National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

South Dakota 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
DakotaLink
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.dakotalink.net
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
City:
Sturgis
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57785
Program Email:
atinfo@dakotalink.net
Phone:
605-977-1779
TTY:
605-347-5212

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
South Dakota Department of Human Services
Mailing Address:
3800 East Hwy 34 Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 E. Capitol
City:
Pierre
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57501
Program URL:
http://dhs.sd.gov/

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
City
Sturgis
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57785
Program URL:
https://bhssc.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Hudson, Page
Title:
Program Manager
Phone:
605-977-1779
E-mail:
phudson@dakotalink.net
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Weiss, Eric
Title:
Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Phone:
605-773-4644
E-mail:
eric.weiss@state.sd.us
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Hauge, Joe
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
605-347-4467
E-mail:
jhauge@bhssc.tie.net

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

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

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Rechtenbaugh, Shawnie
Title:
Secretary, South Dakota Dept. of Human Services
Phone:
605-773-5990
E-mail:
Shawnie.Rechtenbaugh@state.sd.us

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 01 01 02
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 01 01 02

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $19,754 Highest Income: $31,920

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$51,674 02 $25,837

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 00 01 01 00 00 00 02
Percentage of Loans 0% 50% 50% 0% 0% 0% 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 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 02 100%
Total 02 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 02 $28,124
Total 02 $28,124

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 4%
Highest 5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
09 02 4.5%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 01
4.1% to 6.0% 01
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 02

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 01 $4,263
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 01 $23,861
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 02 $28,124

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? 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? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: CCTV Lease Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)156
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)56
C. Total Served212

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures212

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 212$530,000$500,360$29,640
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 0$0$0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 0$0$0$0
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 212$530,000$500,360$29,640


D. Anecdote

Impact Area

DakotaLink provided a Merlin CCTV to MM and trained her and her daughter on all of its functionality. She had an older model Merlin with a TV for a display, so the training was brief as the controls were very much the same, just in slightly different positions. As this was a loan, MM only paid the $50 deposit to loan the unit from the CCTV program. If the loan was not an option, she would likely not have been able to receive a new CCTV for her use. Upon following up with her daughter via phone, she reported that MM was very happy with the new Merlin and had no questions or issues, and was pleased we were able to waive the monthly payment due to her financial circumstances.

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 00 138 138
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 46 46
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 00 184 184
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 184 184
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 30 30
8. Total 00 00 214 214
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 85.98%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 138 64.49%
Satisfied 46 21.5%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 30 14.02%
Total Surveyed 214
Response rate % 85.98%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 03
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 35
C. Total 38

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 38

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 03 $76,000 $5,000 $71,000
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 03 $76,000 $5,000 $71,000

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 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 14 $39,800 $0 $39,800
Daily Living 24 $74,497 $1,780 $72,717
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 38 $114,297 $1,780 $112,517

D. Anecdote

We reutilized 38 devices which saved people over $112,517 in utilizing our reuse program. This allows them to go home from the hospital faster and provides them with independence.

Picture of various devices that we recycle and provide to consumers.
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 10 10
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 10 10
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 10 10
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 28 28
8. Total 00 00 38 38
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 26.32%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 06 15.79%
Satisfied 02 5.26%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 30 78.95%
Total Surveyed 38
Response rate % 21.05%

G. Notes:

Our re-use items don't get many returns on surveys.

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) 29
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 00
Total 29

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 02 00 02
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 09 00 09
Representative of Education 11 00 11
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 07 00 07
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 29 00 29

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 14 00 14
Hearing 01 00 01
Speech Communication 01 00 01
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02 00 02
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 00 00
Daily Living 06 00 06
Environmental Adaptations 00 00 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 05 00 05
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 29 00 29

E. Anecdote

JM is a Vet that needed a hospital bed that would allow him to sit up independently. The hospital said it would be 5 weeks until he would be able to get one from them. He contacted us and with the reuse program, we were able to get him into his home with a temporary hospital bed until his arrived. He was delighted to not have to stay in the hospital for another month.

Refurbished hospital bed.
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 12 00 06 18
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 04 05
Subtotal 13 00 10 23
Have not made a decision 01 00 04 05
Subtotal 14 00 14 28
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 14 00 15 29
Performance on this measure 92.86% NaN% 71.43%

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. 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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 29 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 29
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

We always get positive feedback when we provided loaner devices for free except for shipping.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 53
Hearing 04
Speech Communication 14
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 42
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 06
Daily Living 03
Environmental Adaptations 06
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 181
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Device Demonstrations 310

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 169 00 169
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 62 00 62
Representatives of Education 18 00 18
Representatives of Employment 24 00 24
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 22 00 22
Representative of Community Living 14 00 14
Representative of Technology 01 00 01
Total 310 00 310

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 293
Service Provider 129
Vendor 00
Repair Service 00
Others 13
Total 435

D. Anecdote

We do several 1:1 demonstrations through DRS (Department of Rehabilitation Services) and we had booths for demonstration setup at Let’s Talk Work on Feb. 10th, Catch the Wave at Mitchell on Feb. 23rd, the Optometry Conference here in Sioux Falls on March 25th and Catch the Wave at STI on March 29th. Let’s Talk Work: 50 students, 5 Adults Catch the Wave (Mitchell): 5 Teachers, 19 Students, 10 Parents Optometry Convention: 50 people stopped at the booth Catch the Wave (Sioux Falls): 15 Students, 5 Adults

Picture of a DakotaLink demonstration in Sioux Falls.  at a conference
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 119 73 74 266
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 04 03 11
Subtotal 123 77 77 277
Have not made a decision 08 07 15 30
Subtotal 131 84 92 307
Nonrespondent 01 01 01 03
Total 132 85 93 310
Performance on this measure 93.18% 90.59% 82.8%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 220 70.97%
Satisfied 86 27.74%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 03 0.97%
Nonrespondent 01 0.32%
Total 310
Response rate % 99.68%

G. Notes:

We usually get great responses to surveys when we can actually get in person with the clients. Getting to know someone by name and face always seems to make a big difference.

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. 00 00 148 148
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 46 46
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 00 194 194
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 194 194
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 58 58
8. Total 00 00 252 252
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 76.98% 76.98%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 131 73 80 284
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 04 07 16
Subtotal 136 77 87 300
Have not made a decision 09 07 19 35
Subtotal 145 84 106 335
Nonrespondent 01 01 02 04
Total 146 85 108 339
Performance on this measure 93.15% 90.59% 81.31% 88.76%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.43% 95% Met
Response Rate 89.68% 90% Not Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 371
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 107
Representatives of Education 12
Representatives of Employment 11
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 15
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 01
TOTAL 522

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
327 195 00 522

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 200
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 196
Combination of any/all of the above 55
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 22
Transition 49
Total 522

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The State of South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology has a List of Standard Assistive Technology and DakotaLink updates this list annually. The software allows for state employees to have access to Informational Communication Technology specifically through the computer with access to email, the Web, and other forms of communication technology. DakotaLink also has an agreement with the Bureau to provide training to State Employees on this technology. DakotaLink continues to evaluate a web-based file management system that the Department of Human Services implemented. This includes having meetings with Department personnel and the company providing the software. DakotaLink identifies issues they observe during the evaluation of products and makes recommendations that they implemented.

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

DakotaLink participates in all of the Catch the Wave events, which help students determine what they might need for going on to college from the high school level. Since the COVID pandemic lifted this past year we were able to participate in nearly all of the events scheduled in person.

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

DakotaLink has had a long history of working with the State Bureau of Information and Technology and the Department of Human Services to ensure Website Accessibility in regards to Section 508 and W3C Standards. The State Bureau of Information and Technology has adopted and posted an Accessibility Policy along with a Web Page dedicated to assisting other Departments in meeting Section 508 and W3C Standards.

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 02
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 12
No known outcome at this time 08
Nonrespondent 00
Total 22
Performance Measure Percentage 63.6%
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 75%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 12%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 13%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The State of South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology has a List of Standard Assistive Technology and DakotaLink updates this list annually. The Software allows State employees to have access to Informational Communication Technology specifically through the computer with access to email, the Web, and other forms of communication technology. DakotaLink also has an agreement with the Bureau to provide training to State Employees on this technology. DakotaLink evaluates a web-based file management system that the Department of Human Services implemented. This includes having meetings with Department personnel and the company providing the software. DakotaLink identifies issues they observe during the evaluation of products and makes recommendations to ensure access ility.

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

DakotaLink participates in all of the Catch the Wave events, which help students determine what they might need for going on to college from the high school level. Since the COVID pandemic has lifted a great deal, we were able to attend all of the events throughout the state this year. We also participated in Youth Leadership Forums that 240 students participated in. The format is a symposium for students with disabilities where Assistive Technology is introduced to them to increase their awareness of options for them when they attend post-secondary education.

C. Notes:

Our technical assistance ranges from students to state employees and it is a continuing activity for DakotaLink. DakotaLink has had a long history of working with the State Bureau of Information and Technology and the Department of Human Services to ensure Website Accessibility in regard to Section 508 and W3C Standards. The State Bureau of Information and Technology has adopted and posted an Accessibility Policy and it is below in its entirety along with a Web Page dedicated to assisting other Departments in meeting Section 508 and W3C Standards.

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. DakotaLink sends out newsletters every quarter to the folks on our mailing list. We update the list as people show interest. This comes out to be approximately 500 newsletters over a year’s time. DakotaLink also posts on list/serves/blogs and social media. The list serves are at3center-ml@list.ataporg.org and The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) ataporg@ataporg.org. We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaLinkAT where we share what we are doing and keep people informed on our COVID status. We also have brochures for the DakotaLink program, the Medical Equipment Recycle and Reuse program, and AT4All. We keep a spreadsheet of the presentations and conferences that we participate in.

2. DakotaLink has a resource directory that is on our website: https://www.dakotalink.net/at-partners/sd-partners

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 260 09 269
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 104 01 105
Representative of Education 12 00 12
Representative of Employment 14 02 16
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 25 06 31
Representative of Community Living 26 02 28
Representative of Technology 00 03 03
Unable to Categorize 21 01 22
Total 462 24 486

Referral Types:

DakotaLink referrals come from a variety of sources. Our outreach includes television commercials, the program Dakota At Home (https://dakotaathome.org/), the Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Telephone Adaptive Device (TAD) program, the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI), the Deaf Blind Program, the iCanConnectSD program, the Strengthening Families Program, Family Support 360, the Hearing Aid Assistance Program, the Cochlear Implant Program, the Department of Education Office of Special Education, the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program, Independent Living Centers, Disability Rights South Dakota, and the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network.

Referral Sources:

With regard to all of the entities listed in the types of referrals we get, approximately 70% come from the Department of Rehabilitation Services. We get about 20% from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the last 10% is a conglomeration of all of the types listed above.

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?

DakotaLink collaborates with the State Department of Human Services to provide training to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors throughout the State on their established process for how they provide Assistive Technology devices and services for their Consumers. South Dakota uses an electronic Referral Process that provides consumers access to Assistive Technology assessments, equipment, and training. DakotaLink has worked with the Department to develop a Program Guide and some changes to the policy were initiated to streamline the process. AT Act Funding is used to implement this initiative.

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 use Survey Monkey to send out to anyone who conducts business with DakotaLink and we get about a 60% response rate with 82% positive feedback. The direct outline of procedures streamlines the process of providing AT to individuals with disabilities. Being in front of the folks that provide us with referrals has a more efficient effect on the process than with other means. This initiative will continue and be modified as needed in the years to come. We replicate this training at least once per year to cover turnover and ensure the process is in effect as expected.

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

Education; Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Veterans; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 01

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.

We are currently establishing a collaboration with the LTSS Hope Waiver program. We plan to start with smart home equipment and possibly SureHands lift systems. We do have a contract drafted and our next step will be to work with them to get the referral process set up. They use a service called TheraP and they will be providing a training session so that we will know how to use it in the Winter of 2023. This has been a very long process, but with the contract drafted and their willingness to provide some training, we are moving forward substantially.


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.)

As mentioned above the contract with LTSS has standards that ocmply with the SFY23 Environmental Accessibility Adaptations Provider Provisions. These are available at https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/ltssproviders.aspx We plan to provide services at the rate and amount for Environmental Accessibility Adaptations identified in the FY2023 LTSS Fee Schedule, available at https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/ltssproviders.aspx, and hereby incorporated by reference.


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

Community Living


Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported

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).

Since the COVID pandemic has swung to a manageable level, we are having a difficult time justifying a position in this capacity at this time.


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:36:29 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.