National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Montana 2022
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 07 | 04 | 11 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 07 | 04 | 11 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $9,624 | Highest Income: | $175,980 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $769,397 | 11 | $69,945 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 04 | 00 | 04 | 11 |
| Percentage of Loans | 9.09% | 9.09% | 9.09% | 36.36% | 0% | 36.36% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 11 | 100% |
| Partnership Loans | ||
| Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| With interest buy-down only | 00 | 0% |
| With loan guarantee only | 00 | 0% |
| With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee | 00 | 0% |
| Total | 11 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 11 | $200,999 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 11 | $200,999 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 3.5% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 11 | 3.36363636363636% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 01 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 10 |
| 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 | 11 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 04 | $20,798 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 03 | $38,079 |
| Daily living | 01 | $8,222 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 03 | $133,900 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 11 | $200,999 |
6. 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
In July 2022, a current MATL client unexpectedly passed away due to complications from his MS. He had secured a MATL loan the year before for an accessible van and his mother reached back out to our program coordinator to see if anyone else in the state could benefit from the modified vehicle. It was important to the client's mom that the van go to someone who would benefit and enjoy the freedom that her son did for the time he had access to the van. In just a week, a new client had submitted his application and been approved for the new loan so the vehicle could easily be transferred. This helped remove some stress from the family who lost their son and provided safe and accessible transportation for the new MATL client. The new client plans to use the van to help with his continued employment, get to medical appointments, attend family outings, and enjoy community integration.
E. 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 | 09 | 09 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 10 | 10 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 11 | 11 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 11 | 11 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 90.91% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 11 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 11 | |
| 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 | 05 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 350 |
| C. Total | 355 |
| 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 | 355 |
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
| 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 | $3,600 | $0 | $3,600 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | $4,641 | $0 | $4,641 |
| Daily Living | 01 | $90 | $0 | $90 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | $1,416 | $0 | $1,416 |
| Total | 05 | $9,747 | $0 | $9,747 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| 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 | 32 | $31,330 | $0 | $31,330 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 09 | $3,983 | $0 | $3,983 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 | $25 | $0 | $25 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 331 | $236,298 | $0 | $236,298 |
| Daily Living | 23 | $6,497 | $0 | $6,497 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 02 | $298 | $0 | $298 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | $2,285 | $0 | $2,285 |
| Total | 400 | $280,716 | $0 | $280,716 |
D. Anecdote
M. recently moved with her parents to Montana. The 32-year-old has Down syndrome and was well-supported in Massachusetts. Here? “It was a shocker,” Mom B. says. “Now M. is on a waitlist, likely for 7-10 years. What can she do during the day?” M. did qualify for supported employment services with Vocational Rehabilitation, and that connection brought the two women to MonTECH. “The road led to you guys,” B. recalls. “That was the path, and we took it.” Through MonTECH, M. borrowed an older iPad for a long-term loan. M. can use the iPad and the Work Autonomy app to remember routines and stay on task in her work at a bakery, particularly as supports are cut back.
E. 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. | 36 | 03 | 146 | 185 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 08 | 11 | 145 | 164 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 4. Subtotal | 44 | 14 | 292 | 350 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 01 | 03 | 04 |
| 6. Subtotal | 44 | 15 | 295 | 354 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 8. Total | 44 | 15 | 296 | 355 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 93.33% | 98.65% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 348 | 98.03% |
| Satisfied | 06 | 1.69% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 0.28% |
| Total Surveyed | 355 | |
| Response rate % | 99.72% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 672 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 00 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 04 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 01 |
| Total | 677 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 475 | 02 | 477 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 67 | 01 | 68 |
| Representative of Education | 64 | 01 | 65 |
| Representative of Employment | 03 | 00 | 03 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 60 | 00 | 60 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 03 | 01 | 04 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 672 | 05 | 677 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 213 | 00 | 213 |
| Hearing | 56 | 00 | 56 |
| Speech Communication | 589 | 00 | 589 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 42 | 00 | 42 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 119 | 04 | 123 |
| Daily Living | 313 | 22 | 335 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 12 | 00 | 12 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 230 | 00 | 230 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 107 | 00 | 107 |
| Total | 1,683 | 26 | 1,709 |
E. Anecdote
A family reached out to MonTECH about using an adult-sized stander for their 25-year-old son who was discharged from a rehab facility after a spinal cord injury. They were located in a small town in the northeastern corner of Montana and the therapy clinic nearby did not have this equipment in their inventory. Upon learning that MonTECH had a stander available that they could utilize, the family did not hesitate to make the 6-hour drive overnight to arrive at the office first thing in the morning, pick up the stander, and then turn around and drive right home - all during an unpredictable winter storm. They were obviously willing to do whatever it took to get what their son needed and MonTECH was glad to be able to help. This equipment loan both saved the family and the therapy clinic from having to purchase their own equipment and proved beneficial to our client's recovery.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 106 | 13 | 194 | 313 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 20 | 02 | 39 | 61 |
| Subtotal | 126 | 15 | 233 | 374 |
| Have not made a decision | 39 | 01 | 48 | 88 |
| Subtotal | 165 | 16 | 281 | 462 |
| Nonrespondent | 74 | 11 | 125 | 210 |
| Total | 239 | 27 | 406 | 672 |
| Performance on this measure | 76.36% | 85.47% | 82.92% | |
G. 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. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 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 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 00 | 04 | 05 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 00 | 04 | 05 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 50% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 426 | 62.92% |
| Satisfied | 38 | 5.61% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 02 | 0.3% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 211 | 31.17% |
| Total Surveyed | 677 | |
| Response rate % | 68.83% |
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 | 69 |
| Hearing | 06 |
| Speech Communication | 63 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 52 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 10 |
| Daily Living | 26 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 30 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 07 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 264 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 186 | 31 | 217 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 39 | 125 | 164 |
| Representatives of Education | 18 | 27 | 45 |
| Representatives of Employment | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 17 | 58 | 75 |
| Representative of Community Living | 02 | 12 | 14 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 264 | 256 | 520 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 39 |
| Service Provider | 11 |
| Vendor | 130 |
| Repair Service | 01 |
| Others | 02 |
| Total | 183 |
D. Anecdote
This demo highlighted a fun Fri-yay with J! Michelle likes to tease people, but she's got nothing on this guy (either that, or she brings out the mischief in him - she's like that). J. and Michelle explored communication apps and voice amplifiers with his fabulous teacher and lovely mom. Whatever the reason a person may struggle to communicate, and there are many, MonTECH has equipment to borrow and 1:1 help to offer.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 80 | 30 | 116 | 226 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Subtotal | 80 | 30 | 117 | 227 |
| Have not made a decision | 12 | 04 | 18 | 34 |
| Subtotal | 92 | 34 | 135 | 261 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 01 | 01 | 03 |
| Total | 93 | 35 | 136 | 264 |
| Performance on this measure | 86.02% | 85.71% | 86.03% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 507 | 97.5% |
| Satisfied | 05 | 0.96% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 08 | 1.54% |
| Total | 520 | |
| Response rate % | 98.46% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 36 | 03 | 155 | 194 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 09 | 11 | 147 | 167 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| 4. Subtotal | 45 | 14 | 304 | 363 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 01 | 06 | 07 |
| 6. Subtotal | 45 | 15 | 310 | 370 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| 8. Total | 45 | 15 | 311 | 371 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 93.33% | 97.11% | 97.3% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 186 | 43 | 310 | 539 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 20 | 02 | 40 | 62 |
| Subtotal | 206 | 45 | 350 | 601 |
| Have not made a decision | 51 | 05 | 66 | 122 |
| Subtotal | 257 | 50 | 416 | 723 |
| Nonrespondent | 75 | 12 | 126 | 213 |
| Total | 332 | 62 | 542 | 936 |
| Performance on this measure | 79.84% | 84.91% | 83.93% | 82.55% |
| 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 | 99.85% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 85.92% | 90% | Not Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 81 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 28 |
| Representatives of Education | 349 |
| Representatives of Employment | 115 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 580 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 65 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 36 |
| TOTAL | 1,254 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 734 | 416 | 104 | 1,254 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 898 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 32 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 253 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 36 |
| Transition | 35 |
| Total | 1,254 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Our Fourth Annual MontCOMM was a celebration! It was our first in-person event in two years and we marked it by bringing in two of the most charismatic AAC experts in the country. Rachel Madel and Chris Bugaj, co-hosts of Talking with Tech, kept things light and fun through an entire day of learning. Sessions included “Coaching Communication Partners” and “Establishing a Mindset Around Teaching Language.” MontCOMM 2022 was a hybrid event to better accommodate attendees living in remote areas of our great state and reached close to 150 SLPs, teachers, paraeducators, direct support professionals, OTs, and more.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Our Eastern Clinic Coordinator participated in a Movin' On training for high school students with disabilities in the summer of 2022. She used hands-on instruction and demonstrations so that the students could experience and try out many different types of technology. She also educated them on possible AT used in high school and college and how to get access to AT at those locations. Students left empowered and excited to advocate for AT that will help them on their educational journey.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Our Digital Media Accessibility Specialist and AT Specialist collaborated to create three 1-2 hour workshops on accessibility for Word, PowerPoint, and PDFs that have been advertised to organizations across the state as a training package. The first taker, our very own lead agency, the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. A group of UCEDD employees took the three-session workshop to gain additional education on how best to present data, reports, research, and services in the most accessible formats. Plans to make this a requirement for all new staff as an annual training are underway for 2023.
D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 36 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 36 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 05% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 05% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 30% |
| Community Living | 45% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The Missoula International Airport recently opened a newly remodeled wing of the airport and made a commitment to being a "Dementia Friendly Airport" during the design process. Dementia Friendly Missoula reached out to MonTECH for a staff member to join a committee of accessibility experts to help guide the airport on issues like walkability, signage, use of virtual tour software, and more. This included several meetings and walkthroughs of the space, with the airport being incredibly responsive and respectful of all suggestions for increased inclusivity. The new wing opened in May 2022 and the airport continues to seek input for continued improvement.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Provided technical assistance to committee members planning the 2021 Montana Youth Transitions Conference in November 2021. Shared MonTECH loan options for session laptops, projectors, and speakers. Suggested community-based options and provided information gathered from calls to those businesses. Suggested conference planners also consider the accessibility of their stage and whether they might need to borrow a ramp, personal amplification devices for attendees with hearing impairment, magnifiers for attendees with vision challenges, and tablets for digital note-taking.
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. Montana’s Tribal College Fair Circuit is an exciting annual invitation to visit tribal communities around the state. This year, MonTECH Outreach Coordinator made the loop in April 2022. The Circuit consists of career fairs hosted by the tribal college in each of seven communities. Fairs are targeted toward high school students, but these vibrant events also feature fabulous food, games, songs, and prayers. Many community members attend, giving MonTECH the opportunity to share assistive devices for learning, note-taking, and daily living with all ages.
2. MonTECH's Program Director was the guest on the television show "Living Well in Montana" produced by Billings Community TV and aired locally in the BIllings area. The 30-minute show talked about MonTECH services and demonstrated some assistive technology for viewers. The Billings area Center for Independent Living, LIFTT, and MonTECH, both added the recording to their YouTube pages for a greater reach.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 257 | 19 | 276 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 129 | 17 | 146 |
| Representative of Education | 93 | 05 | 98 |
| Representative of Employment | 13 | 02 | 15 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 131 | 06 | 137 |
| Representative of Community Living | 45 | 04 | 49 |
| Representative of Technology | 03 | 03 | 06 |
| Unable to Categorize | 06 | 00 | 06 |
| Total | 677 | 56 | 733 |
Referral Types:
Our outreach coordinator works tirelessly all year to reach every corner of our large and rural state. In FY 2022, she began transitioning back to in-person events and traveled to many different communities sharing presentations and information about MonTECH. This included a tribal college tour, tabling at multiple conferences, and expanding relationships with our state partners. A large focus in 2022 was on targeted paper mailings to our smaller, more rural communities. For example, this included a fact sheet on AT for low vision/blindness to optometrists/vision clinics, and a resource on managing one's own IEP to all middle school counselors. We found that in areas without consistent internet coverage, a mailing followed by a phone call was sometimes the most effective way to reach people.
Referral Sources:
To be honest, this is not easily quantifiable as our referrals come from such a wide variety of sources. We have a couple tried and true agencies that are frequent referrers (our local Area Agency on Aging and Vocational Rehabilitation offices), but otherwise, it really depends. At least a quarter of referrals are people who heard about us from a friend, neighbor, or family member, and probably another 20 percent find us through the internet. Generally, we see an uptick in I&A calls directly after a presentation or tabling event by our Outreach Coordinator. We also serve a large network of therapists through employee connections and our training events, so they probably make up another 15 percent of I&A calls.
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
| Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 1 |
|---|
A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
In preparation for applying for a Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Grant, MonTECH reached out to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to discuss potential collaboration on an accessible recreation project. FWP's accessibility coordinator responded with interest and together, an application was submitted and accepted that will result in five accessible kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard launches on existing FWP docks across the state. This project, Floating Across Montana, will serve people with paralysis and other disabilities in multiple communities in Montana. The full funding award was $100,000 but the majority of that will be spent in FY 2023.
2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.
The grant just began in July 2022 and will last 2 years so the initiative is in its infancy. MonTECH, FWP, and Boardsafe (creators of the accessible dock) are in frequent communication while working to determine optimal locations for these accessible docks. MonTECH is glad to be providing technical assistance to FWP throughout this project to help them recognize additional areas in their purview that may benefit from a stronger inclusivity lens.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Public Awareness;
Overview of State Improvement Activities
| State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 01 |
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B. State Improvements
1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.
The Children's Special Health Services division of Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services reached out to MonTECH about additional funding for pediatric mobility and positioning equipment. We entered into a contract with them to purchase $25,906 worth of equipment that would be housed by MonTECH but accessible to their clients across the state for loan and demonstration.
2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)
CSHS and MonTECH developed a contract for spending the funds and the items are all attributed to the generosity fo CSHS on the MonTECH website. A member of MonTECH serves on the CSHS funding committee to share info about items that are used, as well as future items that might need to be purchased with additional funding.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
Additional And Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | $100,000 | Demonstration | True |
| Private | $2,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Public/State Agency | $25,906 | Device Loan | True |
| Private | $10,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Amount: $137,906 |
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.
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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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 16:32:50 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)