National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Delaware 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.dati.org
Mailing Address:
210 Hullihen Hall
City:
Newark
State:
DE
Zip Code:
19716
Program Email:
dati-ud@udel.edu
Phone:
800-870-3284
TTY:
800-870-3284

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of Delaware
Mailing Address:
210 Hullihen Hall
City:
Newark
State:
DE
Zip Code:
19716
Program URL:
www.cds.udel.edu

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):
Mineo, Beth
Title:
Project Director
Phone:
302-831-1589
E-mail:
mineo@udel.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Mineo, Beth
Title:
Project Director
Phone:
302-831-1589
E-mail:
mineo@udel.edu
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):
Berdoulay, Allison
Title:
Project Coordinator
Phone:
302-831-3632
E-mail:
aberd@udel.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Roth, Clarissa
Title:
Sr. Contract & Grant Analyst
Phone:
302-831-8626
E-mail:
clarissa@udel.edu

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? No

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? 4
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)3
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served3

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures3

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 4$414
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 11$9,397
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total15$9,811

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Equipment Distribution

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)9
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served9

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures9

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 38$484
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total38$484

Activity 3
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Equipment Distribution

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)4
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served4

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures4

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 4$596
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total4$596

Activity 4
How would you describe this state financing activity?Last resort - Activity

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

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

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

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication14$3,897
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 16$2,701
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total30$6,598



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

With funding from our state Developmental Disabilities Council, we established an equipment distribution program specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities who were experiencing social isolation that could be mitigated through assistive technology. Program recipients typically acquired communication devices or technology systems that enabled them to stay connected to the world around them via telecommunications. In one case, a youngster from the southern part of the state had demonstrated that he could use augmentative communication technology effectively through use of a loaner device, yet his insurance was inactive. Because he and his team were invested in the technology belonging to him—and not to his school—they approached our program. We provided the student with the iPad and AAC app recommended by his speech-language pathologist.

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. 00 00 13 13
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 06 06
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 00 00 20 20
5. None of the above 00 00 03 03
6. Subtotal 00 00 23 23
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 23 23
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 86.96%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 22 95.65%
Satisfied 01 4.35%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 23
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 07
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 00
C. Total 07

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 07

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 05 $554 $2 $552
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 01 $115 $0 $115
Environmental Adaptations 01 $39 $0 $39
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 07 $708 $2 $706

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 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

With the opening of our new Assistive Technology Resource Center in the southern part of the state, we dedicated a segment of the room to promoting our AT Exchange and displaying items available through the Exchange. A self-advocate with visual and motoric limitations who participated in the ribbon-cutting for the new center perused the items available and found two products that would enhance his employment and independent living. He left the center that day with a large universal TV remote control and a talking telephone with a large display and oversize buttons, for a savings of more than $200!

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 05 05
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 05 05
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 00 00 07 07
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 07 07
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 71.43%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 07 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 07
Response rate % 100%

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) 115
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 02
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 04
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 06
Total 127

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 25 01 26
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 15 02 17
Representative of Education 29 09 38
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 46 00 46
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 115 12 127

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 15 04 19
Hearing 07 04 11
Speech Communication 45 12 57
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 28 00 28
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05 02 07
Daily Living 16 03 19
Environmental Adaptations 26 04 30
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 30 28 58
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 39 04 43
Total 211 61 272

E. Anecdote

One of our customers was a teen with intellectual disability who is preparing to attend college next year. In anticipating of needing to be more independent in activities of daily living, she and her family sought equipment that would enable her to take more responsibility for getting up in the morning and being on time for activities. They borrowed an alarm clock with a bed shaker to see if that “extra encouragement” would help with more independence in her morning routine, and it definitely did. Following the conclusion of the loan period, the family purchased the unit.

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 39 03 37 79
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 00 11 15
Subtotal 43 03 48 94
Have not made a decision 10 00 08 18
Subtotal 53 03 56 112
Nonrespondent 02 00 01 03
Total 55 03 57 115
Performance on this measure 81.13% 100% 85.71%

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. 01 00 01 02
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 00 02 10
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 09 00 03 12
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 09 00 03 12
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 09 00 03 12
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 110 86.61%
Satisfied 17 13.39%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 127
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 15
Hearing 03
Speech Communication 09
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 03
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01
Daily Living 05
Environmental Adaptations 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 03
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Device Demonstrations 45

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 23 00 23
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 22 06 28
Representatives of Education 00 02 02
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00 04 04
Representative of Community Living 00 00 00
Representative of Technology 00 03 03
Total 45 15 60

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 05
Service Provider 08
Vendor 10
Repair Service 00
Others 02
Total 25

D. Anecdote

This particular story illustrates how a variety of entities collaborated in support of an excellent customer outcome. We have many older customers who are experiencing progressive vision loss and want to continue to be able to engage with daily responsibilities and leisure pursuits. One of our customers, a gentleman in his 70s from the northern part of the state, wanted a device that would read documents aloud to him. We had an idea of a device that was well-matched with his goals and preferences, but we didn’t have it in our inventory, so we arranged for a vendor to provide the device demonstration. The customer was very eager to acquire one for his personal use. He made application to one of our equipment distribution programs of the “last resort” variety, which meant he needed to show proof that other potential funders had denied his request. His overture to the Lion’s Club—which has collaborated with us on many AT ventures over the years—had an unexpected outcome. The Lion’s Club purchased the device for him!

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 09 01 22 32
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 09 01 22 32
Have not made a decision 03 02 07 12
Subtotal 12 03 29 44
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 12 03 30 45
Performance on this measure 75% 33.33% 73.33%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 54 90%
Satisfied 04 6.67%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 3.33%
Total 60
Response rate % 96.67%

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. 01 00 14 15
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 08 00 13 21
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 09 00 28 37
5. None of the above 00 00 05 05
6. Subtotal 09 00 33 42
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 09 00 33 42
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 81.82% 85.71%
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 48 04 59 111
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 00 11 15
Subtotal 52 04 70 126
Have not made a decision 13 02 15 30
Subtotal 65 06 85 156
Nonrespondent 02 00 02 04
Total 67 06 87 160
Performance on this measure 80% 66.67% 81.4% 80.25%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 100% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.08% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 20
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 00
Representatives of Education 200
Representatives of Employment 00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 14
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 36
TOTAL 275

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
275 00 00 275

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 147
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 28
Combination of any/all of the above 39
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 36
Transition 25
Total 275

C. Description of Training Activities

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

In partnership with the Delaware Department of Education (DOE), the Center for Disabilities Studies offers the Special Education Administrative Leadership (SEAL) Program. It is the state’s only alternative route program for certification as a Special Education Administrator. The 18-month program is comprised of an intensive set of learning experiences including courses, specialty sessions, internships, and an action research project. The DATI director authored the proposal that succeeded in securing U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs funding to launch the program. Specialty session topics were selected to afford SEAL scholars opportunities for much more in-depth exposure to key topics, one of which was assistive technology. In the AT specialty session, an overview of AT-related law was conducted by a staff member from the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), followed by a discussion of barriers to AT access in schools led by the DATI director. In the months following that initial session, The DATI Director offered three subsequent training sessions to familiarize the scholars with policies, procedures and practices that can mitigate those barriers. One of the scholars created a new AT process for her school district based on the information gained, and that individual subsequently was promoted to the position of Special Education Director for that district, giving her additional influence over the manner in which AT devices and services will be provided.

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

The Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) has been a sponsor of the Partners in Policymaking advocacy development program for decades, and DATI routinely participates in the AT module of the training program. DDC also innovated a Partners in Policymaking spin-off, called Junior Partners, that seeks to enhance the advocacy and self-advocacy skill of transition age youth and young adults. DATI offered a training for Junior Partners this year, stressing that their “superpower” in regard to AT access is knowing the policies that govern AT access within the education, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities service system in Delaware. Key elements of these policies were reviewed, and participants were encouraged to share their own experiences with getting and using AT.

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

The Newark Senior Center has an active and engaged computer club that meets regularly to support the growth of computer use within the elderly population. Key to this education is the understanding of built-in tools to support accessibility. Our AT specialist has an ongoing relationship with this group and offers workshops designed to support the use of adaptive tools within the operating ecosystems of both Windows and Mac personal computers as well as smart telephone systems. This workshop regularly serves between 30-50 consumers both in-person and remote.

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 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 36
Nonrespondent 00
Total 36
Performance Measure Percentage 0%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Evaluation data was not collected subsequent to this training.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 97%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 03%
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 continue to operate the Delaware Accessible Instructional Materials Center for Delaware students with print disabilities under contract from the Delaware Department of Education (DOE). Technical assistance was provided to DOE this year with regard to adoption of the language from the Marrekesh Treaty Implementation Act as the state’s new eligibility standard. Delaware had previously created two distinct pathways to eligibility, but as a result of this technical assistance, will now streamline the eligibility process with the adoption of a universal verification form that can be used for all qualifying students.

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

The independent living centers (ILCs) in Delaware have recently become much more engaged in meeting the AT needs of their clients, with particular emphasis on transition-age youth and young adults. We have enjoyed a constructive partnership with one of our ILCs, the Freedom Center, for some time, and this year we provided technical assistance to staff so that they could provide even more effective AT supports. This included training for 13 staff members about the services we provide and about the range of other assistive technology supports available in Delaware. We also provide technical assistance to the Freedom Center as they pursue person-centered AT solutions for those they serve.

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. JPMorganChase has a substantial presence in Delaware and partners with the Center for Disabilities Studies, home to the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative, in funding postsecondary program at the University of Delaware supporting undergraduates with autism. We have partnered for many years with JPMorgan Chase in promoting Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) each spring. This year, we were the featured exhibit at the firm’s GAAD event at a conference center in Wilmington. Approximately 150 attendees learned about DATI services as well as devices that can enhance accessibility.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 63 11 74
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 33 09 42
Representative of Education 26 02 28
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 35 04 39
Representative of Community Living 07 01 08
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 03 00 03
Total 167 27 194

Referral Types:

Because the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative is housed within a UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), we have natural partnerships with the state’s Developmental Disabilities Council and Protection and Advocacy organization (the Disabilities Law Program). Our “DD Network Partners” routinely refer individuals to us, and we in turn engage with them by serving on their advisory bodies and inviting their participation in our AT-related initiatives. We have also had explicit engagement with the state Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. A few years ago, they funded the creation of a specialized inventory in our centers that caters to the needs of older Delawareans, and they frequently refer individuals to use for equipment demonstrations and other DATI services. This year, we also did explicit outreach to the network of senior centers throughout the state, offering to conduct a presentation for their members about AT. Those presentations almost always result in a flurry of new contacts eager to explore ideas shared in our overview.

Referral Sources:

36% of I&A contacts were previous DATI clients. 18% were referred by a personal contact, such as a friends from church, coworkers and relatives. 12% were referred by a medical or rehab facility Within this group, referring entities that were described included Easter Seals, social worker at a children's hospital and a volunteer at a rehab facility. 10% were referred by state agencies such as Division of Services for Aging Adults with Physical Disabilities and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. 4% came from our website, which is up from none the previous year. Included in the 10% that were classified as "other" were agencies like Autism DE, The Hearing Loss Association of Delaware and a nurse at JP Morgan Chase (a financial corporation and large local employer).

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?

In 2016, the legislatively-mandated Delaware Education Technology Task Force issued a report and a host of recommendations, and several of those recommendations called for enhancements to AT services and supports provided within the state’s early intervention and PreK-12 systems. Since that time, we have been in discussion with the Delaware Department of Education to develop a plan for addressing the AT-related recommendations in the report. A three-year plan was proposed in which AT guidance would be developed, with subsequent training offered to educators, administrators, families and students to familiarize them with the guidance. The plan took a back seat to urgent pandemic-related priorities, but has roared back into “action mode” with the award of Congressionally-designated spending (“earmark” funding) to DATI to support the activities. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper were featured at a kick-off event for this work in September 2022. In preparation for the development of guidance, DATI is hosting focus groups about AT issues throughout the state to inform the development of a survey that will be distributed statewide. We collaborated with DDOE personnel in the development of the interview protocol for the focus groups, and DDOE will distribute the survey statewide in Spring 2023.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

We are in the early phase of this collaboration. Outcomes will be reported in subsequent years.

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

Education; Other: Early Intervention;

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

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

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$53,213TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$159,638Technical AssistanceTrue
Federal$23,183Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$18,000Device LoanTrue
Private$45,000Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$4,615Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$1,074TrainingTrue
Federal$21,295State FinancingTrue
Private$550State FinancingTrue
Private$2,394TrainingTrue
Federal$13,176Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$212TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$4,615TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$34,205State FinancingTrue
Federal$10,061Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$3,222Technical AssistanceTrue
Amount: $394,453

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.

The private funding in the amounts of $45,000 and $18,000 were used to upgrade our data collection and reporting system, thus it served all of the state plan activities (we could only select one in the "Use of Funds" dropdown, and we selected "Loan"). The line for $2393.67 is a university contribution towards the director's salary and therefore impacts all activities. Training was selected since we are limited to one selection.


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 16:28:13 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.