National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

North Dakota 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
ND Assistive
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.ndassistive.org
Mailing Address:
3240 15th St. S., Suite B
City:
Fargo
State:
ND
Zip Code:
58104
Program Email:
info@ndassistive.org
Phone:
800-895-4728
TTY:
800-895-4728

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
1000 E Divide Avenue
City:
Bismarck
State:
ND
Zip Code:
58501
Program URL:
https://www.nd.gov/dhs/dvr

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
ND Assistive
Mailing Address:
3240 15th St S, Suite B
City
Fargo
State:
ND
Zip Code:
58104
Program URL:
https://ndassistive.org/

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Krull, Jeannie
Title:
Assistant Executive Director
Phone:
701-551-7089
E-mail:
jmkrull@ndassistive.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Damian Shlinger
Title:
Vocational Rehabilitation Director
Phone:
701-328-8926
E-mail:
daschlinger@nd.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Jeannie Krull
Title:
Assistant Executive Director
Phone:
701-551-7089
E-mail:
jmkrull@ndassistive.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

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

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Damian Schlinger
Title:
Vocational Rehabilitation Director
Phone:
701-328-8926
E-mail:
daschlinger@nd.gov

State Financing

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

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3
Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 05 02 07
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 05 02 07

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $50,000 Highest Income: $126,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$629,000 07 $89,857

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less
$15,001-
$30,000
$30,001-
$45,000
$45,001-
$60,000
$60,001-
$75,000
$75,001
or More
Number of Loans 00 00 00 02 01 04 07
Percentage of Loans 0% 0% 0% 28.57% 14.29% 57.14% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
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%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 07 $150,116
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 07 $150,116

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 2%
Highest 2%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
00 07 0%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
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

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 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

6. Defaults

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

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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Last resort - Activity

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)18
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)8
C. Total Served26

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures26

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 2$177
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 1$124
Mobility, seating and positioning12$14,093
Daily living 10$2,610
Environmental adaptations11$7,101
Vehicle modification and transportation 2$4,000
Computers and related 1$1,495
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total39$29,600



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

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!’

Woman sitting on a stairlift in a stairwell.
Impact Area

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!”

A picture of a litte girl in a wheelchair with her mom and dad, all sitting in the new accessible van
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. 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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 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

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 $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

D. Anecdote

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!

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. 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 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

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 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

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 42

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
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

E. Anecdote

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!

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 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%

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. 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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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 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

B. Types of Participants

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

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 186
Service Provider 119
Vendor 573
Repair Service 01
Others 35
Total 914

D. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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. 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

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 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

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.92% 95% Met
Response Rate 98.50% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
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

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
282 90 101 473

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
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

C. Description of Training Activities

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.

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 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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 100%
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:

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.

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. 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.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
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

Referral Types:

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.

Referral Sources:

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.

Notes:

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 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? 2

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?

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;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 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 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;

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

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.

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


Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
State Appropriations$50,000ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$5,612TrainingTrue
State Appropriations$20,000State FinancingTrue
State Appropriations$90,000Device LoanTrue
State Appropriations$90,000DemonstrationTrue
State Appropriations$50,000Public Awareness, I&ATrue
State Appropriations$15,000Technical AssistanceTrue
State Appropriations$15,000TrainingTrue
Amount: $335,612

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.

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.


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 16:34:44 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.