National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Wisconsin 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

WisTech Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wistech/index.htm

Mailing Address:

1 W. Wilson St., Room 551, PO Box 2659

City:

Madison

State:

Wisconsin

Zip Code:

53703

Program Email:

DHSWistech@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Phone:

608-514-2513

TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources

Mailing Address:

1 W. Wilson St., Room 551, PO Box 2659

City:

Madison

State:

Wisconsin

Zip Code:

53703

Program URL:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph/badr.htm

Implementing Entity

Does your Lead Agency contract with an Implementing Entity to carry out the Statewide AT Program on its behalf? (Check if Yes)

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):

Plummer, Laura

Title:

Assistive Technology Program Coordinator

Phone:

608-514-2513

E-mail:

laura.plummer1@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Plummer, Laura

Title:

Assistive Technology Program Coordinator

Phone:

608-514-2513

E-mail:

laura.plummer1@dhs.wisconsin.gov

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):

Sobczyk, Lisa

Title:

Social Services Supervisor

Phone:

608-266-9354

E-mail:

lisa.sobczyk@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Molke, Carrie

Title:

Bureau Director

Phone:

608-267-5267

E-mail:

Carrie.Molke@dhs.wisconsin.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Yes

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

Yes

Loan Applications
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	11	03	14
Approved Not made	01	00	01
Rejected	06	02	08
Total	18	05	23

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$11,685	Highest Income:	$98,914

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$591,443	14	$42,246

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
Number of Loans	03	03	02	05	00	01	14
Percentage of Loans	21.43%	21.43%	14.29%	35.71%	0%	7.14%	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	00	0%
With loan guarantee only	14	100%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	14	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	00	$0
Partnership Loans	14	$128,845
Total	14	$128,845

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	4%
Highest	4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
56	14	4%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	00
2.1% to 4.0%	14
4.1% to 6.0%	00
6.1% to 8.0%	00
8.1% - 10.0%	00
10.1%-12.0%	00
12.1%-14.0%	00
14.1% +	00
Total	14

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	01	$3,500
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	02	$13,400
Daily living	04	$31,437
Environmental adaptations	00	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	04	$77,700
Computers and related	03	$2,808
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	14	$128,845

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	03
Net loss for loans in default	$4,151

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	800
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	746
C. Total Served	1546

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	1546

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 of Devices Funded	Value of AT Provided
Vision	50	$26,312
Hearing	2535	$545,926
Speech communication	282	$144,462
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	154	$77,187
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	3021	$793,887

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?

D. Anecdote

WisLoan, Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech) alternative financing program, assisted a consumer with obtaining a trailer hitch for his vehicle. This individual utilizes a wheelchair and transports it with a small trailer. His current vehicle did not have a trailer hitch which meant he had to rely upon others for transportation. The consumer applied for and received a WisLoan for the purchase and installation of a trailer hitch on his vehicle. He shared that this has greatly increased his ability to be independent with appointments and social activities. This individual was also able to accelerate his payments on the loan due to the low interest rate.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	01	00	1,559	1,560
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	01	00	1,559	1,560
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	01	00	1,559	1,560
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	01	00	1,559	1,560
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	180	11.54%
Satisfied	173	11.09%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	1,207	77.37%
Total Surveyed	1,560
Response rate %	22.63%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	34
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	905
C. Total	939

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	939

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	01	$199	$0	$199
Hearing	01	$150	$0	$150
Speech Communication	19	$31,300	$3,125	$28,175
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	13	$6,835	$990	$5,845
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	02	$4,500	$2,400	$2,100
Daily Living	01	$1,500	$0	$1,500
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	37	$44,484	$6,515	$37,969

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	557	$49,705	$0	$49,705
Hearing	87	$16,215	$0	$16,215
Speech Communication	05	$521	$0	$521
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	04	$161	$0	$161
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	467	$134,767	$13,945	$120,822
Daily Living	119	$12,519	$48	$12,471
Environmental Adaptations	17	$5,826	$0	$5,826
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	05	$3,893	$0	$3,893
Computers and Related	23	$3,348	$0	$3,348
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	03	$645	$0	$645
Total	1,287	$227,600	$13,993	$213,607

D. Anecdote

indiGO, a Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech) subcontractor, received a walking stick that was donated from an indiGO board member who wanted someone else to benefit from the device. indiGO's staff was working with a Native American woman who had difficulty with accessing the outdoors due to her physical health limitations. She also experienced fear and worry about being outside, especially in the winter with snow and ice. Staff from indiGO provided a demonstration of the walking stick with a non-slip cane tip and was able to provide this device to her as a donation. The consumer reported that she felt safe walking with the walking stick and cane prong. She shared that her physical health has improved and she has less anxiety about going for walks outside.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	01	00	463	464
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	02	02	129	133
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	01	15	17
4. Subtotal	04	03	607	614
5. None of the above	00	00	01	01
6. Subtotal	04	03	608	615
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	324	324
8. Total	04	03	932	939
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	65.13%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	271	28.86%
Satisfied	342	36.42%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.21%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	324	34.5%
Total Surveyed	939
Response rate %	65.5%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

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)	470
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	112
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	484
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	11
Total	1,077

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity	Number of Device Borrowers
Type of Individual or Entity	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	373	490	863
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	60	88	148
Representative of Education	10	04	14
Representative of Employment	01	01	02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	11	08	19
Representatives of Community Living	10	14	24
Representatives of Technology	05	02	07
Total	470	607	1,077

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
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	71	10	81
Hearing	201	30	231
Speech Communication	10	00	10
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	16	04	20
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	110	394	504
Daily Living	177	238	415
Environmental Adaptations	32	108	140
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	08	06	14
Computers and Related	77	21	98
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	42	17	59
Total	744	828	1,572

E. Anecdote

A woman who was experiencing a decline in her ability to function independently due to tremors, reached out for assistive technology assistance with communication and daily living tasks. The woman’s primary physician addressed medication solutions for the tremors, but no additional options were available due to the complexity of her disabilities. Her speech was difficult for others to understand due to the tremors and she was hoping to identify some assistive technology to assist with communication. She and her spouse also identified some daily living tasks that she also needed help with. To address her communication needs, the woman borrowed two different voice amplifiers. She had identified that if she used a whisper that the tremors had less of an impact on communication. Working with the Center for Independent Living staff, the device loan of the voice amplifiers was not successful in meeting her needs. These results however provided the justification needed for her health insurance to cover deep brain stimulation for her tremors. To address some of the limitations she was having with her daily living activities, she then borrowed weighted silverware and a large water bottle. Both the weighted silverware and water bottle were assistive technology devices that meet her needs, so she decided to purchase the items. The consumer reports that her energy level is better with greater access to nutrition and hydration.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	17	24	245	286
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	05	140	146
Subtotal	18	29	385	432
Have not made a decision	03	05	30	38
Subtotal	21	34	415	470
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	21	34	415	470
Performance on this measure	85.71%	85.29%	92.77%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	04	04	247	255
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	03	02	314	319
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	03	26	29
4. Subtotal	07	09	587	603
5. None of the above	00	00	03	03
6. Subtotal	07	09	590	606
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	01	01
8. Total	07	09	591	607
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	99.49%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	754	70.01%
Satisfied	249	23.12%
Satisfied somewhat	50	4.64%
Not at all satisfied	10	0.93%
Nonrespondent	14	1.3%
Total Surveyed	1,077
Response rate %	98.7%

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	48
Hearing	100
Speech Communication	17
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	21
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	92
Daily Living	161
Environmental Adaptations	62
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	05
Computers and Related	102
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	54
Total # of Device Demonstrations	662

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	521	573	1,094
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	111	371	482
Representatives of Education	04	07	11
Representatives of Employment	00	01	01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	05	14	19
Representative of Community Living	17	56	73
Representative of Technology	04	09	13
Total	662	1,031	1,693

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	272
Service Provider	130
Vendor	51
Repair Service	01
Others	20
Total	474

D. Anecdote

A consumer with a learning disability had learned about a reading device that could assist with reading text or print-based information out loud. She felt it would be useful at work, so a demonstration of the requested device was arranged through her local Independent Living Center. This demonstration revealed that this device, as well as similar products, would not be able to accommodate her need for text-to-speech technology. The results of the demonstration provided justification to her vocational rehabilitation counselor that a more advanced type of assistive technology would be necessary to maintain employment. The vocational rehabilitation counselor appreciated the opportunity for the device demonstration since it assisted their agency with utilizing funds to support a solution that met the employment needs versus something that did not.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	28	60	407	495
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	02	06	65	73
Subtotal	30	66	472	568
Have not made a decision	04	04	86	94
Subtotal	34	70	558	662
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	34	70	558	662
Performance on this measure	88.24%	94.29%	84.59%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,301	76.85%
Satisfied	268	15.83%
Satisfied somewhat	77	4.55%
Not at all satisfied	37	2.19%
Nonrespondent	10	0.59%
Total	1,693
Response rate %	99.41%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	06	04	2,269	2,279
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	05	04	443	452
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	04	41	46
4. Subtotal	12	12	2,753	2,777
5. None of the above	00	00	04	04
6. Subtotal	12	12	2,757	2,781
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	325	325
8. Total	12	12	3,082	3,106
9. Performance on this measure	91.67%	66.67%	88.02%	87.95%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	45	84	652	781
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	03	11	205	219
Subtotal	48	95	857	1,000
Have not made a decision	07	09	116	132
Subtotal	55	104	973	1,132
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	55	104	973	1,132
Performance on this measure	87.27%	91.35%	88.08%	88.34%
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	95.26%	95%	Met
Response Rate	70.49%	90%	Not Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	1,052
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	164
Representatives of Education	204
Representatives of Employment	152
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	897
Representatives of Community Living	707
Representatives of Technology	79
Unable to Categorize	44
TOTAL	3,299

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
1,853	1,114	332	3,299

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	398
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	92
Combination of any/all of the above	2,073
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	731
Transition	05
Total	3,299

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Three Occupational Therapy (OT) programs have incorporated an assistive technology (AT) training session within their academic curriculum. The OT students from Marquette University, St. Mary University, and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee all receive in-depth training from Independence First, a subcontractor for Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech), on assistive technology. This training includes a review of AT solutions and a hands-on experience utilizing over 200 AT devices. This training impacts future OT providers and ensures that knowledge of AT devices and resources will be provided for any patients that they work with in the future. Graduates from the program generally work throughout the state (and beyond) in a variety of clinical settings.

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

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association Patient Support Group based in the Milwaukee area received a virtual training from staff with Independence First, a subcontractor for Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech). The focus of this training was to identify solutions and strategies that would benefit individuals with ALS who are planning to remain living at home or for those who are in transition from a hospital or rehabilitation stay. The AT solutions and strategies shared also have the potential for preventative placement in a long-term care facility.

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

Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech), part of the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, conducted an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training for the entire staff of the Division of Public Health (DPH). This opportunity to increase awareness and skillsets around accessible information will drastically improve access to public health information and services on a statewide basis. For example, the DPH is responsible for all of the education efforts around COVID-19 including testing, vaccines, and a new tele-health program that assists Wisconsin residents with anti-viral medications following a positive COVID-19 test result. The ICT training addressed how to create accessible documents in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and PDF. Division staff were also made aware of best practices around procurement and the inclusion contract language with external partners or vendors to ensure that sourcing for public health programs and services include accessibility language.

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	692
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	23
No known outcome at this time	16
Nonrespondent	00
Total	731
Performance Measure Percentage	97.8%
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	16%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	01%
Community Living	82%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	01%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

A local medical equipment manufacturer contacted Independence First, subcontractor for Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech), regarding their work with prototyping a manual wheelchair with a lift seat. Staff at Independence First were asked to demonstrate the prototype device to consumers and solicit feedback. The manufacturer will be utilizing this consumer feedback to modify their design and will continue to gather consumer input as their product development continues.

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

The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is developing a smart phone/tablet application (app) to assist occupational therapists, consumers, and family members with identifying the barriers that impact discharge from a facility or managed care setting after acquiring a disability. The goal is that the app will guide the introduction and selection of assistive technology solutions specific to an individual patient. For example, the app may be used as part of discharge planning for a patient who has had a stroke, lives alone and is returning home. The app could address concerns for this patient in the areas of food preparation, eating, dressing, and other activities of daily living. The meeting included a review of the app by staff from Independence First, subcontractor for Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech), using a consumer and family member point of view. Key feedback provided to the developers included utilizing plain language versus medical terminology.

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. Midstate Independent Living Choices (MILC), a subcontractor for Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech), hosted an adapted ice-skating event at a local ice arena in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Participants had access to equipment such as adapted sleds, hockey sticks, walkers, and canes to try ice skating. The event included a significant amount of public awareness through conversations with people with disabilities, family members, and the community in general. MILC was able to increase awareness of their services and the WisTech short-term device loan and demonstration program. The local news channel was also available to provide media coverage.

2. Adaptive gaming and eSports are a rapidly developing area of assistive technology, both devices and services. Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech) and the Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin (CILWW), a WisTech subcontractor, have been working to increase awareness about resources and options for accessible gaming. This includes involving a staff member from CILWW, who serves on statewide and national groups, as an expert on accessible gaming. This staff member’s online presence on listservs, streaming channels, and social media platforms has led to greater awareness for game developers and gamers themselves regarding inclusion for people with disabilities. WisTech built upon this interest in adaptive gaming by conducting a statewide, introductory webinar on this topic.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	2,276	447	2,723
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	1,107	155	1,262
Representative of Education	50	02	52
Representative of Employment	19	07	26
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	281	40	321
Representative of Community Living	19,300	52	19,352
Representative of Technology	14	01	15
Unable to Categorize	105	00	105
Total	23,152	704	23,856

Referral Types:

Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech) has utilized some unique outreach methods to increase awareness and partnerships this past fiscal year. This includes the work that our subcontracted agencies (Centers for Independent Living) are doing with recreational access for people with disabilities. This also includes work with local, national, and international organizations along with businesses to expand involvement and ensure facility access plus provision of adapted recreational equipment. Examples include working with the 2022 Women’s World Ice Hockey organizers, the Hostel Shoppe for an adapted cycling awareness event, development of adaptive gaming expertise, and Manitowoc County for adapted trail development.

Referral Sources:

Overall referrals for Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech) include people with disabilities, their family members or caregivers, long-term care providers, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, educators (K-12 and post-secondary), employers, technology vendors, and the general community. Information and assistance requests are handled by Department of Health Services staff, as well as staff from the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) and CIL network. Overwhelmingly, Information and assistance referrals are from people with disabilities or their family members; with 81% falling into these two categories. WisTech has experienced an increase in the number of contacts related to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital accessibility which results in additional technical assistance and trainings being provided. Requests are both internal and external to the Department of Health Services.

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?

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 collaborative project outlined for this report involves education and development of best practices for public education through video production and dissemination. Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program (WisTech) partnered with the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (GCPD), the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), the Office of the Secretary for the Governor, and internal Information Technology (IT) staff within the Department of Health Services (DHS). Two major video projects occurred during this past funding year. WisTech’s technical assistance involvement for the video projects described below was critical to ensure that each video was fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, specifically anyone using assistive technology to access the final products. This assistance with accessibility included guidance on the use of both open and closed captions, script development, voice overs, video descriptions for visual content, and the use of plain language. The first video project, in collaboration with the GCPD, was used to document the statewide barriers to healthcare that individuals with disabilities faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who were impacted were interviewed to share their experiences related to receiving care and provider access such as limited face-to-face appointments and inability to have an advocate or others along for medical appointments. This video targeted individuals with disabilities, family and/or caregivers, the medical or healthcare community, and legislators or policy makers. The funding utilized was internal to DHS and included the staff time from DHS and the IT department as well as members of the GCPD. Governor Tony Evers participated in this video project to stress the critical nature of these barriers and assurances of improvements around the issues raised. The second video project collaboration was in partnership with ODHH and the purpose of the video was to provide education and awareness for assistive technology solutions for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. This video targets individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, family members, service providers, and the community in general, by highlighting the options available to increase independence and improve community access. The funding utilized was internal to DHS and included the staff time from all WisTech, ODHH, and the IT department.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

The primary result of this collaboration would be difficult to measure quantitively since the outcome was the establishment of best practices for the distribution of public information through video production. Additionally, since the collaborative projects, the Governor’s Office has become fully aware of the need for full access in communications with Wisconsin’s citizens. Video production in general, from this point forward, will incorporate these accessibility features. DHS staff from the IT department gained Information and Communications Technology (ICT) knowledge, which will transfer to all future projects that they are involved with. The GCPD #Access4All video project raised and validated the concerns that members of the GCPD were able to identify during the COVID-19 pandemic surrounding equal access to healthcare. #Access4All Video Link. The ODHH Assistive Technology (AT) for Hearing Loss video project increased access to general knowledge about AT devices as well as the locations where this technology can be demonstrated or loaned through the WisTech Loan and Demonstration program. ODHH AT for Deaf and Hard of Hearing video link. These partnerships were successful due to the united desire to create and distribute accessible public information. This partnership highlighted the need to consider accessibility at the very beginning of a project. For example, several key accessibility requirements were not considered when initial drafts of the videos were created. This necessitated the need for several revisions to the videos, creating extra work for everyone involved. Moving forward, WisTech and ODHH have met to discuss the creation of additional videos to highlight other areas of assistive technology. A draft script for a Vision Loss AT video has been developed in collaboration with the Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired (OBVI), also part of the Department of Health Services.

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

Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; 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?

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

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

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.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY22 (9/30/2022) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY22 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY22, but plan to expend funding in FY23 and/or FY24
We expended some of all of this funding in FY22 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY22:

$0.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

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 16:38:26 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)