National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Referral Types:

The continued success of community-based referrals can be directly attributed to the CNMI Assistive Technology Program's (ATP) active participation in large symposiums held across the various islands. Operating under the umbrella of the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, the ATP has benefited from numerous opportunities to collaborate with the CNMI Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network. This network includes key partners such as the CNMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and the Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems Inc. (NMPASI). In addition, the DD Network and ATP are part of the broader CNMI Disability Network Partners (DNP), which now comprises 14 members. These include agencies such as the CNMI Medicaid Office, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, VOICES of the CNMI, Commonwealth Health Care Corporation (CHCC), Public School System Special Education Program, Department of Labor's Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act Division, Commonwealth Transit Authority, Center for Living Independently in the CNMI, Brain Builders, Division of Youth Services, and others. Monthly DNP meetings provide a platform for partners to share their event calendars, enabling members to participate in activities that align with their program goals and mandates. The ATP's presence at these events has significantly expanded its reach within the community. The program actively tracks participant engagement and the dissemination of information, whether through presentations, hands-on demonstrations, or brochures. While a large portion of referrals still comes from CHCC—primarily due to delays or shortages of mobility devices for patients being discharged—the ATP has observed a notable increase in community-driven referrals. This trend reflects growing awareness and accessibility to the program’s services across the islands. CHCC, as the sole public healthcare provider in the CNMI, remains a key source of referrals. However, in 2024, the ATP recorded an 11% increase in individuals reporting they learned about the program during a conference or symposium compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the importance of the ATP's strategic involvement in community events and its collaborative efforts with partner organizations to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.

Referral Sources:

The CNMI Assistive Technology Program (ATP) continues to receive the majority of its referrals from the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation (CHCC), the sole inpatient hospital in the CNMI. Persistent shipping delays, especially for durable medical equipment, remain a significant challenge for the islands. These delays often necessitate short-term loans of assistive devices for patients being discharged from CHCC, further emphasizing the critical role the ATP plays in bridging gaps in equipment availability. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has also experienced an increase in referrals to the ATP. Due to shipping delays and funding constraints, OVR has struggled to provide some consumers with essential devices, such as laptops, before the start of their courses at the local college. As a result, OVR has referred several consumers to the ATP for laptop or tablet loans. This collaboration not only addresses immediate needs but also introduces students to assistive apps and tools that support their academic success. Additionally, the demand for assistive technology demonstrations at CHCC has grown, particularly for discharging patients who require solutions to aid their recovery and independence. The ATP continues to strengthen its relationships with local health and rehabilitation providers, contributing to a steady increase in referrals. Currently, approximately 44% of referrals for information and assistance originate from CHCC and OVR, with the remaining 56% coming from institutions like Northern Marianas College and Northern Marianas Technical Institute. This distribution reflects the ATP’s expanding reach and its ability to address diverse needs across educational, healthcare, and rehabilitation settings. The program remains committed to enhancing accessibility and providing timely support for individuals in the CNMI community.

A. Coordination/Collaboration

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

The CNMI Assistive Technology Program (ATP), in collaboration with the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, the CNMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. (NMPASI), launched a five-year initiative in FY 2021 to provide disability-focused training for CNMI first responders. This initiative aligns with the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities' five-year state plan (2022–2026) and aims to enhance the skills and awareness of first responders in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. The training objectives include: Providing an overview of different disability types and the accommodations that may be required. Educating participants on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, specifically as it relates to first responders. Introducing effective communication tools and strategies for interacting with individuals with disabilities. The training is delivered in an 8-hour format, and participants who complete the program receive a certificate of participation. To support this initiative, the partnering organizations have contributed funding, staff resources, venue cost-sharing, and the printing of training materials. As of October 2023, the ATP and DD Council have provided training to over 700 first responders across the CNMI's three populated islands. In FY 2024, the ATP extended its reach by conducting training sessions for the Department of Public Safety and cadets at the Customs and Biosecurity Academy. These sessions ensure that new and existing first responders are better equipped to serve individuals with disabilities effectively, reinforcing the community's commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and safety.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

The CNMI Assistive Technology Program (ATP), in collaboration with the DD Network and other partners, achieved measurable results through the implementation of pre- and post-tests during first responder training sessions. These assessments demonstrated significant knowledge gains and improvements in understanding access and functional needs, as well as increased awareness of assistive technology resources available in the CNMI. The initiative's reach extended to multiple agencies involved in the training, fostering a broader impact across the community. A key component of this initiative is its ongoing evaluation plan, which is continually refined based on participant feedback and collected data. This approach ensures the training remains relevant and effective while addressing the evolving needs of first responders and the communities they serve. Each partner organization contributed to the training by presenting content based on their area of expertise, with the ATP leading the technology-focused segments. Notably, the DD Network is actively working with training programs such as the fire, police, and customs academies to establish the "Disability Awareness and Communication Tools" training as a standard part of their curricula. This inclusion would ensure that all future cadets graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to assist individuals with disabilities effectively. This collaboration has also allowed the ATP to expand its reach within emergency response agencies. Feedback from first responders indicates that the training has had a tangible impact in the field. For example, communication boards introduced during the sessions have now become a standard tool in emergency response vehicles, enabling responders to communicate more effectively with individuals with disabilities during emergencies. These developments highlight the program's success in enhancing the readiness and inclusivity of emergency response efforts in the CNMI.

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

Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Health; 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; Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

A.2 Coordination/Collaboration (Entry 2)

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?

On May 23rd and 24th of this year, the CNMI University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and the Disability Network Partners (DNP) sponsored a "Health Care Systems Training" aimed at government and private healthcare service providers. During this event, the CNMI Assistive Technology Program (ATP) conducted outreach and provided training on its program services, along with demonstrations of various communication apps designed to improve interactions with individuals with disabilities. The training attracted key stakeholders, including the CHCC Training Supervisor, who subsequently reached out to the ATP to organize similar training sessions specifically for their staff. To meet this need, the ATP contracted Ms. Carla Coldeen, ATP, who led six out of the eight scheduled sessions of the "Disability & Inclusion Training for Healthcare Workers." The training covered a range of critical topics, including: "Why is Disability Inclusion Important to You and Your Health Services" "Federal Laws Protecting a Person’s Rights" "Common Communication Barriers" "Strategies for Inclusive Communication in Health Care" The training sessions were well-received, with a total of 241 healthcare representatives from two islands participating. Due to inclement weather, the session scheduled for the island of Rota was postponed to October 2024. This initiative highlights the ATP’s ongoing commitment to promoting disability inclusion within the healthcare sector. By equipping healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge to address the needs of individuals with disabilities, the ATP continues to foster a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system in the CNMI.

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

Although evaluation surveys from the "Disability & Inclusion Training for Healthcare Workers" indicated high levels of satisfaction, the most measurable outcome of this initiative was the integration of healthcare-specific communication boards into CHCC's clinical practices. Nearly all nurses' stations in CHCC clinics are now equipped with these boards, enhancing the ability of healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients with disabilities. Notably, in the Family Clinic, laminated communication boards are strategically placed on vital carts, allowing easy access for use during initial patient interactions. The CNMI Assistive Technology Program (ATP) plans to continue this initiative, aiming to expand its reach to include private healthcare providers and suppliers. Establishing an initial relationship with CHCC's Human Resources Division proved invaluable for coordinating and planning the training sessions effectively. This partnership will serve as a foundation for future collaborations, ensuring that disability inclusion training becomes an integral part of healthcare practices across the CNMI. By building on these successes and fostering relationships with private healthcare stakeholders, the ATP seeks to broaden the adoption of assistive tools and inclusive communication strategies, ultimately creating a more accessible and responsive healthcare system for all individuals in the CNMI.

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

Employment; Health; 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; Demonstration; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;