL's 27 American Job Centers (AJCs) across the state. This included supporting DOL staff in identifying AT at each center, finding instructional videos that supported how-to-use the AT, developing QR codes for the devices that align with the appropriate instructional videos, and providing follow support to DOL staff and the AJCs as they implemented the use of QR codes & videos to better support staff and consumers needing help with utilizing the AT on site.

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

Maryland AT Program created a 3-part webinar series for the MD Department of Disabilities Caregiver Collaborative. The focus of the webinars were on AT to Support Caregivers as they provide services to keep their loved ones with disabilities at home, as opposed to being placed in nursing facilities. The funding for this project was provided through the Center for Healthcare Strategies, and was facilitated through the Department of Disabilities. Each of the webinar episodes covered a different topic, including: Remote supports, monitoring, and Environmental Control Units; Health Management, including telehealth and medication management; and Independent Living Aids. These webinars were pre-recorded and have been made available on the MDTAP YouTube channel as well as on the Maryland Commission on Caregiving website.

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. On 9.27.22, MDTAP hosted an Accessible Gaming Night at the main headquarters for the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). This event was geared toward building awareness of adapted & inclusive gaming systems and included participation from many students within the DORS program, as well attendees from outside programs and schools. We had 35 gamers with a range of disabilities from physical, developmental and intellectual and of varying age ranges. Many of these gamers were young adults who also had the opportunity to meet with our AT Clinicians on staff and learn about ways in which they could borrow equipment in the future. After the event, two of the students who participated in the Accessible Gaming night stopped by the MDTAP office (these were students housed in the DORS dorms) to ask more questions and to let us know how much they enjoyed the opportunity to get together with their peers and game.

2. MDTAP's AT Clinician provided a presentation during the statewide Maryland Rehabilitation Conference on 11.18.21 with a focus on AT in the Workplace. This session covered a deep dive into legislation, legal precedent, and AT to support a variety of needs including ergonomics, low vision, deaf & hard of hearing, cognition, memory & organization, and more. The presentation included links to devices, price points, and information on funding options. There were 62 professionals in attendance during the session.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 137 211 348
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 127 67 194
Representative of Education 78 137 215
Representative of Employment 16 52 68
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 56 10 66
Representative of Community Living 99 36 135
Representative of Technology 12 00 12
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 525 513 1,038

Referral Types:

In FY2022, MDTAP made a concerted effort to build more AT awareness amongst other state disability agencies, programs, and providers through increased public awareness activities. During FY22, we hosted two (2) out of our three scheduled (3) Regional, Virtual AT Awareness Days, held in collaboration with local Centers for Independent Living, conducting community outreach in the more rural regions of Maryland and providing 1/2 day presentations on a wide variety of available AT & disability services in these areas.

Referral Sources:

Although most of our referrals are unknown, we have noted that during FY22, of the documented referral sources, the majority are from previous customers and disability service providers. Because we work closely with many service providers and disability-related organizations, these referrals are consistent with what we have seen - a surge of inquiries into MDTAP directly after presentations to these providers and their constituents.

Notes:

In a deep dive of our I&A data from FY21, we discovered that the AT Financial Loan Program was conducting a great deal of information & assistance to consumers and making referrals to both our general AT services as well as other programs across the state. However, this data was not being captured within our data tracking system. As we began to track this information in a more streamlined manner, we can see that approximately 50% of the calls into our program are directly related to financing needs, and these are now more accurately reflected in the data.

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?

Over the past year, MDTAP has worked closely with AbleGamers, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to accessible gaming for people with disabilities. AbleGamers had been donated, by Microsoft, hundreds of new AT switches including the Big Red, the Microlight, the Jelly Bean, and Specs. AbleGamers reached out to MDTAP to request help in donating these switches to organizations, schools, and individuals for the purposes of increasing access to computers, games, communication devices, and toys. In December 2021, MDTAP received nearly 600 boxed switches, and conducted extensive outreach and conducted a coordinated effort to identify recipients, catalog requests, and distribute these across the state.

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.

As a result, we 557 switches/devices were distributed to approximately 140 recipients, many of which were school systems, providers, and individual families. We conducted a follow-up survey in June to all 140 recipients and received 13 responses. Of those responses, the vast majority noted that they used the device(s) with clients and students, primarily for communication and toy access. One educator from Talbot County also noted that the switches provided first-time access to a student who previously was unable to play video games. Although we don't anticipate replicating this activity in the future, we believe that getting these switches into the hands of schools, providers, families, and organizations helped to expand access for individuals with disabilities in Maryland.

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

Education; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);

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

Reuse; Public Awareness;

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? 02

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.

MDTAP has provided extensive support to the MD Department of Disabilities Emergency Preparedness Program and the MD Department of Human Services to expand and improve the state's Emergency Deployment Assistive Technology Toolkits. These toolkits, nearly 25 of them, have been utilized to provide accommodations at emergency response sites across the state, from mass vaccination and COVID testing sites, to emergency shelters during states of emergency. During FY22, MDTAP evaluated each toolkit, created customized instructional videos and corresponding QR codes for each AT device included, facilitated repairs & upgrades, installed air tags for higher cost devices within each kit, and updated the operations manual to include more information on each of the devices.


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.)

The updates to these kits ensure that the state is fully prepared to support shelter and emergency response professionals as they implement the toolkits and make them available to constituents with disabilities during a variety of emergency deployments. For more information on distribution, emergency toolkit manual, or other questions, contact Cecilia Warren, Director, Emergency Preparedness Policy Maryland Department of Disabilities, cecilia.warren@maryland.gov.


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.

The MDTAP IT Access Initiative Team created the Statewide GIS Mapping guidelines for accessibility. After providing a training session on web content accessibility, the GIS office, part of the State Department of Information Technology (DoIT), asked the ITAI team to develop a set of accessibility guidelines to implement as policy for creating new mapping content. These guidelines are structured to be specific to digital mapping technologies and to be used as standards across all state agencies.


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.)

These written guidelines will create a standard for accessibility when any State of Maryland agency creates a mapping system that would be utilized for the public, such as a map that indicates where mass vaccination or Covid testing sites are operating. By ensuring a baseline for accessibility, state agencies can be confident that the maps produced are in line with state and federal accessibility laws. For additional information on these guidelines, please contact Stephen Polacek, IT Accessibility Program Specialist, stephen.polacek@maryland.gov.


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

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT

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$26,164Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$5,000Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$5,000DemonstrationTrue
Amount: $36,164

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 16:31:28 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.