National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.uwyo.edu/wind/watr/
Mailing Address:
1000 E. University Avenue, Dept. 4298
City:
Laramie
State:
Wyoming
Zip Code:
82071
Program Email:
watr@uwyo.edu
Phone:
888-989-9463
TTY:
800-908-7011

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
Mailing Address:
1000 E. University Avenue, Dept. 4298
City:
Laramie
State:
Wyoming
Zip Code:
82071
Program URL:
https://www.uwyo.edu/wind/

Implementing Entity

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):
Jarman, Michelle
Title:
Executive Director
Phone:
307-766-5060
E-mail:
mjarman@uwyo.edu
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Wofford, Teresa
Title:
Manager
Phone:
307-766-2932
E-mail:
twofford@uwyo.edu
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):
Wofford, Teresa
Title:
Manager
Phone:
307-766-2932
E-mail:
twofford@uwyo.edu

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Rapp, Farrell
Title:
Director, Research Services, VP for Research & Eco
Phone:
(307) 766-2047
E-mail:
fgraf@uwyo.edu

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 04 01 05
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 00 03 03
Total 04 04 08

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $6,342 Highest Income: $155,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$238,571 05 $47,714

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 02 01 00 01 00 01 05
Percentage of Loans 40% 20% 0% 20% 0% 20% 100%

3. Loan Type

Loan Type
Type of Loan Number of Loans Percentage of loans
Revolving Loans 00 0%
Partnership Loans
Without interest buy-down or loan guarantee 00 0%
With interest buy-down only 05 100%
With loan guarantee only 00 0%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 05 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 05 $56,123
Total 05 $56,123

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 4%
Highest 9%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
27 05 5.4%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 03
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 01
8.1% - 10.0% 01
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 05

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 01 $5,105
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 01 $5,518
Environmental adaptations 01 $6,500
Vehicle modification and transportation 02 $39,000
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 05 $56,123

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? 2
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)0
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)2
C. Total Served2

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures2

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 of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 1$4,760
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 1$728
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total2$5,488

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Speech Communication

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

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)1
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served1

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures1

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 of Devices
Funded
Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication1$73
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 0$0
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total1$73



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 Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)0
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)27
C. Total Served27

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures27

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 0$0$0$0
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 0$0$0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 25$250$0$250
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 25$625$0$625
Recreation, sports, and leisure 0$0$0$0
Total 50$875$0$875


D. Anecdote

JP, a seventy-year-old woman, sustained a back injury leading to a spinal reconstruction. Due to this, she can only partially lift one leg and has difficulty standing. Additionally, JP has an adult son living with her who is an amputee. JP applied for a financial loan through the Wyoming Technology Access Program (WYTAP) to convert her existing bathtub into a walk-in shower with bench seating. The WYTAP loan was approved and with funds received from a partnering organization the dream of an accessible bathroom became a reality. JP shared that the remodel has enabled herself and her son to shower safely and independently. Another client, Cassandra, from Laramie County, Wyoming, who has significant hearing and vision impairments needed a way to make and receive phone calls. Cassandra qualified for the Wyoming iCanConnect program and was excited to receive a phone from the program that met her needs. Cassandra said, “I want to say thank you so much! Your brought back direct communication between my family, children, and grandchildren.”

Impact Area

Educators attending the Wyoming Department of Education Native American Conference on August 14, 2025, in Riverton, Wyoming, participated in a “Make and Take Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes” presentation led by Terri Wofford, WATR program manager, and Shelby Kappler, Assistive Technology Program Specialist. Participants were provided with the materials and walked through making twenty-five tablet stands and twenty-five visual schedules. One participant commented, “I gained new insight on how to look around at items and how to make them into low-tech solutions for students in the classroom.”

Narrative Picture
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 04 04
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 03 00 27 30
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 01 01
4. Subtotal 03 00 32 35
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 03 00 32 35
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 03 00 32 35
9. Performance on this measure 100% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 35 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 35
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 02
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 50
C. Total 52

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. 03
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 49

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

The recipients were school-age children under IDEA.

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 01 $25 $0 $25
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 01 $6,000 $0 $6,000
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 02 $6,025 $0 $6,025

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 22 $7,262 $0 $7,262
Hearing 11 $991 $0 $991
Speech Communication 06 $638 $25 $613
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 20 $2,116 $0 $2,116
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 21 $3,182 $0 $3,182
Daily Living 25 $6,079 $0 $6,079
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 28 $2,312 $0 $2,312
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 $40 $0 $40
Total 135 $22,620 $25 $22,595

D. Anecdote

A parent from Laramie County was worried about her child eloping from their home and called to see what items might be available from the reuse program. Krista Zwieg, Community Outreach Coordinator 1, assisted the parent with obtaining a Clarity Alert Master Door Announcer and Visual Alert System from WATR's reuse program. The parent shared, "Krista Zwieg is amazing and has gone above and beyond to meet my son's needs. She has made this whole process super easy and is so nice and respectful and very fast at responding."

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. 01 00 26 27
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 09 02 09 20
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 01 02
4. Subtotal 10 03 36 49
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 10 03 36 49
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 10 03 36 49
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 48 92.31%
Satisfied 04 7.69%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 52
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) 152
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 03
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 12
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 24
Total 191

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 123 15 138
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 04 02 06
Representative of Education 08 18 26
Representative of Employment 01 00 01
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 06 01 07
Representatives of Community Living 07 00 07
Representatives of Technology 03 03 06
Total 152 39 191

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 42

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 22 14 36
Hearing 12 04 16
Speech Communication 65 23 88
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 72 31 103
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10 05 15
Daily Living 19 58 77
Environmental Adaptations 03 01 04
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 02 02
Computers and Related 62 38 100
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 05 01 06
Total 270 177 447

E. Anecdote

A student with dyslexia who resides in Albany County and works in Laramie County was referred to the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) program by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) office in Albany County. The student expressed interest in trialing assistive technology devices to improve reading comprehension and enhance understanding of educational textbooks. After exploring various options, the student decided to borrow a C-Pen Reader 3 from the WATR Device Loan Program. This device was selected due to restrictions on using iPads in the school setting and the students’ specific needs for portable text-to-speech support. The student said the device was easy to learn. They were highly satisfied with the WATR program and device.

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 56 03 40 99
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 15 07 25 47
Subtotal 71 10 65 146
Have not made a decision 03 00 03 06
Subtotal 74 10 68 152
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 74 10 68 152
Performance on this measure 95.95% 100% 95.59%

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. 06 00 10 16
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 13 02 07 22
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 19 02 17 38
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 19 02 18 39
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 19 02 18 39
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 94.44%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 170 89.01%
Satisfied 19 9.95%
Satisfied somewhat 02 1.05%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 191
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 06
Hearing 01
Speech Communication 13
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 15
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00
Daily Living 09
Environmental Adaptations 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 11
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02
Total # of Device Demonstrations 57

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 25 00 25
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 04 06 10
Representatives of Education 19 05 24
Representatives of Employment 01 00 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00 01 01
Representative of Community Living 06 06 12
Representative of Technology 02 00 02
Total 57 18 75

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 04
Service Provider 03
Vendor 03
Repair Service 00
Others 06
Total 16

D. Anecdote

An individual with low vision who resides in Albany County came into the WATR Lab for a demonstration of various vision equipment. After testing several devices, including low-tech magnifiers and different-sized video magnifiers, the individual tried on the IrisVision wearable goggles. With the IrisVision, the individual was able to see pictures of their young grandchildren for the first time. The individual and their sibling, who also attended the demo, were emotional and excited to try the device in person at an upcoming family reunion. 

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 29 02 24 55
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 02 00 00 02
Subtotal 31 02 24 57
Have not made a decision 00 00 00 00
Subtotal 31 02 24 57
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 31 02 24 57
Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 68 90.67%
Satisfied 05 6.67%
Satisfied somewhat 02 2.67%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 75
Response rate % 100%

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. 07 00 40 47
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 25 04 43 72
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 01 02 03
4. Subtotal 32 05 85 122
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 32 05 86 123
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 32 05 86 123
9. Performance on this measure 100% 80% 96.51% 96.75%
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 85 05 64 154
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 17 07 25 49
Subtotal 102 12 89 203
Have not made a decision 03 00 03 06
Subtotal 105 12 92 209
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 105 12 92 209
Performance on this measure 97.14% 100% 96.74% 97.13%
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 98.87% 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 24
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 12
Representatives of Education 547
Representatives of Employment 14
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 25
Representatives of Community Living 120
Representatives of Technology 13
Unable to Categorize 36
TOTAL 791

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
224 481 86 791

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 521
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 01
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 71
Transition 198
Total 791

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

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

AT Tech Tip Tuesday virtual trainings were held monthly from January to May 2025 on the second Tuesday of each month. Held during the lunch hour for a unique opportunity to learn about assistive technology! Attendees gained valuable insights and practical tips to enhance their knowledge and use of assistive technology. Fifty attendees from various counties across Wyoming and several other states participated in these sessions. A Wyoming case manager participated and indicated , “Learning more about my client’s needs and resources helps me give them the tools to live their lives to the fullest.”

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

In September 2025, Albany County School District #1 Project Transition students and their teachers contacted WATR as they were interested in learning about assistive technology to support increasing independence with medications. Terri Wofford, Speech-Language Pathologist and Manager of the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) program, along with Krista Zwieg, Community Outreach Coordinator I, hosted an in-person training session in the WATR lab for the Project Transition team. Project Transition is a community-based transition program for young adults (18-21) with intellectual disabilities that are working on a certificate of completion. Four students and two teachers attended the session, where they explored several types of medication reminder tools, using dedicated devices and mobile applications.

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

In October 2024, thirty-seven individuals from the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Aging Division participated in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Training: How to Share Information with Everyone: Digital Accessibility Best Practices. Shelby Kappler, AT Program Specialist and Brittany Brigham, Project Coordinator, with the WIND Accessibility Committee provided the virtual training. Participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the training and one commented “I am glad I was able to attend as I have friends that use reading equipment and this increased my knowledge.”

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 35
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 32
No known outcome at this time 04
Nonrespondent 00
Total 71
Performance Measure Percentage 94.4%
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 69%
Employment 18%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 02%
Community Living 11%
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:

Terri Wofford, SLP, provided technical assistance as part of a tiered (no fee) assessment with Fremont County School District #1 to improve services for a child with complex communication needs. Technical assistance included using the Proloquo2Go communication app with a custom 3D printed keyguard, and modified tablet-table to increase access to the communication system. The school team shared: "We are seeing progress with communication skills that they have never seen in the past. Very excited to be able to get the student a communication device from WATR."

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

Terri Wofford, Manager of WATR, provided technical assistance with seventy-five Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) counselors during a WY statewide DVR in-service held in Sheridan WY on September 24, 2025. Technical assistance included a presentation, "The Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources: Your community connection for AT needs" and problem-solving discussion related to improving AT services, policies, and outcomes. Representatives from the Pathways to Progress/WY Navigator programs for transition from school to work were in attendance and provided input on increasing AT usage between the school and work environments. Future collaborations have been planned and will include content development for DVR counselors related to AT in the workplace.

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. On May 1-2, 2025 Terri Wofford, manager of WATR, and Shelby Kappler, AT Program Specialist provided a vendor table at the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit (WORS) held at the Marion H. Rochelle Gateway Center in Laramie. This event aimed to serve Wyoming’s outdoor recreation community with relevant, representative, and engaging programming. Terri and Shelby provided WATR recreational devices to showcase at the vendor table. Recreational AT devices included a Buddy Bike, accessible fishing equipment, and wheelchair blades. There were approximately 150 attendees at the event. Terri and Shelby also provided an hour presentation, "Breaking Barriers: Expanding Accessibility in Wyoming's Outdoor Recreation Communities". The presentation was well attended and one participation said "Your presentation was the best out of all the sessions I attended".

2. On August 14, 2025, the Wyoming Department of Education Native American Conference was held at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, WY. This conference is aimed at assisting teachers of tribal youth, but it is open to all, as many sessions address issues beyond the classroom. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes is welcome to attend. Terri Wofford, WATR Manager, and Shelby Kappler, hosted a vendor information table from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Approximately three hundred participants were at this conference. Terri and Shelby also provided two presentations, one on accessible documents and one on making low tech AT. Both sessions were well attended with positive feedback.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 164 09 173
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 197 37 234
Representative of Education 1,050 83 1,133
Representative of Employment 159 20 179
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 282 48 330
Representative of Community Living 315 47 362
Representative of Technology 166 07 173
Unable to Categorize 06 00 06
Total 2,339 251 2,590

Referral Types:

Many individuals learn about our assistive technology (AT) program through our collaborations with the Project ECHO Networks and by participating in our bi-weekly virtual training sessions in ECHO in Assistive Technology (AT), held in the Fall and Spring. This year, our ECHO in AT network theme was based on the US Department of Education Myths and Facts document surrounding AT devices and services. This theme likely influenced the increase seen in our Representative of Education recipient numbers and led to increased discussions related to AT Funding. Additionally, our ongoing relationships and interactions with leaders within the Department of Workforce Services, Wyoming Independent Living, and various school districts across the state have led to increased interactions/training opportunities with associated staff.

Referral Sources:

Referrals from school districts and child development centers statewide highlight a growing need for assistance in identifying AT devices for student use. Approximately 44% of our referrals originate from school districts, higher education programs, child development centers, and child resource centers across the state. Additionally, about 14% come from Representatives of Community Living (Wyoming Independent Living), 13% from Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation, and about 9% from family members.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
Collaboration included attending four conferences sponsored by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and one conference sponsored by WY Parent Information Center (8/2025 Casper, Vendor & Presenter). The WDE conferences included the Special Educators Directors Conference (11/2024, Casper, Vendor), Special Educators Conference and New Teacher Boot Camp (7/2025, Cheyenne, Vendor), Teacher Con (8/2025, Laramie, Vendor), and the Native American Conference (8/2025, Riverton, Vendor & Presenter). Over one thousand educators participated in these events where the Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) team provided vendor information, demonstrations, and presentations. Additionally, specially designed trainings were provided to several school districts on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Trainings included the following topics: AAC the Basics, Touch Chat Word Power Communication App, and LAMP Words For Life Communication App. Educational trainings within the ECHO in AT network in the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 series focused on Assistive Technology Myths and Facts, and the team also implemented a Tech Tip Tuesday training series (Feb. 2025- May 2025). Collaboration with the WY College of Education and WY College of Health Sciences resulted in Interdisciplinary Pre-service Preparation hands on trainings with assistive technology. Trainings for the College of Education included EDEX 2484 in the Spring 2025 and EDEX 5250 in the Summer 2025. Trainings for the College of Health Sciences included a Communicative Disorders Graduate AAC course in the Summer 2025.
The collaborative activities listed above increased awareness of AT and the WATR program with educators across the state. This resulted in increased requests to borrow AT items, requests for specific AT trainings, and technical assistance. The partnership was successful as WDE representatives shared conference dates and locations with the WATR program early, which increased our team availability to plan for staff participation. WATR staff also marketed training opportunities directly to educators which increased their ability to plan/join training opportunities. Many of the activities listed occurred over the summer in a short time span, which made it difficult for staff and required frequent back-to-back travel. In-person events continue to be desired in Wyoming and given the weather/travel conditions are varied throughout the rest of the year, summer events remain a need. We plan on continuing to participate in as many of these collaborative activities with WDE as possible.

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

Education, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Device Loan, Demo, Training,

Yes
Yes
Collaboration with WY Workforce Services/Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) included connecting with the DVR Stakeholder Liaison, Sarah Leonard, for a WATR lab tour and presentation about the WATR program in the Spring of 2025. This initial opportunity led to several additional collaborations throughout the year. In May of 2025, the Department of Workforce Services- Building Our Leaders for Tomorrow (BOLT) workgroup, visited the WATR program. This workgroup included individuals from across the state and provided an opportunity to discuss AT needs and approaches within DVR. Additional regional specific (southeast Wyoming) presentations were requested along with an invitation requesting WATR to join the DVR Statewide Inservice/Conference held in Sheridan, in September 2025. Terri Wofford, Manager of WATR, attended the Statewide Inservice/Conference and presented, "The Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources: Your community connection for AT needs". The presentation provided opportunities for a problem-solving discussion related to improving AT services, policies, and outcomes. Seventy-five DVR counselors attended and included representatives from the Pathways to Progress/WY Navigator (programs for transition from school to work). Discussions included ways to increase AT usage between school and work environments, the need for AT resources in the workplace, and a desire for more in-depth training to support work AT needs. Funding sources included the following: WY2403
The AT partnership/collaboration with DVR has resulted in a better understanding of the WATR program with increased awareness on how DVR clients may attain AT device demonstrations and device short term loans for trial. These collaborations also improved understanding of what AT is and how AT can be attained. The collaboration was successful as members were open and honest regarding their needs and willing to consider new approaches. Future plans include development of an AT Considerations in the Workplace booklet and online courses to expand knowledge of AT in the workplace for select AT ambassadors within regional offices.

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

Employment, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community),

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

Device Loan, Demo, Technical Assistance,

Yes
Yes
Collaboration on Aging included participation in a WY Center on Aging Conference, Fueling a Healthier Future, held in April 2025 in Casper. WATR attended the conference as a vendor, providing information and resources about the program to participants. Collaborations also included AT demonstrations and presentations at senior centers around the state. Sites included the Hub at Sheridan, Torrington Senior Center, and Buffalo Senior Center. The WATR program also provided demonstrations/information to the Parkinson’s group and Mayor’s Council on Aging in Cheyenne. Funding sources included the following: WY2403
These events were successful, as WATR staff were able to provide in-person events with the Senior communities. Seniors reported not being aware of the program and devices available for trial. Additionally, several seniors have utilized the WY Technology Access Program (WyTAP) for funding of AT. We plan to continue in-person activities as much as possible but also want to offer virtual trainings to this age group. Moving forward, our Spring 2025 ECHO in AT series will be featuring Environmental Modifications for Living in the Home using the Zoom training platform. As this is a topic of interest to many seniors, we are currently developing a targeted mailing list to Senior Centers so that participants could join with technological support from the centers. We will continue to seek additional opportunities for collaboration with the aging community in the coming year.

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

Aging, Transition (school to work or congregate care to community), Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door,

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

Device Loan, State Financing, Information & Assistance,

Yes
Yes
Collaborations with Medicaid included virtual presentations on the WATR program to the Home and Community Based Services-Community Choices Waiver providers and the Developmental Disabilities Providers in January and February of 2025. Additional activities included conference participation at the Bridging the Gap Conference (May, 2025, Casper) and the Collaborative Connections Conference (sponsored by WY Medicaid and WY Department of Health) as a vendor and presenter in June, 2025. The team also attended community health fairs in Washakie and Rock Springs. WATR continued to provide technical assistance on funding of AT/Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to users/families/providers seeking funding through WY Medicaid. Information included links to the durable medical equipment (DME) vendors and template examples for funding reports. Funding sources included the following: WY2403
The collaborative partnerships with WY Medicaid were successful as open lines of communication existed between the agencies. Additionally, providers reported greater success with funding AT/AAC devices as they have increased understanding of how and what information will be needed for funding. This increased understanding from providers has led to more individuals obtaining personally owned devices. WATR will continue with this initiative moving forward.

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

Education, Community Participation and Integration, Health,

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

Device Loan, Public Awareness, Technical Assistance,

Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 1

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?

WATR continued to expand access to recreational AT and collaborated with several different organizations/agencies to increase public awareness and access. In October 2024 and January 2025, colleagues from WATR provided trainings to the University of Wyoming Outdoor Programs. The Wyoming Outdoor Program provides recreational opportunities for UW students. Participants learned how recreational AT could be accessed through the WATR program. WATR continued previous collaborations with the WY State Parks providing a presentation to State Park representatives in March 2025 regarding recreational AT and hosted an in-depth training on the High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) in August 2025. The HETAP cart maps trails, grade, slope, and trail features. The data from the HETAP mapping will be used to share trail conditions with visitors. The trail mapping equipment and software are available to state park employees on loan from WATR. In April 2025, the WATR team participated as a vendor and presenters at the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit. This opportunity increased awareness of accessibility needs within the park system, recreational activities, and tourism in general. It also allowed for onsite demonstrations of recreational AT items available on loan from WATR. Funding sources included WY2403 ATSG and David Rodman Titcomb Private Foundation Award.

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.

The recreational AT collaborations have been successful as it has included professionals knowledgeable in ADA compliance, individuals with lived experiences with recreational AT needs, and individuals within the state who are willing to embrace change to increase accessibility. Additionally, these activities have increased public awareness of different types of AT. WATR plans to continue with this initiative and is looking into ways to increase availability across the state.

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

Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure;

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

Device Loan; Training; Public Awareness;

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
Federal$15,467Device LoanTrue
Private$5,000Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$107,870Technical AssistanceTrue
Amount: $128,337

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.