National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Connecticut 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Connecticut Tech Act Project

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.CTtechact.com

Mailing Address:

55 Farmington Avenue, 12th Floor

City:

Hartford

State:

Zip Code:

06105

Program Email:

arlene.lugo@ct.gov

Phone:

860-803-0588

TTY:

711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

Mailing Address:

55 Farmington Avenue, 12th Floor

City:

Hartford

State:

Zip Code:

06105

Program URL:

www.CT.gov/BRS

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Lugo, Arlene

Title:

Program Director

Phone:

860-803-0588

E-mail:

arlene.lugo@ct.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Doukas, David

Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation Director

Phone:

860-424-4862

E-mail:

David.Doukas@ct.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):

Doukas, David

Title:

Vocational Rehabilitation Director

Phone:

860-424-4862

E-mail:

David.Doukas@ct.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
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	05	01	06
Approved Not made	00	00	00
Rejected	00	00	00
Total	05	01	06

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$13,100	Highest Income:	$71,400

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$239,172	06	$39,862

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
Number of Loans	01	01	01	01	02	00	06
Percentage of Loans	16.67%	16.67%	16.67%	16.67%	33.33%	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	06	100%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	06	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	00	$0
Partnership Loans	06	$64,720
Total	06	$64,720

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	4%
Highest	5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
26	06	4.33333333333333%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	00
2.1% to 4.0%	03
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	06

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT	Number of Devices Financed	Dollar Value of Loans
Vision	01	$2,840
Hearing	02	$3,557
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	01	$2,639
Daily living	00	$0
Environmental adaptations	00	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	03	$55,684
Computers and related	00	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	07	$64,720

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	02
Net loss for loans in default	$11,978

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?

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 Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	16
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	16

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	16

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 / Service	Number of Devices Funded	Value of AT Provided
Vision	13	$16,921
Hearing	8	$1,754
Speech communication	0	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	1	$170
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	12	$9,899
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	34	$28,744

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?

D. Anecdote

One of our AT Loan borrowers shared the following message with us, "Thanks to the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services for providing the funding towards all the necessary vehicle modifications and the Connecticut Tech Act Project for providing a low interest loan for an extended period. I was able to purchase a 2022 Chevy Traverse that is fully accessible. I am able to drive the vehicle directly from my wheelchair to maintain my independence and commute to work. I also received grants from many generous organizations that made the purchase of the vehicle affordable. Those organizations include the Travis Roy Foundation, Connecticut Community Trust Foundation, Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation, Amy's Angels, Independence Northwest, Be Perfect Foundation, and the Triumph Foundation. Thank you to everyone that made this dream a reality." His statement shows the collaboration and team approach we try to always pursue in helping our AT Loan Borrowers obtain the items they need at the lowest costs.

AT Loan Program Borrower van with ramp extended

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

Two sisters, who had received services from our National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program, previously, returned to our program as their vision had declined and they had updates to their cochlear implants and now had Bluetooth capabilities. With the help of our AT Partner, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT’s AT evaluator, we were able to provide additional equipment including MacBook Pros and iPhone 13 Pro Max to help with the changes in both their eyesight and new implants. The larger screens and the built-in accessibility features of the devices help to reduce eye strain and headaches. To say that both girls were grateful for the technology is an understatement. One of the sisters stated about the technology and training they received, “It has “It has changed our lives in a way I couldn’t imagine.”

Sisters with new laptops and cell phones

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	03	01	14	18
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	02	02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	00	01
4. Subtotal	04	01	16	21
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	04	01	16	21
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	01	01
8. Total	04	01	17	22
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	94.12%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	15	68.18%
Satisfied	05	22.73%
Satisfied somewhat	01	4.55%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	4.55%
Total Surveyed	22
Response rate %	95.45%

G. Notes:

CT state AT Act program staff was able to assist applicants in obtaining an additional $60,159 in grants and other funding.

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

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	512
C. Total	512

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	512

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	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$0	$0	$0

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	03	$4,175	$750	$3,425
Hearing	00	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	406	$268,795	$38,316	$230,479
Daily Living	214	$69,716	$10,159	$59,557
Environmental Adaptations	12	$4,307	$95	$4,212
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	01	$1,000	$0	$1,000
Computers and Related	05	$1,738	$1,738	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	08	$9,865	$2,070	$7,795
Total	649	$359,596	$53,128	$306,468

D. Anecdote

A Veteran who heard about CT State AT Act partner agency the NEAT Center at Oak Hill, through the American Legion, had been visiting throughout the year. And built a connection with the Customer Service Representative. He was often in communication about available inventory. On one of his visits, he obtained a tri-point cane. He was so grateful that he is able to receive equipment to fit his needs free of charge due to a generous grant to help support Veterans access to DME. At first, he was apprehensive disclosing he was a Veteran because he "did not want to receive any special treatment". In return he wanted to pay it forward and help others who come into the DME Reuse Program and left a monetary donation.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	01	00	506	507
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	01	03	04
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	01	01
4. Subtotal	01	01	510	512
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	01	01	510	512
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	01	01	510	512
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	501	97.85%
Satisfied	10	1.95%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	0.2%
Total Surveyed	512
Response rate %	99.8%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	290
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	33
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	28
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	35
Total	386

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	55	21	76
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	04	02	06
Representative of Education	174	70	244
Representative of Employment	01	00	01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	05	00	05
Representatives of Community Living	51	02	53
Representatives of Technology	00	01	01
Total	290	96	386

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
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	06	01	07
Hearing	06	03	09
Speech Communication	347	91	438
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	86	19	105
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	12	01	13
Daily Living	15	09	24
Environmental Adaptations	16	14	30
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	221	55	276
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	03	00	03
Total	712	193	905

E. Anecdote

A consumer with developmental disabilities and low vision has struggled with reading all her life. She was making great strides to be more independent and had begun using the ADA transportation to get around her community and to employment. The Program Director for the state AT Act program was contacted to see if there were any devices that could help her at work to read independently. She was connected to an AT Partner, Meriden ATECH, where she borrowed an OrCam Read to take to work to for reading signs in the community. She was provided training to learn how to use it and she liked the the device. After the loan, she felt the device worked for her so well, she requested funding from the Dept. of Developmental Services (DDS) to help her obtain her own OrCam Read device. This was a nice collaboration between several state and community agencies that led to consumer success and maximized funding for DDS.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	150	08	89	247
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	28	01	00	29
Subtotal	178	09	89	276
Have not made a decision	05	00	02	07
Subtotal	183	09	91	283
Nonrespondent	05	01	01	07
Total	188	10	92	290
Performance on this measure	97.27%	100%	97.8%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	38	01	02	41
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	09	01	09	19
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	15	00	01	16
4. Subtotal	62	02	12	76
5. None of the above	09	00	00	09
6. Subtotal	71	02	12	85
7. Nonrespondent	11	00	00	11
8. Total	82	02	12	96
9. Performance on this measure	87.32%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	319	82.64%
Satisfied	47	12.18%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.52%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	18	4.66%
Total Surveyed	386
Response rate %	95.34%

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	15
Hearing	02
Speech Communication	125
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	124
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	02
Daily Living	31
Environmental Adaptations	20
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	63
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	05
Total # of Device Demonstrations	387

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	128	152	280
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	13	147	160
Representatives of Education	209	513	722
Representatives of Employment	11	152	163
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	06	26	32
Representative of Community Living	20	72	92
Representative of Technology	00	02	02
Total	387	1,064	1,451

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	09
Service Provider	25
Vendor	594
Repair Service	00
Others	08
Total	636

D. Anecdote

CT State AT Act partner agency, EASTCONN, worked with a student who has a learning disability with encoding challenges. Student was provided a demonstration of a Google extension called "Co:Writer Universal." In addition, a 'topic dictionary' was created in the extension which provided the words on the subject he was writing about in the word prediction window based on his phonemic spelling. After the demonstration, the student used the extension with an authentic writing assignment. He was able to write full sentences to answer questions with the words spelled correctly. After writing the sentences they were read aloud to him, and he was able to edit the sentences independently. When the student completed his assignment, he stated "My science teacher is going to be amazed at my full sentences and correct spelling!" The student stated that this tool will “definitely be helpful” for him when he is writing.

Student working at his laptop using Google Chrome Co:Writer extension

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	249	24	94	367
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	10	02	00	12
Subtotal	259	26	94	379
Have not made a decision	07	00	01	08
Subtotal	266	26	95	387
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	266	26	95	387
Performance on this measure	97.37%	100%	98.95%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,226	84.49%
Satisfied	217	14.96%
Satisfied somewhat	04	0.28%
Not at all satisfied	03	0.21%
Nonrespondent	01	0.07%
Total	1,451
Response rate %	99.93%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	42	02	522	566
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	09	02	14	25
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	16	00	02	18
4. Subtotal	67	04	538	609
5. None of the above	09	00	00	09
6. Subtotal	76	04	538	618
7. Nonrespondent	11	00	01	12
8. Total	87	04	539	630
9. Performance on this measure	67.11%	100%	99.44%	95.48%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	399	32	183	614
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	38	03	00	41
Subtotal	437	35	183	655
Have not made a decision	12	00	03	15
Subtotal	449	35	186	670
Nonrespondent	05	01	01	07
Total	454	36	187	677
Performance on this measure	97.33%	100%	98.39%	97.76%
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	99.57%	95%	Met
Response Rate	99.11%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	170
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	125
Representatives of Education	1,354
Representatives of Employment	89
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	207
Representatives of Community Living	211
Representatives of Technology	103
Unable to Categorize	58
TOTAL	2,317

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
2,109	204	04	2,317

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	1,595
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	58
Combination of any/all of the above	611
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	25
Transition	28
Total	2,317

C. Description of Training Activities

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

State AT Act partner agency, the NEAT Center, offered a webinar to 13 participants that included representatives of technology, allied health and education. Many clinicians turned to Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) emulators or other mirroring software when services quickly shifted from in person to the virtual formats. As in person services working with students or adults resumed, AAC emulators continued to be very useful. They can be used to make changes to a device, create visuals, and provide staff training. Thankfully, many emulators are free! Participants learned which AAC emulators are available on Windows versus macOS devices, where to download the software, and the basics of how to use them. Software and apps that were reviewed and trained on included TD Snap, NuVoice (CoreScanner), Empower (Unity and LAMP WFL), Chat Editor (TouchChat), and Proloquo2Go

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

State AT Act partner agency, EASTCONN, provided training to the entire 6th grade team of educators in a public school on Read & Write for Google, to utilize with one targeted student (based on the results of the student's Assistive Technology evaluation). The positive impact of this training was that not only would the one individual student benefit from the educators learning how to use the software and provide any needed supports, but any 6th grade student who might benefit from the Google Chrome extension to assist with increasing independence with reading, writing, and organization will benefit from the knowledge the educators received by participating in this training. Additionally, the participants of this training can share what they've learned with their peer educators to support students in other grades as well, creating a wide ranging impact for students in that school district.

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

State AT Act partner agency, the NEAT Center, offered a 2-part series of live webinars on "How to create accessible documents and PDFs" to 16 participants from various backgrounds including individuals with disabilities, allied health, representatives of education, community living, technology and employment. Attendees were eager to build their digital accessibility skills. Some unique feedback from the survey question "What did you like about this training?" included: - It made me more aware of accessibility needs and that the tasks needed to be done to make things accessible are complex. - It was incredibly thorough. Steve does a fantastic job of going through the process step by step. Everyone should be required to take an accessibility training from him! - Very tangible skills that are relevant to my job responsibilities. Taught by an individual with lived experience. Experience the actual tools during training. - Obtained new skill on how to create documents to the organization's constituents, as well as assist my son with skills that he will be able to utilize in the education and workplace setting. - Gave me exactly what I wanted to learn!

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	18
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	03
No known outcome at this time	04
Nonrespondent	00
Total	25
Performance Measure Percentage	84%
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	05%
Employment	60%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	05%
Community Living	15%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	15%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

CT state Assistive Technology Act program has been providing guidance and technical assistance to the CT state Library system and the CT state Library & Partners Digital Equity Initiative by participating in monthly meetings and presenting at said meetings on how the CT AT Act Program programs and services can benefit libraries and their patrons. Emphasis placed on upcoming Digital Divide Coordinators who can assist in training library staff on how best to support their patrons who are aging or have disabilities. Part of this TA includes providing input on the 5 year state plan on Digital Equity. This high impact TA has the ability to impact libraries throughout the state, to help increase knowledge and skills of library staff and reach library patrons directly who may not otherwise be aware of the AT Act program.

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

CT state Assistive Technology Act program has been actively involved in provide technical assistance to the CT state unit on aging as they pursue and purchase a virtual senior center platform to allow aging individuals wo receive senior services via virtual programming and through technology. The AT Act Program Director played a direct role in raising awareness of the accessibility needs of such a platform, reviewing and testing platforms and participating in demonstrations of platforms with the focus of accessibility to users with disabilities and who may be using adaptive software, apps or hardware.

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. Two CT state Assistive Technology Act partners, EASTCONN and CREC, oversee an Assistive Technology & Transition Community of Practice. The quarterly 3 hour meetings have been held virtually with participants that include Assistive Technology professionals, educators, representatives of the state Department of Education, and other specialists such as Speech and Language Professionals, Occupational and Physical therapists, special educators and others who are interested in the topics. Topics covered range from general Assistive Technology (AT) in the classroom, AT devices for specific disabilities and barriers, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), AT for vocational settings, and to enhance student independence. Over 30 individuals participate in each quarterly session which are extremely interactive and include real student scenarios.

2. CT state Assistive Technology Act partner ATECH held an in person conference on July 18, 2022 "Navigating the Journey to Independence" that focused on how to increase independence for individuals with disabilities in CT through Assistive Technology. Several other AT Act partners presented individual sessions throughout the day on Smart Home technology, Assistive Technology for employment, ADA and reasonable accommodations, along with specifically helping individuals with development disabilities and those entities who serve them rethink services through remote monitoring technologies and other AT solutions. AT Act Program Director hosted a session on smartphone and tablet apps as AT. The conference had approximately 200 attendees and about 15 exhibitors.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	256	37	293
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	177	28	205
Representative of Education	169	05	174
Representative of Employment	114	00	114
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	55	04	59
Representative of Community Living	2,418	25	2,443
Representative of Technology	171	00	171
Unable to Categorize	957	01	958
Total	4,317	100	4,417

Referral Types:

Due to the downturn in numbers of individuals applying for AT Loans our Processing Technician has begun to schedule Outreach Activities on a regular basis to generate interest in our programs and services. We expect this strategy to result in greater number of applications for alternative financing but also for other AT Act services. Additionally, AT Act Program Director has resumed in person Public Awareness Activities to generate awareness and increase the number of individuals and entities reaching out to us. One unique strategy are we’ve implemented is working closely with the CT State Library System, along with collaborating closely with our State Unit on Aging and Ombudsman’s office and the Centers for Independent Living.

Referral Sources:

Because of the relationship between the state AT Act program and our Vocational Rehabilitation agency, referrals for AT services have been historically from employment related agencies (82 out of 4411). However, as a result of previous grant establishment short term programs, such as the Reeves Foundation Grant we have seen a slight increase in referrals from health care facilities (26), as the state AT Act program partnered with 2 hospitals in CT. Additionally, due to our collaboration, through CARES Act funding, with our State Unit on Aging, the Centers for Independent Living and Area Agencies on Aging, we have seen an increase in referrals from community service and other disability agencies (219). Our community AT Partners each have their own niche for receiving referrals, many are primarily from educators and schools (148) as well as other state agencies. However, it seems the primary way individuals and entities learn of AT Act services is via our website and other entity website

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?

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?

The CT state Assistive Technology Act program has been actively collaborating with the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS) on their Assistive Technology initiatives to serve and support their consumers with intellectual disabilities. This is completely funded by DDS with the AT Act Program Director's input, guidance and Technical Assistance.

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.

This is an ongoing collaboration with the AT Act Program Director working closely with DDS Assistive Technology point person to review initiatives, brainstorm and plan out how we can better work together for the betterment of DDS consumers and residents of our state. As a result of our collaborations, DDS is implementing several initiatives including the AT and Me program which will provide 200 backpacks of AT equipment and mainstream technology to DDS consumers who will be trained on how to use the equipment and then they will be required to train 2 other individuals, who will also receive backpacks of equipment.

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

Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Technical Assistance;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

The CT state Assistive Technology Act Program Director has been actively collaborating with the CT state Library Systems to help impact their Digital Equity initiatives and programming. As part of this collaboration, the AT Act Program Director is participating in monthly planning meetings, has presented on how our programs and services can benefit the state libraries and their patrons. Activities thus far have included presentations and participation in the first Digital Equity Week kick off conference as well as monthly meetings with state library system and multiple local libraries. No AT Act funding has been used for this TA. Program Director has provided guidance and Technical Assistance.

Awareness of AT Act services and programs has been increased. Ground work has been laid for future direct partnerships and mutual programming. Local libraries have begun to reach out to the AT Act Program and our partner agencies for additional public awareness activities at their local libraries to reach their staff and patrons.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Demonstration; Training; 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?

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
Public/State Agency	$54,465	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Public/State Agency	$11,833	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Federal	$26,489	Device Loan	True
Public/State Agency	$35,500	Demonstration	True
Federal	$52,975	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$54,464	Device Loan	True
Public/State Agency	$108,929	Demonstration	True
Federal	$35,317	Training	True
Federal	$10,000	Reuse	True
Federal	$26,487	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Federal	$117,156	State Financing	True
Federal	$35,317	Demonstration	True
	Amount: $568,932

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

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.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY22 (9/30/2022) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY22 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY22, but plan to expend funding in FY23 and/or FY24
We expended some of all of this funding in FY22 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY22:

$0.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

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 16:27:58 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)