National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Back to state program information page

American Samoa 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
American Samoa Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4561
City:
Pago Pago
State:
American Samoa
Zip Code:
96799
Program Email:
nlpeau@gmail.com
Phone:
6846991371
TTY:
6846991376

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
American Samoa Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4561
City:
Pago Pago
State:
American Samoa
Zip Code:
96799
Program URL:

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Peau Nathaniel
Title:
AT Program Manager
Phone:
6846991371
E-mail:
nlpeau@gmail.com
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Delaney Tilo
Title:
VR Director
Phone:
6846991371
E-mail:
delaney.tilo@vgo.as.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Nathaniel Lelei Peau
Title:
AT Program Manager
Phone:
(684)699-1371
E-mail:
nlpeau@gmail.com

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Delaney Tilo
Title:
Director
Phone:
6846991371
E-mail:
delaney.tilo@go.as.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 67
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 97
C. Total 164

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 164

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 09 $1,200 $0 $1,200
Hearing 05 $900 $0 $900
Speech Communication 11 $1,100 $0 $1,100
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 12 $2,200 $0 $2,200
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 06 $1,230 $0 $1,230
Daily Living 05 $1,200 $0 $1,200
Environmental Adaptations 07 $1,125 $0 $1,125
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 02 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Computers and Related 75 $18,900 $0 $18,900
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 132 $30,855 $0 $30,855

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 24 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Hearing 08 $1,250 $0 $1,250
Speech Communication 11 $1,200 $0 $1,200
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 04 $880 $0 $880
Environmental Adaptations 02 $430 $0 $430
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 80 $15,800 $0 $15,800
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 129 $22,560 $0 $22,560

D. Anecdote

Assistive Devices has always and will always be a workforce equalizer for people with special needs. The special needs community always show their appreciation for the many demonstrations and the time spent in the community sharing about the many different types of AT devices are available to our special needs community.

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. 18 58 08 84
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 14 58 08 80
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 32 116 16 164
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 32 116 16 164
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 32 116 16 164
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 152 92.68%
Satisfied 08 4.88%
Satisfied somewhat 04 2.44%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 164
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) 118
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 11
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 08
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 17
Total 154

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 98 19 117
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 04 03 07
Representative of Education 02 06 08
Representative of Employment 10 02 12
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01 02 03
Representatives of Community Living 01 02 03
Representatives of Technology 02 02 04
Total 118 36 154

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 37 05 42
Hearing 18 07 25
Speech Communication 18 06 24
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 23 06 29
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 09 00 09
Daily Living 21 06 27
Environmental Adaptations 18 01 19
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 02 03 05
Computers and Related 110 00 110
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 06 02 08
Total 262 36 298

E. Anecdote

As students with special needs become more independent they are entering the workforce with confidence knowing that there are AT devices out there that can help them be more efficient and independent. The AT program device loan program allows special needs individuals hands-on experience with devices therefore making decisions easier.

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 80 34 04 118
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 80 34 04 118
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 80 34 04 118
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 80 34 04 118
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 16 15 00 31
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 04 00 01 05
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 20 15 01 36
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 20 15 01 36
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 20 15 01 36
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 138 89.61%
Satisfied 14 9.09%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.3%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 154
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 49
Hearing 23
Speech Communication 12
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 00
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 58
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 144

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 72 26 98
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 52 28 80
Representatives of Education 06 00 06
Representatives of Employment 03 00 03
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 01 00 01
Representative of Community Living 02 00 02
Representative of Technology 08 00 08
Total 144 54 198

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 16
Service Provider 12
Vendor 26
Repair Service 11
Others 00
Total 65

D. Anecdote

American Samoa AT Program device demonstrations are always an important part of educating the general public and also a chance for our clients to see new devices. Device Demonstrations are always a fun and hands-on way to engage with the special needs community.

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 82 54 06 142
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 00 02
Subtotal 83 55 06 144
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 83 55 06 144
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 83 55 06 144
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 180 90.91%
Satisfied 16 8.08%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 1.01%
Total 198
Response rate % 98.99%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 34 73 08 115
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 18 58 09 85
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 52 131 17 200
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 52 131 17 200
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 52 131 17 200
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100% 100%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 162 88 10 260
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 00 02
Subtotal 163 89 10 262
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 163 89 10 262
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 163 89 10 262
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 98.83% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.61% 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 150
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 26
Representatives of Education 04
Representatives of Employment 02
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 02
Representatives of Technology 08
Unable to Categorize 05
TOTAL 199

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
50 149 00 199

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 106
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 41
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 46
Transition 06
Total 199

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

American Samoa AT Program device demonstrations are always an important part of educating the general public and also a chance for our clients to see new devices.

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

As AT devices are become more mainstream especially with transition clients, training activities are becoming more important.

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

As the word is getting out that our AT Program has a training program the list of participants has slowly but surely increased over the years and with the help of The Helen Keller Program communication device trainings has become popular.

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 42
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 04
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 46
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 25%
Employment 25%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 10%
Community Living 15%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 25%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Our collaboration with Helen Keller has given us the opportunity to work with more clients with communication needs. Because of these trainings more people are able to communicate with the outside world.

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

This fiscal year has seen an increase of clients looking to get back into education. As such technical assistance has become an important part of their effort.

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. American Samoa Assistive Technology Program has moved to new location this FY. As such AT aggressively pursued a public awareness campaign that including radio, tv as well as utilizing social media to get our information out to the public.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 74 46 120
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 25 15 40
Representative of Education 10 05 15
Representative of Employment 10 10 20
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 04 04 08
Representative of Community Living 02 02 04
Representative of Technology 14 14 28
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 139 96 235

Referral Types:

All programs that we work with have been helpful with referring clients as all our programs interconnect. Programs such as SPED and Helen Keller has shown to be very active in referring clients.

Referral Sources:

Radio advertising has been our main method of getting the word out to the public. Working with other programs in our field has also shown to be very effective.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
The American Samoa Assistive Technologies Program has been working closely with the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) on The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) supports local programs that distribute equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind (have combined hearing and vision loss) to enable access to telephone, advanced communications, and information services. This support was mandated by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) and is provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The collaboration with Helen Keller and the NDBEDP has enabled the American Samoa AT program not only demo equipment but now purchase equipment with grant funding from the FCC. This collaboration/partnership has expanded our knowledge of AT equipment and made the availability and affordability of equipment possible. For more information about the NDBEDP, please visit http://icanconnect.org or http://www.fcc.gov/ndbedp.

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

Education, Employment, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

State Financing, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
American Samoa Assistive Technology Program is housed under The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and as such many of the clients referred to At are from Voc Rehab. Also, Voc Rehab includes AT in all of their client interviews in order to make an accurate assessment of all Voc Rehab clients.
N/A

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

Employment, Transportation, Health, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
ASAT worked with the American Samoa Office of Aging/MEDICAID to provide a computer lab used for the purposes of communication and education. ASAT also provides Technical Assistance and computer courses on a "as needed" basis.
N/A

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

Education, Employment, Health, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
No
Medicaid officials were a part of the partnership with the Aging Office of American Samoa
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 00

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported

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).

Back to state program information page | Top of page

This FY24 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.