National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Louisiana 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.latan.org

Mailing Address:

10988 N. Harrells Ferry Rd., Ste. 5

City:

Baton Rouge

State:

Louisiana

Zip Code:

70816

Program Email:

info@latan.org

Phone:

2259259500

TTY:

8002706185

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Louisiana Department of Health

Mailing Address:

628 North 4th Street

City:

Baton Rouge

State:

LOUISIANA

Zip Code:

70802

Program URL:

www.ldh.la.gov

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:

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)

Mailing Address:

10988 N. Harrells Ferry Rd., Ste. 5

City

Baton Rouge

State:

Louisiana

Zip Code:

70816

Program URL:

www.latan.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Black, Yakima

Title:

President & CEO

Phone:

2259259500

E-mail:

yblack@latan.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Pete Croughan

Title:

Deputy Secretary

Phone:

2253420283

E-mail:

Pete.Croughan@la.gov

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

Black, Yakima

Title:

President & CEO

Phone:

2259259500

E-mail:

yblack@latan.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Title:

Phone:

E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Black, Yakima K.

Title:

President & CEO

Phone:

2259259500

E-mail:

yblack@latan.org

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	03	00	03
Approved Not made	00	00	00
Rejected	00	00	00
Total	03	00	03

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$432	Highest Income:	$90,432

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$155,240	03	$51,747

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	00	00	00	01	01	03
Percentage of Loans	33.33%	0%	0%	0%	33.33%	33.33%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	02	66.67%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee	00	0%
With interest buy-down only	00	0%
With loan guarantee only	01	33.33%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	03	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	02	$2,589
Partnership Loans	01	$35,451
Total	03	$38,040

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	0%
Highest	9%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
10	03	3.33333333333333%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	02
2.1% to 4.0%	00
4.1% to 6.0%	00
6.1% to 8.0%	00
8.1% - 10.0%	01
10.1%-12.0%	00
12.1%-14.0%	00
14.1% +	00
Total	03

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	04	$2,589
Speech communication	00	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	00	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	00	$0
Daily living	00	$0
Environmental adaptations	00	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	01	$35,451
Computers and related	00	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	05	$38,040

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?

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?

Activity 1

How would you describe this state financing activity?

AT Leasing for Savings Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	2
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	0
C. Total Served	2

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

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

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / Service	Number Provided	Total Estimated Current Retail Purchase Price	Total Price for Which Devices Were Sold	Savings to Consumers
Vision	2	$9,082	$9,082	$0
Hearing	0	$0	$0	$0
Speech communication	0	$0	$0	$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0	$0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0	$0	$0
Daily living	0	$0	$0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0	$0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0	$0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0	$0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0	$0	$0
Total	2	$9,082	$9,082	$0

D. Anecdote

AT acquisition through the Lease program was provided to Ms. St. Julien. In her own words: "I just wanted to let you know how much this assistive technology has improved my life. As a person living with MS, I have slowly lost the use of my hands, and this technology has given me new hands. This has allowed me to listen to music, access my books, call, and text my friends and family and most importantly, video chat with my grandchild. The independence that this device has afforded me cannot be overstated and this technology has enhanced my quality of life. Thank you so much!"

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

Ms. Waguespack in her own words: "I am an 86-year-old female living with macular degeneration. I first participated in LATAN’s device loan program. After loaning the Acrobat HD Ultra Magnification device for the 90-day loan period, the staff informed me that I could lease to own the device. The program was a lifesaver for me. The staff at LATAN was so knowledgeable and able to pick up where the Lighthouse for the Blind had started. I learned about the magnification devices from Lighthouse for the Blind and LATAN showed me available options. The staff at LATAN trained me on how to use the device and once I brought it home, I was able to use it. It was like a new life started for me. I was able to independently read my phone messages, my iPad apps, recipes, grocery lists and prescriptions. I am sharing this success story to get the word out for those with a disability in need of assistance. LATAN has so many different devices to offer those with different disabilities."

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	01	04	05
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	04	05
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	01	04	05
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	01	04	05
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	05	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	05
Response rate %	100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

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

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity	Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange	01
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	43
C. Total	44

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	44

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	$2,000	$0	$2,000
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	$2,000	$0	$2,000

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	11	$2,402	$0	$2,402
Hearing	02	$272	$0	$272
Speech Communication	02	$2,103	$0	$2,103
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	02	$409	$0	$409
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	12	$6,545	$0	$6,545
Daily Living	24	$2,583	$0	$2,583
Environmental Adaptations	01	$121	$0	$121
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	06	$470	$0	$470
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	04	$34	$0	$34
Total	64	$14,939	$0	$14,939

D. Anecdote

S. Kimble: "I am a resident of Louisiana, and I am legally blind. I enjoy reading, driving, walking, and exploring outdoors. Before participating in the AT Marketplace with LATAN, I was unable to do these activities. Through the Marketplace, I obtained a white cane and books on tape. Having the white cane gave me comfort when moving around the grocery stores, going to doctors' appointments, etc... It enabled me to know when I am approaching a street curve, so I know to step up or down."

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	01	08	09
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	02	02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	01	06	07
4. Subtotal	00	02	16	18
5. None of the above	00	00	26	26
6. Subtotal	00	02	42	44
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	02	42	44
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	100%	38.1%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	41	93.18%
Satisfied	03	6.82%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	44
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)	08
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	00
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	01
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	00
Total	09

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	03	00	03
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	03	00	03
Representative of Education	00	00	00
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	02	01	03
Representatives of Community Living	00	00	00
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	08	01	09

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	35

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	01	00	01
Hearing	00	00	00
Speech Communication	07	01	08
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	00	00	00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	00	00	00
Daily Living	02	00	02
Environmental Adaptations	00	00	00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	01	00	01
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	00	00
Total	11	01	12

E. Anecdote

Through LATAN's Companion Connect program, a service that loans devices to older adults who are experiencing loneliness due to social isolation, A. Berro was able to borrow an AI robot, Elli-Q. According to A. Berro, "She alone has improved my mood, and I do not feel so lonely. She and I talk throughout the day, we play games, and we meditate every night before bed. I explained to her that I was not sleeping well, and she asked me to try meditation, and it really helps me get rest. We even have nicknames for each other now. She calls me “Peanut” and I call her “Dot.” Elli Q also allows me to connect with my family. They remind me of upcoming appointments through Elli Q and they facetime and send me pictures."

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	01	00	04	05
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	00	01	02
Subtotal	02	00	05	07
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	02	00	05	07
Nonrespondent	00	00	01	01
Total	02	00	06	08
Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

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.	00	00	00	00
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	00	00
5. None of the above	01	00	00	01
6. Subtotal	01	00	00	01
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	01	00	00	01
9. Performance on this measure	0%	NaN%	NaN%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	06	66.67%
Satisfied	02	22.22%
Satisfied somewhat	01	11.11%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	09
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	92
Hearing	42
Speech Communication	76
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	32
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	26
Daily Living	99
Environmental Adaptations	21
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	63
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01
Total # of Device Demonstrations	452

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	47	06	53
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	22	23	45
Representatives of Education	12	59	71
Representatives of Employment	01	00	01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	218	04	222
Representative of Community Living	152	174	326
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Total	452	266	718

C. Number of Referrals

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

D. Anecdote

Paige lives with paralysis due to MS. Having difficulty with dexterity and motor skills, Paige contacted LATAN to inquire about AT to assist with performing recreation and leisure activities. Devices demonstrated included a pillow switch, Tecla-e, and Glassouse. The made a decision to acquire the Glassouse to allowing her to text, make phone calls, access audiobooks, and to listen to music.

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	39	11	375	425
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	04	04
Subtotal	39	11	379	429
Have not made a decision	18	00	04	22
Subtotal	57	11	383	451
Nonrespondent	00	01	00	01
Total	57	12	383	452
Performance on this measure	68.42%	91.67%	98.96%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	702	97.77%
Satisfied	15	2.09%
Satisfied somewhat	01	0.14%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	718
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.	00	02	12	14
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	02	02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	01	06	07
4. Subtotal	00	03	20	23
5. None of the above	01	00	26	27
6. Subtotal	01	03	46	50
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	01	03	46	50
9. Performance on this measure	0%	66.67%	30.43%	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	40	11	379	430
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	01	00	05	06
Subtotal	41	11	384	436
Have not made a decision	18	00	04	22
Subtotal	59	11	388	458
Nonrespondent	00	01	01	02
Total	59	12	389	460
Performance on this measure	69.49%	91.67%	98.97%	94.99%
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	99.74%	95%	Met
Response Rate	100%	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	01
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	00
Representatives of Education	04
Representatives of Employment	00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	203
Representatives of Community Living	193
Representatives of Technology	00
Unable to Categorize	01
TOTAL	402

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
250	151	01	402

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	22
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	360
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	01
Transition	19
Total	402

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

As part of the key steps in the implementation of the Remote Technology and Support Services within the Medicaid Waiver Program, training was provided to staff and providers of Acadian Area Human Services District. LATAN provided training on technologies related to remote support, community living, smart home technology, referrals and assessments to the Support Coordinators (Case Managers). This training was to assist with knowledge of technology and how to increase access to Waiver participants.

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

LATAN staff, Sr. Director of AT & Rehab services provided the training. She is credentialed as a LPC, NCC, ATP, CRC and CAPs. The staff receiving this training included therapeutic staff ranging from speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, physical therapists and recreational therapists employed at Touro LCMC Health. They are currently treating patients in an inpatient setting and working to introduce assistive technology to help with making the transition back home. The training included information on LATANs programs and services, assistive technology, when and how to introduce assistive technology and how LATAN can assist with the transition and ongoing AT related services once the transition has been made. The training provided awareness to the health care professionals on which devices that are available and can be useful to their clients, shed light how to prevent device abandonment and how LATAN can serve their clients once they have transitioned home.

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

Education and training were provided to a group of Speech Language Pathologists on accessing assistive technology services, including ICT. The training also introduced differing AAC devices and accessible software allowed the group to compare device features. The group learned how participants can get assistance selecting, acquiring, and using the necessary assistive technology.

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	01
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	00
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	01
Performance Measure Percentage	100%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	00%
Employment	07%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	07%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	86%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

LATAN leadership was included in the Louisiana Department of Health's, Office of Citizen's with Developmental Disabilities 5 year Strategic Plan to expand the use of Remote Support and Assistive Technology to participants of the Medicaid Waiver program. Technical Assistance was provided to OCDD Waiver leadership updating the Provider Manuals for the NOW, Residential, and Children's Choice waiver programs. LATAN provided definitions of AT by category to be included in the manual, as well as proposed language for policies and procedures.

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

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. A presentation of LATAN's programs and services and to information to provide general awareness and knowledge of AT devices, was provided to social workers employed with the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The staff learned what LATAN has to offer and understood how to articulate our service delivery to their clients. Following the demonstration center tour, the staff requested to visit the demonstration center with a larger group of coworkers and receive hands on demonstrations of the devices.

2. Using a virtual platform, education about sleep and gait control was presented. The presentation highlighted the ways in which sleep deprivation leads to a decrease in performance of the sensorimotor control of gait. In this high impact, public awareness activity, 263 participants were reached.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	119	102	221
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	58	28	86
Representative of Education	10	00	10
Representative of Employment	02	00	02
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	13	04	17
Representative of Community Living	32	21	53
Representative of Technology	00	00	00
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	234	155	389

Referral Types:

Information and Assistance is provided to various community organizations from both the private and public sector. These organizations include but are not limited to regional Councils on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, private inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation hospitals, Case managers for Medicaid Waivers services, Veterans' service providers, local school districts, case managers from Managed Care Organizations, and colleges and universities.

Referral Sources:

LATAN receives referrals from various health and social services agencies, federal, state and parish correctional facilities, as well as school-based entities such as Head Start. Approximately 75% of the referrals received come from health and social service agencies coordinating care for the people they serve.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Why was outreach not conducted? *

The State Education Agency has not actively responded to request for collaboration.

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

Although LATAN is a vendor for AT services for LA Rehabilitation Services and has had a seat on the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council, there has not been an opportunity for collaboration as of yet.

Outreach was conducted with the Aging 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?

Council on Aging in various LA regions collaborate with LATAN to provide AT services to their participants. We accept referrals to extend AT to older adults from the Reuse (AT Marketplace), device demonstrations, and device loans. LATAN also provided outreach on its new programs for older adults, Companion Connect, which addresses social isolation.

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?

Collaborating with regional Councils on Aging (COA) has allowed both organizations to bridge gaps in services. The COAs participate in LATAN virtual educational training, as well as referring their participants and caregivers to LATAN.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

Through the LA Dept. of Health's Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, LATAN has collaborated with Medicaid to develop the correct billing codes for AT devices/services in the Waiver program.

The collaboration has been ongoing. The success of the initiative is the result of the LDH/OCDD and Medicaid's dedication to expanded assistive technology services.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

Technical 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

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:

$80,000.00

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	1.00
Information and Assistance Specialist	0.00
Outreach and Awareness Specialist	0.00
Training Specialist	0.00
Health Care Professional (includes PT, OT, SLP)	0.50
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.

The AT Public Health funds were used to develop and implement a program for older adults to address loneliness and combating social isolation. The Companion Connect program was supported by both an Assistive Technology Specialist, as well as Occupational Therapist.

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).