National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Arkansas 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
ar-ican.org
Mailing Address:
900 W 7th Street
City:
Little Rock
State:
Arkansas
Zip Code:
72201
Program Email:
ican@arkansas.gov
Phone:
5016668868
TTY:
5016668868

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
1 Commerce Way
City:
Little Rock
State:
Arkansas
Zip Code:
72202
Program URL:

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):
Anderson, Rick
Title:
Director of Community Service Programs
Phone:
5016833005
E-mail:
Rick.Anderson@Arkansas.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Winter, Nathan
Title:
Associate Commissioner
Phone:
683-6052
E-mail:
Nathan.Winter@Arkansas.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):
Anderson, Rick
Title:
Director of Community Service Programs
Phone:
5016833005
E-mail:
Rick.Anderson@Arkansas.gov

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Anderson, Rick
Title:
Director of Community Service Programs
Phone:
5016833005
E-mail:
rick.anderson@arkansas.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 06 05 11
Approved Not made 00 01 01
Rejected 01 00 01
Total 07 06 13

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $12,314 Highest Income: $106,464

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$698,373 11 $63,488

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 01 02 01 02 04 11
Percentage of Loans 9.09% 9.09% 18.18% 9.09% 18.18% 36.36% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 11 100%
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 11 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 11 $221,860
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 11 $221,860

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3.75%
Highest 5.25%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
44 11 4.02272727272727%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 08
4.1% to 6.0% 03
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 11

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 $9,200
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 08 $212,660
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 11 $221,860

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 10
Net loss for loans in default $74,399

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

The Arkansas Alternative Financing Program financed a modified vehicle for Jacob White who was having extreme difficulty in acquiring proper transportation in his attempt to maintain his full-time teaching position. Mr. White expressed concern regarding the pursuit of another modified vehicle to replace his existing modified van which was experiencing numerous mechanical problems. The situation continued to escalate until AFP became actively involved. Due to Mr. White’s Diastrophic Dysplasia Dwarfism is permanently and completely disabled. He learned about AFP through a relative who had purchased a modified vehicle from AFP in the past. Since Mr. White needs assistance with traveling to and from work and vital appointments, his modified van was medically prescribed to ensure he was able to continue his active employment and independence. AFP was successful in helping him acquire this recommended vehicle with a low-interest rate and affordable monthly loan payments. Since obtaining his modified vehicle, Mr. White has maintained his independence, and quality of life and stabilized his employment once again. He can operate his modified vehicle without significant complications. This vehicle has aided Mr. White in preserving his work availability while facilitating his multiple medical and personal appointments which are regularly required. AFP is proud to be a small contributor in solidifying his current employment regimen and accelerating his confidence in being a productive citizen in his local community.

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 01 02 05 08
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 01 02 03
4. Subtotal 01 03 07 11
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 03 07 11
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 01 03 07 11
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 10 90.91%
Satisfied 01 9.09%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 11
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 791
C. Total 792

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 792

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $30,000 $22,500 $7,500
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 01 $30,000 $22,500 $7,500

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 20 $19,423 $0 $19,423
Hearing 04 $3,255 $0 $3,255
Speech Communication 01 $219 $0 $219
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 04 $762 $0 $762
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 439 $328,685 $0 $328,685
Daily Living 444 $112,179 $0 $112,179
Environmental Adaptations 33 $24,772 $0 $24,772
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $1,960 $0 $1,960
Computers and Related 06 $934 $1,932 ($998)
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 15 $1,434 $0 $1,434
Total 967 $493,623 $1,932 $491,691

D. Anecdote

This year, We were able to coordinate with a case manager, and an individual with a spinal cord injury to receive a donated Permobil F3. Once the individual received the PWC, the chair was brought straight to his workplace and he was able to perform his job with better independence. This was a perfect example of ICAN working with other state agencies to coordinate care in order to provide clients AT they might not have had if they did not use the reuse program. He is still working and he loves his new "work" chair.

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. 09 09 734 752
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 09 11
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 01 25 27
4. Subtotal 12 10 768 790
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 12 10 770 792
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 12 10 770 792
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.74%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 788 99.49%
Satisfied 02 0.25%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 0.25%
Total Surveyed 792
Response rate % 99.75%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 400
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 93
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 686
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 14
Total 1,193

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 60 203 263
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 190 484 674
Representative of Education 50 45 95
Representative of Employment 01 07 08
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 95 43 138
Representatives of Community Living 00 07 07
Representatives of Technology 04 04 08
Total 400 793 1,193

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 41

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 29 24 53
Hearing 32 12 44
Speech Communication 184 72 256
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 69 87 156
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 65 424 489
Daily Living 48 205 253
Environmental Adaptations 28 123 151
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 77 50 127
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03 10 13
Total 535 1,007 1,542

E. Anecdote

In April 2022, Mrs. Reed from Searcy stopped by the ICAN office inquiring about hearing equipment that could help her hear and live more independently. She informed us she had been working with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. She has been approved for an alert and alarm clock and a personal amplification device. we talked about the Door Beacon, Weather Alert Radio, and Doorbell alert along with a comfort contego amplified device that we could loan to her for 6-weeks. We explained that this would give her a better idea of what item she can request from the Voc. rehab program. She was pleased with the services and would recommend ICAN to others.

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 123 13 234 370
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 08 04 14 26
Subtotal 131 17 248 396
Have not made a decision 01 00 03 04
Subtotal 132 17 251 400
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 132 17 251 400
Performance on this measure 99.24% 100% 98.8%

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. 59 07 669 735
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 02 17 24
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 09 00 25 34
4. Subtotal 73 09 711 793
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 73 09 711 793
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 73 09 711 793
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,131 94.8%
Satisfied 61 5.11%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.08%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,193
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 66
Hearing 79
Speech Communication 15
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 33
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 84
Daily Living 30
Environmental Adaptations 15
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 51
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Device Demonstrations 374

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 163 166 329
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 106 145 251
Representatives of Education 06 06 12
Representatives of Employment 03 05 08
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 62 67 129
Representative of Community Living 31 32 63
Representative of Technology 03 00 03
Total 374 421 795

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 349
Service Provider 40
Vendor 15
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 404

D. Anecdote

Mrs. Ruby from Pine Bluff stopped by ICAN looking for Low Vision AT. She was looking for something that will help her see bills and read the bible. We were able to demonstrate many items to her like the Explore 8 and other portable magnifiers in ICAN's inventory. Through the demonstration, Mrs. Ruby was able to narrow down the devices to one that she was then able to borrow from our loan program.

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 27 62 255 344
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 08 03 12
Subtotal 28 70 258 356
Have not made a decision 01 15 02 18
Subtotal 29 85 260 374
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 29 85 260 374
Performance on this measure 96.55% 82.35% 99.23%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 599 75.35%
Satisfied 195 24.53%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.13%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 795
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. 69 18 1,408 1,495
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 07 02 26 35
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 10 02 52 64
4. Subtotal 86 22 1,486 1,594
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 86 22 1,488 1,596
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 86 22 1,488 1,596
9. Performance on this measure 88.37% 90.91% 96.37% 95.86%
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 150 75 489 714
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 09 12 17 38
Subtotal 159 87 506 752
Have not made a decision 02 15 05 22
Subtotal 161 102 511 774
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 161 102 511 774
Performance on this measure 98.76% 85.29% 99.02% 97.16%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.93% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.93% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 25
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 04
Representatives of Education 174
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 33
Representatives of Community Living 33
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 269

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
211 05 53 269

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 05
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 259
Transition 05
Total 269

C. Description of Training Activities

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

This year we had an individual that requested an OrCam MyEye2 online. This individual had seen the device online and watched the advertisements for the device. They had never used this device before and we informed this person that the device should be demoed and training should be given prior to loaning the device to them. We asked the individual to come into the office so that they could get training on this device and understand how it works. The individual that had requested the OrCam MyEye2 was able to use the device. So, we loaned her the device and she started crying tears of joy when she was leaving. She stated that the OrCam MyEye2 was able to help her maintain some of her independence and this was a great outcome.

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

A client that has a diagnosis of a congenital visual deficit was transitioning from high school to a work environment. She utilized accommodations as well as technology in the classroom setting. She would be using an iPad with an attached keyboard. Her employer was aware of her visual deficit and felt this individual would benefit from assistive technology to help her be more successful with her employment. A 15” monitor was attached via an HDMI cord to the iPad to provide a larger viewing surface. Then a wireless Bluetooth keyboard was utilized with enlarged size keys with the contrast of black on white. The font size was enlarged as well as bolded in the operating system. These items were trialed with the client and then implemented. All of these technology changes assisted with the ability of the client to transition to a work setting more successfully. The employer has reported that the client is performing well with the changes made to the workplace setup.

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

In August we provided training to the Web Editor/Developer at National Park College on accessible forms and providing other information about web accessibility and higher education. We were able to train the trainer which will give them the ability to continue this expertise.

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 259
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 259
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 25%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 75%
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:

We were contacted by a staff member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and invited to participate with a group of people who were working to improve access to outdoor recreation opportunities in Arkansas. They were focused on the activities themselves—kayaking, fishing, hunting, hiking trails, etc. They had not considered and were less aware of barriers that result from inaccessible digital resources. I was able to explain those issues to the group members. This ultimately led to a request for training for the educational programming staff of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. There were 25 staff members present. They were very interested in getting additional feedback on the accessibility of their programs and materials. This relationship will continue into the coming year.

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

Our program has focused on the "no wrong door" approach when it comes to helping Arkansans with disabilities, so this year we have concentrated on developing a working relationship with the workforce service division. We have to provide TA when it comes to identifying and implementing AT for clients retuning or trying to return to work from unemployment. This was an overlooked part of transition before we started working closely with Arkansas unemployment services with Workforce Services.

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. ICAN has developed a relationship with mutable OT colleges which has gen us the opportunity to provide public awareness with each class as they finish the AT semester of their program. We are able to meet regularly now and have become part of the student's curriculum. We talk to them about real-world anecdotal situations along with interventions our program has given to clients in the past.

2. During the Spring ICAN was able to visit an area of Arkansas that we haven't served as well as we have in the past by utilizing our mobile unit. We went to a Workforce Service location in rule Arkansas where we went with a support group and brought some recycle/reuse items along with us, i.e., grabbers/reachers, and a rollator walker. Before the support group started, we talked with an individual that was in a transport chair. We talked to her about how to use our services and what assistive technology is. She informed us that she was trying to get a rollator and was trying to get in to see her doctor. We then offered her the free rollator that I had brought on the mobile unit. Before this day, She had no idea that our program could help her in this way.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 493 02 495
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 443 05 448
Representative of Education 46 148 194
Representative of Employment 04 00 04
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 65 03 68
Representative of Community Living 16 02 18
Representative of Technology 05 00 05
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 1,072 160 1,232

Referral Types:

We increased our IA's in other recipient types we have not served before by targeting the recipients with Information awareness events. An example is participating in a lunch and learn event at a rehabilitation facility. Another was participating in a management meeting for Education specialists at the Department of ED.

Referral Sources:

Our referral sources consist of 75% coming from the discharge workers for 3 of the major hospitals in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas, Baptist, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and Saint Vincent hospital. We then receive about 20% from the VR, workforce, and independent living centers programs, and the remaining 5% from private therapy groups.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 0

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:27:00 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.