National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Arkansas 2025

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:

Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN)

State AT Program Title:

State AT Program URL

ar-ican.org

Mailing Address:

5401 S. University

City:

Little Rock

State:

Arkansas

Zip Code:

72209

Program Email:

ican@arkansas.gov

Phone:

5016668868

TTY:

5016668868

Lead Agency

Agency Name:

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

Mailing Address:

1 Commerce Way

City:

Little Rock

State:

Arkansas

Zip Code:

72202

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):

Anderson, Rick

Title:

Director of Community Service Programs

Phone:

5016833005

E-mail:

Rick.Anderson@Arkansas.gov

Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):

Lamb, Amy

Title:

Associate Commissioner

Phone:

501-683-2996

E-mail:

amy.lamb@arkansas.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):

Anderson, Rick

Title:

Director of Community Service Programs

Phone:

5016833005

E-mail:

Rick.Anderson@Arkansas.gov

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):

Anderson, Rick

Title:

Director of Community Service Programs

Phone:

5016833005

E-mail:

rick.anderson@arkansas.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?

Yes

Loan Applications
	Metro RUCC 1-3	Non-Metro RUCC 4-9	Total
	Area of Residence		Total
Approved Loan made	10	08	18
Approved Not made	00	01	01
Rejected	00	01	01
Total	10	10	20

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income:	$47,241	Highest Income:	$184,501

Average Income
Sum of Incomes	Loans Made	Average Annual Income
$1,619,380	18	$89,966

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
	$15,000 or Less	$15,001- $30,000	$30,001- $45,000	$45,001- $60,000	$60,001- $75,000	$75,001 or More	Total
	Income Ranges						Total
Number of Loans	00	00	00	03	02	13	18
Percentage of Loans	0%	0%	0%	16.67%	11.11%	72.22%	100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans	18	100%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee	00	0%
With interest buy-down only	00	0%
With loan guarantee only	00	0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee	00	0%
Total	18	100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan	Number of Loans	Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans	18	$704,199
Partnership Loans	00	$0
Total	18	$704,199

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest	3.63%
Highest	4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates	Number of Loans Made	Average Interest Rate
68	18	3.76388888888889%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate	Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0%	00
2.1% to 4.0%	18
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	18

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	00	$0
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	18	$704,199
Computers and related	00	$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure	00	$0
Total	18	$704,199

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default	01
Net loss for loans in default	$16,165

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

The Arkansas Alternative Financing Program (AFP) financed a modified vehicle for Jill LaRosa so she could transport her 12-year old son who was having extreme difficulty in acquiring proper transportation for his medical needs. Ms. LaRosa was attempting to maintain her full-time job position as Director of Support with the University of Arkansas System. Ms. LaRosa expressed concern regarding the replacement of her existing modified van which was experiencing numerous mechanical issues. This situation continued to escalate until AFP became actively involved. Due to Michael's (Ms. LaRosa's son) medical history of late-onset Tay Scahs disease due to HEXA c. 1274_1277 dup and c. 805, he is dependent on a caregiver and he is confined to a wheelchair. Ms. LaRosa learned about AFP through Superior Van & Mobility when she discussed her ongoing dilemma with them for a suitable recommendation. Michael's treating physician, Dr. Vikki Stefans at Arkansas Children's Hospital, reported Michael LaRosa has progressive cerebellar atrophy and possesses increasing spasticity and pain as well. She noted all aspects of his disability are progressive and will result in gradual loss of remaining ambulatory capabilities. Dr. Stefans stated the family’s request for assistance with a wheelchair van and lift is appropriate in order to allow for Michael’s community participation as well as his attendance at medical visits for care and therapy. This will preserve his abilities as long as possible and relieve his pain. AFP was successful in helping Ms. LaRosa acquire this recommended assistive technology equipment with a low interest rate and affordable monthly loan payments. Since obtaining this modified vehicle, Michael has maintained his quality of life and reduced his pain dis

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.	03	01	04	08
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	04	03	03	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	07	04	07	18
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	07	04	07	18
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	07	04	07	18
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	10	55.56%
Satisfied	08	44.44%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	18
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	1,016
C. Total	1,016

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	1,016

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	64	$24,448	$0	$24,448
Hearing	03	$103	$0	$103
Speech Communication	09	$24,943	$0	$24,943
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	18	$8,565	$0	$8,565
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	626	$764,979	$0	$764,979
Daily Living	616	$150,174	$0	$150,174
Environmental Adaptations	18	$5,080	$0	$5,080
Vehicle Modification & Transportation	01	$25	$0	$25
Computers and Related	17	$6,730	$0	$6,730
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	07	$1,023	$0	$1,023
Total	1,379	$986,070	$0	$986,070

D. Anecdote

ICAN provided a replacement rollator walker for a 96-year-old client, facilitating delivery when her daughter was unable to drive following a hospitalization. A thank you card later confirmed the successful intervention; the daughter stated that the client hadn't been "as happy as a schoolgirl in a long time" with her new equipment.

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.	42	12	835	889
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	01	00	45	46
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	04	00	77	81
4. Subtotal	47	12	957	1,016
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	47	12	957	1,016
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	47	12	957	1,016
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,009	99.31%
Satisfied	07	0.69%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	1,016
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)	487
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding	167
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation	1,074
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity	24
Total	1,752

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	67	342	409
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	183	747	930
Representative of Education	83	44	127
Representative of Employment	06	10	16
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	143	115	258
Representatives of Community Living	04	07	11
Representatives of Technology	01	00	01
Total	487	1,265	1,752

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days	41

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	61	56	117
Hearing	12	34	46
Speech Communication	379	156	535
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	78	74	152
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	24	628	652
Daily Living	25	352	377
Environmental Adaptations	22	161	183
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00	00	00
Computers and Related	62	65	127
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	09	09	18
Total	672	1,535	2,207

E. Anecdote

A mother borrowed a speech communication device and wrote us a letter stating that by borrowing the AAC device she was able to finally figure out that her son’s favorite color was red. She said that without the device, she would have never known about it and that she was grateful to have the opportunity to borrow a speech device.

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	243	11	195	449
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	19	02	17	38
Subtotal	262	13	212	487
Have not made a decision	00	00	00	00
Subtotal	262	13	212	487
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	262	13	212	487
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.	100	14	1,121	1,235
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	09	00	04	13
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	03	00	14	17
4. Subtotal	112	14	1,139	1,265
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	112	14	1,139	1,265
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	112	14	1,139	1,265
9. Performance on this measure	100%	100%	100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	1,742	99.43%
Satisfied	08	0.46%
Satisfied somewhat	02	0.11%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total Surveyed	1,752
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	35
Hearing	25
Speech Communication	17
Learning, Cognition and Developmental	39
Mobility, Seating and Positioning	98
Daily Living	53
Environmental Adaptations	16
Vehicle Modification and Transportation	00
Computers and Related	11
Recreation, Sports and Leisure	01
Total # of Device Demonstrations	295

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant	Decision-Makers	Other Participants	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	137	152	289
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives	111	162	273
Representatives of Education	14	32	46
Representatives of Employment	02	07	09
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	25	340	365
Representative of Community Living	06	11	17
Representative of Technology	00	05	05
Total	295	709	1,004

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity	Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program)	74
Service Provider	01
Vendor	01
Repair Service	00
Others	00
Total	76

D. Anecdote

We had an individual come into ICAN with his Veteran vocational rehab counselor. This client had severe ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, as well as other issues. The client also had a fear of someone breaking into the apartment in which he lived. The vocational rehab counselor wanted to know what equipment options we had that could help her client potentially get back into the workforce. After some trials and errors, we decided to have him utilize a Serene Central Alert system with a door knock sensor that would alert him if someone forced their way into his apartment.

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	66	23	194	283
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	02	01	04	07
Subtotal	68	24	198	290
Have not made a decision	03	01	01	05
Subtotal	71	25	199	295
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	71	25	199	295
Performance on this measure	95.77%	96%	99.5%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services	Number of Customers	Percent
Highly satisfied	984	98.01%
Satisfied	20	1.99%
Satisfied somewhat	00	0%
Not at all satisfied	00	0%
Nonrespondent	00	0%
Total	1,004
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.	145	27	1,960	2,132
2. AT was only available through the AT program.	14	03	52	69
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long.	07	00	91	98
4. Subtotal	166	30	2,103	2,299
5. None of the above	00	00	00	00
6. Subtotal	166	30	2,103	2,299
7. Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
8. Total	166	30	2,103	2,299
9. Performance on this measure	95.78%	100%	95.67%	95.74%
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	309	34	389	732
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs	21	03	21	45
Subtotal	330	37	410	777
Have not made a decision	03	01	01	05
Subtotal	333	38	411	782
Nonrespondent	00	00	00	00
Total	333	38	411	782
Performance on this measure	99.1%	97.37%	99.76%	99.36%
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	99.95%	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	03
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	04
Representatives of Education	270
Representatives of Employment	00
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	207
Representatives of Community Living	23
Representatives of Technology	07
Unable to Categorize	00
TOTAL	514

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro	Non Metro	Unknown	TOTAL
453	61	00	514

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities	Participants
AT Products/Services	46
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice	00
Combination of any/all of the above	62
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access	405
Transition	01
Total	514

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

Provided 90-minute workshop on creating accessible online courses to 38 faculty at UACC-Batesville. Provided an introduction to the online tutorial "Creating Accessible Online Courses" on exploreaccess.org. This training increased the capacity of the faculty to design more accessible digital environments.

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

Organized a 1.5 hour workshop at the Fayetteville Public Library on Disability and Design and How Technology Can Improve Access, attended by 15 people. It also included information on how the design of digital environments impacts access. Description: Historically, spaces and things have been designed in ways that exclude many people with disabilities. We’ll think about the relationship between disability and design and consider ways that good design and assistive technologies can bridge the gap and make the world a more inclusive place for all of us. This was especially helpful for caregivers and individuals considering a transition from skilled care facilities to home, and educators helping students moving into the post-secondary education environment.

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

Arkansas ICAN, hosted a successful two-day training session focused on the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) approach to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This specialized approach is designed to help nonverbal individuals, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD), spontaneously and independently express themselves using speech-generating devices. The training covered the core components of the LAMP method: establishing "readiness to learn," engaging the participant through shared focus, and teaching language using a consistent motor plan linked to an auditory signal and natural consequences. Participants discussed how this strategy addresses key language challenges associated with ASD and DD, explored beneficial device features, and learned implementation strategies. While the course illustrated treatment components using PRC-Saltillo's language systems and devices, the principles taught are broadly applicable to other products. The training incorporated videos to demonstrate real-world application of the techniques. By the end of the session, attendees were able to: Define the roles of readiness to learn and shared focus in AAC implementation for children with ASD and DD. Explain the critical importance of motor patterning for developing automaticity in AAC users. Examine multisensory convergence and understand how interference in this system impacts speech development. Discuss effective implementation strategies for teaching AAC use to children with ASD and DD. Discuss methods for analyzing the efficacy of communication treatment plans.

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	400
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented	05
No known outcome at this time	00
Nonrespondent	00
Total	405
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	68%
Employment	28%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation	00%
Community Living	04%
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 overall goal of this project is to increase the capacity of stakeholders in Arkansas to design more accessible digital environments which result in access for people who use assistive technology and other people with disabilities. This will be accomplished through the provision of training, technical assistance and resource development by University of Arkansas Partners for Inclusive Community personnel.Provided information and assistance and/or technical assistance to 20 stakeholders including web accessibility testing, document remediation, captioning, policy development, or other assistance that increases the capacity of individuals and organizations to create more accessible digital products and environments. o 7/8/24: Provided information to NWACC employee about digital accessibility training opportunities o 9/5/24: I was asked to do some testing of the Division of Workforce Services Website. I tested several items on their home page and provided feedback to their web develo

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

Provided a concurrent session at the Rehabilitation Counselors and Professionals’ Association of Arkansas (RCPAA) in Hot Springs. There were 12 people in attendance. The session title was “Unlocking Accessibility: Practice Tips for Accessible Presentations”. The attendees asked lots of excellent questions, which went above and beyond the original content. There was a lot of interest in the digital accessibility aspects of the training. A blind attendee was present and contributed a personal perspective of some of the issues discussed which added a lot to the experience for everyone. Description: As rehabilitation professionals, and disability and transition into the workplace environment.

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. We attended a vendor table at the 2025 Arkansas Trauma Rehabilitation Symposium, a one-day event that is held annually and curated by members of the trauma rehabilitation community and the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Brain Injury Program. We were able to reach around 200 participants and help them connect with the AT program.

2. We attended a vendor table at the LEA Academy which provided both inspiration and practical strategies, offering opportunities to learn from leading experts and to collaborate with colleagues from across the state in the area of special education. This two-day conference gave ICAN the opportunity to connect with Special Education leader from across the state and help them understand the AT Program and how to access it.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients	AT Device/ Service	AT Funding	Total
Individuals with Disabilities	632	11	643
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives	637	10	647
Representative of Education	61	03	64
Representative of Employment	12	00	12
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation	241	06	247
Representative of Community Living	19	01	20
Representative of Technology	01	00	01
Unable to Categorize	01	01	02
Total	1,604	32	1,636

Referral Types:

In addition to coordinating with home health agencies, the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission, and attending general outreach events, Arkansas ICAN could leverage several other strategies to expand its reach: We partner with Arkansas Independent Living Centers to connect with a broad network of individuals with various disabilities who seek to live independently in their communities. Place demo devices or small lending libraries in various community locations such as local clinics, libraries, and community centers, making the technology more accessible for trial and demonstration. As well as conduct outreach to diverse groups such as local senior centers, faith-based organizations, and homeless shelters, as these populations often have unmet health and accessibility needs

Referral Sources:

50% is from word of mouth in the community. 20% is from Hospitals and VA 20% is from State agencies and VR programs. 10% Special education Co-Opps.

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?

ICAN partnered with the Arkansas Special Education Department to facilitate the smooth transition of Assistive Technology (AT) devices from a former vendor to the Department's new in-house team. The Arkansas AT Program allotted physical space and provided access to its existing database to track and catalog the transferred devices. The core activity involved collaborating with the Special Education Department and the database provider to create a new, segregated, and dedicated section within the system. This ensured the Special Education program gained full functionality for public-facing use while maintaining the separation of both programs' data. Major Collaborating Organizations & Roles: Arkansas AT Program: Provided database access, space, and technical collaboration. Arkansas Special Education Dept: Led the in-house implementation and utilized the new system. Served/Benefited: Seamless transfer of technology inventory to the implementing program, ensuring continued service availability. Funding Used: The initiative was supported by the Arkansas Special Education Department's funding.

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?

We were able to successfully move four sub-programs within the Special Education department to a standalone database, which lets consumers have direct access to AT in the education system. This was a successful transfer of 616 items.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

https://artasc-at4all.org/

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

Education,

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

Device Loan, Demo,

Outreach was conducted with the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency *

Yes

Was collaboration implemented? *

Yes

We work closely with the VR AT evaluation team, which we call AT@Work. They are a team of OTs that evaluate clients' AT needs. They will utilize the AT Act program to provide AT during this process, and in some case,s a permanent solution from the re-utilization program.

This partnership continues to give a better understanding of AT in the Employment community. This partnership has helped many clients to continue successfully through the vocational rehabilitation process.

2.a Please include URL for initiative if available

https://dws.arkansas.gov/ar-rehabilitation-services/access-accommodations/

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

Employment,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, State Financing,

Outreach was conducted with the Aging Agency *

Why was outreach not conducted? *

We are still working to establish a good contact with this agency.

Outreach was conducted with the Medicaid Agency *

Why was outreach not conducted? *

We made strides to foster a relationship with this agency, but we have not been asked to sit on any boards or work groups this year.

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.

Our program fulfilled its grant obligations by providing one contracted full-time employee throughout the grant duration to manage and deliver vital assistive technology training and services across the state. This employee was responsible for several core functions: Developing and Disseminating Resources: Creating and distributing informative materials to raise awareness about available assistive technologies. Providing Demonstrations and Training: Conducting hands-on demonstrations and training sessions to educate Arkansans on how to utilize various AT solutions effectively. Providing Outreach and Support: Engaging in extensive outreach efforts and offering ongoing support to individuals and families needing assistance with AT. In addition to these direct services, the full-time employee diligently adhered to all administrative and reporting requirements: Quarterly Reporting: A quarterly report was delivered detailing all activities performed, including the number and location of Arkansans served, a list of partnering agencies and collaboration locations, and the itinerary and plan for the coming month. Database Management: All training, demonstrations, and public awareness events were systematically entered into the AT4ALL database to ensure accurate tracking and accessibility of information.

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).