1. Name Given to Statewide AT Program: Project START
2. Website dedicated to Statewide AT Program: http://www.msprojectstart.org
3. Name and Address of Lead Agency
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
1281 Highway 51 North Madison, MS 39110
4. Name, Title, and Contact Information for Lead Agency Certifying Representative.
H.S. McMillan Executive Director 1281 Highway 51 North Madison, MS 39110 601-853-5100 bmcmillan@mdrs.ms.gov
5. Information about Program Director at Lead Agency:
Patsy Galtelli Program Director 601-987-4872 pgaltelli@mdrs.ms.gov100% FTE
6. Information about Program Contact(s) at Lead Agency:
Patsy Galtelli Director 601-987-4872 pgaltelli@mdrs.ms.gov
7. Telephone at Lead Agency for Public: 800-962-2230
8. E-mail at Lead Agency for Public: pgaltelli@mdrs.ms.gov
9. Descriptor of the agency: General or Combined Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
10. If Other was selected for question 9, identify and describe the agency:
11. Contract with an Implementing Entity? No
12. Name and Address of Implementing Entity:
13. Information about Program Director at the Implementing Entity:
14. Information about Program Contact(s) at Implementing Entity:
15. Telephone at Implementing Entity for Public:
16. E-mail at Implementing Entity for Public:
17. Type of organization:
18. If Other was selected, identify and describe the entity:
19. Describe the mechanisms established to ensure coordination of activities and collaboration between the Implementing Entity and the state:
20. Is the Lead Agency named new or different Lead Agency? No
21. Explain why the Lead Agency previously designated by your state should not serve as the Lead Agency:
22. Explain why the Lead Agency newly designated by your state should not serve as the Lead Agency:
23. Is the Implementing Entity named in this State Plan a new or different Implementing Entity from the one designated by the Governor in your previous State Plan? No
If you answered no or not applicable to question 23, you may skip ahead to the next page. Otherwise, you must answer the following questions.
24. Explain why the Implementing Entity previously designated by your state should not serve as the Implementing Entity:
25. Explain why the Implementing Entity newly designated by your state
should serve as the Implementing Entity:
1. In accordance with section 4(c)(2) of the AT Act of 1998, as amended our state has a consumer-majority advisory council that provides consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to the state for planning of, implementation of, and evaluation of the activities carried out through the grant, including setting measurable goals. This advisory council is geographically representative of the State and reflects the diversity of the State with respect to race, ethnicity, types of disabilities across the age span, and users of types of services that an individual with a disability may receive. Yes
2. The advisory council includes a representative of the designated State agency, as defined in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705) Yes
3. The advisory council includes a representative of the State agency for individuals who are blind (within the meaning of section 101 of that Act (29 U.S.C. 721)); Yes
4. The advisory council includes a representative of a State center for independent living described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.); Yes
5. The advisory council includes a representative of the State workforce investment board established under section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2821); Yes
6. The advisory council includes a representative of the State educational agency, as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Yes
7. The advisory council includes other representatives
Five individuals with disabilities, Parent of a child with a disability, parent/guardian and public agency
8. The advisory council includes the following number of individuals with disabilities that use assistive technology or their family members or guardians 8
9. If the Statewide AT Program does not have the composition and representation required under section 4(c)(2)(B), explain.
10. Proposed Budget Allocations
State Financing Activities Not performed due to flexibility
Device Reutilization Activities $90,001-$100,000
Device Loan Activity Proposed $90,001-$100,000
Device Demonstration Activity $50,001-$60,000
State Leadership Activities more than $100,000
11. For every activity for which you selected "claiming comparability" in item 10, describe the comparable activity.
12. Describe your planned procedures for tracking expenditures for State-level and State Leadership activities.
The State of Mississippi records financial transactions on the State’s accounting system known as the Statewide Automated Accounting System (SAAS). To ensure financial transactions are recorded to the correct grant and grant year, the MS Department of Rehabilitation Services utilizes individual fund numbers, Program numbers, and Organizational codes. Every financial transaction recorded in our accounting system is coded utiliizing each of these individual codes. Program personnel are required to approve each invoice by signing their names on the invoices and recording their respective codes (fund ,project code, and org code) prior to an invoice being submitted to Finance for payment. Additionally, accounting personnel review invoices for coding and approval prior to any invoice being entered for payment. In addition to the SAAS system, the state also maintains a software system known as MERLIN, which allows financial personnel to generate specific reports from the accounting system. Reports are individualized; in that, accounting personnel can generate reports at any given time based on such items as: funding source/grant, grant year, time period, etc. As a further control, each month, the VR Finance Director generates itemized reports by funding source and submits them to the respective program directors. This provides a further program review in that program directors can review all expenditures being charged to their programs/grants. This system will allow for tracking of State Level and State Leadership activities to ensure the required distribution of 70/30% plus the 5% for transition is met at the end of the fiscal year.
13. State Financing Activities Performed
Financial loan program No
Access to telework loan fund No
Cooperative buying program No
Financing for home modifications program No
Telecommunications distribution program No
Last resort program No
Other program No
Other Activities Performed
How many device exchange programs do you support? 0
How many device reassignment programs do you support? 1
How many device loan programs do you support? 1
How many device demonstration programs do you support? 1
14. What is the baseline year for the measurable goals for this state
plan? 2011
reassigns general AT
2006
3. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
4. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following support
(choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization or
Activity |
a. You provide
support |
b. Receive support
from the state |
c. Receive support
from these private entities |
d. Collaborate with |
AgrAbility Program |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Alliance for
Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or other
financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community Living
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Easter Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Health, allied
health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Independent Living
Center |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Institution of
Higher Education |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization focused
specifically on providing AT |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Protection and
Advocacy Organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Technology agency |
No |
No |
No |
No |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
8. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
Nothing
Nothing
Other
Type of device |
Based on consumer
choice and/or request |
A professional
recommendation is required |
Qualified program
staff match it to the consumer |
Qualified
consultants and/or volunteers match it to the consumer |
The device is
provided through a qualified third-party |
Not applicable -
this type of device is not made available |
Vision |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Hearing |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Speech
Communication |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Learning,
Cognition, and Developmental |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Mobility, Seating,
and Positioning |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Daily Living |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Environmental
Adaptations |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Vehicle
Modification and Transportation |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Recreation, Sports,
and Leisure Equipment |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Computer and
Associated Equipment |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
The program accepts self reports from consumers regarding their disability and/or chronic health conditions and financial need.
Qualified staff or consultants review use of the device with the consumer and support mechanism.
Device reassignment is handled by qualified staff which enables consumers to help with the acquiring, selection, and training on the device. Staff works closely with other agencies through out the state in locating equipment. The device reassignment program works closely in the 14 poverty areas of the state in making sure individuals with no other means in the community have adequate access to assistive technology. The program acquires donations on a daily basis and works in conjunction with other state agencies, private organizations, community leaders, and churches in receiving equipment for reassignment purposes.
General program
1993
6. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
7. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following support
(choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization or
Activity |
a. You provide
support |
b. Receive support
from the state |
c. Receive support
from these private entities |
d. Collaborate with |
AgrAbility Program |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Alliance for
Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or other
financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community Living
agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Easter Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Health, allied
health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Independent Living
Center |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Institution of
Higher Education |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
focused specifically on providing AT |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Protection and
Advocacy Organization |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Technology agency |
No |
No |
No |
No |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
11. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
Nothing
Nothing
START’s Assistive Technology Resource Centers provides a demonstration on the proper way to use the device for first time users before loaning. Each consumer is provided with technical tips and a simplified booklet on the basic operations of the device. If needed, staff provides telephone technical assistance to borrowers and support personnel. For continued support, staff also provide a follow up call to the borrower before the loan period is up to check to see how the device is working.
15. Devices in the loan pool also are made available for the following
(choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
Other
Devices are transmitted based on the location where the consumer is located. Devices are either shipped, delivered to the consumer,or the consumer picks up the device from the resource center. If training is needed on the device before the loan then the Resource Center works with the consumer to arrange training before the loan where the consumer is located. Each of the 6 Resource sites conduct device loans within their regions and works closely with the borrower for delivery options that works best for the consumer.
General program
2005
6. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
7. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following support
(choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization or
Activity |
a. You provide
support |
b. Receive support
from the state |
c. Receive support
from these private entities |
d. Collaborate
with |
AgrAbility Program |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Alliance for
Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or other
financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community Living
agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Easter Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Health, allied
health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Independent Living
Center |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Institution of
Higher Education |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization that
primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
focused specifically on providing AT |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Protection and
Advocacy Organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Technology agency |
No |
No |
No |
No |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
11. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
In-person demonstrations from fixed
regional sites
In-person demonstrations that move to multiple sites
Nothing
Nothing
15. Devices in the demonstration pool also are made available for the
following (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
Both staff and space
Project START has incorporated a statewide demonstration program, that works closely within communities in showcasing assisitve technology in areas where there are few resources. START has 6 Resource sites that host monthly demonstrations that move to areas where individuals have no resources for educating them on the needed technology for independence. Vendors such as Dynavox, Prentke Romich, Audio Visual Mart and Freedom Scientific travel to the 6 Resource sites and demonstrate their product.
1. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
2. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following
support (choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization
or Activity |
a. You
provide support |
b. Receive
support from the state |
c. Receive
support from these private entities |
d.
Collaborate with |
AgrAbility
Program |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Alliance
for Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or
other financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community
Living agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Easter
Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Health,
allied health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Independent
Living Center |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Institution
of Higher Education |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
focused specifically on providing AT |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Protection
and Advocacy Organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Technology
agency |
No |
No |
No |
No |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
6. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: No
: No
: No
: Yes
Via distance learning technology
Nothing
Nothing
Project START has incorporated a statewide demonstration program, that works closely within communities in showcasing assisitve technology in areas where there are few resources. START has 6 Resource sites that host monthly demonstrations that move to areas where individuals have no resources for educating them on the needed technology for independence. Vendors such as Dynavox, Prentke Romich, Audio Visual Mart and Freedom Scientific travel to the 6 Resource sites and demonstrate their product.
1. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
2. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following
support (choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization
or Activity |
a. You
provide support |
b.
Receive support from the state |
c.
Receive support from these private entities |
d.
Collaborate with |
AgrAbility
Program |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Alliance
for Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or
other financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community
Living agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Easter
Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Health,
allied health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Independent
Living Center |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Institution
of Higher Education |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
focused specifically on providing AT |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Protection
and Advocacy Organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Technology
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
6. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: No
: Yes
Multiple subcontractors are used and they set their own policies
Project START consistenlty provides support designed as a direct problem solving service to different organizations on an as needed basis on improving assistive technology services to people with disabilities in Mississippi. Project START provides Assistive Technology Manuals for the Department of Education on working with Students with different types of disabilities who may benefit from Assistive Technology. Project START also works with the Community College Board in making sure Commuity Colleges in Mississippi have the needed assisitve technology for students and staff.
1. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
2. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following
support (choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization
or Activity |
a. You
provide support |
b.
Receive support from the state |
c.
Receive support from these private entities |
d.
Collaborate with |
AgrAbility
Program |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Alliance
for Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or
other financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community
Living agency |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Easter
Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Health,
allied health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Independent
Living Center |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Institution
of Higher Education |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Organization
focused specifically on providing AT |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Protection
and Advocacy Organization |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Technology
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
6. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
The program publishes highlights of public service announcements targeting specific populations and AT devices and services monthly/annually. Program staff create powerpoint presentations and print materials for regional resource sites to use at health fairs, farm shows, professional conferences, and other venues. Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation, the lead agency, Public Relations Department produces media releases highlighting the different events held around the state. Program partners and the START Advisory Council members are actively involved in the dissemination of public awareness materials.
1. Who conducts this activity? Check all that apply.
Yes
Yes
2. The Statewide AT Program provides and/or receives the following
support (choose all that apply).
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
If you conduct this activity by providing financial or in-kind support to other entities, identify the kinds of entities you support in column (a) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from the state to conduct this activity, identify the state entities that provide this support in column (b) of the following table.
If you receive financial or in-kind support from private entities, identify the private entities that provide this support in column (c) of the following table.
If you coordinate and collaborate with other entities in conducting this activity, identify those entities in column (d) of the following table.
Organization
or Activity |
a. You
provide support |
b.
Receive support from the state |
c.
Receive support from these private entities |
d.
Collaborate with |
AgrAbility
Program |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Alliance
for Technology Access Center |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Bank or
other financial institution |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Community
Living agency |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Easter
Seals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Education-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Employment-related
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Health,
allied health, and rehabilitation-related agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Independent
Living Center |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Institution
of Higher Education |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Non-categorical
disability organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with developmental disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
that primarily serves individuals with physical disabilities |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Organization
focused specifically on providing AT |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Protection
and Advocacy Organization |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Technology
agency |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
UCP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
No |
No |
A combination of a central location and regional sites
6. This activity is available (choose all that apply)
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
: Yes
Our Statewide program has 6 regional sites. Each site has the capcity to answer information and assist calls and e-mails pertaining to assistive technology. A consumer can call any of the 6 sites and receive the necessary information needed as it relates to assistive technology information. For obtaining the technology the consumer may be routed to the closest resource center for access. Our policy is to respond to all inquiries within three business days but an initital contact is made once the email or phone call has been received to alert the client that someone is working on their request and will contact them within three business days or sooner. When contacting the consumer the staff have a set of questions to ask for reporting purposes and to better assess the needs of the consumer. If the available staff is unable to respond to a request for assistance alone,arangements are made with the supervisor to problem solve immediately for timely responce to consumers.
1. As Certifying Representative of the Lead Agency for the State of Mississippi, I hereby assure the following. Yes
2. The Lead Agency prepared and submitted this State Plan on behalf of the State of Mississippi. Yes
3. The Lead Agency submitting this plan is the State agency that is eligible to submit this plan. Yes
4. The State agency has authority under State law to perform the functions of the State under this program. Yes
5. The State legally may carry out each provision of this plan. Yes
6. All provisions of this plan are consistent with State law. Yes
7. A State officer, specified by title in this certification, has authority under State law to receive, hold, and disburse Federal funds made available under the plan. Yes
8. The State officer who submits this plan, specified by title in this certification, has authority to submit this plan. Yes
9. The agency that submits this plan has adopted or otherwise formally approved this plan. Yes
10. The plan is the basis for State operation and administration of the program. Yes
11. The Lead Agency will maintain and evaluate the program under this State Plan. Yes
12. The State will annually collect data related to the required activities implemented by the State under this section in order to prepare the progress reports required under subsection 4(f) of the Act. Yes
13. The Lead Agency will submit the progress report on behalf of the State. Yes
14. The State will prepare reports to the Secretary in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require to carry out the Secretary's functions under this Act and keep such records and allow access to such records as the Secretary may require to ensure the correctness and verification of information provided to the Secretary. Yes
15. The Lead Agency will control and administer the funds received through the grant. Yes
16. The Lead Agency will make programmatic and resource allocation decisions necessary to implement the State Plan. Yes
17. Funds received through the grant will be expended in accordance with Section 4 of the Act, and will be used to supplement, and not supplant, funds available from other sources for technology-related assistance, including the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. Yes
18. The Lead Agency will ensure conformance with Federal and State accounting requirements. Yes
19. The State will adopt such fiscal control and accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement of and accounting for the funds received through the grant. Yes
20. Funds made available through a grant to a State under this Act will not be used for direct payment for an assistive technology device for an individual with a disability. Yes
21. A public agency or an individual with a disability holds title to any property purchased with funds received under the grant and administers that property. Yes
22. The physical facility of the Lead Agency and Implementing Entity, if any, meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Section 4(d)(6)(E) Yes
23. Activities carried out in the State that are authorized under this Act, and supported by Federal funds received under this Act, will comply with the standards established by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (20 U.S.C. 794d). Section 4(d)(6)(G) Yes
24. The Lead Agency will coordinate the activities of the State Plan among public and private entities, including coordinating efforts related to entering into interagency agreements. Yes
25. The Lead Agency will coordinate efforts related to the active, timely, and meaningful participation by individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, and other appropriate individuals, with respect to activities carried out through the grant. Yes
26. Describe how your program will conform to section 427 of General Education Provisions Act by describing the steps you propose to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, your program for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs.
Citizens in Mississippi of all ages, ethnicity or race from across the state are eligible for services provided by the Technology Act. The statewide comprehesive services provided include 2 reutilizations programs: computer refurbishment and the Mississippi ReUse Program that fills the gap for consumers who can’t afford the needed assistive tehnology or the ones who can afford but don’t know where to acquire the technology. The device loan program, device demonstration, information and assistance, technical assistance, training, and public awareness are provided across the state in high poverty areas as well as in areas that are developed and striving economically that touch all AT device categories. The program provides all materials in accessile formats as requested. The physical locations of the central office and regional AT Resource Sites are accessible.
27. Access Goal Table
|
Education |
Employment |
Community Living |
IT/Telecomm |
a.
Long-term Goal |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
b.
Long-term Goal Status |
Met [d] |
Met [d] |
Met [d] |
Met [d] |
c. FY
2011 Performance |
100.00 |
100.00 |
86.46 |
|
d. FY
2012 Short-term goal |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
e. FY
2012 Performance |
99.50 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
|
f. FY
2012 Status |
Met |
Met |
Met |
|
g. FY
2013 Short-term goal |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
h. FY
2013 Performance |
99.60 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
|
i. FY
2013 Status |
Met |
Met |
Met |
|
j. FY
2014 Short-term goal |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
70.00 |
k. FY
2014 Performance |
99.92 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
|
l. FY
2014 Status |
Met |
Met |
Met |
28. Acquisition Goal Table
|
Education |
Employment |
Community Living |
a.
Long-term Goal |
75.00 |
75.00 |
75.00 |
b.
Long-term Goal Status |
Met [d] |
Met [d] |
Met [d] |
c. FY
2011 Performance |
100.00 |
100.00 |
100.00 |
d. FY
2012 Short-term Goal |
75.00 |
75.00 |
75.00 |
e. FY
2012 Performance |
|
|
100.00 |
f. FY
2012 Status |
Met |
||
g. FY
2013 Short-term Goal |
75.00 |
75.00 |
75.00 |
h. FY
2013 Performance |
|
|
100.00 |
i. FY
2013 Status |
Met |
||
j. FY
2014 Short-term Goal |
75.00 |
75.00 |
75.00 |
k. FY
2014 Performance |
|
100.00 |
100.00 |
l. FY
2014 Status |
Met |
Met |
29. Name of Certifying Representative for the Lead Agency H.S. McMillan
30. Title of Certifying Representative for the Lead Agency Executive Director
31. Signed? Yes
32. Date Signed 02/27/2015