National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Delaware 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.dati.org

Mailing Address:

210 Hullihen Hall

City:

Newark

State:

Zip Code:

19716

Program Email:

dati-ud@udel.edu

Phone:

800-870-3284

TTY:

800-870-3284

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

University of Delaware

Mailing Address:

210 Hullihen Hall

City:

Newark

State:

Zip Code:

19716

Program URL:

www.cds.udel.edu

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:

Mailing Address:

City

State:

Zip Code:

Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Mineo, Beth

Title:

Project Director

Phone:

302-831-1589

E-mail:

mineo@udel.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Mineo, Beth

Title:

Project Director

Phone:

302-831-1589

E-mail:

mineo@udel.edu

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):

Berdoulay, Allison

Title:

Project Coordinator

Phone:

302-831-3632

E-mail:

aberd@udel.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Foss, Fiona

Title:

Sr. Contract & Grant Analyst

Phone:

302-831-2629

E-mail:

fiona@udel.edu

State Financing

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

Yes

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

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?

Other: 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)	8
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	8

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	8

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	39	$468
Hearing	0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0
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	39	$468

Activity 2

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)	5
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	5

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	5

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	0	$0
Hearing	0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0
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	14	$4,457
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	14	$4,457

Activity 3

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Other: 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)	2
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	2

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	2

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	$298
Hearing	0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0
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	2	$298

Activity 4

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)	2
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	2

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	2

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	7	$3,229
Hearing	0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0
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	7	$3,229

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

Through our iCanConnect program (National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program), a consumer, who is a senior with dual sensory loss, was able to obtain a large monitor, low vision keyboard, ergonomic track ball mouse, and new case with stand for her iPad, and USB-C hub for the new equipment in order to access emails and communicate with her medical providers. She also had concerns with reading printed materials and expressed interest in large digital magnifiers. During her visit to our Assistive Technology Resource Center to pick up the equipment provided through iCanConnect, staff showed her a Clarity Desktop digital magnifier as well as several handheld lighted magnifiers on the AT Exchange. She had great success with both devices and left that day with her iCanConnect equipment as well as equipment from our AT Exchange reuse program. Several days later she called in to express her sincerest thanks to the DATI team for all of their help. She said “Every problem I came to you with, you found a great solution that worked for me.

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	06	06
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	08	09
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	00	01	02
4. Subtotal	02	00	15	17
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	02	00	15	17
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	02	00	15	17
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	17	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	17
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	92
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	00
C. Total	92

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	92

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	32	$8,619	$0	$8,619
Hearing	08	$650	$0	$650
Speech Communication	02	$32	$0	$32
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	05	$2,771	$400	$2,371
Daily Living	36	$589	$0	$589
Environmental Adaptations	08	$1,685	$0	$1,685
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01	$14	$0	$14
Total	92	$14,360	$400	$13,960

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	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

D. Anecdote

A consumer visited our downstate (Milford) Assistive Technology Resource Center to explore items that could improve computer access secondary to vision impairment. During his time in the center, he mentioned that he does not have a desk that accommodates his needs. The AT Specialists identified a height adjustable desk on our AT Exchange and the individual was overjoyed to obtain this equipment. As an expression of his gratitude, he gifted staff with some baked goods!

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	34	34
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	20	20
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	01	01	31	33
4. Subtotal	01	01	85	87
5. None of the above	00	00	04	04
6. Subtotal	01	01	89	91
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	01	01
8. Total	01	01	90	92
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	94.44%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	88	95.65%
Satisfied	03	3.26%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	1.09%
Total Surveyed	92
Response rate %	98.91%

G. Notes:

In section B, the low estimated purchase price for the communication AT is due to it being a low-tech solution (Talk Blocks), and not an AAC tablet.

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)	216
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	14
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	50
Total	282

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	29	01	30
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	43	07	50
Representative of Education	64	43	107
Representative of Employment	00	01	01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	77	14	91
Representatives of Community Living	03	00	03
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	216	66	282

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	34	29	63
Hearing	12	09	21
Speech Communication	133	109	242
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	29	05	34
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	22	04	26
Daily Living	18	07	25
Environmental Adaptations	113	47	160
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01	00	01
Computers and Related	91	89	180
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	109	32	141
Total	562	331	893

E. Anecdote

A 2-year-old girl with a significant neurological condition was referred to DATI by her therapy team at Nemours Children’s Hospital. She and her family visited our upstate (Newark) Assistive Technology Resource Center to view our inventory of switch adapted toys. The family was thrilled to learn we had an extensive array of switches and toys that might engage their little girl. They left our center with an assortment of toys for their daughter to play with. Over the course of the next several months, they returned every two weeks to borrow additional switch adapted toys. She and her family also borrowed an AAC device with eye-gaze technology to trial while working with her SLP to fund a dedicated device through insurance. The loan allowed her to gain familiarity with the device, trial it across settings, and have access to communication throughout the funding process. Her insurance company approved the funding request, and she now has an AAC device of her own.

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	29	07	54	90
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	02	02
Subtotal	29	07	56	92
Have not made a decision	02	02	09	13
Subtotal	31	09	65	105
Nonrespondent	33	09	69	111
Total	64	18	134	216
Performance on this measure	69.71%	59.83%	64.29%

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.	01	00	01	02
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	47	00	08	55
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	48	00	09	57
5. None of the above	09	00	00	09
6. Subtotal	57	00	09	66
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	57	00	09	66
9. Performance on this measure	84.21%	NaN%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	263	93.26%
Satisfied	16	5.67%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	03	1.06%
Total Surveyed	282
Response rate %	98.94%

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	27
Hearing	08
Speech Communication	29
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	02
Daily Living	09
Environmental Adaptations	19
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	34
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	17
Total # of Device Demonstrations	149

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	60	17	77
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	48	21	69
Representatives of Education	18	06	24
Representatives of Employment	00	00	00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	19	18	37
Representative of Community Living	04	04	08
Representative of Technology	00	01	01
Total	149	67	216

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	01
Service Provider	01
Vendor	03
Repair Service	00
Others	16
Total	21

D. Anecdote

A consumer came into our downstate (Milford) Assistive Technology Resource Center to learn about communication equipment. She has been diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition and had been having increased difficulty producing spoken communication. DATI's augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) specialist provided a demonstration of an AAC device with eye gaze access, the TD-i13. Currently, this individual is able to use her arms/hands to make selections from the screen; however, as her condition progresses, she may lose these abilities and need to use eyegaze technology. She was excited to learn about the features of the TD-i13, including customizable vocabulary, partner window, and computer access, and worked with the AAC specialist to tailor the system’s features to fit her needs. She took the TD-i13 out on loan to trial and sent an email thanking the staff and expressing how this device and the knowledge that was shared with her has substantially improved her confidence moving forward with the condition. She is also in the process of working with her own speech-language pathologist and insurance to obtain her own TD-i13 device!

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	29	07	54	90
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	02	02
Subtotal	29	07	56	92
Have not made a decision	02	02	09	13
Subtotal	31	09	65	105
Nonrespondent	13	04	27	44
Total	44	13	92	149
Performance on this measure	65.91%	53.85%	60.87%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	214	99.07%
Satisfied	02	0.93%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	216
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.	01	00	41	42
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	48	00	36	84
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	01	32	35
4. Subtotal	51	01	109	161
5. None of the above	09	00	04	13
6. Subtotal	60	01	113	174
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	01	01
8. Total	60	01	114	175
9. Performance on this measure	81.67%	0%	67.54%	72%
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
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	58	14	108	180
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	04	04
Subtotal	58	14	112	184
Have not made a decision	04	04	18	26
Subtotal	62	18	130	210
Nonrespondent	46	13	96	155
Total	108	31	226	365
Performance on this measure	67.44%	56%	62.57%	63.45%
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	100%	95%	Met
Response Rate	99.34%	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	24
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	23
Representatives of Education	263
Representatives of Employment	03
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	23
Representatives of Community Living	09
Representatives of Technology	02
Unable to Categorize	17
TOTAL	364

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
364	00	00	364

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	73
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	15
Combination of any/all of the above	216
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	22
Transition	38
Total	364

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

DATI hosted a large Parkinson’s Disease support group for a targeted training session in September 2024. We began with a formal presentation addressing general services as well as AT that might be particularly useful to individuals with Parkinson’s. Subsequently, the attendees had the opportunity to explore the upstate (Newark) Assistive Technology Resource Center and direct personally-relevant questions to the DATI team. After the event, attendees reported the presentation increased their awareness of AT and their confidence that it will benefit them greatly in the future.

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

DATI staff and a young adult with a developmental disability presented on the topic of smart home technology for independent living. The individual and his family founded a supported independent living program in the Philadelphia suburbs. He and his partner implemented smart home devices to support their journey to independence. The session provided an overview of readily available smart home devices as well as their common features and skills. The young man shared his personal experience in using smart home technology and how it has impacted his life.

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

DATI partnered with the Disabilities Law Program of Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.—Delaware’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization—in offering a training for the community related to voting accessibility. The session included a presentation regarding voting rights, a demonstration with actual voting machines to highlight accessibility features, and opportunities for attendees to try out these features. Specifically, presenters highlighted the importance of having a voting plan and how to overcome any barriers encountered on Election Day. The DATI staff provided some assistive technology for the voting machine demonstration to show how the machines can be accessed using switches. The demonstration also highlighted the built-in Universal Voting Console with Braille and large, high-contrast buttons and audio features. Many attendees reported feeling increased confidence about voting and excitement to vote independently.

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	00
No known outcome at this time	22
Nonrespondent	00
Total	22
Performance Measure Percentage	0%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Not Met

E. Notes:

The IT/Telecom Training Performance

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	97%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	03%
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:

DATI has partnered with the Delaware Department of Education to create and support an Assistive Technology Professional Learning Community (AT PLC). Meeting throughout the school year, representatives from many local education agencies come together to learn with and from one another and avail themselves of training and technical assistance designed to enhance AT access and use statewide. At the first AT PLC meeting this school year, the DATI team facilitated discussion about current barriers and successes related to AT implementation in the schools, provided information about the soon-to-be published AT guidance, and offered an AT overview highlighting some new and popular devices in the DATI inventory.

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

The Delaware Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) employs a number of counselors that support individuals with disabilities to secure or maintain competitive employment. The DVR management team requires all new counselors to visit their local DATI Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) to learn about our services. Over the past year, we have hosted several cohorts of counselors at our Milford and Newark locations.

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. DATI had an exhibit table at the state “55+ Conference” in Dover, Delaware. This event allowed DATI to educate over 1,000 members of the public regarding our orientation, scope and services. Equipment was displayed at the table, supporting on-site exploration/demos. Following the event, at least 15 consumers engaged with us through visits to their local Assistive Technology Resource Center for equipment demonstrations and/or the borrowing of equipment for trial use.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	94	11	105
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	98	11	109
Representative of Education	38	00	38
Representative of Employment	06	00	06
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	61	03	64
Representative of Community Living	18	01	19
Representative of Technology	01	00	01
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	316	26	342

Referral Types:

Compared to last year, there was a 172% increase in the number of referrals reported. While the distribution of referrals by source was similar to last year, the largest increase in referral sources was in regard to consumers who had used our services in the past (repeat customers), which increased from 86 in 2023 to 355 in 2024. There was a similar increase in the referrals from schools and private businesses. The private businesses included therapy practices, organizations serving/supporting veterans, and the in-state network of Senior Centers.

Referral Sources:

Reported sources of referrals break down as follows: 47% were individuals who had previous contact with our agency; 12% were personal referrals; 11% were referred by a medical provider; 11% were referred by a school rep; 4% were referred by private business; 3% were connected to a training that DATI provided; 2% were referred by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities;, and 2% were referred by the Division for the Visually Impaired.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education 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?

In collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, we conducted a survey of Delaware educators to get a sense of what they consider both facilitators and barriers to AT access for children in the PreK-12 system. They identified as barriers the lack of awareness and skill among educators with regard to AT, time constraints on educators, the lack of administrative support for AT access and use, and the lack of clear guidance for educators about how to consider AT needs, assess student needs, provide AT devices and associated training, and how to document the entire process on the IEP.

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?

These results are informing the current development of guidance to remedy access barriers and enhance the knowledge, skills and dispositions of educators, administrators, families and students relative to assistive technology. The Delaware-specific guidance document is under development currently and will be released in Spring 2025.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

n/a

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

Education, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

We collaborated with the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in emphasizing the value of trial use of technology prior to decision-making regarding the devices recommended by AT evaluators working with DVR clients. 17 devices were borrowed from the DATI Assistive Technology Resource Centers in support of AT evaluations.

It appears likely that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will contract with the Center for Disabilities Studies for AT evaluation services because it endorses the philosophy of comprehensive evaluation services that include equipment trials. To our knowledge, there is only one AT vendor serving the state’s VR population, and that is an out-of-state vendor that conducts remote evaluations. This development will ensure that Delaware DVR clients will benefit from a person-centered, comprehensive evaluation process that includes a trial use period, which is expected to reduce device abandonment and enhance employment success.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Device Loan, Demo,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

Two members of the DATI team served on the Home Modifications Advisory Committee for the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD). This agency received $3.5 million to launch a home modification, vehicle modification and assistive technology pilot program, and the Advisory Committee provided guidance on program structure, eligibility requirements, and other considerations to enhance quality and responsiveness to prevailing needs.

Eligibility requirements were broadened as a result of Advisory Committee input, meaning that more individuals will qualify for services. Given DATI’s expertise in this space, DSAAPD also consulted with us regarding the characteristics of high-quality home assessments and AT evaluations, and has begun exploring how the Center for Disabilities Studies might be engaged as a service provider for the new program, which is slated to launch in February 2025. The outcome and impact data gathering from the pilot program will be used to justify the state’s investment in the continuation of the program after the pilot period concludes.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

n/a

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

Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Health, Aging,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

In collaboration with the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance and several other state agency and private partners, we convened stakeholders to explore the revitalization of an equipment refurbishment and reuse program in Delaware. A summit was held in January 2024 to gauge interest and explore the potential contributions of stakeholders to a statewide effort. The discussion focused on both policy and practice innovations that would be needed for the long-term viability of such a program.

As greater clarity was gained about the potential contributions of various stakeholders, the next step is to develop a blueprint for program implementation and use the blueprint to secure financial commitments from public and private partners.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

n/a

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?

Reuse,

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
Private	$468	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$222,786	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$1,186	State Financing	True
Private	$3,006	Training	True
Private	$10,143	Device Loan	True
Federal	$113	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Federal	$234,021	Technical Assistance	True
Private	$22,458	Technical Assistance	True
Private	$10,000	Training	True
Private	$22	Technical Assistance	True
Federal	$1,396	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Public/State Agency	$74,262	Training	True
Federal	$33,089	State Financing	True
Private	$77,666	Technical Assistance	True
	Amount: $690,616

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:

$10,881.00

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	1.00
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.

One individual is deriving support from the public health funds. One individual is leading a coalition of individuals and organizations interested in standing up a new equipment refurbishment and reuse program in Delaware. The other individual is in the Office of Educational Technology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Delaware, and he is collaborating with the DATI in a project in which seniors and people with disabilities are able to access health promotion programs through telehealth. The DATI provides and manages the deployment of laptops that enable program participants to access the virtual training. The individual supported with public health funds is responsible for configuring the laptops and providing tech support to our staff and program participants.

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).