National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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South Dakota 2025

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
DakotaLink
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.dakotalink.net
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
City:
Sturgis
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57785
Program Email:
atinfo@dakotalink.net
Phone:
605-394-6742, #5
TTY:
605-347-5212

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
South Dakota Department of Human Services
Mailing Address:
3800 East Hwy 34 Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 E. Capitol
City:
Pierre
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57501
Program URL:
http://dhs.sd.gov/

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 218
City
Sturgis
State:
SD
Zip Code:
57785
Program URL:
https://bhssc.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Honomichl, James
Title:
Grant Program Manager
Phone:
605-690-5348
E-mail:
jhonomichl@dakotalink.net
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Weiss, Eric
Title:
Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Phone:
605-773-4644
E-mail:
eric.weiss@state.sd.us
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Hauge, Joe
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
605-347-4467
E-mail:
jhauge@bhssc.tie.net

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Rechtenbaugh, Shawnie
Title:
Secretary, South Dakota Dept. of Human Services
Phone:
605-773-5990
E-mail:
Shawnie.Rechtenbaugh@state.sd.us

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
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 01 01 02
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 00 00
Total 01 01 02

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $74,854 Highest Income: $75,132

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$149,986 02 $74,993

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
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 00 00 00 00 01 01 02
Percentage of Loans 0% 0% 0% 0% 50% 50% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 02 100%
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 02 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 02 $35,855
Partnership Loans 00 $0
Total 02 $35,855

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 5%
Highest 5%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
10 02 5%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 00
4.1% to 6.0% 02
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 02

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 01 $20,425
Vehicle modification and transportation 01 $15,430
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 02 $35,855

6. Defaults

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? 0


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? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?AT Leasing for Savings Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)65
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)101
C. Total Served166

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures166

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 / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price		Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold		Savings
to Consumers
Vision 166$541,990$22,320$519,670
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 0$0$0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 0$0$0$0
Daily living 0$0$0$0
Environmental adaptations 0$0$0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0$0$0
Computers and related 0$0$0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 0$0$0$0
Total 166$541,990$22,320$519,670


D. Anecdote

TW is an elderly disabled veteran who has complex health issues that have resulted in a loss of mobility, and he relies on a power chair to get around. His vehicle was not accessible to him, and his wife's health has also deteriorated, and she can no longer drive either. TW applied for our low-interest loan program and was approved for a loan for a wheelchair accessible van. He is now able to live independently and get himself and his wife to appointments, shopping, and entertainment without asking others for a ride. He would not have qualified for financing through any other funding source, so our loan program has made a huge positive impact in his life.

Impact Area

CJ’s SBVI Rehab Teacher recommended her for a CCTV through the State program. I met with CJ at her home to demonstrate a Merlin and an Acrobat to assess which device would best suit her needs. We discussed the location she wanted to use the device. I explained how the devices work and the size difference between them. CJ indicated a preference for the smaller unit. I set it up where requested and had CJ sit at it. CJ used one of her bills to try the device. I showed her the control buttons on the Acrobat’s camera and described their functions. I had her try the device, and she liked the fact that she could see her bill very clearly. I showed her some of the extra features of the Acrobat. I demonstrated the other camera modes. I demonstrated the self-view and the distance-view features. She thought that these would be nice to use as well. I showed how the camera could be moved to the side if she needed to view her recipes on the counter. She said that this was what she would be using it for. She was very impressed with these features. I asked if she wanted me to bring in the Merlin. She said that she really liked the Acrobat and did not need to see the Merlin. She liked how she could slide it to the side of the counter and use it to view her recipes and then move it out of the way. She felt this was the better CCTV for her, and that this is the one she wanted. CJ appreciated the Acrobat and looked forward to being able to better read her materials.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

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 00 168 168
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 00 168 168
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 168 168
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 168 168
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 124 73.81%
Satisfied 29 17.26%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 15 8.93%
Total Surveyed 168
Response rate % 91.07%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

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 41
C. Total 41

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. 28
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 13

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

DakotaLink collects and redistributes repossessed items from VR clients who do not complete their plan. Redistribution is limited to VR clients on approval. Since these are VR allocations, exclusion from performance is required.

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 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 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $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 32 $51,757 $0 $51,757
Hearing 03 $1,880 $0 $1,880
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 38 $12,326 $0 $12,326
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 02 $290 $0 $290
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 75 $66,253 $0 $66,253

D. Anecdote

DakotaLink received a donated Acuity 22" CCTV w/ speech from a veteran who passed away and was only able to use it briefly. We received a phone call from JN's mother. His current CCTV was broken and very old. She was looking for a new CCTV for him. I coordinated a time to meet with her friend, who would take the Acuity to JN. JN is very excited about receiving a new CCTV. He has a hard time staying independent without a way to read. He now has a much nicer machine that will serve him well into the future.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

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 00 11 11
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 00 00 13 13
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 13 13
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 13 13
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 36 87.8%
Satisfied 05 12.2%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 41
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

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) 31
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 13
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 00
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 00
Total 44

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 24 11 35
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 01 00 01
Representative of Education 04 01 05
Representative of Employment 00 00 00
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02 01 03
Representatives of Community Living 00 00 00
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 31 13 44

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 14

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 29 02 31
Hearing 03 00 03
Speech Communication 01 00 01
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02 00 02
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01 00 01
Daily Living 03 01 04
Environmental Adaptations 01 00 01
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 09 10 19
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 49 13 62

E. Anecdote

YS is a pottery instructor at a Fine Arts Center. She has been holding pottery classes for the visually impaired. The weekend of their last class included a display of their artwork. YS borrowed a Cloverbook CCTV Magnifier to allow her students to view their pieces in greater detail. Since the Cloverbook has dual cameras, they could use the near-view camera to view the pottery, and the far-view camera to view pieces that were hanging on the wall. Access to the CCTV enhanced the art experience for the students.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 01 05 05 11
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 01 03 05
Subtotal 02 06 08 16
Have not made a decision 03 04 08 15
Subtotal 05 10 16 31
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 05 10 16 31
Performance on this measure 40% 60% 50%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

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. 08 02 01 11
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 08 02 01 11
5. None of the above 01 01 00 02
6. Subtotal 09 03 01 13
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 09 03 01 13
9. Performance on this measure 88.89% 66.67% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 39 88.64%
Satisfied 03 6.82%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 4.55%
Total Surveyed 44
Response rate % 95.45%

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 90
Hearing 10
Speech Communication 06
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 82
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 07
Daily Living 03
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 01
Computers and Related 19
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Device Demonstrations 220

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 209 05 214
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 02 66 68
Representatives of Education 04 18 22
Representatives of Employment 02 08 10
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 02 05 07
Representative of Community Living 01 04 05
Representative of Technology 00 01 01
Total 220 107 327

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 29
Service Provider 09
Vendor 00
Repair Service 00
Others 01
Total 39

D. Anecdote

DM is a 46-year-old male with low vision. SBVI referred him for an AT assessment to evaluate a magnifier and a head lamp to help him at his job. I met with DM at his apartment. He stated that he needed a headlamp to provide better lighting at work. I demonstrated four different headlamps to him. He selected the one that he felt was the best option. DM received a Pebble electronic handheld magnifier through SBVI/VR several years ago. He said his Pebble was not working correctly, the clip on the case was broken, and that he couldn’t find the charger for it. I demonstrated the Pebble HD, the Amigo HD, the Ruby XL HD, and the Clover 6. He felt that the Clover 6 was the best option. He liked that the screen was a little larger and that the device had touchscreen capabilities.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 85 37 30 152
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 01 02 04 07
Subtotal 86 39 34 159
Have not made a decision 23 22 16 61
Subtotal 109 61 50 220
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 109 61 50 220
Performance on this measure 78.9% 63.93% 68%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 307 93.88%
Satisfied 12 3.67%
Satisfied somewhat 03 0.92%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 05 1.53%
Total 327
Response rate % 98.47%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

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. 08 02 180 190
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 02 02
4. Subtotal 08 02 182 192
5. None of the above 01 01 00 02
6. Subtotal 09 03 182 194
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 09 03 182 194
9. Performance on this measure 88.89% 66.67% 98.9% 97.94%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 86 42 35 163
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 03 07 12
Subtotal 88 45 42 175
Have not made a decision 26 26 24 76
Subtotal 114 71 66 251
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 114 71 66 251
Performance on this measure 77.19% 63.38% 63.64% 69.72%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Not Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.46% 95% Met
Response Rate 96.21% 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 346
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 71
Representatives of Education 08
Representatives of Employment 05
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 02
Representatives of Community Living 05
Representatives of Technology 01
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 438

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
284 154 00 438

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 400
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 01
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 02
Transition 35
Total 438

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

PK has had difficulty accessing his iPad and computer. He has tried eye gaze devices in the past and was unsuccessful with them. He was using a mouth stick to access his devices, which was slow. DakotaLink helped him acquire a MouthPad with financial assistance from the VA. The MouthPad is a custom-fit, tongue-operated touchpad device. It connects to the iPad and/or computer via Bluetooth. DakotaLink met with PK to help him set up the MouthPad on his devices. We provided training in using the MouthPad. The technician worked with him to ensure settings were optimized for his use. The technician also made sure that PK and his wife knew how to adjust settings if needed in the future. The MouthPad provided PK with better and faster access to his computer system.

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

DakotaLink provided a training session to a group of college disability services directors and staff in related fields to provide information to them about the services we provide, commonly used technology in higher education settings, and how consumers that we all work with can obtain services, equipment, and training so that they can be more successful in school through the use of technology. This was part of the Summer Transition Institute that included both education professionals and students transitioning from high school to college. This particular event was specifically to train education professionals.

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

DakotaLink provided in-person training to two IT staff at MH, a regional integrated health care system. The purpose of the training was to aid the staff in determining accessibility of their computer systems to employees (or prospective employees completing a job shadow) who have disabilities. As part of the training, the IT staff were allowed to test their hospital management software with common screen readers. This provided insight as to some of the barriers that employees with disabilities could encounter. The staff at MH is actively working on policies to ensure that new or existing employees can obtain tools to do their jobs that would be considered reasonable accommodations, with the goal of obtaining that technology more quickly.

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 02
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 02
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 07%
Employment 01%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 92%
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:

DakotaLink met with two IT staff at MH, a regional integrated health care system, to aid in determining the accessibility of their computer systems to employees (or prospective employees completing a job shadow) who have disabilities. The IT staff were allowed to test their hospital management software with common screen readers. This provided insight as to some of the barriers that employees with disabilities could encounter. The staff at MH is actively working on policies to ensure that new or existing employees can obtain tools to do their jobs that would be considered reasonable accommodations, with the goal of obtaining that technology more quickly.

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

DakotaLink provided assistance to a group of college disability services directors and staff in related fields. The assistance included AT items commonly used in the higher education setting, and how individuals can obtain the services, equipment, and training through DakotaLink and partner agencies. The assistance will help the disability directors in developing processes to better refer students to DakotaLink and other agencies as needed. This will help ensure that the students will obtain the appropriate AT to improve their success in their education.

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. Partners in Policymaking is a leadership and advocacy training initiative, aiming to engage and empower individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, and families. The goal is to help participants develop and utilize their skills so they can drive positive change in community awareness, sensitivity, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities. DakotaLink presented to the group at one of the sessions. The group included parents, self-advocates, and professionals who are involved with disability advocacy, who were curious about new AT that is available now. Information about DakotaLink’s history and functions was provided. Common AT items recommended for students were presented. Various applications and devices designed to assist in Reading, Writing, note-taking, and Math were discussed and demonstrated. Additional devices to provide magnification for visually impaired individuals were demonstrated. At the end of the presentation, information was given about additional resources to aid in learning. Approximately 8-12 individuals with disabilities, their family members, and other individuals were present. Attendees left with a greater awareness of the types of AT that are available, as well as how DakotaLink can help them acquire and learn to use the assistive technology.

2. DakotaLink presented at the annual meeting of the Resources for Human Development case managers. Information about DakotaLink’s history was provided. We also provided information on how to request a referral and the process from referral to AT provision. We explained that DakotaLink is not a funding source and discussed possible funding sources. We discussed a variety of AT items, specifically items that can be used in a variety of housing situations (group home, supervised apartment, independent apartment, or with family). The group was looking for AT to help with independence, but also possibly monitoring tools to reduce the need for paid staff. We discussed items that could be used for employment and the home, including reminders and smart home devices. The presenters included some (sanitized) DakotaLink cases, with a discussion of the individual’s needs and goals, as well as the AT solutions that were provided for the individual. The person coordinating the event had also provided us with details of two of their cases. DakotaLink provided ideas for possible solutions to each of those cases. We ended the presentation with an opportunity for attendees to ask additional questions about AT and DakotaLink. Approximately 25 case managers were in attendance. Attendees left with a greater awareness of the breadth of possible AT solutions, as well as a better understanding of how to access information and resources through DakotaLink.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 230 02 232
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 57 01 58
Representative of Education 15 00 15
Representative of Employment 07 00 07
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01 00 01
Representative of Community Living 41 00 41
Representative of Technology 00 00 00
Unable to Categorize 04 00 04
Total 355 03 358

Referral Types:

Referrals to DakotaLink originate from a wide array of sources, reflecting extensive outreach efforts. These include television commercials, the Dakota At Home program (https://dakotaathome.org/), and partnerships with various state and federal organizations. Key collaborators include the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Telephone Adaptive Device (TAD) program. Additional partners are the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI), Deaf Blind Program, iCanConnectSD program, Strengthening Families Program, Family Support 360, Hearing Aid Assistance Program, Cochlear Implant Program, Department of Education Office of Special Education, Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program, Independent Living Centers, Disability Rights South Dakota, and the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network.

Referral Sources:

DakotaLink receives approximately 77% of our referrals from various agencies under the South Dakota Department of Human Services, which includes Vocational Rehabilitation, Service to the Blind & Visually Impaired, and others. The Department of Veterans Affairs accounts for approximately 10% of our referrals. The remainder originates from other entities such as school districts, businesses, and private individuals.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Outreach was conducted with the State Education Agency during the Transition Summer Institute and the Special Education Conference. Training was provided to K-12 Special Education Teachers and Post-Secondary Disability Coordinators. Discussion topics included IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and gathering feedback to ensure alignment with state policies and regulations. Information was provided about the device loan program, allowing educators to try out AT items with their students to determine what tools may be beneficial.
Educational staff have an increased awareness of the variety of AT items and how these tools can equip students to succeed. In addition, pressure on staff resources can be reduced with proper AT utilization. Awareness of DakotaLink as a resource helps to facilitate the acquisition of AT for individuals in their schools. IEP teams are equipped to more effectively assess and address individual student needs, resulting in enhanced educational outcomes throughout the district.

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

Education, 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, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Yes
Yes
Outreach was conducted with Vocational Rehabilitation (Department of Rehabilitation Services) to review program requirements, gather feedback, and ensure compliance with state policies and regulations. Regular meetings at conferences throughout the year facilitate the collection of essential information to support justification for VR funding. This funding enables DakotaLink to provide equipment and services to qualifying individuals, representing a significant advancement in promoting equitable access to assistive technology for students with diverse abilities, along with providing individuals with disabilities the AT they need to be successful in the workforce.
This partnership between DakotaLink and Vocational Rehabilitation highlights the transformative potential of strategic investments in assistive technology. By equipping students and employees with tools to succeed, meaningful improvements in both learning and employment are fostered. Independence is enhanced, and individuals are enabled to thrive, both at school and at work.

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), 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,
Yes
No
The state Aging Agency chose not to collaborate with DakotaLink during FFY2025.
Yes
Yes
DakotaLink partnered with Family Support 360 and the Choice Waiver program. DakotaLink supplied the knowledge and expertise to help provide a variety of AT items to recipients of the programs.
Through the partnership, individuals received a variety of AT items, including, but not limited to, wheelchair ramps, patient lifts, environmental controls, and iPads for communication. The collaboration improved access to AT items, fostering independence in daily activities.

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

Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

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

Device Loan, Demo, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

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

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

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.

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).

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This FY24 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.