National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
Kansas 2023
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 18 | 27 | 45 |
| Approved Not made | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| Rejected | 04 | 09 | 13 |
| Total | 24 | 36 | 60 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $10,968 | Highest Income: | $122,184 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $1,638,436 | 45 | $36,410 |
| Income Ranges | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or Less |
$15,001- $30,000 |
$30,001- $45,000 |
$45,001- $60,000 |
$60,001- $75,000 |
$75,001 or More |
||
| Number of Loans | 08 | 15 | 13 | 04 | 01 | 04 | 45 |
| Percentage of Loans | 17.78% | 33.33% | 28.89% | 8.89% | 2.22% | 8.89% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 45 | 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 | 45 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 45 | $573,518 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 45 | $573,518 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 5.5% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 5.5% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 248 | 45 | 5.5% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 00 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 4.1% to 6.0% | 45 |
| 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 | 45 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 12 | $52,394 |
| Speech communication | 01 | $371 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 01 | $8,100 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 04 | $6,884 |
| Daily living | 03 | $9,629 |
| Environmental adaptations | 02 | $15,580 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 22 | $480,560 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 45 | $573,518 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 09 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $36,077 |
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? | Other: Funding Eligibility Assistance |
|---|
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) | 119 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 465 |
| C. Total Served | 584 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 584 |
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 | 54 | $88,717 |
| Hearing | 24 | $16,606 |
| Speech communication | 72 | $120,401 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 17 | $7,936 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 110 | $200,722 |
| Daily living | 246 | $58,006 |
| Environmental adaptations | 44 | $119,164 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 7 | $67,619 |
| Computers and related | 23 | $35,118 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 8 | $4,924 |
| Total | 605 | $719,213 |
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 Residence | Individuals Served |
|---|---|
| A. Metro (RUCC 1-3) | 100 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 58 |
| C. Total Served | 158 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 158 |
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 | 36 | $9,479 |
| Hearing | 44 | $12,818 |
| Speech communication | 19 | $7,989 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 13 | $4,822 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 3 | $64 |
| Daily living | 40 | $14,035 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 2 | $759 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 1 | $430 |
| Total | 158 | $50,396 |
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 eleven year old boy has multiple physical disabilities and a head injury that makes balance and mobility difficult. His mother needed help finding funds for several assistive technology needs including a ramp, adapted bicycle, and bathroom modifications. Assistive Technology for Kansans staff obtained contractor bids for ramp and bathroom modifications, a physician’s letter of necessity, and submitted funding requests to private funders and his managed care coordinator. ATK staff and his mother met several times to answer questions and provide additional details for the request. After a few months of advocacy the managed care organization (MCO) funded the front door ramp and the MCO and private funders shared the cost of the bathroom modifications. He also received a transfer wheelchair and later switched to a manual wheelchair obtained through KEE Reuse. ATK staff completed the application for an accessible 3 wheel bike through Ambucs; Mom is still using the handguide as his skills improve. Now he can bike with the neighborhood kids and get in and out of the tub safely and independently!
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff were contacted by a special education teacher in northeast Kansas. She was referred by Kansas Rehabilitation Services due to frequent intense migraines that were affecting the quality of her everyday life and her ability to keep regular hours at her job. Migraines were triggered by glare, bright lighting, or loud noises and sometimes caused loss of vision. The migraines were compounded by worsening scoliosis and her workstation set up in the classroom. The school changed the overhead lighting in the classroom so it could be dimmed to address one of the trigger factors. ATK staff demonstrated mount systems, keyboards, input peripherals and had her try out ergonomic office chairs to allow her to select a chair, flexible mount, ergonomic mouse, keyboard and copy stand to position her in a comfortable, supported work position. She also selected sound sensitivity ear plugs after a device demonstration and short term loan. Lastly she tried a number of light sensitivity glasses and found a pair that allowed her to co-teach in other classrooms. The last device she acquired was a migraine treatment device that reduced the intensity and frequency of migraines; the device sends data to her medical team so they can monitor her progress.
E. 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. | 64 | 21 | 541 | 626 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 07 | 28 | 58 | 93 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 07 | 31 | 30 | 68 |
| 4. Subtotal | 78 | 80 | 629 | 787 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 78 | 80 | 629 | 787 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 78 | 80 | 629 | 787 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 580 | 73.7% |
| Satisfied | 181 | 23% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 24 | 3.05% |
| Not at all satisfied | 02 | 0.25% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 787 | |
| 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 | 730 |
| C. Total | 730 |
| 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 | 730 |
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
| 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
| 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 | $7,645 | $0 | $7,645 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 01 | $14,000 | $0 | $14,000 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 01 | $750 | $0 | $750 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 314 | $282,752 | $0 | $282,752 |
| Daily Living | 424 | $245,064 | $0 | $245,064 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 02 | $3,556 | $0 | $3,556 |
| Total | 748 | $553,767 | $0 | $553,767 |
D. Anecdote
A public health nurse referred an older man who needed a way to stay in contact with others to Assistive Technology for Kansans. ATK staff realized due to his rural residence and lack of transportation, he needed to set up telehealth appointments with his local medical team. He also enjoyed music and wanted to listen local news. ATK staff in western Kansas had a tablet that had been discontinued from demonstration inventory. Western ATK Staff confirmed he had internet services and the device was wiped and set up for him. He’s now able to follow up with his medical appointments through telemedicine, connect with friends, and listen to music.
E. 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. | 19 | 32 | 541 | 592 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 03 | 18 | 66 | 87 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 08 | 00 | 43 | 51 |
| 4. Subtotal | 30 | 50 | 650 | 730 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 30 | 50 | 650 | 730 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 30 | 50 | 650 | 730 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 499 | 68.36% |
| Satisfied | 224 | 30.68% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 06 | 0.82% |
| Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.14% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 730 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 261 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 05 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 66 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 05 |
| Total | 337 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 103 | 30 | 133 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 27 | 20 | 47 |
| Representative of Education | 58 | 15 | 73 |
| Representative of Employment | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 41 | 03 | 44 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 16 | 03 | 19 |
| Representatives of Technology | 15 | 04 | 19 |
| Total | 261 | 76 | 337 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 21 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 42 | 05 | 47 |
| Hearing | 10 | 09 | 19 |
| Speech Communication | 41 | 19 | 60 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 73 | 118 | 191 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 46 | 19 | 65 |
| Daily Living | 21 | 22 | 43 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 | 05 | 06 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 | 01 | 02 |
| Computers and Related | 18 | 06 | 24 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Total | 261 | 206 | 467 |
E. Anecdote
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff have an ongoing relationship with a first grade girl who was born with hydrocephalus and other neurological disabilities. She started her AT communication experience with a Big Mac switch and a switch operated squealing pig toy at the age of 19 months. Everyone learned she had a lot to say and she progressed through a range of communication devices that she borrowed the Western AT Site and the ATK Device Loan System. When she was 6, the team progressed to eye gaze access. She borrowed a PC Eye Mobile from ATK. She was able to read books, play with dolls, and participated in interactive games. ATK staff arranged for 2 vendors to trial devices. After borrowing one device for a few weeks, her parents and the school team agreed it was time to fund through private health insurance. The AT Specialist provided documentation of all the communication devices she had used and progressed past. The initial request was denied but the team prevailed on the second request. She now uses a TD I-13 with partner window in back with the Daessy mount. She uses TD Snap and Communicator, and other communication software she knew from previous devices. She generates novel messages, engages in class discussions, asks and answers questions, and describes her feelings. She has mastered operational tasks such as volume, pausing/unpausing, and page navigation.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 94 | 35 | 82 | 211 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 17 | 01 | 23 | 41 |
| Subtotal | 111 | 36 | 105 | 252 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 00 | 07 | 08 |
| Subtotal | 112 | 36 | 112 | 260 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 112 | 36 | 113 | 261 |
| Performance on this measure | 99.11% | 100% | 93.75% | |
G. 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. | 05 | 05 | 00 | 10 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 46 | 20 | 00 | 66 |
| 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 | 51 | 25 | 00 | 76 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 51 | 25 | 00 | 76 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 51 | 25 | 00 | 76 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | NaN% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 291 | 86.35% |
| Satisfied | 32 | 9.5% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 04 | 1.19% |
| Not at all satisfied | 01 | 0.3% |
| Nonrespondent | 09 | 2.67% |
| Total Surveyed | 337 | |
| Response rate % | 97.33% |
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 | 69 |
| Hearing | 25 |
| Speech Communication | 44 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 56 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 36 |
| Daily Living | 50 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 01 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 01 |
| Computers and Related | 27 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 03 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 312 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 109 | 98 | 207 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 72 | 137 | 209 |
| Representatives of Education | 61 | 74 | 135 |
| Representatives of Employment | 02 | 05 | 07 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 18 | 17 | 35 |
| Representative of Community Living | 36 | 20 | 56 |
| Representative of Technology | 14 | 19 | 33 |
| Total | 312 | 370 | 682 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 53 |
| Service Provider | 07 |
| Vendor | 18 |
| Repair Service | 10 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 88 |
D. Anecdote
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff were contacted by the case manager for a young man with significant physical disabilities who wanted to independently change the tv channel, select movies, and ideally play video games. He had limited use of his hands and a very quiet voice. ATK staff met with his case manager, father, caregivers, and the young man. He tried several different switch activated remotes. They did not meet his needs. ATK staff tried use voice activation with Alexa. He could activate devices, but not consistently. At that point, ATK staff discussed eye gaze access that would allow him to use home controls and communicate more easily with his caregivers, family members, and friends. He was extremely excited to try it. He tires very easily, and it is hard to communicate. He caught on to the eye gaze easily and loved being able to control Alexa. The family set up speech therapy for him they were able to obtain the device through their private health insurance. The young man reports that he can stay connected to his friends on Face book, participates in sports banter about the Jayhawks, and that his favorite part is that he can change the tv channel by himself. His mom and dad love that he has some independence, and they feel safer going about their chores because now he can call them.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 86 | 23 | 155 | 264 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 05 | 03 | 23 | 31 |
| Subtotal | 91 | 26 | 178 | 295 |
| Have not made a decision | 05 | 00 | 12 | 17 |
| Subtotal | 96 | 26 | 190 | 312 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 96 | 26 | 190 | 312 |
| Performance on this measure | 94.79% | 100% | 93.68% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 576 | 84.46% |
| Satisfied | 82 | 12.02% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 09 | 1.32% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 15 | 2.2% |
| Total | 682 | |
| Response rate % | 97.8% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 88 | 58 | 1,082 | 1,228 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 56 | 66 | 124 | 246 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 15 | 31 | 73 | 119 |
| 4. Subtotal | 159 | 155 | 1,279 | 1,593 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 159 | 155 | 1,279 | 1,593 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 159 | 155 | 1,279 | 1,593 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 90.57% | 80% | 94.29% | 92.53% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 180 | 58 | 237 | 475 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 22 | 04 | 46 | 72 |
| Subtotal | 202 | 62 | 283 | 547 |
| Have not made a decision | 06 | 00 | 19 | 25 |
| Subtotal | 208 | 62 | 302 | 572 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 208 | 62 | 303 | 573 |
| Performance on this measure | 97.12% | 100% | 93.71% | 95.63% |
| 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 | 98.13% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 99.05% | 90% | Met |
Training
A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 827 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 273 |
| Representatives of Education | 153 |
| Representatives of Employment | 41 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 33 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 48 |
| Representatives of Technology | 58 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 |
| TOTAL | 1,433 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 438 | 995 | 00 | 1,433 |
B. Training Topics
| Primary Topic of Training | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 913 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 24 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 376 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 106 |
| Transition | 14 |
| Total | 1,433 |
C. Description of Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:
Assistive Technology for Kansans implemented an on demand training effort to meet the needs of service providers and staff. The focus of the first workshop series was utilizing Boardmaker to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities of all ages and consisted of three virtual sessions with post-session implementation activities and fourth hands-on session. Twenty-four AT Specialists participated in this first series. The virtual sessions and corresponding materials are posted to the ATK website (www.atk.ku.edu) so they can be accessed as needed by former and new participants. The Boardmaker workshop series will be promoted to service providers across the state through statewide listserves and email blasts.
Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
After participation in the Parkinson's Symposium held in the northeast corner of the state, Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff extended the training by sponsoring a half-day training event in the western region of Kansas. ATK staff provided a feature analysis of a continuum of devices to promote effective selection and implementation in the areas of dining, memory, vision, balance, mobility, and hearing. Participants consisted of spouses, care providers, and individuals with Parkinsons and other progressive neurological disorders. The event was cosponsored by Assistive Technology for Kansans, Colby Regional Medical Center and Logan County Public Health.
Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) staff were invited to present on digital wellness at an education and transition event sponsored by the Kickapoo Nation School on the Kickapoo reservation. ATK staff provided an overview of wearable devices, wellness devices that bluetooth to wearables, and highlighted a few mental health apps supporting relaxation, calming techniques and emotional regulation skills. ATK staff addressed online security and protection of health information particularly if sharing with medical professionals and/or peers. Students and staff were able to try out the devices after the presentation and were provided with information on how to borrow the items to see if they worked for them.
D. 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 | 80 |
| No known outcome at this time | 26 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 106 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 75.5% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 00% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 37% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 37% |
| Community Living | 13% |
| Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) | 13% |
| Total | 100% |
B. Description of Technical Assistance
Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff led the effort to bring the disability community into the discussion and activities surrounding the Broadband Connectivity Initiative based in the Department of Commerce in Kansas. ATK led communications, conversations, and meetings related to broadband access, the Affordable Connectivity Program, and the T-Mobile 10 Million Program. A critical piece of the effort was hosting a meeting bringing together the Broadband Development Team, T-Mobile Accessibility team including out of state representatives from their 10 Million and Education Accessibility effort, state agency representatives and consumers from across the state. As a result of this meeting, subsequent regional meetings occurred in western Kansas involving school districts and the T-Mobile team, Tiny k Infant Toddler Services disseminated bulletins referencing the Affordable Connectivity Program to their providers and families, and the disability community participated in later Broadband
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff responded to inquiries from county public health nurses on how to address hearing loss prevention and early identification of hearing loss among older men living in rural Kansas. ATK staff assisted a cadre of public health nurses in identifying follow-up referral resources for participants who fail hearing screenings, verifying the certification of nurses who screen hearing and identifying the appropriate equipment for screening, identify employers who would co-host safety and wellness days that integrate hearing screenings, identify agencies and organizations that have relationships with rural seniors to coordinate health, wellness, rural lifestyle, and gun safety events that could incorporate hearing screenings. ATK staff anticipate the initial round of events will occur in spring 2024.
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. Assistive Technology for Kansans staff at the Wichita AT Site hosted an accessible gaming evening for the Wichita North High School Gaming Team. Twenty-two high school students participated and tried out their favorite games using a range of accessible controllers, switches, and built-in accessibility features including closed captioning, audio description, and changing color contrasts. The students were excited about expanding gaming to others and perhaps inclusive recruiting of potential team members.
2. Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) operates the Kansas iCan Connect Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program. T-Mobile hosted a Taste of Technology event to provide members of the deaf-blind community an opportunity to learn about new technology and resources in the state. Approximately 18 vendors and service providers shared information with over 125 participants including people with disabilities, family members and service providers. ATK staff answered questions and pointed out relevant features of a range of handheld videomagnifiers, videomagnifiers with OCR functions, screen reader software, accessible headsets and speakers, and color contrast keyboards and laptops. Three individuals completed iCan Connect applications and ATK staff set up two follow-up appointments with existing iCan Connect consumers to discuss further equipment needs.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 893 | 314 | 1,207 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 290 | 390 | 680 |
| Representative of Education | 111 | 76 | 187 |
| Representative of Employment | 45 | 75 | 120 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 18 | 58 | 76 |
| Representative of Community Living | 36 | 119 | 155 |
| Representative of Technology | 14 | 76 | 90 |
| Unable to Categorize | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 1,407 | 1,108 | 2,515 |
Referral Types:
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) works with Kansans who use prosthetics and orthotics due to our partnershps with Veterans Administration, AgrAbility, and Kansas Rehabilitation Services. ATK staff prioritized increasing our resources, partnerships and referrals for this population. Steps of Faith is a Kansas City-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals who have lost a limb and lack financial resources to acquire or replace their prosthesis. ATK staff initiated a conversation with Steps of Faith staff and agreed to be a sponsor of their annual musical, fund-raising event, ThunderGong! While this collaboration is in the early stages, this effort has already resulted in increased knowledge about the ATK program, our services, and has opened the door to numerous future collaborative efforts.
Referral Sources:
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) works with all 14 centers for independent living in the state, about 25% of our referrals are from CILS. Educators have an ongoing relationship with ATK and comprise about 20% of our referrals. Other providers, including Kansas Rehabilitation Services, Birth to Three, Aging and Disability Rights Centers, and Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired are responsbile for about 5% each of referrals. The remaining appear to be word of mouth or due to ATK outreach efforts.
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
| Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 1 |
|---|
A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) has had a partnership with Tiny k Infant Toddler Services since the inception of the program in 1993. Historically, Tiny k supported a limited amount of device loan purchases and state and regional training. After reviewing the impact of a series of regional workshops held this past year on positioning, mobility and seating devices and strategies to select and support these devices in a child's daily routine, Tiny k staff met with ATK staff to discuss an expansion of the partnership. Tiny k staff offered a second contract to provide additional training workshops for local providers and families to run concurrently with the existing agreement.
2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.
As a result of this colloboration, an additional 400 local providers received training in an area of assistive technology pertaining to the needs of children ages birth to three and their families. ATK staff initiated a new training method that will provide for ongoing on-demand learning for providers and families. Workshop topics have a face to face component but most have complimentary virtual supporting materials and video to assist participants in implementing their new knowledge in the area of assistive technology.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community);
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration;
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? | 01 |
|---|
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.
After extensive discussions and clarification of the Kansas Medicaid State Plan of Coverage, the three managed care organizations (MCOs) Kansas issued a memo confirming that the MCO staff no longer have to exhaust all community resources before care coordinators could authorized purchase of durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics, and home and vehicle modifications. This memo potentially impacts 450,000 Kansans.
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.)
Assistive Technology for Kansans staff have shared the memo with care coordinators from each of the three MCOs, explained the change in practices, taught coordinators how to authorize purchase of durable medical equipment, referred them to local vendors and assisted in obtaining bids from contractors when needed. These efforts have resulted in a change in practice among MCO staff and increased access to DME and home modifications in the past 4 months.
3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation
Additional And Leveraged Funds
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public/State Agency | $19,302 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Public/State Agency | $207,000 | Demonstration | True |
| Federal | $195,000 | State Financing | True |
| Public/State Agency | $314,210 | Reuse | True |
| Public/State Agency | $150,000 | Training | True |
| Public/State Agency | $50,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Federal | $140,000 | Demonstration | True |
| Federal | $50,000 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Federal | $10,000 | Device Loan | True |
| Public/State Agency | $189,077 | State Financing | True |
| Public/State Agency | $65,000 | Training | True |
| Federal | $44,130 | Training | True |
| Federal | $50,130 | Training | True |
| Private | $1,850 | State Financing | True |
| Amount: $1,485,699 |
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 |
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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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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 14:06:11 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)