National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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U.S. Virgin Islands 2024

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Virgin Islands Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.viucedd.com
Mailing Address:
2 John Brewers Bay
City:
St. Thomas
State:
Virgin Islands
Zip Code:
00802
Program Email:
shamika.thomas@uvi.edu
Phone:
340-693-1406
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Mailing Address:
2 John Brewers Bay
City:
St. Thomas
State:
Virgin Islands
Zip Code:
00802
Program URL:
www.viucedd.com

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):
Thomas, Shamika
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
340-693-1406
E-mail:
shamika.thomas@uvi.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Thomas, Shamika
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
340-693-1406
E-mail:
shamika.thomas@uvi.edu
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):
Williams, Sharon A
Title:
Associate Director
Phone:
340-692-4267
E-mail:
sharon.williams@uvi.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Thomas, Shamika
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
340-693-1406
E-mail:
shamika.thomas@uvi.edu

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 00 01 01
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 01 01
Total 00 02 02

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $15,491 Highest Income: $15,491

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$15,491 01 $15,491

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less		 $15,001-
$30,000		 $30,001-
$45,000		 $45,001-
$60,000		 $60,001-
$75,000		 $75,001
or More
Number of Loans 00 01 00 00 00 00 01
Percentage of Loans 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%

3. Loan Type

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

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 01 $5,800
Total 01 $5,800

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 4%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
04 01 4%

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

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 02 $5,800
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 00 $0
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 02 $5,800

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? 0


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 75 year old female resident of St. Croix diagnosed with moderately-severe sensorieneural hearing loss in both ears was referred by her audiologist. Referral was for financing of Phonak hearing aids at a cost of $5,800 for both. An intake to begin the cash loan process was completed on April 4/4/2024 and the loan was approved on April 5.

Impact Area

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 00 00
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 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 01 01
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 01 01
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 01 01
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

G. Notes:

Reutilization

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 08
C. Total 08

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 08

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $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 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 08 $1,748 $0 $1,748
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 08 $1,748 $0 $1,748

D. Anecdote

An 88-year-old female resident of St. Croix was referred by the JFL hospital for temporary use of a wheelchair. The client who was released from the hospital on two days prior needs a wheelchair for her doctor's appointment scheduled for 8/5/2024. Her caretaker who has power of attorney picked up the equipment

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 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 06 07
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 06 07
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 01 06 07
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 00 01 07 08
9. Performance on this measure NaN% 100% 85.71%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 04 50%
Satisfied 03 37.5%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 12.5%
Total Surveyed 08
Response rate % 87.5%

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) 00
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 02
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 02

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

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 00 00
Hearing 00 00 00
Speech Communication 00 00 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 00 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 02 02
Daily Living 00 00 00
Environmental Adaptations 00 00 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 00 00 00
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 00 02 02

E. Anecdote

A short-term loan of two wheelchairs was provide to The School of Business in preparation of their 10-year accreditation review. One of the investigators required a wheelchair during their visit which took place from September 30th to October 4th.

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 00 00 00 00
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 00 00 00 00
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 00 00 00 00
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 00 00 00 00
Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% NaN%

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. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 00 00 02
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 02 00 00 02
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 02 00 00 02
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 02 00 00 02
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% NaN%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 02 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 02
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 01
Hearing 00
Speech Communication 00
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01
Daily Living 02
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 00
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 04

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 03 00 03
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 00 00 00
Representatives of Education 00 02 02
Representatives of Employment 00 00 00
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00 00 00
Representative of Community Living 01 01 02
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Total 04 03 07

C. Number of Referrals

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

D. Anecdote

Presented at the "All Things ADA Expo" hosted by the Office of the Governor, ADA office. Information focused on the AT program, iCanConnect, the Reuse program and disaster preparedness for individuals with disabilities. Hands-on activity included demonstrations of the All-Hazards Weather Radio, talking sense blood pressure monitor, chair monitors, and other low-tech devices for sheltering in place. Attendees included government, private, and non-profit agencies, that serve the disability and senior populations.

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

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 06 85.71%
Satisfied 01 14.29%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 07
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. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 02 01 07 10
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 02 01 07 10
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 02 01 07 10
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 01 01
8. Total 02 01 08 11
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 87.5% 90.91%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 00 00 04 04
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 00 00 04 04
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 00 00 04 04
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 00 00 04 04
Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100% 100%
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 100% 95% Met
Response Rate 94.44% 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 75
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 08
Representatives of Education 102
Representatives of Employment 22
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 00
Representatives of Community Living 18
Representatives of Technology 15
Unable to Categorize 61
TOTAL 301

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
00 301 00 301

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 152
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 33
Combination of any/all of the above 45
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 44
Transition 27
Total 301

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

The AT director was one of five panelists presenting on the different aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The webinar was part of the celebration 34th anniversary of the ADA. This virtual event which was hosted by the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands other panelists from including The Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation program, the Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living, the ADA Coordinator of the Office of the Governor and others. VIUCEDD´s presentation focused on the state-wide assistive technology activities, the alternative financing interest buy-down cash loans, and the iCanConnect program. A total of 33 individuals participated in the training.

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

In collaboration with the School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Services, Expanded Federal Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Food and Nutrition Program the AT program conducted training to members of the Mutual Aid Self-Help group at the Independent Living Center on St. Croix. Training topics consisted of: 1. Meal Planning on a budget; 2. Improving health through proper nutrition; 3. Reducing food waste; 4. Preparing easy and nutritious meals; 5. Label reading AT tools and resources were provided including a weekly meal planner, a budget spreadsheet in print and electronic copy and equipment for making quick, easy and nutritious fruit smoothies. The transition related training was attend by 8 individuals with disabilities.

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

A training titled "Creating Accessible Word Documents" was provided as a function of the Information and Communication Technology to faculty and staff of the University of the Virgin Islands. This introductory training covered the basic procedures for creating an accessible Word document. structure, formatting, font, and sizing.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 44
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 44
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 71%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 29%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 00%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The AT director along with staff of the Florida and Virgin Islands Deaf-Blind Collaborative (FAVI) met with the Health Manager for the Head Start program in St. Croix and provided technical assistance on vision and hearing screening available for children ages 3-5. The federally funded program requires all enrolled in the program be screened for vision and hearing. Since there is limited access to these services and equipment on the island, technical assistance was offered with the assistance of Michelle Pearson, Project Coordinator, and dual Sensory Education Specialist, and Angel Perez, Co-investigator and project director of the FAVI deaf-blind collaborative. TA surrounded the possibility of equipping the center with it´s own vision screening equipment and to provide training to Head Start staff on proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

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

The assistive technology assistant provided TA to the Virgin Islands Statewide Independent Living Council. The Council has not been operating for some years now. The council is consumer led with the executive director of the Independent Living Center as secretary and the acting administrator of Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services facilitated the meetings. The purpose of the TA was to gather information to create a comprehensive plan to support persons with disabilities. The plan will cover the areas of housing, employment, transportation, insurance, healthcare, and social services such as meals on wheels and home health care. Townhall meetings are being scheduled to engage the disability community and stakeholders. They will take place in the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John districts.

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. On Saturday, November 4, VIUCEDD´s Assistive Technology program was a participating vendor at the 2nd Annual Virgin Islands Diabetes Center for Excellence fair held at the University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center on St. Croix. The event was held from 8am to 5pm. Over the 200 persons who attended the fair received services such as Blood Pressure screening, Glucose and A1C testing. Attendees visited the information and resources tables that were manned by various medical allied health and wellness facilities. Participating vendors included dentistry, a pharmacist, Medicaid (government insurance) VIYA (communications company)and other allied health and wellness facilities. VIUCEDD AT program demonstrated the use of various assistive technology devices to includes walking canes with seats, handheld magnifying glass, emergency radios, and other items to aid individuals who are visually and physically impaired. Program informational brochures were dissemination to attendees to include caregivers and family members. Information on the iCanConnect and the interest buy-down cash loan program was provided. Most attended where seniors and persons with Diabetes.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 03 01 04
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 01 02 03
Representative of Education 02 00 02
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02 00 02
Representative of Community Living 01 00 01
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 09 03 12

Referral Types:

The types of referrals received are for cash loan financing for the purchase of hearing aids, funds to construct ramp and other environmental modification. Referrals also come from physical therapist, vocational rehabilitation, the Independent Living Centers, teachers of Special Education, the University of the Virgin Islands Career and Counseling Department, The Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands and friends and family members.

Referral Sources:

AT program provides printed materials to entities such as the Virgin Islands Ear, Nose and Throat for patients who needs information regarding alternative financing for the purchase of hearing aid devices. As a sister partner the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands ( Advocacy & Protection) works collaboratively with all referrals for AT coming to the AT program.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) hosts monthly CEU trainings with the Department of Education (DOE) as one of the primary partners. The aim of this initiative is to provide high-quality trainings that benefit members of the disability community, caregivers, professionals and stakeholders. Each month attendees participate in interactive and informative sessions that addresses a myriad of disability-related topics. The DOE Division of Special Services is the state agency responsible for the educational services offered to students with special needs. The other major contributors to this initiative is the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands which is the Protection and Advocacy agency. The P&A works directly with families who requires assistance to insure that the rights of students with disabilities are preserved and protected. P&A staff also conducts some of the CEU trainings thus giving access to specialized services and resources such as participation in Individualized Educational Planning meetings. When necessary, funds from the Administration for Community Living are used to implement the training activities.
The VIUCEDD and the AT program will continue to hosts monthly CEU trainings as a way to continue to expand our capacity and advocacy within the disability community. After each session attendees are asked to complete a short satisfaction survey. The survey provides the opportunity for participants to provide feedback on the specific training as well as document recommends for improvements. The area of assistive technology is an integral part of the CEU trainings as information about the various activities and services and contact information are included in the presentations. Assistive technology is attainable at any age or disability and access to devices, information and resources is an ongoing need.

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

Education, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Device Loan, Demo, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Assistive Technology program staff works closely with the Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure that individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment or work-related skills receives the resources, training, information and assistive technology devices to become successful in the workforce. During fiscal year 2024, the AT program collaborated on three major initiatives with the Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services; namely the ADA and EEOC Webinar, the ADA Employment Recruitment Roundtable and Celebrating National Disability Awareness Month. These virtual and in-person collaboratives activities brought together disability related agencies that comprehensively support individuals with disabilities on the different levels of employment from skill building, job coaching, acquisition and maintenance.
The primary tool used to measure program results is an aggregate manner is the program satisfaction survey which is disseminated among participants. Feedback is encouraged and those attained from surveys are given consideration and use to improve policy that impacts programmatic outcome. The AT program continues to expand it reach through collaborations and have seen a steady and positive growth in the number of requests for technical assistance from agencies, referrals from allied healthcare professionals and the community at large. Much of the success of the AT program is due to the disability organizations willingness to partner as well as private and non-profit organizations realizing the benefits of assistive technology resources and services. The AT program will continue to build on these initiatives while broadening our reach. We have found that living in a small community has its benefits and challenges. Resources and funding is often limited, however strong partnerships is the key to the successful implementation.

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

Education, Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Demo, Training, Information & Assistance,
No
The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) is a large conglomerate of divisions serving families through the lifespan. While there are no AT funds specifically dedicated to the aging population, we participate in outreach activities to include the annual Governor´s Disaster and Chronic Disease Expo and the VI Diabetes Center for Excellence health fair.
Yes
No
Efforts were made to collaborate with the University of Nebraska with discussions highlighting the need to expand the Medicaid program to include the Home and Community Based Waiver services. However, we were not able to move forward, as the expansion of Medicaid services in the Virgin Islands is a function of the Office of the Congresswoman.
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
Federal$69,364Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Amount: $69,364

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).

The actual number of persons reached by the various outreach activities cannot be quantified

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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.