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 | 05 | 02 | 07 |
Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 05 | 02 | 07 |
Lowest Income: | $50,000 | Highest Income: | $126,000 |
---|
Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
---|---|---|
$629,000 | 07 | $89,857 |
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 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 01 | 04 | 07 |
Percentage of Loans | 0% | 0% | 0% | 28.57% | 14.29% | 57.14% | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 07 | 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 | 07 | 100% |
Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Revolving Loans | 07 | $150,116 |
Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
Total | 07 | $150,116 |
Lowest | 2% |
---|---|
Highest | 2% |
Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
---|---|---|
00 | 07 | 0% |
Interest Rate | Number of loans |
---|---|
0.0% to 2.0% | 07 |
2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
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 | 07 |
Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
---|---|---|
Vision | 00 | $0 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 |
Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 01 | $2,182 |
Daily living | 01 | $1,399 |
Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 06 | $146,535 |
Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
Total | 08 | $150,116 |
Number Loans in default | 00 |
---|---|
Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 1 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Last resort - Activity |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 18 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 8 |
C. Total Served | 26 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 26 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 0 | $0 |
Hearing | 2 | $177 |
Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 1 | $124 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 12 | $14,093 |
Daily living | 10 | $2,610 |
Environmental adaptations | 11 | $7,101 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 2 | $4,000 |
Computers and related | 1 | $1,495 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
Total | 39 | $29,600 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
A North Dakota family applied for funding through the ND Assistive Possibilities Last resort Grant Fund to help finance a stairlift for their mother. She was living in Assisted Living after chemotherapy and rehab due to cancer and wanted to move back home. She was unable to climb the stairs in her home to get to the bathroom and her bedroom. A stairlift was recommended to remedy this, but funding was a problem. Thanks to funding from the Possibilities Fund and the Rehab Accessibility Program Grant Fund that ND Assistive referred her to, she was able to move back home with the installation of the stairlift. The family said the following: ‘I am writing this “Big” “Thank you” on behalf of my mom and myself. We can’t thank all of you enough for the grant given to my mom to install a [stair] lift in her home! It has been a life changer that she can finally get back to her home and get from the main level of her condo upstairs to her bedroom and bathroom. All the work you do is amazing to help others continue to be independent in their homes!’
A rural North Dakota family needed an accessible van to transport their little girl to many outings including medical appointments, school, and fun kid activities. Their current mode of transportation just wasn’t cutting it. They were hurting their backs trying to transport her in a regular minivan because they had to transfer her back-in-forth from her wheelchair to the car seat. They also had to lift her wheelchair in and out of the vehicle. “She is a growing girl, and her equipment is also growing, so we know a regular minivan is not a good long-term option”. Her parents also had no way to transport her 450-pound power chair. An accessible van would also “allow her to finally use her power chair out of the home, which will help rest the joints in her arms that will be very much needed to protect her long term.” A modified van is extremely expensive, so the family applied to the ND Assistive Possibilities Grant Fund to help with the van purchase. “We love it and I can't tell you how much of a difference this makes for our family. We are able to safely get [her] to school and her appointments, and we no longer need to spend several minutes transferring her from her seat to her wheelchair. This has been the biggest improvement we've been able to make for her mobility since her cancer diagnosis in 2017. Thank you so much!”
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 03 | 05 | 25 | 33 |
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 | 03 | 05 | 25 | 33 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 03 | 05 | 25 | 33 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 03 | 05 | 25 | 33 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 31 | 93.94% |
Satisfied | 02 | 6.06% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 33 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 00 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 14 |
C. Total | 14 |
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 | 14 |
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 | $1,650 | $0 | $1,650 |
Hearing | 01 | $110 | $0 | $110 |
Speech Communication | 02 | $7,591 | $0 | $7,591 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 09 | $1,678 | $0 | $1,678 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Daily Living | 02 | $353 | $0 | $353 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 02 | $464 | $0 | $464 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 | $164 | $0 | $164 |
Total | 19 | $12,010 | $0 | $12,010 |
After a demonstration at the ND Assistive Fargo Demonstration Center, an older ND man with pain, tremors, fine motor needs, and little to no feeling in his hands requested an opened-ended loan of assistive technology computer access equipment. This open-ended loan of a 3M wired ergonomic optical mouse and ergo articulating arm supports helped him continue to access his computer until he was able to find funding for the devices. He is now happily and independently using his computer to pay bills, surf the internet, communicate with family, and more!
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 05 | 07 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
4. Subtotal | 05 | 00 | 09 | 14 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 05 | 00 | 09 | 14 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 05 | 00 | 09 | 14 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | NaN% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 12 | 85.71% |
Satisfied | 02 | 14.29% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 14 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 258 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 08 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 02 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 07 |
Total | 275 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 121 | 04 | 125 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 70 | 02 | 72 |
Representative of Education | 26 | 05 | 31 |
Representative of Employment | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 26 | 03 | 29 |
Representatives of Community Living | 11 | 01 | 12 |
Representatives of Technology | 02 | 02 | 04 |
Total | 258 | 17 | 275 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 42 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 28 | 02 | 30 |
Hearing | 51 | 01 | 52 |
Speech Communication | 41 | 04 | 45 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 35 | 04 | 39 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 14 | 01 | 15 |
Daily Living | 96 | 02 | 98 |
Environmental Adaptations | 15 | 01 | 16 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 02 | 00 | 02 |
Computers and Related | 72 | 25 | 97 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | 01 | 03 |
Total | 356 | 41 | 397 |
After receiving a demonstration at the ND Assistive Demonstration Center in Fargo, a North Dakota woman with cerebral palsy decided to borrow an iPad with several Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps to help make a decision on the best device for her. This woman reported that most people had difficulty understanding her speech, and she needed a device to help her communicate on the job and in the community. After the short-term loan, this woman was able to make a decision on what AAC apps would work for her. ND Assistive worked with her and ND Vocational Rehabilitation to obtain funding for the FlipWriter App, the Proloquo4Text App, an iPad, a Bluetooth speaker, and the Blue SkyDesigns MountnMover Mount to mount the new AAC device on her wheelchair. She is now using her device successfully out in the community and at work. She is even giving presentations with the new AAC system at work!
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 41 | 03 | 139 | 183 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 04 | 02 | 43 | 49 |
Subtotal | 45 | 05 | 182 | 232 |
Have not made a decision | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
Subtotal | 46 | 05 | 183 | 234 |
Nonrespondent | 03 | 00 | 21 | 24 |
Total | 49 | 05 | 204 | 258 |
Performance on this measure | 97.83% | 100% | 99.45% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 05 | 07 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 05 | 02 | 01 | 08 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
4. Subtotal | 07 | 03 | 07 | 17 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 07 | 03 | 07 | 17 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 07 | 03 | 07 | 17 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 237 | 86.18% |
Satisfied | 17 | 6.18% |
Satisfied somewhat | 01 | 0.36% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 20 | 7.27% |
Total Surveyed | 275 | |
Response rate % | 92.73% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 78 |
Hearing | 87 |
Speech Communication | 22 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 38 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 35 |
Daily Living | 176 |
Environmental Adaptations | 46 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 28 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 10 |
Total # of Device Demonstrations | 520 |
Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 304 | 39 | 343 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 148 | 261 | 409 |
Representatives of Education | 37 | 75 | 112 |
Representatives of Employment | 01 | 09 | 10 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 19 | 68 | 87 |
Representative of Community Living | 11 | 31 | 42 |
Representative of Technology | 00 | 04 | 04 |
Total | 520 | 487 | 1,007 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 186 |
Service Provider | 119 |
Vendor | 573 |
Repair Service | 01 |
Others | 35 |
Total | 914 |
A North Dakota woman with mobility needs due to Polio, connected with ND Assistive for a demonstration in the ND Assistive Bismarck Demonstration Center of various assistive technology devices for independence and safety such as bath benches, grab bars, and the Uplift seat. This demonstration led to a loan of equipment as well as a purchase through the ND Assistive Senior Safety Program at no cost to her. This program is funded through the ND Department of Health and Human Services, Aging services with dollars through the Older Americans Act. Thanks to this technology this woman continues to be able to live in her own home.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 12 | 14 | 447 | 473 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 25 | 25 |
Subtotal | 12 | 14 | 472 | 498 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 22 | 22 |
Subtotal | 12 | 14 | 494 | 520 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 12 | 14 | 494 | 520 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 95.55% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 962 | 95.53% |
Satisfied | 45 | 4.47% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 1,007 | |
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. | 07 | 05 | 33 | 45 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 07 | 02 | 06 | 15 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 01 | 02 | 04 |
4. Subtotal | 15 | 08 | 41 | 64 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 15 | 08 | 41 | 64 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 15 | 08 | 41 | 64 |
9. Performance on this measure | 93.33% | 87.5% | 95.12% | 93.75% |
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 | 53 | 17 | 586 | 656 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 04 | 02 | 68 | 74 |
Subtotal | 57 | 19 | 654 | 730 |
Have not made a decision | 01 | 00 | 23 | 24 |
Subtotal | 58 | 19 | 677 | 754 |
Nonrespondent | 03 | 00 | 21 | 24 |
Total | 61 | 19 | 698 | 778 |
Performance on this measure | 98.28% | 100% | 96.6% | 96.82% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.92% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 98.50% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 00 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 32 |
Representatives of Education | 95 |
Representatives of Employment | 25 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 88 |
Representatives of Community Living | 229 |
Representatives of Technology | 04 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 473 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
282 | 90 | 101 | 473 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 218 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 40 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 61 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 60 |
Transition | 94 |
Total | 473 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
ND Assistive provided training on assistive technology for deaf-blindness to 10 special education teachers and those from the ND Department of Public Instruction at the Deaf-Blind Summer Institute These teachers were located throughout the state of North Dakota. The goal of this training was to help teachers understand the benefits of assistive technology for deaf-blindness, to learn about specific AT equipment to help people with deaf-blindness, and to increase the number of referrals to the iCanConnect Program.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
ND Assistive presented to a packed room of 91 people working in the area of residential services for those with Developmental Disabilities as well as parents and family members at the 2022 North Dakota Community Facilities Conference. The presentation was on Assistive Technology for Independence, Safety, and the Workforce Shortage. The goal of the presentation was to help providers understand the benefits of assistive technology, especially Smart Home technology, for independence, safety, and home monitoring to aid people with developmental disabilities in transitioning out of more restrictive environments as well as to aid those in the community to stay in the community.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
In early 2022, ND Assistive met with the Accessibility Representative from the ND State Information Technology Department. She proposed that we work together on trainings and other initiatives concerning information and communication technology. There were several goals including a training goal to help website content managers throughout the state understand why it is important to ensure websites are accessible for people with a variety of disabilities. We worked on a plan, but before we could execute the plan, the accessibility representative unexpectedly left the state IT Department. We were not able continue with the training for this fiscal year. We will be working next year to find another representative and keep the momentum going. In addition, throughout the year, we provided training frequently to small groups on the importance of accessible websites and electronic documents. We also put together a video on how to create accessible word documents.
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
---|---|
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 02 |
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 54 |
No known outcome at this time | 04 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 60 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 93.3% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 00% |
---|---|
Employment | 00% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00% |
Community Living | 100% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 00% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Over the course of 2021-2022, ND Assistive met with the ND Department of Aging Services and the North Dakota State University Extension Agency over twenty times and provided technical assistance to establish the Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program in North Dakota. The state proposed using Older American Act dollars for this evidence-based program through Johns Hopkins University. A short-term contract through September 2022 was established between North Dakota Assistive and the NDSU Extension Agency to begin program development and CAPABLE team training. While this was happening, talks took place for a second contract for FY23 to begin seeing clients through CAPABLE. As of this writing, a budget has been approved and the contract is being drawn up. ND Aging services has agreed to fund the program for one year. Additional funding will need to be sought to continue the program for FY24. https://nursing.jhu.edu/faculty_research/res
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
ND Assistive continues to provide assistive technology related technical assistance on transition related task forces and work groups. These include the Olmstead Commission, the Money Follows the Person Task Force, the Money Follows the Person Supplemental Fund Workgroup, and the DOJ Settlement meeting. In addition, ND Assistive provided technical assistance in several meetings throughout the year to include entities such as the ND Department of Developmental Disabilities, the AT Taskforce whose goal it is to help people with Developmental Disabilities move out of more restrictive settings, and the Tech Talk Workgroup run by the ND Department of Public Instruction.
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. ND Assistive conducted over 180 public awareness events statewide and directly in 18 counties, in-person and via video. These included tours of the Bismarck and Fargo Demonstration Centers for legislators, six out of eight Regional Vocational Rehabilitation Departments, ND Protection and Advocacy staff, ND Centers for Independent Living staff, Vision Specialists, Guardian and Protective Services, Schools, and more. In addition, ND Assistive made several TV appearances on a regional news channel and exhibited/presented at Health Fairs, various events in the Native Nations, the State Fair, Chamber of Commerce events, Conferences for those who are Aging and People with Disabilities, Senior Centers, One Million Cups, Alzheimer’s Association, Clinics, Assisted Living facilities, Service Clubs, and more.
2. North Dakota Assistive continued its website and Facebook presence this year and started a presence on LinkedIn by developing a new Page with frequent posts throughout the year.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 130 | 26 | 156 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 296 | 34 | 330 |
Representative of Education | 32 | 00 | 32 |
Representative of Employment | 25 | 01 | 26 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 138 | 11 | 149 |
Representative of Community Living | 53 | 14 | 67 |
Representative of Technology | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Unable to Categorize | 06 | 03 | 09 |
Total | 683 | 89 | 772 |
This year we did a variety of activities to increase referrals such as social media and blogging, newspaper advertisements, TV appearances, presentations, exhibits, and center tours. One of the most effective strategies we used was the establishment of volunteer Assistive Technology Ambassadors throughout the state of ND. Dollars for this program are made possible through the Money Follows the Person Supplemental Funding-Capacity Building Program. As of this writing, we have six AT Ambassadors in rural North Dakota towns (Bottineau, Mohall, Hettinger, Lisbon, Glen Ulin, and Devils Lake), all trained and armed with assistive technology equipment kits. These AT Ambassadors have been the source of many new referrals to our programs this year. We expect to have over 10 more AT Ambassadors in FY23 and even more referrals.
Our referrals come from many entities, but the majority come from social workers from around the state. In addition, the majority of the remaining referrals came from family members, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, ND Protection and Advocacy, teachers, Independent Living Centers, and therapists.
We have had an increase in referrals this year as noted in the rise in loans, demonstrations, and other contract programs; however, many of the referrals did not make it into the new data system. More education is needed for staff on entering data in our new system. This will take place in FY23.
Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 2 |
---|
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?
ND Assistive eliminated the Loan Library fees in October 2020, which continues to increase our short-term equipment loans. Due to this, we do not have enough equipment to loan. We worked with ND Vocational Rehabilitation and wrote for funding through the Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Opportunity Grant. In August 2022, we received a CIE grant of $9949 to add work/school-related assistive technology to our loan library.
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.
Because of this additional funding, we will be able to provide more equipment to loan to children and adults throughout the state in FY23. This funding will decrease the wait time to get a loan and increase the variety of devices available for loan.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration;
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?
ND Assistive and ND Protection and Advocacy met several times this year to collaborate on ways to help more people across the state obtain assistive technology. Although many topics involving assistive technology were discussed. It became clear that assistive technology for home monitoring and independence was one to be addressed this year. Assistive Technology Act dollars were utilized in this effort.
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 first and second result of this partnership was a training at the 2022 North Dakota Community Facilities Conference provided by ND Assistive and joint participation in a panel on how assistive technology can help with the workforce shortage in the area of people with developmental disabilities. Other participants on this panel were a representative from the ND DHS Developmental Disabilities Division, two representatives from residential facilities for people with developmental disabilities from ND and MN, and a private MN assistive technology company specializing in smart home technology for home monitoring and independence. Lastly, because of this partnership with ND Protection & Advocacy, the development of an Assistive Technology Taskforce regarding the workforce shortage and how assistive technology can help was created. Members come from the following agencies: the Independent Living Centers, ND DHS Developmental Disabilities Division, ND residential facilities, ND guardianship, and more. This task force will continue into FY23.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Training; Public Awareness;
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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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.
During this reporting period, ND Assistive provided input during several meetings with the ND Department of Health and Human Services, Aging Services Department to make changes to the waiver in the area of assistive technology. ND Assistive captured these suggestions in a comment letter when the Waiver came up for renewal in the Fall of 2021. As a result, these changes to the HCBS Medicaid Waiver for the Aged and Disabled became effective on April 1, 2022.
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.)
These changes included: • The RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) to the list of professionals that can supply a written recommendation for Environmental Modification and Specialized Equipment. • The installation costs were added to the coverage of Specialized Equipment. • The threshold of spending on Specialized Equipment without prior approval increased from $250 to $500. • The qualifications for a qualified services provider (QSP) for environment modification and specialized equipment have been modified to allow a handyman/contractor/tradesman in good standing and provide a professional reference relevant to their ability to complete the necessary work as a qualification to enroll as a QSP for environmental modification and specialized equipment.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
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State Appropriations | $50,000 | Reuse | True |
Public/State Agency | $5,612 | Training | True |
State Appropriations | $20,000 | State Financing | True |
State Appropriations | $90,000 | Device Loan | True |
State Appropriations | $90,000 | Demonstration | True |
State Appropriations | $50,000 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
State Appropriations | $15,000 | Technical Assistance | True |
State Appropriations | $15,000 | Training | True |
Amount: $335,612 |
Over 300 people received telecommunications equipment with $132,291 in State funds. Over 794 people received assistive technology for safety and independence this fiscal year with $209,000 in funding from the state through our Senior Safety Program. Nine people received equipment and services and many demonstration devices were purchased with over $49,291 from the federal iCanConnect Program.
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 16:34:44 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)