National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Alaska 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Assistive Technology of Alaska

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.atlaak.org

Mailing Address:

1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120

City:

Anchorage

State:

Zip Code:

99503

Program Email:

atla@atlaak.org

Phone:

907-563-2599

TTY:

907-563-0699

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mailing Address:

1111 W. 8th St., Ste 210

City:

Juneau

State:

Zip Code:

99801

Program URL:

http://www.labor.state.ak.us/dvr/at-prog.htm

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:

Assistive Technology of Alaska

Mailing Address:

1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120

City

Anchorage

State:

Zip Code:

99503

Program URL:

www.atlaak.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Rail, Mystie

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

907-563-2599

E-mail:

mystie@atlaak.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Duder, Kathryn

Title:

Director

Phone:

907-269-3581

E-mail:

kathryn.duder@alaska.gov

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

Rail, Mystie

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

907-563-2599

E-mail:

mystie@atlaak.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Rail, Mystie

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

907-563-2599

E-mail:

mystie@atlaak.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Caputo, Jason

Title:

Project Assistant

Phone:

907-465-6933

E-mail:

jason.caputo@alaska.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

Yes

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program?

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Last resort - Activity

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	190
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	97
C. Total Served	287

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	287

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	292	$62,426
Hearing	212	$24,042
Speech communication	24	$2,767
Learning, cognition, and developmental	92	$37,858
Mobility, seating and positioning	216	$2,160
Daily living	718	$21,761
Environmental adaptations	50	$1,872
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	21	$2,788
Recreation, sports, and leisure	4	$24
Total	1629	$155,698

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)	45
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	1
C. Total Served	46

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	46

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	2	$1,277
Hearing	33	$12,700
Speech communication	72	$32,345
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	107	$46,322

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

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) referred an individual to ATLA for an AT assessment. The individual is Deaf, with ASL as her primary language. A consultation with the DVR counselor determined that the Alaska Relay Program best suited the client's current needs. An AT Specialist, accompanied by an ASL interpreter and the client's non-ASL fluent grandfather, conducted a comprehensive review of various Video Relay Services (VRS) apps. Since English was the client's second language, it was determined that VRS was the most appropriate app for distance communication. The individual received a tablet through the program and installed her preferred VRS app. Providing a tablet with a larger screen was deemed beneficial for VRS usage. Furthermore, a specialized stand was provided to enhance screen visibility and facilitate comfortable sign language communication. Before acquiring the tablet, the individual depended on her grandfather to schedule appointments and make phone calls. With the implementation of the equipment received, she can now make calls and schedule appointments autonomously. This newfound capability is of particular significance as she endeavors, with DVR assistance, to secure employment. The tablet and VRS app enable her to manage phone communications and arrange interviews effectively. The Alaska Relay Program has notably enhanced her quality of life.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

Adele is an 88-year-old woman who had to relocate to Alaska to live with her daughter. She moved from upstate New York, where she had lived for 60 years. ATLA's Able Home Coordinator provided an assessment to a local housing authority that granted home modifications to support safe aging in place. In addition, ATLA provided several daily living devices so Adele would be more independent. Adele and her daughter Lisa sent ATLA this message: It's been a while since you provided services, but honestly, a day hasn't gone by that we don't appreciate your work and the gracious programs that helped Mom continue to be her active, independent self. It's her independence that increases her life satisfaction. As with most aspects of our life, since COVID-19, our isolation grew, so we got a puppy (haha), her first puppy at 91. The stairlift impacts how easily she can do the house chores while I'm at work as a nurse. Without the stairs, she could not move from the upstairs to the down. This program, the stair lift, and the lessening of isolation gave her more time with us. Without exaggeration - this saved her precious life or the continuation of life as she knew it. Thank you from our hearts. Sincerely and with Love, Adele and Lisa

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	00	333	333
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	333	333
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	333	333
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	333	333
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	323	97%
Satisfied	10	3%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	333
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

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	51
C. Total	51

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	51

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	21	$15,691	$0	$15,691
Hearing	10	$775	$0	$775
Speech Communication	08	$2,185	$0	$2,185
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	08	$2,260	$0	$2,260
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	01	$1,000	$0	$1,000
Daily Living	17	$1,643	$0	$1,643
Environmental Adaptations	02	$100	$0	$100
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	03	$1,145	$0	$1,145
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01	$10	$0	$10
Total	71	$24,809	$0	$24,809

D. Anecdote

A representative with a local homeless shelter reached out to us in need of a communication method for one of their patrons. The individual did not have a phone and was uncomfortable with high-tech devices. They were looking for an alternative to pen and paper so the individual could communicate their wants, needs, and preferences. ATLA provided the individual with a pre-owned LCD eWriter - BoogieBoard through Reuse. The individual now has a low-tech method of communication so they can express themselves independently.

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	01	24	25
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	01	20	21
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	05	05
4. Subtotal	00	02	49	51
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	02	49	51
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	02	49	51
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	51	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	51
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)	62
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	02
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	27
Total	93

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	33	01	34
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	13	00	13
Representative of Education	00	03	03
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	13	22	35
Representatives of Community Living	02	02	04
Representatives of Technology	01	03	04
Total	62	31	93

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	14	03	17
Hearing	23	05	28
Speech Communication	68	16	84
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	03	01	04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	11	03	14
Daily Living	02	00	02
Environmental Adaptations	01	00	01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	35	08	43
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	36	08	44
Total	193	44	237

E. Anecdote

ATLA provides loans to agencies to support professionals, therapists, and providers with completing therapeutic assessments. During a tour of our agency, representatives with Programs for Infants and Children enthusiastically requested an agency loan of four switch-adapted toys. They received a loan of a caterpillar singing switch, an adapted dice roller, a plate switch, and a lighted musical tunes switch. They took the items to the home of a three-year-old to teach cause-and-effect in a manner that would interest him. Three in-home assessments with the devices were provided, and the professionals were able to determine the musical switches did enhance the child's engagement. Access to the loan program was necessary for the agency to trial musical or vibrating switches; thus, their report would have been missing a key element.

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	02	02	57	61
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	01	01
Subtotal	02	02	58	62
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	02	02	58	62
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	02	02	58	62
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

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.	02	00	23	25
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	04	05
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	01	01
4. Subtotal	03	00	28	31
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	03	00	28	31
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	03	00	28	31
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	90	96.77%
Satisfied	03	3.23%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	93
Response rate %	100%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service	Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision	131
Hearing	102
Speech Communication	36
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	29
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	29
Daily Living	299
Environmental Adaptations	22
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	73
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	07
Total # of Device Demonstrations	728

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	413	00	413
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	150	90	240
Representatives of Education	02	18	20
Representatives of Employment	03	12	15
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	145	16	161
Representative of Community Living	13	06	19
Representative of Technology	02	00	02
Total	728	142	870

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	04
Service Provider	03
Vendor	18
Repair Service	00
Others	00
Total	25

D. Anecdote

An individual who used to grow a garden and cook for the family had begun to lose their vision. After receiving a referral from the eye doctor, they came to ATLA. The individual was shown a variety of devices, from low to high-tech, to assist with cooking and daily tasks. The individual had been experiencing distress over their diagnosis and was uncertain anything could be of assistance for their progressive vision loss. After considering each device's advantages and disadvantages, they decided to take a handheld magnifier home through our loan program to test the device. Within a few days, this specialist received a telephone call from the individual asking to return for another demonstration to review the items they were previously shown. The individual explained that they had a different perspective and outlook about AT. The specialist demonstrated higher-tech AT devices that could read recipes. The individual was provided the equipment and training through ATLA’s State Financing activity, TechAbility. The specialist received a phone call informing ATLA that the individual now has an entirely different outlook and is enjoying being back in the kitchen cooking.

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	31	48	604	683
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	11	02	32	45
Subtotal	42	50	636	728
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	42	50	636	728
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	42	50	636	728
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	826	94.94%
Satisfied	44	5.06%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	870
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.	02	01	380	383
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	01	24	26
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	06	06
4. Subtotal	03	02	410	415
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	03	02	410	415
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	03	02	410	415
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	98.54%	98.55%
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	33	50	661	744
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	11	02	33	46
Subtotal	44	52	694	790
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	44	52	694	790
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	44	52	694	790
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%	100%
ACL Performance Measure				90%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

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

Educational/Training Activities

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

Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant	Number
Individuals with Disabilities	170
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	78
Representatives of Education	56
Representatives of Employment	70
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	138
Representatives of Community Living	62
Representatives of Technology	11
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	585

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
443	142	00	585

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	434
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	92
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	27
Transition	32
Total	585

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

The Occupational Therapy Program through Creighton University partners with ATLA annually to provide an assistive technology lab for first-year OT students. In January 2024, the training began with an introduction to ATLA, which included who is served and an overview of available programs. Each student received hands-on experience with AT devices. All areas of AT were shown. However, the lab focused on assistive technology for dressing and grooming, eating and meal prep, and pediatric needs.

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

At the 2024 Youth Leadership Forum, ATLA's Outreach Coordinator provided an in-depth training on assistive technology for students transitioning from high school into technical school, college, or careers. The forum is a unique leadership training program for high school students with disabilities to connect and learn about leadership and social skills. It is located at a campground on the outskirts of Soldotna. ATLA staff flew in to provide the training.

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

The Full Lives Conference is where direct service professionals, care coordinators, and educators come together for professional development training. Hope Community Resources reached out to ATLA to request a partnership presentation on communication access for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Their portion of the presentation discussed in-person communication standards and available services. ATLA's portion of the presentation discussed telecommunications equipment, services, and best practices for accessible virtual meetings. Many attendees were unaware of the difference between real-time and speech recognition captioning, which are both available during phone and video calls.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received	Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies	00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	27
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	27
Performance Measure Percentage	100%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	00%
Employment	100%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	00%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	00%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

ATLA collaborated with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Alaska State Legislature Representative Dan Saddler to repeal the assistive technology loan guarantee and interest subsidy program through House Bill 219. The original program, titled the Guaranteed Loan Program, was enacted in 1995 but was substantially underutilized as it required an individual to qualify for a traditional bank loan and retain ownership of the equipment, regardless of its usefulness. HB 219 advanced through the House and Senate without revisions and unanimous bipartisan support of both finance committees. The reappropriated funds will be transferred to ATLA to strengthen and sustain identified gaps in services or currently unobtainable devices needed to support the four state-level activities outlined in the Federal 21st Century Assistive Technology Act.

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

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. An AT specialist presented at the Southcentral Foundation, where he discussed several programs available through ATLA, including Alaska Relay, TechAbility, Demo, and Loan, and brought several devices for hearing and vision. Many of the attendees were unfamiliar with ATLA and AT in general. Several people showed interest, submitted requests for more information, and were assigned to the appropriate program for follow-up. During a private demonstration of AT for vision impairment, the representative from Southcentral Foundation, who organized the event, benefited from a device provided through the TechAbility program. She said, “I am blown away by your company. You must enjoy helping people the way you do. Everybody at the presentation enjoyed learning about ATLA.”

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	12,031	2,542	14,573
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	328	1,269	1,597
Representative of Education	6,018	2,435	8,453
Representative of Employment	1,586	603	2,189
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	2,222	1,411	3,633
Representative of Community Living	2,504	784	3,288
Representative of Technology	767	459	1,226
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	25,456	9,503	34,959

Referral Types:

ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to further build these relationships. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on their program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.

Referral Sources:

Referrals come from various sources, including Speech-Language Pathologists, Hearing Professionals, Community-Based Service Providers, Hospitals, State Agencies, Senior Centers, Independent Living Centers, and many more. While some referrals come via fax or phone, many come via an online referral form implemented in 2021. In FY24, we received 167 statewide referrals using the online form. Of the online referrals, 27% came from Home Health Agencies, and 25% came from Medical Professionals.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

Outreach was provided to the State Education Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued as neither resources nor staff time was available for an additional project.

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

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?

ATLA collaborated with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Alaska State Legislature Representative Dan Saddler to repeal the assistive technology loan guarantee and interest subsidy program and provide through House Bill 219. The original program, titled the Guaranteed Loan Program, was enacted in 1995 but was substantially underutilized as it required an individual to qualify for a traditional bank loan and retain ownership of the equipment, regardless of its usefulness. HB 219 advanced through the House and Senate without revisions and unanimous bipartisan support of both finance committees.

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?

As a result of the collaboration, reappropriated funds will be transferred to ATLA to strengthen and sustain identified gaps in services or currently unobtainable devices needed to support the four state-level activities outlined in the Federal 21st Century Assistive Technology Act.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Housing/Home Automation, Transportation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Veterans, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

ATLA partnered with the Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) to increase awareness of assistive technology in rural communities. ATLA provided an ACoA representative with low to mid-tech assistive technology options for vision and hearing, along with ATLA flyers and referral forms. During visits to rural sites, the ACoA representative brought the equipment and provided documents. While speaking with them about the everyday barriers they face, the representative would share about assistive technology, if applicable, taking their information and sending ATLA a referral discussing the assistive technology they tried and their barriers to independence. The devices provided to the ACoA are on a long-term loan.

The ACoA travels statewide and has more resources to visit rural locations that are only accessible by air. The communities visited by the ACoA representative had never heard of assistive technology or ATLA before. The partnership successfully increased awareness of assistive technology and access to obtaining solutions. The collaboration resulted in 32 consumer referrals and 46 assistive technology explorations. This partnership successfully built a trusted relationship with the ACoA representative, who is a champion of assistive technology, understands our mission, and advocates for rural Alaskan communities. The initiative will continue as long as we have a reliable representative with whom to collaborate.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Community Participation and Integration, Health, Aging,

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

Demo, State Financing, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

Outreach was provided to the Medicaid Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued as neither resources nor staff time was available for an additional project.

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

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?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Public/State Agency	$79,086	Demonstration	True
State Appropriations	$175,900	State Financing	True
State Appropriations	$120,245	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$3,386	Demonstration	True
Private	$40,000	Device Loan	True
Public/State Agency	$23,050	Public Awareness, I&A	True
	Amount: $441,667

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 FY24 (September 30, 2024) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding in FY22, FY23 or FY24
We already expended the full award amount and reported associated data in the FY22 and/or FY23 APR
We expended some OR all this funding in FY24 (please complete the section below)

Please report the amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) in this reporting period, FY24:

$0.00

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

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).