Part I:  Attachments

OMB Control Number:  1820-0664

Expiration Date:  10/31/2008

Attachment 1: Basic Information

Name of Lead Agency:

University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Lead Agency:

Assistive Technology in New Hampshire - ATinNH

Address of Lead Agency:

10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101 Durham, NH 03824

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency:

Andrew W. Shepard, Grants & Contracts Administrator

Address for Certifying Representative:

51 College Road Durham, NH 03824

Telephone for Certifying Representative:

603-862-2436

E-mail for Certifying Representative:

Andy.Shepard@unh.edu

Name and Title of Program Director:

Therese Willkomm, Ph.D.

Address for Program Director:

10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101 Durham, NH 03824

Telephone for Program Director:

603-862-1056

E-mail for Program Director:

therese.willkomm@unh.edu

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):

Sönke Dornblut, M.S.

Address for Program Contact:

10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101 Durham, NH 03824

Telephone for Program Contact:

603-862-4064

E-mail for Program Contact:

sonke.dornblut@unh.edu

Name of Implementing Entity:

Not Applicable.

Name of Applicable Division and/or Subdivision of Implementing Entity:

Address of Implementing Entity:

Name and Title of Program Director:

Address for Program Director:

Telephone for Program Director:

E-mail for Program Director:

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):

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}

The University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability (IOD) has been
designated by the Governor as the lead agency for the state of New
Hampshire. The Institute on Disability (IOD) is the state's University
Center for Excellence on Disability and is responsible for the
administration and implementation of the New Hampshire Technology
Partnership Project, the state's current AT Act Program. The name of the
AT Act Program is proposed to be changed to Assistive Technology in New
Hampshire (ATinNH). The mission of ATinNH will be to continue to:
implement the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended; and operate
or contract with other organizations to operate programs to accomplish
the goals of the AT Act over the next three years.

The mission of the IOD is to advance policies and systems changes,
promising practices, education, and research that strengthen communities
and ensure full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all
persons. The Institute on Disability envisions a future in which all
persons, including those living with disabilities, are fully engaged
members of communities; in which culturally appropriate supports are
available across the life span to individuals and families that lead to
independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life.

The IOD values the participation of people with disabilities, the
community, family members, and a culturally diverse membership in its
governance and research, teaching, and service activities. The IOD works
to advance principles of choice, family and consumer-directed supports,
community inclusion and cultural competence throughout the life span. It
does this through:

-   Integrity \... in its working relationships, practices, and
    decisions.

-   Leadership\... in generating and advancing promising practices.

-   Excellence \... both in its individual and collective actions.

-   Service \... to communities, people with disabilities and their
    families, UNH, the public, and others who are affected by its work.

-   Respect \... for individuals' roles, diversity, contribution, and
    viewpoints.

The Institute on Disability employs 25 program staff and clinical
faculty several of whom with expertise areas ranging from the use and
integration of AT in the classroom to universally designed curricula and
the use of AT in employment.

The IOD has implemented several state and federally funded statewide
programs and projects ranging from education to housing and
transportation. There are three office locations, including Durham
(Seacoast), Concord (State Capital), and Manchester (Largest city),
which allow ATinNH to cover a wide geographic area in which over two
thirds of the state's population reside. Additional statewide coverage
will be achieved through a sub-contact with ATECH Services, with
locations in Concord and Laconia. Over the next three years ATinNH will
develop further relationships to increase our capacity to reach all
communities.

ATinNH will focus on a fully accessible web presence to bring AT related
information and resources to all New Hampshire constituencies. Our
website, ATinNH.org, is operational and offers such services as "Find a
provider" and the ability to list equipment for sale or trade. We will
refine and expand these capacities over the next three years to include
the ability to locate AT trainings, search for AT trainers and technical
assistance providers. We will also open our existing AT classifieds to
allow users to list items for loan and exploration in addition to the
current sale and barter options. Finally, we will develop a consumer
feedback mechanism as an ongoing quality improvement strategy.

ATinNH's Director, Dr. Therese Willkomm, has over 25 years of experience
in Assistive Technology, working on several research and implementation
grants in Iowa, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire. Dr. Willkomm is a
published author on the subject of AT and employment, she most recently
wrote Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes, an illustrated handbook
to create low cost solutions. She is nationally and internationally
renowned and sought after as a trainer and speaker. In addition to her
role as director of the Statewide AT Program, Dr. Willkomm teaches in
the University of New Hampshire's Occupational Therapy Department. This
will allow her to integrate AT training into existing coursework as well
as to establish new courses for pre-professional training and continuing
education, as well as post-graduate certificates. See more details on
training and technical assistance activities in Attachment 8.

Sönke Dornblut, M.S. has been the Project Coordinator of the Technology
Partnership since 1999 and will continue to support the State AT
Program. He is responsible for the implementation of State-level
Activities, sub-contract oversight and the provision of technical
assistance to the sub-contractor. Mr. Dornblut has a background in
Community Economic Development and is well suited to lead the
organizational infrastructure improvements proposed in this State Plan.

A significant portion of activities will be conducted through a
sub-contract with ATECH Services. ATECH Services was developed under the
guidance of the New Hampshire Technology Partnership through the merger
of two prior organizations, creating a more stable and well-rounded AT
service delivery organization. ATECH Services has been a partner in the
AT Act project and will continue to play a significant role implementing
this State Plan, continuing to operate a refurbishing/recycling program
and a technology exploration program. In addition, ATinNH will partner
with ATECH Services to expand their AT loan capacity. The organization
employs a number of very experienced AT professionals with expertise and
ability ranging from refurbishing of AT devices and conducting
evaluations to the provision of guidance in decision making when
purchasing a device and AT training in education, employment and other
areas. In addition to being a sub-contractor, ATECH Services also is a
partner in the development of an AT Training Collaborative described
below.

ATECH Services is a non-profit statewide organization, whose mission is
to maximize abilities at home, school, work or play, for individuals
affected by disabilities or the aging process, through the provision of
assistive technology, education, or community health services. Since
1991 ATECH Services has assisted over 20,000 New Hampshire residents
affected by disabilities or the aging process in achieving their goals
at home, school, work, or play through the provision of assistive
technology. Since obtaining its non-profit status in October of 1997,
ATECH has become the largest comprehensive assistive technology service
provider in New Hampshire. ATECH's employees are highly skilled and many
are nationally recognized as leaders in the field of assistive
technology. Individuals of all ages who experience various types of
disabilities, receive services through ATECH. The follow is a list of
assistive technology services provided by ATECH Services.

**Assistive Technology Evaluation and Consultation Services**

> Evaluation and Consultation Services utilizes a team of six staff
> members, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and
> speech and language pathologists to provide evaluation and
> consultation in: computer access, home and worksite modifications,
> environmental control devices and systems, alternative and
> augmentative communication systems, and customized wheelchair seating
> and mobility systems. In addition, ATECH has a fully equipped
> fabrication shop on-site to construct or modify assistive technology
> solutions. Six of ATECH's staff are certified Assistive Technology
> Practitioners (ATP) ( a nationally recognized certification to ensure
> quality service delivery). Utilizing a mobile service delivery
> approach, ATECH is also able to transport assistive technology
> evaluation tools and equipment to a consumer's home, school,
> community, or place of employment.

**New Hampshire Vision and Hearing Network (NHVHN)**

> **NHVHN** is funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Department of
> Education to provide support services to schools serving students with
> vision or hearing loss. **NHVHN** services impact the lives of over
> 500 students each year throughout the state through educational
> consultation services, training events, and assistive technology
> assistance. ATECH's five **NHVHN** consultants and the multitude of
> NHVHN partners consist of state and national leaders in the field of
> deaf and hard of hearing and blind and low vision.
>
> **The Technology Exploration Center** (**TEC**)
>
> The Technology Exploration Center provides trials and short-term loans
> of assistive technology. The TEC has been very successful in obtaining
> donated assistive technologies worth more than \$200,000 from
> manufacturers, as well as grants to purchase technologies for
> short-term loans to ensure that a device will actually work for an
> individual before funds are spent for the device. This short-term loan
> approach saves thousands of dollars for individuals, schools, and tax
> payers in purchases of technologies that would otherwise be abandoned
> due to inappropriate selection. Over 1,800 assistive technology loans
> have been provided. Funding for the TEC center is through public and
> private grants.

**Information and Resources** (**I&R**)

> Information and Resources are provided to more than 1,500 information
> requests from all over the state. ATECH has an extensive library of
> over 800 assistive technology-related publications and resources.

ATinNH is guided by an Advisory Council, as described in Attachment 3.
In addition, the IOD, as the AT program host organization, is guided by
its own Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) which meets on a quarterly basis
providing direction, feedback and advice. The CAC was instrumental in
prioritizing transportation as an IOD focus. It encouraged our initial
application under the Technology Related Assistance Act, as well as work
on accessible housing, and integrated community supports.

We will continue to refine and build our partnerships in New Hampshire
and beyond. ATinNH is committed to continuing our strong partnership
with ATECH Services. New Hampshire's AT Program has a long standing
partnership with the Bank of New Hampshire, now TD BankNorth, which
operates the state's Alternative Financing program. AT Program staff
participate on boards, committees, councils, and commissions such as the
NH Developmental Disabilities Council, the Real Choice Consumer Advisory
Council, the Disabilities Rights Center (NH's Protection and Advocacy
organization for people with disabilities), Governor's Commission on
Disability, Easter Seals, Department of Education, Granite State
Independent Living, Department of Health and Human Services, and the
Governor's office. Program staff are also involved in efforts in local
schools, businesses and organizations to increase the availability and
awareness of Assistive Technology services and products. ATinNH will
continue these activities to address and support the AT needs of
individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

ATinNH is a member of the New Hampshire Vision and Hearing Network, a NH
Department of Education funded collaborative providing services for
students with sensory disabilities, as well as their teachers and
parents. We will continue to work through this partnership to bring
Assistive Technology into the classroom. Several staff members of the
IOD provide regular technical assistance to New Hampshire schools,
ATinNH will continue to work with these consultants to address AT
specific questions. These staff are trained to promote the use of
appropriate AT, addressing communication and other issues in the
classroom and at home.

ATinNH has partners in the state's North Country and southern New
Hampshire to complement our ability to address AT and telecommunications
access throughout the state. Relay NH is a small, statewide organization
dedicated to providing telecommunications access to people with hearing
impairments. TechLink is a telecommunications and assistive technology
consultancy and training provider. Both TechLink and Relay NH are
represented on ATinNH's Advisory Council.

ATinNH will cooperate with several initiatives at the IOD to address
Assistive Technology and community living and employment. The Center for
Housing and Community Economics (CHANCE) at IOD is a nationally known
technical assistance provider in the housing and community living field.
We will work with CHANCE staff to update and refine their publications
regarding AT. ATinNH will also ensure that the state's Real Choice
initiative, funded by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services,
and led by the IOD and the Real Choice Consumer Advisory Council,
continues to promote access to AT. Real Choice is comprehensive systems
change approach addressing the availability of supports for community
living, employment, housing, and transportation. New Hampshire's AT
State Program will continue to collaborate with this initiative to
increase access and availability AT services and training.

A significant part of our long term vision is the creation of an AT
Training Collaborative, through which we will coordinate trainings and
technical assistance, provide trainings and technical assistance, and
identify gaps in existing training and technical assistance. The AT
Training Collaborative is an important step since training and technical
assistance was identified as a priority for collaboration at stakeholder
meetings held as part of the State's planning process. A more detailed
description of the steps we will take over the three state plan years
can be found in Attachment 8.

Another aspect of our vision relates to the provision of services under
the State Level Activities. We will work with ATECH Services to further
the development of an integrated service delivery model -- the REAL
Marketplace (Refurbish, Explore and Loan), that combines the last three
of the required State Level Activities described in attachment 5. We
hope that such a combination allows for a better customer experience and
more efficient utilization of resources. The last part of our vision
addresses our desire to bring as much information as possible to our
ATinNH.org website. We envision a site that facilitates the
reutilization of devices, the provision of information and referral, and
enables users to locate resources quickly and reliably. Enhancing our
capacity to deliver services and information statewide, we will over the
three state plan years use our website ATinNH.org as an information
delivery tool and as the virtual home of the AT Training Collaborative.
A more detailed description of the development activities we will engage
in can be found in Attachment 5.

> 2.1B [Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an
> Implementing Entity is Designated]{.underline}
>
> This section is not applicable.

2.  [Identification and Description of the Implementing
    Entity]{.underline}

No separate implementing agency has been so designated by the Governor.

3.  [Show of Good Cause for Change in Lead Agency or Implementing
    Entity]{.underline}

This section is not applicable.

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.

Over the next three years the AT Advisory Council (ATAC) will provide
the AT Program staff consumer driven and responsive guidance, advice and
feedback for the planning and implementation of the activities of New
Hampshire's Statewide Assistive Technology Program.

ATAC has twelve (12) members, seven of whom are individuals with
disabilities who use AT or family members of individuals using AT. The
remaining members represent agencies: Vocational Rehabilitation,
Department of Education, Granite State Independent Living, and the
Workforce Opportunity Council (the state's Workforce Investment Board).

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # (Agency Rep.)                   | # (AT User)                       |
|                                   |                                   |
| Northeast Deaf & Hard of Hearing  | Disabilities Rights Center        |
| Services                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # (AT User)                       | # (Agency Rep.)                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Bank of America                   | Workforce Opportunity Council,    |
|                                   | Inc.                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # (Family Member)                 | # (Agency Rep.)                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| State Senator                     | Bureau of Special Education,      |
|                                   | NHDOE                             |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # (Agency Rep.)                   | # (AT User)                       |
|                                   |                                   |
| Bureau of Vocational              | Relay NH Service                  |
| Rehabilitation                    |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # (AT User)                       | # (Family Member)                 |
|                                   |                                   |
| Services for Blind and Visually   |                                   |
| Impaired                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # (AT User)                       | # (AT User)                       |
|                                   |                                   |
| GSIL                              | TechLinkNH                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

ATAC membership is representative of the state's geographic regions and
the state's ethnic and racial composition. Council members use a variety
of AT products, including augmentative communication devices, computer
access software and hardware, and mobility devices.

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

Council members are either delegates of their respective agencies and as
such are appointed or are volunteers with a particular interest in
assistive technology based on personal or family related experience.
ATinNH will seek individual appointments of council members by the
Governor for three year terms. We believe that this will allow the
Council to better serve its function as an integrating force in the
state in addition to the advisory functions particular to the Statewide
AT Program.

Meetings will be held on a quarterly basis in the state capital, unless
otherwise called for by the Council. Council members may elect, from
time to time, to form sub-committees. All meetings of the Council will
be facilitated so as to ensure full participation of all members
present. Meeting agendas are the responsibility of the ATinNH Director.
Meetings are opportunities for ATinNH and sub-contractor staff to
present on the activities conducted under the Statewide AT Program and
to seek consumer driven and responsive guidance and advice. Council
members are expected to play an active role in assisting ATinNH staff to
build and maintain organizational relationships throughout the state.

## 

## Attachment 4: Measurable Goals 

ATinNH was not able to establish a baseline for each of the goals 4.1
through 4.7 during year one due to the unavailability of a data
collection system. We will therefore establish a baseline during year
two of the state plan and subsequently submit an amendment that
identifies the long-term and short-term goals set to improve upon such
baselines during year three of the implementation of the State Plan.
Baseline data will be collected using data collection instruments and
procedures as determined by RSA. A year one outcomes summary, derived
from data collected with a New Hampshire specific tool, is included at
the end of this section for informational purposes.

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

> Goal: 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.
>
> Objectives for Device Loan and Demonstration Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 -- Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> Year 3 -- Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

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

> Goal: 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.
>
> Objectives for Device Loan and Demonstration Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 - Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> Year 3 - Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

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

> Goal: 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.
>
> Objectives for Device Loan and Demonstration Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 - Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> Year 3 - Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

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

> Goal: 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.
>
> Objectives for Device Loan and Demonstration Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 - Establish baseline of the percent of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who accessed device demonstration 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.
>
> Year 3 - Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

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

> Goal: Percent 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.
>
> Objectives for State Financing Activities and Reutilization Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who obtained devices and services from State
> financing activities or reutilization programs for educational
> purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 -- Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who obtained devices and services from State
> financing activities or reutilization programs for educational
> purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service.
>
> Year 3 -- Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

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

> Goal: Percent 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.
>
> Objectives for State Financing Activities and Reutilization Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who obtained devices and services from State
> financing activities or reutilization programs for employment purposes
> who would not have obtained the AT device or service.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 - Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who obtained devices and services from State
> financing activities or reutilization programs for employment purposes
> who would not have obtained the AT device or service.
>
> Year 3 - Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

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

Goal: Percent of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who
obtained devices and services from State financing activities or
reutilization programs for community living purposes who would not have
obtained the AT device or service.

> Objectives for State Financing Activities and Reutilization Programs
>
> Year 1 -- Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who obtained devices and services from State
> financing activities or reutilization programs for community living
> purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service.
>
> *Update:* We weren't able to establish baseline data during year one
> due to the unavailability of an RSA sponsored data collection system.
>
> Year 2 - Establish baseline of the percentage of appropriate targeted
> individuals and entities who obtained devices and services from State
> financing activities or reutilization programs for community living
> purposes who would not have obtained the AT device or service.
>
> Year 3 - Increase in percentage over year 2 (to be established later)
> 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.

[4.8 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.

None

**A Summary of NH Data**

These data are based on a state specific data collection tool designed
to measure outcomes as described above. The following tables are
provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for
the data collection required under federal law for which a normed
collection tool was not available. The tables contain data collected
over the first eight months of year one of the state plan (October 2005
-- May 2006).

  -------- ---------------- ------------- ----------- -------------- ----- ------
   A)      **Services                                                       
           Provided**                                                      

           Redistribution   Exploration   Loans                             

  Total    354              229           52                                
  -------- ---------------- ------------- ----------- -------------- ----- ------

The table above refers to the total services provided in year one in
three categories: the redistribution of used equipment (reutilization),
explorations of equipment and loans of equipment. Both loans and
explorations are of used and new equipment.

  -------- --------------- ------------ ------------- --------------- ----- -----
   B)      **Exploration                                                     
           or Loan by                                                       
           Purpose**                                                        

           Education       Employment   Comm. Living  Information     T     F
                                                      Tech. / Telecom       

  Total    132             6            301           0               114   6
  -------- --------------- ------------ ------------- --------------- ----- -----

This table (B) illustrates the distribution of equipment explorations
and loans across categories of purpose. Users were asked to identify the
primary purpose for which a piece of equipment was being borrowed or
explored (although multiple purposes could be identified) and also
answered a question as to whether or not the exploration or loan helped
them make a decision about the device. Answers to the latter question
were recorded as true (T) or false (F).

  -------- ------------- ------------ ------------- --------------- ----- ------
           **Device                                                        
           Acquisition                                                    
           by Purpose**                                                   

           Education     Employment   Comm. Living                  Y     N

  Total    35            6            291                           16    61
  -------- ------------- ------------ ------------- --------------- ----- ------

Table C) records the number of device acquired through services
sponsored by ATinNH across three use categories as well as the answers
to a survey question as whether the customer would have been able to
obtain the device without the service offered through ATinNH, answers
are recorded as yes (Y) or no (N).

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### 

#### Attachment 5: State-level Activities

State-level Activities will be conducted by continuing support of
existing resources as described below which will result in an integrated
service delivery structure that combines recycling related activities
with demonstrations and loans. This plan also includes steps to bring as
many of these services to our ATinNH.org website so that we can better
guarantee statewide availability and access to State Program activities.
The proposed website capacity is described in more detail in Attachment
8.

ATinNH will contract with ATECH Services to continue existing
reutilization, demonstration and loan activities as well as to take
steps toward the integration of these services to more efficiently
utilize our resources. An integration of services allows users of AT to
be served in a one stop shopping environment and allows ATinNH to reduce
administrative costs making more funds available to deliver services.
Contract oversight will be assured through monthly management team
meetings, as well through the inclusion of contractor staff in AT
Advisory Council meetings.

ATinNH will continue to develop additional partnerships to expand
statewide availability of demonstration and loans of AT.

We will continue to provide technical assistance to New Hampshire's AT
Low Interest Loan Program. As part of this effort the Statewide AT
Program will market the existing low interest loan capacity and ensure
that statewide information and referral services have up-to-date
information about the program.

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.

*Update:* **The state is claiming comparability for state financing
activities.** Please see Attachment 6 for details.

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.

**1. Refurbished Equipment Marketplace.** ATinNH will continue its
support of the reutilization capacity at ATECH Services known as
Refurbished Equipment Marketplace (REM). The REM takes in donated used
equipment, "parts it out" or refurbishes it using a certified
technician, and then makes the devices available for resale at a
fraction of the cost of new equipment. The Statewide AT Program was
responsible for developing this model to bring quality used equipment to
market.

The REM employs three personnel, including a program/sales manager, a
certified technician, and an administrative/sales person. The REM offers
three services: 1) quality equipment for sale (with a limited warranty),
2) repair of devices, and 3) loans of equipment. REM staff also offer
technical assistance workshops and do-it yourself- repair clinics to the
public and other providers. The operation is located centrally in the
state, in the capital city, with easy access to major north-south and
east-west roadways. The REM has a membership of several durable medical
equipment dealers, who use REM devices to provide loans and for
demonstration purposes with their customer base.

The REM can be reached via a toll-free telephone number or may be
contacted via e-mail. Information about the REM can be found on numerous
websites maintained by NH organizations, including Institute on
Disability, ATECH Services, and ATinNH.org. Devices can be obtained by
visiting the REM at its location in Concord, or through delivery.
Devices can be donated in the same fashion.

Anyone in the state will continue to be able to use the REM to purchase,
or borrow a device. The REM will continue to offer its repair services
focusing on mobility related equipment. The REM only accepts equipment
that can be refurbished at a reasonable cost (one that does not exceed
the value of the device). This is to ensure that devices remain
affordable and attractive to potential customers.

ATinNH will work with REM staff to 1) better market the resource; 2)
increase its donor base; 3) further develop a volunteer program to
increase processing of equipment (with partners such as AARP Senior
Employment Program, and local high schools and technical colleges); and
4) develop statewide drop off and repair locations through partnerships
with existing local community resources (such as community/senior
centers, bicycle shops, and transfer stations). In addition, ATinNH will
work with ATECH Services to integrate its REM based device loan and
demonstration functions with other capacities at the organization. This
integration of services will result in the REAL (Refurbishing,
Exploration, and Loan) Marketplace.

**2. Online Classifieds.** A function of our ATinNH.org website is a
classifieds section in which AT devices can be listed for sale, trade,
or loan. We consider this function an enhancement of the services
available through the REM. The website capacity will be continued and
over the next three years improved and marketed by ATinNH. We started
the classifieds in 2005 hoping to offer a convenient way for users of AT
to obtain needed used equipment.

ATinNH will use the website to market REM devices as well as its related
services such as repair (using recycled parts) and maintenance clinics.
Both repair and regular maintenance are ways to keep devices in safe
functioning condition. Using the two programs described above, ATinNH
will help individuals with disabilities obtain a large variety of AT
devices. Prices are low, since refurbished equipment is used and priced
well below the cost of a new device. Anyone will be able to obtain
devices from the REM or through the Online Classifieds. There are no
eligibility criteria. The two programs will allow a customer to obtain a
device that may not be covered by public or private funding sources,
such as a secondary wheelchair. The REM, with its substantial parts
inventory will service devices that would otherwise go to waste,
including devices that are no longer being manufactured.

**3. New England Online Classifieds.** ATinNH has partnered with the
other New England states to implement a regional AT classifieds. We will
continue this partnership to develop and market a website known as "Get
AT Stuff.com" through a contract with AgoraNet. The regional classifieds
may, as it becomes fully operational, replace our existing state
capacity. The benefits to the consumer are clear: A regional website
will allow New Hampshire residents to search for used AT in adjoining
states as well as in-state thereby increasing the chances of obtaining
the AT required.

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.

ATinNH will enter into a contract with ATECH Services to implement a
statewide loan program. ATECH Services is a logical choice because it
already makes some devices available for loan to individuals with
disabilities, their families, as well as professionals. The goal is to
integrate such a program into existing services through ATECH Services
as part of REAL Marketplace. Initially, ATECH Services will continue to
operate a loan program through the REM and the Technology Exploration
Center, both departments of the organization.

The purpose of the device loan program will be to enable individuals
with disabilities and others the ability to try out a device/or devices
in order to make a decision on the most appropriate device for their
needs. The program will make short term loans to professionals for
demonstrations and longer term loans to individuals to try out devices
or to bridge the time while waiting for a device that is being repaired
or for a permanent piece of equipment that is being funded by a third
party payer like Medicaid.

Additionally, ATinNH will develop contracts with other existing service
providers to operate loan programs. Specifically, will enter into a
contract with Granite State Independent Living Center to operate a
statewide device loan closet. The state program will also continue to
work toward a loan and demonstration capacity at the University of New
Hampshire to serve the state's Seacoast region.

**1. Refurbished Equipment Marketplace.** The REM offers its refurbished
equipment as loans as short term loans or as loans to try out the device
before purchasing it. Devices are also loaned to professionals to use in
evaluations and for demonstration purposes. Device loans are free to
participating members. Most members are Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
dealers who use the equipment to provide loans to their clients or as
demonstrations. Anyone can borrow devices from the REM, including
individuals with disabilities, VR counselors, employers, and educators.
The REM maintains a toll free number and advertises its services on
several websites. The REM's inventory is focused primarily on mobility
related devices such as power and manual wheelchairs, although other
types of devices are available as well and often loaned out. The steps
described below will allow for the expansion of the loan program beyond
hospital equipment and mobility devices. The REM will continue to
operate its loan program and work to integrate its capacity into the
REAL Marketplace concept.

**2. Technology Exploration Center.** ATinNH will work with its
contractor (ATECH Services) to take the following steps to
operationalize a loan capacity using the existing inventory of devices.
We will submit amendments to the state plan as necessary to reflect
these developments, any changes and unexpected consequences.

[Year 1]{.underline}:

-   To identify and enter into a database current inventory of equipment
    at ATECH Services (including the REM) that can be loaned out.

-   To develop a loan procedure that assures that available equipment
    can be borrowed on a statewide basis.

-   To continue to make loans with currently available inventory and
    collect data as appropriate.

*Update:* The loan inventory was entered into MS Access, a loan
procedure was developed and data has been collected and reported using
an MS Excel spreadsheet. We will develop additional small sub-contracts
to complement ATECH Services' capacity.

[Year 2]{.underline}:

-   To develop and provide a web based mechanism for consumers and
    providers throughout New Hampshire to identify equipment available
    for loans and how to access this equipment.

-   To operate a loan program and continue to collect loan based
    outcomes data.

We will explore foundations and other resources for acquiring AT devices
for loans and demonstrations as well as for funding to pay for repair,
maintenance, replacement and delivery costs associated with such a
program. In order to further expand the loan program and to make its
inventory more comprehensive, we will also work with manufacturers of
assistive technologies to encourage donations of equipment to the pool
of equipment available for loans.

ATinNH will market the availability of the loan program on ATinNH.org,
our website, to disability related agencies and organizations. We will
also ensure that existing statewide information and referral services
are aware of the program and how it operates.

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.

The purpose of the device demonstration and exploration is to enable
individuals to try out devices in order to make a decision on the most
appropriate device that will increase independence in educational,
vocational, or community living and other settings.

**1. Technology Exploration Center.** Device demonstration will be
conducted through a subcontract with ATECH Services to continue to
operate its Technology Exploration Center. Services may be expanded to
include other device demonstration centers in the state and an amendment
to the state plan will be submitted in that case. The operation of the
demonstration center will be integrated into the REAL Marketplace
concept as described above. The exploration center is available to all
customers, including schools, employment centers and others. TEC staff
are also able to travel to local sites using ATECH Services' Mobile Unit
to offer demonstrations locally.

**2. Refurbished Equipment Marketplace.** Through a contract with ATECH
Services, ATinNH will continue demonstrations of devices at the REM. The
devices available at the REM will complement the TEC inventory.
Additionally, we will develop additional small sub-contracts to
complement ATECH Services' capacity.

The inventory of demonstration devices will be made available on the
ATinNH.org website. We will explore foundations and other resources for
acquiring AT devices for loans and demonstrations as well as for funding
to pay for repair, maintenance, replacement and delivery costs
associated with such a program. We will also work with manufacturers of
assistive technologies to encourage donations of equipment to the pool
of equipment available for demonstrations.

*Update:* We will develop over the course of the state plan years a loan
and demonstration center at the University of New Hampshire to better
serve the state's Seacoast area.

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#### Attachment 6: Comparable Support

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.

New Hampshire's low interest loan program provides loans to individuals
with disabilities and their families for the purchase of AT devices and
services. The program was established in 1996 with funds provided to the
New Hampshire Technology Partnership Project under Title I of the
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of
1988, which were deposited into an account held by the Southeastern
Regional Education Service Center (SERESC) at TD BankNorth. The program
was subsequently expanded with additional funds provided by the NH
Charitable Foundation. A low interest loan of up to \$10,000 is
available to New Hampshire residents to purchase AT devices or services.
The loan is a personal loan through TD BankNorth that carries a special
low interest rate and is fully secured by this two tiered guarantee
account system.

The AT Loan Program is operated indefinitely by TD BankNorth (since
1996) and provides financial loans for any AT product or service to
residents of the State. The program will be available during all three
years of the State Plan.

6.2 [Comparability]{.underline} \-- Demonstrate that this support is
comparable in terms of funding and that the activities are comparable in
terms of scope.

The low-interest loan program at TD BankNorth is capitalized with
\$154,000 held in two guarantee accounts at the bank. The primary
guarantee account is held by SERESC, the secondary guarantee by the NH
Charitable Foundation. These accounts fully guarantee every loan made by
the bank, representing 20% of overall loan volume. The bank makes loans
totaling no more than five times the amount available in the guarantee
accounts, or \$770,000. Loans are made to NH residents or to persons
taking out a loan for a NH resident and must be used for AT devices or
services. There are no there are no limiting criteria that would exclude
a person from a programmatic point of view. Since the interest rate is
pegged to the current passbook savings rate (between 1% and 1.5%), we
believe the program represents a most affordable and sustainable
alternative financing model. The current loan volume tends to be at 50%
of loan volume possible, indicating that the target market is being
served adequately.

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.

ATinNH will market the program through its website and by distributing
information about the program to statewide information and referral
services such as ServiceLink which provides information specifically to
older New Hampshire residents on available services. We believe the
program serves the citizens of the state well and will continue to do so
over the time period covered by this state plan. There is no need to
duplicate this effort with state plan funds.

Attachment 7: State Flexibility

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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.

Not applicable.

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.

Not applicable.

## 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
in section 4(e)(3)(B)(i) of the AT Act.

ATinNH will develop a statewide Assistive Technology (AT) Training
Collaborative to provide training and technical assistance to enhance
the knowledge, skills and competencies of individuals from settings
statewide, to state and local agencies including early intervention
programs, adult services programs, hospitals and other care facilities,
institutions of higher education, and businesses. The AT Training
Collaborative will be constituted from existing trainers and technical
assistance providers in the state, including from organizations such as
Crotched Mountain, ATECH Services, TechLink, and Relay NH. Members will
be individual consultants or organizations that provide AT training and
technical assistance, including trainers employed by ATinNH at the IOD.
All members of the AT Training Collaborative will be listed on the
ATinNH.org website. ATinNH will contract with members of the Training
Collaborative to provide services. ATinNH is concerned about the
efficacy of training activities and defines trainings as: An event that
is not episodic in nature but focused on enhancing knowledge, skills and
competencies of individuals. A training is defined as an event three or
more hours in length and has both evaluation criteria and requires
pre-registration. The Collaborative will establish further standards for
trainings and for trainers as needed and ATinNH will submit an amendment
to the State Plan should these standards affect the implementation or
content of the plans described herein.

ATinNH staff will coordinate logistics for training events conducted by
ATinNH staff and AT Training Collaborative members and events funded
through the AT Training Fund. ATinNH has dedicated a portion of its
annual budget as a fund to pay for trainings of members of the AT
Training Collaborative. The Training Fund will only be used to pay for
trainings that are not otherwise funded but fill a gap or meet a need.
Any revenue realized as a result of any of the training activities will
be placed into the training fund to support additional training and
technical assistance activities. ATinNH and the AT Advisory Council will
evaluate the first year's training agenda based on training needs
assessments and evaluations and the seven core AT goals related to
access and acquisition of assistive technology in education, employment
and community living.

*Update:* A training needs assessment was distributed during year one to
Special Education Directors as well as to Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselors. We will use the results of these assessments to inform the
development and implementation of workshops.

# Training 

ATinNH in concert with the AT Training Collaborative will engage in a
number of training activities. Collaborative members will be engaged
through individual service contracts to provide some of these trainings.
ATinNH already has developed a number of training modules targeted for
specific audiences and on specific topics, and anticipates continuing to
deliver such trainings upon request. These include:

-   [Training for education professionals]{.underline} (special
    education teachers, speech therapists, occupational and physical
    therapists). 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 will include
    information for a broad array of disabilities and devices. At the
    request of any school district in the state, ATinNH staff will train
    educators on-site. School districts will be required to pay for this
    training. Similar trainings will be provided for free to local
    parent groups upon request.

*Update:* Six assistive technology workshops for educational
professionals were conducted during year one.

-   [Training for employment professionals]{.underline}. ATinNH staff
    and eventually members of the AT Training Coop will provide training
    about AT to all new vocational rehabilitation counselors in the
    state, and to train staff at NH Works Centers (one-stop centers).
    This training includes 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
    will be conducted at regional VR offices and one-stop centers
    throughout the state upon request.

*Update:* Four assistive technology training workshops were conducted
for employment professionals during year one.

-   [Pre-service training for human service professionals]{.underline}.
    ATinNH will offer pre-service training on AT to students in special
    education, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, and
    therapeutic recreation at the University of New Hampshire. The
    training is developed to include information for a broad array of
    disabilities and devices. ATinNH staff are paid as faculty for
    providing this training.

*Update:* During year one, one pre-service course on assistive
technology was provided to students in special education; three
assistive technology courses for students in occupational therapy, and
two assistive technology courses for students in speech and language
pathology. In addition, during year one a graduate certificate in
assistive technology was developed and approved by the Graduate School
at the University of New Hampshire.

-   [Training Transition Coordinators]{.underline}. Staff of ATinNH will
    train professionals and consumers who are involved with the state's
    transition activities. Training will include basic understanding of
    AT, using AT at home in the workplace and post secondary education.
    The training is developed to include information for a broad array
    of disabilities and devices.

*Update:* Three workshops were conducted for individuals involved with
transition from school to work. In addition, a transition workshop
related to transitioning from supportive living facilities to
independent living facilities is being scheduled for year two.

-   [Training for Paraprofessionals]{.underline}: 100 Paraprofessionals
    will be selected to receive intensive training on fabrication tools,
    materials and techniques for constructing AT solutions in minutes.
    The outcome of this training will be documented with pictures over a
    two year period.

*Update:* During year one 60 paraprofessionals received this training.

ATinNH also will customize training for organizations that request
training on specific topics or for specific audiences.

The AT Training calendar, available technical assistance services, and a
directory of AT providers will be available on the ATinNH.org website.
The calendar will list events offered through ATinNH as well as those
offered by other organizations whether they are Training Cooperative
members of not. Locations of training events will be statewide, as well
as through the Granite State Distance Learning Network through UNH
Cooperative Extension.

We will request that AT training be built into existing professional
development training programs being conducted at educational agencies,
vocational rehabilitation, area agencies, service links, early
intervention, elderly and adult services, hospitals and other health
care facilities.

Training and technical assistance materials used during any and all
training events will be posted on the Assistive Technology in New
Hampshire website (ATinNH.org) to be downloaded and used by all
individuals throughout NH.

Competencies and qualifications of all trainers will be posted on the
ATinNH.org website. Using this website, individuals will be able to
identify who in the state is able to provide a particular training by
topic and/or location.

ATinNH will work with Collaborative members to ensure that individuals
with disabilities, families, guardians, or other authorized
representatives can benefit from training and technical assistance
regardless of their type of disability, age, income level or location of
residence within the state or type of assistive technology device or
service required.

All training activities and materials will be available in accessible
formats. We will pursue scholarships for those targeted individuals who
are unable to attend due to income limits. We will also strive to remove
all other barriers that prevent families, guardians and individuals with
disabilities from benefiting from such events. Interpreter services,
assistive listening devices, and other needed equipment to enable
someone to benefit from the training will be provided as requested.

*Update:* We developed a template for gathering information on each
trainer. This template includes qualifications and area of expertise.
During year two, the website containing information on all available
assistive technology trainers will be posted.

*New Activity:*

Assistive technology podcasts. We will work with the University of New
Hampshire's Instructional Technology Center to videotape assistive
technology trainings and workshops and to make these workshops available
for download using the podcast format.

*New Activity:*

During year one, we conducted the first distance learning assistive
technology workshop using Granite State Distance Learning Network. Five
sites in New Hampshire were selected for conducting this training. We
will offer similar trainings will be offered using this same format.

*New Activity:*

AT will coordinate its first ever **Assistive Technology in New
Hampshire Week** during year two. This week will highlight all assistive
technology related activities being conducted throughout the state of
New Hampshire. Workshops, exhibits, and public awareness activities will
be some of the many activities that will be promoted during the week.

# Technical Assistance

In the past, AT in NH has provided technical assistance such as the
following: Establishment of a reutilization program, an exploration
center and an infrastructure for providing equipment loan. Since ATinNH
will provide technical assistance to agencies and organizations by
request, it is difficult to predict all types of technical assistance
that will be provided over the next three years.

Technical Assistance will be provided to ATECH Services in establishing
an integrated virtual REAL Marketplace as described in Attachment 5.
Technical Assistance will also be provided to other organizations
interested in participating in the virtual REAL Marketplace and in
ATinNH.org.

*Update:* Technical assistance was offered to the Department of
Education regarding ways of tracking assistive technology needs of
students with disabilities in New Hampshire. Suggestions were provided
on ways they could obtain this information.

*Update:* Technical assistance was provided to the New Hampshire
Vocational Rehabilitation on how to conduct assistive technology
assessments for businesses as well as how assistive technology training
could be provided to vocational rehabilitation counselors.

*Update:* An assistive technology data collection system was developed
for tracking items that have been utilized, demonstrated, or loaned to
individuals throughout New Hampshire. The system is being used by ATinNH
sub-contractor ATECH Services. The system will be updated once the new
data collections system from RSA has been determined.

# Transition

The AT Act requires that AT in NH 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 the first year of this state plan,
AT in NH will develop and offer two training modules specifically to
address areas of 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
    will also be used 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 also will be used in the general AT training
    provided to centers for independent living as explained above.

*Update:* During year one ATinNH decided to using existing materials on
assistive technology and transition for dissemination and training.
These materials and training will be posted on the Website and discussed
during meetings with key transition stakeholders.

*Update:* Technical assistance on transition from school to work was
provided to the Department of Education and the Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation to forwarding extensive resources that both programs
could use in integrating assistive technology services.

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 three state plan years, ATinNH will use the Internet, exhibits,
presentations, and trainings 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. ATinNH will provide the following public awareness
activities:

**Information and Referral (I&R).** ATinNH 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, ATinNH staff will mail AT resource and device information
in order for them to make a more informed decision.

*Update:* AT in NH will work with all existing information and referral
providers on assistive technology information and resources that can be
shared. In addition, during year two, the extensive development of the
website will offer information and products for I&R providers as well as
directly to individuals throughout the state.

**Web site.** The ATinNH.org website will feature in-depth information
and resources on four levels: Locating an AT provider; Locating AT
training, information, resources and materials and Locating an assistive
technology solution for exploration, loan or purchase of a refurbished
item. The web site will also provide an opportunity for individuals to
directly contact ATinNH for purposes of feedback, information and
referral, and listing for sale items on the REAL Marketplace.

*Update:* Instead of listing items for sale on the Real Marketplace, New
Hampshire has entered into an agreement with a New England wide
consortium to develop and implement an assistive technology exchange
website. Once developed and in place, we will provide information on how
to utilize this website for listing and sales of items for re-use on
ATinNH.org.

*Update:* During year two we will identify existing assistive technology
loan closets throughout New Hampshire and encourage these loan closets
to place their products available for loans, explorations, or re-use on
the ATinNH website.

**Publications.** Training materials and publications that cover AT
information have been developed and will be disseminated to all types of
audiences across the life span using existing newsletters, websites, and
periodic disability community publications. All publications will be
provided free of charge on ATinNH.org and made available in any
requested alternative format.

**Other:**

-   Training and technical assistance will be provided to the 211
    statewide information and referral service under development as well
    as all of the service links throughout New Hampshire. Training will
    consist of how to access the statewide AT public awareness site
    called AT in NH and how to identify other resources to assist the
    individual.

-   We will work to utilize existing businesses with a statewide
    presence, such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot, to promote public
    awareness of AT solutions for easier living.

-   ServiceLinks, a statewide system of regional information and
    referral centers, will be used as a conduit of information for those
    individuals who are unable, or choose not to use the ATinNH.org
    website for information about devices and services.

*Update*: ATinNH has reprinted the "Assistive Technology Solutions"
sheet originally developed by ATECH Services. These solution sheets are
disseminated during statewide workshops.

*Update*: Two new publications have been developed. "Solutions for
Easier Living Located in Your Neighborhood." Home Depot, Walmart,
Staples, Target and Radio Shack were surveyed to identify assistive
technology items that individuals could explore. Over 1,000 photographs
were taken and items were organized into the following themes: One
Handed Solutions, Back Saving Solutions, Solutions to Reduce Slips and
Falls, Solutions for Wheelchair Users, Solutions for Easier Remembering,
Solutions for Low Vision, Solutions for Gripping Difficulties, and
Fabrication Tools and Materials That Can Be Used In Constructing
Assistive Technology Solutions In Minutes. This publication will be
disseminated state wide in printed format as well as on the ATinNH
website.

A second booklet entitled: "Solutions for Easier Living Located at Home
Depot" was developed. A proposal was submitted to Home Depot requesting
funding for reprinting and distribution nationwide. In addition, the
proposal included ideas for helping Home Depot in categorizing their
products, developing and offering assistive technology clinic days, and
for providing training to associates on assistive technology solutions.
Meetings have been held with AARP, Department of Education, Department
of Vocational Rehabilitation, Granite State Independent Living, and
representatives from the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services to discuss
opportunities for providing assistive technology training.

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.

ATinNH will strive to coordinate activities among public and private
entities responsible for policies, procedures or funding for the
provision of AT devices and services or to improve access to devices and
services using the following activities:

-   One-on-one meetings will be held with those individuals who are
    involved in the development and implementation of professional
    development policies to assist in coordinating and funding of AT
    training activities within their agencies, businesses or
    organizations.

-   Meetings will be held with policy makers and regulators within the
    NH Medicaid Office, Dept. of Education, NH Vocational
    Rehabilitation, Work Opportunities Council, Local Education
    Agencies, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, and other state and
    local agencies to develop or modify procedures that will improve
    access to AT devices and service.

-   Meetings will be held with representatives of statewide businesses
    such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Radio Shack, and others to promote
    carrying specific AT products, as well as identifying existing
    inventory as AT products.

-   We will coordinate and collaborate with existing technology loan
    closets to develop a virtual integrated system of products
    throughout NH that are available for exploration and or loans to
    make them available using the ATinNH.org website.

-   We will research and apply for funding opportunities to support
    scholarships for individuals wishing to obtain a certificate in AT
    through the University of New Hampshire. This will be a
    collaborative activity with departments at the UNH School of Health
    and Human Services

-   Monthly AT Training Coop roundtable meetings will be held in the
    evenings as an opportunity for anyone and everyone to get together
    on an informal basis and share exciting AT products and services. We
    will work through the AT Training Collaborative to leverage
    additional funding in support of New Hampshire's AT state plan
    goals.

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
collaborators to assist in accomplishing identified goals.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation will continue to maintain on
deposit \$100,000 in secondary guarantee funds to leverage available
capital for loans. Southeastern Regional Education Service Center
(SERESC) will continue to maintain an account as primary guarantee funds
at TD BankNorth to leverage capital for loans. TD BankNorth will
continue to operate an alternative financing activity by operating a low
interest loan program.

9.2 [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.

There is no separate state designated implementing agency; this portion
of the attachment therefore does not apply.

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 twice 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 an integrated AT
web presence for the state, the integration of device reutilization,
loan, and demonstration activities, and the development of an AT
Cooperative are all directly based on the suggestions of the Council and
other stakeholders involved in planning.

The Council will meet on a quarterly basis to evaluate progress toward
established goals and to offer 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).

There is no direct State support for state-level activities at this
time.

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.

There is no direct State support for state-leadership activities at this
time.

## 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).

ATinNH will be operated as part of the Institute on Disability at the
University of New Hampshire. The University of New Hampshire is using
BANNER as its accounting and fiscal management system. As part of the
University, ATinNH is required to use this system. Within the overall
ATinNH account, the Business Service Unit at the University responsible
for the Institute on Disability will maintain sub accounts for State
Level and State Leadership Activities, as well as sub accounts within
those categories reflecting the budget allocations below for the seven
required activities under the law. It is standard practice at the
University to issue detailed monthly reports to account mangers for
monitoring purposes. Upon request by the account manager, additional
reports can be generated by the system at any time. The Program Director
and the Program Coordinator are account managers for the State AT
Program and will monitor the monthly reports.

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

The attached budget reflects detailed allocations proposed for State
Leadership and State Level Activities for Year 2 of this State Plan. The
Indirect Costs reflect 10% of the Direct Costs (State Level and State
Leadership) of the Budget.

**Proposed Distribution Total Award Amount**

**Allocation Year One Year Two**

**[\$358,908 \$370,550]{.underline}**

State Level 65% \$212,082 \$218,961

State Leadership 35% \$114,198 \$117,902

*Leadership Activities 95% (of 35%) \$108,488 \$112,007*

*Transition 5% (of 35%) \$ 5,710 \$ 5,895*

Indirect Costs 10% \$ 32,628 \$33,686

**TOTAL** **\$358,908 \$370,550**

Within the above budget, ATinNH proposes to apportion funds for specific
activities in the following manner.

**State Level Activities** **Proposed Allocation**

Year 1 Year 2

State Financing Activities \$37,366 \$ 0

Device Reutilization Program \$82,183 \$90,639

Device Loan Program \$45,845 \$63,728

Device Demonstration Program \$46,689 \$64,594

**State Leadership Activities Proposed Allocation**

Training and Technical Assistance Activities \$86,417 \$84,939

Transition \$ 5,700 \$ 5,895

Public Awareness Activities \$13,248 \$12,952

Coordination and Collaboration \$ 8,823 \$14,116