Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | No |
---|---|
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | No |
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 |
---|
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 | 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 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | NaN% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
Satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | NaN% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | NaN% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | NaN% |
Total Surveyed | 00 | |
Response rate % | NaN% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 00 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 90 |
C. Total | 90 |
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 | 90 |
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 | 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 |
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 | $5,890 | $0 | $5,890 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | $900 | $0 | $900 |
Daily Living | 05 | $17,140 | $0 | $17,140 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 81 | $34,830 | $0 | $34,830 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 90 | $58,760 | $0 | $58,760 |
We had a client with a TBI who had been waiting on services through another source to obtain a ramp for his home. He wasn't able to leave his residence, and was in desperate need. We'd received a donated modular ramp in excellent condition that we were able to transport from one home to his.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 04 | 00 | 08 | 12 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 75 | 00 | 00 | 75 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
4. Subtotal | 81 | 00 | 09 | 90 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 81 | 00 | 09 | 90 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 81 | 00 | 09 | 90 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 90 | 100% |
Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 90 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Our recipient number is roughly equal to number of devices reutilized due to our computer refurbishment program. Each individual participant receives one refurbished PC.
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 95 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 03 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 07 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 12 |
Total | 117 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 76 | 08 | 84 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 12 | 04 | 16 |
Representative of Education | 06 | 10 | 16 |
Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representatives of Community Living | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 95 | 22 | 117 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 45 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 33 | 04 | 37 |
Hearing | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Speech Communication | 12 | 11 | 23 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 16 | 06 | 22 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 24 | 03 | 27 |
Daily Living | 10 | 01 | 11 |
Environmental Adaptations | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Computers and Related | 03 | 01 | 04 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 102 | 26 | 128 |
A community client visited the Technology Assistive Device Center seeking assistance with AT. He was diagnosed with cancer in June 2020 and in November 2020 had a total laryngectomy, leaving him unable to produce a voice. After going through extensive treatments, hospitalizations and therapy he visited the TAD Center at the suggestion of his speech-language pathologist. Since his laryngectomy his only method of communication has been writing, gestures, texting and lip movements. This could be extremely difficult due to muscle weakness from his cancer treatment. It was also next to impossible to call someone from another room or communicate while riding in a car. During a demonstration at the TAD Center, he was intuitive with many communication devices, but he found the Accent 1000 to be the most helpful for him. Once comfortable with the device he immediately said, "I love you" to his wife, something that he hadn't been able to do in two years. As paperwork was being prepared by the staff speech-language pathologist for insurance funding he asked, "can I just have this one?" We were delighted to let him know that we could loan him the device until he was able to get the funding for his own. When asked what it meant for him to have received the communication device on loan his wife said, "it has been totally awesome to have this device. The smile on his face is worth a thousand words. When we travel we can actually have a conversation. Thank you a thousand times." Most of us can't imagine suddenly losing our ability to speak, but thanks to Project START and the TAD Center this client has a new voice.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 28 | 00 | 63 | 91 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 03 | 00 | 01 | 04 |
Subtotal | 31 | 00 | 64 | 95 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Subtotal | 31 | 00 | 64 | 95 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 31 | 00 | 64 | 95 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 06 | 00 | 04 | 10 |
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. | 09 | 00 | 03 | 12 |
4. Subtotal | 15 | 00 | 07 | 22 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 15 | 00 | 07 | 22 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 15 | 00 | 07 | 22 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 113 | 96.58% |
Satisfied | 04 | 3.42% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 117 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 02 |
Hearing | 02 |
Speech Communication | 55 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 |
Daily Living | 01 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 00 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 |
Total # of Device Demonstrations | 62 |
Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 32 | 25 | 57 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 28 | 36 | 64 |
Representatives of Education | 02 | 18 | 20 |
Representatives of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00 | 01 | 01 |
Representative of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 62 | 80 | 142 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 00 |
Service Provider | 00 |
Vendor | 00 |
Repair Service | 00 |
Others | 00 |
Total | 00 |
A mother and her 9 year old daughter came to the lab to demo different devices. Dakota has Dandy Walker syndrome as well as dyslexia, sensory issues, dexterity and grip issues and trouble reading. We worked with Dakota on a C Pen reader which she was successful using during the demo process. She also tried many different sensory items, and they decided on a weighted lap pad to try to see if it helped her sit still and focus on her task at hand. She was also very interested in switch operated toys. She borrowed a gel pad tic tac toe game to be able to interact with siblings in a different way at home. Dakota’s mother found our program online, and she wasn’t familiar with any type of AT available for her daughter. They thoroughly enjoyed their visit, and we look forward to seeing how we can continue to help them.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 40 | 01 | 09 | 50 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 03 | 00 | 02 | 05 |
Subtotal | 43 | 01 | 11 | 55 |
Have not made a decision | 04 | 01 | 02 | 07 |
Subtotal | 47 | 02 | 13 | 62 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 47 | 02 | 13 | 62 |
Performance on this measure | 91.49% | 50% | 84.62% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 42 | 29.58% |
Satisfied | 88 | 61.97% |
Satisfied somewhat | 12 | 8.45% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 142 | |
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. | 10 | 00 | 12 | 22 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 75 | 00 | 00 | 75 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 11 | 00 | 04 | 15 |
4. Subtotal | 96 | 00 | 16 | 112 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 96 | 00 | 16 | 112 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 96 | 00 | 16 | 112 |
9. Performance on this measure | 88.54% | NaN% | 75% | 86.61% |
ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 68 | 01 | 72 | 141 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 06 | 00 | 03 | 09 |
Subtotal | 74 | 01 | 75 | 150 |
Have not made a decision | 04 | 01 | 02 | 07 |
Subtotal | 78 | 02 | 77 | 157 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 78 | 02 | 77 | 157 |
Performance on this measure | 94.87% | 50% | 97.4% | 95.54% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 96.56% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 56 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 04 |
Representatives of Education | 74 |
Representatives of Employment | 38 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 54 |
Representatives of Community Living | 00 |
Representatives of Technology | 00 |
Unable to Categorize | 57 |
TOTAL | 283 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
109 | 174 | 00 | 283 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 268 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 00 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 00 |
Transition | 15 |
Total | 283 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Project START partnered with Mississippi State University's Department of Kinesiology to provide a camp training on how to ride an adaptive bicycle. The camp uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheeled bicycle independently. An adaptive bike allows those with limited mobility to experience the joy and freedom of bike riding while providing a safe way to exercise and increase muscle strength and tone. Over the course of the week we continually adjust the bikes in an effort to challenge riders appropriately as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. In one week approximately 80% of the participants will learn to use the AT and ultimately decided to purchase a modified bicycle of their own.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
PRC-Saltillo provided LAMP Words for Life for Accent: Vocabulary Review, Programming and Basic Implementation product training. Participants learned about LAMP Words for Life as well as programming, customizing and basic implementation of the vocabulary. Hands-on practice with the vocabulary was also provided.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
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 | 00 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 00 |
Performance Measure Percentage | NaN% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Not Met |
Education | 50% |
---|---|
Employment | 00% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 50% |
Community Living | 00% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 00% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Project START provided technical assistance to the Mississippi Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER). During a virtual meeting we provided professionals with a direct problem-solving service by sharing Tech Act Grant info for their development for involving Project START in their future planning.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Project START met with a junior level college course to provide information on assistive technology to pre physical and occupational therapy students. These future graduates were excited to learn about the endless possibilities using assistive technology in their chosen career path.
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. In 2022 the Mississippi disAbility Mega Conference returned to an in-person event in Central MS that brings together people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, students, professionals, and others. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to share our products and services with approximately 250 attendees. This is a day and half event where Project START is set up to share information on how to receive services as well as have equipment on site to display. This event also allows us to spread public awareness to other agencies/companies who invite us to be a part of more conferences.
2. The MS Department of Human and Cultural Services Senior Service Division invited Project START to exhibit at their Annual Senior Health and Wellness Fair. This event provides the elderly and disabled community in our capital city and surrounding areas to have access to free screenings, vaccines, medical and social service information and organizations to share resources for disability needs. This event resulted in referrals to our program as well as future partnerships with other state agencies such as MS Department of Transportation to increase awareness of public transportation for individuals with disabilities.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Representative of Education | 12 | 00 | 12 |
Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representative of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Representative of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 18 | 00 | 18 |
Project START partnered with The Mississippi Hearing-Vision Project led by University of Southern Mississippi on assistance with teachers, administrators and families of persons who are blind, deaf or deafblind. We provided advice and direction to mostly educators, including certified teachers of students with visual impairments, hearing impairments or deafblind and special education teachers on the statewide services we provide as well as how we can refer them to Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services for a more permanent solution to AT needs in the classroom. This led to an increase in referrals from educators on devices for classrooms.
We've increased our participation with more rural school districts which has resulted in more referrals from educators and special education teachers.
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?
Project START collaborated with The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) providing funding for a brand-new motor-sensory room and loan library for their Gulf Coast location. The Children's Center is a non-profit with locations on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses of USM, through which they provide cost-free therapy for children age 0-5 with complex disabilities on a sensory room. The Children’s Center sees first-hand the difference that motor and sensory rooms can make in a child’s life. Therapy does not end when the child leaves the Center or when the therapist leaves his/her home, and the existence of a loan library helps the families continue meeting their child’s specific needs far beyond when the session ends. Nearly all of the children served out of The Children’s Center’s Gulf Park location are identified as having sensory differences and/or motor delays or disabilities. Thanks to the partnership with Mississippi’s Project START, they now have a custom-designed, state of the art motor-sensory room within the Center. That combined with the new loan library will undoubtedly increase the efficacy of the therapy received by The Children’s Center’s children for years to come.
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.
Approximately 77 children from the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Stone, George and Pearl River Counties) have benefitted from the specialized equipment provided by Project START. This specialized equipment stimulates the development of motor, language, self-help, cognitive, and social emotional skills while engaging the child in fun, interactive play. The Children’s Center is committed to providing communicative and developmental transdisciplinary services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while educating, training and supporting families, university students, and professionals. The specialized equipment provided by the partnership with Project START enables the children and families to grow in each needed area in a safe space with qualified therapist to guide them. The sensory wall allowed each child’s parent in the room to be guided on the needs of their child, learning how to continue to stimulate their child in the home, and cheering on their child’s success! The funding provided for the sensory room was a one-time event, but the continued success of reaching children and parents will last for years to come.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Community Participation and Integration;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration;
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 |
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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 16:32:23 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)