##### Part I: Attachments

OMB Control Number: 1820-0664

Expiration Date: 10/31/2008

**Attachment 1: Basic Information**

Name of Lead Agency: Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Lead Agency: Project
START (Success Through Assistive Rehabilitative Technology)

Address of Lead Agency: 1281Highway 51 North

Madison, MS 39110

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency: H. S.
McMillan

Address for Certifying Representative: 1281 Highway 51 North

Madison, MS 39110

Telephone for Certifying Representative: 601-853-5100

E-mail for Certifying Representative: Butch.McMillan@mdrs.state.ms.us

Name and Title of Program Director: Dorothy Young

Address for Program Director: 2550 Peachtree Street

Jackson, MS 39216

Telephone for Program Director: 601-987-4872

E-mail for Program Director: dyoung@mdrs.state.ms.us

Name of Implementing Entity: Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation
Services

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Implementing Entity:
Project START (Success Through Assistive Rehabilitative Technology)

Address of Implementing Entity: 1281 Highway 5l North

Madison, MS 39110

Name and Title of Program Director: Dorothy Young

Address for Program Director: 2550 Peachtree Street

Jackson, MS 39216

Telephone for Program Director: 601-987-4872

E-mail for Program Director: dyoung@mdrs.state.ms.us

**Attachment 2: Leading 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}

In 1995, the Governor designated the Mississippi Department of
Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) as the lead agency for the statewide
assistive technology project, Project START, ([S]{.underline}uccess
[T]{.underline}hrough [A]{.underline}ssistive
[R]{.underline}ehabilitative [T]{.underline}echnology Program). The
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is directly
responsible for conducting and overseeing the activities of the
statewide AT Program.

Programs and services of MDRS assist individuals with disabilities in
gaining employment, retaining employment, and living independently. The
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services strongly supports the
provision of assistive technology services to Mississippians with
disabilities. Through its offices of Vocational Rehabilitation,
Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Special Disability Programs,
and Disability Determination Services, the agency provides assistive
technology services. In addition to providing coordinated services for
its clients, MDRS is committed to providing services to individuals with
disabilities of all ages not just in employment but in education,
community living, and telecommunications and information technology
through Project START. Project START has in the past and will continue
to provide Mississippians free access to information and referral
services, an accessible webs site, and publications in accessible
formats on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws,
policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology (AT).

Project START is committed to statewide systems change to ensure that
assistive technology devices and services are available to all persons
regardless of age or disability or location in the state through its
activities and services. Over the next three years, Project START will
continue to provide and begin new services to Mississippians with
disabilities of all ages under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as
amended. MDRS will continue to serve as the lead agency.

The staff of Project START collectively represent many years of
education and training in the field of assistive technology including
vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling and guidance skills
and specific areas of assistive technology such as vision and mobility.
Several members of the staff are have received a credential in AT from
the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North
America (RESNA). MDRS is committed to enhancing the skills of its
employees through ongoing professional development opportunities.

Project START will continue to work closely with all service provider
agencies in the state to expand and enhance AT services to individuals
with disabilities. Project START will continue to serve as an entry
point for information and referral services for consumers, their
representatives, organizations, and service providers who wish to access
assistive technology services. Project START has a fifteen year history
of established relationships with public and private entities in the
state. Project START will collaborate with agencies and organizations in
order to carry out its statewide and comprehensive mission to provide AT
services in education, employment, community living and
telecommunications and information technology. In the past conferences
have been held with other organizations such as Mississippi State
University, T. K. Martin Center, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation
Center, and the Workforce Investment Act. Over the next three years, we
anticipate these collaborations to continue and expand with other
service providers.

Project START staff members participate on the boards, advisory
councils, committees, and commissions that address the needs of
Mississippians with disabilities across their life span with agencies
such as the State Department of Education, the T.K. Martin Center,
Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center,
Central Mississippi Medical Center, LIFE, Department of Health,
Department of Human Services, and the Division of Medicaid. Project
START also works with school districts on AT-related issues throughout
the state. Project START will continue these types of activities and
others over the next three years. Project START will also work with
these agencies and others on new and ongoing initiatives in the state to
address the AT needs of individuals with disabilities.

To ensure that Project START continues to be consumer-responsive over
the next three years, input will be provided by the program's advisory
council which is made up of a consumer majority (see Attachment 3). The
advisory council will provide input into the planning, implementation
and evaluation of all Project START activities.

Project START will engage in a number of subcontracts and agreements
over the next three years including the TK Martin Center which will
provide training, public awareness, and collaboration activities. In
addition, their comprehensive AT Center will serve to provide AT
demonstrations. The Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center located
in Jackson will conduct a statewide AT conference under an agreement
with Project START. Other agreements over the next three years are
anticipated.

[2.1B Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an
Implementing Entity is Designated.]{.underline}

**Not Applicable.**

[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.

Not applicable.

[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, provide an explanation of good cause for this
redesignation.

Not Applicable.

**Attachment 3: State Advisory Council**

During the next three years of this state plan, the Project START's
Advisory Council will provide consumer-driven, consumer-responsive
advice to the state for planning, implementation and evaluation of the
activities of the program.

Project START's advisory council is comprised of thirteen (13) members.
Sixty-one percent (8 members) of the council are individuals with
disabilities who use AT or family members of individuals with
disabilities who use AT. The remaining six members of the council
represent agencies including the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for
the Blind, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living
Services, Department of Education, and the State Workforce Investment
Board. The members represent the geographic, racial and ethnic diversity
of the state. Members on the council who experience a disability use a
variety of types of devices such as mobility devices, communication
devices and computer adaptations.

[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.

The members of the advisory council are:

**Individuals with Disabilities:** Individual with a disability,
Individual with a disability, Individual with a disability, Individual
with a disability, Individual with a disability

**Family Members:** Parent of a child with a disability, Parent/Guardian
and Public Agency

**State Agency Representatives:** Independent Living; Department of
Education; Office of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Blind; Office of
Vocational Rehabilitation; Workforce Investment

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

Project START's advisory council was reconstituted to meet the
requirements of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended.
Individuals with disabilities and/or family representatives make up a
majority of the membership. The council has provided input and advice
into the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of all
program activities. The council has also ensured that Project START's
activities and services are consumer responsive. Members were appointed
for three years which is the term of the grant. In the event of a
resignation or other vacancy on the Advisory Council, the Advisory
Council shall appoint a new member to complete the term of office for
the vacant person.

The council meets quarterly and operates through formal bylaws. The
chairperson of the Advisory Council was selected at the first advisory
meeting that was held in February 2006. The chair person is a consumer
representative that was elected by the members of the Advisory Council.
The term of the chairperson shall be one (1) year. The duties of the
Chairperson are to:

> a\. Chair all meetings of the Advisory Council.
>
> b\. Act as liaison between the Advisory Council and Project START.

The vice-chairperson is also a consumer representative that was elected
by the members of the Advisory Council in February 2006. The term of the
vice-chairperson shall be one year. The duties of the vice-chairperson
are to assume the role and duties of the chairperson in the event that
the chairperson is unable to function in that role.

The Project shall be aided in its operation by committees. There will be
standing committees and Ad Hoc committees created as needed. Members of
these committees shall consist of between three and five Advisory
members. The Advisory Council shall make its recommendations to Project
START through the Project Director.

The Advisory Council has scheduled the date, time and location for each
quarterly meeting for 2006. All meetings will be conducted in accordance
with the Mississippi Public Meetings Act and business will be transacted
in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, Revised Edition. The
Proposed agenda items will be transmitted to the Advisory Council
members ten (10) days prior to a scheduled meeting by Project START's
staff. All materials and information will be made available in alternate
formats for those individuals who require this accommodation. All
meetings will be held in ADA accessible facilities. Project START's
staff have served as resource persons before and during the meetings.
Project START's Advisory Board will continue to meet quarterly.

**Attachment 4: Measurable Goals**

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

[4.1 Goal for Improving Access to AT in Education]{.underline}

-   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 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 instrument has
        not been established by RSA.

[4.2 Goal for Improving Access to AT in Employment]{.underline}

-   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 accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service for employmentl
        purposes as a result of the assistance they received.

    -   Short term goal for Year 1: N/A Data collection instrument has
        not been established by RSA.

[4.3 Goal for Improving Access in Community Living]{.underline}

-   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 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 instrument has
        not been established by RSA.

[4.4 Goal for Improving Access to IT and Telecommunications]{.underline}

-   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 accessed
        device demonstration programs and/or device loan programs and
        made a decision about an AT device or service that meets and
        IT/telecommunicatins need as a result of the assistance they
        received.

    -   Short term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection instrument has
        not been established by RSA.

.

[4.5 Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Education]{.underline}

-   Long term goal:

    -   Short term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short term goal for Year 2: Establish a 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 otherwise.

    -   Short term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection instrument has
        not been established by RSA.

[4.6 Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Employment]{.underline}

-   Long term goal:

    -   Short term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short term goal for Year 2: Establish a 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 otherwise.

    -   Short term goal for Year 1: N/A data collection instrument has
        not been established by RSA.

[4.7 Goal for Improving Acquisition of AT in Community
Living]{.underline}

-   Long term goal:

    -   Short term goal for Year 3:

    -   Short term goal for Year 2: Establish a 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 otherwise.

    -   Short term goal for Year 1: [N/A data collection instrument has
        not been established by RSA.]{.underline}

    8.  [Additional Measurable Goals\--]{.underline} If applicable,
        describe any measurable goals that the

State has set in addition to the goals established in items 4.1 through
4.7 for addressing the assistive technology needs of individuals with
disabilities in the State related to education, employment, community
living, and telecommunications and information technology.

Not applicable.

**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 Year One, Project START has collaborated with other organizations
such as the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, vendors,
insurance companies, and other organizations in helping consumers find
alternative funding for devices. Mississippi is a state with one of the
highest rates of poverty that increased in 2000-2004 from 18.2% to
21.6%. Given the high poverty rate and the devastation brought on by
Hurricane Katrina, Project START is amending its State Plan to invoke
State Flexibility and therefore, will not be providing state financing
activities at this time. Options for state financing activities will
continue to be explored. If during Years Two and Three it is feasible to
include state financing activities as part of Project START's Plan, an
amendment will be made and submitted to RSA.

**During Year One, Project START, in conjunction with its advisory
council discussed options for conducting an alternative financing
program. Project START, along with the Advisory Board has taken into
consideration the poverty rate and other circumstances beyond a
consumer's control such as Hurricane Katrina in making sure if a
financial loan program is the best option for individuals with
disabilities in Mississippi at this time. Alternative financing,
cooperative buying, and the administration and coordination of AT
funding among agencies and organizations were discussed. All members
agreed that Project START would continue to provide consumers with
information and referrals and individual assistance for funding while
exploring other state financing activities.**

[See attachment 7 for more specific information.]{.underline}

[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.

Project START plans to operate three device reutilization programs: (1)
an AT Equipment Connection Program, (2) Computer Recycling Program and
(3) Mississippi Use IT Again Program. These three reutilization programs
will meet the measurable goals of the state plan by allowing individuals
to acquire needed assistive technology including computers, durable
medical equipment, communication devices, adaptive toys for children
etc. that can be used for education, employment, and community living as
well as accessing information technology. The reutilization programs
provide affordable or free equipment to Mississippians with disabilities
or those who have a dependent with a disability, regardless of their
disability, age, income, or location of residence within the state or
the type of AT device required. The goal for the reutilization programs
are to provide Assistive Technology for Mississippians in a timely
manner. Project START along with the advisory board agreed that timely
access to appropriate assistive technology is the key to facilitating
independence and maximize functioning for individuals with disabilities.

**1. AT EQUIPMENT CONNECTION.** Project START operates an equipment
exchange program which allows individuals to buy and sell used AT
through "want ads." Sellers from across the state will be able to
contact Project START staff either via email or a toll free line to post
an ad for a used AT device. The AT Equipment Connection will assist
individuals obtain devices by providing used devices at a lesser price
than buying new and meeting the needs of individuals who are not
eligible for funding from other sources.

Used AT devices will be listed by category on the program's fully
accessible web site. A hard copy of the listings will be included in the
Project quarterly newsletter, which will be mailed to disability-related
agencies/organizations and consumers.

During the first year, Project START collaborated with the ATMATCH.com
program on the AT Equipment Connection Program. The Equipment Connection
Program is an online marketplace for sellers, donors and buyers of
assistive technology and durable medical products. The primary purpose
for the Equipment Connection Program is to provide for Mississippians a
single site for connecting with assistive technology equipment. The
Equipment listings cover fifteen major categories, with over three
hundred fifty defined subcategories. New and recycled devices may be
listed. Registration is free. During Year One, the ATMATCH website has
been linked to Project START's Website for consumers to locate equipment
at a cheaper price. The Equipment Connection Program can be used for
sellers as well as donors. For a fee, a seller may list an item online
either in an auction format or available for direct purchase. If a buyer
agrees to an acceptable price, the seller is then charged an additional
fee on the amount of the transaction. For the potential buyers who
register on the site, ATMATCh.com offers a customizable page that
provides a personal list of the major state and national resources.
There are links to online resources, as well as a directory of physical
addresses, telephone numbers and other contact information. Users can
also track auctions of individual items that they may have an interest
in purchasing on their personal pages.

Since the Equipment Connection Program is a new program for Project
START, during Year Two, Project START's staff will establish basic terms
and conditions for listing equipment. Other criteria perhaps will be
added at a later date. The following are initial terms and conditions
that Project START has used during Year One for operation of the
Equipment Connection:

-   Project START will not warrant the condition of the device

-   Project START accepts no liability that may result between the
    transaction of the buyer and the seller

-   The seller agrees to provide Project START staff with the original
    price and the sold price of the item and the contact information of
    the buyer.

-   The seller provides Project START staff with a description of the
    device along with any special features.

-   No personal information will be listed on the AT Equipment
    Connection except for the first name, city and county.

-   The seller must renew the listing every 90 days or the item will
    automatically be removed from the list.

Over the next two years, Project START will expand and improve the AT
Equipment Connection by coordinating with other entities in the state
that have established equipment reutilization programs. Specifically
Project START will coordinate the listing of equipment from each
participating entity on Project START's web site and to make it
available to anyone anywhere in the state. This will expand the number
of items available to consumers at no or low cost.

During Year One, Project START has been in discussions with school
districts and other organizations for becoming the single point of entry
for locating used or donated devices and equipment. Since these
discussions, Project START has been able to loan devices to school
districts and provide individual assistance with AT information. This
process will expand and continue over the next two years.

Project START has publicized the AT Equipment Connection Program in
monthly newsletters and via emails and referrals.

2.  **Mississippi Use It Again Program.** During Year One Project START
    partnered with the T.K.Martin Center housed at Mississippi State
    University to refurbish wheelchairs and other assistive technology
    devices for consumers. As noted earlier in the State Plan,
    Mississippi is a state with a high poverty rate. Due to this
    consideration Project START along with the Advisory Board
    recommended the refurbishing of AT devices. The Refurbishing Program
    operates through the T.K.Martin Center that maintains the physical
    possession of the equipment and serves as both a warehouse and
    repair service. The types of devices housed at the T.K. Martin
    Center include such items as wheelchairs, adapted toys, augmentative
    communication devices, etc. which are repaired and redistributed at
    no charge. This program offers an alternative for consumers and
    professionals who cannot afford to purchase a new device or have the
    device repaired.

> During Year Two, Mississippi Use It Again Program will expand with an
> increase in consumer awareness of the program. Project START has
> advertised this program through Project START's newsletters, emails,
> conferences and etc. The collaboration with the ATMATCH existing
> program and the refurbishing of AT equipment through the T.K.Martin
> Center will increase availability of AT devices at a cheaper price or
> no charge for consumers in Mississippi. Project START's Advisory Board
> has been engaged in all decisions regarding these activities.

3.  **COMPUTER RECYCLING:** Over the next three years Project START's
    staff will repair, refurbish and make available used computers.
    During Year One, Project START collaborated with Jackson State
    University Refurbishing Program to refurbish computers. This program
    is designed to help Mississippians with disabilities gain
    independence by acquiring computers that they would not otherwise
    have been able to obtain. Project START acquires the computers from
    donations from consumers, disability organizations, state agencies
    etc for the program. Jackson State University Refurbishing Program
    will be responsible for evaluating, repairing, loading licensed
    software, distributing the computers to people with disabilities,
    and training the person on the equipment.

> During Year Two, Project START anticipates receiving more donated
> computers which then will be refurbished and loaded with operating and
> basic software. The computers then will be given away to adults and
> children with disabilities at no charge. For many individuals with
> disabilities, adapted computers can provide opportunities for
> independence, access to information and a way to communicate. For
> example, a person who is blind will use a computer with a screen
> reader to read information that is sent electronically.

The Computer Recycling program operates in the following manner:
consumers with disabilities apply for a computer. Project START staff
notify approved applicants of the availability of a computer that
matches the needs of the applicant and makes necessary arrangements for
the applicant to pickup the computer. When a computer is not available,
Project START has maintained a waiting list and notifies approved
applicants on a first come first serve basis. It may take up to
three-six months to receive an available computer. In the future
computers will be made available to anyone in the state and may be
picked up at various partner locations across the state. The partner
listing will be available on the Project START web site and in all of
the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Offices. Project
START will maintain a web site that will have a downloadable application
for a free computer system. Additionally, Project START staff will
market its computer recycling program to disability-related
organizations, private businesses, and through Project START'S web site
link. Over the next three years, Project START on the advice and input
from its advisory council plans to enhance the computer recycling
program by

-   Exploring options for shipping computers to individuals who are not
    able to pick them up from various locations.

-   Develop relationships with software companies so that more adaptive
    software can be loaded onto the recycled computers.

-   Market the program to various organizations including schools and
    Independent Living Centers.

-   Explore the feasibility of charging a nominal fee for a basic system
    based on a person's ability to pay.

-   Develop a training program in which basic computer skills are taught
    for a person taking possession of a computer system.

This program will be available to anyone in the state regardless of age,
type of disability, income.

[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.

Project START operates and will continue to operate an assistive
technology short term equipment loan program to provide increased access
to equipment to targeted individuals and entities. During the first year
of the device loan program Project START has loaned out over fifty
devices statewide from the central location in Jackson, MS. Before any
devices are loaned, individuals are trained on each device by Project
START before the devices are taken home for trial use. Project START 's
loan program offers Mississippians an opportunity to try out a device
before they buy, allows clinicians a chance to use a device to assess
clients, and meets interim needs when devices are being repaired.

The short term equipment loan program will meet the measurable goals of
the state plan by enabling individuals to access needed assistive
technology that can be utilized for the purposes of education,
employment, community living, or IT/telecommunications. During Year One,
Project START has coordinated five resource centers located throughout
the State which are the (1) T.K. Martin Center housed at Mississippi
State University, (2) North Mississippi Regional Medical Center, (3)
Hudspeth Mental Health Center, and (4)Toy Library housed at the
University of Southern Mississippi, where each partner organization
train, demonstrate and loan equipment to consumers in Mississippi
where-by Project START staff provide the specialized assistive
technology expertise in exchange for the partner managing the day to day
operation of the program, as well as collecting program data.

Project START staff and its MOA partners have provided specialized
equipment to Mississippians with disabilities or those who have a
dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability,
age, income level or location of residence within the state and/or
appropriate targeted individuals and entities statewide. Project START's
short term loan program accepts applications for equipment loans from a
person with a disability, family members, advocates or service providers
(e.g. therapist, teacher, rehabilitation counselor). Some devices that
are available for loan may require specialized support for their use,
therefore, the person requesting the loan will be asked to identify
someone who will provide support during the loan period. Support persons
may include Centers for Independent Living staff, vocational
rehabilitation counselors, teachers, OTs, PTs, Home Health staff, etc.
The borrower may request a maximum of three devices at any one time. The
length of the device loan is 90 days with a possible extension.

Project START recognizes that this short term equipment loan program
will not have the capacity to conduct the program in a comprehensive
manner with regard to types of devices, but expects to expand the types
of devices offered over the three year period of the state plan. Also
the types of devices offered in the program have been restricted based
on prohibitive costs and manpower needs associated with purchasing,
storing, shipping, maintaining, and retrieving of durable medical
equipment. Rather, the short term loan program will focus on providing
equipment in the areas of vision, hearing and speech, computer access,
environmental and educational technology. Project START has marketed the
short term equipment loan program on its fully accessible web site,
through ads in its monthly newsletter, and through flyers distributed to
disability related agencies and organizations.

Project START'S Advisory Council quarterly evaluates the
comprehensiveness of the program with regard to type of equipment and
audiences to determine whether the program should be modified. Project
START plans to expand the program by adding additional equipment and/or
short term loan partners in years two and three. Additionally, Project
START will enhance collaboration with disability related
agencies/organizations that currently operate a durable medical
equipment loan program.

Consumers and service providers are encouraged to borrow equipment
before making a decision to purchase an identical or similar device in
order to gauge its appropriateness. The opportunity to try out equipment
for an extended period of time allows individuals with disabilities,
their families, and professionals to learn more about what devices will
meet their needs or the needs of those they are serving within the
environment where it will be used. The trial use of equipment has
provided valuable experience and information for individuals as they
make choices about what will best meet their needs. The equipment loan
program also serves consumers who are current technology users, but
whose device is unavailable because it has been sent back to the vendor
for upgrade or repair.

During Year Two, Project START plans the following activities for
expansion of the Loan Program for school districts in Mississippi.

A. Activities

**1. Survey of potential participants**

To judge the feasibility of expanding the loan program for school
districts Project START will send introductory letters and a survey to
the special education program developers in the 152 school districts in
the state. The survey is an attempt to gauge the interest in developing
an inter-district equipment loan program.

**2. Research State laws and policies to determine the legality of
forming a collaborative agreement to loan assistive technology equipment
between districts.**

Project START staff will research state laws and policies as they apply
to the movement of equipment from one school district to another. If
State laws and policies do not favor our proposal and enough school
districts are in favor of the program, then we will change our direction
and try to effect change to the laws and policies.

**3.** **Workshop to develop a collaborative agreement**

If the results of the survey are adequate, interested school districts
will be asked to attend a meeting to develop an interagency
collaborative agreement that allows individual districts to loan
assistive technology equipment to other districts on a short term basis.
The purpose of the loan is to offer financially strapped districts an
opportunity to try equipment before purchase in order to determine
suitability or to use during the repair of equipment.

**4.** **Inventory of equipment available**

When the collaborative agreement has been developed and signed each
district will submit to Project START an inventory of equipment
available for use in the inter-district loan program.

**5**. **Create an inventory tracking database**

Project START will develop a database that will include all equipment
available for use in the inter-district loan program. This database will
also allow for tracking equipment as it is loaned.

**6. Activate an ongoing program of interagency equipment loan**

Activation of the loan program is dependent upon completion of the above
activities. Date concerning the number of loans, type of equipment,
length of loans, and purpose of loans will be collected through the
database tracking system. The established loan program will then be
on-going.

[5.4 Device Demonstration Program]{.underline}- Describe how the State
will implement a device demonstration program as described in section
4(e) (3) (D) of the Act.

Project START operates an AT device demonstration program in five
locations throughout the state: (1) T.K.Martin Center housed at
Mississippi State University, (2) North Mississippi Regional Medical
Center, (3) Hudspeth Mental Health Center, (4) Toy Library housed at
University of Southern Mississippi, (5) and the Central Location,
Project START'S Office. Each Demonstration center has demonstrated over
fifty devices to individuals throughout the state. The Demonstration
Centers have increased access, to and awareness of assistive technology.
The Demonstration Centers have also provided Mississippians with
disabilities assistive technology for the purpose of allowing consumers
and agencies to have individual and small group exploration, individual
implementation of one or more device explorations designed to support
informed decision-making, and guided experiences for individuals and
small groups with a particular device to support effective usage. The
device demonstration program will meet the measurable goals of the state
plan by allowing individuals to access needed assistive technology that
can be utilized for the purposes of education, employment, community
living or IT/telecommunications.

During Year One, Project START participated in discussions with other
organizations about partnering to further expand the program. The
entities included: the Department of Education, Mississippi State
University, Central Mississippi Medical Center, Deaf Service Center,
Central MS Autism Group, The Arc of Mississippi, and Healthy Futures.
Project START will operate this demonstration program by partnering with
the following entities: the Department of Education, Mississippi State
University, and Central Mississippi Medical Center. Project START will
outline an arrangement whereby Project staff will provide the
specialized assistive technology expertise in exchange for the partner
managing the day to day operation of the program, as well as collect
program data. During Year Two an amendment will be presented to RSA
detailing the agreements with different organizations. .

The Device Demonstration programs have also provided specialized
equipment to Mississippians with disabilities or those that have a
dependent with a disability, regardless of their type of disability,
age, income level or location of residence within the state and/or
appropriate targeted individuals and entities at the demonstration
centers. The device demonstration programs have enhanced informed choice
to both individuals and professionals resulting in cost savings to
purchasers of the equipment who previously may have experienced
abandonment, as well as lack of effective utilization, product
awareness, knowledge of the product features, and access to a device.

During Year Two, Project START will continue to expand its demonstration
program in a comprehensive manner with regard to the types of devices.
The types of devices located in the various device demonstration centers
have been unique to the needs of the population served. The device
demonstration program shall continue to focus on providing equipment in
the areas of vision, hearing and speech, computer access, environmental
and educational technology, as well as AT assessment kits for early
intervention. Individuals and service providers interested in a
demonstration have been able to visit one of the centers or make a
reservation to ensure that the equipment and staff are available to
demonstrate the equipment of interest. Staff from Project START along
with staff from the contracting resource centers will travel throughout
the State providing resources, training and demonstration on Assistive
Technology.

The demonstration centers are housed in accessible facilities and are
open during regular hours on weekdays, as well as by appointment. Based
on available space and request from consumers, equipment has rotated on
a quarterly basis, and has been available for group training classes.
Project START's staff currently market the device demonstration program
on its fully accessible web site, through its quarterly newsletter, and
through distribution of flyers to disability-related agencies and
organizations. In addition, the program has been marketed to college
students studying disability related issues, professional associations,
Student Disability Services, Centers for Independent living staff, and
professionals, such as Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, teachers,
OTs, PTs, and Home Health staff.

Project START's Advisory Council has evaluated the comprehensiveness of
the program with regard to type of equipment and audiences reached to
determine whether the program should be modified. The advisory board
gave input and recommendations on the target audiences and devices for
the demonstration centers. In the second and third year, Project START
staff will expand the program by adding additional equipment and/or
device demonstration partners.

**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.

Not applicable.

[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**

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

The Mississippi Assistive Technology Program is choosing not to carry
out any state financing activities at this time. Instead, Project START
will concentrate on expanding, maintaining and sustaining its three AT
Reuse programs thus assisting individuals with disabilities acquire AT
devices that they would not have been able to obtain otherwise.

Options for state financing activities will continue to be explored. If
Project START decides to implement state financing activities during
Years Two and Three, an amendment will be submitted to RSA.

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

Project START will operate three device reuse programs as described in
Attachment 5.2, thus offering an array of AT devices to meet the needs
of individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout the state in a
timely manner. Project START will continue to support and expand these
programs and provide outreach to consumers and others who might benefit.
In addition, Project START will provide individual assistance through
information and referral to persons with disabilities to help them
obtain funding for AT devices and services

These programs alone have proven to be irreplaceable assets to many
individuals with disabilities who find themselves in a position where
they believe they have nowhere else to turn to obtain assistive
technology devices. Project START along with the advisory board
recognizes this need for individuals with disabilities therefore we are
addressing the need of the State in increasing access and acquisition of
Assistive Technology through device loan, device demonstration, and
reutilization.

[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.

Despite not conducting the State Financing Activity, Mississippi will
reach its measureable goals by enhancing and expanding the three
Reutilization Programs throughout the State. These programs will offer
individuals in Mississippi a chance to purchase used equipment at a
lower cost or no cost for others. Project START's staff along with the
Resource Centers will provide funding information to individuals with
disabilities. In Year Two Project START will focus on creating a
database of funding resources available to individuals and their
families, provide technical assistance about local resources to the
contracted Resource Centers, inform consumers on eligibility and
application requirements for various funding resources and serve as the
state's resource and knowledge base for funding options for assistive
technology.

Additionally, Project START will develop relationships with various
funding providers for assistive technology devices in the areas of
employment, education, telecommunications and community living. As a
partner, Project START will provide the technical assistance and
guidance to those resources as they review, change and develop policies
that affect individuals who are applying for their services. Thus, this
partnership will lead to better coordinated and more efficient funding
systems with the ultimate goal of increasing acquisition of assistive
technology.

Finally, as a resource to consumers, the Project START has been
available to answer funding related questions by telephone, email,
conferences, and etc. As part of their resource material development,
Project START will also compile and provide printed and electronic
material to consumers. This material will be specifically designed to
educate and inform individuals with disabilities about various funding
resources, eligibility criteria, application processes and appeal
procedures. This specialized emphasis on funding will help to ensure
that individuals with disabilities are more educated about and have
better access to a complex and sometimes difficult to navigate funding
in Mississippi.

[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.

There are no other organizations in Mississippi conducting State
Financing activities similar to those required under the AT Act.

**Attachment 8: State Leadership Activities**

[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
n section 4(e)(3)(B)(i) of the AT Act.

Training

Over the next three years, Project START staff will engage in a number
of training activities. Project START will develop a number of training
modules targeted for specific audiences and on specific topics, and
anticipate continuing to deliver such trainings upon request. These
include:

-   [Training for education professionals]{.underline}. (special
    education teachers, speech therapists, occupational and physical
    therapists, early intervention professionals, Head Start personnel,
    daycare workers, career technology teachers, adult learning
    professionals, higher education disability specialists and
    instructors). A number of training sessions have been developed for
    education professionals, ranging from providing a basic
    understanding of AT, to including AT in the classroom, to training
    on the use of specific devices. The training is developed to include
    information for a broad array of disabilities and devices. At the
    request of any school district in the state, Project START staff
    will train educators on site at school. Similar training will be
    provided for free to parent groups through a collaboration with
    Community Parent Resource Centers in the state.

-   [Training for human service professionals.]{.underline} Project
    START collaborates with Mississippi State University to provide pre
    service training on AT to students in special education,
    occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation

> Counseling, and social work. The training will be developed to include
> information for a broad array of disabilities and devices. Training
> will be conducted at regional DRS offices and one-stop centers
> throughout the state.

-   [Training for employment professionals.]{.underline} Project START
    staff will provide training about AT to all new vocational
    rehabilitation counselors in the state, and to train one stop
    centers. This training will include providing a basic understanding
    of AT and using AT in the workplace. The training is developed to
    include information for a broad array of disabilities and devices.
    Training is conducted at regional DRS offices and one stop centers
    throughout the state.

-   [Training for Centers for Independent Living]{.underline}. Staff of
    Project START will train professionals and consumers who are
    involved with centers for independent living throughout the state.
    Training include basic understanding of AT, using AT in the
    community and home, and sources of funding for AT. The training is
    developed to include information for a broad array of disabilities
    and devices. Project START staff will offer this training for free
    in exchange for referrals to Project START other programs and
    services.

Project START staff will customize training for organizations that
request training on specific topics or for specific audiences.

During the first Year, Project START collaborated with Methodist
Rehabilitation Services for a statewide AT conference.. This conference
was open to the public and was attended by a variety of professionals,
parents, and consumers with disabilities. This conference served a dual
role for providing both public awareness and training, and was geared to
serve the needs of experts and novice alike. At this conference the
following events were held:

-   AT vendors displayed and provided information about a wide range of
    devices to serve the needs of many types of disabilities

-   Experts in areas such as education, recreation, vocational
    rehabilitation, an community living provided training sessions on AT
    issues in their fields; and

-   Keynote speakers provided updates on important AT policies and
    legislation.

Technical assistance

Because Project START 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 three years.

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

-   Through a contract, Project START collaborates with the T.K. Martin
    Center who provides technical assistance to educators, VR clients,
    employers on improving their services, management, policies and /or
    outcomes. The types of Technical Assistance provided are needs
    assessment for different school districts, input on curriculum for
    school districts, site reviews for employers that may be needed for
    a particular individual in a specific setting such as school, work,
    and/or the home.

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-   Provided technical assistance to state agencies on creating
    accessible websites.

Project START anticipates providing technical assistance in a similar
manner over the next three years.

Transition

The AT Act requires that Project START specifically focus on training
and TA 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 Year One, Project START has been in
discussion with the Department of Education and the Mississippi
Department of Rehabilitation Services for partnering for a statewide
Transition Conference. This conference will be held in September of Year
One, in a central location so that more consumers can attend. The
conference will train school districts, employers, transition
counselors, families, and other interested consumers on techniques to
use to enable students to transition from school to employment better.
During Year Two of this State Plan, Project START will develop training
modules to address the areas listed below for transition:

-   One module will be aimed at providing special educators, vocational
    rehabilitation counselors, parents, and students involved in
    transition with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully
    include AT in all transition planning. Elements of this training
    also will be infused in the general AT training provided to
    education professionals and vocational rehabilitation counselors as
    explained above.

-   A second module will be aimed at employees of nursing homes and
    other supported living environments, family members, and consumers
    with disabilities to provide them with the skills and knowledge they
    need to successfully include AT in all transition planning. Elements
    of this training will also be infused in the general AT training
    provided to centers for independent living as explained above.

Elements of both training modules will be infused in the pre-service
training for human service professionals describe above.

Following the development of these modules in year two, Project START
will identify appropriate ways to provide such training free of charge
in a statewide manne, and begin to deliver such training once venues
have been identified. The same will be done in year three. Because
development of these training modules and the plan for implementing them
is not complete, Project START is unable to provide more details about
the training. Project START will submit an amendment to RSA following
year two to specify the results of development and its plans for
implementation.

[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.

Over the next three years, Project START will use multifaceted approach
(mailings, Internet, exhibits, presentations, and trainings) to increase
awareness about the benefits of assistive technology devices and
services, the types of AT devices and services are available, funding
for AT devices and services, and policies related to AT. Project START
will provide the following public awareness activities:

**Information and Referral.** The toll free INFO-Line provides free
information and referral services on 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. Project
START staff provides information to those who call on availability,
benefits, appropriateness and cost of AT devices and services. For many
callers, Project START staff will mail AT resource information and a
survey approximately six months following the call to determine if they
are satisfied with the information provided by Project START staff or if
they need additional information.

**Newsletter.** The Project START newsletter is developed and
disseminated both in hard copy and on the web site by Project START
staff on a quarterly basis. Regular sections of the newsletter include
AT information on: Current events at Project START, Highlight of AT
(which discusses features of a specific AT devices) an insert that
provides the latest Equipment Exchange inventory, web site resources on
AT, an update on disability related legislation.

**Web Site.** The Project START web site features in depth information
on the four state level activities of the ATA of 1998, as amended, as
well as information on other programs Project START is involved with
outside of the AT Act of 1998, as amended, publications, IT Access
resources, Legislation, AT resources and links. The web site also
provides an opportunity for individuals to directly contact Project
START for purposes of feedback, information and referral, listing for
sale items on the Equipment Connection want ad.

**Publications.** Training materials and publications that cover AT
information have been developed and disseminated for all types of
audiences across the life span on a broad array of AT related issues.
All publication materials will be provided free of charge on the web
site and is made available in any requested alternative format.

**Statewide AT conference.** As mention in item 8.1, Project START will
sponsor an annual conference that provides both training and public
awareness.

[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 Project START 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. Project
START 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, Project START is collaborating and coordinating with:

-   The Mississippi State University, T. K. Martin Center in order to
    empower individuals with disabilities through leading edge
    technologies. The T.K.Martin Center for Technology & Disability
    maintains a state-of-art clinical, research and training program
    focusing on modern technologies, in a comprehensive and integrated
    manner, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. The services
    are made available to persons with disabilities regardless of age or
    disability. The. T.K. Martin Center provides comprehensive,
    multidisciplinary evaluations to remove limitations in dexterity,
    communication, sensory function, learning and understanding through
    the application of assistive technology, allowing individuals to
    participate in educational, vocational and leisure activities to the
    fullest degree they choose. The comprehensive nature of the services
    offered ensures that the correct solutions are achieved efficiently
    and effectively, with needs being met in a one-stop shop.

-   Project START will organize different conferences that include
    providing comprehensive education to occupational therapists,
    physical therapists, speech language pathologists, rehabilitation
    counselors, case managers, special educators, and assistive
    technology providers in Mississippi.

-   The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 mandates Vocational
    Rehabilitation as a mandatory partner of the One-Stop system as
    established by this act. Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation
    Services (MDRS) has worked very closely with the state's One Stop
    System, known as the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) in
    Mississippi, to ensure accessibility in the WIN Job Centers for
    people with disabilities. One accomplishment in this area was to
    provide oversight of the provision of WIA funds to reimburse fiscal
    agents/One-Stop operators for software and equipment they purchased
    to enhance programmatic and communication accessibility to WIN Job
    Centers around the State.

Project START anticipates coordinating and collaborating on policies in
a similar manner over the next three years.

**Attachment 9: Involvement of Public and Private Entities**

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

Project START will continue to work with the T.K.Martin Center housed at
Mississippi State University, North Mississippi Regional Medical Center,
Hudspeth Mental Health Center, and Toy Library housed at University of
Southern Mississippi to expand its Resource Centers. This partnership
will provide storage space for AT devices free of charge as an in-kind
contribution. They also will provide general administrative support for
the program such as office supplies, telephone, printing, postage, as in
kind contributions. Over the next three years Project START will be in
discussions with other organizations as well to partner with for
expansion of access and awareness of the program as well.

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

Not applicable.

[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 met before the submittal of this plan in order to
set general goals and objectives and to provide advice on how activities
are to be carried out. The development of the two new training modules
and the plan for providing device demonstration, and the loan program
are all directly based on the suggestions of the Council and other
stakeholder involved in planning.

The Council will meet on a quarterly basis to evaluate progress toward
established goals and provide suggestions for improvement and change.
Measurable goals contained in this plan will be reviewed and evaluated
on a quarterly basis and any adjustments necessary will be made in
response to and under the guidance of the Advisory Council.

**Attachment 10: State Support**

[10.1 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).

Not applicable.

[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).

Not applicable.

**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).

The State of Mississippi records financial transactions on the State's
accounting system, known as the Statewide Automated Accounting System
(SAAS). To ensure financial transactions are recorded to the correct
grant and grant year, the MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
utilizes individual fund numbers, Program numbers, and Organizational
codes. Every financial transaction recorded in our accounting system is
coded utilizing each of these three individual codes. Program personnel
are required to approve each invoice by signing their names on the
invoices and recording their respective codes (fund #, project code, and
org code) prior to an invoice being submitted to Finance for payment.
Additionally, accounting personnel review invoices for coding and
approval prior to any invoice being entered for payment. In addition to
the SAAS system, the state also maintains a software system known as
MERLIN, which allows financial personnel to generate specific reports
from the accounting system. Reports are individualized; in that,
accounting personnel can generate reports at any given time based on
such items as: funding source/grant, grant year, time period, etc. As a
further control, each month, the VR Finance Director generates itemized
reports by funding source and submits them to the respective program
directors. This provides a further program review in that program
directors can review all expenditures being charged to their
programs/grants. This system will allow for tracking of State Level and
State Leadership activities to ensure the required distribution of
60/40% plus the 5% for transition is met at the end of the fiscal year.

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

The following are proposed budget allocations for State Level and State
Leadership Activities for Year Two of the State Plan.

.

**Proposed Allocation**

**Year One Year Two**

**Total Grant Award \$305,700.00 \$320,162.00**

**State Level Activities**

State Financing Activities 20,000

Device Reutilization Program 29,014.00 100,000.00

Device Loan Program 87,050.00 42,500.00

Device Demonstration Program 29,014.00 59,202.00

**Total State Level \$165,078.00 201,702.00**

**State Leadership Activities**

Training and Technical Assistance 20,899.00 26,894.00

Transition 5,503.00 5,762.00

Public Awareness 20,920.00 26,894.00

Coordination/Collaboration 62,730.00 26,894.00

**Total State Leadership \$110,052.00 \$86,444.00**

**Indirect Cost 30,570.00 32,162.00**

**Total Available for Program \$305,700.00 \$320,162.00**

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