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? | No |
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? | 2 |
---|
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Last resort - Activity |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 161 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 84 |
C. Total Served | 245 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 245 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 732 | $167,484 |
Hearing | 198 | $39,731 |
Speech communication | 87 | $6,051 |
Learning, cognition, and developmental | 8 | $3,181 |
Mobility, seating and positioning | 182 | $11,986 |
Daily living | 1199 | $89,035 |
Environmental adaptations | 20 | $7,952 |
Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
Computers and related | 180 | $30,909 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 23 | $1,704 |
Total | 2629 | $358,033 |
How would you describe this state financing activity? | Telecommunications equipment distribution |
---|
County of Residence | Individuals Served |
---|---|
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 24 |
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 3 |
C. Total Served | 27 |
Performance Measure | |
---|---|
D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 27 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Devices Funded | Value of AT Provided |
---|---|---|
Vision | 3 | $2,918 |
Hearing | 17 | $9,082 |
Speech communication | 31 | $26,862 |
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 | 0 | $0 |
Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
Total | 51 | $38,862 |
How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
---|
An individual contacted ATLA after seeing the agency booth at the Disability Pride event in downtown Anchorage. He lives alone, has memory impairment, and was interested in the Clarity Picture phone. The Clarity Picture phone allows users to program a number that can be dialed by pressing one button that displays the contact's photo. During an initial consultation with the individual, it was clear that he was also struggling with hearing loss. The individual stated that he had stopped doing things he enjoyed, such as attending church, because of the struggles to hear. It was suggested that the individual try a Pocket Talker to help him hear. After a consultation and setup were complete, an ATLA specialist checked in a week later to ensure he had no device issues. At the time of the call, he informed staff that he 'loved' the Pocket Talker and was able to resume attending church. He was even able to sing along with the hymns. Additionally, the phone allowed him to contact loved ones without the anxiety of having to remember a phone number. Due to the individual's needs, ATLA was able to provide these devices free of charge through the TechAbility program.
An individual who is Deaf and requires an interpreter was referred to ATLA from St. Elias Hospital. They were also experiencing vision loss and faced challenges communicating effectively over the cell phone. The individual reported missing calls on their cell phone due to the inability to hear the phone ring. In addition, their vision loss caused barriers to seeing the interpreter on the video relay service app. The individual acquired an iPad through Alaska Relay with a video relay service (Sorenson) app, captioning for phone calls (innocaption), and texting. They were so excited about the larger screen and more precise image. The stand provided a perfect solution for their hands-free and slouch-free phone calls. Due to frequent missed calls, the individual has received a cell phone alert system that will connect with the Central Alert kit they received through Techability. Moreover, a low-vision, black-on-white keyboard has been provided so they can continue to text their friends and family.
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 | 272 | 272 |
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 | 272 | 272 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 00 | 00 | 272 | 272 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 00 | 00 | 272 | 272 |
9. Performance on this measure | NaN% | NaN% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 260 | 95.59% |
Satisfied | 12 | 4.41% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 272 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
---|---|
A. Device Exchange | 00 |
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 27 |
C. Total | 27 |
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 | 27 |
If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Exchanged | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged | Savings to Consumers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vision | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Daily Living | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
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 | 06 | $6,895 | $0 | $6,895 |
Hearing | 14 | $1,895 | $0 | $1,895 |
Speech Communication | 24 | $5,200 | $0 | $5,200 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 04 | $395 | $0 | $395 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 02 | $1,515 | $0 | $1,515 |
Daily Living | 10 | $2,115 | $0 | $2,115 |
Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Computers and Related | 02 | $560 | $0 | $560 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | 62 | $18,575 | $0 | $18,575 |
An Alaskan resident, who was quickly losing his vision and said he would be blind soon, met ATLA's Outreach Coordinator at a presentation she gave. He had recently lost his computer in a home fire. The individual is unfamiliar with Apple products, but fortunately, ATLA had a Lenovo laptop in its reuse inventory, which they provided him. During a follow-up interview, the client indicated that the computer met his needs, and he profoundly appreciates ATLA's services.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 04 | 01 | 22 | 27 |
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 | 04 | 01 | 22 | 27 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 04 | 01 | 22 | 27 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 04 | 01 | 22 | 27 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 27 | 100% |
Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 27 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
---|---|
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 83 |
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 02 |
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 05 |
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 10 |
Total | 100 |
Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Individuals with Disabilities | 37 | 00 | 37 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 09 | 00 | 09 |
Representative of Education | 09 | 02 | 11 |
Representative of Employment | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 27 | 07 | 34 |
Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 05 | 05 |
Representatives of Technology | 00 | 03 | 03 |
Total | 83 | 17 | 100 |
Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 14 |
---|
Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
---|---|---|---|
Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
Vision | 24 | 06 | 30 |
Hearing | 12 | 02 | 14 |
Speech Communication | 56 | 56 | 112 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 11 | 08 | 19 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 07 | 05 | 12 |
Daily Living | 36 | 07 | 43 |
Environmental Adaptations | 04 | 02 | 06 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Computers and Related | 31 | 24 | 55 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 12 | 05 | 17 |
Total | 193 | 115 | 308 |
The loan partnership program began during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Alaskan-based organizations that support individuals who experience a disability or impairment more efficiently access equipment. Once an agreement is signed, the process to borrow equipment is streamlined so professionals do not have to fill out loan paperwork for each individual request. Speech therapists have been primary users of this program and often borrow an iPad with communication apps to trial for Alaskans they support. Sometimes, they are helping individuals who have experienced a sudden loss of speech, so their communication needs must be addressed immediately.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 09 | 08 | 65 | 82 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Subtotal | 09 | 09 | 65 | 83 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Subtotal | 09 | 09 | 65 | 83 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 09 | 09 | 65 | 83 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
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 | 02 | 02 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 05 | 01 | 06 | 12 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
4. Subtotal | 06 | 01 | 10 | 17 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 06 | 01 | 10 | 17 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 06 | 01 | 10 | 17 |
9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 99 | 99% |
Satisfied | 01 | 1% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total Surveyed | 100 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
---|---|
Vision | 64 |
Hearing | 54 |
Speech Communication | 73 |
Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 34 |
Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 11 |
Daily Living | 201 |
Environmental Adaptations | 25 |
Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
Computers and Related | 67 |
Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 13 |
Total # of Device Demonstrations | 542 |
Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 266 | 00 | 266 |
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 140 | 100 | 240 |
Representatives of Education | 34 | 08 | 42 |
Representatives of Employment | 27 | 06 | 33 |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 59 | 09 | 68 |
Representative of Community Living | 13 | 06 | 19 |
Representative of Technology | 03 | 00 | 03 |
Total | 542 | 129 | 671 |
Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
---|---|
Funding Source (non-AT program) | 05 |
Service Provider | 05 |
Vendor | 00 |
Repair Service | 20 |
Others | 03 |
Total | 33 |
An ATLA specialist was able to connect with two senior citizens who have multiple barriers, including being legally blind, significant cognitive impairment, inability to communicate, and physical limitations. Both individuals live in an Alaskan island community and can only travel or leave their house, if necessary, with transportation assistance. ATLA made a home visit to demonstrate AT equipment available through programs for which they both qualified. After being able to trial, touch, and try out the equipment in their home, both better understood how the AT equipment could assist in maintaining their independence and living in the house on the island they have called home for many decades.
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 23 | 36 | 449 | 508 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 08 | 02 | 24 | 34 |
Subtotal | 31 | 38 | 473 | 542 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Subtotal | 31 | 38 | 473 | 542 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 31 | 38 | 473 | 542 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
---|---|---|
Highly satisfied | 638 | 95.08% |
Satisfied | 33 | 4.92% |
Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
Total | 671 | |
Response rate % | 100% |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 04 | 01 | 296 | 301 |
2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 05 | 01 | 06 | 12 |
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
4. Subtotal | 10 | 02 | 304 | 316 |
5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
6. Subtotal | 10 | 02 | 304 | 316 |
7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
8. Total | 10 | 02 | 304 | 316 |
9. Performance on this measure | 90% | 100% | 99.34% | 99.05% |
ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 32 | 44 | 514 | 590 |
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 08 | 03 | 24 | 35 |
Subtotal | 40 | 47 | 538 | 625 |
Have not made a decision | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Subtotal | 40 | 47 | 538 | 625 |
Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 40 | 47 | 538 | 625 |
Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
Met/Not Met | Met |
Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
---|---|---|---|
Highly satisfied and satisfied | 100% | 95% | Met |
Response Rate | 100% | 90% | Met |
Type of Participant | Number |
---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 115 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 24 |
Representatives of Education | 98 |
Representatives of Employment | 106 |
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 90 |
Representatives of Community Living | 152 |
Representatives of Technology | 49 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 |
TOTAL | 634 |
Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
503 | 131 | 00 | 634 |
Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
---|---|
AT Products/Services | 437 |
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 00 |
Combination of any/all of the above | 96 |
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 39 |
Transition | 62 |
Total | 634 |
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
ATLA provided a two-day virtual training event in September 2023, offering six training presentations to 114 attendees. A popular presentation was titled “AT for Farmers & Other Ag Workers.” Alaskan farmers produce a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, plants, livestock, and crops. ATLA staff gave in-depth training specific to assistive technology that can benefit individuals who have disabilities, prior injuries, or are aging to produce agriculture safely and effectively. Presenters shared unique solutions for Alaskan farmers and other agricultural workers to stay in their desired careers for as long as possible.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
ATLA provided an in-depth session titled "Assistive Technology for Employment Access and Retention" about common and not-so-common assistive technology considerations and solutions in the workplace. Attendees ranged from individuals with disabilities, to employers, caregivers, and vocational professionals. While many assistive technology devices were showcased, attendees were guided through a critical discussion about how AT use to support the employee's daily living needs can lead to a higher likelihood that they will adapt to new technology in the workplace. Information on reasonable accommodations, navigating funding, and accessing assistive technology services were all provided to attendees, so they left the session with the necessary knowledge to implement it.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
While there are paths to accessible documents and presentations without utilizing the Microsoft Suite, the majority of people and professionals use one or more of the programs. With this in mind, ATLA provided a session at their 2023 Assistive Technology Virtual Expo aptly named "Microsoft Accessibility Tools." Microsoft Word and PowerPoint each have built-in accessibility tools that assist with creating documents and slide decks. Built-in accessibility checkers will alert users of changes that can be made to make your content more accessible for everyone. Attendees received a live demonstration of these programs and features that included remediation of inaccessible examples, providing them with the foundation to adopt the same practices.
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received | Number |
---|---|
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 00 |
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 39 |
No known outcome at this time | 00 |
Nonrespondent | 00 |
Total | 39 |
Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
Met/Not Met | Met |
Education | 00% |
---|---|
Employment | 00% |
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 50% |
Community Living | 50% |
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 00% |
Total | 100% |
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
ATLA was asked to participate as a key stakeholder in the statewide Dementia Action Collaborative workgroup. The goal of the workgroup was to increase Alaska's capacity to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer's and related dementia. The workgroup gathered information and created a resource guide for families and caregivers that support individuals who experience Alzheimer's and related dementia. The resource guide included assistive technology examples and options throughout multiple sections.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
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. Each month, ATLA shares an e-newsletter covering topics related to assistive technology, such as emergency preparedness, information and communication technology, tools for accessible gaming, and more. In June of 2023, ATLA had the highest open rate of 55%, just above the average of 45% and the industry average of 29%. The topic was "5 Assistive Technology for DeafBlind" in honor of Helen Keller's birthday. Keyboards, braille notetakers, wearable alerting systems, computer software, and apps were discussed in the e-newsletter. Additionally, ATLA shared four assistive technology devices included in their reutilization program, which are available for any Alaskan to request through a simple and accessible form. The e-newsletter is sent to roughly 900 individuals and is distributed on the last Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM.
2.
Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Individuals with Disabilities | 9,330 | 1,973 | 11,303 |
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 254 | 984 | 1,238 |
Representative of Education | 4,667 | 1,888 | 6,555 |
Representative of Employment | 1,230 | 467 | 1,697 |
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 1,723 | 1,094 | 2,817 |
Representative of Community Living | 1,941 | 608 | 2,549 |
Representative of Technology | 595 | 356 | 951 |
Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Total | 19,740 | 7,370 | 27,110 |
ATLA was able to improve information and assistance activity by utilizing an accessible online referral form. The online referral form allows individuals, family, friends, practitioners, and other agency representatives to provide useful and pertinent information needed before a staff member's initial contact.
The majority of the referrals to ATLA come from independent living staff, service providers, or medical offices (optometrists, ophthalmologists, audiologists, neurologists, etc).
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? | 0 |
---|
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 |
---|
Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
---|---|---|---|
Public/State Agency | $1,864 | Demonstration | True |
Federal | $21,021 | Demonstration | True |
Federal | $99,979 | State Financing | True |
Private | $9,656 | Demonstration | True |
State Appropriations | $151,302 | State Financing | True |
Public/State Agency | $83,591 | State Financing | True |
Federal | $13,042 | Public Awareness, I&A | True |
Amount: $380,455 |
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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Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 13:58:58 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)