National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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South Carolina 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://sc.edu/medicine/scatp
Mailing Address:
USC School of Medicine, CDR
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Zip Code:
29208
Program Email:
rachell.johnson@uscmed.sc.edu
Phone:
803-935-5263
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Mailing Address:
6311 Garners Ferry Rd.
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Zip Code:
29209
Program URL:
https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/index.php

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Johnson, Rachell
Title:
Program Manager, SCATP
Phone:
803-935-5301
E-mail:
rachell.johnson@uscmed.sc.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

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

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Boniface, Brandi
Title:
Associate Director, Sponsored Awards Management
Phone:
803-777-8749
E-mail:
BONIFACB@mailbox.sc.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 0


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 00 00
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 00 00
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied somewhat 00 NaN%
Not at all satisfied 00 NaN%
Nonrespondent 00 NaN%
Total Surveyed 00
Response rate % NaN%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 02
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 304
C. Total 306

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. 02
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 304

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

Device Exchange-Excluded from Performance Measure

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 03 $6,800 $800 $6,000
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 03 $6,800 $800 $6,000

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 34 $18,929 $0 $18,929
Hearing 09 $10,128 $0 $10,128
Speech Communication 12 $24,398 $0 $24,398
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 $50 $0 $50
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 228 $288,655 $0 $288,655
Daily Living 159 $38,842 $0 $38,842
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 14 $1,278 $0 $1,278
Computers and Related 36 $9,785 $0 $9,785
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 226 $1 $0 $1
Total 719 $392,066 $0 $392,066

D. Anecdote

I am recovering from hip surgery. The wheelchair provided by the SC Assistive Technology Reuse Service made it possible for me to access the USC football stadium to watch the game with my grandson and his family and to tour the USC campus the next day. Having the wheelchair was essential to the success of my visit. I am very thankful for the reuse service.-Sarah

Woman sitting in wheelchair at a football stadium.
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. 07 04 199 210
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 05 05
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 25 02 14 41
4. Subtotal 32 06 218 256
5. None of the above 26 00 20 46
6. Subtotal 58 06 238 302
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 00 02
8. Total 60 06 238 304
9. Performance on this measure 53.33% 100% 91.6%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 295 96.41%
Satisfied 10 3.27%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.33%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 306
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) 226
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 26
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 18
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 07
Total 277

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 33 13 46
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 81 20 101
Representative of Education 61 12 73
Representative of Employment 03 00 03
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 46 04 50
Representatives of Community Living 01 01 02
Representatives of Technology 01 01 02
Total 226 51 277

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 37 04 41
Hearing 04 06 10
Speech Communication 180 24 204
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 11 03 14
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03 06 09
Daily Living 17 06 23
Environmental Adaptations 05 05 10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 40 12 52
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 46 26 72
Total 343 92 435

E. Anecdote

Kim Philbrick, an occupational therapist with the Clover School District called the SC Assistive Technology Program to ask if we had feeding equipment she could trial with Ayden, a student with Arthrogryposis. Arthrogryposis causes a person’s limbs to not bend. In Ayden’s case he cannot bend his arms so his mode of self-feeding was to lean down to the plate and lick up the food. He would not eat much in front of his peers. With the Obi feeding system, Ayden eats much more of his lunch and he asked for seconds on the first day. Ayden loves using the device. He took to it immediately and named it “Bread”. He was very proud and smiling a lot. The school's AT team felt that the Obi feeding system increased Ayden’s self feeding independence tremendously. Our school team uses the SC Assistive Technology Program to assist with AT decision making for students will disabilities. The lending process is very easy and the staff is really accommodating and knowledgeable. -Kim Philbrick

Boy seated in wheelchair using Obi feeding system.
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 125 05 55 185
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 05 00 08 13
Subtotal 130 05 63 198
Have not made a decision 21 01 06 28
Subtotal 151 06 69 226
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 151 06 69 226
Performance on this measure 86.09% 83.33% 91.3%

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. 10 00 04 14
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 00 07 10
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 23 00 04 27
4. Subtotal 36 00 15 51
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 36 00 15 51
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 36 00 15 51
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 260 93.86%
Satisfied 14 5.05%
Satisfied somewhat 03 1.08%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 277
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 61
Hearing 04
Speech Communication 79
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 41
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03
Daily Living 02
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 27
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05
Total # of Device Demonstrations 224

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 114 78 192
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 34 97 131
Representatives of Education 67 114 181
Representatives of Employment 00 01 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 09 36 45
Representative of Community Living 00 52 52
Representative of Technology 00 16 16
Total 224 394 618

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 88
Service Provider 87
Vendor 183
Repair Service 00
Others 05
Total 363

D. Anecdote

Alexus called SCATP to find out if there were any notetaking apps to help her do her college class work. Alexus has cerebral palsy. Alexus knew when she decided to go to college that she would need help from many people to be successful. Alexus started building her team of support. Several of the staff at SCATP are members of Alexus’ team and help her demo AT to assist her in determining which AT is the best fit. After the tech demonstrations with Alexus the SCATP staff helped her setup, her add AT apps and extensions on her laptop to help her navigate her classwork. She also needed assistance with the services offered at the university which has a dedicated on-line platform. She connected the SCATP staff, her tutor, the admissions office and the office of disability services at the university to determine accommodations for her classwork. Alexus case manager, SCATP staff, and other assistive technology professionals help with her power wheelchair including being able to demo using her joystick wheelchair driver control to move her mouse on her computer screen more independently! Alexus is working very hard to reach her goals, and there is never a doubt that she will get there!

Woman sitting in her wheelchair in front of the library.
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 119 06 86 211
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 03 04
Subtotal 120 06 89 215
Have not made a decision 00 01 08 09
Subtotal 120 07 97 224
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 120 07 97 224
Performance on this measure 100% 85.71% 91.75%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 618 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 618
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. 17 04 203 224
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 00 12 15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 48 02 18 68
4. Subtotal 68 06 233 307
5. None of the above 26 00 20 46
6. Subtotal 94 06 253 353
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 00 02
8. Total 96 06 253 355
9. Performance on this measure 20.83% 66.67% 84.98% 67.32%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 244 11 141 396
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 00 11 17
Subtotal 250 11 152 413
Have not made a decision 21 02 14 37
Subtotal 271 13 166 450
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 271 13 166 450
Performance on this measure 92.25% 84.62% 91.57% 91.78%
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 99.67% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 718
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 382
Representatives of Education 3,657
Representatives of Employment 576
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 1,120
Representatives of Community Living 258
Representatives of Technology 227
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 6,938

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
5,717 1,221 00 6,938

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 382
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 22
Combination of any/all of the above 6,045
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 468
Transition 21
Total 6,938

C. Description of Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:

The SC Assistive Technology Program and the SC Department of Education co-hosted a virtual one-day assistive technology leadership conference. The topic was about systems change and implementation of AT services in the schools. The Assistive Technology Leadership Conference is designed to provide resources, networking and support to SC school district assistive technology leaders and teams and other state agencies. SCATP co-sponsored the AT Leadership Conference with the SC Department of Education. There were 84 attendees representing K-12 assistive technology teams across the state.

Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

SCATP staff presented at the Youth Leadership Forum on the topic of Assistive Technology for Transition/Employment. There were 18 participants. Participants learned how AT can help in different employment situations. There was a Q&A about different types of AT and attendees learned about services at SCATP. The training was held in person at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.

Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

Staff from SCATP presented at the Midlands Summit Virtual Conference. The presentation was entitled, Google Keep-How to use it in the Classroom. 61 educational professionals and paraprofessionals attended the virtual session. Participants learned how to use Google Keep and were provided a demonstration of all of the features and uses for technology in the classroom.

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 429
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 31
No known outcome at this time 07
Nonrespondent 01
Total 468
Performance Measure Percentage 98.3%
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 33%
Employment 06%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 39%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 22%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

The staff of the SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) provides technical assistance to the staff at the SC Department of Education (SCDE) throughout the year. Assistive technology tours, demos, device loans, trainings, and support is provided to school staff statewide throughout the year. SCATP partners with the SCDE assistive technology specialist to provide a virtual training conference on implementation of assistive technology in South Carolina schools. Our staff attended regular meetings to plan and advertise the event; co-develop speaker agenda; provide technical assistance to speakers and overall event support prior, during, and after the event.

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

The staff of the SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) provides technical assistance to the SC Youth Leadership Forum. SCATP is an organization partner on the planning committee that plans the multiday event. We attend regular meeting and we help plan any AT employment related sessions. SCATP's staff exhibit and present at the event. At this year's event, a SCATP staff member participated in a panel presentation and helped to demonstrate new accessible voting equipment.

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. The SC Assistive Technology Program provides a statewide assistive technology expo each year. The expo is free of charge to all attendees. The SC AT Expo has attendees from SC and surrounding states. This year the attendees were nationwide because it was held virtually. There were 724 participations this year. There were 13 workshops that covered a wide variety of assistive technology topics. It was an all day virtual event.

2. The SC Assistive Technology Program hosted a Reuse Free 4 ALL event to spread awareness of AT services at the SCATP and to get a surplus of durable medical equipment to the hands of people who could use it. Information about the event was broadcasted by two TV stations, a radio station, and advertised to a listserv of people in the disability community in SC. Individuals with disabilities, family members, therapists, educators, veterans, and case workers were among those who were invited to attend the event held at SCATP's office location. Attendees were able to browse the available equipment and take what they needed as well as learn about other services provided at SCATP. An OT and her OTA students attended the event and reported that SCATP had so many useful items. They were impressed to see how many people from the community new about the event and are using SCATP as a resource. The students commented, "the SCATP staff were friendly and informative about other services at SCATP" during the event. The Reuse Free 4 ALL event provided 33 people with 169 pieces of equipment for a savings of $26,894.00.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 48 22 70
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 62 36 98
Representative of Education 36 10 46
Representative of Employment 05 02 07
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 21 14 35
Representative of Community Living 15 05 20
Representative of Technology 03 00 03
Unable to Categorize 00 03 03
Total 190 92 282

Referral Types:

SCATP is a resource for educators and health care professionals and we provide several outreach opportunities and continuing educational hours for these professionals each year such as our assistive technology webinar series; adapted toy workshops; SC AT Expo; and AT Leadership Conference offered in partnership with the SC State Department of Education.

Referral Sources:

SCATP partners with and provides technical assistance to several disability advocacy providers such as the Department on Aging (DOA) and Independent living centers resulting in receiving a number of referrals from those agencies. Approximately 33% of our total referrals for information and assistance come from disability and advocacy entities and providers. We also partner with and assist many program area entities and providers in South Carolina such as educational and healthcare programs. Approximately 48% of our total referrals for information and assistance come from school districts, hospitals and clinics.

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?

SCATP co-hosted a virtual assistive technology leadership conference with the SC Department of Education. The topic was on vision and hearing assistive technology services. There were 2 speakers one for vision and the other for hearing. After each speaker's presentation we hosted breakout sessions where participants could brainstorm and discuss topics in a small group before presenting their resources and ideas to the group. 84 participants from K-12 assistive technology teams participated.

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.

This conference is developed each year as coordinated effort in collaboration between SCATP and the SC Department of Education (SCDOE). The conference fosters collaborative awareness and change in AT practices by allowing district AT teams from across the state to network with each other for resources and ideas. This years conference had a slight increase in participants from last year from 76 to 84. This initiative will continue and it is the goal to return to an in-person or hybrid event. Advice for replication is to allow time to meet with each collaborating partner in the planning for your event. Contact your State Department of Education's Assistive Technology Professionals to see if a partnership for collaboration can be formed; offer CEUs to increase participation.

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$4,935TrainingTrue
Amount: $4,935

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:36:14 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.