National Assistive Technology Act Data System

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

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

3. Loan Type

4. Interest Rates

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

6. Defaults

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Activity 1

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

G. Notes:

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

G. Notes:

I. Notes:

G. Notes:

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

As Louisiana's Medicaid Waiver Program serving people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) expands its service model to include Smart Remote Technology, LATAN provided unprecedented training to Medicaid Support Coordinators. While specialized medical equipment has been available through the Medicaid Waiver program, smart technologies, including remote supports to assist with community engagement, transition to independent living, education and employment have not been readily available. The increased access to these types of AT required education to Support Coordinators to better equip them to discuss the benefits and acquisition of AT with Medicaid Waiver beneficiaries and their caregivers. The training included device demonstrations, in addition to information on service provisions.

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

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

Presented in partnership with Breathe Easy Counseling and Consulting, this training was delivered to mental health professionals at LSU to enhance their ability to provide inclusive, disability-informed care. The session introduced LATAN’s programs and services, highlighting how assistive technology can support AT users within therapeutic settings. Participants received practical guidance on the dos and don'ts of providing psychotherapy to clients with disabilities, along with strategies to foster accessibility and empowerment in clinical practice. The training also included live demonstrations of assistive devices in the areas of speech and communication (e.g., AAC tools), hearing (e.g., amplification devices), and computer access (e.g., adaptive keyboards and input tools), helping clinicians better understand how to integrate and support these tools in therapy. LATAN delivered a high-impact, transition-centered training to occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists at West Jefferson Medical Center, in Marrero, Louisiana focusing on how assistive technology can support individuals with disabilities during therapy sessions and as they transition back into their home environments. The session began with an overview of LATAN’s statewide programs and services, highlighting how clinicians can connect clients and families to essential assistive technology resources. Participants received hands-on demonstrations of a variety of devices, including: Proloquo2Go, an AAC app designed to enhance communication for individuals with speech impairments; Dexteria, a fine motor skill development app that supports dexterity and hand strengthening; Switches for switch-access technology, allowing individuals with limited mobility to independently interact with their environment; QuickTalker, a simple voice output communication device for basic needs and interaction; UbiDuo3, a dual-screen communication tool for real-time face-to-face communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing’ Amigo, a digital magnifier used to support reading, writing, and visual access for individuals with low vision; and Adaptive eating utensils, which promote greater independence with feeding and daily living tasks at home. This high-impact training focused on transition emphasized practical integration of assistive technology both in clinical settings and at home, empowering therapists to recommend effective tools that enhance long-term independence, safety, and quality of life for their clients.

E. Notes:

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

LATAN staff collaborated with a Support Coordinator on behalf Waiver participant to identify solutions to modify the environmental controls in the home. The AT user has 24-hour personal care assistance (PCA) and another provider to install outside cameras, motion sensors, and keyless door entry so that he could see via smartphone who entered his home during shift changes. Being physically reliant upon personal assistance for mobility and all activities of daily living, oftentimes, a different PCA comes into the home, and the AT user would not know who it is. Being able to see who enters the home added security and control by the user. However, the environmental controls were not syncing to his smartphone and LATAN was contacted to provide technical assistance.

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

C. Notes:

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 Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) proudly participated in the inaugural Disability Awareness Day at the Louisiana State Capitol on June 2, 2025.This high-impact public awareness event was a collaborative effort organized by the Split Second Foundation and brought together 22 disability-focused organizations with the goal of increasing visibility, advocacy, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across the state. The primary focus of this outreach was to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of assistive technology devices and services. We engaged directly with legislators, state agency leadership, and members of the public to raise awareness about the critical role of assistive technology in enhancing independence, quality of life, and access to opportunity for Louisianans with disabilities. Our table featured branded materials, brochures, and informational handouts outlining the range of assistive technology services we offer across Louisiana. We shared success stories from individuals who have accessed LATAN’s programs to illustrate the real-world impact of our work. Throughout the day, we distributed approximately 80 pieces of literature, engaged in meaningful conversations with around 30 attendees, and were able to personally connect with state legislators and staffers who expressed interest in learning more about LATAN’s impact in their districts. This event was incredibly impactful for our mission to amplify the voices of those who benefit from inclusive and innovative assistive technology solutions. The visibility gained through this event will have lasting effects, particularly in advancing statewide conversations around disability, equity and access.

2. The LATAN team participated in the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s held in Baton Rouge on September 27, 2025. LATAN was a proud event sponsor and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an impactful day. In addition to taking part in the walk, LATAN hosted an informational table showcasing various assistive technology devices designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. Some devices featured included medication reminders, a large-print clock, a simple-to-use music device, adaptive utensils, and a large-piece puzzle. Informational brochures and resources were also distributed to raise awareness of how assistive technology can enhance independence and improve quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, as well as anyone else that needs AT.

Notes:

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities