National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Mississippi 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Project START
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.msprojectstart.org
Mailing Address:
1281 Highway 51 North
City:
Madison
State:
MS
Zip Code:
39110
Program Email:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov
Phone:
601-853-5248
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1698
City:
Jackson
State:
MS
Zip Code:
39215
Program URL:
www.mdrs.ms.gov

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):
Tucker, Jamie
Title:
Director
Phone:
601-853-5248
E-mail:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Howard, Chris
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
601-853-5200
E-mail:
choward@mdrs.ms.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Tucker, Jamie
Title:
Project START Director
Phone:
601-853-5248
E-mail:
jtucker@mdrs.ms.gov

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Howard, Chris
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
601-853-5200
E-mail:
choward@mdrs.ms.gov

State Financing

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

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

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 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

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 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

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 $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

D. Anecdote

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.

Narrative Picture
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. 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Our recipient number is roughly equal to number of devices reutilized due to our computer refurbishment program. Each individual participant receives one refurbished PC.

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) 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

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 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

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 45

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
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

E. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

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. 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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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 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

B. Types of Participants

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

C. Number of Referrals

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

D. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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. 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

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 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

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 96.56% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
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

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
109 174 00 283

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
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

C. Description of Training Activities

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:

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 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 00
Performance Measure Percentage NaN%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 50%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 50%
Community Living 00%
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:

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.

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. 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.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
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

Referral Types:

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.

Referral Sources:

We've increased our participation with more rural school districts which has resulted in more referrals from educators and special education teachers.

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?

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;

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

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 16:32:23 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.