National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
South Dakota 2022
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
State Financing
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? | Yes |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Approved Not made | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Rejected | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 01 | 01 | 02 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $19,754 | Highest Income: | $31,920 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $51,674 | 02 | $25,837 |
| 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 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| Percentage of Loans | 0% | 50% | 50% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | 0% |
| 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 | 02 | 100% |
| Total | 02 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Partnership Loans | 02 | $28,124 |
| Total | 02 | $28,124 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 4% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 5% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 09 | 02 | 4.5% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 01 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 01 |
| 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 | 02 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 01 | $4,263 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 01 | $23,861 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 00 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 02 | $28,124 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
|---|
C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 1 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: CCTV Lease Program |
|---|
2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served
| County of Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 156 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 56 |
| C. Total Served | 212 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 212 |
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 / Service | Number Provided | Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 212 | $530,000 | $500,360 | $29,640 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 212 | $530,000 | $500,360 | $29,640 |
D. Anecdote
DakotaLink provided a Merlin CCTV to MM and trained her and her daughter on all of its functionality. She had an older model Merlin with a TV for a display, so the training was brief as the controls were very much the same, just in slightly different positions. As this was a loan, MM only paid the $50 deposit to loan the unit from the CCTV program. If the loan was not an option, she would likely not have been able to receive a new CCTV for her use. Upon following up with her daughter via phone, she reported that MM was very happy with the new Merlin and had no questions or issues, and was pleased we were able to waive the monthly payment due to her financial circumstances.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 138 | 138 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 46 | 46 |
| 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 | 184 | 184 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 184 | 184 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 30 | 30 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 214 | 214 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 85.98% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 138 | 64.49% |
| Satisfied | 46 | 21.5% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 30 | 14.02% |
| Total Surveyed | 214 | |
| Response rate % | 85.98% |
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 03 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 35 |
| C. Total | 38 |
| 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 | 38 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
B. Device Exchange Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Exchanged | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 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 | $76,000 | $5,000 | $71,000 |
| 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 | $76,000 | $5,000 | $71,000 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 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 | 14 | $39,800 | $0 | $39,800 |
| Daily Living | 24 | $74,497 | $1,780 | $72,717 |
| 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 | 38 | $114,297 | $1,780 | $112,517 |
D. Anecdote
We reutilized 38 devices which saved people over $112,517 in utilizing our reuse program. This allows them to go home from the hospital faster and provides them with independence.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 10 | 10 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 4. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 10 | 10 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 10 | 10 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 28 | 28 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 38 | 38 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 26.32% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 06 | 15.79% |
| Satisfied | 02 | 5.26% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 30 | 78.95% |
| Total Surveyed | 38 | |
| Response rate % | 21.05% |
G. Notes:
Our re-use items don't get many returns on surveys.
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 29 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 00 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 00 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 00 |
| Total | 29 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 09 | 00 | 09 |
| Representative of Education | 11 | 00 | 11 |
| Representative of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 29 | 00 | 29 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 35 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 14 | 00 | 14 |
| Hearing | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Speech Communication | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Daily Living | 06 | 00 | 06 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 05 | 00 | 05 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 29 | 00 | 29 |
E. Anecdote
JM is a Vet that needed a hospital bed that would allow him to sit up independently. The hospital said it would be 5 weeks until he would be able to get one from them. He contacted us and with the reuse program, we were able to get him into his home with a temporary hospital bed until his arrived. He was delighted to not have to stay in the hospital for another month.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 12 | 00 | 06 | 18 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 01 | 00 | 04 | 05 |
| Subtotal | 13 | 00 | 10 | 23 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 00 | 04 | 05 |
| Subtotal | 14 | 00 | 14 | 28 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 14 | 00 | 15 | 29 |
| Performance on this measure | 92.86% | NaN% | 71.43% | |
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 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% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 29 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 29 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
We always get positive feedback when we provided loaner devices for free except for shipping.
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 53 |
| Hearing | 04 |
| Speech Communication | 14 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 42 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 06 |
| Daily Living | 03 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 06 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 181 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 01 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 310 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 169 | 00 | 169 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 62 | 00 | 62 |
| Representatives of Education | 18 | 00 | 18 |
| Representatives of Employment | 24 | 00 | 24 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 22 | 00 | 22 |
| Representative of Community Living | 14 | 00 | 14 |
| Representative of Technology | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| Total | 310 | 00 | 310 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 293 |
| Service Provider | 129 |
| Vendor | 00 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 13 |
| Total | 435 |
D. Anecdote
We do several 1:1 demonstrations through DRS (Department of Rehabilitation Services) and we had booths for demonstration setup at Let’s Talk Work on Feb. 10th, Catch the Wave at Mitchell on Feb. 23rd, the Optometry Conference here in Sioux Falls on March 25th and Catch the Wave at STI on March 29th. Let’s Talk Work: 50 students, 5 Adults Catch the Wave (Mitchell): 5 Teachers, 19 Students, 10 Parents Optometry Convention: 50 people stopped at the booth Catch the Wave (Sioux Falls): 15 Students, 5 Adults
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 119 | 73 | 74 | 266 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 04 | 04 | 03 | 11 |
| Subtotal | 123 | 77 | 77 | 277 |
| Have not made a decision | 08 | 07 | 15 | 30 |
| Subtotal | 131 | 84 | 92 | 307 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 01 | 01 | 03 |
| Total | 132 | 85 | 93 | 310 |
| Performance on this measure | 93.18% | 90.59% | 82.8% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 220 | 70.97% |
| Satisfied | 86 | 27.74% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 03 | 0.97% |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 0.32% |
| Total | 310 | |
| Response rate % | 99.68% |
G. Notes:
We usually get great responses to surveys when we can actually get in person with the clients. Getting to know someone by name and face always seems to make a big difference.
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 148 | 148 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 00 | 46 | 46 |
| 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 | 194 | 194 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 194 | 194 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 58 | 58 |
| 8. Total | 00 | 00 | 252 | 252 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 76.98% | 76.98% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 131 | 73 | 80 | 284 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 04 | 07 | 16 |
| Subtotal | 136 | 77 | 87 | 300 |
| Have not made a decision | 09 | 07 | 19 | 35 |
| Subtotal | 145 | 84 | 106 | 335 |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 01 | 02 | 04 |
| Total | 146 | 85 | 108 | 339 |
| Performance on this measure | 93.15% | 90.59% | 81.31% | 88.76% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Not Met | |||
Overall Satisfaction Rating
| Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied and satisfied | 99.43% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 89.68% | 90% | Not Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 371 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 107 |
| Representatives of Education | 12 |
| Representatives of Employment | 11 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 15 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 05 |
| Representatives of Technology | 00 |
| Unable to Categorize | 01 |
| TOTAL | 522 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 327 | 195 | 00 | 522 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 200 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 196 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 55 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 22 |
| Transition | 49 |
| Total | 522 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
The State of South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology has a List of Standard Assistive Technology and DakotaLink updates this list annually. The software allows for state employees to have access to Informational Communication Technology specifically through the computer with access to email, the Web, and other forms of communication technology. DakotaLink also has an agreement with the Bureau to provide training to State Employees on this technology. DakotaLink continues to evaluate a web-based file management system that the Department of Human Services implemented. This includes having meetings with Department personnel and the company providing the software. DakotaLink identifies issues they observe during the evaluation of products and makes recommendations that they implemented.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
DakotaLink participates in all of the Catch the Wave events, which help students determine what they might need for going on to college from the high school level. Since the COVID pandemic lifted this past year we were able to participate in nearly all of the events scheduled in person.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
DakotaLink has had a long history of working with the State Bureau of Information and Technology and the Department of Human Services to ensure Website Accessibility in regards to Section 508 and W3C Standards. The State Bureau of Information and Technology has adopted and posted an Accessibility Policy along with a Web Page dedicated to assisting other Departments in meeting Section 508 and W3C Standards.
D. 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 | 12 |
| No known outcome at this time | 08 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 22 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 63.6% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Not Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 75% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 00% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 00% |
| Community Living | 12% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 13% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
The State of South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology has a List of Standard Assistive Technology and DakotaLink updates this list annually. The Software allows State employees to have access to Informational Communication Technology specifically through the computer with access to email, the Web, and other forms of communication technology. DakotaLink also has an agreement with the Bureau to provide training to State Employees on this technology. DakotaLink evaluates a web-based file management system that the Department of Human Services implemented. This includes having meetings with Department personnel and the company providing the software. DakotaLink identifies issues they observe during the evaluation of products and makes recommendations to ensure access ility.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
DakotaLink participates in all of the Catch the Wave events, which help students determine what they might need for going on to college from the high school level. Since the COVID pandemic has lifted a great deal, we were able to attend all of the events throughout the state this year. We also participated in Youth Leadership Forums that 240 students participated in. The format is a symposium for students with disabilities where Assistive Technology is introduced to them to increase their awareness of options for them when they attend post-secondary education.
C. Notes:
Our technical assistance ranges from students to state employees and it is a continuing activity for DakotaLink. DakotaLink has had a long history of working with the State Bureau of Information and Technology and the Department of Human Services to ensure Website Accessibility in regard to Section 508 and W3C Standards. The State Bureau of Information and Technology has adopted and posted an Accessibility Policy and it is below in its entirety along with a Web Page dedicated to assisting other Departments in meeting Section 508 and W3C Standards.
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. DakotaLink sends out newsletters every quarter to the folks on our mailing list. We update the list as people show interest. This comes out to be approximately 500 newsletters over a year’s time. DakotaLink also posts on list/serves/blogs and social media. The list serves are at3center-ml@list.ataporg.org and The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) ataporg@ataporg.org. We also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaLinkAT where we share what we are doing and keep people informed on our COVID status. We also have brochures for the DakotaLink program, the Medical Equipment Recycle and Reuse program, and AT4All. We keep a spreadsheet of the presentations and conferences that we participate in.
2. DakotaLink has a resource directory that is on our website: https://www.dakotalink.net/at-partners/sd-partners
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 260 | 09 | 269 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 104 | 01 | 105 |
| Representative of Education | 12 | 00 | 12 |
| Representative of Employment | 14 | 02 | 16 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 25 | 06 | 31 |
| Representative of Community Living | 26 | 02 | 28 |
| Representative of Technology | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Unable to Categorize | 21 | 01 | 22 |
| Total | 462 | 24 | 486 |
Referral Types:
DakotaLink referrals come from a variety of sources. Our outreach includes television commercials, the program Dakota At Home (https://dakotaathome.org/), the Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Telephone Adaptive Device (TAD) program, the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI), the Deaf Blind Program, the iCanConnectSD program, the Strengthening Families Program, Family Support 360, the Hearing Aid Assistance Program, the Cochlear Implant Program, the Department of Education Office of Special Education, the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program, Independent Living Centers, Disability Rights South Dakota, and the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network.
Referral Sources:
With regard to all of the entities listed in the types of referrals we get, approximately 70% come from the Department of Rehabilitation Services. We get about 20% from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the last 10% is a conglomeration of all of the types listed above.
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?
DakotaLink collaborates with the State Department of Human Services to provide training to Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors throughout the State on their established process for how they provide Assistive Technology devices and services for their Consumers. South Dakota uses an electronic Referral Process that provides consumers access to Assistive Technology assessments, equipment, and training. DakotaLink has worked with the Department to develop a Program Guide and some changes to the policy were initiated to streamline the process. AT Act Funding is used to implement this initiative.
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.
We use Survey Monkey to send out to anyone who conducts business with DakotaLink and we get about a 60% response rate with 82% positive feedback. The direct outline of procedures streamlines the process of providing AT to individuals with disabilities. Being in front of the folks that provide us with referrals has a more efficient effect on the process than with other means. This initiative will continue and be modified as needed in the years to come. We replicate this training at least once per year to cover turnover and ensure the process is in effect as expected.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment; Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Veterans; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; State Financing; 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? | 01 |
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B. State Improvements
1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.
We are currently establishing a collaboration with the LTSS Hope Waiver program. We plan to start with smart home equipment and possibly SureHands lift systems. We do have a contract drafted and our next step will be to work with them to get the referral process set up. They use a service called TheraP and they will be providing a training session so that we will know how to use it in the Winter of 2023. This has been a very long process, but with the contract drafted and their willingness to provide some training, we are moving forward substantially.
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.)
As mentioned above the contract with LTSS has standards that ocmply with the SFY23 Environmental Accessibility Adaptations Provider Provisions. These are available at https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/ltssproviders.aspx We plan to provide services at the rate and amount for Environmental Accessibility Adaptations identified in the FY2023 LTSS Fee Schedule, available at https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/ltssproviders.aspx, and hereby incorporated by reference.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Community Living
Additional And Leveraged Funds
| Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? | Yes |
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A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
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For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below. |
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C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).
Since the COVID pandemic has swung to a manageable level, we are having a difficult time justifying a position in this capacity at this time.
Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 14 2023 16:36:29 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)