National Assistive Technology Act Data System
Annual Progress Report - Full Report
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Kentucky 2025
General Information
Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)
Lead Agency
Implementing Entity
Program Director and Other Contacts
Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director
Certifying Representative
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 |
| Area of Residence | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metro RUCC 1-3 |
Non-Metro RUCC 4-9 |
||
| Approved Loan made | 49 | 63 | 112 |
| Approved Not made | 03 | 12 | 15 |
| Rejected | 14 | 17 | 31 |
| Total | 66 | 92 | 158 |
2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made
| Lowest Income: | $2,568 | Highest Income: | $168,000 |
|---|
| Sum of Incomes | Loans Made | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $5,899,485 | 112 | $52,674 |
| Income Ranges | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 or Less |
$15,001- $30,000 |
$30,001- $45,000 |
$45,001- $60,000 |
$60,001- $75,000 |
$75,001 or More |
||
| Number of Loans | 06 | 24 | 30 | 19 | 08 | 25 | 112 |
| Percentage of Loans | 5.36% | 21.43% | 26.79% | 16.96% | 7.14% | 22.32% | 100% |
3. Loan Type
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Percentage of loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 112 | 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 | 112 | 100% |
| Type of Loan | Number of Loans | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Revolving Loans | 112 | $610,772 |
| Partnership Loans | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 112 | $610,772 |
4. Interest Rates
| Lowest | 0% |
|---|---|
| Highest | 0% |
| Sum of Interest Rates | Number of Loans Made | Average Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | 112 | 0% |
| Interest Rate | Number of loans |
|---|---|
| 0.0% to 2.0% | 112 |
| 2.1% to 4.0% | 00 |
| 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 | 112 |
5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
| Type of AT | Number of Devices Financed | Dollar Value of Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 |
| Hearing | 108 | $594,421 |
| Speech communication | 00 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 00 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 02 | $6,351 |
| Daily living | 00 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 02 | $10,000 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 00 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 00 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 00 | $0 |
| Total | 112 | $610,772 |
6. Defaults
| Number Loans in default | 00 |
|---|---|
| Net loss for loans in default | $0 |
B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? | 2 |
|---|
Activity 1
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: ramp program |
|---|
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) | 2 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 0 |
| C. Total Served | 2 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 2 |
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 | 0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 0 | $0 |
| Environmental adaptations | 2 | $9,450 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 2 | $9,450 |
Activity 2
| How would you describe this state financing activity? | Other: makerspace program |
|---|
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) | 1 |
| B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9) | 1 |
| C. Total Served | 2 |
| Performance Measure | |
|---|---|
| D. Excluded from Performance Measure | 0 |
| E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures | 2 |
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 | 0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 0 | $0 |
| Speech communication | 0 | $0 |
| Learning, cognition, and developmental | 0 | $0 |
| Mobility, seating and positioning | 0 | $0 |
| Daily living | 4 | $43 |
| Environmental adaptations | 0 | $0 |
| Vehicle modification and transportation | 0 | $0 |
| Computers and related | 0 | $0 |
| Recreation, sports, and leisure | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 4 | $43 |
C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost
1. Overview of Activities Performed
| How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? | 0 |
|---|
D. Anecdote
A single mother of four children contacted the KATS Network for assistance with a ramp to help her 13-year-old daughter get into and out of their home. The daughter uses a wheelchair to help with mobility due to cerebral palsy and it has become increasingly difficult for her to enter and exit the home. After visiting the site and taking measurements, the carpentry instructor at a local hight school designed a ramp for the home. He and his high school carpentry students built ramp sections at the school to be installed at the home.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 00 | 21 | 34 | 55 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 00 | 01 | 05 | 06 |
| 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 | 22 | 39 | 61 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 05 | 08 | 14 |
| 6. Subtotal | 01 | 27 | 47 | 75 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 17 | 24 | 41 |
| 8. Total | 01 | 44 | 71 | 116 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 0% | 50% | 54.93% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 16 | 13.79% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 100 | 86.21% |
| Total Surveyed | 116 | |
| Response rate % | 13.79% |
G. Notes:
Reutilization
A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices
| Activity | Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity |
|---|---|
| A. Device Exchange | 03 |
| B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan | 991 |
| C. Total | 994 |
| 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 | 994 |
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
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices Exchanged | Total Estimated Current Purchase Price | Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged | Savings to Consumers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hearing | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Speech Communication | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 06 | $4,788 | $0 | $4,788 |
| Daily Living | 02 | $3,700 | $0 | $3,700 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 01 | $160 | $0 | $160 |
| Computers and Related | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | 09 | $8,648 | $0 | $8,648 |
C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities
| 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 | 25 | $15,090 | $0 | $15,090 |
| Hearing | 08 | $665 | $0 | $665 |
| Speech Communication | 37 | $7,831 | $0 | $7,831 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 10 | $982 | $0 | $982 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 741 | $407,353 | $0 | $407,353 |
| Daily Living | 851 | $97,623 | $0 | $97,623 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 38 | $2,004 | $0 | $2,004 |
| Vehicle Modification & Transportation | 00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Computers and Related | 33 | $4,690 | $0 | $4,690 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 55 | $7,672 | $0 | $7,672 |
| Total | 1,798 | $543,910 | $0 | $543,910 |
D. Anecdote
HDI-CATS, a KATS Network Assistive Technology Center, hosted a Durable Medical Equipment for Kids event where they showcased many of the pediatric devices available for reuse. They passed out flyers and sent emails to therapy offices and public schools. They were able to give away 12 pediatric equipment items at this single event. Not only were they successful in helping children get devices they need, they were able to spread the word about the availability of reuse equipment to a large audience. As an example of a family helped by the reuse event, grandparents of a child with a disability came in to look at equipment for their grandchild to use when staying with them. Insurance does not cover duplicates of equipment to be used at other homes and often these items are heavy and cumbersome to transport. They were looking for a bath seat and some sort of seating device. We were able to provide them with a Minnow bath seat and a Leckey Squiggles Everyday Activity Chair. They were very happy to be able to have adaptive equipment at their home.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 20 | 02 | 941 | 963 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 02 | 00 | 08 | 10 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 00 | 20 | 21 |
| 4. Subtotal | 23 | 02 | 969 | 994 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 23 | 02 | 969 | 994 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 23 | 02 | 969 | 994 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 994 | 100% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 994 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
G. Notes:
Device Loan
A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose
| Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan | Number |
|---|---|
| Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) | 308 |
| Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding | 19 |
| Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation | 392 |
| Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity | 12 |
| Total | 731 |
B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower
| Type of Individual or Entity | Number of Device Borrowers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Individuals with Disabilities | 15 | 55 | 70 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 197 | 162 | 359 |
| Representative of Education | 17 | 14 | 31 |
| Representative of Employment | 02 | 05 | 07 |
| Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 76 | 180 | 256 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 00 | 05 | 05 |
| Representatives of Technology | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| Total | 308 | 423 | 731 |
C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans
| Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days | 30 |
|---|
D. Types of Devices Loaned
| Type of AT Device | Number of Devices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Desicion-making | All other Purposes | Total | |
| Vision | 07 | 09 | 16 |
| Hearing | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| Speech Communication | 68 | 14 | 82 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 24 | 34 | 58 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 166 | 164 | 330 |
| Daily Living | 25 | 98 | 123 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 08 | 16 | 24 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 37 | 47 | 84 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 140 | 273 | 413 |
| Total | 475 | 657 | 1,132 |
E. Anecdote
Our ATRC at Wendell Foster works with the Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS). They loaned multiple items to a family that has a child with complex medical issues. The child utilized a Play Pak as a short-term accommodation to assist in tolerating activities in more challenging positions. The child trialed several communication devices and was able to borrow more advanced devices as he progressed. The child benefitted from multiple adapted toys and switches to provide access for learning. After successful trials, KEIS purchased the items so he could have them long-term. The child borrowed a Grillo gait trainer to support him with progressive standing and mobility activities. The family is working with a DME vendor to purchase his own.
F. Access Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 48 | 02 | 217 | 267 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 00 | 16 | 23 |
| Subtotal | 55 | 02 | 233 | 290 |
| Have not made a decision | 07 | 00 | 11 | 18 |
| Subtotal | 62 | 02 | 244 | 308 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 62 | 02 | 244 | 308 |
| Performance on this measure | 88.71% | 100% | 95.49% | |
G. Acquisition Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 23 | 03 | 366 | 392 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 01 | 05 | 20 | 26 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 01 | 02 | 02 | 05 |
| 4. Subtotal | 25 | 10 | 388 | 423 |
| 5. None of the above | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 6. Subtotal | 25 | 10 | 388 | 423 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| 8. Total | 25 | 10 | 388 | 423 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
H. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 722 | 98.77% |
| Satisfied | 09 | 1.23% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 0% |
| Total Surveyed | 731 | |
| Response rate % | 100% |
I. Notes:
Device Demonstration
A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type
| Type of AT Device / Service | Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services |
|---|---|
| Vision | 01 |
| Hearing | 00 |
| Speech Communication | 15 |
| Learning, Cognition and Developmental | 08 |
| Mobility, Seating and Positioning | 06 |
| Daily Living | 02 |
| Environmental Adaptations | 00 |
| Vehicle Modification and Transportation | 00 |
| Computers and Related | 00 |
| Recreation, Sports and Leisure | 00 |
| Total # of Device Demonstrations | 32 |
B. Types of Participants
| Type of Participant | Decision-Makers | Other Participants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 03 | 24 | 27 |
| Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives | 20 | 17 | 37 |
| Representatives of Education | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Representatives of Employment | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 06 | 11 | 17 |
| Representative of Community Living | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| Representative of Technology | 03 | 10 | 13 |
| Total | 32 | 64 | 96 |
C. Number of Referrals
| Type of Entity | Number of Referrals |
|---|---|
| Funding Source (non-AT program) | 04 |
| Service Provider | 02 |
| Vendor | 07 |
| Repair Service | 00 |
| Others | 00 |
| Total | 13 |
D. Anecdote
A physical therapist with the Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS) was working with a child who had been focusing on building strength in her legs by using a stander. The child appeared ready to begin using a gait trainer, but the PT wanted to try out different types and have access to different supports to determine the gait trainer that would be the best for the child to use. The therapist was able to look at different options and the child was able to use the gait trainer to navigate down the hallway and give herself a round of applause. Two months later she was able to advance to a reverse walker without any supports.
E. Performance Measures
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 09 | 00 | 21 | 30 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Subtotal | 09 | 00 | 21 | 30 |
| Have not made a decision | 01 | 00 | 01 | 02 |
| Subtotal | 10 | 00 | 22 | 32 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 10 | 00 | 22 | 32 |
| Performance on this measure | 90% | NaN% | 95.45% | |
F. Customer Satisfaction
| Customer Rating of Services | Number of Customers | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied | 95 | 98.96% |
| Satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Satisfied somewhat | 00 | 0% |
| Not at all satisfied | 00 | 0% |
| Nonrespondent | 01 | 1.04% |
| Total | 96 | |
| Response rate % | 98.96% |
G. Notes:
Overall Performance Measures
Overall Acquisition Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| 1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. | 43 | 26 | 1,341 | 1,410 |
| 2. AT was only available through the AT program. | 03 | 06 | 33 | 42 |
| 3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. | 02 | 02 | 22 | 26 |
| 4. Subtotal | 48 | 34 | 1,396 | 1,478 |
| 5. None of the above | 01 | 05 | 08 | 14 |
| 6. Subtotal | 49 | 39 | 1,404 | 1,492 |
| 7. Nonrespondent | 00 | 17 | 24 | 41 |
| 8. Total | 49 | 56 | 1,428 | 1,533 |
| 9. Performance on this measure | 93.88% | 57.14% | 96.22% | 94.72% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 85% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Access Performance Measure
| Response | Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Employment | Community Living | ||
| Decided that AT device/service will meet needs | 57 | 02 | 238 | 297 |
| Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs | 07 | 00 | 16 | 23 |
| Subtotal | 64 | 02 | 254 | 320 |
| Have not made a decision | 08 | 00 | 12 | 20 |
| Subtotal | 72 | 02 | 266 | 340 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 72 | 02 | 266 | 340 |
| Performance on this measure | 88.89% | 100% | 95.49% | 94.12% |
| ACL Performance Measure | 90% | |||
| Met/Not Met | Met | |||
Overall Satisfaction Rating
| Customer Rating of Services | Percent | ACL Target | Met/Not Met |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly satisfied and satisfied | 100% | 95% | Met |
| Response Rate | 94.79% | 90% | Met |
Educational/Training Activities
A. Educational/Training Activity Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution
| Type of Participant | Number |
|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 04 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 00 |
| Representatives of Education | 57 |
| Representatives of Employment | 02 |
| Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 172 |
| Representatives of Community Living | 49 |
| Representatives of Technology | 12 |
| Unable to Categorize | 41 |
| TOTAL | 337 |
| Metro | Non Metro | Unknown | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 174 | 128 | 35 | 337 |
B. Educational/Training Activity Topics
| Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities | Participants |
|---|---|
| AT Products/Services | 41 |
| AT Funding/Policy/ Practice | 20 |
| Combination of any/all of the above | 228 |
| Information Technology/Telecommunication Access | 45 |
| Transition | 03 |
| Total | 337 |
C. Description of Educational/Training Activities
Describe innovative one high-impact assistance educational/training activity conducted during the reporting period:
The KATS Network provided a series of trainings to University of Louisville biomedical engineering master's students to introduce them to assistive technology and the application of engineering principles to remove barriers to employment, education, and community living.
Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
A training was provided to the Southwest Center, which is a provider of Community Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training focused on using smart home items to allow individuals to transition to independent living and how they could be used to increase the safety of individuals with disabilities in independent living situations. Specific information was provided on Google Nest Minis, emergency contact features of Alexa Emergency Assist and Nest Aware. Participants also learned how to use Kasa smart plugs, Philips Hue products, smart locks, and smart light bulbs to increase independence. The Southwest Center reports that the training on the use of technology in transition has allowed them to support individuals more effectively and the individuals have experienced increased independence and freedom. One particularly meaningful success story involves an individual with cerebral palsy who has very limited mobility. Through the use of smart plugs, smart bulbs, motion sensors, Google Nest Mini and the Fire TV Cube, she is now able to independently operate her lights, television, radio, and other features in her home—something she was not able to do prior to this technology. Additionally, Echo Show devices are helping other individuals gain greater independence with medication documentation and daily routines, allowing them to transition to indepedent living.
Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:
A training on accessible communication and document design was provided to Northern KY Area Development district staff at their quarterly staff meeting. Topics included accessible documents, forms and web pages. Techniques and resources to make them more accessible and inclusive to the aging and disabled population were included.
D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
| Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received | Number |
|---|---|
| IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies | 45 |
| Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented | 00 |
| No known outcome at this time | 00 |
| Nonrespondent | 00 |
| Total | 45 |
| Performance Measure Percentage | 100% |
| ACL Target Percentage | 70% |
| Met/Not Met | Met |
E. Notes:
Technical Assistance
A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance
| Education | 20% |
|---|---|
| Employment | 48% |
| Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation | 02% |
| Community Living | 30% |
| 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 KATS Network has provided technical assistance with the accessibility of Information and Communication Technology on several occasions to several state agencies. Many agencies, including the Department of Worker's Claims, The Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, the Education and Labor Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, and the Office of Adult Education have received technical assistance around policies, procedures, best practices, and processes and tools for the development of accessible material and the remediation of digital materials. The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet provides information to all state employees across the Commonwealth on a variety of topics and includes topics from weather warnings to benefits of employment, training, employee performance evaluations, and other tools that state employees use in the performance of their job duties. KATS Network assistance with accessibility makes state employment accessible to all Kentuckians.
Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:
The KATS Network provided technical assistance on the transition of assistive technology devices for monthly meetings of the Northern Kentucky Region, Regional Interagency Transition Team (RITT). This team was set up to meet the needs of youth transitioning from school age services to adult services. The team consisted of representatives from the Northern KY Co-op, Schools (Covington, Newport, Walton Verona, Boone Co, Campbell Co), Easterseals Redwood, OVR, KY-Spin, Brighton Center, Parents, Transportation (TANK), DPA, NKADD, and KATS. KATS Network also provided technical assistance to the team through the review of the online Post High School Transition Experience Survey for accessibility and provided feedback on findings. Recommendations included rewording one of the questions using plain language to make it easier to understand the question being asked (and to also make it better for inclusiveness). Data from survey was used to determine current practices and obstacles.
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. The Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT), an Assistive Technology resource center with the KATS Network, participated in a community engagement event at the 2025 Senior Games in Knott County. Senior citizens from several surrounding counties attended the event. ACAT helped spread awareness about our program, connecting with individuals and partnering with other organizations to ensure that assistive technology reaches everyone who needs it. Approximately 300 individuals were reached during this unique public awareness event.
2. Students from three Perry County high schools are working together this fall to design a park that will be accessible to everyone in the community. The “Coordinating and Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology: Together One Priority” or “CARAT-TOP” program is a 10-week initiative led by the University of Kentucky’s Center of Excellence in Rural Health and part of the programming provided by the Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT). The fall cohort of students included students from Hazard, Perry Central, and Buckhorn High Schools. The students were divided into mixed-school teams, with each group focusing on a different sensory element of the future sensory park in Hazard. The sensory elements include: balance, hearing, smell, visual and touch. WYMT, a local news agency, covered the program on their evening news and featured the story on their website. WYMT reaches 20 counties in the eastern part of Kentucky, several counties in southwest Virginia and western West Virginia, and one county in Tennessee. This raised awareness across a wide multi-state area about the need for accessibility for all residents.
Information And Assistance
| Types of Recipients | AT Device/ Service |
AT Funding | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Disabilities | 486 | 150 | 636 |
| Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives | 634 | 105 | 739 |
| Representative of Education | 67 | 02 | 69 |
| Representative of Employment | 82 | 04 | 86 |
| Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation | 339 | 41 | 380 |
| Representative of Community Living | 94 | 07 | 101 |
| Representative of Technology | 18 | 05 | 23 |
| Unable to Categorize | 121 | 38 | 159 |
| Total | 1,841 | 352 | 2,193 |
Referral Types:
People learn about the KATS Network primarily through our online presence. Over one third of our I& A requests come from people who learn about us through our website. The KATS Network continues to update the website, and will be moving the website to a new platform in 2026. In fiscal year 2025, the KATS Network had 56,354 unique visitors to the home page. As we provide more training and technical assistance on digital accessibility, the hits on our digital accessibility resources have increased significantly. These pages had a total of 2084 hits in fiscal year 2024 and the hits have increased to a total of 18,026 in fiscal year 2025. The availability of this information on the website has increased the number of individuals requesting assistance with digital accessibility. Our Assistive Technology Resource Center in Hazard, KY, has been in operation for three years and has greatly expanded the awareness of the KATS Network services in eastern Kentucky. This has led to a continued increase in referrals from the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, primarily from healthcare workers. Some of the greatest needs in this area are for ramps and reuse items.
Referral Sources:
Our partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, continues to result in increased referrals from this agency. While we do work closely with the OVR assistive technology specialists, as more vocational rehabilitation counselors become aware of the KATS Network, we are receiving more direct referrals from them for individuals who may not qualify for OVR services or are on a waiting list for services. Eighteen percent of our information and assistance referrals come from social workers and healthcare workers. Some unique referral sources included the Alzheimer's Association, Parkinson’s Association, MS Society, Habitat for Humanity, Autism Speaks, the Kentucky Early Intervention System (KEIS) program, and wheelchair vendors.
Notes:
Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes
Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
| Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities | 1 |
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A. Coordination/Collaboration
1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?
The KATS Network previously collaborated with a team of organizations to develop a self-funded assistive technology resource center in the eastern area of Kentucky. One of the primary partners, King's Daughter had to put the program on hold. However, the KATS Network and the Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology (ACAT) (part of the UK College of Health Sciences and a KATS Network ATRC) identified an additional partner, UK St. Claire Healthcare, to move the project forward. Currently a Memorandum of Understanding has been developed and signed between KY College of Health Sciences and UK St. Claire Healthcare to create ACAT-Morehead, which is 100% funded by UK St. Claire Healthcare. The program continues to progress with meetings scheduled with the Rowan County level judge executive and director of operations, the Morehead mayor, and Gateway Senior Center group. Additional meetings are in the process of being scheduled as well. Rental space to house the facility is also being investigated.
2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.
While individuals with disabilities are not yet able to access services, many professionals, especially within the UK St. Claire Healthcare system have been made aware of the importance of assistive technology in serving individuals with disabilities. This initiative will continue. The primary lessons learned are to not give up, but to continue to seek additional partners and collaboration to bring needed services to outlying areas of the state. Reaching out to a wide variety of potential partners s essential. This collaboration will eventually bring services to an underserved, very rural area in Kentucky.
3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?
Education; Employment; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health; Aging;
4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?
Device Loan; Demonstration; Reuse; Information & Assistance;
Overview of State Improvement Activities
| State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? | 00 |
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Additional And Leveraged Funds
A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities
| Fund Source | Amount | Use of Funds | Data Reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public/State Agency | $10,700 | Device Loan | True |
| Public/State Agency | $37,500 | Technical Assistance | True |
| Amount: $48,200 |
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.
For the project above providing technical assistance, the project provided technical assistance to the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities. However, the data was primarily captured as individual device loans, demonstrations, and trainings (for individuals and professionals) rather than as technical assistance. The assistive technology resource center indicated they primarily recorded device loans provided with this program. This will be addressed in future years.
B. Public Health Workforce Grant Award |
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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. |
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