National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

New Mexico 2022

General Information

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

State AT Program Title:
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.tap.gcd.state.nm.us
Mailing Address:
625 Silver Ave SW, Suite 100 B
City:
Albuquerque
State:
NM
Zip Code:
87102
Program Email:
tracy.agiovlasitis@state.nm.us
Phone:
505-841-4464
TTY:

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
New Mexico Governor's Commission on Disability
Mailing Address:
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Lamy Building
City:
Santa Fe
State:
NM
Zip Code:
87501
Program URL:
www.gcd.state.nm.us

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):
Agiovlasitis, Tracy
Title:
AT PROGRAM MANAGER
Phone:
505-469-1489
E-mail:
tracy.agiovlasitis@gcd.nm.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
Ross, Stan
Title:
Governor's Commission on Disability Director
Phone:
505-321-5650
E-mail:
stan.ross@gcd.nm.gov
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):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Ross, Stan
Title:
Governor's Commission on Disability Director
Phone:
505-321-5650
E-mail:
stan.ross@state.nm.us

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? Yes

Loan Applications
Area of Residence Total
Metro
RUCC 1-3 		Non-Metro
RUCC 4-9
Approved Loan made 04 00 04
Approved Not made 00 00 00
Rejected 01 01 02
Total 05 01 06

2. Income of Applicants to Whom Loans Were Made

Lowest/Highest Incomes
Lowest Income: $35,448 Highest Income: $120,000

Average Income
Sum of Incomes Loans Made Average Annual Income
$296,100 04 $74,025

Number and Percentage of Loans Made to Applicants by Income Range
Income Ranges Total
$15,000
or Less		 $15,001-
$30,000		 $30,001-
$45,000		 $45,001-
$60,000		 $60,001-
$75,000		 $75,001
or More
Number of Loans 00 00 01 01 00 02 04
Percentage of Loans 0% 0% 25% 25% 0% 50% 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 00 0%
With loan guarantee only 04 100%
With both interest buy-down and loan guarantee 00 0%
Total 04 100%

Loan Type Summary
Type of Loan Number of Loans Dollar Value of Loans
Revolving Loans 00 $0
Partnership Loans 04 $165,109
Total 04 $165,109

4. Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Lowest 3%
Highest 4%

Interest Rate Summary
Sum of Interest Rates Number of Loans Made Average Interest Rate
12 04 3%

Number of Loans Made by Interest Rate
Interest Rate Number of loans
0.0% to 2.0% 00
2.1% to 4.0% 04
4.1% to 6.0% 00
6.1% to 8.0% 00
8.1% - 10.0% 00
10.1%-12.0% 00
12.1%-14.0% 00
14.1% + 00
Total 04

5. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed

Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Financed
Type of AT Number of Devices Financed Dollar Value of Loans
Vision 00 $0
Hearing 00 $0
Speech communication 00 $0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00 $0
Mobility, seating and positioning 00 $0
Daily living 00 $0
Environmental adaptations 01 $5,368
Vehicle modification and transportation 04 $159,741
Computers and related 00 $0
Recreation, sports, and leisure 00 $0
Total 05 $165,109

6. Defaults

Defaults
Number Loans in default 00
Net loss for loans in default $0

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 0


C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

When a grandmother in her late fifty’s became the guardian for three grandchildren, challenges in everyday life increased. One grandchild was 12 years old with Tracheomalacia and Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency, a disability like Cerebral Palsy. This child was nearly 200 pounds, used a wheelchair and required 24-hour care. The grandmother described the difficulty of getting the girl to her regular doctors’ appointments. She said, “We live in a mobile home, and I have to have 2 or 3 of my family members come over to lift her and her chair down from the home and put her in the back seat of my car”. She continued, “They follow me to the doctors’ office and help unload her, wait, and then reload her and follow us home to lift her back up the porch and into the home.” Working with the NMTAP State Financing staff, she was able to install a wheelchair ramp to the home and obtain a used accessible van for transportation. The cost of the ramp and the purchase of the van were obtained through a single financial loan at a fixed rate of 2.55% for a term of 72 months. This payment fit nicely into her budget and addressed her family’s concerns. The grandmother is now able to take her grandchild to all medical appointments by herself. She also is excited to “easily include the girl in regular outings and family functions away from the home”.

Impact Area

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. 00 00 00 00
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 04 04
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 00 00 04 04
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 04 04
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 04 100%
Satisfied 00 0%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 04
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 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 969
C. Total 969

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. 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 969

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

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 557 $253,625 $0 $253,625
Daily Living 1,136 $126,398 $0 $126,398
Environmental Adaptations 12 $4,335 $0 $4,335
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 150 $45,025 $0 $45,025
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 01 $500 $0 $500
Total 1,856 $429,883 $0 $429,883

D. Anecdote

The NMTAP Back In Use program had 82-year-old women come in looking for a walker with big terrain tires to navigate the uneven ground around her home and neighborhood. She is paralyzed on her left side due to a stroke and is working with a Physical Therapist (PT) to regain her independence. Her physical therapist advised her to get a walker with larger wider tires for safety but her Medicaid provider denied the request, stating a standard walker should meet the needs. She is a senior with a low fixed income and unable to afford a walker. The NMTAP reuse staff were able to modify a standard walker with the purchase of appropriate big wheels and adjusted it with the PT to work for her. She is very happy to be able to enjoy the outdoors with her walker. She stated that her life has changed and is happy to be more independent.

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. 834 31 29 894
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 18 09 14 41
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 24 07 02 33
4. Subtotal 876 47 45 968
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 876 47 45 968
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 877 47 45 969
9. Performance on this measure 99.89% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 923 95.25%
Satisfied 25 2.58%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 21 2.17%
Total Surveyed 969
Response rate % 97.83%

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) 150
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 05
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 02
Total 160

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 82 05 87
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 05 03 08
Representative of Education 19 01 20
Representative of Employment 03 00 03
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 40 01 41
Representatives of Community Living 01 00 01
Representatives of Technology 00 00 00
Total 150 10 160

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 25 00 25
Hearing 09 02 11
Speech Communication 45 04 49
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 81 02 83
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 25 02 27
Daily Living 43 04 47
Environmental Adaptations 09 03 12
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 86 05 91
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 02 00 02
Total 325 22 347

E. Anecdote

Hal K is a living in a rural area of the state was out of work due to a year of surgeries and healing. He was looking to get back to work and is teaming with the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program for job placement. One of the biggest struggles in seeking employment was having dyslexia. Hal cannot read above a fourth-grade level, and finds reading manuals, policies and procedures, and other workplace documents challenging. When he and his VR counselor originally sought help from the NMTAP, they requested to borrow a CPEN Reader scanning pen to have scanned text read back to him. This CPEN technology was simply too slow for his needs, since it is a pen that reads each word as the user traces the pen along one sentence at a time. The NMTAP staff member suggested the OrCam Read, which can scan an entire page’s text and read that text aloud to the user as a handheld device controlled using physical buttons. Unfortunately, the only available device at the time with the same capacity was the OrCam’s MyEye 2 vision tool, which can read back a full document from a camera attached to a pair of glasses using hand gestures for control. While this device was not the ideal, he borrowed it until the OrCam Read was available. The benefit of this was that he learned the basics of OrCam’s system. After then borrowing the handheld OrCam Read, Hal K said it was wonderful, straight out of the box. He did not have difficulty setting up the device and he said it will be a true working tool for him when he finds a job. Currently, the VR program will not purchase the OrCam Read for him until he has a job first. Due to the device loan program, he has knowledge and access to the right tool with the exact features he needs for success. He also knows other AT is available to him while

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 38 12 36 86
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 10 06 14 30
Subtotal 48 18 50 116
Have not made a decision 06 01 10 17
Subtotal 54 19 60 133
Nonrespondent 02 02 13 17
Total 56 21 73 150
Performance on this measure 88.89% 94.74% 83.33%

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. 00 00 00 00
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 01 06 07
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 01 02
4. Subtotal 01 01 07 09
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 01 01 07 09
7. Nonrespondent 01 00 00 01
8. Total 02 01 07 10
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 111 69.38%
Satisfied 19 11.88%
Satisfied somewhat 05 3.13%
Not at all satisfied 03 1.88%
Nonrespondent 22 13.75%
Total Surveyed 160
Response rate % 86.25%

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 13
Hearing 06
Speech Communication 14
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 13
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03
Daily Living 05
Environmental Adaptations 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 04
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 30
Total # of Device Demonstrations 90

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 72 15 87
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 05 31 36
Representatives of Education 04 03 07
Representatives of Employment 02 10 12
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 07 14 21
Representative of Community Living 00 00 00
Representative of Technology 00 02 02
Total 90 75 165

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 02
Service Provider 05
Vendor 10
Repair Service 00
Others 02
Total 19

D. Anecdote

Jonte D is a woman in her early forties who had a stroke about four years ago and in addition to decreased strength on her right side, she also lost her ability to speak clearly. Jonte’s Aunt Dee called NMTAP looking for tools to help Jonte communicate more easily with her family, doctors, and any other person she might communicate with. Jonte uses a smartphone to text message and if you know her well enough, it is possible to understand her communication by watching her gestures and closely listening to her speech. Since Jonte is literate and is proficient with her smartphone, we agreed to try speech communication tools with an iPad. We initially tried the free Tobii Dynavox Application TD Talk, but the interface was far too simple for her needs. We then tried AssistiveWare’s Proloquo4Text’s Application, and there we hit success. Not only were we able to set up contact information and short messages for Jonte to use with her doctors, but Jonte was proficient with using the iPad and application during our demonstration. Proloquo4Text is a powerful application that enables users to quickly type messages that are then converted to speech using built-in voices. For Jonte’s use, having an application that is compatible with both a tablet and smartphone is ideal. I recommended that Jonte get back in touch with her Speech Language Pathologist to pursue purchase of an iPad and Proloquo4Text software. Jonte is also on the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program for New Mexico, and I gave her and Dee an application to use their State Assistive Technology Fund to purchase the AT should her medical team be unable to purchase through insurance. I also informed Jonte and Dee about our Access Loan, which is available for people with disabilities who wish to purchase AT.

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 15 10 57 82
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 00 01 02 03
Subtotal 15 11 59 85
Have not made a decision 01 00 01 02
Subtotal 16 11 60 87
Nonrespondent 00 00 03 03
Total 16 11 63 90
Performance on this measure 93.75% 100% 93.65%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 146 88.48%
Satisfied 17 10.3%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 02 1.21%
Total 165
Response rate % 98.79%

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. 834 31 33 898
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 18 10 20 48
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 25 07 03 35
4. Subtotal 877 48 56 981
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 877 48 56 981
7. Nonrespondent 02 00 00 02
8. Total 879 48 56 983
9. Performance on this measure 97.04% 85.42% 94.64% 96.33%
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 53 22 93 168
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 10 07 16 33
Subtotal 63 29 109 201
Have not made a decision 07 01 11 19
Subtotal 70 30 120 220
Nonrespondent 02 02 16 20
Total 72 32 136 240
Performance on this measure 90% 96.67% 88.62% 90.13%
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 99.36% 95% Met
Response Rate 96.53% 90% Met

Training

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

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 72
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 51
Representatives of Education 387
Representatives of Employment 433
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 244
Representatives of Community Living 122
Representatives of Technology 08
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,317

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
854 463 00 1,317

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,205
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 00
Combination of any/all of the above 00
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 92
Transition 20
Total 1,317

C. Description of Training Activities

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

At the NMTAP annual Assistive Technology Conference (ATC22), two Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) presented on Assistive Technology for Speech Communication and provided personal, and in-depth experience, about what communication is and how to get speech communication devices paid for by the client’s insurance company. This not only provided exposure and awareness for SLP’s in attendance but also for all other professionals as well. This information was much needed by the community because many professionals in our area do not know the steps on where to start and what is needed for insurance coverage for devices.

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

NMTAP provided a transition-oriented training at the 2022 Parents Reaching Out Annual Conference. This was their first in-person conference since the COVID-19 Pandemic and NMTAPs first large group in person training since 2020. The training subject was Assistive Technology for Math and Reading for students with disabilities, in particular those transitioning to high school and post-secondary education. A good deal of emphasis was placed on assistive apps and software that students could access on their phones, tablets, or computers. One of the hallmarks of our trainings is to provide a hands-on experience for the present participants which was impossible to do with our virtual trainings. This was the first time we were able to bring back that element to our training and it was beneficial for the participants to get their hands on the assistive technology and see how they work. This conference brings in families, therapists, and persons with disabilities from all over New Mexico and NMTAP has already seen the benefits of this training by having some participants reach out to us for more assistive technology services like device demonstration and device loan.

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

NMTAP provided IT/Telecomm Access (ICT) training to the New Mexico Legislative Council (NMLC) regarding website accessibility. NMLC reached out to NMTAP for resources and assistance with website issues and seeking better knowledge on how to make their website experience more accessible for individuals with disabilities. In collaboration with Disability Rights New Mexico, NMTAP gave an ICT training via Zoom. The training, provided to the Director of the Legislative Council Service and his staff, broke down all the pertinent laws for accessible web content, provided examples of disabilities and how they may be affected by an inaccessible website, provided a breakdown of the most common issues and how to fix, and concluded with a breakdown of the necessary tools for the NMLC to assess their own website content. The positive impact of this training has already been reported back to us with their readjusting of their accessibility accommodation announcement and the inclusion of the Recite Me accessible overlay which allows for independent accessible controls over the website. Far from being finished, the NMLC is taking the rights steps to making their website more inclusive to persons with disabilities.

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 92
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 00
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 92
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 00%
Employment 00%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00%
Community Living 100%
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:

NMTAP provided Technical Assistance to the New Mexico Natural History Museum. The initial request was to get a device demonstration on a hearing amplifier for one of their hard of hearing volunteer workers. This turned into a device loan that the consumer used for about six weeks until one was purchased for him to use full time. NMTAP was then able to assist with some other accessibility requests which included testing out the brand-new loop system set up in the planetarium building using a t-coil hearing aid and one of our assistive listening devices. We provided the organization with resources on where to print accessible signage from hearingloop.org and how to appropriately place it outside and inside the building. NMTAP was also able to help troubleshoot possibilities with how multiple assistive listening device receivers could be used in the big theater they have for movies. By patching into the main sound feed, a connection could be made to an assistive listening device set-up wi

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

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 April 1st, 2022, NMTAP had an information booth at the DiverseIT 50+ Senior Tech Connect Fair. The purpose of the Tech Fair was to offer older adults the opportunity to explore technology and be educated on how to use the technology. Because this Tech Fair was designed for seniors, it provided a unique opportunity for the senior community to experience new technology and ask questions about technology they already have or are thinking of purchasing. NMTAP had a variety of AT available for the participants to view including digital magnifiers, mobility tools, hearing devices, and assistive eating technology. We were able to connect with approximately 600 seniors from the Metro, Albuquerque area. This tech fair was a collaboration between many local entities including the City of Albuquerque’s Senior Affairs Department, Adelante Development Center’s DiverseIT program, AT&T, Comcast, and AARP Albuquerque.

2.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 88 08 96
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 29 05 34
Representative of Education 29 04 33
Representative of Employment 23 01 24
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 23 00 23
Representative of Community Living 12 00 12
Representative of Technology 03 00 03
Unable to Categorize 17 00 17
Total 224 18 242

Referral Types:

NMTAP provides training to the University of New Mexico Speech and Hearing Sciences students in the master’s program for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs). Detailed information and experience with a wide variety of speech generating devices is provided along with full information of NMTAP services. As a result of the training and services review, eight SLPs have returned to borrow devices for their clients after entering the community workforce. There has also been an increase in information and referral calls about speech difficulties, troubleshooting devices and vendors of devices.

Referral Sources:

NMTAP works with the 22 NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) field offices around the state. Many VR Councilors refer their participants to NMTAP for demonstration and device loan services. Approximately 10-15% of referrals for information and assistance come from these field offices. We also provide services to individuals with disabilities and who are aging from the City of Albuquerque Senior Services program or ADA Coordinator. Individuals that hear about our services from these programs often utilize our information and assistance in which we refer them to resources for home wheelchair ramps and other services. These interactions are approximately 8% of our calls or emails received.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 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?

NMTAP has partnered with the Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) of the NM Department of Health in a beta project to improve access and use of AT for participants. After many interactions and discussions with the DDSD staff on all levels, it became clearer that AT advances for persons receiving services was needed. DDSD funds were used to contract with a national agency, Tech First Shift, that specializes in a curriculum to shift the culture for services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

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.

While services provided to individuals on the DD Waiver, there seems to be a "business as usual" attitude even with some of the therapy services. An initiative was started within the DDSD Community Program Bureau started a pilot project with 9 service providers, 10 vendors of AT, and the NMTAP staff to increase the awareness and value of available AT for independence for waiver participants. This is a project which entails extensive training around a paradigm shift is extending into the next year but has already increased consciousness for all parties. It is anticipated that will lead to an ongoing project using AT services from NMTAP throughout the state.

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

Housing / Home Automation; Transportation; Community Participation and Integration; Recreation / Leisure; Health;

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

Device Loan; Demonstration; Training;

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$28,050TrainingTrue
Amount: $28,050

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).

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Tue Jan 31 2023 11:11:50 GMT-0700 (Mountain Standard Time)