National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Kansas 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

KU AT Program: Assistive Technology for Kansans

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.atk.ku.edu

Mailing Address:

1000 Sunnyside Ave.

City:

Lawrence

State:

Kansas

Zip Code:

66045

Program Email:

ssack@ku.edu

Phone:

620-421-8367

TTY:

620-421-0954

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

The University of Kansas Center for Research Inc.

Mailing Address:

Youngberg Hall 2385 Irving Hill Road

City:

Lawrence

State:

Kansas

Zip Code:

66045

Program URL:

http://www.atk.ku.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):

Sack, Sara

Title:

Senior Research Professor

Phone:

620-421-8367

E-mail:

ssack@ku.edu

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Sack, Sara

Title:

Senior Research Professor

Phone:

620-421-8367

E-mail:

ssack@ku.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):

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Reed, Alicia

Title:

Assistant Vice Chancellor, Office of Research

Phone:

785-864-7231

E-mail:

amreed@ku.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	25	22	47
Approved Not made	03	03	06
Rejected	08	05	13
Total	36	30	66

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$13,740	Highest Income:	$155,700

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$2,727,457	47	$58,031

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	01	11	08	09	05	13	47
Percentage of Loans	2.13%	23.4%	17.02%	19.15%	10.64%	27.66%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	47	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	47	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	47	$829,915
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	47	$829,915

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	5.5%
Highest	5.5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
248	47	5.26595744680851%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	00
2.1% to 4.0%	00
4.1% to 6.0%	47
6.1% to 8.0%	00
8.1% - 10.0%	00
10.1%-12.0%	00
12.1%-14.0%	00
14.1% +	00
Total	47

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	08	$29,039
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	02	$1,933
Daily living	04	$9,643
Environmental adaptations	00	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	31	$784,539
Computers and related	02	$4,761
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	47	$829,915

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	06
Net loss for loans in default	$29,280

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?

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)	111
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	49
C. Total Served	160

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	160

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	36	$33,369
Hearing	49	$15,458
Speech communication	23	$9,604
Learning, cognition, and developmental	39	$16,743
Mobility, seating and positioning	3	$1,658
Daily living	8	$1,573
Environmental adaptations	2	$184
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	3	$1,104
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	163	$79,693

Activity 2

How would you describe this state financing activity?

Other: Funding Eligibility Assistance

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)	84
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	429
C. Total Served	513

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	513

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	96	$99,377
Hearing	79	$23,677
Speech communication	78	$110,414
Learning, cognition, and developmental	57	$31,084
Mobility, seating and positioning	117	$75,548
Daily living	218	$54,611
Environmental adaptations	28	$98,945
Vehicle modification and transportation	5	$76,820
Computers and related	22	$17,351
Recreation, sports, and leisure	3	$2,085
Total	703	$589,912

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

Lisa lives in South Central Kansas and has limited mobility as a result of fibromyalgia. When Lisa came to Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) she was using a power wheelchair but had no vehicle, no accessible access to her home, and was not employed. Through a combined effort of ATK, Voc Rehab, and private funding an adaptive vehicle and accessible ramp were obtained. VocRehab purchased an accessible vehicle with hitch and lift for Lisa and ATK assisted with funding of accessible ramp with help of Friends of Man, CPRF of Wichita, and Arcare of Kansas City. With the help of VocRehab and ATK services Lisa is prepared and excited to enter the workforce to further obtain her independence.

A woman sitting in her power wheelchair in front of her mobile home. An accesssible ramp and adapted vehicle are shown beside her home.

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.	34	15	510	559
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	11	35	24	70
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	02	00	24	26
4. Subtotal	47	50	558	655
5. None of the above	01	01	39	41
6. Subtotal	48	51	597	696
7. Nonrespondent	24	00	00	24
8. Total	72	51	597	720
9. Performance on this measure	65.28%	98.04%	93.47%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	538	74.72%
Satisfied	127	17.64%
Satisfied somewhat	06	0.83%
Not at all satisfied	01	0.14%
Nonrespondent	48	6.67%
Total Surveyed	720
Response rate %	93.33%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

Did your approved State Plan for this reporting period included conducting any device reuse activities?

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	613
C. Total	613

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	613

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

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

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

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired	Total Estimated Current Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	01	$1,200	$0	$1,200
Hearing	00	$0	$0	$0
Speech Communication	03	$28,316	$0	$28,316
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	265	$407,942	$0	$407,942
Daily Living	327	$168,757	$0	$168,757
Environmental Adaptations	00	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	00	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	17	$23,822	$0	$23,822
Total	613	$630,037	$0	$630,037

D. Anecdote

Ranchers wear boots for a reason, they help the person wearing them get around on the rough pasture ground and cattle corrals. So, can you imagine how rough a ride is in a wheel chair? That’s what Bret drives over each day as he is out checking fence, feeding cattle, or tagging calves. Bret swerved to miss a deer in 2004 and the accident left him with a spinal cord injury. As a result, wheels are his mode of transportation which includes manual or power wheelchairs, his all-terrain vehicle and his pick-up with a lift system. As a rancher, he is busy all the time and when on the ground he uses a power wheelchair. Bret will be the first to let you know they are not made for farming (they are designed for driving on smooth cement), and as a result has worn out many. While Bret has managed to use the standard heavy-duty chairs on his ranch it is still difficult for him to reach over fences to throw in grain, or hammer in a U nail into a post to fix fence. Twice a year, it is time to give cattle shots, and Brett has to reach high up to give 150+ cattle their vaccines. Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) received a used Permobile Corpas ME power chair. The seat of this chair rises 12 off the base. When Bret tried out the Corpas ME he excitedly exclaimed how this would make working cattle much more efficient. There is a refrigerator right by the cattle chute which holds the vaccines. “The ability to turn on a dime next to the cattle chute and the ability to elevate the seat are extremely helpful in being independent while working the cattle. Also, the amount of stress and strain on my shoulders has been greatly reduced while using this chair vs trying to maneuver in my manual chair. Very important to me since I have discovered I have 2 torn rotary cuffs now."

Smiling man sitting in a wheelchair in a barn beside a cattle shoot. Young calf is in the shoot and the rancher is preparing to give an injuection

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.	20	03	467	490
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	03	00	18	21
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	04	00	51	55
4. Subtotal	27	03	536	566
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	27	03	536	566
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	47	47
8. Total	27	03	583	613
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	91.94%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	370	60.36%
Satisfied	205	33.44%
Satisfied somewhat	11	1.79%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	27	4.4%
Total Surveyed	613
Response rate %	95.6%

G. Notes:

Reutilization efforts were negatively impacted with the loss of the Northeast Assistive Technology Access Site. The site closed unexpectedly and there was a delay in services for this region while a new AT Site was secured.

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)	246
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	06
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	89
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	47
Total	388

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	55	40	95
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	40	17	57
Representative of Education	47	59	106
Representative of Employment	05	01	06
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	75	09	84
Representatives of Community Living	09	05	14
Representatives of Technology	15	11	26
Total	246	142	388

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	28

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	27	08	35
Hearing	08	30	38
Speech Communication	67	30	97
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	99	85	184
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	49	29	78
Daily Living	07	14	21
Environmental Adaptations	03	05	08
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01	00	01
Computers and Related	14	04	18
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	09	03	12
Total	284	208	492

E. Anecdote

Aiden and his family are the perfect example of how all four Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) core services (Device demonstrations, Short Term Equipment Loan, Equipment Reuse Program, and Assistance in Finding Funding) work seamlessly together. Aiden’s Birth-Three provider reached out to ATK when he was two years old, for assistance in exploring switches and communication options. After several demonstrations Aiden’s team decided that they’d like to try eye gaze for communication, while borrowing a few simple switches from ATK. ATK staff set up a demonstration with the Tobii Dynovox representative at our office. Fortunately, ATK recently received a donated Voyage Zippie Early Intervention Tilt Stroller. When Aiden and his mother arrived at our office, we were able to complete the demonstration with the Tobii Dynovox system, sign the family up for a free one-month trial to be used in their home, and send them home with the KEE Reuse Stroller. Mom was so excited about all of these opportunities and sent pictures of how happy Aiden was to be outside enjoying the sunshine and wind in the stroller. Aiden’s mom recently reported that he had outgrown this stroller and insurance was getting them a larger one that should grow with Aiden. Aiden’s preschool and outpatient Physical Therapist reached out to ATK for assistance with options for seating in the preschool classroom. After borrowing numerous devices, they found the perfect solution that provided Aiden with the support he needed to participate in activities throughout the school day. The school is in the process of purchasing these accommodations for the classroom. When asked if I could share this information, Aiden’s mother said she would love to share and “We love ATK!”

Young three year old boy seated in adapted chair. Chest supports provide postural support for this happy boy.

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	72	05	108	185
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	15	02	28	45
Subtotal	87	07	136	230
Have not made a decision	03	00	10	13
Subtotal	90	07	146	243
Nonrespondent	01	00	02	03
Total	91	07	148	246
Performance on this measure	96.67%	100%	93.15%

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.	12	05	19	36
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	24	02	69	95
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	05	04	02	11
4. Subtotal	41	11	90	142
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	41	11	90	142
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	41	11	90	142
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	337	86.86%
Satisfied	28	7.22%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.52%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	21	5.41%
Total Surveyed	388
Response rate %	94.59%

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	72
Hearing	69
Speech Communication	63
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	48
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	25
Daily Living	59
Environmental Adaptations	02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	19
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01
Total # of Device Demonstrations	358

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	128	111	239
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	71	154	225
Representatives of Education	49	51	100
Representatives of Employment	01	05	06
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	18	21	39
Representative of Community Living	43	24	67
Representative of Technology	48	24	72
Total	358	390	748

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	68
Service Provider	09
Vendor	21
Repair Service	10
Others	09
Total	117

D. Anecdote

Chris is a non-verbal young adult who has Autism and Cerebral Palsy. His iPad was broken and support staff contacted Assistive Technology for Kansans for assistance. Staff addressed Chris’ communication frustrations and demonstrated three Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps: Proloquo2Go, TD Snap, and Sono Flex. The functionalities and the customization features of each app were demonstrated. Chris was thrilled to hear his own voice emanate from the iPad and was overjoyed and began singing along when “Reba”, his favorite singer, was incorporated into one of the buttons. The agency supporting Chris purchased a new iPad and secured full funding for the Proloquo2Go app selected.

Young man with brown hair sitting in a chair and pointing to an icon on his iPad

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	66	19	182	267
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	02	02	29	33
Subtotal	68	21	211	300
Have not made a decision	07	04	14	25
Subtotal	75	25	225	325
Nonrespondent	06	05	22	33
Total	81	30	247	358
Performance on this measure	83.95%	70%	85.43%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	538	71.93%
Satisfied	161	21.52%
Satisfied somewhat	05	0.67%
Not at all satisfied	02	0.27%
Nonrespondent	42	5.61%
Total	748
Response rate %	94.39%

G. Notes:

Assistive Technology for Kansans is implementing a new relational database which should aid AT staff in data collection and reduce the number of nonrespondents.

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.	66	23	996	1,085
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	38	37	111	186
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	11	04	77	92
4. Subtotal	115	64	1,184	1,363
5. None of the above	01	01	39	41
6. Subtotal	116	65	1,223	1,404
7. Nonrespondent	24	00	47	71
8. Total	140	65	1,270	1,475
9. Performance on this measure	74.29%	92.31%	87.17%	86.17%
ACL Performance Measure				85%
Met/Not Met				Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs	138	24	290	452
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	17	04	57	78
Subtotal	155	28	347	530
Have not made a decision	10	04	24	38
Subtotal	165	32	371	568
Nonrespondent	07	05	24	36
Total	172	37	395	604
Performance on this measure	90.64%	75.68%	88.3%	88.19%
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	98.84%	95%	Met
Response Rate	94.41%	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	754
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	119
Representatives of Education	182
Representatives of Employment	91
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	99
Representatives of Community Living	32
Representatives of Technology	37
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	1,314

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
486	828	00	1,314

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	15
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	09
Combination of any/all of the above	1,268
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	10
Transition	12
Total	1,314

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) partnered with the Brain Injury Association to provide training and hands on experiences across four conferences for survivors, caregivers, and professionals. Training emphasized assistive technology across all ten assistive technology categories to address key treatement for those with brain injury to support independence in all areas of life. Approximately 350 people attended these training sessions and follow up was provided to many people across the state.

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

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) and the Kansas Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) identified an increasing need for assistive technology supports when persons with intellectual disabilities were transitioning to higher education and employment settings. To meet this need ATK developed a toolkit highlighting technology that can support vision, executive functioning, memory, hearing, and attention. This toolkit was utilized by ATK staff to provide information and training to this population . This effort is ongoing as the toolkit makes its way across the state.

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

Assistive Technology for Kansans provided cross-platform training (iOS and Android) to AT staff at quarterly trainings. Topics covered during training included recovering lost devices through “Find My”/“Find My Device,” options to simplify user-interfaces on smart devices (e.g., Assistive Access, Elder Launcher). We additionally reviewed updated or new accessibility features introduced by Apple and/or Google. As a result of the training, staff demonstrated features to consumers in a variety of settings including conferences such as the annual Parkinson Symposium where technology users were particularly interested in live transcription and simplified user interface options.

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	10
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	10
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	04%
Employment	42%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	38%
Community Living	09%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	07%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Assistive Technology for Kansans staff worked with the local library and disabiity organizations to coordinate our service efforts and provided tecnical assistance in working with community members who have both hearing and vision loss. An indepth discussion and review of technology solutions as well as case studies was shared with over 30 attendees.

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

Assistive Technology for Kansans staff continues working with county public health nurses on how to address hearing loss prevention and early identification of hearing loss among older men living in rural Kansas. Due to health considerations technical assistance that was provided last year continued throughout this current year. ATK staff assisted a cadre of public health nurses in identifying follow-up referral resources for participants who fail hearing screenings, verifying the certification of nurses who screen hearing and identifying the appropriate equipment for screening, identify employers who would co-host safety and wellness days that integrate hearing screenings, identify agencies and organizations that have relationships with rural seniors to coordinate health, wellness, rural lifestyle, and gun safety events that could incorporate hearing screenings. ATK staff anticipate the initial round of events will occur in spring 2025.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

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

1. An Kansas Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) Assistive Technology Specialist from Southeast Kansas was the invited speaker for a community wide Holiday Meal. According to the regional newspaper, the AT Specialist “captivated the audience with an informative presentation on the range of assistive technology available to Kansans. The ATK staff member “showcased a range of devices from simple kitchen safety tools for those with limited mobility to alerting devices for those with hearing difficulties”. One 90-year-old woman in the audience who had macular degeneration said with the devices demonstrated at the Holiday Meal, that she felt confident that she would be able to read again. The article concluded that the audience of over sixty people showed “keen interest in the range of technologies presented.”

2. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed April 2024 as Assistive Technology Awareness Month. The proclamation defined assistive technology and highlighted the need for Kansans of all ages, disabilities, and health conditions to have access to assistive technology devices and services in order to work, attend school, play and live in the community of their choice. Assistive Technology for Kansans’ (ATK) thirty year history of providing high quality services to over 2,000 Kansans every year was recognized.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	1,023	782	1,805
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	261	325	586
Representative of Education	127	82	209
Representative of Employment	45	74	119
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	29	62	91
Representative of Community Living	32	141	173
Representative of Technology	13	54	67
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	1,530	1,520	3,050

Referral Types:

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) works with Kansans who use prosthetics and orthotics due to our parnerships with hospitals, Veterans Administration, and Kansas Rehabilitation Services. For the second year in a row, ATK staff prioritized increasing our resources, partnershipps and referrals for this population. Steps of Faith is a Kansas City based 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals who have lost a limb and lack financial resources to acquire or replace their prosthesis. ATK staff work with individuals to identify assistive technology needs. ATK sponsored the Steps of Faith annual fund-raising event, ThunderGong! and has increased collaboration with this organzation and individuals who use prosthesis. This effort has resulted in increased knowledge about the ATK program, our services, and has opened doors to future collaborative efforts.

Referral Sources:

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) works with all 14 centers for independent living in the state. About 25% of our referrals for from CILS. ATK is known for providing high-quality training events on a regional and statewide basis and one of our assistive technology access sites is located in an Educational Service Center serving a large portion of the state. Educators have a long-standing, ongoing relationship with ATK and comprise about 20% of our referrals. Other providers, including Kansas Rehabilitation Services, Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, Birth to Three, Aging and Disability Rights Centers, and the KS Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired are responsible for about 5% each of refferals. The remaing appear to be word of mouth or due to ATK outreach efforts.

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?

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) and the five regional Assistive Technology Access Sites collaborated with local educational units and special education to sponsor four transition (education to employment) fairs. while a full range of assistive technology devices were presented, reading and writing supports were demonstrated to students, educators, and parents.

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?

103 students, 28 parents, and 43 educators attended these School to Work Fairs. As a result of demonstrations and interactions, an increase in equipment loan requests from students borrowing reading and writing supports was noted.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, 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 Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

Assistive Technology for Kansans conducted one statewide and three regional training sessions for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. New technologies were introduced and examples of utilizing the technology in various employment settings were presented. AT Specialists presented case studies of Vocational Rehabilitation clients utilizing assistive technology devices and supports to perform their jobs.

92 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and three members of VR management attended the four training sessions. New equipment was intoduced and the process for making a referral to an AT Sites was reviewed. As a result, the number of VR service authorizations to the AT Sites for Assessment and Training related to Assistive Technology increased

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Training,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) was especially busy year with collaborative efforts with Area Agencies on Aging and Rehabilitation entities such as the Brain Injury Association and various Caregiver and Survivor groups. ATK staff participated in twenty-one Senior Fairs across the state and four of the AT Sites conducted six Caregiver and Survivor workshops targeting Brain Injury/Traumatic Brain Injury, progressive neurological diseases, and traumatic vision loss.

1,988 people attended twenty-one Senior Fairs that featured assistive technology devices and supports focusing on health and living independently in the community. 140 caregivers and survivors and 17 rehabilitation professionals attended the six Caregiver and Survivors workshops. Requests for additional presentations and assessments increased as a result of participation in these events.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

In addition to the long-standing collaboration regarding implementation of the Kansas Durable Medical Equipment Reutilization Program, Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) and KS Medicaid collaborated to conduct two training sessions for Managed Care Organizations across the state focusing on assistive technology and acquiring assistive technology for the provider's beneficiaries.

Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) AT Access Site staff get referrals from Managed Care Coordinators. Since this training had taken place, between six to ten emails per month are received from Managed Care Coordinators through the ATK website.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Community Participation and Integration, Health,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing, Training, Information & Assistance,

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

Overview of State Improvement Activities

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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Public/State Agency	$24,000	Device Loan	True
Federal	$50,000	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$153,389	Training	True
Public/State Agency	$343,410	Reuse	True
Federal	$30,000	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$23,354	Technical Assistance	True
Public/State Agency	$246,852	State Financing	True
Federal	$210,000	State Financing	True
Private	$3,809	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$207,533	Demonstration	True
Federal	$149,293	Demonstration	True
	Amount: $1,441,640

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award

All Section 4 AT Act grantees were awarded $80,000.00 in supplimental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the full-time equivalent (FTE) of staff withing the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document the status of these funds below.

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

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

$0.00

Please report the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions this funding supported by type. This can be a direct employee FTE or contractual FTE.

Type of FTE Position	FTE Positions (0.01 to 9.99)
Assistive Technology Specialist	0.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.00
Accessibility Expert	0.00
Policy Expert	0.00
Technology Expert (Digital Divide, Mobile Tech)	0.00
Program Manager	0.00
Other positions needed to advance public health and prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVid-19 (describe with narrative field required)	0.00

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

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).