National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Alaska 2025

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Assistive Technology of Alaska

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

www.atlaak.org

Mailing Address:

1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120

City:

Anchorage

State:

Zip Code:

99503

Program Email:

atla@atlaak.org

Phone:

907-563-2599

TTY:

907-563-0699

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mailing Address:

1111 W. 8th St., Ste 210

City:

Juneau

State:

Zip Code:

99801

Program URL:

http://www.labor.state.ak.us/dvr/at-prog.htm

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:

Assistive Technology of Alaska

Mailing Address:

1500 W 33rd Ave., Suite 120

City

Anchorage

State:

Zip Code:

99503

Program URL:

www.atlaak.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Rail, Mystie

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

907-563-2599

E-mail:

mystie@atlaak.org

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Duder, Kathryn

Title:

Director

Phone:

907-269-3581

E-mail:

kathryn.duder@alaska.gov

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

Rail, Mystie

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

907-563-2599

E-mail:

mystie@atlaak.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):

Rail, Mystie

Title:

Executive Director

Phone:

907-563-2599

E-mail:

mystie@atlaak.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Caputo, Jason

Title:

Project Assistant

Phone:

907-465-6933

E-mail:

jason.caputo@alaska.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)	146
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	157
C. Total Served	303

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	303

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	349	$60,998
Hearing	153	$20,506
Speech communication	48	$20,220
Learning, cognition, and developmental	54	$2,342
Mobility, seating and positioning	101	$2,527
Daily living	598	$23,510
Environmental adaptations	67	$3,866
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	65	$9,643
Recreation, sports, and leisure	4	$24
Total	1439	$143,636

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 Residence	Individuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)	21
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)	19
C. Total Served	40

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure	0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures	40

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	12	$7,664
Hearing	36	$12,748
Speech communication	51	$27,863
Learning, cognition, and developmental	0	$0
Mobility, seating and positioning	0	$0
Daily living	0	$0
Environmental adaptations	0	$0
Vehicle modification and transportation	0	$0
Computers and related	0	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	0	$0
Total	99	$48,275

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

Shaquil was referred to ATLA by the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI). He is legally blind and has bilateral amputations resulting from a severe infection. Although he arrived at ATLA with some assistive technology knowledge, he sought greater independence in the home and had already learned to use his smartphone with VoiceOver through ACBVI. Shaquil openly discussed experiencing depression following the loss of his vision and legs; however, participation in ACBVI services helped him adapt to these changes. Based on this discussion, the AT Specialist qualified him for TechAbility. One of Shaquil’s primary goals was to return to cooking and independently navigate the kitchen. Given his strong technology skills, the AT Specialist recommended a voice-activated display and an additional smart speaker. Shaquil lives in a two-story home without an elevator or stair lift and uses his arms to navigate the stairs. The smart speakers enable communication with family members on different levels of the home, while the voice-activated display in the kitchen supports cooking tasks through its object identification feature. Shaquil expressed enthusiasm about cooking again, communicating more easily with family members, and exploring additional features that support increased independence.

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

Jacob’s mother contacted ATLA regarding a communication device for her son, who has a speech disability. The family sought a way for Jacob to communicate with his out-of-state grandparents independently. They applied for Alaska Relay and were approved for a tablet with a communication app. Within one day of receiving the iPad, Jacob FaceTimed his grandmother, prompting his mother to report that he “has never been more excited.”

Impact Area Education Employment Community Living

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response	Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed			Total
Response	Education	Employment	Community Living	Total
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program.	00	00	343	343
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	00	00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	00	00	00	00
4. Subtotal	00	00	343	343
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	343	343
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	343	343
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	334	97.38%
Satisfied	09	2.62%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	343
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	61
C. Total	61

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	61

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	23	$19,302	$0	$19,302
Hearing	05	$1,410	$0	$1,410
Speech Communication	07	$20,073	$0	$20,073
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	02	$450	$0	$450
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	05	$3,894	$0	$3,894
Daily Living	14	$1,512	$0	$1,512
Environmental Adaptations	01	$25	$0	$25
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	13	$2,549	$0	$2,549
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	70	$49,215	$0	$49,215

D. Anecdote

The client is a resident of Providence Extended Care and has both hearing and vision impairments. Several devices were demonstrated to address each need and he reported that the personal listening device was more effective for him than his hearing aids. His room is configured similarly to a hospital room, with a fan mounted at the foot of the bed that interferes with the sound from his wall-mounted television. Through ATLA’s reuse program, he was issued a Serene TV Soundbox Speaker and a Comfort Duett Personal Listener. By placing the soundbox on the desk beside the bed and the personal listener next to the soundbox, the fan noise was effectively reduced, allowing him to hear his television clearly for the first time.

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	02	48	54
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	00	00	06	06
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	02	55	61
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	04	02	55	61
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	04	02	55	61
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	61	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	61
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)	74
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	07
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	02
Total	83

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	45	05	50
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	07	02	09
Representative of Education	02	00	02
Representative of Employment	00	00	00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	15	01	16
Representatives of Community Living	04	01	05
Representatives of Technology	01	00	01
Total	74	09	83

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	14

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	20	03	23
Hearing	08	01	09
Speech Communication	89	11	100
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	05	00	05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	04	00	04
Daily Living	12	02	14
Environmental Adaptations	01	00	01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	36	05	41
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	32	04	36
Total	207	26	233

E. Anecdote

Providence Extended Care referred Joseph to ATLA. Joseph is blind and has progressive paralysis below the shoulders, with limited movement in his hands and neck that may further decline over time. He expressed a strong interest in hands-free access to technology to increase independence, particularly for making phone calls and engaging in daily activities. Joseph uses an Android phone but requires assistance to place calls to family and friends. At the initial in-person appointment, the AT Specialist recommended a smart speaker system to enable voice-activated calling, music playback, control of a bedside lamp, and potential TV operation. However, Joseph’s occupational therapist (OT) advised that smart speaker devices were not permitted at the facility due to privacy concerns. Joseph later trialed a loaned tablet with a head mouse and voice activation. Unfortunately, the system proved too complex and was not a viable solution. In July, the OT used information provided by the AT Specialist regarding the benefits of smart speaker technology to support a policy review at the facility. In December, Providence Extended Care approved the use of smart speaker devices, with the requirement that devices include a mute or power-off option during private or medical discussions. The AT Specialist then assisted with the setup of a smart speaker provided through the TechAbility program.

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	03	06	65	74
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	03	06	65	74
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	03	06	65	74
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	03	06	65	74
Performance on this measure	100%	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	00	00	00
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	08	09
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	01	00	08	09
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	01	00	08	09
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	01	00	08	09
9. Performance on this measure	100%	NaN%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	83	100%
Satisfied	00	0%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	83
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	153
Hearing	79
Speech Communication	52
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	84
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	14
Daily Living	255
Environmental Adaptations	16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	83
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	16
Total # of Device Demonstrations	752

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	464	00	464
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	119	105	224
Representatives of Education	44	00	44
Representatives of Employment	08	03	11
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	92	43	135
Representative of Community Living	15	07	22
Representative of Technology	10	01	11
Total	752	159	911

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	03
Service Provider	12
Vendor	20
Repair Service	00
Others	06
Total	41

D. Anecdote

Sue has been an ATLA client for approximately four years. She has a traumatic brain injury that affects her ability to receive and process information and limits the use of her dominant hand. When overwhelmed or rushed, she becomes emotional and has difficulty making decisions. During the demonstration, ATLA staff successfully reviewed the equipment in a one-on-one setting that allowed extended time and individualized support. Sue was able to take breaks as needed and ask questions at a pace that supported her understanding. Following the demonstration, she was provided with clear, structured explanations of the assistive technology to reinforce comprehension. Sue later emailed to thank ATLA for their understanding and for accommodating her preferred process for engagement.

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	42	47	625	714
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	15	02	21	38
Subtotal	57	49	646	752
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	57	49	646	752
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	57	49	646	752
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	874	95.94%
Satisfied	37	4.06%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	911
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.	04	02	391	397
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	14	15
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	05	02	406	413
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	05	02	406	413
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	05	02	406	413
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	99.75%	99.76%
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	45	53	690	788
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	15	02	21	38
Subtotal	60	55	711	826
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	60	55	711	826
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	60	55	711	826
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	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	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	95
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	25
Representatives of Education	73
Representatives of Employment	115
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	169
Representatives of Community Living	53
Representatives of Technology	12
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	542

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
428	114	00	542

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	322
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	57
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	35
Transition	128
Total	542

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Funded by competitive U.S. Department of Education grants, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) helps Alaska Natives and American Indians with disabilities get jobs and learn skills needed to work. The program can help college and vocational students, spark small business development, and create supported employment. ATLA was invited to speak at their annual meeting where TVR managers from across the state come together for professional development. Representatives provided in-depth case studies on individuals referred by TVR, the referral and assessment process, equipment procurement, and training services.

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

The Alaska Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a free transition program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 24. The YLF brings together young people with disabilities from across Alaska to build leadership skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their future. ATLA was invited to speak at their 2025 Youth Leadership Forum gathering. Representatives provided in-depth information on strategies, tools, and software for transitioning and learning. After the presentation section of the training, participants received hands-on exploration of many of the tools discussed in the presentation. Many were excited about the opportunities that assistive technology can provide for them.

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

Alaska LEND Without Walls (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) provides leadership training for graduate students, practicing professionals, individuals with disabilities, and family members to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have (or are at risk for developing) autism and other developmental disabilities. LEND leaders requested training for their fellows on the foundations of accessibility. During the training, representatives discussed the foundations of accessibility and why digital accessibility should be considered in all digital decisions.

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	35
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	35
Performance Measure Percentage	100%
ACL Target Percentage	70%
Met/Not Met	Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education	00%
Employment	00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	100%
Community Living	00%
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:

ATLA partnered with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AKMHT) to fund and implement the AACcess to Communication project, which expanded the availability of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for demonstration and short-term loan. The initiative supported therapists, educators, and other professionals in conducting evidence-based AAC evaluations. ATLA distributed a survey to key stakeholders to assess AAC knowledge and identify equipment needs, and AKMHT funding was used to purchase high-priority devices identified through this process. Throughout the grant cycle, staff collaborated with speech-language pathologists statewide to ensure strategic implementation and reduce barriers to appropriate AAC access. A key outcome of the project was strong participant feedback expressing appreciation for inclusion in decision-making and for consistent communication throughout equipment selection and program development.

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

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. On June 4, ATLA marked the inaugural World Assistive Technology Day by hosting a Virtual AT Expo and an in-person Open House. The virtual expo focused on emerging assistive technologies that promote independence, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Three sessions highlighted how assistive technology is shaping key areas of daily life: employment, community living, and education. Across the virtual sessions and in-person open house, 133 individuals attended. A post-event survey yielded 17 responses, with 88% of respondents reporting high satisfaction with the information provided and 100% indicating increased knowledge and skills. Attendees gave the following testimonies: “The presentations were very helpful in getting an overview of what is available. It was a lot of information. It's so great to have the PowerPoints to refer back to and get the resources when needed.” “As usual, great info and presentation. Really love the demo videos to get a real-world feel for what things do.” “I thought the webinar was great. I enjoyed learning about all the new assistive technology.”

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	12,333	2,606	14,939
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	336	1,301	1,637
Representative of Education	6,169	2,496	8,665
Representative of Employment	1,626	618	2,244
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	2,277	1,447	3,724
Representative of Community Living	2,566	803	3,369
Representative of Technology	786	470	1,256
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	26,093	9,741	35,834

Referral Types:

ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to further build these relationships. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on their program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.

Referral Sources:

ATLA has made outreach to referring agencies a prominent part of our outreach efforts. In addition to providing presentations, tours, and exploration of assistive technology to public and private agencies whenever requested, ATLA attends networking events to build these relationships further. The best-attended networking event, the Older Person Action Group Breakfast (OPAG), is held once a month and hosted by a different agency at each event. After a 10-15 minute presentation by the hosting agency, each agency in attendance can give a 1-2 minute update on its program. OPAG attendees include over 45 care coordination agencies, home health agencies, community-based service providers, State of Alaska departments, and more.

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? *

Outreach was provided to the State Education Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued, as neither resources nor staff time were available for an additional project.

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?

ATLA partnered with the Division on Vocational Rehabilitation to provide four trainings throughout the year to all VR staff during quarterly meetings on the assessment, procurement, and training of assistive technology. Each training was focused on checkpoints in the VR process that prompt counselors to consider and integrate AT to improve client outcomes.

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?

Through the multiple training opportunities, appropriate fee-for-service client referrals from VR have increased 152% in comparison to prior years.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), 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 Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

ATLA continued to strengthen its partnership with the Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) to increase awareness of assistive technology in rural communities. ATLA provided an ACoA representative with low- to mid-tech vision and hearing devices, along with ATLA flyers and referral forms. During rural site visits, the representative shared information about assistive technology, demonstrated devices as appropriate, and submitted referrals to ATLA describing the devices trialed and identified barriers to independence. All equipment provided to ACoA is on long-term loan.

The ACoA representative travels statewide and has the capacity to reach rural communities accessible only by air. This partnership increased awareness of assistive technology and improved access to solutions, resulting in 25 consumer referrals and 64 assistive technology explorations. The collaboration also established a trusted relationship with an ACoA representative who understands ATLA’s mission and actively advocates for rural Alaskan communities. The initiative will continue as long as a reliable representative is available to support this work.

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, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door,

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

Demo, State Financing,

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Why was collaboration not implemented? *

Outreach was provided to the Medicaid Agency. However, collaboration on a specific partnership initiative with measurable results was not pursued, as neither resources nor staff time were available for an additional project.

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting?

Additional And Leveraged Funds

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source	Amount	Use of Funds	Data Reported
State Appropriations	$160,920	State Financing	True
Public/State Agency	$95,420	Demonstration	True
Public/State Agency	$59,132	Public Awareness, I&A	True
Private	$99,937	State Financing	True
	Amount: $415,409

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 supplemental Public Health Workforce grant funding to increase the number of positions within the disability and aging network for public health professionals. Please document below the cumulative status of these funds, FY22 through FY25, as a final closeout report.

The status of these funds at the end of the FY25 (September 30, 2025) is as follows: (Check one) We did not utilize this funding. (Do not complete this section.)
We expended all or some of this funding (Complete the section below)

Please report the total amount expended (drawn down and liquidated) from FY22 through FY25:

$0.00

Please check all position types that were supported with these funds over the period of FY22-25. This can be a direct employee or contractual position.

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

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).