National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Michigan 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Michigan Assistive Technology Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.mymdrc.org

Mailing Address:

3498 E. Lake Lansing Road Ste 100

City:

East Lansing

State:

Zip Code:

48823

Program Email:

info@mymdrc.org

Phone:

517.333.2477

TTY:

711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) - Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 30010

City:

Lansing

State:

Zip Code:

48909

Program URL:

https://www.michigan.gov/mrs

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:

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

Mailing Address:

3498 E. Lake Lansing Road Ste 100

City

East Lansing

State:

Zip Code:

48823

Program URL:

www.mymdrc.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Metzmaker, Theresa

Title:

Executive Director, MDRC

Phone:

517.333.2477

E-mail:

mdrc@mymdrc.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Piatt, Jenny

Title:

Director, Business Network Division, MRS

Phone:

248-763-6491

E-mail:

PiattJ@michigan.gov

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

Sterk, Aimee

Title:

Program Director

Phone:

517.333.2477

E-mail:

aimee@mymdrc.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Sterk, Aimee

Title:

Program Director

Phone:

517.333.2477

E-mail:

aimee@mymdrc.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Adams, Sigrid

Title:

State Bureau Director

Phone:

517-243-3342

E-mail:

AdamsS1@michigan.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?

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?

Last resort - Activity

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)	7
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	51
C. Total Served	58

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	58

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	95	$5,683
Hearing	4	$369
Speech communication	1	$699
Learning, cognition, and developmental	8	$4,300
Mobility, seating and positioning	5	$1,152
Daily living	97	$4,253
Environmental adaptations	8	$438
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	7	$1,516
Recreation, sports, and leisure	12	$2,318
Total	237	$20,728

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

Doug from Suttons Bay, Michigan has COPD and an LVAD device which keeps his heart pumping. He has difficulty walking long distances and also has to keep LVAD batteries with him at all times. Doug loves being outside, looking for rocks, going to local festivals, and enjoying nature. His breathing difficulties and needing to carry batteries had been keeping him close to home and he wanted to change that–He reached out to MATP to try out an E-Trike. MATP staff provided a demonstration of their E-Trike and a short term loan for Doug to see if it would meet his needs. Doug loved the trike. He rode around using the pedal assist along with the throttle when going up hills. He had a basket to put his extra batteries in. MATP was able to purchase the trike for Doug with grant funding from the Michigan Health Fund. Doug was extremely happy, and was able to go on a 12 mile bike ride immediately.

Doug sitting on his etrike with a box under his seat carrying his LVAD batteries. He's smiling and wearing sunglasses and a helmet, khaki pants, a black tshirt and a blue plaid shirt over top.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

After connecting with MATP and receiving a demonstration of devices, Eileen was so appreciative of the program and thought her friends in her sewing group could benefit from learning about MATP and the devices. All of her friends in her sewing group have low vision. Three MATP staff people met with the group. Each participant was so excited to learn about AT they could use. One said, "Oh my gosh this is so great! We had no idea!" Members were able to receive AT for sewing, AT for cooking, a talking pulse oximeter, and AT for communication (a phone) all related to low vision and their interests and needs. All were funded through the Michigan Health Fund.

Eileen and her sewing group are standing and seated surrounded by MATP staff members standing.

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.	04	00	52	56
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	01	01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	01	01
4. Subtotal	04	00	54	58
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	04	00	54	58
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	04	00	54	58
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	58	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	58
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	00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	86
C. Total	86

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	86

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	26	$3,949	$5	$3,944
Hearing	01	$20	$0	$20
Speech Communication	00	$0	$0	$0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	02	$158	$0	$158
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	06	$727	$0	$727
Daily Living	91	$4,180	$25	$4,155
Environmental Adaptations	04	$264	$0	$264
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	01	$17	$0	$17
Computers and Related	31	$7,934	$0	$7,934
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	20	$1,844	$0	$1,844
Total	182	$19,093	$30	$19,063

D. Anecdote

Paul has MS which for him has resulted in loss of use of his legs and arms with a small amount of movement of his right fingers remaining. Paul currently lives in a nursing home and was looking for options to use the call bell system to call for help. He did not have enough strength to operate the system the nursing home installed or the alternative switch they provided. He was also looking for a way to use his voice to make phone calls, access the internet, and access videos and entertainment. MATP staff provided demonstrations of an iPad using voice control accessibility features and a mount, an Echo Show and a jelly bean switch with an adapter to connect it to the call bell system. Paul borrowed the items to see if they would work for him and then took out an open ended loan of the items as he was unable to afford the items any other way with his income almost entirely going to the patient pay amount at the nursing home. Now Paul can use the call bell system, and use voice control to watch documentaries about geography, listen to his favorite classical music and 70s rock, FaceTime with family members, listen to audiobooks from his local library, and research his interests online including looking up relevant YouTube videos.

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.	06	06	70	82
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	01	01
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	02	02
4. Subtotal	06	06	73	85
5. None of the above	00	00	01	01
6. Subtotal	06	06	74	86
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	06	06	74	86
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	98.65%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	82	95.35%
Satisfied	04	4.65%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	86
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)	172
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	01
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	174

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	144	02	146
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	08	00	08
Representative of Education	16	00	16
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	02	00	02
Representatives of Community Living	02	00	02
Representatives of Technology	00	00	00
Total	172	02	174

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	75	00	75
Hearing	03	00	03
Speech Communication	13	01	14
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	28	00	28
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	07	00	07
Daily Living	255	00	255
Environmental Adaptations	06	00	06
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	03	00	03
Computers and Related	39	03	42
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	66	01	67
Total	495	05	500

E. Anecdote

MATP provided a short term loan of a Nintendo Switch and adapted joysticks to several participants in the Her Power, Her Pride, Her Voice camp for teen girls with disabilities. Participants especially enjoyed learning about and using the accessibility features built within the Nintendo Mario Kart Deluxe 8 game. Only one participant had known about the included accessibility features prior to the event. The accessibility features were helpful for people who had difficulty using the joysticks. The auto-acceleration feature was also helpful so participants did not have to hold down multiple buttons at the same time. Participants also tried the smart steering feature which allowed everyone to participate in the gaming including people with fine motor related disabilities. The girls participated in a video game tournament against the counselors and the girls won!

A diverse group of 6 girls with disabilities sit on couches and chairs holding up different kinds of video game controllers and smiling after their win against the counselors.

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	18	05	135	158
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	01	12	13
Subtotal	18	06	147	171
Have not made a decision	01	00	00	01
Subtotal	19	06	147	172
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	19	06	147	172
Performance on this measure	94.74%	100%	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	01	01	02
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	01	02
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	01	01	02
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	01	01	02
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	158	90.8%
Satisfied	15	8.62%
Satisfied somewhat	01	0.57%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	174
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	110
Hearing	11
Speech Communication	38
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	376
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	23
Daily Living	318
Environmental Adaptations	22
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	97
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	359
Total # of Device Demonstrations	1,354

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	1,266	09	1,275
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	26	165	191
Representatives of Education	32	20	52
Representatives of Employment	02	02	04
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	09	39	48
Representative of Community Living	19	06	25
Representative of Technology	00	02	02
Total	1,354	243	1,597

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	12
Service Provider	18
Vendor	379
Repair Service	01
Others	07
Total	417

D. Anecdote

The Ottawa Area Center, a school for children and youth with multiple disabilities, hosted an outdoor recreation demo day with MATP. MATP staff brought outdoor recreation AT including: an accessible tent, adaptive fishing devices, adaptive sidewalk chalk devices, switch adapted bubble blowers, and an etrike. Students got to try out the devices adapted in ways that worked for them while experiencing outdoor recreation activities. The students had a day of joyful adventure with inclusive AT.

A student with limb disabilities uses her walker to push the chalk drawer.

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	266	71	947	1,284
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	11	02	46	59
Subtotal	277	73	993	1,343
Have not made a decision	04	00	07	11
Subtotal	281	73	1,000	1,354
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	281	73	1,000	1,354
Performance on this measure	98.58%	100%	99.3%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,393	87.23%
Satisfied	195	12.21%
Satisfied somewhat	03	0.19%
Not at all satisfied	06	0.38%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	1,597
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.	10	07	123	140
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	00	03	03
4. Subtotal	10	07	128	145
5. None of the above	00	00	01	01
6. Subtotal	10	07	129	146
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	10	07	129	146
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	96.9%	97.26%
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	284	76	1,082	1,442
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	11	03	58	72
Subtotal	295	79	1,140	1,514
Have not made a decision	05	00	07	12
Subtotal	300	79	1,147	1,526
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	300	79	1,147	1,526
Performance on this measure	98.33%	100%	99.39%	99.21%
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	99.48%	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	559
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	107
Representatives of Education	353
Representatives of Employment	68
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	273
Representatives of Community Living	1,128
Representatives of Technology	69
Unable to Categorize	67
TOTAL	2,624

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
1,933	679	12	2,624

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	477
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	1,302
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	69
Transition	776
Total	2,624

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

MATP staff provided a training with Wistech on AT for mental health and neurodiversity called Tech and Tranquility: AT for Mental Health and Self Care. Topics covered included an overview of co-occurrence of mental health disabilities with other disabilities, the high rate of trauma experienced by people with disabilities, accessing AT from a disability pride lens, AT for self regulation, AT for daily living, AT for sleep, AT for organizing/memory/executive functioning, AT for safety, mental health apps, substance use apps, AT for crafting, and AT for communication and connection to community. The training was very well received including a participant saying "this is the best training I've been to in years."

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

The MATP AAC AT Specialist provided a training in conjunction with partners including Michigan Alliance for Families (Michigan’s Parent Training and Information Center), Disability Rights Michigan (Michigan’s P&A), and Alt+Shift (Michigan’s IDEA funded AT support program). The training included an introduction to AAC, AAC resources, how to support someone learning to use AAC, funding for AAC, accessing supports to advocate for AAC for kids with disabilities, especially kids transitioning from Early On to school and from school to life, and accessing advocacy services of Disability Rights Michigan and Michigan Alliance for Families to support AAC access.

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

MATP staff provided an ICT training for the Michigan Department of Transportation on digital accessibility for documents, websites and apps. Attendees also discussed engaging local advisory councils to improve access to transportation and participate in testing of access to documents, websites, and apps including being more involved with assuring access by users. Staff also encouraged use of the philosophy “Nothing About Us Without Us” as participants created and enhanced the public facing side of their work–making sure the things they were implementing work for everyone.

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	22
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	47
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	69
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	45%
Employment	02%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	36%
Community Living	17%
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:

MATP staff provided technical assistance to Incompass, the community resource organization trade association for Michigan, providing a real time overview of how screen reading technology interacts with their updated website including the Incompass web developer so that Incompass could address immediate issues with access on the website.

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

MATP’s AAC AT specialist provides technical assistance as a member of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District's Inclusive Technology Group. This group consists of many educational representatives (including administrators, teaching consults, AT specialists, teachers, and support staff) and has formed to problem solve assistive technology and other related technology needs and policies across the school district's programs. The MATP staff who attended is a speech language therapist with expertise in the area of AAC and years of experience in accessible education and assistive technology through work at a different ISD. This group's meetings included participating in instructional rounds to various programs to collect data on what instructional technology, educational technology, and assistive technology were in place across programs. This data allowed the group to determine areas of inequity between programs and begin to develop goals for future work and policy development.

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. MATP staff promoted the Adaptive Winter Wear Coat closet available through MATP on Facebook reaching 4,283 people with 84 reactions. This increased awareness of the need for adaptive clothing for many people with disabilities, the availability of adaptive clothing, and this resource provided by the MATP youth AT specialist. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HzxNEsuG5Djy1gCr/

2. MATP posted a story on Facebook about a teacher who was able to teach at home by getting a demonstration of AT devices and a loan of devices. It reached 1,751 people and had 33 reactions raising awareness of AT for employment and AT solutions. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/t5uZWaRBF8BiKkAD/

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	304	86	390
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	155	39	194
Representative of Education	37	06	43
Representative of Employment	04	00	04
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	42	22	64
Representative of Community Living	55	08	63
Representative of Technology	08	01	09
Unable to Categorize	03	02	05
Total	608	164	772

Referral Types:

After receiving a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund focused on rural communities, MATP partnered with Disability Networks, Area Agencies on Aging, the Ombudsman Program, and Medicaid Waiver programs to increase outreach. Staff provided trainings to partner organization social workers and nurses and I&A staff as well as community trainings at senior centers. Referrals from rural communities increased as a result especially from supports coordinators, senior center staff, and self referrals.

Referral Sources:

At least 70% of our total referrals come from our website. For the past 2 years staff have worked with web developers to update and improve our website--providing accessible and understandable information about AT and our programs. Other referrals are frequently from partners including disability networks, health departments, agencies on aging, and supports coordinators.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

Partners at the State Education Agency did not respond to requests to partner at this time. We actively collaborate with the state funded IDEA assistive technology organization (Alt Shift) and the state family support organization (Michigan Alliance for Families).

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

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

MATP partners with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) on the AT program. MRS is the lead agency and MATP is housed at the implementing entity--Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. In addition, MRS has supported MATP to provide training to vocational rehabilitation counselors virtually statewide and at multiple local offices including Ann Arbor, Midland, and Lansing and connected MATP with the State Autism Council for a presentation there. For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, MRS invited MATP staff to present to a mix of counselors and customers in Pontiac. Additionally, MRS staff provide demonstrations of AT and report on those demonstrations in NATADS.

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?

Hundreds of demonstrations have occurred as a result of this initiative and dozens of people have attended trainings.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

MATP coordinated an advisory committee comprised of representatives from the Area Agency on Aging, the State Ombudsman Program, MiChoice Waiver Agencies, and Disability Networks using Michigan Health Endowment Funds to coordinate to increase access to information about and acquisition of devices of AT in rural areas in Northern Lower Michigan and Michgan's Thumb Region. These regions represent the highest poverty levels in the state along with rural access barriers.

During FY 2024 more than 220 people participated in trainings around assistive technology for community living/aging in place. Participants included older adults, people with disabilities, family members, representatives of community living and healthcare professionals. 34 participants received devices through the financing activities of the program with a total of $15,768 spent (an average of $500 per participant).

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, Health, Aging, 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, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

MATP continues to develop approach and scope of collaboration plans with the State Medicaid Agency and enhanced participation with them and others at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services through the Michigan Olmstead Coalition and other advocacy and advisory work.

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

A. Coordination/Collaboration

MATP collaborates with a variety of organizations in outdoor recreation initiatives. These collaborative partners include Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, Carhartt, Hunt 2 Heal, and Tawas Community Garden. A variety of outdoor AT access trainings are presented through these partnerships.

Hundreds of people have accessed demonstrations, trainings, and loans of devices as a result of these collaborations. Funding has been provided through AT Act and private donors. Especially successful have been trainings to outdoor educators and events where people are able to try and use outdoor recreation AT such as the Tawas Community Garden's hands on training and the Ottawa Area Center hands on training.

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

Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging; Transition(school to work or congregate care to community); Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Veterans;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

MATP Collaborates with health related service providers including: Origami Rehabilitation, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, House of Commons residential drug and alcohol treatment program, Clinton Eaton Ingham Medical Detox Program, and University of Michigan Health to provide access to information about Assistive Technology for mental health, AAC, substance use, and gaming/recreation/community living. MATP has memorandums of understanding with the organizations to provide demonstrations and short term loans of related AT devices for people to decide if the AT meets their needs. AT Act dollars and private donations/matching organizational funds are used to implement this initiative.

Hundreds of people have received device demonstrations of AT because of this collaborative and dozens have received short term loans of devices. The partnerships are successful and expanding because of the joint visions of the included collaborative organizations and staff. This collaboration is on-going.

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

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical 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?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
Private	$378,417	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$4,500	State Financing	True
	Amount: $382,917

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:

$34,723.00

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)	0.37

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

Fiscal Year 2024 Focus MATP focused activities on diversion from high-risk congregate settings to community living and addressing social isolation, with specific emphasis on mental health crises of teen girls with disabilities and diversion of juvenile justice facilities for youth with disabilities. Annual Report Objective: To gather information on diversion programs to assess their consideration for disability. (Technical Assistance) Spreadsheet shared with working groups looking at the diversion program implementation needs as of October 1st, 2024. Organizations shared with Michigan Education Justice Coalition, Michigan Center for Youth Justice, Student Advocacy Center, Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint and Emergent Justice. Feedback: "This is incredible. This has been a DREAM to have. Thank you so much to you and your team for the work that went into this." Partner Organization Link to Spreadsheet on Diversion Programs by County: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12A-7olKWXvypYTT8H1SWIMregoBGsV_1_JEzRrVyf Xk/edit?usp=sharing Objective: Hold an event addressing social isolation of teen girls with disabilities and the mental health crises. (Training) Staff held an event in July of 2024 addressing social isolation and the mental health crises of teen girls with disabilities. Fifteen girls with disabilities attended as participants and six young adults with disabilities attended as counselors and the MDRC staff attended as staff members. Staff created and implemented various activities that addressed topics related to self-acceptance, community connection, disability identity, disability history and rights, assistive technology, and body autonomy. Overall, the evaluation demonstrates the event successfully created a supportive environment where teens with disabilities could build community, develop pride in their identity, and reduce feelings of social isolation. Evaluation data expressed the following summary: Key Impact Metrics: 100% of participants reported feeling less alone in their daily experiences after meeting other teens with disabilities 100% would recommend Her Power! to other girls and teens with disabilities 100% agreed that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity Most Significant Learnings: Identity and Pride: Many participants discovered "disability pride" and learned to embrace their disabilities. Several noted that "nothing is wrong with my invisible disability" and "my disability is important to love". Key theme of self-acceptance emerged with statements like "my body doesn't need an apology" Community Building: Participants valued learning they weren't alone. Many discovered "friendship can grow in just four days." The event provided a "safe space" and inclusive environment. Why Participants Found the Event Important: Created a sense of belonging and inclusion Helped participants learn about their disabilities Provided connection with peers who share similar experiences Built confidence and self-expression Made participants "feel seen" Notable Feedback Themes: Strong emphasis on feeling welcomed and included Appreciation for learning about disability rights and representation Positive impact on social anxiety through peer connections Objective 3 (In Progress): Create social media posts for the mental health campaign targeting girls with disabilities and social isolation events. (public awareness) Social media posts, videos and mental health campaign can be viewed on the Her Power Her Pride facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HerPowerHerPride and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/disabilityprideisherpower/ Progress related to reach of content, Facebook page was visited 1.3k times since July 27th, 2024 and the content reach was 3.1k. All reach is and visits are organic and MDRC did not pay for boost ads. The content was interacted with 570 times, which increased our interactions by 50%, of the 570 individuals interacting with the content 177 of them were not followers of the Her Power page.

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).