National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Illinois 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.iltech.org
Mailing Address:
701 N. Walnut Street
City:
Springfield
State:
Illinois
Zip Code:
62702
Program Email:
wgunther@iltech.org
Phone:
217-522-7985
TTY:
800-852-5110

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
100 S. Grand Avenue, East
City:
Springfield
State:
Illinois
Zip Code:
62704
Program URL:
http://www.dhs.state.il.us

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Mailing Address:
701 N. Walnut Street
City
Springfield
State:
Illinois
Zip Code:
62702
Program URL:
http://www.iltech.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Gunther, Wilhelmina
Title:
President/CEO
Phone:
217-522-7985
E-mail:
wgunther@iltech.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
McCoy, Sarah
Title:
Project Officer
Phone:
217-524-4372
E-mail:
sarah.m.mccoy@illinois.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Gunther, Wilhelmina
Title:
President/CEO
Phone:
217-522-7985
E-mail:
wgunther@iltech.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Zinck, Jeannine
Title:
Data Manager
Phone:
217-522-7985
E-mail:
jzinck@iltech.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Patrick, Rahnee
Title:
Director
Phone:
312-814-2934
E-mail:
Rahnee.Patrick@illinois.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? 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? 4
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: OEL

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)665
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)99
C. Total Served764

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures764

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 450$449,634
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning7$4,551
Daily living 4$402
Environmental adaptations15$1,728
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 2554$961,211
Recreation, sports, and leisure4$214
Total3034$1,417,740

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Tech Kitchen

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)98
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)37
C. Total Served135

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures135

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 1$90
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 842$13,298
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 8$1,211
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total851$14,599

Activity 3
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Smart Home

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)85
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)42
C. Total Served127

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures127

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 802$58,050
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total802$58,050

Activity 4
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: ICC

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)1641
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)578
C. Total Served2219

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures2219

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 / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 188$159,336
Hearing 91$16,746
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning419$56,714
Daily living 618$27,063
Environmental adaptations434$43,916
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 7897$721,412
Recreation, sports, and leisure1$113
Total9648$1,025,300



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? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)133
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)33
C. Total Served166

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures166

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 / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price		Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold		Savings
to Consumers
Vision 36$868$0$868
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 3$257$0$257
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 0$0$0$0
Daily living 181$5,169$0$5,169
Environmental adaptations 12$207$0$207
Vehicle modification and transportation 12$156$0$156
Computers and related 12$580$0$580
Recreation, sports, and leisure 15$751$0$751
Total 271$7,988$0$7,988


D. Anecdote

A brachial plexus injury caused Grace’s left arm to be paralyzed. She has been developing strategies to compensate but wanted to see what adaptive tools were available to assist, specifically in the kitchen. Grace first visited IATP’s Demonstration Center to get ideas for college and for when she moves away from home. After that visit, she completed the intake process for the Tech Kitchen program and then had two training sessions with an Occupational Therapist and Chef Instructor. The sessions focused on learning safety strategies and finding tools to make one-handed cooking less overwhelming. Grace learned about several tools that worked for her, including a one-handed cutting board that held ingredients in place, rocker knives that allow weight shifting with one hand, heat-resistant gloves, a pasta strainer safely accessed with one hand, and measuring tools like a self-portioning oil dispenser. Grace prepared a microwave chili recipe, cheesy air fryer biscuits, and penne alfredo. These recipes allowed her to try out tools and learn what worked well. They also allowed her to see what could be done with the microwave and air fryer when the stove or oven might not be accessible. Grace also learned how to use the surfaces in her environment to safely transfer hot items with one hand, how to utilize the microwave for adapted cooking, and organize a workspace for energy conservation. Grace worked with IATP after being referred by her DRS counselor for the Fast Track program. This helped identify her A T needs as she pursues her degree in Psychology, double minoring in Global Studies and Biblical Studies.

Grace using a modify cutting board that is holding an onion so Grace can cut it with a knife using one hand
Impact Area

Jake is a new IATP customer who was recently visited by one of the assistive technology specialists (A T S) for vision-related needs. The A T S noticed a need for a fabricated device to assist Jake when reading documents through the Seeing AI app on his iPhone. Without the device Jake would have to manually hold his phone to scan and read documents. The A T S educated Jake on the Makers program during a demonstration of the iPhone stand which made scanning and reading documents easier and faster to access. The A T S submitted a request on behalf of Jake for the Makers program to print and loan him one to keep until he no longer requires it.

Jake using the 3D printed stand with his phone to read the paper underneath
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. 85 766 1,054 1,905
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 10 13 439 462
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 00 57 59
4. Subtotal 97 779 1,550 2,426
5. None of the above 06 03 314 323
6. Subtotal 103 782 1,864 2,749
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 662 662
8. Total 103 782 2,526 3,411
9. Performance on this measure 94.17% 99.62% 61.36%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,513 73.67%
Satisfied 225 6.6%
Satisfied somewhat 10 0.29%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.03%
Nonrespondent 662 19.41%
Total Surveyed 3,411
Response rate % 80.59%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 2,176
C. Total 2,176

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 2,176

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 237 $376,850 $0 $376,850
Hearing 36 $10,487 $0 $10,487
Speech Communication 23 $31,860 $0 $31,860
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05 $511 $0 $511
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 1,610 $502,585 $0 $502,585
Daily Living 1,391 $131,694 $0 $131,694
Environmental Adaptations 97 $7,691 $0 $7,691
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 01 $20 $0 $20
Computers and Related 114 $40,421 $0 $40,421
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 33 $3,764 $0 $3,764
Total 3,547 $1,105,883 $0 $1,105,883

D. Anecdote

Laurie received a tremor stabilizing smart spoon from the Reuse Program at IATP. She has an essential tremor in her dominant hand. Before receiving this, Laurie would choose finger foods when eating out and rarely ate foods like pasta or soup. Using this spoon has allowed her to “enjoy these simple pleasures again.” The biggest issue for Laurie is remembering to bring the spoon with her when she goes out to eat. Laurie said, “Thank you IATP for allowing me this opportunity to enjoy meals I generally avoid!” In the future, Laurie hopes to work with IATP Maker’s Program. When she goes out to eat, the utensil is hard to place on the side of a plate or bowl when eating. Similar to using a regular spoon or fork, she wants to rest her spoon near her dishware without making a mess. The Maker’s Program will help Laurie with a custom utensil holder for eating out.

Laurie sitting at a table using the GYENNO parkinson's spoon
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. 05 04 1,817 1,826
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 02 136 140
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 01 208 210
4. Subtotal 08 07 2,161 2,176
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 08 07 2,161 2,176
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 08 07 2,161 2,176
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,156 99.08%
Satisfied 15 0.69%
Satisfied somewhat 05 0.23%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 2,176
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) 1,816
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 98
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 88
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 52
Total 2,054

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 254 60 314
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 297 64 361
Representative of Education 994 66 1,060
Representative of Employment 02 02 04
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 15 12 27
Representatives of Community Living 248 33 281
Representatives of Technology 06 01 07
Total 1,816 238 2,054

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 35

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 109 27 136
Hearing 58 09 67
Speech Communication 1,670 183 1,853
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 289 59 348
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 99 08 107
Daily Living 200 51 251
Environmental Adaptations 00 00 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01 00 01
Computers and Related 117 16 133
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 44 09 53
Total 2,587 362 2,949

E. Anecdote

Jesse’s journey with IATP began when his friend Deb referred him here to explore alternative augmentative communication (A A C) solutions. Currently nonspeaking due to throat cancer treatments, Jesse was using pen and paper for communication, which was very limiting. At IATP, he was able to utilize multiple programs and was guided by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the Demonstration (Demo) Center during his first visit. Together, they found an A A C app that fit his needs. Before obtaining the app, Jesse borrowed an A A C device from the Device Loan program. He then worked with the Illinois Care Connections program to get an iPad with the AAC app he found with the SLP. Now, Jesse uses A A C technology to communicate in various environments, including preaching to his church congregation, talking over the phone and on Zoom to family, and giving his dog commands. IATP is proud to be a part of Jesse’s communication journey! On Jesse’s first visit to the Demo Center, Deb was also present. Deb is a retired educator who first found out about IATP through an online search, knowing previously that A A C-type devices are available and would be helpful to Jesse. When at the Demo Center, Deb realized there were devices there she would also benefit from. She has tremors and learned about many devices that would help her daily life. At first, she looked at writing aids and got a weighted pen from the Reuse Program. Then, Deb visited a second time to look at kitchen aids and obtained an adaptive cutting board from the Reuse Program. Jesse and Deb are so thankful to IATP for helping them. Deb wrote, “Your [patience and] time given to us both is thoroughly appreciated and will make a difference for Jesse’s and my life.”

Jesse sitting at a table in the demonstration center using a tablet device to communicate
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 1,066 22 451 1,539
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 123 01 41 165
Subtotal 1,189 23 492 1,704
Have not made a decision 01 00 01 02
Subtotal 1,190 23 493 1,706
Nonrespondent 58 01 51 110
Total 1,248 24 544 1,816
Performance on this measure 99.92% 100% 99.8%

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. 50 02 110 162
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 17 04 18 39
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 06 00 06 12
4. Subtotal 73 06 134 213
5. None of the above 00 01 01 02
6. Subtotal 73 07 135 215
7. Nonrespondent 03 04 16 23
8. Total 76 11 151 238
9. Performance on this measure 100% 73.17% 99.26%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,032 98.93%
Satisfied 13 0.63%
Satisfied somewhat 06 0.29%
Not at all satisfied 03 0.15%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 2,054
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 236
Hearing 37
Speech Communication 340
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 31
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 78
Daily Living 456
Environmental Adaptations 07
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 23
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 21
Total # of Device Demonstrations 1,229

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 837 364 1,201
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 104 416 520
Representatives of Education 276 330 606
Representatives of Employment 00 01 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 07 30 37
Representative of Community Living 04 17 21
Representative of Technology 01 07 08
Total 1,229 1,165 2,394

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 20
Service Provider 84
Vendor 305
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 409

D. Anecdote

Sarah and her dad, Pat, came to the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) Smart Home Demonstration Center to explore accessible video game options. Sarah has functional limitations in her left hand that make it difficult to use a standard video game controller or computer keyboard, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a gamer. Sarah is an avid Minecrafter on her family’s home computer and plays games on her dad’s video game consoles. Pat had modified a standard video game controller but was looking for more options to help his daughter play a wider variety of games. During their visit to IATP, Sarah tried out an accessible controller and one-handed joystick. Switch controls were added, giving Sarah more access with her feet, and before they left the building, Pat had already gone online and bought the accessible controller. Sarah and her dad then visited the IATP Demonstration Center, where they looked at accessible keyboard and mouse options for computer gaming and borrowed joystick mouse alternatives from the IATP Device Loan Program to take home and try. IATP lends assistive technology devices for six weeks at no cost, giving gamers like Sarah time to trial different devices before her family makes a purchase.

Sarah sitting on a bean bag chair in the IATP Smart Home using various video game controllers.
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 381 31 765 1,177
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 01 09 16
Subtotal 387 32 774 1,193
Have not made a decision 10 02 23 35
Subtotal 397 34 797 1,228
Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
Total 397 34 798 1,229
Performance on this measure 97.48% 94.12% 96.99%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,289 95.61%
Satisfied 94 3.93%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.13%
Not at all satisfied 01 0.04%
Nonrespondent 07 0.29%
Total 2,394
Response rate % 99.71%

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. 140 772 2,981 3,893
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 29 19 593 641
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 09 01 271 281
4. Subtotal 178 792 3,845 4,815
5. None of the above 06 04 315 325
6. Subtotal 184 796 4,160 5,140
7. Nonrespondent 03 04 678 685
8. Total 187 800 4,838 5,825
9. Performance on this measure 91.85% 99.37% 74.12% 78.15%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 1,447 53 1,216 2,716
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 129 02 50 181
Subtotal 1,576 55 1,266 2,897
Have not made a decision 11 02 24 37
Subtotal 1,587 57 1,290 2,934
Nonrespondent 58 01 52 111
Total 1,645 58 1,342 3,045
Performance on this measure 99.31% 96.49% 98.06% 98.71%
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 99.69% 95% Met
Response Rate 93.33% 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 288
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 45
Representatives of Education 428
Representatives of Employment 53
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 136
Representatives of Community Living 74
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,024

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
849 175 00 1,024

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 592
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 18
Combination of any/all of the above 279
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 101
Transition 34
Total 1,024

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

IATP staff provided a training/presentation/demonstration for 25 Speech-Language Pathologists who belong to Peoria Area Speech and Hearing Association organization. The therapists in attendance work in multiple settings including but not limited to private practice, Early Intervention, Hospitals, Schools, Out patient clinics in and around Peoria county. The presentation included information about all of the programs IATP has to offer individuals in IL with disabilities and then demonstrated some products regarding low-vision, sensory items for children, and AAC devices. The program ended with a discussion around funding for individuals attempting to get AAC devices and how reuse may play a role with some of the clients the therapists work with for other DMEs\ besides AAC devices.

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

As part of IATP's Summer AAC Institute IATP brought in guest speakers to educate the SLP staff on the need for more comprehensive transition services from the educational setting to ensure that students graduating with communication needs are provided with the tools and services to ensure a smooth transition to home or a community setting.

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

The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) hosted the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) staff for a day of in-depth Information Communication Technology (ICT) training. The training focused on the laws and guidelines surrounding ICT. IDoA staff participated in the hands-on creation of accessible Microsoft Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. Instruction was provided on using built-in Microsoft Office tools to create heading structures and markup that assistive technology (AT) applications use to help people with disabilities better navigate documents, as well as prepare the source materials for conversion into PDF formats that maintain structure and require little to no remediation to make them accessible. IDoA staff learned how to determine overall font accessibility, critically examine color contrast, and use of color, and write accessible alternative text for photos and graphics. One IDoA staff member wrote: “We all learned really valuable information that we will be incorporating into our everyday work. Everything from the flow of the day, to the content, to the hands-on practice was outstanding.” IATP staff are working with IDoA on the development of training planned for the spring that will provide more in-depth knowledge on the creation of accessible charts, tables, brochures, and PDF documents. IATP partners with IDoA through the Illinois Care Connections (ICC) Program and is pleased to have this opportunity to support IDoA as they take steps to ensure the accessibility of their programs and services.

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 75
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 26
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 101
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 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 98%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 02%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

IATP is working with a collaboration of DD Providers in Illinois and providing them technical assistance on designing AT training opportunities for all the DD Providers that are part of the collaboration. This will increase the knowledge of the various DD Providers staff and improve services for their participants in the various programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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

Last year IATP created a Internship Program for UIC's School of Nursing to provide interns the opportunity to learn about AT and DME options so that as they transition out of the nursing program into various settings for nursing they can better assist patients with returning home after stays in a hospital or nursing home. IATP was approached by HSHS's Nursing Program and asked if we could provide their nursing students with intern opportunities as well. IATP staff met with the head of nursing and provided technical assistance to them on how to incorporate an internship opportunity for their nursing students into their curriculum. IATP will start implementing this training and educational opportunity during the spring semester.

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. In Illinois individuals with Developmental Disabilities typically need to be on the PUNS list in order to received AT devices and services unless they are still within the educational system. In an attempt to determine if DD Provider agencies have the capacity to provide AT services or are aware about those providers that can provide AT Services IATP partnered with the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities at their statewide conference to highlight a joint survey IATP created to determine skill, capacity and ability to provide or access AT for their customers. Creating the survery and highlighting it at the IARF conference has piqued the interest of many DD Providers about IATP and its services. The survey started as a collaboration between IARF and IATP and turned into a targeted Public Awareness Tool.

2. IATP and IDoA worked together to expand the Illinois Care Connections grant to include AT and Durable Medical Equipment in an effort to assist older adults age 60 and above have the confidence to remain in their home. In order for the word to get out about the expanded focus, IATP and IDoA conducted numerous Zoom trainings about the program, accessing the accessible online referral system and submitting requests for various devices or referring the older adult to an IATP OT or OTA to see the individual in their home and access what products would best meet the individuals current needs. The Zoom trainings were recorded and made available as a resource on the two agencies websites. The effectiveness of the targeted Zoom public awareness activities can be seen in the total referrals received in FY24 of 1,728 older adults in Illinois.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 806 12 818
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 520 01 521
Representative of Education 972 03 975
Representative of Employment 23 00 23
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 278 02 280
Representative of Community Living 100 00 100
Representative of Technology 09 00 09
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 2,708 18 2,726

Referral Types:

IATP works closely with all of the state agencies that has provided either a grant or a contract for services for their targeted population they serve. In order to ensure that the local providers or the various state agency's internal staff are fully aware of the programs and services IATP provides we request to be able to conduct Zoom presentations and go over the programs they fund as well as provide a broad brush stroke about the other programs available through IATP as we have found that it is beneficial for the staff to know about them as well. IATP has created print materials that are shared with the state agencies staff, disseminated by IATP at conferences and exhibits to increase referrals. IATP also has completely changed the referral system used by DRS which is improving the quality and number of referrals. The ICC Program referral system is review annually and changes made to continue to simplify the process and yet obtain the needed information to timely handle the referrals. The ICC program referrals increased in FY 2024 to 2,219 and increase of 1,685 from the total served in FY 2023 of 534.

Referral Sources:

Referral Sources continue to be from state agencies, local CILs and other disability organizations, self-referrals and referrals from others that have used and benefitted from IATP's programs and services. Specifically, with the ICC program IATP is working closely with all 13 Area Agency on Aging and the other community providers funded through IDoA. The highest number of referrals received are from self referrals and from family members at 36%; and education at 26%.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
IATP partners with the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct AT/AAC Demonstrations, Evaluations and Device Loans for all local school districts on a first come first serve basis.
IATP has a target of 175 evaluations to conduct and it exceeded that by conducting over 300 evaluations. The need for AT services continues to increase as demonstrated by IATP doubling the number of evaluations conducted. In addition, 1,350 device loans were made to local districts to ensure students with disabilities received a free and appropriate education.
https://iltech.org/services/isbe-evaluations/

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

Education,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Training, Information & Assistance,
Yes
Yes
IATP partnered with IDHS/DRS to educated the counselors and the customers served by IDHS/DRS about the newest programs and services provided by IATP, the Smart Home Program and the Tech Kitchen Program. IATP offered Zoom trainings to DRS staff, revised IATP's online referral system to make it easy to refer customers to the programs, and worked with IDHS/DRS to promote the availability of the services on their internal OneNet System.
There was a increase in DRS customer referrals to the services from the previous year. More customers being referred translated to greater access to AT Devices and Smart Technology on a long term basis to increase independence, self determination, education, training and employment for customers statewide.
https://iltech.org/smart-home-technology/ and https://iltech.org/tech-kitchen/

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

Education, Employment, Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration,

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

Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance,
Yes
Yes
IATP and IDoA partnered on the Illinois Care Connections grant that was expanded in FY 2024 to include AT and DME in addition to the tablets that the program has been providing to older adults since COVID.
The program has provided tablets, AT and DME to 1,728 older adults statewide. The program still operates through an accessible online referral system created by IATP and completed by IDoA provider agencies for the older adults they work with. The program's expansion to include AT and DME assists older adults remain in their homes. The program provides demonstrations, device loans and long term loans of AT and DME.
https://iltech.org/services/icc-aging/

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse,
No
IATP continues to try to make inroads with its state Medicaid Agency but to no avail.
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? 01

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

IATP was the lead proponent of House Bill 5354, a bill to restructure and improve Illinois’ Customized Employment program, including the addition of AT as a program component.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

House Bill 5354 was signed into law by our Governor on July 19, 2024, as Public Act 103-0709 and takes effect on January 1, 2025. The new law will be implemented by our rehabilitation services agency. Amended regulations and other policy documents implementing the new Act are expected after the Act takes effect.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Employment

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$1,429,608Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$833,333DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$1,313,841State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$400,000Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$1,429,608DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$476,536TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$1,429,608State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$476,536Technical AssistanceTrue
Public/State Agency$833,333Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$1,906,144ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$1,204,471DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$610,524DemonstrationTrue
Amount: $12,343,542

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).

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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.