National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
U.S. Virgin Islands 2022
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Total | 01 | 00 | 01 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $0 | Highest Income: | $0 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | 00 | $0 |
| 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 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. 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 | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 00 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 00 | $0 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 0% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 00 | 0% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 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 | 00 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 00 | $0 |
| 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 | 00 | $0 |
6. 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? | 0 |
|---|
D. Anecdote
I met with 62-year-old woman, a resident of St. Thomas, who was referred for possible cash loan financing of hearing aids. This consumer who is retired, received two options for hearing aids from her audiologist (VI Ear, Nose & Throat). She oThe client discussed the financial challenges as she is on a low fixed income and worried about being able to pay the monthly loan. She claims she is now the primary caretaker of her elderly dad and had to quit her part-time job to care for her father after her mother died a year ago. Her goal is to re-inter the workforce on a part-time basis and remain active in the community. On September 21 consumer visited Banco Popular to seek approval of the loan. On September 29 she received notice from the bank that her loan was denied due to a history of late payments. Consumer was referred to Vocational Rehabilitation since she would like to re-enter the workforce and hearing aids would improve the work experience. pted to go with the lower price device which was two (2) Oticon in the ear hearing aids at a cost of $1,110 each. The other hearing aids were prices at $7,000 for the pair. All relevant information was gathered to conduct the loan intake to include, age, income, and type and cost of device.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | NaN% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | NaN% |
| Total Surveyed | 00 | |
| Response rate % | NaN% |
G. Notes:
There were no loans made during this reporting period. The only consumer who followed through with the cash loan application process was rejected for late payments. Although there were a few inquiries regarding cash loan financing but was hesitant to apply for fear of rejected. The most common feedback received from persons who were referred for possible financing is that they could not afford another expense on a low, fixed budget. Most didn't feel financing was a feasible option and said they would seek alternative ways to get the service (s) they need
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 | 00 |
| C. Total | 00 |
| 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 | 00 |
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
| 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
| 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 | 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 |
D. Anecdote
There were no reuse activities reported for this year. The Reuse program provides when available, walkers, canes and transport wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities for as long as needed, at no cost. The inventory is very limited and the equipment goes quickly and was depleted for fa ew months during the reporting period. In an effort to restore these items to full capacity, the Reuse program has been advertising the need for donations. Information on what items where being accepted and where to donate was included. During the annual Agriculture and Food Fair that was held over the Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31) a big drive to collect donations of walker, canes, and wheelchairs were held. The manager at First Bank VI reached out to program staff showing an interest in supporting the program. The manager offered a donation of $4,999 to support the purchase of these equipment once the necessary paperwork was completed. We reached out to two local vendors, one in the St. Thomas/St. John district and the other in St. Croix and received quotes for the equipment to be purchased. The Reuse program staff is working with the Vice President of Office of Institutional Advancement to work out the necessary items that is required with the application for donations.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | NaN% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | NaN% |
| Total Surveyed | 00 | |
| Response rate % | NaN% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 00 |
| 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 | 00 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representative of Education | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 00 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 01 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Hearing | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Daily Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 00 |
E. Anecdote
There were no device loans made during this reporting period. While we had a few inquiries regarding our inventory, there were no official requests made. This may be due to the ongoing circumstances surrounding Covid-19 and the precautionary measures that were in place limiting in-person meetings our disability population still not feeling safe and comfortable leaving their homes. The University also implemented a Covid-19 vaccine policy that all staff, students, faculty and those using the facility must be vaccinated. The staff population was reduced by more than 30 percent. We will continue to promote the availability of devices for short-term loan.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% | |
G. 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
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | NaN% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | NaN% |
| Total Surveyed | 00 | |
| Response rate % | NaN% |
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 | 01 |
| Hearing | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 00 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 |
| Daily Living | 00 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 02 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 03 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Education | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representative of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 03 | 00 | 03 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 00 |
| Service Provider | 03 |
| Vendor | 00 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 03 |
D. Anecdote
Met with a 93-year-old male who was accompanied by this caretaker who is also his cousin. His primary complaint was low vision and not being able to use his home phone because he is not able to see the number. This client lives independently. His vision affects use of handheld phone at home. AT demo of three (3) phone for low vision: ClearSound, Serene and Clarity. All phones are equipped with big button, and amplification. Client chose the Clarity phone because it repeats (talkback) the numbers when dialing.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 02 | 66.67% |
| Satisfied | 01 | 33.33% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 03 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| 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% | NaN% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% | 100% |
| 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
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 02 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 03 |
| Representatives of Education | 01 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 00 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 10 |
| Representatives of Technology | 02 |
| Unable to Categorize | 07 |
| TOTAL | 25 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04 | 21 | 00 | 25 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 10 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 00 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 15 |
| Transition | 00 |
| Total | 25 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
This training on assistive technology for bathroom safety and fall prevention highlights assistive technology to set a bathroom environment up for slip prevention, personal hygiene, and mobility. Assistive technology to aid in activities of daily living tasks included types of grab bars & placement, alternative sink and shower technology for people who are mobility impaired, elevated toilet seat options and how to measure for them, tub, and shower benches of various varieties and how to use a tub transfer bench, personal hygiene tools to allow reach with toileting and showering, tips, tools, and techniques to prevent slips on wet surfaces.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
The training titled Digital Accessibility: Text and Speech Platforms, described the benefits, drawback, and comparisons between a licensed application such as Dragon Naturally Speaking and Microsoft Office Suite. Users were able to preview some functionalities of both applications as well as real world implementation. This training provided a better level of understanding and insight into how some of these applications assist individuals with disabilities. This training was interactive.
D. 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 | 11 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 04 |
| Total | 15 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 73.3% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 50% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 25% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00% |
| 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:
I met virtually with the program coordinator and six members of the Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living on St. Croix. The purpose of the TA was to provide support of the Telehealth equipment the agency received as a part of a grant that VIUCEDD received. Members would be able to utilize the equipment for medical appointments that offer virtual appointment opportunities
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Received a call from the Mobility Specialist at the Independent Living Center, St. Thomas location, who requested technical assistance in a job placement and assistive technology for someone who is blind. The consumer was offered a job as an Enrollment Specialist with a music company. The company offers classes on various instruments. Her role would be to answer phone calls and respond to inquiries and register individuals in the different classes. She would also be responsible for taking in-person request and emails. Technical support the Independent Living Center included assessing what the job currently has to support the consumer in her job functions, training for music staff, exploring different Apps that support individuals who are blind or visually impaired and training for the consumer.
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. VIUCEDD participated in the 2022 Disaster Preparedness in a COVID Environment Expo held on September 30, on the island of St. Croix. The Expo was also held on St. Thomas September 6, where over 100 persons attended. The Assistive Technology program staff conducted a presentation and demonstrated the use of the NOAA Emergency Alert Weather radio with Solar Crank and the All Hazards weather radio design for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. A display of other assistive technology devices to include large print keyboards and bill identifiers, face mask and hand sanitizers were provided to the attendees. Other services provided by VIUCEDD's physical therapist was the evaluation and adjustment of a wheelchair, two walkers and a cane. Informational program brochures were also available. A total of 217 seniors and individuals with disabilities attended this one day event that was held on St. Croix The Expo was organized by the following agencies: Governor's Office of the ADA Coordinator & Department of Human Services Disability Rights of the Virgin Islands VI Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocates (VIDHHA) Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD Government of the Unites States Virgin Islands Other participating agencies included: VI Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Citizen Affairs Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation American Red Cross AARP of the Virgin Islands VI Water and Power Authority FEMA Frederiksted Health Care Inc. Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Department of Public Works, VITRAN As a result of this awareness activity 80 attendees signed up to receive one of the Emergency Alert radios and a director collaboration was formed with the Department of Human Services Division of Senior Citizens Affairs.
2.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 09 | 01 | 10 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Representative of Education | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representative of Employment | 12 | 00 | 12 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 05 | 00 | 05 |
| Representative of Community Living | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 35 | 02 | 37 |
Referral Types:
Culturally we use radio advertising called "talk radio" as we believe it has the widest reach. Referrals come from face-to-face territorial wide events and word-of-mouth. These interactions are supported by small close knit friends and family a culture that is typical of our island. Some of our outreach is through email and social media. This is an effective way to reach our professional community, but the majority of individuals who need our services do not have access to the internet.
Referral Sources:
We continue to received referrals from a variety of sources. Within the University community we have received referrals from the counseling department, department of human services and faculty members seeking to assist a student with aids to enhance their learning. From the medical community, we have regular referrals from the ENT, the Department of Health, MCH, the Independent Living Centers, self-referrals that are from outreach/awareness activities, social media, the Department of Education, Division of Special Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and other allied health providers
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?
VIUCEDD AT program has partnered with local business organizations and disability organizations on an initiative to provide employment opportunities for jobseekers with disabilities. This initiative provided joint training monthly. VIUCEDD provided VITRAID (Virgin Islands Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) and VIATF (Virgin Islands Assistive Technology Foundation ) resources to attendees at the training. Educational training focused on accessibility and Universal Design for businesses and assistive technology as a work accommodation for jobseekers with disabilities and potential employees. Partners included the Territorial ADA Coordinator, USVI Economic Development Authority (EDA) the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, the Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation, Island Therapy Solutions, the Developmental Disability Council and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. VI AT program funding was not utilized for his imitative.
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.
Results were measured by the number of attendees. Debriefings addressed marketing solutions to access a wider number of potential attendees. It has been determined that this next year we will utilize more radio outreach as this seems to be a preferred information source, over that of on-line adverting for residents in the USVI. Awareness of the state AT Program strengthened their relationship with disability partners in the community with this initiative. In hindsight, we wish we had included more live-demo examples of AT in their workplace in the presentation. We will provide a wider range of workplace AT examples at our table and include a wider range of employees who use AT as workplace accommodation.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Employment; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Training; Information & Assistance; 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? | 00 |
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Additional And Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
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For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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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 16:39:32 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)