National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Nebraska 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Nebraska Assisitive Technology Partnership
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
https://atp.nebraska.gov
Mailing Address:
PO Box 94987
City:
Lincoln
State:
Nebraska
Zip Code:
68509
Program Email:
atp@nebraska.gov
Phone:
402-471-0734
TTY:
402-471-0652

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Nebraska Department of Education - Assistive Technology Partnership
Mailing Address:
PO Box 94987
City:
Lincoln
State:
Nebraska
Zip Code:
68509
Program URL:
https://atp.nebraska.gov

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):
Orr, Tobias
Title:
Director
Phone:
402-853-1582
E-mail:
tobias.orr@nebraska.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Orr, Tobias
Title:
Director
Phone:
402-853-1582
E-mail:
tobias.orr@nebraska.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):
Orr, Tobias
Title:
Director
Phone:
402-853-1582
E-mail:
tobias.orr@nebraska.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? No

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?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 ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)41
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served41

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures41

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 positioning7$30,054
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations17$75,691
Vehicle modification and transportation 13$76,183
Computers and related 7$15,096
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total44$197,024

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)7
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)3
C. Total Served10

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures10

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 4$438
Hearing 3$130
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 40$15,378
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total47$15,946



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

A new iCC client was referred by NCBVI. The client applied for iCC services and was found eligible due to being deaf and having progressive diagnoses including Glaucoma and Cataracts, which will eventually lead to blindness. He uses sign language and met the income eligibility as he receives Social Security and Medicaid. This client worked with iCC staff and a sign language interpreter to come up with recommendations for telecommunication including an iPhone 15 with case and AppleCare+ as well as an iPad Pro with case, AppleCare+ and Bluetooth keyboard with XL black on yellow text. Since this client was also working with NCBVI, we were able to partner on services and training was able to be provided by NCBVI staff on this equipment while iCC provided an interpreter and funded the equipment. Assistance was provided on setting up all equipment and training was provided to the client so they were able to make phone calls, send text messages, and use Siri and VoiceOver for successful telecommunication.

Impact Area

C is a 47 year old male who works in customer service. In this position he provides customer service in person and well as over the phone. Work tasks include talking to customers, as well as checking the store front or warehouse for part numbers and inventory as needed. C was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2005. Due to his diagnosis, he has now progressed to where he requires walking sticks to support himself while walking because of his lower body weakness and subsequent balance deficits, decreased endurance and right foot drop. C does own a scooter but it can be bulky and difficult to navigate inside of the warehouse. C was referred to ATP by Nebraska VR for evaluation and training on a Bioness system to increase his ability to ambulate within his work environment. With a PT evaluation C was fit to a Bioness system that improved his ability to safely ambulate with decreased risk of falls and improved endurance. Funding for this system was provided by Nebraska VR and the Enrichment Foundation Grant.

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 03 19 22
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 04 16 20
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 00 07 37 44
5. None of the above 00 01 02 03
6. Subtotal 00 08 39 47
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 04 04
8. Total 00 08 43 51
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 87.5% 86.05%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 40 78.43%
Satisfied 05 9.8%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 01 1.96%
Nonrespondent 05 9.8%
Total Surveyed 51
Response rate % 90.2%

G. Notes:

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 346
C. Total 347

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 347

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 $10 $0 $10
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 $10 $0 $10

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 02 $3,765 $0 $3,765
Hearing 02 $260 $0 $260
Speech Communication 01 $1,250 $0 $1,250
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 01 $20 $0 $20
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 103 $23,653 $0 $23,653
Daily Living 440 $63,824 $0 $63,824
Environmental Adaptations 01 $75 $0 $75
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 05 $459 $0 $459
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 555 $93,306 $0 $93,306

D. Anecdote

B is 22 years old and diagnosed with Spina Bifida. He uses a manual wheelchair for mobility. He finished Project SEARCH and obtained a job stocking shelves at a local grocery market. B was having trouble accessing the higher shelves and also was unable to access a cash register due to not being able to reach the register while seated in his manual chair. ATP had recently been donated a fairly new power wheelchair with a seat elevation system. The chair was brought to B and was found to fit him well. The seat elevation system allows B to sit up to 12" higher which gives him the ability to reach higher shelves and operate a cash register. The power wheelchair was given to B through ATP's reuse program saving Nebraska VR and the consumer at least $4,300. B now is happier and more independent in his position at the grocery market.

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. 03 06 193 202
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 03 39 44
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 02 01 55 58
4. Subtotal 07 10 287 304
5. None of the above 01 02 40 43
6. Subtotal 08 12 327 347
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 08 12 327 347
9. Performance on this measure 87.5% 83.33% 87.77%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 336 96.83%
Satisfied 10 2.88%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.29%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 347
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

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) 37
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 05
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 224
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 01
Total 267

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 26 119 145
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01 89 90
Representative of Education 05 07 12
Representative of Employment 00 01 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 05 09 14
Representatives of Community Living 00 04 04
Representatives of Technology 00 01 01
Total 37 230 267

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 00 02 02
Hearing 06 01 07
Speech Communication 00 00 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 12 01 13
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 06 145 151
Daily Living 03 62 65
Environmental Adaptations 02 60 62
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 22 04 26
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 51 275 326

E. Anecdote

T is a 68 year old female who uses a power wheelchair due to a stroke she suffered 20 years prior. Newly retired, her and her husband had decided to take a month long trip to go see the county and visit friends. They were concerned that some of the places they were wanting to go may not accommodate the size of her power chair and requested to borrow a bariatric manual wheelchair. ATP had just had one donated the week before. The chair needed some new armrests before being ready to be loaned out. Luckily ATP had a pile of used wheelchair parts and was able to find replacement armrests and get them installed quickly so that T and her husband could get on the road. The trip turned out to be a success and the manual chair was at least once during their trip.

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 04 20 03 27
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 06 01 07
Subtotal 04 26 04 34
Have not made a decision 00 01 00 01
Subtotal 04 27 04 35
Nonrespondent 01 01 00 02
Total 05 28 04 37
Performance on this measure 100% 96.3% 100%

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. 01 01 189 191
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 01 02 12 15
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 01 03 05
4. Subtotal 03 04 204 211
5. None of the above 00 00 07 07
6. Subtotal 03 04 211 218
7. Nonrespondent 01 01 10 12
8. Total 04 05 221 230
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 96.68%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 249 93.26%
Satisfied 09 3.37%
Satisfied somewhat 02 0.75%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 07 2.62%
Total Surveyed 267
Response rate % 97.38%

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 00
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 18
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 18
Daily Living 07
Environmental Adaptations 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 11
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 60

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 46 17 63
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01 04 05
Representatives of Education 07 43 50
Representatives of Employment 05 30 35
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representative of Community Living 01 03 04
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 60 97 157

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 57
Service Provider 11
Vendor 00
Repair Service 00
Others 01
Total 69

D. Anecdote

A 2nd grade teacher reached out needing assistance for one of her students who was having difficulty operating an iPad due to limited use of the child's hands. 3 different types of stylus' were demonstrated via zoom. An adjustable hand stylus, EZ Flex stylus and a Hand Pointer Stylus. The teacher ended up borrowing all 3 stylus' and in the end determined that the EZ Flex stylus was the best fit for the child. The school district then purchased the stylus for the student.

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 09 40 05 54
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 04 00 04
Subtotal 09 44 05 58
Have not made a decision 00 02 00 02
Subtotal 09 46 05 60
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 09 46 05 60
Performance on this measure 100% 95.65% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 147 93.63%
Satisfied 10 6.37%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 157
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

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. 04 10 401 415
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 09 67 79
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 03 02 60 65
4. Subtotal 10 21 528 559
5. None of the above 01 03 49 53
6. Subtotal 11 24 577 612
7. Nonrespondent 01 01 14 16
8. Total 12 25 591 628
9. Performance on this measure 63.64% 79.17% 80.55% 80.19%
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
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 13 60 08 81
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 10 01 11
Subtotal 13 70 09 92
Have not made a decision 00 03 00 03
Subtotal 13 73 09 95
Nonrespondent 01 01 00 02
Total 14 74 09 97
Performance on this measure 100% 95.89% 100% 96.84%
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 99.51% 95% Met
Response Rate 98.54% 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 255
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 55
Representatives of Education 2,238
Representatives of Employment 150
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00
Representatives of Community Living 20
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 2,718

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
485 1,651 582 2,718

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 1,988
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 72
Combination of any/all of the above 491
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 46
Transition 121
Total 2,718

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

ATP provided education to a group of 16 teaching majors at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The title of the training was "What is AT". It covered the basics of what assistive technology is and how it can benefit students and the basics of how it is written into an IEP. By providing training to up and coming teachers the hope is that when they graduate and become employed and are working with students with disabilities that assistive technology will be at the forefront of their minds.

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

For the annual ESU 3 Job Expo this year, ATP staff completed an all-day training with transition aged students with disabilities. Students rotated through 8 different mini-sessions and job skill stations throughout the day. ATP had a mini session that involved students playing AT Bingo. Each student got a customized Bingo card with 10 different pieces of AT in the spaces. The presentation started with a brief explanation of ATP services and the rest of the session was spent demoing 10 different pieces of AT to the students. As each piece of AT was discussed, students were able to mark it off their Bingo card, when each student got a Bingo, they were able to pick a prize. ATP completed 8 sessions with approximately 10-12 students per session throughout the day. Feedback was positive as it was an engaging activity and students also got to learn about AT that could benefit them in both school and the world of work.

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

ATP provided 2 education sessions to Nebraska VR staff on how to correctly put together a Powerpoint presentation so that it is accessible. Topics covered were color/contrast, screen reader order, parts of a powerpoint (heading, body, etc.), and alt tags.

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 39
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 04
No known outcome at this time 02
Nonrespondent 01
Total 46
Performance Measure Percentage 93.5%
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 85%
Employment 05%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 10%
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:

ATP’s ADA Specialist did a site visit at Hay Springs Public Schools preschool and elementary playground to assist administrative staff in developing an overall plan for accessible improvements. In the past the ADA Specialist has worked with the school to build an accessible route to the play area which is down a hill from school building. On this trip, it was noted that a retaining wall system was not working, and the district needs to work with a contractor to replace the existing wall with a permanent retaining wall after leveling the surface under the play structures. A switchback area on the accessible route down the hill can be extended to allow for sensory ground level play events with benches nearby. A bigger kid spring rider ground level play piece can be relocated from the designated preschool play area to the elementary play area. This would free up space for other smaller play features for the younger children. These repairs and smaller purchases can be phased into sev

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

ATP has been working with Nebraska VR to adjust policies and procedures to better ensure that assistive technology is included in student's transition planning. Over the past few years ATP has provided Nebraska VR Pre-Employment Transition Students with info only AT assessments. Because there was no funding to purchase AT, the focus of these assessments was oftentimes on low cost and no cost technology. The information from the info only assessment was then given to the VR counselor. What we found was this information almost never made it back to the student's IEP team. What were are working on is training the VR staff on the importance of relaying the info back to the IEP team, as well as encouraging them to follow up on the recommendations by borrowing the items on a longer term basis from ATP so that a AT evaluation can be performed by the school. This coming summer VR has an all staff training coming up where ATP will partner with Special Education, and the VR transition team to tr

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. ATP has a partnership with a couple of the teacher preparation programs in the state. One project we do each year is provide the students with various pieces of assistive technology. They are then assigned to take that piece of AT, learn about it, become familiar with it, and then produce a 1-2 minute video explaining its use. These video shorts are then shared on ATP's YouTube page. The idea behind this partnership is that the students will learn about and become more familiar with AT, while at the same time providing ATP with video shorts that anyone can benefit from. This past FY the video shorts had 4,600 views on ATP's YouTube page.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 64 238 302
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 72 12 84
Representative of Education 13 00 13
Representative of Employment 225 03 228
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 26 00 26
Representative of Community Living 1,115 35 1,150
Representative of Technology 00 02 02
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 1,515 290 1,805

Referral Types:

This past year referrals from representatives of education increased. This we believe is due to the outreach being done to school districts across the state. ATP provides for districts across the state access to high quality AT education materials, on-site trainings, numerous webinars on our webpage, an intensive AT Cadre learning program, and representation at dozens of education related conferences across the state.

Referral Sources:

Area Agencies on Aging/ADRC - Statewide - 30% of referrals, Centers for Independent Living/ADRC - Statewide - 30% of referrals, Rehabilitation Hospitals - Central and Eastern part of the state - 3% of referrals, Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) - statewide - 18% of referrals, Reuse partners - Eastern part of state - 7% of referrals, Education (IEP/IFSP teams) - statewide - 3% of referrals, General advertising (website, newsletters, presentations at conferences, event booths) - statewide - 9% of referrals

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
ATP has an agreement with the Dept. of Education Office of Special Education to provide training and technical assistance to IEP/IFSP members across the state along with operating a statewide Education AT Loan Pool. Funding for this partnership is provided by IDEA part B and part C funds.
This partnership has been going on one way or another for the past 20 years and was restructured to more of a capacity building model about 5 years ago. Since then we have seen a measurable increase in requests from school districts for TA and trainings, and year after year we are seeing about a 20% increase in AT loan requests across the state. Not only are we seeing an increase in loan requests, we are also seeing requests coming from districts that have not worked with us in the past. This initiative will continue on. If a program was to replicate this model, i would suggest putting out trainings and TA in various different formats. Along with in person trainings, webinars, and printed material ATP has had a lot of success with our AT Cadre which is an intensive year long TA program helping up to 21 educators become more proficient in the area of assistive technology and AT services. The more variety you can offer districts and educators in the way they consume information, the better chance you will have at reaching a larger number of individuals.
https://atp.nebraska.gov/services-school-birth-3-3-21

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

Education, 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, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,
Yes
Yes
ATP has an agreement with Nebraska VR to provide AT assessments and training to VR consumers. This partnership has been going on for over 20 years and will continue. Funding for this project is VR Title I funding.
ATP completed 161 assessments with VR consumers this past year, as well as 44 worksite/ergonomic assessments with new and existing VR staff. Because of this program VR consumers were provided with AT that helped them be successful on the job. This partnership will continue into the future. If a program were to replicate this project, I would suggest being housed within an existing VR office or close by. Having that relationship with the VR staff helps to build trust and increase referrals.
https://atp.nebraska.gov/services-work

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

Employment, Housing/Home Automation, Transportation, 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,
Yes
No
ATP has a good working relationship with the State Aging Agency and local Area Agencies on Aging. We work daily with the Services Coordinators located at the Area Agencies on Aging through our partnership with DHHS/Medicaid Waviers. The AAA's work with our reuse program helping individuals obtain needed equipment and refer consumers who could benefit from one of ATP's programs. Even though we have good working relationships, a formal collaboration was not implemented this past year.
Yes
Yes
Through ATP's partnership with DHHS we receive Aged and Disabled Wavier referrals from the Area Agencies on Aging and Centers for Independent Living across the state. We provide their consumers with assistive technology including home/vehicle modifications. ATP assesses what the consumer needs, draws up plans and specifications (home modification), puts the project out for bid to approved contractors, awards the project and provides project management for the duration of the project. ATP also provides training to the Services Coordinators across the state on accessibility, AT and other ATP programs that their consumers could benefit from (i.e. Reuse).
ATP in FY24 provided over 870 AT/home/vehicle modification assessments to Aged and Disabled Wavier participants with over 600 being provided with AT or a home/vehicle modification. Because of these services, the individuals served were able to remain living independently in the community of their choice. Funding for this program is provided by Medicaid and will continue into the future.
https://atp.nebraska.gov/services-home

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

Housing/Home Automation, Transportation, Community Participation and Integration, Health, Aging, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door,

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

Device Loan, Reuse, State Financing, Information & Assistance,
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

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
Private$197,024State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$726,045TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$88,118Technical AssistanceTrue
Federal$15,949State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$578,906TrainingTrue
Amount: $1,606,042

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).

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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.