National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Alaska 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Assistive Technology of Alaska
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.atlaak.org
Mailing Address:
1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99503
Program Email:
atla@atlaak.org
Phone:
907-563-2599
TTY:
907-563-0699

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
1111 W. 8th St., Ste 210
City:
Juneau
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99801
Program URL:
http://www.labor.state.ak.us/dvr/at-prog.htm

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Assistive Technology of Alaska
Mailing Address:
1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120
City
Anchorage
State:
AK
Zip Code:
99503
Program URL:
www.atlaak.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Mayes, Duane
Title:
Program Director
Phone:
907-334-5963
E-mail:
duane.mayes@alaska.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Rail, Mystie
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
907-563-2599
E-mail:
mystie@atlaak.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Caputo, Jason
Title:
Project Assistant
Phone:
907-465-6933
E-mail:
jason.caputo@alaska.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? No

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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 2
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)161
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)84
C. Total Served245

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures245

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 732$167,484
Hearing 198$39,731
Speech communication87$6,051
Learning, cognition, and developmental 8$3,181
Mobility, seating and positioning182$11,986
Daily living 1199$89,035
Environmental adaptations20$7,952
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 180$30,909
Recreation, sports, and leisure23$1,704
Total2629$358,033

Activity 2
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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)24
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)3
C. Total Served27

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures27

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 3$2,918
Hearing 17$9,082
Speech communication31$26,862
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total51$38,862



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

1. Overview of Activities Performed

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

D. Anecdote

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.

Impact Area

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.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 272 272
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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 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

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 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

D. Anecdote

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.

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. 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 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

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 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

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
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

E. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

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. 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%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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 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

B. Types of Participants

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

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 05
Service Provider 05
Vendor 00
Repair Service 20
Others 03
Total 33

D. Anecdote

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.

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 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%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
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%

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. 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

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 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

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 100% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 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

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
503 131 00 634

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
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

C. Description of Training Activities

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.

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 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

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 50%
Community Living 50%
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:

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:

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. 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.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
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

Referral Types:

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.

Referral Sources:

The majority of the referrals to ATLA come from independent living staff, service providers, or medical offices (optometrists, ophthalmologists, audiologists, neurologists, etc).

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? 0

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$1,864DemonstrationTrue
Federal$21,021DemonstrationTrue
Federal$99,979State FinancingTrue
Private$9,656DemonstrationTrue
State Appropriations$151,302State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$83,591State FinancingTrue
Federal$13,042Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Amount: $380,455

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 13 2024 13:58:58 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)


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This FY23 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.