National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Iowa 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

http://www.iowaat.org

Mailing Address:

401 NE 66th Avenue

City:

Des Moines

State:

Zip Code:

50313

Program Email:

atinfo@eastersealsia.org

Phone:

866-866-8782

TTY:

515-289-1281

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa

Mailing Address:

2 Gilmore Hall

City:

Iowa City

State:

Zip Code:

52242

Program URL:

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:

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program

Mailing Address:

401 NE 66th Avenue

City

Des Moines

State:

Zip Code:

50313

Program URL:

www.iowaat.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Keninger, Tracy

Title:

Director

Phone:

515-309-2371

E-mail:

tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Caitlin Owens

Title:

Director

Phone:

(319)356-7023

E-mail:

caitlin-owens@uiowa.edu

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

Keninger, Tracy

Title:

Director

Phone:

515-309-2371

E-mail:

tkeninger@eastersealsia.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Chance, Kim

Title:

Assistive Technology Center Team Lead

Phone:

515-309-2394

E-mail:

kchance@eastersealsia.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Willis, Derrick

Title:

Director

Phone:

319-678-8414

E-mail:

derrick-willis@uiowa.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?

Yes

Loan Applications
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	13	04	17
Approved Not made	00	00	00
Rejected	47	42	89
Total	60	46	106

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$11,208	Highest Income:	$69,384

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$492,132	17	$28,949

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
Number of Loans	05	05	04	02	01	00	17
Percentage of Loans	29.41%	29.41%	23.53%	11.76%	5.88%	0%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	17	100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee	00	0%
With interest buy-down only	00	0%
With loan guarantee only	00	0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	17	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	17	$55,153
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	17	$55,153

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	0%
Highest	10%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
94	17	5.52941176470588%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	04
2.1% to 4.0%	00
4.1% to 6.0%	03
6.1% to 8.0%	08
8.1% - 10.0%	02
10.1%-12.0%	00
12.1%-14.0%	00
14.1% +	00
Total	17

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT	Number of Devices Financed	Dollar Value of Loans
Vision	00	$0
Hearing	00	$0
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	05	$10,831
Daily living	02	$1,868
Environmental adaptations	04	$12,982
Vehicle modification and transportation	05	$28,296
Computers and related	01	$1,176
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	17	$55,153

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	02
Net loss for loans in default	$2,673

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?

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

A loan for a modified vehicle was requested through Able Up Iowa to be used for an individual with a brain injury. There was a custom gas tank on the vehicle which caused the dollar amount to vary from a typical request. This loan was partially forgivable as the family is participating in the Empowerment Program offered by Able Up Iowa, this program provides a partial amount of the original loan to be forgiven as long as the applicant participates by working with a financial coach. Participation in this program allowed the family to access a modified vehicle for transportation and community connection. As staff followed up, the borrowers daughter responded: “(Mom) is coming along really well! Her goals this month will be to increase eye focus and tracking! She has shown tons of improvement seeming to be more aware and able to use more of her facial expressions. She’s showing more signs of consciousness overall and I can tell when she stretches she’s gaining more strength!! She can even bend her legs a tad while coughing slightly lifting her knees! Well… until next time!”

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	17	17
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	17	17
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	17	17
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	17	17
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	12	70.59%
Satisfied	02	11.76%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	03	17.65%
Total Surveyed	17
Response rate %	82.35%

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	01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	270
C. Total	271

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	271

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	01	$500	$100	$400
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	01	$500	$100	$400

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	04	$16,000	$500	$15,500
Hearing	00	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	136	$149,540	$5,760	$143,780
Daily Living	77	$77,800	$3,605	$74,195
Environmental Adaptations	117	$53,830	$5,910	$47,920
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	03	$120	$30	$90
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01	$4,000	$125	$3,875
Total	338	$301,290	$15,930	$285,360

D. Anecdote

Joshua, a young man who experienced a spinal cord injury as a result of a vehicle accident, was provided with a manual wheelchair upon leaving rehabilitation which was funded through his private insurance. Upon returning home to his rural farm, Joshua found that the manual wheelchair was not enough to navigate the rough terrain of the gravel, dirt, and rough concrete landscape of his farm. Joshua sought funding for a power wheelchair but his insurance would not fund a second mobility device. Joshua accessed a power wheelchair from Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program. Joshua, his parents, and others in his network were so grateful for this addition to his independence that they shared kind words stating, "Thank you so much for your time and the chance to use this device. It is a life changer!". Joshua is now able to participate actively as an employee of a cattle operation and as a family employee on his father's row-crop operation.

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.	03	03	180	186
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	13	14
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	05	05	61	71
4. Subtotal	09	08	254	271
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	09	08	254	271
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	09	08	254	271
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	260	95.94%
Satisfied	11	4.06%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	271
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting Short-Term Device Loans?

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan	Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation)	193
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	07
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	00
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	17
Total	217

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	80	06	86
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	17	00	17
Representative of Education	08	02	10
Representative of Employment	18	02	20
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	29	01	30
Representatives of Community Living	13	02	15
Representatives of Technology	28	11	39
Total	193	24	217

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
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	46	12	58
Hearing	43	06	49
Speech Communication	12	03	15
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	320	18	338
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	10	01	11
Daily Living	206	47	253
Environmental Adaptations	18	02	20
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	07	02	09
Computers and Related	177	21	198
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	66	01	67
Total	905	113	1,018

E. Anecdote

Margo experienced a stroke in 2021 and wanted to gain independence when eating. Margo’s left side was impacted resulting in minimal dexterity in the left hand. Margo met with an AT team member and borrowed several devices from the lending library including a Stress-Less Drink Holder, Stickybowl, Plate Guards, and a Non-slip Place Mat. After an opportunity to borrow the devices for a 30-day trial, Margo and her family were optimistic. After a follow-up by a team member, the following response was received by Margo, "Thank you for checking in. I am using all of it and found the plate guards, drink holder, and sticky mat very helpful. I wish I would have had them a long time ago."

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	80	11	97	188
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	02	02
Subtotal	80	11	99	190
Have not made a decision	01	00	02	03
Subtotal	81	11	101	193
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	81	11	101	193
Performance on this measure	98.77%	100%	98.02%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	02	01	05	08
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	07	01	02	10
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	02	02
4. Subtotal	09	02	09	20
5. None of the above	03	00	01	04
6. Subtotal	12	02	10	24
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	12	02	10	24
9. Performance on this measure	75%	100%	90%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	197	90.78%
Satisfied	18	8.29%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.92%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	217
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	14
Hearing	05
Speech Communication	13
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	70
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	09
Daily Living	61
Environmental Adaptations	16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	08
Computers and Related	51
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	12
Total # of Device Demonstrations	259

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	193	24	217
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	22	89	111
Representatives of Education	11	24	35
Representatives of Employment	06	14	20
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	18	55	73
Representative of Community Living	09	56	65
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Total	259	262	521

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	09
Service Provider	01
Vendor	375
Repair Service	00
Others	07
Total	392

D. Anecdote

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program partnered with The Des Moines Performing Arts theatres to offer a demonstration of various sensory devices including noise-canceling headphones, sensory weighted lap pads, sensory fidgets, and noise amplification devices for attendees who experience the theatre setting in different ways than other guests. Over 20 demonstrations occurred, offering attendees more knowledge about the impact of Assistive Technology, time to compare and contrast devices, and information on how to access devices from the Lending Library at Easterseals Iowa.

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	27	20	178	225
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	03	04	11	18
Subtotal	30	24	189	243
Have not made a decision	02	09	05	16
Subtotal	32	33	194	259
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	32	33	194	259
Performance on this measure	93.75%	72.73%	97.42%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	446	85.6%
Satisfied	65	12.48%
Satisfied somewhat	10	1.92%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	521
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.	05	04	202	211
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	08	01	15	24
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	05	05	63	73
4. Subtotal	18	10	280	308
5. None of the above	03	00	01	04
6. Subtotal	21	10	281	312
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	21	10	281	312
9. Performance on this measure	61.9%	50%	77.22%	75.32%
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	107	31	275	413
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	03	04	13	20
Subtotal	110	35	288	433
Have not made a decision	03	09	07	19
Subtotal	113	44	295	452
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	113	44	295	452
Performance on this measure	97.35%	79.55%	97.63%	95.8%
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	99.71%	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	420
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	10
Representatives of Education	119
Representatives of Employment	344
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	439
Representatives of Community Living	250
Representatives of Technology	00
Unable to Categorize	51
TOTAL	1,633

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
984	329	320	1,633

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	1,272
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	66
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	248
Transition	47
Total	1,633

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program presented to the Iowa Association of Realtors to an audience of over 100 attendees. This presentation focused on overcoming the barriers to accessible, affordable, and available housing for individuals with disabilities and older persons. This opportunity also offered an overview of digital accessibility, housing accessibility features, and realtors' access to Lending Library devices for potential home buyers.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program collaborated with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council with the 2024 Annual Make Your Mark Conference. This event is developed for Iowans with disabilities, direct care support professionals, parents and family members, and other disability advocates together to increase civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership skills. The ESI Assistive Technology Program held a vendor booth demonstrating, discussing, and supporting attendees with any assistive technology questions. Small sensory kits were developed and loaned to attendees who requested additional sensory support during sessions. A sensory room designed as a quiet space with sensory outlets for attendees was also coordinated and staffed by the ESI Assistive Technology team members. The conference successfully supported Iowans of transition age and their team, to recognize the need for assistive technology better and identify ways to access tools in the future.

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program team members revised modules of a pre-existing ICT Course and enhanced the modules by breaking the material into six modules with accessible and applicable content. The Digital Access for Everyone Course is a two-hour, in entirety, introductory course covering the top five items to support attendees in creating accessible content. Each module can be accomplished in as little as fifteen minutes and includes a survey, quiz, and certificate of completion. To best implement the content, ESI Assistive Technology Program team members have developed two-hour in-person training sessions to enhance the experience. These modules supported over 200 individuals in the fiscal year.

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	248
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	00
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	248
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	05%
Employment	15%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	50%
Community Living	25%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	05%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Leadership served on the Iowa Digital Accessibility Plan Advisory Committee. This opportunity allowed us to ensure that the State Plan included individuals with disabilities, older Iowans, and the utilization of assistive technology to address the broadband gaps in Iowa. This participation led to Easterseals Iowa submitting a proposal to serve as the sub-contractor for the implementation of Iowa's Digital Accessibility Plan.

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

Through the BluePrint for Change Federal Employment Grant, Easterseals Iowa provided Technical Assistance to update the Employment First Manual to include assistive technology. This Manual will be utilized with persons of transition age, as well as other Iowans seeking employment.

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. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program partnered with Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games to offer a sensory room with various devices and spaces to provide a break from the games. This space served as a resource for many individuals and, as individuals in need received the sensory input desired, their support team was able to connect with ESI Assistive Technology team members to learn additional details about the program and services.

2. The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program staff implemented a partnership with the Des Moines Public Library to provide a selection of assistive technology devices to individuals who access those library services. The devices are featured in the Library of Things that are available for check-out similar to books. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program details are shared with visitors to the library and features in the newsletters are released to the public. The Library of Things is available to anyone over 18 years of age to borrow and includes a detailed description of the use of the devices.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	744	101	845
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	874	90	964
Representative of Education	92	07	99
Representative of Employment	272	00	272
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	348	17	365
Representative of Community Living	473	48	521
Representative of Technology	14	00	14
Unable to Categorize	01	00	01
Total	2,818	263	3,081

Referral Types:

The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program generates an annual outreach plan divided between each team member for individual outreach to various statewide organizations and agencies. This outreach results in a rise in referrals from specific populations or agencies. One such outreach resulted in engagement with the Des Moines Aging Consortium, an educational group for professionals working with seniors in the community. An additional outreach task was to engage with EveryStep Iowa, providing care services and visiting nursing services across Iowa with special care to provide referral information in rural areas. Additional attention was given to developing the outreach plan to focus on organizations that engage with underserved populations including aging Iowans and persons living in rural areas.

Referral Sources:

The Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program referral sources dominantly resulted from Health Care entities (57%). These sources included individuals seeking to find durable medical equipment, ramps, assistive technology, enabling technology, and other supports that individuals with new diagnoses or surgery found need of. This demonstrated that the ESI Assistive Technology Program outreach to hospitals and healthcare entities was successful, including ongoing MailChimp electronic newsletters providing updates and reminders of the program. The next highest referral source was AT Program customers (29%) demonstrating the quality service individuals receive in engaging with the additional AT services as they return with any information and referral service needs. The final source, at 14%, was in-person outreach this also demonstrates the benefit of the outreach efforts each team member produces.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

The State of Iowa Area Educational Agencies and the Department of Education are under a complete revamping project. Easterseals Iowa had several meetings with the Department of Education Assistive Technology Specialist and other executive personnel. We continue to be in conversation with the Department of Education to advocate for the inclusion of assistive technology through the Area Educational Agencies revamping. Representatives from the Iowa Department of Education serve on the Easterseals I

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Leadership served on the State Advisory Blueprint for Change Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Employment Grant. The purpose was to encourage Employment First Initiatives for Iowans with disabilities. The grant objectives include developing a coalition of stakeholders, utilizing Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for employment interest, increasing services for transition-age youth, and aligning public policies, funding and practice for supporting employment first for individuals with disabilities. The plan is being finalized and outcomes will be delivered in upcoming years.

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?

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Leadership submitted three subcontract proposals to enhance the utilization of assistive technology for Iowans seeking employment support through Vocational Rehabilitation. This multi-year plan is still in process. If funded the proposed projects would start in 2025.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/about-vr/blueprint-change-grant

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

Employment, 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 Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Leadership served on the State Alliance Team organized by Iowa's Developmental Disabilities Council and Iowa's Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services Bureau to further the coordination and collaboration of Aging and Disability Services. Prior to 2024 Aging and Disability where two separate divisions.

This effort resulted in the State Alliance Team's feedback and support to develop the online 'Digital Accessibility for All' modules.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

https://www.iowaddcouncil.org/digital-access-for-everyone

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

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

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

Training,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

The Iowa Multisector Plan for Aging Collaborative is still in process and the full plan has not yet been identified therefore not fully implemented.

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

A. Coordination/Collaboration

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program implemented grant funding from the American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) to pilot a project providing short-term modular aluminum ramps. Applicants will receive support to install a modular ramp that meets their specific needs for up to one year unless funding for a permanent structure is identified or the need no longer exists. Easterseals Iowa remains the owner of the ramps and upon return, they will be recycled and provided to other Iowans in need. Easterseals Iowa collaborated with Habitat for Humanity for the assessment and installation of the ramps.

As a result of this project, five ramps were installed. Additional applications were received. Many lessons have been learned including various gaps in support in rural communities such as funding for home modifications. Easterseals Iowa team members learned individuals in Iowa experience barriers to paying the monthly limited fee. The fee is necessary for program sustainability and therefore cannot be covered by a scholarship. The intent of the program is the installation of ramps for temporary purposes but on all occasions, additional concerns were identified and addressed prior to the installation of the ramp. For example, some doors were too narrow for accessibility, home clutter blocked an accessible route, and other needs resulted in a substantial amount of unexpected case management and coordination. We will evaluate the project through 2025 to determine sustainability. The coordination with Habitat for Humanity was a gainful partnership to make this pilot project possible.

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

Housing / Home Automation; Community Participation and Integration; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

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

Device Loan; Reuse;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program collaborated with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to train volunteers to demonstrate assistive technology to their peers. The RSVP volunteers are trained on how to demonstrate assistive technology that is provided in a kit of devices to their peers of older Iowans. Each kit contains over 30 low-technology devices that are commonly requested by older Iowans. The RSVP is managed by the Iowa Department of Aging and no additional funding was obtained to implement this initiative, but an MOU, partnership, and agreement are in place.

As an outcome, two kits were created and volunteers were trained to provide a demonstration of the devices in these kits. Lessons learned from this project include the need for ongoing training and support to the volunteers due to the importance of fidelity and safety in demonstrating assistive technology. This initiative was recently launched in Northwest Iowa, 4 hours from Easterseals Iowa state offices in Des Moines. Attention was given to selecting partnerships to support the locations in Iowa that are a greater distance from Des Moines and underserved in Iowa.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door;

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

Demonstration; Public Awareness;

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?

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.

Easterseals Iowa engaged with FEMA Region 7 VAL-Mass Care team, as a result of the devastation of multiple natural disasters including tornadoes and flooding in the state of Iowa. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program Director supported improvements to the temporary housing options offered to Iowans impacted. FEMA Federal staff visited the Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program on two separate occasions to engage and learn about services. The FEMA Region 7 featured the collaborative efforts in their quarterly newsletter (https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/region-7).

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.)

As a result of the support provided, individuals with disabilities were considered to ensure access to the temporary housing options available. Technical Assistance was provided to FEMA during the response which led to FEMA recognizing at both the state and federal levels that there was not representation of the State Disaster Recovery Team to address the needs of Iowans with disabilities and older Iowans. Easterseals Iowa Assistive Technology Program is now part of the Iowa Homeland Security Advisory Board that oversees Iowa's response to disaster relief.

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

Technology (ICT accessibility and AT

B.2 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.

The State of Iowa is embarking on the development of a Community Hub Mode that promotes the health and well-being of Iowans. Unfortunately, the HUB was not inclusive of individuals with disabilities and older individuals. The website and related documents were not accessible. As a result, Easterseals Iowa now serves on the HUB's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Task Force. Additionally, Easterseals Iowa is a subcontractor through the HUB's proposal with USA Aging to ensure assistive technology is a part of a Community Care Hub (CCH) Model.

Additionally, Easterseals Iowa is a subcontractor through the HUB's proposal with USA Aging to ensure assistive technology is a part of a Community Care Hub (CCH) Model. At this time Easterseals Iowa is written into the USA Aging Grant as a subcontractor with efforts to be wrapped up by September 30, 2025. Final policies and procedures are part of the funding that Easterseals Iowa receives through the subcontract.

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

Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Federal	$43,328	Public Awareness, I&A	False
Federal	$38,000	Device Loan	True
Federal	$15,000	Demonstration	True
	Amount: $96,328

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:

$43,328.00

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	0.25
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.40
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

Please describe the activities of the above FTE and how such activities advance public health.

Part-time, relief-on-call positions were arranged to coordinate additional outreach opportunities as vendors at conferences. These team members also were responsible for collaborative events and support on various projects to provide AT kits to entities for outreach and demonstration, this involved the team members coordinating needs, researching device options, establishing the kits, and training the outreach entities for proper demonstration. Addressing social isolation and reaching out to underserved populations - addressing social isolation

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).

$43,328 as a cumulative was added to account for the Public Health Workforce dollars in section A, although this was reported and described in section B.