National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Utah 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Utah Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://www.usu.edu/uatp/
Mailing Address:
6855 Old Main Hill
City:
Logan
State:
Utah
Zip Code:
84322
Program Email:
bora.lee@usu.edu
Phone:
800-524-5152
TTY:
435-797-2355

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Utah Assistive Technology Program
Mailing Address:
6855 Old Main Hill
City:
Logan
State:
Utah
Zip Code:
84322
Program URL:
https://www.usu.edu/uatp/

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):
Lee, Bora
Title:
Director
Phone:
435-797-6572
E-mail:
bora.lee@usu.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Wood, Shelly
Title:
Coordinator
Phone:
435-797-2025
E-mail:
shelly.wood@usu.edu
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):
O'Crowley, Dan
Title:
Coordinator
Phone:
435-797-0699
E-mail:
dan.ocrowley@usu.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Smith, Jen
Title:
Grant & Contractor Officer
Phone:
435-797-1272
E-mail:
jen.smith@usu.edu

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 29 07 36
Approved Not made 01 01 02
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 30 08 38

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $9,408 Highest Income: $177,024

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$2,041,530 36 $56,709

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 02 08 06 08 01 11 36
Percentage of Loans 5.56% 22.22% 16.67% 22.22% 2.78% 30.56% 100%

3. Loan Type

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 04 11.11%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 32 88.89%
Total 36 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 36 $258,849
Total 36 $258,849

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 1%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
67 36 1.86111111111111%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 28
2.1% to 4.0% 07
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 36

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 64 $127,861
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 00 $0
Vehicle modification and transportation 04 $130,988
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 68 $258,849

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)60
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)15
C. Total Served75

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures75

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 25$6,158
Hearing 3$836
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 1$130
Mobility, seating and positioning15$6,223
Daily living 23$6,552
Environmental adaptations2$267
Vehicle modification and transportation 3$1,045
Computers and related 3$1,277
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total75$22,488



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?AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)79
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served79

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures79

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 ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price
Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold
Savings
to Consumers
Vision 0$0$0$0
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 79$33,160$11,800$21,360
Total 79$33,160$11,800$21,360


D. Anecdote

Anna Turner was preparing to welcome a new baby to her home. But in addition to the usual considerations of having a newborn in the house, she had an additional concern: What if she had a seizure when her husband was at work? Turner’s service dog, Vixen, responds to seizures, but sometimes when they happen Turner is unable to speak, so it’s hard to notify others if she needs additional assistance. She knew a service dog panic buttoncould help, but it was pricey. Fortunately, she also knew the Utah Assistive Technology Program offers small grants to help people with disabilities purchase AT devices who could not otherwise afford them. (Small grants of up to $500 may be awarded to Utahns who fit the income guidelines and do not have other funding options.) Turner received the small grant and purchased the device. It is designed so that the person experiencing a seizure can press the plate and activate the alert system. A service dog can also be trained to push the button with its nose. Once activated, the device alerts three designated people that she is experiencing a seizure. Turner has trained Vixen to use the panic button. She’s also tested the device. “It worked great,” she said. “It played the message.” The family recently welcomed their new baby girl, Anastasia. They have the assurance that if Turner needs some help after a seizure, she will get it—and so will Anastasia.

 The picture with the dog: Anna Turner teaches her dog to push a panic button
Impact Area

TREMONTON—The Larson family avoided taking trips together. For one thing, it was hard on 15-year-old Isaac, who uses a wheelchair. For another, it was hard on Penny, his mother, who tried to ignore the pain of a spinal condition as she lifted him in and out of their Subaru Legacy sedan. And then there were the usual sibling complaints that come with riding in cramped conditions. Last week, many of those problems were solved as they drove a van financed by the Utah Assistive Technology Program to a private concert by the a cappella group Eclipse 6. The Salt Lake City event was made possible by the Mascot Miracles Foundation. “It’s our first trip out and we’re elated,” Penny said. Isaac does not speak, but it’s obvious music is his thing. When it plays, “My boy just lights right up.” She was happy, too. “For the first time in years, there’s room in this vehicle,”she said. “It is so, so nice.” She was also spared the hassle of packing an old fold-up wheelchair into the Subaru. UATP partners with Zions Bank in offering reduced-interest loans to people who need assistive technology. There are no income restrictions. The loans of up to $50,000 can be used to finance many types of AT—hearing aids, home modifications, other devices not covered by insurance. UATP and Zions have worked together to successfully finance van loans.

Isaac sits in his wheelchair next to the accessible van's ramp
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. 01 03 97 101
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 79 80
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 06 07
4. Subtotal 02 04 182 188
5. None of the above 01 00 01 02
6. Subtotal 03 04 183 190
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 03 04 183 190
9. Performance on this measure 66.67% 100% 99.45%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 177 93.16%
Satisfied 13 6.84%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 190
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 24
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 521
C. Total 545

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 545

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 03 $240 $40 $200
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 15 $7,020 $170 $6,850
Daily Living 04 $4,500 $520 $3,980
Environmental Adaptations 03 $1,850 $30 $1,820
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 01 $200 $50 $150
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $1,500 $300 $1,200
Total 27 $15,310 $1,110 $14,200

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 33 $223 $30 $193
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05 $215 $0 $215
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 424 $513,493 $31,977 $481,516
Daily Living 69 $5,982 $580 $5,402
Environmental Adaptations 11 $426 $35 $391
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $1,200 $115 $1,085
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $1,500 $200 $1,300
Total 546 $523,039 $32,937 $490,102

D. Anecdote

Anjali obtained employment at The Pastry Pub in Cedar City. She was hired to take orders, and work the cash register. Anjali uses a manual wheelchair which was much lower than the cash register. Limited mobility made it difficult for her to transfer on a higher stool. Crystal Pyne from Crysalis sent in a referral to UCAT to see if we could find a stool that would raise her to the appropriate height. After some discussion, we determined a much better solution for her included a power wheelchair with an elevated seat to reach the work area. The Utah Assistive Technology Program had a gently used power wheelchair with an elevated seat that we were able to have adjusted to meet her measurements. The chair was delivered to Anjali at the Pastry Pub allowing her to trial it. It worked perfectly! This chair improved her overall mobility, allowed access to her work area and gave her more overall independence. The Pastry Pub has been so impressed with her, they gave her additional shifts.

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. 13 00 188 201
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 07 01 55 63
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 08 04 129 141
4. Subtotal 28 05 372 405
5. None of the above 00 04 62 66
6. Subtotal 28 09 434 471
7. Nonrespondent 00 09 65 74
8. Total 28 18 499 545
9. Performance on this measure 100% 27.78% 74.55%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 508 93.21%
Satisfied 21 3.85%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 16 2.94%
Total Surveyed 545
Response rate % 97.06%

G. Notes:

We are not the major providers of those types of devices in Utah, so generally, the items we work with in those areas are cheaper.

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) 56
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 64
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 02
Total 130

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 43 46 89
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 09 17 26
Representative of Education 00 07 07
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02 01 03
Representatives of Community Living 01 00 01
Representatives of Technology 00 03 03
Total 56 74 130

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 39

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 00 03 03
Hearing 00 00 00
Speech Communication 01 00 01
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 00 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 49 77 126
Daily Living 06 02 08
Environmental Adaptations 01 00 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 02 00 02
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 59 82 141

E. Anecdote

I (Dan O'Crowley) had two different clients this last year who lived at home and were taken to the hospital. The ambulance did not grab their wheelchair (It makes sense; they were focused on more important things like keeping the person alive). To be released from the hospital, I was able to loan them a device so they could travel home using the bus system. Later, when I did my monthly route, I picked up the equipment I had loaned to them. Just another example of the extra headaches people with disabilities has to think about when living life. This was a short narrative from the AT coordinator. Utah's public transportation is still in the process of making it possible for everyone to have access. However, many older adults and people with disabilities experience difficulty when they have no family to support them.

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 04 03 41 48
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 04 05
Subtotal 05 03 45 53
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 05 03 45 53
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 05 03 48 56
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

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. 06 03 28 37
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 09 11
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 08 01 14 23
4. Subtotal 16 04 51 71
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 16 04 52 72
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 02 02
8. Total 16 04 54 74
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 98.08%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 113 86.92%
Satisfied 05 3.85%
Satisfied somewhat 03 2.31%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.77%
Nonrespondent 08 6.15%
Total Surveyed 130
Response rate % 93.85%

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 211
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 55
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 38
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 111
Daily Living 63
Environmental Adaptations 26
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 10
Computers and Related 39
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03
Total # of Device Demonstrations 556

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 528 34 562
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 18 74 92
Representatives of Education 03 29 32
Representatives of Employment 01 17 18
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 02 12 14
Representative of Community Living 02 23 25
Representative of Technology 02 82 84
Total 556 271 827

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 99
Service Provider 116
Vendor 68
Repair Service 09
Others 20
Total 312

D. Anecdote

Cameron Cressall in UATP's Uintah Basin location has been working with Precision Rehabilitation in Monticello to provide device demonstrations for therapists to show their tremor patients. "He's brought down a bucket of different tools, different weights," says Elynn Christiansen, an occupational therapist with Precision Rehabilitation. "The tremor stuff has been extremely helpful with the patients I have currently." Some of the weighted devices have allowed them to eat or write a check--things that they are not able to do otherwise. The devices have also helped them find affordable solutions. For example, a Liftware Steady starter kit is nearly $200, while weighted options are perhaps $20. "We start with the $20 set and if that doesn't work we can move up to the next step," Christiansen said. Cameron will give them notice that he is coming to Monticello, find out what they need, and bring the devices with him. He takes them back to UATP in Vernal on his next trip out.

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 65 31 386 482
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 07 00 51 58
Subtotal 72 31 437 540
Have not made a decision 08 00 08 16
Subtotal 80 31 445 556
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 80 31 445 556
Performance on this measure 90% 100% 98.2%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 679 82.1%
Satisfied 79 9.55%
Satisfied somewhat 45 5.44%
Not at all satisfied 02 0.24%
Nonrespondent 22 2.66%
Total 827
Response rate % 97.34%

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. 20 06 313 339
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 09 02 143 154
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 17 05 149 171
4. Subtotal 46 13 605 664
5. None of the above 01 04 64 69
6. Subtotal 47 17 669 733
7. Nonrespondent 00 09 67 76
8. Total 47 26 736 809
9. Performance on this measure 61.7% 30.77% 62.13% 61.09%
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 69 34 427 530
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 08 00 55 63
Subtotal 77 34 482 593
Have not made a decision 08 00 08 16
Subtotal 85 34 490 609
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 85 34 493 612
Performance on this measure 90.59% 100% 98.37% 97.37%
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 96.90% 95% Met
Response Rate 97.28% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 154
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 147
Representatives of Education 12
Representatives of Employment 07
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 33
Representatives of Community Living 30
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 50
TOTAL 433

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
406 27 00 433

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 212
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 105
Combination of any/all of the above 37
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 62
Transition 17
Total 433

C. Description of Training Activities

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

The training focused on mobility and speech devices to support the pediatric epilepsy community (over 100 family members, professionals, and community members) during summer was a highlight. AT funding was also introduced to how they can reach out to their specific AT programs to acquire devices. Families and service providers appreciated the devices and funding resources that were presented.

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

Dan O'Crowley, our Logan coordinator, has trained transition students from the Cache County School District's PEER program at the fabrication lab. The training includes learning how to use hand tools and power tools, as well as social skills while dealing with clients who come into the lab. He trained one student during the Spring semester 2022 (January through May) and three students during the Fall semester (August 2022 to present).

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

Smart home devices were introduced to seniors in underserved communities; they learned about different devices and support (services and devices), which tend to be challenging for many. Amazon echo, Google home, and Apple devices accessibility were requested from them. Switching to a smartphone was challenging for seniors as technology evolved, so UATP helped set up the iPhone and downloaded apps to meet their needs (speech-to-text, large text, etc.)

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 22
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 19
No known outcome at this time 18
Nonrespondent 03
Total 62
Performance Measure Percentage 66.1%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 83%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 17%
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:

UATP provides responsive technical assistance to community members, professionals, family of people with disabilities by responding to their unique needs in the form of phone calls and on-site training.

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

Young adults with disabilities participate in employment training to prepare for postsecondary education or a future career. UATP is asked to plan the training and collaborate with schools, related service providers, and families to provide the necessary support.

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. UATP launched a TikTok channel this year, with our social media specialist Clay Smith producing short videos on assistive technology that is available in our demonstration and loan library. These videos have reached thousands, with our most successful video reaching more than 4 million viewers! This platform has allowed us to promote new technology—particularly our new tremor devices—to people who might otherwise never hear of it.

2. This year, UATP received a boost in public awareness when the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (the larger organization that we are a part of) celebrated its 50th anniversary. The larger organization’s awareness campaign allowed UATP to play a part in several advertisements: a radio ad campaign focused in the Uintah Basin highlighting our Vernal location; a print ad highlighting our Salt Lake City location; and a bus ad featuring our Logan location. In addition, Utah State University sent an official photographer to UATP to help with the publicity, and they later came back to do a photo essay for the university’s alumni magazine, highlighting the work of UATP in Logan and Salt Lake City. Taken together, these efforts reached more than 270,000 people.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 206 241 447
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 101 50 151
Representative of Education 50 00 50
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 50 00 50
Representative of Community Living 02 00 02
Representative of Technology 50 00 50
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 459 291 750

Referral Types:

Independent living centers, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, AAAs, health organizations, school districts, and other organizations have sent consumers to utilize UATP service. Therefore, the partnership is crucial in bringing positive experiences for the consumers as there is less struggle for them to reach out to receive support.

Referral Sources:

Most of our referrals come from 6 independent living centers and 1 Area Agencies on Aging, five school districts, Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and projects within the Institute for Research, Policy, and Practice. About 10% of the total referral for I&A come from ILCs.

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?

The COVID-19 pandemic shut down visits to the physical offices of Utah's AAA, senior centers, and other facilities. As a result, shifting to online services was more complicated than it had been for other organizations. Having a partnership with Utah's Aging and Disability Resource Center (federal crisis funding was awarded), we helped upgrade the agencies' computers and equipment. Companion pets were popular among seniors because they were low maintenance but increased interaction in many areas (i.e., friends and family, personal well-being, etc.). In addition, we created step-by-step training for people with disabilities, family members, and representatives of education and community living on how to use technology.

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.

As a result, more referrals are coming through independent living centers and other senior centers. But, of course, no one agency could perform all the work on its own; by building a positive trustful relationship, our interaction with the agencies continues to improve, and the consumers reach out more for our services. Understanding our limits is essential; Utah is a large state with limited personnel within the organizations, so it is hard to reach everyone in the state (mainly rural areas). Therefore, understanding where the organization is located and the capacity and willingness to collaborate make a massive difference in how we reach more individuals. Although this was a one-time event, hoping to continue to work with senior serving entities and veterans to support their needs.

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

Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; 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; Information & Assistance; 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? 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$30,393Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$30,000State FinancingTrue
Federal$11,513Device LoanTrue
State Appropriations$25,000TrainingTrue
State Appropriations$32,000DemonstrationTrue
Federal$12,304Technical AssistanceTrue
State Appropriations$5,000Technical AssistanceTrue
Private$16,298DemonstrationTrue
Private$4,040ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$13,977Public Awareness, I&ATrue
State Appropriations$4,500Device LoanTrue
State Appropriations$10,000Public Awareness, I&ATrue
State Appropriations$31,936ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$16,460ReuseTrue
Amount: $243,421

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 16:37:13 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.