National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Massachusetts 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Massachusetts Maximizing Assistive Technology in Consumers' Hands (MassMATCH)
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.massmatch.org
Mailing Address:
600 Washington Street
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Zip Code:
02111
Program Email:
info@massmatch.org
Phone:
877-508-3974
TTY:
617-204-3815

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Mailing Address:
600 Washington Street
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Zip Code:
02111
Program URL:
www.massmatch.org

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):
Bonney, Kobena
Title:
MassMATCH AT Program Coordinator
Phone:
617-204-3826
E-mail:
kobena.bonney@mass.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Bonney, Kobena
Title:
MassMATCH Program Coordinator
Phone:
617-204-3826
E-mail:
kobena.bonney@mass.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):
Wolf, Toni
Title:
Commissioner
Phone:
617-204-3600
E-mail:
toni.wolf@mass.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3
Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 39 00 39
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 04 00 04
Total 43 00 43

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $6,348 Highest Income: $117,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$1,851,346 39 $47,470

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less
$15,001-
$30,000
$30,001-
$45,000
$45,001-
$60,000
$60,001-
$75,000
$75,001
or More
Number of Loans 10 09 03 02 05 10 39
Percentage of Loans 25.64% 23.08% 7.69% 5.13% 12.82% 25.64% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
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%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 19 $33,774
Partnership Loans 20 $608,471
Total 39 $642,245

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
75 39 1.92307692307692%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
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

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 $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

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 0


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

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!

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 01 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

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

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 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

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 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

D. Anecdote

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.

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. 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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) 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

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 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

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
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

E. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

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. 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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

I. Notes:

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.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

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

B. Types of Participants

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

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 128
Service Provider 76
Vendor 185
Repair Service 00
Others 01
Total 390

D. Anecdote

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.”

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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. 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

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 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

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.93% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.86% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
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

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
924 00 00 924

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
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

C. Description of Training Activities

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.

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 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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 27%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 08%
Community Living 42%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 23%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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.

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. 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.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
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

Referral Types:

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.

Referral Sources:

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.

Notes:

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 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 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;

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
State Appropriations$615,810ReuseTrue
Amount: $615,810

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


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


Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:31:43 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.