National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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American Samoa 2025

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

American Samoa Assistive Technology Program

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 4561

City:

Pago Pago

State:

American Samoa

Zip Code:

96799

Program Email:

nlpeau@gmail.com

Phone:

6846991371

TTY:

6846991376

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

American Samoa Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 4561

City:

Pago Pago

State:

American Samoa

Zip Code:

96799

Program URL:

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:

Mailing Address:

City

State:

Zip Code:

Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

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

Peau Nathaniel

Title:

AT Program Coordinator

Phone:

6846991371

E-mail:

nlpeau@gmail.com

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Adrian Vasai

Title:

VR Director

Phone:

6846991371

E-mail:

adrian.vasai@ovr.as.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):

Nathaniel Lelei Peau

Title:

AT Program Coordinator

Phone:

(684)699-1371

E-mail:

nlpeau@gmail.com

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Adrian Vasai

Title:

Director

Phone:

6846991371

E-mail:

adrian.vasai@ovr.as.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing?

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?

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

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	00	00
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	00	00
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	00	00	00	00
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	00	00	00	00
9. Performance on this measure	NaN%	NaN%	NaN%

F. Customer Satisfaction

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

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	64
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan	103
C. Total	167

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	167

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	11	$1,400	$0	$1,400
Hearing	06	$980	$0	$980
Speech Communication	11	$1,100	$0	$1,100
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	12	$2,200	$0	$2,200
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	05	$1,100	$0	$1,100
Daily Living	05	$1,200	$0	$1,200
Environmental Adaptations	08	$1,200	$0	$1,200
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	01	$1,300	$0	$1,300
Computers and Related	78	$20,000	$0	$20,000
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	137	$30,480	$0	$30,480

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	24	$3,000	$0	$3,000
Hearing	09	$1,350	$0	$1,350
Speech Communication	13	$1,400	$0	$1,400
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	03	$700	$0	$700
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	00	$0	$0	$0
Daily Living	06	$1,100	$0	$1,100
Environmental Adaptations	03	$560	$0	$560
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	00	$0	$0	$0
Computers and Related	82	$18,800	$0	$18,800
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	$0	$0	$0
Total	140	$26,910	$0	$26,910

D. Anecdote

Assistive Devices has always and will always be a workforce equalizer for people with special needs. The special needs community always show their appreciation for the many demonstrations and the time spent in the community sharing about the many different types of AT devices are available to our special needs community.

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.	20	56	10	86
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	15	55	11	81
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	35	111	21	167
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	35	111	21	167
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	35	111	21	167
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	98	58.68%
Satisfied	65	38.92%
Satisfied somewhat	03	1.8%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	01	0.6%
Total Surveyed	167
Response rate %	99.4%

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)	120
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	12
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	06
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	22
Total	160

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	63	12	75
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	21	08	29
Representative of Education	03	00	03
Representative of Employment	04	01	05
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	05	04	09
Representatives of Community Living	12	08	20
Representatives of Technology	12	07	19
Total	120	40	160

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device	Number of Devices
Type of AT Device	Desicion-making	All other Purposes	Total
Vision	22	13	35
Hearing	18	13	31
Speech Communication	21	09	30
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	21	09	30
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	06	04	10
Daily Living	10	16	26
Environmental Adaptations	06	01	07
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01	08	09
Computers and Related	68	34	102
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00	00	00
Total	173	107	280

E. Anecdote

As students with special needs become more independent they are entering the workforce with confidence knowing that there are AT devices out there that can help them be more efficient and independent. The AT program device loan program allows special needs individuals hands-on experience with devices therefore making decisions easier.

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	64	56	00	120
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	64	56	00	120
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	64	56	00	120
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	64	56	00	120
Performance on this measure	100%	100%	NaN%

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.	13	23	00	36
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	03	00	04
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	14	26	00	40
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	14	26	00	40
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	14	26	00	40
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	NaN%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	142	88.75%
Satisfied	15	9.38%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	03	1.88%
Total Surveyed	160
Response rate %	98.13%

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	52
Hearing	28
Speech Communication	13
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	04
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	03
Daily Living	01
Environmental Adaptations	02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	01
Computers and Related	46
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	00
Total # of Device Demonstrations	150

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	76	03	79
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	48	12	60
Representatives of Education	08	00	08
Representatives of Employment	06	00	06
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	03	00	03
Representative of Community Living	03	00	03
Representative of Technology	06	00	06
Total	150	15	165

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	18
Service Provider	13
Vendor	32
Repair Service	08
Others	00
Total	71

D. Anecdote

American Samoa AT Program device demonstrations are always an important part of educating the general public and also a chance for our clients to see new devices. Device Demonstrations are always a fun and hands-on way to engage with the special needs community.

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	90	48	00	138
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	04	03	02	09
Subtotal	94	51	02	147
Have not made a decision	01	00	00	01
Subtotal	95	51	02	148
Nonrespondent	01	01	00	02
Total	96	52	02	150
Performance on this measure	97.92%	98.08%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	155	93.94%
Satisfied	06	3.64%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	04	2.42%
Total	165
Response rate %	97.58%

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.	33	79	10	122
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	16	58	11	85
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	49	137	21	207
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	49	137	21	207
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	49	137	21	207
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%	100%
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	154	104	00	258
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	04	03	02	09
Subtotal	158	107	02	267
Have not made a decision	01	00	00	01
Subtotal	159	107	02	268
Nonrespondent	01	01	00	02
Total	160	108	02	270
Performance on this measure	98.75%	99.07%	100%	98.89%
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	99.38%	95%	Met
Response Rate	98.37%	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	144
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	38
Representatives of Education	10
Representatives of Employment	02
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	02
Representatives of Community Living	02
Representatives of Technology	04
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	202

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
48	154	00	202

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	98
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	47
Combination of any/all of the above	00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	43
Transition	14
Total	202

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

American Samoa AT Program device demonstrations are always an important part of educating the general public and also a chance for our clients to see new devices.

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

As AT devices are become more mainstream especially with transition clients, training activities are becoming more important.

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

As the word is getting out that our AT Program has a training program the list of participants has slowly but surely increased over the years and with the help of The Helen Keller Program communication device trainings has become popular.

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	19
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	21
No known outcome at this time	01
Nonrespondent	02
Total	43
Performance Measure Percentage	93%
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	20%
Employment	35%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	10%
Community Living	10%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT)	25%
Total	100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

Our collaboration with Helen Keller has given us the opportunity to work with more clients with communication needs. Because of these trainings more people are able to communicate with the outside world.

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

This fiscal year has seen an increase of clients looking to get back into education. As such technical assistance has become an important part of their effort.

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. This FY, we have put more information regarding services on social media. We have shared success stories and also processes within the Program. This has created a more transparent Program, and clients feel included in the work that we do.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	76	47	123
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	31	06	37
Representative of Education	08	09	17
Representative of Employment	12	13	25
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	08	07	15
Representative of Community Living	06	00	06
Representative of Technology	16	00	16
Unable to Categorize	00	00	00
Total	157	82	239

Referral Types:

All programs that we work with have been helpful with referring clients as all our programs interconnect. Programs such as SPED and Helen Keller has shown to be very active in referring clients.

Referral Sources:

Radio advertising has been our main method of getting the word out to the public. Working with other programs in our field has also shown to be very effective.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Outreach was conducted with the State Education 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?

The American Samoa Assistive Technologies Program has been working closely with the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) on The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) supports local programs that distribute equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind (have combined hearing and vision loss) to enable access to telephone, advanced communications, and information services. This support was mandated by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) and is provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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?

The collaboration with Helen Keller and the NDBEDP has enabled the American Samoa AT program not only demo equipment but now purchase equipment with grant funding from the FCC. This collaboration/partnership has expanded our knowledge of AT equipment and made the availability and affordability of equipment possible. For more information about the NDBEDP, please visit http://icanconnect.org or http://www.fcc.gov/ndbedp.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

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

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

American Samoa Assistive Technology Program is housed under The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and as such many of the clients referred to At are from Voc Rehab. Also, Voc Rehab includes AT in all of their client interviews in order to make an accurate assessment of all Voc Rehab clients.

n/a

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

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

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

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

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

ASAT worked with the American Samoa Office of Aging/MEDICAID to provide a computer lab used for the purposes of communication and education. ASAT also provides Technical Assistance and computer courses on a "as needed" basis.

n/a

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

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

Education, Employment, Community Participation and Integration, Aging, Veterans, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

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

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Why was outreach not conducted? *

Medicaid officials were a part of the partnership with the Aging Office of American Samoa

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

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:

$80,000.00

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.

The PHW Grant was used to boost education during Covid-19 and also to help create a safe environment to conduct all demo, loan, reuse, and technical assistance activities to ensure the safety of those involved.

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).