##### Part I: Attachments

OMB Control Number: 1820-0664

Expiration Date: 10-31-2008

Attachment 1: Basic Information

Name of Lead Agency: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Lead Agency: Not
Applicable

Address of Lead Agency: P O Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency: Dr. Fred
Cerise, Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals

Address for Certifying Representative: P O Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA
70821-0629

Telephone for Certifying Representative: 225.342.9503

E-mail for Certifying Representative: fcerise@dhh.la.gov

Name and Title of Program Director: Donna Thompson, Executive Management
Officer

Address for Program Director: P. O. Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629

Telephone for Program Director: 225.342.2476

E-mail for Program Director: dthomps@dhh.la.gov

Name and Title of Program Contact: (if different from Program Director)
Not applicable

Address for Program Contact:

Telephone for Program Contact:

E-mail for Program Contact:

Name of Implementing Entity: Louisiana Assistive Technology Access
Network

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Implementing Entity:
Not Applicable

Address of Implementing Entity: P O Box 14115, Baton Rouge, LA
70898/3042 Old Forge Road, Suite D, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Name and Title of Program Director: Julie M. Nesbit, ATP

Address for Program Director: P O Box 14115, Baton Rouge, LA 70898/3042
Old Forge Road, Suite D, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Telephone for Program Director: 225.925.9500

E-mail for Program Director: <jnesbit@latan.org>

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):
Not applicable.

Address for Program Director:

Telephone for Program Director:

E-mail for Program Director:

Attachment 2: Lead Agency and Implementing Entity

2.1 [Identification and Description of the Lead Agency]{.underline} -
Identify and describe the Lead Agency referred to in section 4(c)(1)(A)
of the AT Act.

> 2.1A [Identification and Description of Lead Agency if an Implementing
> Entity is not Designated]{.underline}
>
> An Implementing Entity is designated as described below.
>
> 2.1B [Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an
> Implementing Entity is Designated]{.underline}
>
> The Lead Agency for the Assistive Technology Act grant is the
> Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). DHH has been the
> lead agency for the AT state grant program under both the
> Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act
> and the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) since designated by the
> Governor at the inception of the program. DHH certifies the assurances
> in Part II. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is
> the state-run entity that protects and promotes health to ensure
> access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all
> citizens of the State of Louisiana. This includes a service system
> that provides information, training, and leadership in the development
> of a comprehensive array of individualized supports and services to
> people with disabilities. DHH is dedicated to fulfilling its mission
> through the direct provision of quality services, the development and
> stimulation of services of others, and the utilization of available
> resources in the most effective manner. DHH provides many services for
> individuals with disabilities of all ages across the state, and is in
> the process of implementing Governor Kathleen Blanco's plan for
> community-based long-term supports and services in the state.

2.2 [Identification and Description of the Implementing
Entity]{.underline} -- Identify and describe the Implementing Entity
referred to in section 4(c)(1)(B) of the AT Act, if such an Implementing
Entity is designated by the Governor.

The Implementing Entity for the Assistive Technology Act grant is the
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN). LATAN has been
the implementing entity for the AT state grant (herein referred to as
the Statewide AT Program) Assistive Technology Act grant since
designated by the Governor in 1994. LATAN has provided program services
over the years, according to the requirements of the AT Act current at
the time. Services to Louisiana citizens have included free access to
information and referral, an accessible website, a quarterly newsletter,
and publications in accessible formats on extensive topics related to
disability rights, laws, policies, funding opportunities for assistive
technology, types of assistive technology and its benefits for various
populations. LATAN has also provided public awareness presentations,
training and technical assistance, and an assistive technology loan
program funded by a grant under Title III of the AT Act of 1998, with a
matching grant from DHH.

The mission of LATAN is to assist individuals with disabilities to
achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through
increased access to assistive technology as part of their daily lives.
Over the next three years, under the Assistive Technology (AT) Act, as
amended, LATAN will continue to serve as the implementing entity
responsible for the Statewide AT Program, and will continue or begin
programs to accomplish this mission.

The Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network is a private,
non-for-profit organization, directed by a Board of Directors of which
the majority are individuals with disabilities or family members. LATAN
was incorporated in 1994 for the purpose of implementing the Statewide
AT Program AT Act, its staff having been with the program while within
the DHH agency for the first two years. In 2004, LATAN was awarded the
Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organization's (LANO) Seal of
Excellence for successfully completing the Louisiana Standards for
Excellence Voluntary Certification Program. The Louisiana Standards for
Excellence are based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity,
fairness, respect, trust, responsibility and accountability. LATAN's
programs and services, management, and financial practices were examined
in-depth before certification was awarded last year, the first year of
certification in Louisiana.

Over the last fourteen years, LATAN has demonstrated its capacity to
meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families,
guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives, regardless of
their type of disability, age, income level, or location of residence
within the State, or the type of assistive technology device or service
required. Program activities are designed with input from a diversity of
individuals with disabilities across the state, as well as service
providers, and agency representatives, and LATAN's focus groups and AT
User-majority Advisory Council and Board of Directors, as well as
feedback from service participants assure that it will remain
consumer-responsive.

Because LATAN is not a state agency dedicated to specific programs that
promote limited activities or serve limited populations, LATAN will have
the flexibility to assist individuals with assistive technology across
the lifespan and in any environment or for any purpose, including
education, employment, telecommunications and community living. This
flexibility also means that access to LATAN programs will not be limited
by eligibility criteria such as income, age, type of disability, or the
reason that an individual needs AT. Despite LATAN's state office being
in the south central part of the state, LATAN will make its programs
available statewide through a toll-free number, an accessible website,
conducting activities in all regions of the state on a periodic basis,
and the use of space operated by local collaborating public and private
agencies. The LATAN main office being in Baton Rouge, Louisiana's
capital city, gives access to state offices and agencies for
collaboration and coordination in policy work, and for program
implementation.

LATAN employs individuals with skills and expertise needed to implement
specific program activities, and, because of its not-for-profit status,
is not limited by available positions in state agencies. When operating
under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with
Disabilities Act of 1988, LATAN hired, and sometimes contracted with,
assistive technology specialists and disability organizations to operate
regional centers. When the AT Act of 1994 focused the required
activities on systems change and advocacy activities, LATAN hired policy
and funding specialists. In order to implement the three-year plan under
the AT Act of 1998, as amended, LATAN will hire and/or contract with
assistive technology and other program specialists with the specific
expertise needed for each program.

During the first year, part of the program development was identifying
the additional staff needed for activities and bringing them on board.
This will continue in Years Two and Three. Being consumer-directed and
consumer-responsive are values of importance to LATAN that are born out
in its staffing, as well as on its Board, as mentioned above. On the
ten-member staff currently are two individuals with disabilities who use
assistive technology, three individuals with children who use assistive
technology, and two individuals with a parent and other family members
who use assistive technology. Two staff members have been with the AT
program since its beginning and each have fourteen years of providing AT
services. Another staff member has been with LATAN for seven years.
Staff members have varying degrees of expertise, some with specific
populations, such as people who are aging, and people with spinal cord
injuries. One staff member currently holds an Assistive Technology
Practitioner credential from the Rehabilitation Engineering and
Assistive Technology Society of North America. Other staff members have
computer support training and experience, and personal experience using
assistive technology. LATAN will ensure that the skills of its staff
remain current by providing them with training opportunities throughout
the three years covered by this state plan.

LATAN has a fourteen-year history of established relationships with
public and private entities in the state, including those in the field
of assistive technology and those who serve individuals with
disabilities throughout the state. Specifically, LATAN participates on
boards, advisory councils, workgroups, committees, and commissions that
address the needs of Louisianians with disabilities across the life span
with agencies such as: the State Department of Education Louisiana
Assistive Technology Initiative, the Department of Rehabilitation
Services, Medicaid, the Bureau of Community Supports and Services, the
Disability Supports and Services System Consumer Task Force, the DHH
Housing Task Force, the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, the
Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs, the Developmental Disabilities
Council, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Louisiana
Rehabilitation Council.

In addition, LATAN has been most fortunate in being able to collaborate
with many disability organizations because we are a consumer-directed
organization ourselves. Some of these organizations are the Louisiana
Arc, United Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury/Spinal Cord Injury
Trust Fund, centers for independent living, councils on aging, and
Families Helping Families. LATAN will continue these collaborations, and
provide training, technical assistance and public awareness activities
to the above agencies and other entities within the state. LATAN will
also work with the agencies mentioned above and others on new and
ongoing initiatives in the state to address AT needs of individuals with
disabilities. These collaborative efforts will increase LATAN's capacity
to conduct a program addressing the needs of individuals with
disabilities in education, employment, telecommunications, and community
living. These initiatives are described in more detail as a part of
"Coordination and Collaboration" in attachment 8, and within the
descriptions of the various required activities.

LATAN may subcontract with existing agencies to provide services,
especially to more remote locations. LATAN is in the process of
negotiating with three agencies in the northwest part of the state,
Families Helping Families of Northwest Louisiana, New Horizons
Independent Living Center, and Bossier Council on Aging, to collaborate
for the implementation of the first assistive technology demonstration
center in the area. The extent of subcontracting by the implementing
entity will depend on the outcome of the specific program activities
designed and developed during the second year. DHH as the Lead Agency
will have no additional subcontracts under this State Plan.

In addition to the advisory council described in Attachment 3 of this
plan, and in addition to LATAN's consumer-majority Board of Directors
and staff, LATAN will ensure that its program is consumer-responsive by
seeking direct feedback from those who access the program, either
through on-site interviews with participants or follow-up surveys.
Additionally, LATAN will continue to utilize consumer focus groups to
seek specific guidance on many of its programs and services.

2.3 [Show of Good Cause for Change in Lead Agency or Implementing
Entity]{.underline} -- If the Governor has chosen to change the Lead
Agency or, if applicable, Implementing Entity as allowed in section
4(c)(1)(C) of the AT Act, provide an explanation of good cause for this
redesignation.

There will be no change in the Lead Agency or Implementing Entity for
this grant.

Attachment 3: State Advisory Council

3.1 [Membership of the Advisory Council]{.underline} - Identify the
members of the Advisory Council and each member's designation as an
individual with disabilities who uses AT, a family member or guardian of
such individual, or a representative of a State agency or other entity.

During the three years of this state plan, the LATAN Advisory Council,
which was initially appointed February 22, 2005, will provide
consumer-driven, consumer-responsive advice to the state for planning,
implementation, and evaluation of the activities of Louisiana's
Statewide Assistive Technology Program.

In discussing the original make-up of the Advisory Council, the LATAN
staff and board opted to form six (6) regional focus groups that would
each have a representative on the main body of the Advisory Council. Due
to the difficultly in the actual implementation of this structure in
Year One, and because of the loss of people with disabilities in certain
areas of the state due to the hurricane disasters, the make-up and
organization of the focus groups and Advisory Council will change in
Year Two. The regional focus groups, formally organized to represent
Louisiana geographically through bodies representing each area, will
only continue in the areas with sufficient interest and input to be
effective. Informal focus groups will be convened in other areas of the
state to be sure of input statewide. Such groups will be convened on the
sites of other disability organizations and agencies, such as Councils
on Aging, Families Helping Families, Centers for Independent Living, and
Mayors' Commissions. AT-users and family members of AT-users on the
Advisory Council will be chosen from interested individuals in a manner
that will assure the geographic diversity needed, with two
representatives chosen from each of the six regional areas.

In developing the state plan, implementing activities, and evaluating
measurable goals, the Advisory Council and focus groups provide these
important benefits:

-   Bringing a broad range of minds and experiences to the table;

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-   Serving in a capacity similar to a statewide focus group in
    providing useful input, suggestions and critical analysis;

-   Providing greater access to local contacts throughout the State;

-   Providing an objective evaluation of LATAN activities and their
    effectiveness;

-   Providing needed input from the rural and small town perspective;

-   Acting as a statewide system of advocates who are prepared and
    willing to mobilize on policy issues;

-   Providing assistance in increasing public awareness of LATAN and its
    activities;

-   Providing needed input on identifying additional resources;

-   Recruiting new individuals to assist LATAN in the future and develop
    their leadership skills; and

-   Assisting with developing new programs.

The Advisory Council had thirteen members initially. However, due to the
devastating disasters faced by many of our people, and the lack of time
available to work on the Advisory Council, we currently have only
eleven, having lost our two members from the southeast area of the
state. In Year Two, the Advisory Council will increase to eighteen
members, with twelve being AT-users or family members of AT-users. In
Year Two, twelve members, 67% of the Council, will be individuals with
disabilities who use AT or families of individuals with disabilities who
use AT. These twelve members will represent the six areas of the state,
two from each area. The center of Louisiana's population has shifted
from the southeast area to the south central area. The remaining six
members of the Council represent agencies, including: the Louisiana
Rehabilitation Services (which includes Services for the Blind), Center
for Independent Living, Department of Education, the State Workforce
Investment Board, Medicaid, and the Governor's Office of Elderly
Affairs. Although one of the agency representatives has disabilities, he
will not be counted toward the majority membership of people with
disabilities and family members. Other agencies may be added as needed
for implementation of the plan; however we will always keep the AT-user
majority on the Council by adding new members as necessary.

Members of the Advisory Council who are assistive technology users
include, Mattie Wilson, who is also the parent of an AT user, and
co-chair of the Council; Wallace Johnson, Program Coordinator for
Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana; and Wayne Jones.

Family Members of assistive technology users on the Advisory Council are
June Street, Supervisor, Programs for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of
Hearing, Department of Education; and Lisa Robinson, Parent Facilitator,
Families Helping Families.

State Agency Representatives on the Council are Mitch Iddings, Advisory
Council Chair, an AT user, Independent Living/Durable Medical Equipment
Specialist, New Horizons Independent Living Center, representing the
Center for Independent Living; Janice Fruge', Program Consultant,
Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Special Populations,
representing the Department of Education; Pete Darling, Workforce
Specialist, Governor's Office, Louisiana Workforce Commission,
representing the Workforce Investment Board; John Schweitzer, Assistive
Technology Program Coordinator, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services,
representing the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation; James
Phillips, Durable Medical Equipment Program Supervisor, Louisiana
Medicaid, representing Louisiana Medicaid; and Mary Tonore, Director,
Home and Community-Based Services, Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs,
representing the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs.

Members of the Advisory Council live in parishes throughout the state to
ensure representation from both rural and urban areas of Louisiana.
Similarly, the membership reflects the racial diversity of the state, as
it includes representatives of the two most prominent groups in
Louisiana: African-American, and Caucasian individuals. Less than 4% of
the population belongs to other ethnic groups, according to the 2000
U.S. Census. However, efforts will be continued to recruit other ethnic
groups as members of the focus groups and representatives to the
Advisory Council. Members who use AT use a variety of devices, such as
mobility devices, vision aids, hearing devices, augmentative
communication devices, and computer adaptations.

3.2 [Structure and Operation of the Advisory Council]{.underline} --
Describe the structure and operations of the Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council was established to provide consumer-responsive,
consumer-driven advice to the State for, planning of, implementation of
and evaluation of activities carried out through the grant, including
setting the measurable goals set out in the Act.

Members of the Advisory Council become part of the council in two ways:
agency representatives are appointed by their respective agencies, while
consumer representatives are volunteers solicited through networks of
disability organizations and councils throughout the state, and who
represent their area of the state. All members are expected to serve a
term to coincide with the length of LATAN's state plan.

The Advisory Council is led by a chair who has been elected by the
members of the Council. A similarly elected vice-chair serves in the
absence of the chair. The Advisory Council itself will determine the
need for subcommittees on a case-by-case basis and will elect members of
any proposed subcommittees. Council decisions are made either through
consensus, or if consensus cannot be reached, by member vote. LATAN's
Advisory Council has adopted operating principles and procedures, which
ensures the participation of focus group members in the planning
process.

Subsequent meetings during the planning phase were held in the state's
capital city. Meetings during Year One were held in central Louisiana,
affording the most beneficial travel accommodations for the members.
Future meetings will be held around the state to the extent feasible and
desired by the members. LATAN's staff makes the meeting room
arrangements, develops materials for information packets for members,
and ensures site and material accessibility. The chair of the LATAN
Advisory Council and the LATAN director or designee together set the
agenda for Council meetings to ensure that council members are informed
about state AT issues, and to provide the opportunity for input and
feedback from Council members. Meetings may feature presentations and
guest speakers who will be selected based on the input of Council
members. Staff of the Statewide AT Program will update the Advisory
Council on the activities of the program, share recent data with the
members, and present any planned initiatives so the Council can provide
input. The chair will facilitate discussion throughout the meeting to
gain input and provide guidance in planning program activities. Staff
records minutes of the meetings.

## 

## Attachment 4: Measurable Goals 

LATAN will establish a baseline for each of the goals 4.1 through 4.7
during year two of the State Plan and will submit after year two an
amendment identifying the long-term goal and short-term goals set to
improve upon this baseline during year three of the State Plan. This
baseline will be established by using a data collection instrument and
procedures to be determined by Rehabilitation Services Administration
(RSA) after the State plan process has been completed.

1.  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Education

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percent of
        appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for educational
        purposes as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

    1.  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Employment

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percent of
        appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for employment
        purposes as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

    1.  Goal for Improving Access to AT in Community Living

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percent of
        appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for community
        living as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

    1.  Goal for Improving Access to IT and Telecommunications

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percent of
        appropriate targeted individuals and entities who accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service that meets an
        IT/telecommunications need as a result of the assistance they
        received.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Education

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percentage
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained
        devices or services from State financing activities or
        reutilization programs for educational purposes who would not
        have obtained the AT device or service.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Employment

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percentage
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained
        devices or services from State financing activities or
        reutilization programs for employment purposes who would not
        have obtained the AT device or service.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

    1.  Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Community Living

-   Long-term goal:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short-term goal for Year 2: Establish baseline of the percentage
        of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who obtained
        devices or services from State financing activities or
        reutilization programs for community living purposes who would
        not have obtained the AT device or service.

    -   Short-term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection not established.

#### Attachment 5: State-level Activities

5.1 [State Financing Activities]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will implement State financing activities as described in section
4(e)(2)(A) of the AT Act.

During the three years of the State Plan, LATAN will continue to operate
its reduced-interest, fixed-rate, and extended-term assistive technology
loan program. The statewide loan program is available to people with
disabilities of all ages and income levels in Louisiana. All types of
assistive technology devices and services are eligible for loans. Loans
range from \$500 to \$50,000. Interest rates are prime rate +1% or prime
rate +2%, depending on the type and amount of the loan. Terms of the
loan vary between one year and seven years. In Year Two LATAN will
investigate the possibility of lowering the interest rate by negotiating
with our current banking partner, with credit unions, and with other
banking institutions.

Our loan program increases acquisition of AT by helping individuals who
may not be able to afford to purchase a device outright, but who can
over time repay a loan. Because our loan program does not have
eligibility requirements, other than the financial ability to repay the
loan, individuals who have been denied funding for devices through other
programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, vocational rehabilitation, or
special education can use our programs to acquire the device. During
year two of the State Plan a baseline will be established to determine
the percentage of people acquiring assistive technology devices and
services through the loan program who would not have been able to
acquire them otherwise.

Loan applications are available online, by a statewide toll-free number,
in LATAN's office, at all Regions Bank offices, and at various agencies
across the state, such as Families Helping Families, centers for
independent living, councils on aging, parish libraries, blind services,
vocational rehabilitation regional offices, and assistive technology and
vehicle vendors. Several of these entities, as well as the LATAN staff,
provide technical assistance in helping applicants complete their loan
applications. The program also provides information about resources for
assessments, assistive technology vendors, and other potential funding
sources, which enable the loan applicants to make an informed choice and
become good consumers of services.

Once applicants complete the loan application packet, including the type
and cost of the assistive technology, they return it to the LATAN
office. Loan staff checks the application for completeness, and then
forwards the bank application to Regions Bank. The bank either approves
or denies the loan, usually within a week, using criteria under this
program, such as relaxing the usual requirements regarding delinquent
medical bills relating to the disability. If it is approved, the loan is
processed and then closed, either at a bank branch near the applicant,
at a LATAN office, or at the home of the applicant, if necessary. If the
loan is denied, the Loan Review Committee reviews it within five
business days, and decides whether or not to guarantee the loan, using
special criteria, such as a higher debt to income ratio than would be
allowed under a traditional loan, little or no credit history, or a
lower beacon score. If it is approved for guarantee, the bank processes
the loan the same as with a non-guaranteed loan.

An Assistive Technology Loan Advisory Council establishes procedures for
the program, and makes policy recommendations to the LATAN Board of
Directors. The Loan Advisory Council is composed of a majority of AT
users and family members across the state, and meets quarterly to
receive program data, make suggestions for improving the program, and
report on their committee work, such as outreach. The Loan Review
Committee is also a consumer-majority group, and meets within five
business days of a loan denial by the bank to determine the disposition
of the loan regarding a guarantee. A representative from the Loan
Advisory Council will be appointed to serve on the LATAN Advisory
Council for the State Plan, as an additional initiative to ensure
coordination and collaboration between the Loan Program and State Plan
activities, though the programs are already working well together.

During the three years of this grant, LATAN will use a portion of its AT
Act funds to supplement funds available from the original Title III
grant to cover some of the operating costs of the loan program. LATAN
will also continue its outreach to population groups currently
underserved by the program, and will look for additional resources to
expand the program. It is anticipated that the focus groups and the
LATAN Advisory Council will assist in these efforts.

Through an aggressive marketing and public awareness campaign, the
population served by the LATAN Assistive Technology Loan Program is
predicted to increase, with particular focus on growth of loan placement
in the Northwest and Central regions of Louisiana, areas historically
underserved by the program. The AT Loan Program will also be looking at
partnerships with such organizations as the Louisiana Association of
Business and Industry and the Louisiana School Boards Association to
determine how best to meet AT needs in the areas of employment and
education. Outreach will be increased to individuals using or needing
types of devices not currently being acquired sufficiently under this
program, such as communication devices and other devices not fully
utilizing the loan program. LATAN will identify and partner with
non-traditional organizations to determine how best to meet AT loan
needs in employment, education, community living, and telecommunications
and information technology.

5.2 [Device Reutilization Program]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will implement a device reutilization program as described in section
4(e)(2)(B) of the Act.

Because of the hurricane disasters endured by Louisiana citizens in Year
One that directly impacted the need for recycled devices, Louisiana
began a program that was not planned initially for the three years of
the State Plan. This program will continue into Years Two and Three. In
addition, Louisiana plans to continue to implement two device
reutilization programs originally planned and begun in Year One with at
least some support from federal AT Act dollars: computer recycling, and
a used equipment exchange. These reutilization programs will enable
people who could not otherwise acquire used computers and other
assistive technology to do so at low or no cost.

**1. Emergency Equipment Distribution Program**

Since the AT Act State Plan was developed by the LATAN Advisory Council
and approved by the Board of Directors and the Department of Health and
Hospitals (DHH), the environments in Louisiana has significantly
changed. Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and Hurricane Rita in
September 2005 wreaked havoc on people's lives, and on all human service
programs in the state, especially those charged with meeting the needs
of people with disabilities, most of whom were not prepared to respond
to a disaster.

LATAN found itself needing to respond to the assistive technology needs
of individuals displaced and devastated by the disasters in a way that
was different from the programs that had been originally planned. Even
before we entered the new year of funding which began October 1, 2005,
and carrying forward Year One of the State Plan, it became clear that
some agency needed to come forward and assist people who had to leave
their assistive technology behind during and immediately after the
storms, and those who became disabled as a result of the disasters.

The program LATAN chose to implement, with input from Advisory Council
members, focus groups members, the Board of Directors, other
disability-serving groups, and DHH is a recycled equipment distribution
program, a program that has been extremely labor-intensive. This came
about as we began to investigate two days after the first storm the need
for a response from LATAN to the Katrina disaster. LATAN began to
receive direct requests for assistance from evacuees and indirectly
through shelter staff. LATAN also began to receive numerous inquiries
into our equipment needs to address the disaster from AT Act programs
across the country. The inquiries, offers of help and requests for
equipment lead to a more in-depth investigation of the needs of people
with disabilities for equipment. LATAN staff, Board of Directors
members, Advisory Council members, and volunteers visited shelters to
speak to staff and evacuees and reported their findings. LATAN decided
there was a great need and entered into a collaborative agreement with
Southwest Louisiana Independence Center and New Horizons Independent
Living Center to gather and distribute equipment for people displaced by
Katrina.

The next few weeks were full of email requests for equipment, emailed
responses from across the country letting us know equipment was on the
way, a search for warehouse space at which to take delivery of
equipment, a search for volunteers to help with the effort and the
opening of a separate LATAN bank account to accept monetary donations.

A flyer and email message was sent out to all LATAN associates and news
media statewide announcing the program. Staff, Board members and
volunteers went to as many shelters as they possibly could to hand out
flyers and cards letting people know about the program. Staff appeared
on radio shows to announce the program and ask for equipment, volunteers
and donations to support the effort. Donations of equipment began to
arrive, requests for equipment began to come in and LATAN staff learned
to unload pallets of equipment and deliver requests to Katrina evacuees.
Volunteers came to LATAN to help with the telephone calls, database and
to clean, sanitize and repair some of the donated equipment.

For more than three months, the LATAN staff and one volunteer alone
delivered equipment in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the immediate area
surrounding Baton Rouge, including St. Tammany, Livingston and Ascension
Parishes. LATAN's partners delivered equipment in their areas, with
LATAN delivering equipment to the partners as needed and available.
LATAN staff members worked exclusively on this equipment distribution
program for these three months, and continue to support the new program
staff.

LATAN's application to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's (BRAF) Katrina
Fund was awarded \$76,354 for the Equipment Distribution Program to be
used from October-December 2005. After receiving the BRAF grant, we were
able to hire a program coordinator, clerical support and a delivery
driver. The program coordinator took over the responsibility of
scheduling equipment shipments, keeping the database of consumers up to
date, scheduling deliveries, scheduling AT assessments by contracted
therapists and generally keeping things going. One of LATAN's volunteers
and board members is working with USSAAC, a national augmentative and
alternative communication association, to help people get assessments
and locate communication devices. The clerical support person's job
description has evolved into an equipment selection and organizer. She
prepares equipment and paper work for the daily deliveries to consumers.

This BRAF grant for additional staff for 3-months allowed LATAN to use
AT Act funding to arrange a year's lease on a warehouse and office from
which to run the Equipment Distribution Program and to cover other
program expenses. A subsequent BRAF grant of \$75,000 allowed LATAN to
continue the program until September 30, 2006. An application to the
Disability Funders Network (DFN) for \$5,000 was funded to purchase
wheelchair and scooter batteries, wheelchair cushions and other items to
refit donated devices. These DSN grant funds were also used to purchase
devices needed that had not been donated. LATAN received monetary
donations from individuals, organizations and colleges from across the
country. This funding is being used to supplement the \$5,000 in DFN
funds to retrofit recycled devices and to purchase a few devices not
donated to the program. It is estimated that the annual budget for this
program is \$225,000, because of the high cost of renting trucks with
lift gates, the cost of gasoline for delivery, the high rent being
charged for warehouse space, the need to do some AT assessments, and the
hiring of three temporary people to run the program. If the equipment
had not been donated, this program would not have worked.

We have received equipment from thirteen agencies in eight states:
Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska
and Pennsylvania, and from four individuals living in Missouri, Texas
and Louisiana. Initially we received donated warehouse space from a DME
provider from New Orleans who evacuated to Baton Rouge. We were able to
store wheelchairs picked up by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services from
the New Orleans Airport and brought to LATAN. We posted photographs and
descriptions of these chairs on our website in an effort to find their
owners. Volunteers searched missing persons databases and located some
owners in states all over the country and unfortunately some who did not
survive the evacuation ordeal. However, we need more equipment to meet
the continuing needs of people with disabilities and older people.

Of the over 1,000 individuals requesting equipment, over 800 individuals
received all of the equipment they requested. Equipment distributed
includes manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, shower chairs,
tub transfer benches, raised toilet seats, bedside commodes, walkers,
crutches, canes, grab bars, hospital beds, geriatric chairs, hoyer
patient lifts, nebulizers, air purifiers, guernies, communication
devices, adapted toys and switches, computers, and a generator. Another
100 have received some of what they needed. They are waiting for power
chairs and scooters, hospital beds, ramps, and other devices such as
shower chairs that we no longer have in inventory. Over 145 people with
disabilities have requested and received computers (sometimes their only
access to the community, to work, to school, and to the world). Because
of LATAN's partnership with the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council
(CACRC) in our Computer ReUse program, recycled computers were provided
by CACRC free of charge to evacuees with disabilities once LATAN
certified them as having a FEMA number. LATAN then provided for the
pickup of the recycled computers and delivery to the consumers. LATAN
has also referred many people to other sources for their needs: for eye
glasses to the Lion's Club/Len's Crafter Vision Program, for hearing
aids to the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf, for assistive technology
for people who are deaf or hearing impaired to the Deaf Action Centers
that run the equipment distribution program, for medicine needs to
Medicaid, and for vision aids to Project COPE, a program of Affiliated
Blind of Lafayette.

In this equipment distribution program, LATAN collaborated to the extent
possible with many individuals and agencies, including New Horizons
Independent Living Center, Southwest Independence Center, Louisiana
Rehabilitation Services, Governor's Office of Disability Affairs,
Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs, DHH, Louisiana Medicaid, Come and
Help, Red Cross shelters, church and other private shelters, and FEMA.
Consumers reported that receiving assistance from federal and state
agencies, and the larger volunteer groups, such as the Red Cross, was
difficult as best, because of all of "the bureaucracy and red tape and
forms", and because equipment was not readily available through those
sources. Their feedback, usually unsolicited, about the LATAN program
was very positive and they commended LATAN for being so responsive, and
for responding so quickly. They also appreciated the fact that once they
had received a piece of recycled equipment from LATAN, it belonged to
them, unlike any equipment that was provided by the Red Cross and FEMA.

As people continue to move from one housing situation to another, they
realize the equipment they need to function in a different environment.
Because the equipment distribution program is so successful, and because
the need continues to be great, Louisiana is planning to continue the
program into Years Two and Three. To the extent that funding is
available, and the need is still there, LATAN will continue the program
as described above. In Year Two, it is anticipated and planned that a
program with a smaller staff, a warehouse, and donated equipment still
in inventory will be implemented. This program will afford LATAN the
opportunity to respond quickly in the event of another emergency, and
will become the Emergency Equipment Distribution Program. Additional
federal and state emergency preparedness and reutilization program
funding will be sought to support this program, in addition to the AT
Act grant.

**2. Computer ReUse Program**

During Years Two and Three of the State Plan, LATAN will continue to
operate a low-cost computer ReUse program for people of all ages with
disabilities in the state, partnering with the Capital Area Corporate
Recycling Council (CACRC) to deliver rebuilt computer systems to the
doors of Louisiana consumers. These computers are intended to enhance
the ability to communicate with the world, to obtain information, to
access government and business services and to support skill development
and/or academic achievement. LATAN receives the order, arranges the
computer system shipment, and afterwards checks to see if the equipment
is meeting the needs of the consumer, and to be sure the computer is in
working order. Before the order is processed, Computer ReUse staff
contacts the person, confirms that the person has a disability through
their own self-identification, works with him or her to be sure the
assistive technology devices they will be using with the computer is
compatible, and that the computer being ordered has specifications
sufficient to run specialized software and support any needed AT
hardware. A list of potential funding sources for the AT is given to the
ReUse consumer.

The current Computer ReUse Package for \$265 includes: A completely
refurbished Pentium III computer with monitor, modem, network card,
keyboard, mouse, CD ROM drive, 3.5" floppy drive, sound card, speakers,
Windows 2000 Professional OS, Open Office Suite, AVG Antivirus, Internet
browser, and WinZip. The price includes delivery to the consumer's door,
and the technical support mentioned above. These prices cover only the
cost of shipping the computer system to the consumer and a \$25.00
handling fee. There is no waiting list for the computers, and delivery
is made within a couple of weeks of the completed order. LATAN has been
able to leverage a small amount of funding from the Entergy Corporation,
and CenturyTel, to partially subsidize the cost of the computers for
consumers who do not have the resources to pay the full price. The new
partnership with CACRC will continue, because it has been a very
beneficial one, and one that will enable LATAN to meet the computer
needs of people with disabilities across the state during Years Two and
Three of the State Plan.

A resource bank of free and low-cost computer training opportunities
across the state is being developed and shared with consumers ordering
the computers. Technical support will be provided via the telephone to
help with setup and troubleshooting. Consumers will pay for the shipping
(included in the price) and any additional software and hardware they
need.

The Computer ReUse Program, in Year One, included computers donated to
LATAN. These computers were given to consumers who could not afford the
other package. During the first year of the State Plan, The AT
Marketplace program was established, and donated computers will be
incorporated into The AT Marketplace "as is".

Order forms for the ReUse Computer package will be available online,
through a statewide toll-free number, and through various public and
private organizations across the state, including agencies that fund
assistive technology, and organizations that serve individuals with
disabilities.

LATAN's Computer ReUse program will enable people with disabilities of
all ages to acquire computers that they would not otherwise have been
able to obtain because of the cost, and the need for technical support
in setting the system up and locating computer training resources.
During year two of the State Plan a baseline will be established to
determine the percentage of people acquiring assistive technology
devices and services through the ReUse program who would not have been
able to acquire them otherwise. In completing the order form,
individuals will describe their disability, the activity they desire to
be involved in, or the task they would like to accomplish using the
computer. They will also indicate for which purpose they will use the
computer system, education, employment, telecommunications and/or
community living. LATAN is using this model instead of receiving,
storing, refurbishing and shipping out used computers because this is
the only feasible model given the funding currently available.

During Years Two and Three of the State Plan, as part of the public
awareness activities described in Attachment 8, LATAN will implement an
outreach plan for notifying people about the ReUse program, especially
in underserved areas of the state. LATAN will also continue to identify
other resources for used computers, and encourage the organizations,
businesses and other entities that have these used computers to enter
the available computers in The AT Marketplace. LATAN will also identify
additional computer training services across the state, and expand its
outreach to populations underserved by the ReUse program. LATAN will
continue to leverage foundation and corporate grants and other sources
of funding to subsidize consumer costs for the computers. Additional
financial resources will be sought to sustain the operational expenses
of the program.

**3. The AT Marketplace: Louisiana's Assistive Technology Classifieds**

In Years Two and Three, LATAN will continue its statewide database of
"recycled" assistive technology resources for the State of Louisiana
that was developed in Year One. The AT Marketplace will provide the
opportunity for people to acquire assistive technology devices that they
otherwise would not have been able to obtain due to cost and/or lack of
awareness of and access to the entities that have devices to recycle.
The devices will be available for low or no cost. The database will be
accessible to even the most remote locations in the state and to all
populations for device use in all environments, and therefore will
achieve the statewideness required of the recycling program. It will
also address the needs people have for device use for the purposes of
education, employment and community living. The AT Marketplace will be
especially important for rural areas of the state where suppliers and
providers are scarce.

After studying several models and programs, LATAN is working with the
Delaware Statewide Assistive Technology Program, which has had a
successful exchange program for six years. LATAN will be using their
model for listing and searching for devices. Delaware has graciously
agreed to let Louisiana use their database template, and adapt it for
our purposes. LATAN is working with a consortium of other state AT Act
programs to continually upgrade the database program. Together we are
working on including in the database software application, surveys and
other methods of obtaining the data required by the AT Act. A completed
survey for data collection and evaluation purposes will be requested
from all who use the Marketplace. The database will allow individuals
and organizations in Louisiana to list equipment that is surplus to
their needs and should increase the rate and efficiency of AT equipment
exchange in Louisiana as more people become aware of its existence.

The database will contain a listing of individuals, agencies and other
entities for the exchange, rental, purchase, and donation of previously
used assistive devices for individuals with functional limitations due
to aging or disability, such as mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers,
etc.), listening devices, communication aids, vision aids, adaptive
computers, adapted toys and recreational equipment, among other items.

Individuals, agencies and other entities that have assistive technology
devices to recycle will enter their devices and the information
requested, including category, description, condition and cost of the
device into the database. The entry will come to LATAN staff to assure
that the item is appropriate for the category selected. The entity
posting the item will also be responsible for removing the item once it
has been exchanged. LATAN staff will be available to assist with posting
and removing an item, and to provide access to the database for those
without Internet access. Ninety days after posting, an email will be
automatically generated for those items still in the exchange to ask if
the item is still available. If not, or if there is no response to the
email, the item will be deleted from the database. All transactions for
the exchange will be between the entity posting the device and the
individual needing the device.

Individuals using The AT Marketplace will search the database of
previously owned devices by category of device to find ones that are
available, and will discover the cost, description, condition and owner
of each device, along with contact information. The individual will
contact the owner to arrange for payment and shipping or pick up.
Individuals will also be able to list items that they need, and entities
that have devices can then contact the individuals directly to recycle
their devices, even before posting. LATAN will also become a part of the
ATMatch.com, a website, developed by the Kansas program, for the
auctioning of previously owned assistive technology devices available
across the country, and will provide a link to that site from The AT
Marketplace website.

The AT Marketplace's primary objective is to increase acquisition of
assistive technology by making devices available at low cost or free
without requiring a person be eligible for public funding. The
Marketplace will be published and regularly updated on the LATAN website
as a resource for citizens with disabilities and service providers, and
will also be available by calling LATAN's statewide toll-free number to
speak to a LATAN staff person.

LATAN has identified some partners for the Marketplace, entities with
devices to be recycled. They include nine Councils on Aging, two
Families Helping Families (regional centers that provide advocacy,
peer-to-peer counseling, and training and technical assistance to
families regarding disability issues), two independent living centers,
Come and Help (a not-for-profit organization that recycles durable
medical equipment), Capital Area Computer Recycling Center, and the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Louisiana Chapter. LATAN is in the
process of working with each one on what they have available, how it
will be listed, and who their contact person is. Other partners that
will work with LATAN in getting the word out about the Marketplace, and
that will encourage their clients, constituents, providers, and
customers to participate include the Office of Elderly Affairs,
Louisiana Medicaid, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, the Statewide
Independent Living Council, the Department of Education, and the
Mobility Depot, a local vendor.

LATAN has received a \$10,000 grant from Baton Rouge Area Foundation to
develop the database, including the evaluation component. LATAN also
received two contracts from the Department of Health and Hospitals under
its Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, totaling \$125,000, which purpose is
"To Facilitate the Competitive Employment of People with Disabilities",
to begin implementation of The AT Marketplace.

-   During each year of the State Plan, more agencies and entities will
    be invited to become part of the network

In years two and three, LATAN will:

-   increase outreach to parts of the state underserved by The AT
    Marketplace in year one, and

-   identify individuals and entities with used equipment to exchange,
    and enroll them in the program, particularly focusing on scarce
    equipment and remote areas.

-   develop and implement policies that allow vendors to list previously
    owned, discontinued, or discounted devices

In years two and three, LATAN will implement the plan.

5.3 [Device Loan Program]{.underline} -- Describe how the State will
implement a device loan program as described in section 4(e)(2)(C) of
the Act.

LATAN does not currently operate a device loan program.

LATAN's Advisory Council recommended that since this is a program with
little current resources identified in the state, the first couple of
years will be spent identifying resources and any device loan programs
in existence that are not currently known, identifying gaps in
comprehensiveness and statewideness of existing programs, and begin
collaboration with identified partners. Device loans, consumers say,
will increase their ability to make an informed decision about the
benefits, usefulness and appropriateness of specific devices borrowed
for increasing their self-sufficiency and independence in education,
employment, and community living. Providers say that device loans will
increase their ability to assist their customers in making an informed
decision and selecting the appropriate device, by using these devices in
the assessment process.

Specifically, during Year Two of the State Plan, LATAN will:

-   explore device loan program models used by other states,

-   determine partners and resources needed based on the exploration,
    and

-   develop a plan for implementation during year three.

Once this plan for implementation has been developed, LATAN will submit
an amendment to RSA describing the plan.

Potential resources for the device loan program may include the devices
listed in The AT Marketplace database. The AT Marketplace database will
include, in addition to a list of devices to be recycled, links to and
information about device loan programs that exist in the state. This
resource will begin in Year Two.

Current loan programs identified thus far that will be in the database
include: Centers for Independent Living (New Horizons and Southwest
Louisiana Independence Center), Louisiana Career Development Center,
LATI Centers (school districts), Easter Seals, and the Muscular
Dystrophy Association. Vendors also will be approached to see if they
have any devices to loan or rent, or for recycling. LATAN envisions
trying to coordinate these existing loan programs and filling in the
gaps that exist.

5.4 [Device Demonstration Program]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will implement a device demonstration program as described in section
4(e)(2)(D) of the Act.

Of the required state-level activities, LATAN focus groups and State
Advisory Council members have identified device demonstrations as the
highest priority after the Emergency Equipment Distribution Program.
Device demonstrations, consumers say, will increase their ability to
make an informed decision about the benefits, usefulness and
appropriateness of the devices demonstrated for increasing their
self-sufficiency and independence in education, employment, and
community living. Providers say that demonstrations will increase their
ability to assist their customers in making an informed decision when
they can try out a device before purchasing it.

Over the years LATAN has provided demonstrations of various types of low
and high tech devices. However, without adequate funding to replace
expensive obsolete and damaged devices, mostly low-tech devices are
demonstrated at conferences, presentations and exhibits, devices
typically used for assistance with daily life activities. These low-tech
demonstrations will continue. LATAN also provides and will continue to
provide high-tech demonstrations with the assistance of vendors and
professionals at a couple of seminars each year, such as Partners in
PolicyMaking and the Assistive Technology Camp for preschoolers.

In addition to these current activities, LATAN is in the process of
looking at demonstration program models in other states. A demonstration
program for assistive technology will provide opportunities for hands-on
experiences with technology. In Year Two, this program will be on-site
based, meaning that equipment will be taken out to agencies, consumer
groups, provider groups, conferences, exhibits, and other venues so that
a wide audience will have access. In Year Two, a plan for a
demonstration center will be developed for implementation in Year Three.
For a fee for service, providers can use the equipment available in the
demonstration program in their training, and to assist individuals they
are working with determine what works when they are doing assessments.
Consumers have consistently recommended that LATAN have a demonstration
capability so they can actually see and try out a piece of equipment
("try before you buy"). Demonstrations will be used with professionals
to upgrade their knowledge of the benefits of AT, and the importance of
AT supports for the individuals that they serve. This program will give
people a chance to broaden their vision of AT and its benefits before
they make the often expensive decision to buy a particular piece of AT.
Having seen an AT device demonstrated, individuals may then choose to
borrow a device from a lending library to try out for a time in their
own environments. It is anticipated that some devices for demonstration
will be available through The AT Marketplace.

Based on what is learned from looking at models in other states, during
Year Two of the State Plan LATAN will develop a device demonstration
center, for implementation in Year Three. A baseline for usage of the
demonstration program will be established for measuring the percentage
of people who accessed device demonstration and made a decision about an
AT device or service for education, employment and/or community living
as a result of the demonstrations. In subsequent years, the
demonstration program will be expanded to populations underserved during
the first two years of the demonstration program, and a percentage
increase each year will be projected.

Partners identified for a demonstration pilot in northwest Louisiana are
the Bossier Council on Aging, New Horizons Independent Living Center,
and Families Helping Families of Northwest Louisiana. Specific roles for
each will be determined during Year Two. The demonstration program will
begin with computer adaptations and communication software and devices,
and will expand as funding allows. There will also be available low-tech
devices that offer aids for daily living for persons with disabilities
as well as people who want to "age in place", meaning stay in their own
homes or communities as they age. The Center will be open to consumers,
families and providers.

In addition to setting up a pilot on-site program, LATAN will work to
coordinate and collaborate with existing device demonstration resources
in the state.

(1) Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative (LATI) regional centers.
    These centers are funded with federal Individuals with Disabilities
    Education Act Part B dollars, and receive these funds through a
    contract with the Department of Education. The primary purposes of
    the LATI Regional Centers are (a) to improve the outcomes and
    results for children and youth with disabilities through the use of
    assistive technology to access school programs and curriculum;
    and (b) to increase the capacity of school districts to provide
    assistive technology services by making training, technical
    assistance and AT demonstrations available to teachers, therapists,
    administrators, paraprofessionals and parents throughout Louisiana.
    Regional and local trainings, including the use of demonstrations,
    are scheduled through each center. Demonstrations currently being
    offered by LATI staff include, but are not limited to: computer
    access, communication, seating and positioning, vision/hearing, and
    information technology accommodations. LATAN will be collaborating
    to make parents aware of these opportunities, and to expand the
    hours of operation for the purpose of serving additional
    populations.

(2) The University of New Orleans Training, Resource and
    Assistive-technology Center (TRAC) provides device demonstrations
    for computer access, vision aids and learning disability software,
    and Louisiana Tech also provides device demonstrations of various
    types. During Year Two LATAN will approach these groups about the
    possibility of working with LATAN to provide demonstrations outside
    of the university setting.

(3) The Affiliated Blind of Louisiana and the Louisiana Center for the
    Blind both have demonstrations of various types of equipment, as
    well as the Deaf/Blind Store.

(4) During Year Two, LATAN will also work with these entities to
    determine the feasibility of providing demonstrations outside of
    these centers.

In addition, in Year Two LATAN will develop a calendar of demonstration
centers and events sponsored by these partners and post the calendar on
its website and in its newsletter. To the extent feasible, LATAN will
develop a database of devices available for demonstration through these
three partners.

In addition to a pilot demonstration program and coordinating existing
resources, there is considerable interest in the state for LATAN's
bringing equipment into existing agencies that serve the disability and
aging populations for demonstrations, utilizing AT users in the area and
vendors. In this model, LATAN would develop a schedule of a specific
type of device demonstration at each site on a rotating basis across the
state. The Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is interested in this
approach for its regional centers where case managers and clients could
attend the demonstrations. Some of the OneStops have also expressed a
similar interest, as well as the National Disability Employment
Awareness Month Job Fairs. The Families Helping Families Network is also
willing to collaborate by hosting demonstrations in each of its regional
offices. Some regional libraries are also open to demonstrations. This
model of taking the devices around the state and setting them up where
people already frequent is being seriously considered as a way to reach
out into smaller communities. The feasibility of this model will be
studied further during Year Two, and agreements with these various
groups developed if needed. Vendor demonstrations will be provided to
the extent available.

During Years Two and Three, LATAN will continue its search for
additional funding sources for implementation and expansion of the
demonstration program, including private foundations, and fee for
service contracts and/or center memberships for device funders and
private practitioners. This will enable LATAN to purchase devices for
demonstration in Year Three.

An amendment to the State Plan will be submitted after the studies in
Year Two that will delineate specific plans for Year Three.

#### Attachment 6: Comparable Support

6.1 [Source and Amount of Support]{.underline} -- Identify the
State-level activity for which there is comparable support, the source
of this support, the amount of the support, and the project year for
which this support is being provided.

> Louisiana is not claiming comparable support for any activity.

6.2 [Comparability]{.underline} \-- Demonstrate that this support is
comparable in terms of funding and that the activities are comparable in
terms of scope. Not applicable

6.3 [Coordination and Collaboration]{.underline} -- Describe how the
State will coordinate activities and collaborate with the appropriate
entity, if the comparable funds are provided to, or the activities are
conducted by, an entity other than the Lead Agency or Implementing
Entity. Not applicable

Attachment 7: State Flexibility

1.  [Activity]{.underline} -- Identify each State-level activity the
    State is choosing not to carry out.

Louisiana is choosing to carry out all required activities.

7.2 [Maintenance of Statewideness and Comprehensiveness]{.underline} --
Demonstrate that the Statewide AT Program will continue to be
comprehensive without conducting this activity.

7.3 [Achievement of Measurable Goals]{.underline} - Demonstrate that the
State can reach its measurable education goals, employment goals,
telecommunications and information technology goals, and community
living goals without conducting such activities.

7.4 [Coordination and Collaboration]{.underline} -- Describe how the
Lead Agency or Implementing Entity will coordinate activities and
collaborate with entities in the State that do conduct this activity, if
the State chooses not to conduct this activity because another entity
already conducts it.

## Attachment 8: State Leadership Activities

Training and Technical Assistance, and Public Awareness activities serve
to provide consumers, family members, service providers and other
interested individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to
understand the benefits of assistive technology, what technology is
available, the resources to acquire and use the assistive technology,
how it can be acquired and utilized in various environments, and in the
case of assessment specialists, to assist the individuals they serve in
making appropriate choices.

Coordination and Collaboration activities are necessary to provide
technical assistance and support for the purpose of developing policies
and procedures within public agencies that will increase access to
assistive technology in various settings.

8.1 [Training and Technical Assistance Activities]{.underline} --
Describe how the State will provide training and technical assistance to
enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of individuals from
local settings statewide, including representatives of State and local
educational agencies, other State and local agencies, early intervention
programs, adult service programs, hospitals and other health care
facilities, institutions of higher education and businesses as described
in section 4(e)(3)(B)(i) of the AT Act.

# *Training* 

Over the next two years LATAN will engage in the following training
activities.

-   LATAN already has developed an "Assistive Technology for Aging in
    Place" training module targeted for older individuals, their
    caregivers, and their service providers. The purpose of the AT and
    Aging Program is to provide training and information to individuals
    over 50 who need or may need assistive technology, and to the
    caregivers and providers who work with them. As part of the program,
    a handbook has been designed to assist older persons, their
    caregivers, and their providers in their efforts to include
    assistive technology (including daily living aids) in their daily
    lives to maintain a high quality of life as their health care and
    daily living needs change. The handbook is used during training
    programs and is also available as a resource for professionals in
    the field and for older citizens and their caregivers. The handbook
    is created as a guide for older citizens who wish to preserve their
    independence, autonomy, productivity and dignity, and is intended to
    provide information about assistive technology, home modifications,
    and the many service options available to older people in
    communities across our state. The handbook also identifies agencies,
    supportive services, funding options and resources pertaining to
    assistive technology. This AT and Aging program is just beginning,
    with the Assistive Technology and Aging in Place manual completed, a
    Power Point training module with highlights from the manual and
    descriptions of LATAN and assistive technology services available,
    and an aging exhibit developed. Low-tech aids for daily living and
    low-tech assistive technology items are displayed and individuals
    are encouraged to try them out. The focus of the training is to
    provide AT supports that will enable an individual to stay in their
    own home environments, or to transition from an institutional
    setting into a more community-based one. There have been three
    trainings completed, with another one planned for the directors and
    staff of the Councils on Aging. LATAN anticipates continuing to
    deliver such trainings upon request during the three years of the
    state plan. The availability of the training, and the method for
    requesting training will be publicized through the LATAN website,
    newsletters, in interagency meetings, and through direct mail and
    email to agencies serving the aging population. A phone call to the
    LATAN office, or an email is all that is necessary to request the
    training.

# *Technical Assistance*

Because LATAN provides technical assistance to agencies and
organizations by request, it is difficult to predict the type of
technical assistance that will be provided over the next two years.

In the past, LATAN has provided technical assistance such as the
following:

-   LATAN assisted several state agencies with information about and
    assistance with designing and troubleshooting accessible websites.

-   LATAN assisted with the development of assistive technology services
    in waiver programs for long-term care.

LATAN anticipates providing technical assistance in a similar manner
over the next two years.

# *Transition*

The AT Act requires that LATAN specifically focus on training and
technical assistance around transition. This includes transition for
students with disabilities who are leaving high school for employment or
post-secondary education and transition for those entering or
maintaining community living.

During the three years of this state plan, LATAN will utilize the AT for
Aging in Place module mentioned above to train older individuals who
want to remain in community settings, and their caregivers and service
providers, as well as individuals who want to transition out of
institutions into the community. Hospital discharge planners will be one
population of focus to receive this transition training, and any
technical assistance needed.

In addition, LATAN will provide technical assistance to the State's
long-term services and supports task force for the development of an
assistive technology component to be used with the assessment tool for
assessing the functional abilities of people transitioning to community
settings from nursing homes and other institutional settings.

Transition Tech Notes will be developed and disseminated in Year Two to
transition coordinators, to the LATI centers that provide technical
assistance to transitioning students, and to discharge planners and
social workers in nursing homes and other institutional settings.

During Year Three, LATAN will provide technical assistance to school
districts, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and other adult settings
in the development of interagency agreements that would facilitate a
transitioning student to retain the assistive technology he or she is
using when he moves from the school environment to employment,
post-secondary education and/or community living.

During year three, LATAN will continue the activities developed in years
one and two to reach additional audiences. An amendment to the State
Plan after year two will describe the activities in more detail.

8.2 [Public Awareness Activities]{.underline} -- Describe how the State
will provide information to targeted individuals and entities relating
to the availability, benefits, appropriateness, and costs of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services as described in
section 4(e)(3)(B)(ii) of the AT Act.

During the three years of the State Plan, LATAN will provide public
awareness activities, including exhibits, presentations, materials
dissemination, a quarterly newsletter and an accessible website to
increase awareness about the benefits of assistive technology devices
and services, the types of AT devices and services available, funding
for AT devices and services, and policies related to AT. LATAN's current
public awareness activities also include TV and radio talk show
interviews, public service announcements, articles in newspapers and
agency newsletters, and focus groups, in addition to the activities
mentioned above. LATAN will provide the following public awareness
activities over the next three years:

### **Presentation/ Exhibits**

LATAN will present public awareness activities to groups requesting
them, and will seek out other groups, depending on the time allocated
and the need identified by the State Advisory Council, focus groups, and
the LATAN staff. Such groups may include public bodies, parish
libraries, legislators, university classes, various teacher in-services,
Family Service Centers, parish transition teams, discharge planners,
hospital staff, employers, and university disability offices.
Presentations, demonstrations, and handout materials will also be
provided to many disability and interagency groups, such as Families
Helping Families, Councils on Aging, the Statewide Independent Living
Council, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Down Syndrome Awareness Group,
the ARCs, Partners in PolicyMaking, Baton Rouge Head Injury Association,
Job Fairs, self-advocacy groups, case managers, and to various
conferences in the state, such as the Universal Design for Learning
Conference, the Aging and Disability Housing Conference, the Louisiana
Rehabilitation Association Training Conference, the Successful Aging in
Persons with Developmental Disabilities Conference, and the Department
of Education weekend workshop for parents. LATAN will also provide
public awareness and information dissemination "in-house" with its Board
of Directors in their orientation and continuing in-service, and with
LATAN Advisory Councils and regional focus groups.

### **Public Media Interview, Announcements and Articles**

LATAN will use public service announcements (PSA) to inform the public,
including consumers, about the benefits and uses of assistive
technology, as well as about specific LATAN programs and activities.
Senator Mary Landrieu recently produced a PSA for the loan program that
will be aired during the three years of the State Plan. TV and radio
interviews will be utilized, as well as press releases to and articles
in the major and community newspapers in the state. In 2005 LATAN was
the recipient of a four-hour segment of radio interviews during
Community Service Week on a local radio station, which broadcast from
the LATAN parking lot. Following that segment once a week for the next
year, LATAN will be a guest on the interview segment of the same radio
show, to talk about assistive technology and its benefits, as well as
the specific LATAN activities. LATAN will make every effort to obtain
media coverage at its events, including the announcement of each new
activity.

**Agency and Organization Newsletters and Websites**

Agency newsletters are another avenue for public awareness and
information dissemination about assistive technology that LATAN will use
during the three years of the State Plan, as well as Chamber of Commerce
and other non-traditional websites. We look for opportunities to tell
stories, and this year LATAN and one of our consumers were featured in a
new publication *imagine Magazine* that is published by the Louisiana
Association of Nonprofit Organizations. Agencies and organizations whose
media vehicles will be used to place articles include, but are not
limited to, Families Helping Families, the Louisiana Developmental
Disabilities Council, Councils on Aging, and independent living centers.

**Annual Awards Event**

LATAN will host an annual awards event, which brings awareness about
assistive technology benefits and the policy issues surrounding access
to and acquisition of AT devices and services. The Annual Assistive
Technology and Universal Design Awards will recognize individuals who
have contributed to increased access to AT. Categories of awards to be
presented include: Agency Award: to a Louisiana public agency or
individual within an agency that increased access to assistive
technology; Business Award: to a Louisiana business that increased
access to assistive technology and/or implemented universal design
concepts to make their products and services more accessible to all;
Citizen Award: to an individual in Louisiana who increased access to
assistive technology, or advocated for changes in policies or laws or
practices to assure universal access; Consumer Empowerment Award: to an
individual or family member in Louisiana who has advocated for self or
family member to improve access to environments through assistive
technology or universal design; Legislator Award: to a Louisiana U.S.
Senator or Representative, or a Louisiana state legislator who sponsors
and advocates for passage of legislation that increases access to
assistive technology or the implementation of universal design concepts;
Mayor's Committee Award: to a mayor's committee in Louisiana that
increased access to assistive technology, or advocated for changes in
policies or laws or practices to assure universal access; Media/Public
Relations Award: to an individual or entity that increased awareness of
assistive technology through the media or other public relations
vehicle; LATAN Volunteer of the Year Award: to a LATAN volunteer that
increased access to assistive technology through his or her work with
LATAN.

**Information and Referral**

LATAN's statewide toll free number will provide free information and
referral services about AT for people of all ages with all disabilities.
Family members, services providers and others who work in fields related
to disabilities or AT may also use this service. LATAN staff will
provide information to those who call on the availability, benefits,
appropriateness and cost of AT devices and services. In addition, for
many callers, LATAN staff will mail AT resource and device information
in order for them to make a more informed decision, and/or refer them to
additional web resources. A consumer satisfaction survey will be mailed
to callers within six months following the call to determine if they are
satisfied with the information provided by LATAN or if they need
additional information. LATAN calls its information and referral service
"individual advocacy", because most of the callers have a myriad of
issues and questions, and it is not unusual for staff to spend an hour
or two on each call helping consumers to identify vendor and assessment
resources for the technology they need, and the financial resources to
obtain it. Information and referral is an important program at LATAN,
and recently LATAN staff have been designated as 'specialists' in
various areas of expertise such as Community Living, Education, Health
Care, Employment, Housing, Aging, Information Technology and Transition.
This emphasis on specialty topics should allow LATAN to give better
information to callers regarding AT for various environments, regarding
funding resources, policy issues, and other AT resources in the state.

In the three years of the State Plan LATAN will (1) identify additional
AT resources in the state and elsewhere; and (2) upgrade the resource
database to reflect specific fields for various types of resources.
LATAN staff will keep abreast of new and emerging AT devices and
services through training and web searches.

During year two, LATAN will also (1) develop a simple means to collect
demographic data from callers, especially in regards to disability or
functional limitation and geographic area in the state; and (2) develop
an evaluation or consumer satisfaction plan for the program. Based on
the data collected in year two, year three will see the implementation
of an outreach plan targeted to those areas and populations underserved
by the program. The specific of that plan will be outlined in an
amendment to the state plan after year two.

**Newsletter**

The LATAN newsletter, *G.R.E.A.T. possibilities,* will continue to be
developed and disseminated in hard copy, by email, and on the web site
by LATAN staff on a quarterly basis. Regular sections of the newsletter
will include AT information on: Current events at LATAN, new and
emerging AT (which discusses features of specific AT devices), a
spotlight on an AT user, policy updates, website and other resources on
AT, and a calendar of national, state and local AT-related events.
Efforts will be made in year two and three to increase the number of
newsletters that can be sent via email in order to reduce the cost of
printing and mailing.

**Web site**

The LATAN website will feature in-depth information on the four
State-Level and three State-Leadership Activities described in this
Attachment and Attachment 5, as well as information on other programs
LATAN is involved with, publications, web accessibility resources,
legislation, and AT resources and links. The website also will provide
an opportunity for individuals to directly contact LATAN for purposes of
feedback, information and referral, listing for sale items on The AT
Marketplace, an on-line application for the state alternative financing
program, and for the Computer ReUse program. From the website,
individuals can access TechNotes (assistive technology information
sheets), publications, assistive technology hyperlinks to other sites, a
calendar of events, and other information.

**Publications**

Training materials and publications have been developed and will be
disseminated for all types of audiences across the life span on a broad
array of AT related issues, such as AT for people with visual
impairments or hearing impairments, eating utensils, AT in the
workplace, consumer rights, AT for Aging in Place, and funding
resources. All assistive technology information sheets, Tech Notes, will
be provided free of charge on the web site and made available in any
requested alternative format. The AT for Aging in Place manual will be
sold for \$25.00 to help defray the cost of printing.

8.3 [Coordination and Collaboration]{.underline} -- Describe how the
State will coordinate activities among public and private entities that
are responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for the provision
of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to
individuals with disabilities, service providers, and others to improve
access to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
as described in section 4(e)(3)(B)(iii) of the AT Act.

Because coordination and collaboration with public and private entities
often is based on emerging, new, or changing policies and procedures, it
is difficult to anticipate all of the coordination and collaboration
activities that LATAN will undertake over the next three years. In the
past, coordination and collaboration involved the proposal of new or
changes to current AT policies, providing input on proposed AT policies,
and analysis of the impact of current AT policies. LATAN does this by
participating on task forces sponsored by state agencies, by being a
member of consumer groups, advocacy groups, and disability networks
throughout the state, and through independent efforts.

Currently, LATAN is collaborating and coordinating with:

-   The Louisiana Long-Term Care planning groups to provide technical
    assistance in the development of policies and procedures for
    transition assessments for long-term supports and services;

-   Medicaid Purchase Plan Advisory Council to provide technical
    assistance in the development of assistive technology services
    needed by workers with disabilities;

-   The Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative Advisory Panel to
    provide technical assistance for the continuation of regional
    centers and for other Department of Education AT initiatives; and

-   The Housing Task Force to provide technical assistance in the
    development of policies that will lead to accessible and affordable
    housing for individuals with disabilities and older people.

-   Emergency Preparedness Collaboratives to assure the needs of people
    using assistive technology are taken into consideration when
    planning for and responding to an emergency.

-   The Permanent Supported Housing coalition to assure the
    accessibility of developed housing.

LATAN anticipates coordinating and collaborating on policies in a
similar manner over the next two years.

Attachment 9: Involvement of Public and Private Entities

1.  [Nature and Extent of Resources]{.underline} -- Describe the nature
    and extent of resources that will be committed by public and private
    collaborators to assist in accomplishing identified goals.

The Department of Education Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative
(LATI) centers provide training, technical assistance and demonstrations
to education professionals, paraprofessionals, related service personnel
and families of students in K-12. All of these centers contribute
resources, funded by IDEA, that assist in accomplishing identified goals
of increased access to AT, and are committed to working with LATAN to
reach wider audiences than are currently reached.

Louisiana Answers, a resource center funded under the Aging and
Disability Resource Center federal grant, provides an information and
referral line and website for elders and adults with physical
disabilities. The information includes a list of AT providers. The
resource center is a pilot demonstration project that serves one area of
the state. However, they are planning to replicate the center in all
areas of the state in 2007 with state dollars. This would mean a
statewide database with information and public awareness regarding AT
along with a myriad of other topics. Louisiana Answers is committed to
working with LATAN on this project, which will assist in accomplishing
the public awareness activities outlined in this plan.

The Statewide Independent Living Council is committing their newsletter
and website as vehicles for the dissemination of information about the
benefits of AT, resources for accessing and acquiring AT, and success
stories about consumers who use AT.

New Horizons Independent Living Center will commit space in its offices
for the pilot demonstration project, and the other nine Families Helping
Families have committed to hosting and publicizing demonstrations in
their offices. This will assist in accomplishing the access to AT goals.

In Year One, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation committed \$10,000 toward
the development and implementation of The Assistive Technology
Marketplace, and the Department of Health and Hospitals, through its
federal Medicaid Infrastructure Grant has also committed \$125,000
toward the Marketplace. \$15,000 of the MIG contract will be available
for use in Year Two. These resources will assist in accomplishing the
goal of acquisition of assistive technology for use in education,
employment and community living.

The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council has committed \$3,000
toward the operation of the annual Assistive Technology Camp for
preschoolers. Several AT professionals in the state volunteer their time
to work with the families at the camp.

2.  [Mechanisms to Ensure Coordination]{.underline} - Describe the
    mechanisms established to ensure coordination of activities and
    collaboration between the implementing entity, if any, and the
    State.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) has a Memorandum
of Understanding with LATAN, and will continue to do so. DHH will submit
a quarterly request to RSA for an advance of funds for implementing the
program, and the funds will "flow through" to LATAN for program
activities.

LATAN will submit quarterly financial reports to DHH with the request
for advance, a semi-annual and final report of program activities, and
an annual independent financial audit.

DHH and LATAN representatives will meet at the end of each year to
discuss the prior year accomplishments, the plans for the next year, and
to develop the amendment document to be submitted to RSA.

9.3 Involvement [of State Advisory Council]{.underline} - Describe the
nature and extent of the involvement of the State Advisory Council in
the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the activities carried
out through the grant, including setting the measurable goals required
in section 4(d)(3).

The Advisory Council meets quarterly to review and make recommendations
for the State Plan. Though most members participate in person, some
members teleconference in. The State Plan reflects their deliberations
and encompasses their recommendations. Council members helped write and
approved the final draft of the State Plan. During the implementation
and evaluation phase of the Council's responsibilities, the Council will
meet in-person four times per year at least two weeks before LATAN's
Board of Directors meeting, so that recommendations can be made to the
Board. Teleconferencing in will always be an option. Prior to these four
meetings, focus groups will meet, and the focus group representative in
each area will bring suggestions, needs and concerns to the full
Council. The initial meeting of the Council was held in the central area
of the State, to increase participation by focus group members, as well
as Council members. After the initial meeting, each focus group met to
discuss and set program priorities for their area. Recommendations from
the groups were submitted to the Advisory Council, which reviewed them
and began discussions.

The State Advisory Council met six times in 5-6 hour meetings to provide
input into the development of the three-year State Plan. In Year One,
the Council met four times, and was very instrumental in LATAN's
continuing to respond to the hurricane disasters. The Council initially
began by considering the recommendations of the six focus groups and the
LATAN staff regarding the required activities, and then discussed first
each measurable goal and then each required state-level and state
leadership activity. Goals were discussed at great length over a period
of two meetings, assuming a baseline based on the combined knowledge of
resources of Council members. Projections for increases in years two and
three and a long-term goal were agreed upon before the instructions for
developing the Plan were approved by OMB. Since the final instructions
state that all of the goals for the first year are to establish a
baseline, results of the discussion on goals will be held pending
identification of the baselines to project increases for years two and
three.

In the discussion of each required activity, Advisory Council members
reviewed the current status of required activities in the state,
reviewed the findings of each of the focus groups regarding that
activity, and brought their own experience and knowledge of needs and
resources to the table before recommending the form the activity would
take in the first year and in subsequent years. The Advisory Council has
been very instrumental in designing the State Plan, reviewed the draft
before submission, and made the recommendations for amendments for Year
Two.

The Council continues to meet, and will meet quarterly, to identify
resources for collaborating partners and for other potential funding
sources, and will be involved in the implementation of the activities
and in the evaluation. Although the exact format for evaluation by the
Advisory Council has not been determined, the Council and focus groups
will receive regular reports on activities and will be given the
opportunity to assist in the improvement of the quality of the programs.

## Attachment 10: State Support

1.  [State Support for State-level Activities]{.underline} -- If
    applicable, describe how the State will support with State funds any
    State-level activities described in section 4(e)(2).

Beginning July 1, 2006 and carrying over into Year Two, the State of
Louisiana will support the State Plan with a \$300,000 line item
appropriation to LATAN for "operating costs." The vehicle of agreement
and the exact goals and objectives assigned to the State funds have not
yet been determined, but will enable LATAN to achieve program goals
outlined in this Plan. The percentage of funds to be used for
State-Level Activities has not yet been determined.

10.2 [State Support for State Leadership Activities]{.underline} - If
applicable, describe how the State will support with State funds any
State Leadership activities described in section 4(e)(3), if applicable.

Beginning July 1, 2006 and carrying over into Year Two, the State of
Louisiana will support the State Plan with a \$300,000 line item
appropriation to LATAN for "operating costs." The vehicle of agreement
and the exact goals and objectives assigned to the State funds have not
yet been determined, but will enable LATAN to achieve program goals
outlined in this Plan. The percentage of funds to be used for
State-Leadership Activities has not yet been determined.

## Attachment 11: Allocation and Utilization of Funds

11.1 [Tracking Expenditures]{.underline} -- Describe planned procedures
for tracking expenditures for activities described in sections 4(e)(2)
and (3).

Through the MOU with LATAN, the Department of Health and Hospitals will
assure that expenditures will be tracked in accordance with recognized
accounting procedures that will provide the detailed information
necessary to determine that funds were expended according to the
requirements of the AT Act. DHH has reviewed the procedures used by
LATAN, and is confident that expenditures will be tracked appropriately
and accurately.

LATAN uses spreadsheets to track staff time by program activity in
fifteen-minute increments. These spreadsheets are then used to assign
personnel expenditures each pay period to the specific activities. LATAN
uses a similar system to track other expenditures in that for each
disbursement, a coding sheet is completed that identifies the funding
source and the program activity for the expenditure. Monthly financial
statements currently report expenditures by funding sources and budget
categories, and will be expanded to include the required reporting under
this Act for each activity under State Level Activities and State
Leadership Activities. A standardized report will provide summary data
on current expenditure percentages for State Level and State Leadership
activities to ensure the required distribution (at least 60% State
Level, no more than 40% State Leadership, and at least 5% of State
Leadership for transition) is met at the end of the fiscal year. It will
be the responsibility of the LATAN Director to monitor expenditures on a
monthly basis.

11.2 Proposed [Budget Allocations]{.underline} -- Attach a budget
containing proposed allocations for activities described in sections
4(e)(2) and (3).

The following are proposed budget allocations for State Leadership and
State Level Activities for Year 2 of the program. These numbers will
serve as an estimate only for Year 3 of this State Plan.

Proposed

Allocation Distribution Total Award Amount

[Year 1]{.underline} [Year 2]{.underline}

\$395,738 \$413,036

State Level 73% \$237,443 \$303,036

State Leadership 27% \$158,295 \$110,000

*Leadership Activities (95% of 27%) \$150,380 \$104,500*

*Transition (5% of 27%) \$7,915 \$5,500*

TOTAL \$350,000 \$413,036

The following are projected budgeted amounts within the categories of
State Level and State Leadership activities. However, these numbers
reflect a proposal only, and will serve as an estimate only for Year 3
of this State Plan. Any changes in the above estimates and allocations
will be noted in an amendment to the state plan, if necessary. It is
important to note that the activities within State Level and State
Leadership are not independent and separate from one another. As such,
it is impossible to accurately attribute certain general expenses to a
particular discreet activity. In many cases such budget projections have
been equally distributed rather than pro-rated among activities.
Expenditure tracking as described in 11.1 above will not provide an
audit trail that accounts for actual expenditures in these discreet
categories as compared to the projected budget.

**State Level Activities Proposed Allocation**

**[Year 1]{.underline} [Year 2]{.underline}**

State Financing Activities \$ 2,000 \$2,000

Device Reutilization Program \$ 75,000 \$155,000

Device Loan Program \$ 50,000 \$20,000

Device Demonstration Program \$110,443 \$126,036

State Leadership Activities Proposed Allocation

**[Year 1]{.underline} [Year 2]{.underline}**

Training and Technical Assistance General Activities \$ 30,000 \$10,000

Transition \$ 7,915 \$5,500

Public Awareness Activities \$ 90,380 \$69,500

Coordination and Collaboration \$ 30,000 \$25,000