Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | Yes |
---|---|
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
Area of Residence | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
Approved Loan made | 39 | 00 | 39 |
Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Rejected | 04 | 00 | 04 |
Total | 43 | 00 | 43 |
Lowest Income: | $6,348 | Highest Income: | $117,000 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$1,851,346 | 39 | $47,470 |
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 | 10 | 09 | 03 | 02 | 05 | 10 | 39 |
Percentage of Loans | 25.64% | 23.08% | 7.69% | 5.13% | 12.82% | 25.64% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 19 | 48.72% |
Partnership Loans | ||
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 12 | 30.77% |
With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
With loan guarantee only | 08 | 20.51% |
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
Total | 39 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 19 | $33,774 |
Partnership Loans | 20 | $608,471 |
Total | 39 | $642,245 |
Lowest | 0% |
---|---|
Highest | 4% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
75 | 39 | 1.92307692307692% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 19 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 20 |
4.1% to 6.0% | 00 |
6.1% to 8.0% | 00 |
8.1% - 10.0% | 00 |
10.1%-12.0% | 00 |
12.1%-14.0% | 00 |
14.1% + | 00 |
Total | 39 |
Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Vision | 01 | $1,600 |
Hearing | 08 | $16,735 |
Speech communication | 01 | $300 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 04 | $17,634 |
Daily living | 00 | $0 |
Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 23 | $602,276 |
Computers and related | 02 | $3,700 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
Total | 39 | $642,245 |
Number Loans in default | 00 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
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 |
---|
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
John was living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and dependent full-time on a power wheelchair. His leg muscles were atrophying, he had poor circulation, muscle spasms, edema, and used so much energy that whenever he wanted to leave home, he was already worn out. After extensive personal research, including discussions with friends and experts, it became clear to John that he needed to find a way to engage in regular daily exercise. After a lot of research, including reading multiple studies on how regular exercise may improve his quality of life while living with MS, John had a clear vision of what he needed to improve his overall health. John determined that the MYLOYN MyoCycle Home, an accessible FDA-cleared product to prevent muscle atrophy, reduce spasms, and increase blood flow, was what he needed. Unable to pay out-of-pocket without causing a financial hardship to himself, John explored a lot of possible options, including commercial personal loans with short payoff periods and high interest rates. John was worried that his budget would be spread too thin. As a responsible consumer, he was terrified of adding a large monthly expense to his existing medical expenses and student loan debt. Once John discovered the Mass Alternative Financing Program, he promptly submitted an application and was approved within four days with a low interest rate and payments spread over five years. John was able to purchase the MYLOYN MyoCycle Home, and as a result, he was able to meet his vision and begin his independent journey to an improved quality of life!
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 01 | 07 | 31 | 39 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
4. Subtotal | 01 | 07 | 31 | 39 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 01 | 07 | 31 | 39 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 01 | 07 | 31 | 39 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 39 | 100% |
Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 39 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 141 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 1,819 |
C. Total | 1,960 |
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 | 1,960 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
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 | 01 | $75 | $0 | $75 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 141 | $35,565 | $0 | $35,565 |
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 | 142 | $35,640 | $0 | $35,640 |
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 | 02 | $647 | $0 | $647 |
Hearing | 14 | $3,913 | $0 | $3,913 |
Speech Communication | 01 | $54 | $0 | $54 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 11 | $3,967 | $0 | $3,967 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 1,170 | $1,837,380 | $3 | $1,837,377 |
Daily Living | 624 | $293,861 | $0 | $293,861 |
Environmental Adaptations | 01 | $211 | $0 | $211 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 43 | $15,448 | $0 | $15,448 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 1,866 | $2,155,481 | $3 | $2,155,478 |
A spinal cord injury resulted in a 56-year-old man being unable to walk more than a few feet, and then with much pain. His situation was further complicated by being homeless. A local Housing Authority was able to provide him with an apartment. The Housing Authority manager reached out to the DME REquipment Program for assistance in providing a solution to his mobility needs. REquipment was able to provide him with a power wheelchair for use in his home and community. The cost to purchase this item would have been almost $22,000. According to the Housing Authority Manager, because of the wheelchair received from the Requipment Program, the gentleman’s life will be forever changed. He will now be able to join others for trips to the store, lunch, and other activities in and around the community.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 25 | 07 | 1,404 | 1,436 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 06 | 00 | 190 | 196 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 02 | 01 | 231 | 234 |
4. Subtotal | 33 | 08 | 1,825 | 1,866 |
5. None of the above | 02 | 02 | 88 | 92 |
6. Subtotal | 35 | 10 | 1,913 | 1,958 |
7. Nonrespondent | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
8. Total | 37 | 10 | 1,913 | 1,960 |
9. Performance on this measure | 89.19% | 80% | 95.4% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 1,717 | 87.6% |
Satisfied | 241 | 12.3% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 0.1% |
Total Surveyed | 1,960 | |
Response rate % | 99.9% |
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 319 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 35 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 78 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 35 |
Total | 467 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 55 | 52 | 107 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 82 | 40 | 122 |
Representative of Education | 77 | 10 | 87 |
Representative of Employment | 02 | 01 | 03 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 45 | 30 | 75 |
Representatives of Community Living | 07 | 02 | 09 |
Representatives of Technology | 51 | 13 | 64 |
Total | 319 | 148 | 467 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 50 | 25 | 75 |
Hearing | 18 | 15 | 33 |
Speech Communication | 84 | 34 | 118 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 67 | 35 | 102 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 25 | 51 | 76 |
Daily Living | 81 | 60 | 141 |
Environmental Adaptations | 27 | 16 | 43 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 10 | 02 | 12 |
Computers and Related | 177 | 66 | 243 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 04 | 09 | 13 |
Total | 543 | 313 | 856 |
An individual named Sean was looking for a way to be more independent when it came to eating. Sean is 32 and has Cerebral Palsy. He is in a powerchair and has extremely limited mobility in his upper extremities. Sean came to the ATRC in Pittsfield after he had heard about it through one of his Personal Care Attendant (PCAs). Sean contacted the AT center and promptly spoke with an AT specialist. Sean told the specialist he was tired of having someone always sitting next to him and feeding him during meals. After being shown two different possible options to address his situation, Sean immediately identified the Obi Self-Feeder as a device worth trying. As the AT center in Western Massachusetts did not have one in stock to loan to Sean, they made arrangements to borrow one from the partner center in Eastern Massachusetts and delivered it to Sean’s home. The AT specialist showed Sean how simple the feeder is to operate and for the first time in his life, Sean ate at his own pace without the need of someone at his side. Following the successful trial, Sean was referred to a service coordinator, in hopes to acquire the device permanently.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 175 | 08 | 76 | 259 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 21 | 03 | 24 | 48 |
Subtotal | 196 | 11 | 100 | 307 |
Have not made a decision | 06 | 00 | 03 | 09 |
Subtotal | 202 | 11 | 103 | 316 |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
Total | 204 | 11 | 104 | 319 |
Performance on this measure | 97.03% | 100% | 97.09% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 23 | 00 | 45 | 68 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 27 | 06 | 34 | 67 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 03 | 01 | 08 | 12 |
4. Subtotal | 53 | 07 | 87 | 147 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 53 | 07 | 87 | 147 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
8. Total | 53 | 08 | 87 | 148 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 458 | 98.07% |
Satisfied | 05 | 1.07% |
Satisfied somewhat | 02 | 0.43% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 0.43% |
Total Surveyed | 467 | |
Response rate % | 99.57% |
A consumer who is blind and teaches in a high school borrowed the OrCam to see if it would help her grade papers for work. She also wanted to see if it would help with her orientation and mobility. The consumer borrowed the device for a few weeks and found it extremely useful for both activities. She extended the initial loan while she waited for help with funding to purchase one for herself. Having the OrCam device on loan made it possible for her to continue to work without missing time or needing extra help. She reported that use of the device increased her confidence tremendously.
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 29 |
Hearing | 16 |
Speech Communication | 29 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 24 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 11 |
Daily Living | 28 |
Environmental Adaptations | 26 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 31 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 03 |
Total # of Device Demonstrations | 197 |
Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 69 | 16 | 85 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 23 | 31 | 54 |
Representatives of Education | 17 | 53 | 70 |
Representatives of Employment | 03 | 01 | 04 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 36 | 144 | 180 |
Representative of Community Living | 23 | 36 | 59 |
Representative of Technology | 26 | 09 | 35 |
Total | 197 | 290 | 487 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 128 |
Service Provider | 76 |
Vendor | 185 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 01 |
Total | 390 |
A father of a 17 year old foster son that is nonverbal was referred to the Assistive Technology Regional Center in Boston because he was looking for a way to communicate with his son. The son has never had a method of communication before. According to his speech therapist, “he has been making choices by looking at picture cards I printed out at home.” His SLP thought he would be successful with an eyegaze device so they borrowed a Tobii from the center to trial. The SLP also suggested the need for something to mount the device on for easy access to the Tobii. The family was made aware of multiple mounting options including a floor mount. As a result of the device demonstration and subsequent loan, the father said, “this loan provided my son the access to communicate and have his needs met. For the first time in 17 years, he is able to ask for what he wants and express his likes and dislikes.”
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 38 | 11 | 78 | 127 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 01 | 01 | 06 | 08 |
Subtotal | 39 | 12 | 84 | 135 |
Have not made a decision | 13 | 10 | 39 | 62 |
Subtotal | 52 | 22 | 123 | 197 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 52 | 22 | 123 | 197 |
Performance on this measure | 75% | 54.55% | 68.29% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 469 | 96.3% |
Satisfied | 18 | 3.7% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 487 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 49 | 14 | 1,480 | 1,543 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 33 | 06 | 224 | 263 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 05 | 02 | 239 | 246 |
4. Subtotal | 87 | 22 | 1,943 | 2,052 |
5. None of the above | 02 | 02 | 88 | 92 |
6. Subtotal | 89 | 24 | 2,031 | 2,144 |
7. Nonrespondent | 02 | 01 | 00 | 03 |
8. Total | 91 | 25 | 2,031 | 2,147 |
9. Performance on this measure | 90.11% | 83.33% | 83.9% | 84.16% |
ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 213 | 19 | 154 | 386 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 22 | 04 | 30 | 56 |
Subtotal | 235 | 23 | 184 | 442 |
Have not made a decision | 19 | 10 | 42 | 71 |
Subtotal | 254 | 33 | 226 | 513 |
Nonrespondent | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
Total | 256 | 33 | 227 | 516 |
Performance on this measure | 92.52% | 69.7% | 81.42% | 86.16% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.93% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 99.86% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 122 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 14 |
Representatives of Education | 83 |
Representatives of Employment | 200 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 344 |
Representatives of Community Living | 133 |
Representatives of Technology | 27 |
Unable to Categorize | 01 |
TOTAL | 924 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
924 | 00 | 00 | 924 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 511 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 09 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 300 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 85 |
Transition | 19 |
Total | 924 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
A Registered Nurse borrowed one of the pressure mapping systems from the Assistive Technology Regional Center in Boston to conduct a training with the nursing staff at a nursing facility. She was looking to teach them the importance of correct seating and positioning. The pressure mapping was a great visual display to provide education on what happens when an individual is not sitting correctly and or on the right cushion. The training was a success and they were all able to better understand the importance of proper seating and positioning thanks to the visual demo.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
A Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) borrowed 15 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices from the Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC in Worcester, MA to use as part of a school staff AT workshop. Among the items borrowed were iPads with at least three different AAC apps loaded on them and one Accent 1400 speech generating device. The different AAC hardware and software applications allowed training participants to get hands-on experience with Touch Chat HD, Lamp and Proloquo2Go AAC apps. In addition to learning about AT in general, participants were able to develop empathy for what it's like to use AAC to communicate since they each had their own device during the session. Participants reported that the training was engaging and that they felt more empowered to teach communication skills to their students who need and/or can benefit from using AAC.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
In FY22, Massachusetts provided a series of trainings that addressed the topic of accessibility, especially document accessibility. The sessions were provided to a general audience, including MRC staff. The goal of the series was to ensure that participants were aware of the problems that inaccessible documents cause for individuals with disabilities. Participants were also thought how to create accessible documents as well as how to remediate inaccessible ones.
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 | 80 |
No known outcome at this time | 05 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 85 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 94.1% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 27% |
---|---|
Employment | 00% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 08% |
Community Living | 42% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 23% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
During FY23, the MassMATCH Program collaborated with the MetroWest Independent Living Center (MWCIL) on a major accessible website project. Kobena Bonney, the Massachusetts AT Act Program Coordinator collaborated with Sue Roark, MWCIL’s Webmaster on a COVID19 Resource Website she was working on. MWCIL is one of the 10 Independent Living Center (ILCs) in Massachusetts. The COVID Resource Project was to build a new and accessible website where folks in and around Metrowest Boston, especially individuals with disabilities could go to find useful and accessible information about COVID vaccines. The range of information the website provided included how to locate pharmacies where they could go to get COVID vaccines, detailed information about the pharmacy, as well as information on how to make online reservation for the vaccine. https://mwcil.org/vaccination-sites-in-metrowest/
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
During the 2022 federal fiscal year, the staff at the MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Center (ATRC) in Pittsfield, MA, operated by UCP of Western Massachusetts provided technical assistance services to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). The goal of the Technical Assistance engagement was to advice the school on issues to consider in designing their own AT center that will be available to all students with disabilities at any time. As part of the engagement, the ATRC staff provided more than 80 hours of consultation to MCLA personnel. As a result of the technical assistance services the ATRC provided, the Mass College of Liberal Arts successfully applied for and received a substantial grant award to fund the proposed AT center. As of the end of the 2022 fiscal year, plans are underway to establish the center in FY23.
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. On August 18, 2022, The Massachusetts AT Program - MassMATCH participated in a statewide conference hosted by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) in collaboration with other sister state agencies. The event was titled “Explore Possibility Summit" and was held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, MA. The purpose of the conference was to bring together providers of services to the disability community as well as individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and other stakeholders. The event fostered a learning environment for attendees, offering diverse workshops to help them understand resources, services, and tools that were available from MRC and its statewide partners. MassMATCH and its partner AT service providers set-up exhibitor tables to disseminate information about AT services available across the Commonwealth. In addition, the AT staff hosted a workshop to address the importance of Assistive Technology devices and services in the lives of individuals with disabilities and answer audience questions. Other highlights of the conference included the following: • Live Assistive Technology demos, including adaptive van demonstrations • Over 23 different Exhibitors, including many state agencies and private non-profit service providers • Workshops by MRC experts on embracing the modern world of work • Disability Lived Experience Panel • Independent Living Opportunities • Career Development Opportunities As a result of its participation in the Explore Possibility Summit, the MassMATCH Program was able to reach more than 350 unique individuals who were able to learn about AT programs and services in Massachusetts. "I'm so thrilled with how the Summit went," said Amanda Baczko, MRC's Director of Individual and Family Engagement, who led the way in planning the event. "We were so fortunate to connect our agency with the people we serve. We put a lot of thought into the topics, activities, providers, and speakers for the Summit, and we received great feedback throughout the day. It's exciting to be able to offer an event like this and create a safe and engaging space for people with disabilities.” https://www.mass.gov/news/mrcs-inaugural-explore-possibility-summit-a-success
2.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 109 | 46 | 155 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 505 | 37 | 542 |
Representative of Education | 42 | 01 | 43 |
Representative of Employment | 11 | 02 | 13 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 80 | 08 | 88 |
Representative of Community Living | 42 | 26 | 68 |
Representative of Technology | 47 | 00 | 47 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 836 | 120 | 956 |
While we had anecdotal information suggesting a change in the types of people who sought information and assistance services from MassMATCH and our partner programs, we are unable to reliably quantify that change. We hope to be able to do so in the FY23 APR.
The bulk of the referrals we received came from two primary sources. One source was Mass Rehabilitation Commission area offices. The other was from the 10 Independent Living Centers across the Commonwealth. This was partly the result of specific targetted outreach efforts carried out by Mass Rehab Commission as well as the various partners in connection with a series of AT related activities in the previous fiscal year. They included an AT conference in September 2021 as well as multiple AT workshops for MRC and ILC staff across the state.
Even though we have started collecting information about referrals sources from individuals who contact the State AT Program directly or through our contractors, along the way, we needed to tweak our data collection tool to make it more robust. as such we are unable to fully validate this year's Information and Assistance data especially regarding the referral sources and rates of increase. We anticipate a change in FY23.
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 |
---|
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 FY22, MassMATCH, the Massachusetts AT Program played an important role in a major collaborative effort among Massachusetts state agencies that serve individuals with disabilities and older adults. The thrust of the collaboration was to bring together representatives from all the partner state agencies to brainstorm ideas on how best to enhance Assistive Technology services in the commonwealth using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The coordination/collaboration effort, dubbed the “Enabling Member Technology Initiative” was spearheaded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and included representatives from the Executive Office on Elder Affairs(EOEA), the Mass Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), The Mass Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS), the Mass Department of Health (DPH), the Mass Department of Mental Health (DPH), and MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid agency. As a result, a total of 9 separate AT projects valued at approximately $23.5 million have been put in place to serve over an estimated 10,000 individuals with disabilities and older adults for the next 24 months.
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.
Almost all the projects started at the beginning of the 2023 federal fiscal year. As such, we don't have data to report yet. The initiatives are estimated to last till the middle of 2025.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Training; Information & Assistance;
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 |
---|
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
---|
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
---|---|---|---|
State Appropriations | $615,810 | Reuse | True |
Amount: $615,810 |
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:31:43 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)