National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Iowa 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

http://www.iowaat.org

Mailing Address:

401 NE 66th Avenue

City:

Des Moines

State:

Zip Code:

50313

Program Email:

atinfo@eastersealsia.org

Phone:

866-866-8782

TTY:

515-289-1281

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa

Mailing Address:

2 Gilmore Hall

City:

Iowa City

State:

Zip Code:

52242

Program URL:

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:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program

Mailing Address:

401 NE 66th Avenue

City

Des Moines

State:

Zip Code:

50313

Program URL:

www.iowaat.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):

Keninger, Tracy

Title:

Director

Phone:

515-309-2371

E-mail:

tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Willis, Derrick

Title:

Director

Phone:

319-678-8414

E-mail:

derrick-willis@uiowa.edu

Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:

Keninger, Tracy

Title:

Director

Phone:

515-309-2371

E-mail:

tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Chance, Kim

Title:

Assistive Technology Center Team Lead

Phone:

515-309-2394

E-mail:

kchance@eastersealsia.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Willis, Derrick

Title:

Director

Phone:

319-678-8414

E-mail:

derrick-willis@uiowa.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
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	16	05	21
Approved Not made	02	00	02
Rejected	13	03	16
Total	31	08	39

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$8,772	Highest Income:	$55,440

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$424,520	21	$20,215

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	09	09	02	01	00	00	21
Percentage of Loans	42.86%	42.86%	9.52%	4.76%	0%	0%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	21	100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee	00	0%
With interest buy-down only	00	0%
With loan guarantee only	00	0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	21	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	21	$60,948
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	21	$60,948

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	0%
Highest	8%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
82	21	3.9047619047619%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	07
2.1% to 4.0%	02
4.1% to 6.0%	08
6.1% to 8.0%	04
8.1% - 10.0%	00
10.1%-12.0%	00
12.1%-14.0%	00
14.1% +	00
Total	21

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	02	$5,765
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	04	$10,206
Daily living	02	$4,414
Environmental adaptations	06	$9,295
Vehicle modification and transportation	07	$31,268
Computers and related	00	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	21	$60,948

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	02
Net loss for loans in default	$2,673

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?

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

An individual reached out to Able Up Iowa, the state financing service, to replace a deck and stairs for their home causing inaccessibility to the home. The program was able to support the implementation of a replacement deck, platform, and ramp to not only replace the previous entrance but enhance the accessibility.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

Able Up Iowa was able to support an Iowan with a mobility limitation due to disability by providing funding toward the purchase of a lift chair. This allows the individual to independently sit and stand up without the need for support, enhancing their safety and independence.

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.	00	02	19	21
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	02	19	21
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	02	19	21
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	02	19	21
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	13	61.9%
Satisfied	02	9.52%
Satisfied somewhat	05	23.81%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	4.76%
Total Surveyed	21
Response rate %	95.24%

G. Notes:

The one individual who was "nonrespondent" expressed that they were tired after signing other documentation.

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	00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	294
C. Total	294

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	294

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	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged	Savings to Consumers
Vision	$0	$0	$0
Hearing	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	$0	$0	$0
Environmental Adaptations	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	$0	$0	$0
Total	$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	10	$40,000	$1,250	$38,750
Hearing	00	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	152	$169,710	$6,945	$162,765
Daily Living	144	$149,153	$6,680	$142,473
Environmental Adaptations	112	$94,315	$3,600	$90,715
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01	$250	$20	$230
Total	419	$453,428	$18,495	$434,933

D. Anecdote

The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program was awarded an ARPA grant to support Iowans with disabilities, with special considerations going to those on the Home and Community Based Services Waiver through Medicaid, in obtaining long-term loan access to smart-technology assistive technology for tasks of daily living. Jeffrey, an individual with vision loss and bilateral upper extremity amputation, received the ARPA grant support through ESI ATP. Program staff consulted with Jeffrey to narrow his needs for smart tech for daily living and identified that Jeffrey needed more independent access to his microwave and laptop. Jeffrey experienced difficulty touching buttons, seeing the correct time and power level on the microwave, and difficulties opening the microwave due to the style of the lever mechanism. Jeffrey experienced difficulty with the built-in microphone functions and keyboard on his laptop. Through in-person and phone consultation an Echo Dot and Panasonic Smart Microwave were identified along with a SpeechWare microphone and Low-Vision keyboard for his laptop needs.

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.	08	00	226	234
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	01	28	29
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	00	14	16
4. Subtotal	10	01	268	279
5. None of the above	01	00	14	15
6. Subtotal	11	01	282	294
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	11	01	282	294
9. Performance on this measure	90.91%	100%	95.04%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	267	90.82%
Satisfied	27	9.18%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	294
Response rate %	100%

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)	194
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	01
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	33
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	37
Total	265

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	96	15	111
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	25	04	29
Representative of Education	06	06	12
Representative of Employment	16	03	19
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	25	05	30
Representatives of Community Living	11	06	17
Representatives of Technology	15	32	47
Total	194	71	265

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	35	26	61
Hearing	09	18	27
Speech Communication	07	09	16
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	65	85	150
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	15	06	21
Daily Living	95	134	229
Environmental Adaptations	12	04	16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01	06	07
Computers and Related	140	107	247
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	11	52	63
Total	390	447	837

E. Anecdote

Amberlin was referred to the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program by Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Amberlin experienced a brain injury resulting in memory complications. Amberlin desired to identify Assistive Technology that would support their memory recall, organization, and business coordination. Amberlin borrowed an iPad, Samsung Galaxy watch, Apple Watch, and Air Tags. Additionally, they trialed a multitude of organization and calendar applications and determined that an Apple Watch was very helpful in finding the Air Tags attached to their purse, keys, and other items commonly misplaced. Amberlin also appreciated the ease of using an iPad to enlarge text or use Speech-to-Text functions for emails and social media posts for their business. An Apple Pencil was also identified as an appropriate assistive technology support, along with Amber-Light blocking glasses but were not borrowed. Amberlin continues to adjust her assistive technology needs but has found success and satisfaction for pursuing their employment goals.

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	30	40	99	169
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	01	20	21
Subtotal	30	41	119	190
Have not made a decision	00	00	01	01
Subtotal	30	41	120	191
Nonrespondent	00	00	03	03
Total	30	41	123	194
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	99.17%

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.	03	04	18	25
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	06	06	24	36
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	07	07
4. Subtotal	09	10	49	68
5. None of the above	00	00	01	01
6. Subtotal	09	10	50	69
7. Nonrespondent	02	00	00	02
8. Total	11	10	50	71
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	98%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	206	77.74%
Satisfied	29	10.94%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.75%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	28	10.57%
Total Surveyed	265
Response rate %	89.43%

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	19
Hearing	04
Speech Communication	04
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	30
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	09
Daily Living	48
Environmental Adaptations	11
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01
Computers and Related	83
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	09
Total # of Device Demonstrations	218

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	149	172	321
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	13	67	80
Representatives of Education	05	07	12
Representatives of Employment	18	65	83
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	19	72	91
Representative of Community Living	10	33	43
Representative of Technology	04	37	41
Total	218	453	671

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	14
Service Provider	11
Vendor	188
Repair Service	04
Others	16
Total	233

D. Anecdote

Marold is an individual diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis who lives in a rural area of Iowa. He uses a power wheelchair to navigate around his home. After a recent relapse, he experiences a decline in the dexterity of his fingers and wrists along with tremors. This caused him to contact the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program for support when trying to lock and unlock his front door. He also reported difficulty operating light switches inside his home. ESI ATP team members demonstrated a variety of smart locks, Alexa and Echo smart-home hubs, smart bulbs, and smart switches that are hub-enabled. After demonstration and discussion, Marold was able to report that a finger-print sensor-enabled keypad and deadbolt would meet his needs for his door locks, and smart-switches with an Echo would be sufficient with the aid of a newer version of iPad. A referral was made for funding resources.

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	14	40	137	191
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	00	13	14
Subtotal	15	40	150	205
Have not made a decision	02	03	08	13
Subtotal	17	43	158	218
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	17	43	158	218
Performance on this measure	88.24%	93.02%	94.94%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	570	84.95%
Satisfied	101	15.05%
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
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	11	06	263	280
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	06	07	52	65
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	00	21	23
4. Subtotal	19	13	336	368
5. None of the above	01	00	15	16
6. Subtotal	20	13	351	384
7. Nonrespondent	02	00	00	02
8. Total	22	13	351	386
9. Performance on this measure	85%	100%	89.74%	89.84%
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	44	80	236	360
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	01	33	35
Subtotal	45	81	269	395
Have not made a decision	02	03	09	14
Subtotal	47	84	278	409
Nonrespondent	00	00	03	03
Total	47	84	281	412
Performance on this measure	95.74%	96.43%	96.76%	96.58%
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	99.43%	95%	Met
Response Rate	97.68%	90%	Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	133
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	11
Representatives of Education	77
Representatives of Employment	250
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	485
Representatives of Community Living	604
Representatives of Technology	04
Unable to Categorize	159
TOTAL	1,723

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
1,504	201	18	1,723

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training	Participants
AT Products/Services	1,657
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	23
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	42
Transition	01
Total	1,723

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program entered into an agreement with Hope Haven, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for persons with disabilities. Hope Haven received ARPA funding to assist their clients with Smart-Technology and contacted ESI ATP for training and support. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members trained Hope Haven leadership within the Hope Haven organization on AT 101, Smart-Technology for daily living, Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADLs), and end-user-centered consultation process. A high satisfaction was received along with a discussion on how the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program can support teh needs o Hope Haven consumers on an individual basis.

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

Easterseals Iowa worked with the Waukee Community School District APEX program. The APEX program supports juniors and seniors in high school to work directly with an organization or business to explore various career tracks through hands-on experiences. Easterseals worked with four APEX students who are entering various undergraduate engineering fields of study in the Fall of 2023. Easterseals team members worked with the students to provide training on how engineering design can and should include persons with disabilities. The students designed various devices for an individual with co-occurring vision loss and bilateral upper extremity amputation. Additionally, Easterseals team members provided an overview to the over 150 students enrolled regarding inclusion and equity for individuals with disabilities in any and all career choices.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program identified a need for a basic introduction and more easily accessed Information and Communication Technology training support. ESI ATP team members began the tedious venture to evaluate, refine, and create a fully inclusive and accessible mode of education for the general public to comprehend the impact and basic "how-to" for ICT. Module 1 of the new ICT course was made 'live' in September of 2023, which generates inclusivity and ease of access for ICT.

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	01
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	41
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	42
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	05%
Employment	15%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	50%
Community Living	25%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	05%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program provided technical assistance to Iowa State University Extension, 4-H, and Cultivating Hope Farms to revise their required 4-H forms to be more accessible. This included but was not limited to providing feedback on using PEC and visuals for students who are non-readers, along with providing in large font, other alternative formats, and at a sixth-grade reading level to accommodate both the children in the 4-H group but also recognizing that parents/guardians and 4-H Leaders can also include individuals with disabilities who may benefit from accessible forms and documents. Providing ideas on how to use fidgets and other sensory aides during the monthly 4-H meetings, along with ideas on assistive technology to assist with transitioning from one activity to the next.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program met with Drake University Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Program, and Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarship Advisory Board to discuss how the program could implement more assistive technology training in the curriculum. We reviewed the required courses and how AT could be included in various courses as there are not any options for additional elective courses in the required curriculum. Drake University is one of two RSA-funded programs in the state of Iowa. Easterseals Iowa presents on the Assistive Technology Center every semester in various classes and students are required to complete the online ICT course in one of the mandatory classes.

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. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program hosted the first sensory room at the 2023 Make Your Mark conference hosted by the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council). This conference is geared toward Iowans with disabilities, with a focus on transition age, who desire to be more involved with advocacy, along with their parents, guardians, and team. Easterseals Iowa coordinated services to meet the needs of participants and offered a variety of sensory assistive technology tools for attendees to utilize while sitting in the two-daylong conference, to enhance an inclusive environment for all participants. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program also set up a sensory room to demonstrate various assistive technology devices, including fidgets and noise-reduction tools, to attendees. These tools were then offered to attendees for use within sessions.

2. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program implemented a structured outreach and awareness plan for over 350 entities across the state of Iowa. These entities consisted of organizations, county services, transitional services, refugee services, and other rural services that may touch the lives of individuals with disabilities. ESI ATP team members reached out through phone or email communication and offered brochures and other program supplies for the entity to keep on hand. An offer of an onsite meeting and presentation was also discussed with some entities resulting in a schedule of additional activities.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	661	156	817
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	401	155	556
Representative of Education	57	24	81
Representative of Employment	198	136	334
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	251	02	253
Representative of Community Living	234	38	272
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Unable to Categorize	01	00	01
Total	1,803	511	2,314

Referral Types:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program purposes to put the end-user or person with a disability or special need as the expert of an assistive technology service. ESI ATP collaborates with the Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council), presents to support groups statewide, and encourages 'word-of-mouth' referrals. This was reflected in our data with 35% of our referrals being individuals with disabilities. The next highest group is guardians and authorized representatives at 24% of our referrals. We will continue to emphasize this as an ideal scenario and aim to increase the number of end-users receiving Information and Assistance.

Referral Sources:

Approximately 24% of our referrals came from past Assistive Technology Program clients and another 12% came from online resources including the AT website. This reinforces the reoccurrence of access to our services and a successful redirect to service delivery from our website. Recognizing this, we will enhance information availability to our consumers and ensure they are connected to our MailChimp E-Newsletter so they can obtain up-to-date information. Another 23% of our referrals come from technology services. This includes the referrals we receive from our collaboration with Able Gamers and being listed as a Demonstration/Loan site for many of the computer and related devices such as the GlassOuse hands-free mouse. This also includes Durable Medical Equipment vendors that are unable to meet the needs of their consumers. We recognized an increase in our referrals from non-metro referrals up to 33%, which demonstrates success in our outreach efforts to rural areas of Iowa.

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?

Easterseals Iowa entered into a memorandum of understanding with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. The intent of this collaboration is to provide recyclable, modular ramps in the eight-county area served by Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. Easterseals Iowa's engagement in this collaboration is through the reutilization/long-term loan program and Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa evaluates and installs the ramps. Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa secured funding for the ramps which are owned and distributed by Easterseals Iowa.

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.

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program has limited staff resources to cover the entire state and does not have the staff capacity to evaluate and install ramps. The awareness of this program and awareness of assistive technology, in general, is enhanced by connecting with a different non-profit that reaches individuals ESI is unable to reach. The partnership is successful as Habitat for Humanity is able to provide the labor and their offices are located within the eight-county radius, which is a minimum of two hours from ESI's headquarters. ESI ATP and Habitat for Humanity remain within the first year of this project, but intentions are to continue this collaboration and explore additional, replica collaborations with Habitat for Humanity locations statewide. Program eligibility and details are outlined by a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that is provided online for borrowers. Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (H4HNCI) can be contacted at (641) 424-8978 or programs@habitatnci.org.

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

Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Aging;

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

Device Loan;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

Easterseals Iowa team members were selected to serve on the advisory committees for three major outdoor and recreational projects. These projects include coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Polk County Conservation, and Des Moines Public Parks.

Easterseals Iowa's role was to ensure a broad range of physical, sensory, and digital accessibility within multiple components of the projects.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging;

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

Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting?

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

Easterseals Iowa participated in an invitation-only workgroup led by Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) to establish new policies, procedures, and funding of Assistive Technology for a CMS redesign proposal. In this proposed policy to CMS, it was recommended that all HCBS Waiver programs include an annual funding amount for Assistive Technology as well as a fee structure for Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) to pay for Assistive Technology evaluations.

2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

Documents are not publically available at the current time due to delayed CMS approval.

3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Community Living

B.2 State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

The state of Iowa was funded to expand broadband access for underserved and marginalized populations. Easterseals Iowa serves on the Iowa Digital Equity Planning Committee assuring that Iowa's plan is accessible and inclusive for all Iowans.

This plan remains in the planning stage of a multi-year implementation process. https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband-grants

3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Public/State Agency	$50,000	Device Loan	True
	Amount: $50,000

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 FY23 (9/30/2023) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY23 and wish to decline the funds in the future
We did not expend any of this funding in FY23, but plan to expend funding in FY24 and/or FY25
We expended some of all of this funding in FY23 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY23:

$13,611.00

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	0.31
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.01
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.

Easterseals Iowa implemented an agreement with a licensed and practicing occupational therapist to review past clients' assistive technology needs and analyze collected data to identify gaps in services for future outreach. Additional staff were utilized to explore underserved populations and gaps in services with the goal of increasing referrals for program services.

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).

Due to staff shortages, hiring full-time staff was not possible thus Relief-On-Call positions were filled to meet the needs of the program.

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:05:55 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)