National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Maine 2023

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Maine CITE: Community Inclusion through TEchnology
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http:www.mainecite.org
Mailing Address:
46 University Dr
City:
Augusta
State:
Maine
Zip Code:
04330
Program Email:
info@maincecite.org
Phone:
207-621-3195
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Maine Department of Education
Mailing Address:
23 State House Station
City:
Augusta
State:
Maine
Zip Code:
04333
Program URL:
www.mdoe@maine.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Maine CITE
Mailing Address:
46 Univeristy Dr
City
Augusta
State:
Maine
Zip Code:
04330
Program URL:
www.mainecite.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Wright, Jessica
Title:
Director
Phone:
207-621-3195
E-mail:
jwright@mainecite.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Whitlock, Tracy
Title:
Special Projects Coordinator
Phone:
207-624-6600
E-mail:
tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Wright, Jessica
Title:
Director
Phone:
207-621-3195
E-mail:
jwright@mainecite.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Frazier, Erin
Title:
MDOE State Special Services Director
Phone:
207-624-6600
E-mail:
erin.frazier@maine.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
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? 0


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

Impact Area

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

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied 00 NaN%
Satisfied somewhat 00 NaN%
Not at all satisfied 00 NaN%
Nonrespondent 00 NaN%
Total Surveyed 00
Response rate % NaN%

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 331
C. Total 331

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 331

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 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 204 $194,980 $8,757 $186,223
Daily Living 122 $13,371 $1,778 $11,593
Environmental Adaptations 03 $278 $30 $248
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 03 $4,056 $20 $4,036
Total 332 $212,685 $10,585 $202,100

D. Anecdote

An individual purchased a power wheelchair for community mobility: “I’ve been to the Old Port, LL Bean, the mall, and the Scarborough Walmart. I have to think of more places to go already!”

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 68 68
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 98 100
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 31 31
4. Subtotal 02 00 197 199
5. None of the above 00 00 132 132
6. Subtotal 02 00 329 331
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 02 00 329 331
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 59.88%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 331 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 331
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) 230
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 13
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 115
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 163
Total 521

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 87 00 87
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 125 35 160
Representative of Education 11 39 50
Representative of Employment 01 01 02
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00 195 195
Representatives of Community Living 06 09 15
Representatives of Technology 00 12 12
Total 230 291 521

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
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 07 11 18
Hearing 11 07 18
Speech Communication 37 26 63
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 15 44 59
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 75 50 125
Daily Living 46 97 143
Environmental Adaptations 02 15 17
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 02 02
Computers and Related 59 51 110
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 09 11
Total 254 312 566

E. Anecdote

Enock is a house manager for a residential group home in Maine. One of the client’s that Enock serves is non-verbal, thus has a significantly limited ability to communicate with those around them. Enock and the client’s other supportive team members learned about the AT 4 Maine Demonstration and Loan Program through the client receiving multiple adult-based evaluations with Gallant Therapy Services. Upon learning that GTS has iPads with communication applications available, Enock and the rest of the team were excited about the possibility of their client borrowing a device to trial prior to making an individual purchase. Through receiving a demonstration and through the ability to borrow a device with two different communication applications on the device, the team was able to make a determination on which application would be the best fit for the individual, allowing them to make an informed decision. This client, through this program, was able to explore available options to locate an application that would allow them to communicate with those around them, including their thoughts, desires, feelings and needs, which is not something this individual has been able to do in the past. This team was extremely appreciative of this resource and the availability of device pick-up and drop-off at the Lewiston clinic.

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 72 01 126 199
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 01 19 22
Subtotal 74 02 145 221
Have not made a decision 00 00 03 03
Subtotal 74 02 148 224
Nonrespondent 02 00 04 06
Total 76 02 152 230
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 97.97%

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. 03 00 84 87
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 121 00 54 175
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 06 00 03 09
4. Subtotal 130 00 141 271
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 130 00 141 271
7. Nonrespondent 08 00 12 20
8. Total 138 00 153 291
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 424 81.38%
Satisfied 26 4.99%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.19%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 70 13.44%
Total Surveyed 521
Response rate % 86.56%

I. Notes:

For FY23, Maine CITE worked with the lead agency the DOE to set goals and expectations for contractors. Contractors were in the final year of a three-year contract and were informed performance must improve if they would like to renew their contracts. Additionally, monthly meetings were scheduled for all contractors to meet together to create a more cohesive and consistent loan program. Contractors are now referring consumers to each other rather than having them wait for items. Contractors also reported finding many of their staff were not recording data properly in the past. Maine CITE focused on outreach during FY23 to raise awareness about the program, its ease of use, and the benefits it provides. This included presenting to many higher education programs such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education. These programs also encouraged students to utilize the loan library to get more familiar with AT devices, thus the increase in non-decision-making loans.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 15
Hearing 17
Speech Communication 54
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 56
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 108
Daily Living 180
Environmental Adaptations 10
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 05
Computers and Related 38
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Device Demonstrations 485

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 278 05 283
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 158 19 177
Representatives of Education 28 15 43
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 08 29 37
Representative of Community Living 13 36 49
Representative of Technology 00 06 06
Total 485 110 595

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 103
Service Provider 62
Vendor 28
Repair Service 05
Others 00
Total 198

D. Anecdote

A person with ALS was unsure if they were ready for a speech-generating device. They felt compelled to make an educated decision and wanted to ensure that they would be able to see several tools available to assist them in their decision. They were pleased with the thoroughness and ability to see a wide range of tools and features to help them in this journey.

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 48 00 220 268
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 00 03 05
Subtotal 50 00 223 273
Have not made a decision 19 00 116 135
Subtotal 69 00 339 408
Nonrespondent 21 00 56 77
Total 90 00 395 485
Performance on this measure 55.56% NaN% 56.46%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 369 62.02%
Satisfied 195 32.77%
Satisfied somewhat 18 3.03%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 13 2.18%
Total 595
Response rate % 97.82%

G. Notes:

Similar to our loan situation, through raising awareness, putting contractors on notice, clearing up data confusion, and setting expectations, Maine has seen a dramatic increase in demonstrations. We found that many contractors were not reporting demonstrations or seizing the opportunities to provide demonstrations.

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. 03 00 152 155
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 123 00 152 275
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 06 00 34 40
4. Subtotal 132 00 338 470
5. None of the above 00 00 132 132
6. Subtotal 132 00 470 602
7. Nonrespondent 08 00 12 20
8. Total 140 00 482 622
9. Performance on this measure 95.45% NaN% 64.68% 71.43%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not 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 120 01 346 467
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 04 01 22 27
Subtotal 124 02 368 494
Have not made a decision 19 00 119 138
Subtotal 143 02 487 632
Nonrespondent 23 00 60 83
Total 166 02 547 715
Performance on this measure 75.61% 100% 67.77% 69.68%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 98.61% 95% Met
Response Rate 94.26% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 31
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 28
Representatives of Education 136
Representatives of Employment 53
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 149
Representatives of Community Living 239
Representatives of Technology 80
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 716

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
358 226 132 716

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 390
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 25
Combination of any/all of the above 178
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 123
Transition 00
Total 716

C. Description of Training Activities

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

Maine CITE provided an Accessible Information and AT for Sex Education and Intimacy training webinar in June 2023. The training was created to address a gap in information available to individuals with disabilities and the professionals who serve them. The content included identifying accessible curriculum to sex education and where to go to find out more about AT for intimacy. The webinar was very well attended and the program received additional requests for the training to be provided to occupational therapy program students.

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

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

To switch things up and catch attendees that need training on ICT topics but do not usually attend them, Maine CITE developed a training titled 'Work Smarter, Not Harder: Making your word processing program work for you'. This training covered the same topics as our training on creating accessible content with a different spin; participants were shown the many built-in features available for formatting documents and how they make content creation easier. At the end of the training participants were informed these are the same features they need to use to make documents accessible. We found it was a great way to target a new audience.

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 24
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 11
No known outcome at this time 18
Nonrespondent 70
Total 123
Performance Measure Percentage 28.5%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 50%
Employment 30%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 15%
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:

Maine CITE sits on the University of Maine System's Digital Technology Advisory Committee which oversees eight University of Maine institutions. In FY23 Maine CITE worked with the committee to create system-wide guidance on digital technology accessibility and provide training on creating accessible content System-wide.

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

Maine CITE attended monthly 'Transition Tuesday' virtual meetings hosted by the Department of Education's Transition Coordinator to provide information and assistance to educators as they discussed various topics around student transition. The meetings provided a platform for Maine CITE to demonstrate how the AT program services can be woven into a variety of services offered by the DOE and other agencies.

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. Maine CITE has conducted and attended numerous public awareness events during FY23 as we rebranded and restructured the program. Maine CITE attended the annual Special Education Directors conference as an exhibitor to inform educators of the changes in the program and expose them to the new devices in our device loan inventory. To encourage interaction at the event, we used devices such as switches and turn-taking spinners to create games for participants to engage in. We also brought a variety of seating options, encouraging participants to sit down, try things out, and chat with the staff. The event was highly successful and the event coordinators are discussing the creation of an interactive AT lab at future events. The interaction with devices also led to devices being demonstrated and borrowed during the event. This demonstrated how easy it is to use the loan program.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 36 12 48
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 22 10 32
Representative of Education 15 01 16
Representative of Employment 17 01 18
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 26 08 34
Representative of Community Living 20 11 31
Representative of Technology 03 02 05
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 139 45 184

Referral Types:

For FY23, Maine CITE targeted public awareness as the top priority. With a rebrand and change in program structure, Maine CITE wanted to spread the information far and wide because people will not use a program if they do not know about it. The program exhibited at as many senior fairs and conferences as possible to increase the program's exposure. We specifically targeted geographic areas and populations we do not frequently hear from. Through our partnerships with the DOE, Vocational Rehabilitation, Office of Ageing and Disability Services, as well as others, we were able to disseminate more information to professionals and consumers, leading to more requests for additional information. We are also listed in Senator King's regular newsletter as a resource for Mainers. Maine CITE also increased its online presence by launching a new facebook page that is updated daily and a monthly AT newsletter. We are using the analytics from our website and facebook page to steer content creation.

Referral Sources:

Due to outreach at the special education directors conference, teachers are being referred to the program by their directors to learn more about AT options available and resources. Direct service providers and being referred to Maine CITE by the Birth to three program and the office of aging and disability services.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 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?

Maine CITE began working with the Maine Workforce initiative to update the technology at the career centers located throughout the state. In addition to technology updates, best practices were also developed for providing information in multiple formats and communicating with consumers.

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.

This is an ongoing initiative. We are working to develop additional best practice documents and create training/guidance for the technology available at the career centers before fully launching the initiative. Once the initiative is fully launched, Maine CITE will be work with each center to ensure the are trained on the technologies, creating partnerships on the local level.

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

Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

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

Training; 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? 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$75,000Technical AssistanceTrue
Amount: $75,000

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.

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 circumstances that are in the process of being rectified, the PHW funds were not drawn down in FY23 despite being utilized. A staff member was hired at 1 FTE to do outreach and information and assistance and paid directly out of AT Act funds. As you can see by our data in demonstrations, loans, reuse, etc. the position was very effective. To correct this problem Maine is working with our lead agency to implement a change in lead agency to bring the financial activities/reporting to Maine CITE and make it the lead agency.

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Feb 13 2024 14:07:16 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.