To view national data and create custom charts, visit https://catada.info/

National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report – Full Report

Kentucky 2020

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
KY Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network
State AT Program URL
www.katsnet.org
Mailing Address:
8412 Westport Road
City:
Louisville
State:
KY
Zip Code:
40242
Program Email:
info@katsnet.org
Phone:
800.327.5287
TTY:
KY Relay 711

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mailing Address:
Mayo—Underwood Bldg; 500 Mero Street; 4th Floor
City:
Frankfort
State:
KY
Zip Code:
40601
Program URL:
https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/default.aspx

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Brown, James
Title:
Program Coordinator
Phone:
800.327.5287
E-mail:
JamesA.Brown@ky.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Brown, James
Title:
Program Coordinator
Phone:
800.327.5287
E-mail:
JamesA.Brown@ky.gov

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
McNabb, Cora
Title:
Executive Director, Office of Vocational Rehab.
Phone:
800.372.7172
E-mail:
Cora.McNabb@ky.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? No
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

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 478
C. Total 478
Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange – Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans – Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation
to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients
00
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 478

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

B. 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 142 $2,472 $0 $2,472
Hearing 55 $4,347 $0 $4,347
Speech Communication 38 $48,928 $0 $48,928
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 14 $4,022 $0 $4,022
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 384 $314,419 $0 $314,419
Daily Living 1357 $192,224 $0 $192,224
Environmental Adaptations 45 $9,142 $0 $9,142
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 03 $2,928 $0 $2,928
Computers and Related 25 $8,360 $0 $8,360
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 12 $1,016 $0 $1,016
Total 2,075 $587,858 $0 $587,858

D. Anecdote

  • Peter needed an adult gait trainer. After searching through the statewide AT Locator database, we located one at our Lexington location. Peter’s aunt Kim and our site coordinator worked to secure the gait trainer until she could pick it up in Lexington. It warms our hearts to see Peter up and walking with the gait trainer he received from the Project CARAT program. We were so happy to play a small part in Helping Peter walk.
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. 9 2 412 423
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 0 1 3 4
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 4 1 46 51
4. Subtotal 13 4 461 478
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 13 4 461 478
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 13 4 461 478
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 467 97.70%
Satisfied 11 2.30%
Satisfied somewhat 0 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 478
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

The average retail price of vision devices is reported as being lower than expected. This is due to several (100+) plastic full page magnifier sheets and full-page low vision writing guides that were donated by the former KY Office for the Blind. These items were redistributed to the Oldham County Dept of Corrections along with a variety of other items to be used in their adult education program for prisoners.

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) 373
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 23
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 322
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 18
Total 736

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS By Borrower Type
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Individuals with Disabilities 77
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 399
Representative of Education 55
Representative of Employment 10
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 145
Representatives of Community Living 43
Representatives of Technology 7
Total 736

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number
Vision 27
Hearing 7
Speech Communication 118
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 167
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 277
Daily Living 112
Environmental Adaptations 128
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 150
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 125
Total 1111

E. Anecdote

Due to COVID-19 visitor restrictions, staff from Outwood Intermediate Care Facility in Dawson Springs needed a way for a resident with hearing impairments to communicate with family. Through a referral from KCDHH, we loaned an iPad and a selection of communication apps for the Speech Therapist to trial with the individual. The loan allowed the therapist to determine the most effective communication methods for this person. She downloaded several apps onto a facility iPad that is now used with multiple residents, allowing for improved communication with family, staff & residents.

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 43 0 305 348
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 3 00 12 15
Subtotal 46 00 317 363
Have not made a decision 5 00 5 10
Subtotal 51 0 322 373
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 51 00 322 373
Performance on this measure 90.2%% NaN% 98.4%

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. 53 3 228 284
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 3 0 6 9
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 30 0 40 70
4. Subtotal 86 3 274 363
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 86 3 274 363
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 86 3 274 363
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 719 97.69%
Satisfied 15 2.04%
Satisfied somewhat 2 0.27%
Not at all satisfied 0 0.00%
Nonrespondent 0 0%
Total Surveyed 736
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Loan returns and processing of new loans were affected significantly due to programmatic restrictions put in place in response to COVID-19. All ATRCs paused business during the initial months of the pandemic (March-June). Most sites began reopening throughout the months of July-Aug with limited adjusted hrs of operation. Device loans and loan returns have been changed to curbside drop off and pickups. A higher than normal number of loans were made to provide accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation. It is assumed that this is a direct result of the pandemic situation.

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 0
Hearing 1
Speech Communication 164
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 91
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 21
Daily Living 0
Environmental Adaptations 0
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 0
Computers and Related 2
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 0
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 279

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 258
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 375
Representatives of Education 243
Representatives of Employment 0
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 189
Representative of Community Living 0
Representative of Technology 33
Total 1098

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 178
Service Provider 0
Vendor 27
Repair Service 00
Others 6
Total 211

D. Anecdote

A Physical Therapist (PT) working with a young child wanted to determine the most appropriate seating and positioning equipment. The ATRC Coordinator and ATRC librarian demonstrated a variety of seating equipment for the PT, young child, and the family so they could try the options and compare them. Unable to sit up by himself, this demonstration overcame the barrier of positioning for this child. The ATRC collaborated with the PT in demonstrating a variety of seating options. The device demonstration helped the family and their PT make an informed decision on which seating equipment would be most appropriate for this child and led to a loan. The seating equipment helped position the child so he could sit up. The seating equipment improved this child’s access to education and allowed him to sit up to play and more fully engage with toys and his family.

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 115 0 158 273
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 0 0 0 0
Subtotal 115 0 158 273
Have not made a decision 5 0 1 6
Subtotal 120 00 159 279
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 120 0 159 279
Performance on this measure 95.83% NaN% 99.37%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 1098 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total 1098
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

None to report

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. 77 15 1773 1865
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 3 1 208 212
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 80 16 1981 2077
4. Subtotal 43 4 179 226
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 123 20 2160 2303
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 123 20 2160 2303
9. Performance on this measure 65.04% 80% 91.71% 90.19%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
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 158 0 463 621
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 3 00 12 15
Subtotal 161 0 475 636
Have not made a decision 10 0 6 16
Subtotal 171 0 481 652
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 171 0 481 652
Performance on this measure 94.15% 0% 98.75% 97.55%
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 99.92% 95% Met
Response Rate 100% 90% Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 273
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 293
Representatives of Education 391
Representatives of Employment 164
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 268
Representatives of Community Living 8
Representatives of Technology 16
Unable to Categorize 20
TOTAL 1433
Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
245 80 1108 1433

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1290
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 0
Combination of any/all of the above 0
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 127
Transition 16
Total 1433

B. Description of Training Activities

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

The KATS Network hosted a session on “3D Printing Fundamentals for Assistive Technology” as part of our Annual Summer AT Conference. The presenters for this session were Dr. Elaine Kirkpatrick, a Physics Professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Amber Willett, a graduate student in the School of Occupational Therapy at Eastern KY University, and Michael Weber, an Electrical Engineer. There were 126 participants who attended this session virtually using the Zoom platform. Dr. Kirkpatrick focused on the basics of 3D printing and its applicability to assistive technology. Participants learned how to search online for free or paid drawings that can be printed using a home 3D printer. They learned how to locate a file, download the file, prepare it for printing on your 3D printer, and then print it. For those who want to design their own assistive technology, Michael Weber then demonstrated how to use computer-aided drawing software to make a 3D drawing that can be printed. Dr. Kirkpatrick then took Michael’s file, prepared it for printing, and printed it, allowing you to see the design process from start to finish. For those with computer-aided drawing experience, Michael also demonstrated designing a more complex item that integrates with other components. Amber Willett presented her undergraduate dissertation, “3D Printing and Occupational Therapy: The Process of 3D Printing Adaptive Devices.” The paper explores the potential for 3D printers as a tool for occupational therapists. Samples of 3D printed devices used for the study included adaptive keyboard devices, two bottle openers, three pen holders, a key turner, and a signature guide. Cognizant of cost issues, the research team used a 3D printer that sells for about $350. Participants learned about devices that can be created ‘in a timely and low-cost manner.’

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

Our Western KY ATRC hosted a Go-Baby-Go build day, where participants adapted five ride-on PowerWheels cars for children with limited mobility. Wendell Foster’s physical therapists developed a plan for each child based on their seating and positioning needs. The modified cars will improve access to the child’s environment and allow them to participate in age-appropriate activities.

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

Our Annual AT Conference included a session titled “Google Chromebook Accessibility – Using ChromeVox”. The instructors were Seth Basham and Derek Allen, both are Rehab Tech staff with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Learning goals were 1) Participants will develop their ability to use ChromeVox, the ChromeOS screen reader, through practical, real-world instruction and demonstration, 2) Participants will be able to identify the basic accessibility tools that are built into ChromeOS, and 3) Participants will demonstrate their understanding of the ChromeOS accessibility tools. There were 127 participants attending the session, with 61 requesting CEU credits and 9 requests for RESNA credits.

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 0
Training or Technique Assistance will be developed or implemented 127
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 127
Performance Measure Percentage 100.0%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Due to restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to rethink how we conducted our Annual Summer AT Conference. This year the KATS Network hosted a virtual conference utilizing the Zoom Platform. Ryan Creech with the OVR Rehab Tech Branch developed a training portal online that allowed participants to register for the sessions, learn about the topics, and access the post-test required to receive RESNA and CEU credits. The training portal is available online at https://www.katsnet.org/at-workshop/. There were 205 participants registered to attend one or more sessions. Sessions were: Assistive Technology for Agriculture, Google Chromebook Accessibility – Using ChromeVox, 3D Printing Fundamentals, Panel: Parenting with a Disability, and Smart Home Automation.

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 10.00%
Employment 0.00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 40.00%
Community Living 0.00%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 50.00%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

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

The statewide program worked with the Office of Vocational Rehab Program Planning and Support Branch to improve the accessibility of forms used within the agency. Staff worked directly with personnel to train on how to check for accessibility and how to ensure accessibility during the development phase. This work resulted in an OVR Accessibility workgroup being established with staff representation from each Branch to discuss and implement guidelines, training, and policies related to the accessibility of all forms, documents, memos, and emails used within and sent from the agency to both staff and consumers. The workgroup will begin in FFY 2021.

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

The OVR Statewide Deaf-Blind Services Coordinator approached the KATS Network about a private donor with the Bluegrass Community Foundation who wanted to discuss the possibility of setting up a grant or other funding opportunity specifically for low-income deaf-blind individuals. The BG Foundation was reaching out for ideas to target the funding. Specifically, they wanted to gear funding towards Assistive Technology. Ideas discussed included setting up a lending library of AT equipment to be utilized by deaf-blind individuals in both school and work settings, including refreshable braille displays, braille embossers, and laptop computers with screen reading software. Other ideas included setting up scholarships for students and caregivers to allow them to attend the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), a weeklong training that explores job opportunities and identifies skills of strength and needed support, planning for the future.

C. Notes:

None to report

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.

The KATS Network Program Coordinator guest lectured for a course at the University of Louisville College of Education. The class consisted of Masters of Education students preparing to be Special Education instructors. Instructional materials included an overview of AT, ADA and Section 504, IEPs, and funding options for AT. Students learned about becoming better advocates to the students they teach, identify AT and AT funding, and improving the overall quality of education for their students after they graduate and become licensed teachers.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service
AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 2706 3 2709
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 1241 16 1257
Representative of Education 334 1 335
Representative of Employment 120 0 120
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 14859 2 14861
Representative of Community Living 1475 6 1481
Representative of Technology 79 2 81
Unable to Categorize 0 0 0
Total 20814 30 20844

Notes:

None to report

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Additional and Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

State Plan Activities
Fund Source Amount Use of Funds
Private $75,000 Device Loan
Amount: $75,000

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).

$75,000 was awarded via Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation HIIAT grant to establish a Smart Home Technology Lending Library. A six-month extension was issued to us by the Reeve Foundation to complete the project due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.