National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

Back to state program information page

Kentucky 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
KY Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.katsnet.org
Mailing Address:
8020 Veterans Memorial Drive, Suite 100
City:
Florence
State:
KY
Zip Code:
41042
Program Email:
info@katsnet.org
Phone:
800.327.5287
TTY:
KY Relay 711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
Mayo—Underwood Bldg; 500 Mero Street; 4th Floor
City:
Frankfort
State:
KY
Zip Code:
40601
Program URL:
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/default.aspx

Implementing Entity

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

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Weber, Carol
Title:
Assistive Technology Branch Manager
Phone:
502-764-2709
E-mail:
carols.weber@ky.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Weber, Carol
Title:
Assistive Technology Branch Manager
Phone:
502-764-2709
E-mail:
carols.weber@ky.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
McNabb, Cora
Title:
Executive Director, Office of Vocational Rehab.
Phone:
800.372.7172
E-mail:
Cora.McNabb@ky.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? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 03 60 63
Approved Not made 01 02 03
Rejected 03 14 17
Total 07 76 83

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $11,502 Highest Income: $110,400

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$3,171,150 63 $50,336

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less		 $15,001-
$30,000		 $30,001-
$45,000		 $45,001-
$60,000		 $60,001-
$75,000		 $75,001
or More
Number of Loans 02 12 12 10 07 20 63
Percentage of Loans 3.17% 19.05% 19.05% 15.87% 11.11% 31.75% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 63 100%
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 63 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 63 $312,933
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 63 $312,933

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 0%
Highest 0%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
00 63 0%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 63
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 00
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 63

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 60 $300,042
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 02 $6,097
Environmental adaptations 01 $6,794
Vehicle modification and transportation 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 63 $312,933

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

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? 2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Makerspace Program

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)0
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)20
C. Total Served20

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures20

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 20$121
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total20$121

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Statewide Hearing Aid Reuse Program

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)3
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served3

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures3

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 3$559
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total3$559



C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

Joan is a 76-year-old individual who needed hearing aids. Insurance provided no coverage for the hearing aids. Joan was needing the hearing aids to hear conversations clearly and was wanting to no longer have to ask individuals to repeat themselves or agreeing to things that she did not understand. Originally, she was offered a program that offered a loan but upon reviewing the program, Joan did not like the terms and conditions. After a change in hearing aid vendors, many pointed questions and correspondence with us, she applied for the hearing aid with us. While Joan was still a bit skeptical of the program, she talked with other participants and felt comfortable in her financing decision. Joan has had her hearing aids about seven months and is enjoying participating in life again without the stressors that her hearing loss caused.

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 01 22 23
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 01 22 23
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 22 23
7. Nonrespondent 01 32 30 63
8. Total 01 33 52 86
9. Performance on this measure 0% 3.03% 42.31%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 03 3.49%
Satisfied 20 23.26%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 63 73.26%
Total Surveyed 86
Response rate % 26.74%

G. Notes:

For the loans, satisfaction surveys were sent anonymously to recipients in multiple states. It is not possible to know which ones are relevant specific to Kentucky. This will be changed for future reporting years.

Reutilization

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 1,018
C. Total 1,019

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 1,019

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 01 $1,330 $0 $1,330
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 01 $1,330 $0 $1,330

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 05 $5,650 $0 $5,650
Hearing 05 $345 $0 $345
Speech Communication 04 $600 $0 $600
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 06 $837 $0 $837
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 858 $648,249 $0 $648,249
Daily Living 982 $109,951 $224 $109,727
Environmental Adaptations 14 $1,798 $0 $1,798
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 05 $1,577 $0 $1,577
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 15 $1,340 $0 $1,340
Total 1,894 $770,347 $224 $770,123

D. Anecdote

In April 2023, we were able assist a therapist with Woodford County Schools in obtaining a pediatric wheelchair for a student. The child’s family home was destroyed by a fire, and they lost all of their possessions, including the child’s wheelchair. Not long after the fire, the therapist reached out to us for a pediatric wheelchair with a 10”-12” seat. As, it often happens around here, one was donated by a family whose child had outgrown it, very soon after her request. The chair was a perfect fit for the child and now she is able to participate in activities at school while waiting for a replacement chair.

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. 31 03 955 989
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 01 11 14
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 13 14
4. Subtotal 33 05 979 1,017
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 33 05 981 1,019
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 33 05 981 1,019
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 99.8%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1,017 99.8%
Satisfied 02 0.2%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 1,019
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Our Assistive Technology Resource Center in Louisville, KY, closed on 9/30/2023. We were unable to replace the Center until 7/1/2024. While we did work with other agencies, such as Supplies Over Seas (SOS) to ensure resources were available to individuals with disabilities, we were unable to provide them at the same level.

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) 531
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 28
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 212
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 28
Total 799

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 25 56 81
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 266 122 388
Representative of Education 37 16 53
Representative of Employment 02 03 05
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 193 58 251
Representatives of Community Living 05 09 14
Representatives of Technology 03 04 07
Total 531 268 799

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 20 11 31
Hearing 02 13 15
Speech Communication 127 17 144
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 28 08 36
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 180 139 319
Daily Living 64 96 160
Environmental Adaptations 05 00 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 04 01 05
Computers and Related 46 31 77
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 385 150 535
Total 861 466 1,327

E. Anecdote

The Easterseals Redwood ATRC was visited by a woman whose mother was having difficulty reading printed materials due to deteriorating vision. She reported that her mother did not want to have other individuals read her mail to her and she was frustrated that she couldn't read recipes that she would like to cook. We showed the woman how to use the Lyriq and she thought that this might be a solution for her mother's needs so she borrowed it for 30 days to ensure that it would work for her. After the end of the 30 days, it was confirmed that the Lyriq was a good solution for her mother and they were connected with a vision AT vendor and the Lion's Club to secure funding for the device.

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 69 00 318 387
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 57 00 69 126
Subtotal 126 00 387 513
Have not made a decision 06 00 12 18
Subtotal 132 00 399 531
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 132 00 399 531
Performance on this measure 95.45% NaN% 96.99%

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. 28 02 198 228
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 04 01 30 35
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 01 02 05
4. Subtotal 34 04 230 268
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 34 04 230 268
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 34 04 230 268
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 789 98.75%
Satisfied 09 1.13%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.13%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 799
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

The Assistive Technology Resource Center that closed in Louisville did a significant number of loans to Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS) families. The KATS Network was able to provide these services through other centers, but there is still a decrease overall in loans made. Often times, KEIS loans are made for a short period for a child whose skills grow. The loan is returned and the next level device is borrowed. In this way, while coded as a short-term intervention, the parents are essentially making the decision that the loaned device which met needs at the start of the loan no longer meets the needs by the end of the loan period and borrowing a different device. Essentially, due to a skills gain by the child, the parent and professional are continuously upgrading the equipment borrowed.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 00
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 14
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 05
Daily Living 02
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 02
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01
Total # of Device Demonstrations 26

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 02 20 22
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 16 21 37
Representatives of Education 00 00 00
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 08 19 27
Representative of Community Living 00 01 01
Representative of Technology 00 07 07
Total 26 68 94

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 04
Service Provider 08
Vendor 10
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 22

D. Anecdote

Wendell Foster SLP/ATP conducted an AAC evaluation for a 6-year old child from Christian County. Trialed several dynamic display devices. The PRiO device had advanced vocabulary, which was not a suitable option. Trialed I-110 with TD Snap. Mom liked that the grid sizes would grow and follow the child as her abilities progressed. She liked the feature of hiding buttons and the ability to personalize with real pictures to make the device relatable. She liked the word find feature to locate the paths of vocabulary, and the layout of the buttons on the Motor Plan 30 page set. Trialed NovaChat 10. Mom was shown the vocabulary options for the MyQuickChat 12, MultiChat 15, WordPower 25 and WordPower 42. Mom felt the MyQuickChat 12 would be too basic and the MultiChat would not provide as a robust vocabulary for the near future. Mom liked the keyguard and agreed that the MultiChat 15 and WordPower 25 would be good starting points for a one-month trial.

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 04 00 09 13
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 00 02 03
Subtotal 05 00 11 16
Have not made a decision 00 00 10 10
Subtotal 05 00 21 26
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 05 00 21 26
Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 52.38%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 87 92.55%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 07 7.45%
Total 94
Response rate % 92.55%

G. Notes:

The Assistive Technology Resource Center in Louisville, KY, closed in September of 2023. This center did a significant number of demonstrations in the past. In the previous fiscal year, the closed center had done 82 demonstrations.

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. 59 06 1,175 1,240
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 06 02 41 49
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 02 15 19
4. Subtotal 67 10 1,231 1,308
5. None of the above 00 00 02 02
6. Subtotal 67 10 1,233 1,310
7. Nonrespondent 01 32 30 63
8. Total 68 42 1,263 1,373
9. Performance on this measure 95.59% 19.05% 96.28% 93.88%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 73 00 327 400
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 58 00 71 129
Subtotal 131 00 398 529
Have not made a decision 06 00 22 28
Subtotal 137 00 420 557
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 137 00 420 557
Performance on this measure 95.62% NaN% 94.76% 94.97%
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 99.95% 95% Met
Response Rate 96.50% 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 35
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 01
Representatives of Education 66
Representatives of Employment 263
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 282
Representatives of Community Living 08
Representatives of Technology 189
Unable to Categorize 554
TOTAL 1,398

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
563 202 633 1,398

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 422
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 72
Combination of any/all of the above 286
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 581
Transition 37
Total 1,398

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

The Wendell Foster Assistive Technology Resource Center provides quarterly virtual trainings to early intervention providers. Various topics are covered each quarter covering types of AT available for younger children and how to access AT through the Kentucky Early Intervention System.

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

During our annual assistive technology conference, a Special Education Consultant for the Greater Louisville Education Cooperative, in Louisville, Kentucky, provided training on utilizing the principles of universal design for learning, differentiated learning, and assistive technology in the classroom. Resources regarding assistive technology considerations for transition were provided including the ATWizard website and Assistive Technology Consideration Guide.

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

Kentucky hosts the Governor's Conference on Leadership, Equality, Accessibility, Diversity (LEAD) each year. The KyLEAD Conference is a professional development opportunity that has attracted management, legal, HR, administrative and other diversity professionals from the public and private sector. The KATS Network provided a virtual training to 541 individuals on making digital resources accessible. KATS Network has been contacted for technical assistance in this area by the Commonwealth Office of Technology as they work to meet the Department of Justice Final Rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 581
Nonrespondent 00
Total 581
Performance Measure Percentage 0%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Not Met

E. Notes:

The majority of the IT/Telecommunications trainings were through the virtual Governor's LEAD Conference. We were unable to survey attendees on the outcome/result.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 14%
Employment 19%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 67%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 00%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives requested technical assistance on making government services accessible to individuals with disabilities. After a training, several libraries across the state requested technical assistance on evaluating their websites for accessibility and making the necessary changes to allow people with disabilities to access library services.

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

The KATS Network was part of the reestablishment of the Regional Interagency Transition Team through the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services. This Transition Team is responsible for creating a seamless system of support for persons with disabilities to move successfully through school into community living, recreation, continuing education, and employment. The KATS Network assisted in identifying priorities of the Transition Team, one of which was ensuring persons with disabilities had access to their assistive technology after high school. Currently, the KATS Network is participating in monthly meetings to continue to develop transition services.

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. While KATS Network has had a funding guide for many years, the Coordinating Center significantly updated the funding guide. During this time period, the KATS Network had 3737 downloads of the new funding guide. Additionally, information was added about the Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund. KATS had 799 hits on the landing page for the loans. The hits on the webpage have risen slowly, but steadily over the year.

2. In October, the KATS Network Coordinating Center and the Easterseals Redwood ATRC participated in the Northern Kentucky Transition Fair. This was the result of connecting with the teachers who were a part of the NKY Transition Roadtrip. We provided information for teachers, parents, transition specialists, job coaches, and more about the assistive technologies we have available for trial in our ATRC and the services provided by the KATS Network. The Transition Fair had a good turn out and we were able to share information with many individuals. Due to this networking event, the KATS Network Coordinating Center was asked to provide technical assistance to the Regional Interagency Transition Team around transitioning assistive technology as students exit school.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 459 139 598
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 621 69 690
Representative of Education 54 07 61
Representative of Employment 20 03 23
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 292 42 334
Representative of Community Living 115 14 129
Representative of Technology 19 02 21
Unable to Categorize 128 04 132
Total 1,708 280 1,988

Referral Types:

People learn about the KATS Network primarily through our online presence. About half of our I& A requests come from people who learn about us through our website. The KATS Network continues to update the website. In the 2024 fiscal year, KATS Network had 53,728 unique visitors to our home page. This year we have significantly upgraded the section on digital accessibility resources. Since adding these webpages in May, views have risen from 23 views in May to reach a total of 2084 views in this fiscal year. The KATS Network’s social media presence increased significantly and positively promoted our services. We have continued to maintain a strong social media presence averaging 1-2 posts per week. We gained 74 followers on our Facebook page and 30 on our Instagram this year. We have also continued to receive frequent I &A messages through Facebook Messenger averaging 2-3 messages per month. Our Assistive Technology Resource Center in Hazard, KY, has been in operation for two years now. As a result, the KATS Network has seen an increase in referrals from the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, primarily from healthcare workers. Some of the greatest needs in this area have been ramps and reuse items.

Referral Sources:

Our partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, including the computer loan program, has resulted in several referrals from this agency. While we do work closely with the OVR assistive technology specialists, as more vocational rehabilitation counselors become aware of the KATS Network, we are receiving more direct referrals from them for individuals who may not qualify for OVR services. Thirteen percent of our information and assistance referrals come from social workers and healthcare workers. One of the reasons this has increased is participating in a disability fair at Frazier Rehabilitation Hospital. This was a good way to get information to healthcare workers who then refer patients to the KATS Network. Participation in this fair has also resulted in an upcoming training for their therapists on the use of assistive technology with their patients. Some unique referral sources included the ALS Association, Helen Keller National Center, St Vincent DePaul, and KY Protection and Advocacy.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
No
KATS Network reached out to the Department of Education in Kentucky. They are very interested in working with KATS to provide and track assistive technology usage for shared devices in the state. However, due to changes in Dept of Ed., we need to identify a new contact. We have also reached out to a local educational cooperative. They are interested in collaborating and we are currently working with them to determine how we can best work together. We have also connected with the Regional Interag
Yes
Yes
KATS Network initiated a computer loan program at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's (OVR) McDowell Center. Computers are provided for students to learn screen reading and other technology. The computers were initially obtained from a local community and technical college. One Center (Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology - ACAT) is currently working with OVR to provide pre-employment transition services to high school students with disabilities.
So far, we have loaned computers on 13 separate occasions to allow individuals with disabilities, primarily vision impairments, to prepare for considering employment. In the past, these students could only access the technology during class times, increasing training time and decreasing efficacy. This initiative will continue, but we will need to seek additional funding for the purchase of computers or seek additional computer donations. The ACAT Assistive Technology Resource Center provides Pre-Employment Services to high school students at Perry County High School and Hazard High School. This year, they have provided services to 39 students with disabilities. The income from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation allows them to continue work with their high school service learning programs and their makerspace activities.
NA

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration,

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

Device Loan, Information & Assistance,
Yes
No
Our newest Assistive Technology Resource Center is a Center for Independent Living and is well connected to the Department of Aging and Independent Living. They are working to strengthen their partnership in the area of assistive technology. This is an ongoing project to improve collaboration in this area.
Yes
No
Multiple points of contact have been made, but we have had a difficult time reaching someone in the Medicaid office who is open to working with the KATS Network. We will continue to work on finding contacts. The current state regulations require that Medicaid purchase new equipment. We are working to find a way to let Medicaid recipients know they can return the equipment to KATS when they are finished using it.
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 1

A. Coordination/Collaboration

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?

The KATS Network continues to collaborate with the University of Kentucky, King's Daughters Medical Center, Vocational Rehabilitation, and our ATRC in Hazard to develop an ATRC for Eastern Kentucky. At this point, the University of Kentucky has purchased King's Daughters and there continues to be strong interest in starting an ATRC funded through the hospital and embedded in the health care clinic. This will be a fully-functioning ATRC, but managed as a satellite of the ATRC in Hazard (ACAT - Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology). This is a long-term project that continues to progress.

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? Please include URL for initiative if available.

No measurable results at this time. Project still in its early stages.

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

Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Information & Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$8,583Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Amount: $8,583

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

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

Back to state program information page | Top of page

This FY24 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.