#### South Dakota State Assistive Technology Plan 

#### 

#### 

#### The South Dakota Technology Related Assistance Services Program 

#### 

#### DakotaLink

#### 

#### Table of Contents

**Part I -- Attachments -- cover page** 3

Attachment I -- Basic Information 4, 5

Attachment II -- Lead Agency and Implementing Entity 6, 7, 8

Attachment III -- State Advisory Council 9, 10

Attachment IV -- Measurable Goals 11, 12, 13

Attachment V -- State-Level Activities 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,

22, 23

Attachment VI -- Comparable Support 24

Attachment VII -- State Flexibility 25

Attachment VIII -- State Leadership Activities 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32

Attachment IX -- Involvement of Public 33, 34, 35

and Private Entities

Attachment X -- State Support 36

Attachment XI -- Allocation and Utilization of Funds 37, 38

**Part II -- Assurances -- cover page** 39

Assurances 40, 41

Certification Regarding Lobbying 42

South Dakota GEPA, Section 427 Provision 43

####  

#### South Dakota State Plan for the South Dakota Technology Related Assistance Services Program - DakotaLink

#### 

##### Part I: Attachments

OMB Control Number: 1820-0664

Expiration Date: 10-31-2008

Attachment 1: Basic Information

Name of Lead Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services

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

Address of Lead Agency: E. Hwy 34, Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 E. Capitol,
Pierre, South Dakota 57501-5070

Name and Title of Certifying Representative for Lead Agency: Jerry C.
Hofer, Secretary, South Dakota Department of Human Services.

Address for Certifying Representative: E. Hwy 34, Hillsview Plaza, C/O
500 E. Capitol, Pierre, South Dakota 57501- 5070

Telephone for Certifying Representative: 1-605-773-5990

E-mail for Certifying Representative:
**[jerry.c.hofer@state.sd.us](mailto:betty.oldenkamp@state.sd.us)**

Name and Title of Program Director: Grady Kickul, Director, Division of
Rehabilitation Services

Address for Program Director: E. Hwy 34, Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 E.
Capitol, Pierre, South Dakota 57501

Telephone for Program Director: 1-605-773-4644

E-mail for Program Director: **<grady.kickul@state.sd.us>**

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):
Steve Stewart, Rehabilitation Engineer

Address for Program Contact: E. Hwy 34, Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 E.
Capitol, Pierre, South Dakota 57501

Telephone for Program Contact: 1-605-773-5485

E-mail for Program Contact: **<steve.stewart@state.sd.us>**

Name of Implementing Entity: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative

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

Address of Implementing Entity: P.O. Box 218, Sturgis, South Dakota,
57785

Name and Title of Program Director: Ron Rosenboom, Deputy Executive
Director

Address for Program Director: P.O. Box 218, Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

Telephone for Program Director: 1-605-347-4467

E-mail for Program Director: **<rrosenboom@bhssc.tie.net>**

Name and Title of Program Contact (if different from Program Director):
David Scherer, Program Coordinator

Address for Program Director: P.O. Box 218, Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

Telephone for Program Director: 1-605-347-4467 ext. 218

E-mail for Program Director: **<dscherer@DakotaLink.net>**

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} : **Not Applicable**
>
> 2.1B [Identification and Description of the Lead Agency if an
> Implementing Entity is Designated]{.underline} :
>
> In 1992 the Governor of the State of South Dakota designated the South
> Dakota Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation
> Services as the Lead Agency for the Statewide Assistive Technology
> Program - DakotaLink.

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.

Since 1992 The South Dakota Department of Human Services, through a
contractual arrangement, has designated Black Hills Special Services
Cooperative (BHSSC) as the implementing agency for the Statewide
Assistive Technology Program -- DakotaLink.

Since 1980 BHSSC has offered South Dakotan's public education, community
development coordination, and technology applications that reduce
commonly experienced geographic isolation through its Division of
Disabilities and Treatment Services, Division of Technology and
Innovations in Education, Division of Education and Workforce
Development, Division of Community Economic Development, and DakotaLink
(the South Dakota Assistive Technology Project).

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative is governed by a board of one
elected school board member from each of the 12 public school districts
in western South Dakota that comprise the Cooperative. Board meetings
are monthly and public, and minutes are published in the Rapid City
Journal. The organization operates as an educational cooperative under
South Dakota Codified Law 13:5:31. Because BHSSC has programs in many
diverse fields, it is reviewed by about 15 regulatory councils and by
law must secure an independent audit annually.

Central offices are located in Sturgis, S.D. with satellite offices
throughout the Black Hills and in Pierre, the State's capitol. Though it
is a governmental legal entity, BHSSC does not levy taxes. Funding is
secured by providing services which public institutions and private
organizations are willing to purchase.

DakotaLink, the South Dakota Assistive Technology Program, previously
has been the South Dakota Assistive Technology Project and as such
developed efforts that worked toward systems change and advocacy to
create a comprehensive, consumer responsive system of technology-related
assistance for individuals with disabilities of all ages. DakotaLink
helped draft a "Lemon Law" to protect consumers who purchased assistive
devices, worked with the State Bureau of Information Technology to
ensure accessible information technology and appropriate use of AT in
State Government, developed a funding guide to assist individuals to
navigate the complex and often complicated systems of support, and
created a guide to assistive technology in education as efforts to
eliminate and overcome barriers so individuals with disabilities could
access assistive technology in a timely manner.

DakotaLink has always been and will continue to be directed by the
advice of a consumer dominated advisory council and works closely with
state agencies, public education, and disability organizations to
increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and
services. Efforts to provide comprehensive information, assessment,
equipment trial through device loan, and increased awareness of
assistive technology are designed to meet the needs of a very rural
state. These activities are supported by four demonstration centers and
nine technical staff located in communities across the state who will
continue to provide information and referral, assessment, formal
evaluation, equipment acquisition, setup, training and follow-up
services as part of this State Plan. These efforts have had a direct
impact on the availability and delivery of technology in a timely
manner, especially for the rural and underserved populations of South
Dakota.

DakotaLink facilitated the creation and continues to support an annual
Native American Disability Summit, has worked with state agencies and
private business to create the South Dakota News Telephone Reader
allowing individuals who are blind or visually

impaired to access the daily news and have it read to them over the
telephone. All DakotaLink activities are designed to assist individuals
with disabilities throughout South Dakota to realize their employment,
education, and independent living goals.

DakotaLink will continue to conduct its activities throughout the state
of South Dakota by continuing use of its four demonstration centers and
efforts to expand the number of demonstration centers through
collaborative efforts in the State Plan. DakotaLink technical staff will
continue to travel to smaller communities providing increased access to
assistive technology and assist citizens in the timely acquisition of
devices. The demographics of a rural state like South Dakota, large
spaces and few people, create unique problems. There are nine Indian
reservations in the state and three of the five poorest counties in the
United States lie within South Dakota's borders.

Working in partnership with a wide variety of state agencies, disability
organizations, advocacy groups and private businesses DakotaLink will
continue to assists persons with disabilities to overcome life's
limitations through technology solutions.

DakotaLink has forged partnerships, to leverage resources, commonly
define assistive technology devices and services, and clarify policies
and regulations, with the South Dakota Department of Education, the
Division of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Service to the Blind
and Visually Impaired, the Division of Adult Services and Aging, the
Bureau of Information Technology, the Public University system,
Vocational/Technical Schools and Tribal Colleges.

DakotaLink will continue to provide alternative financing information,
referral, transition advice, and assistive technology expertise to a
diverse population including elementary, secondary, and post-secondary
students, individuals with disabilities receiving vocational
rehabilitation services, the majority who are living at poverty level,
receiving Supplemental Security Income or Supplemental Security
Disability Insurance and striving to return to work and eliminate the
need for public assistance; elderly residents wishing to maintain
independence and remain in their homes; deaf and hard of hearing; and
the blind and visually impaired. DakotaLink specifically identifies
Native Americans with disabilities living on the nine reservations
located within the state and in our communities as an underserved
population.

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

**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.

The State of South Dakota has established a South Dakota Assistive
Technology Advisory Council to provide consumer-responsive,
consumer-driven advice to the State for planning of, implementation of,
and evaluation of the activities carried out by DakotaLink (the
Statewide Assistive Technology Program).

The advisory council is composed of:

Individuals with Disabilities who use assistive technology and family
members:

Keith Bundy (Chairperson)

William Utley

Roberta Anderson

Leo Hallan

Judi Severson (Vice Chairperson)

Mary Sjerven (Member at Large)

State Agency Representatives:

Grady Kickul (Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services, designated
member of the Workforce Development Council)

Gaye Mattke (Director, Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired)

Ann Larsen (State Dept. of Education, Director Division of Special
Education)

Gary Wald (State-wide Independent Living Council).

Keith Rouse (Division of Rehabilitation Services)

The members of the Advisory Council live in counties throughout the
State to ensure representation from urban and rural areas and reflect
the racial and ethnic diversity of the State. Members who us AT utilize
a variety of devices, including mobility devices, computer adaptations,
visual aids, and speech output devices.

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

Members of the Advisory Council become part of the council in two ways.
Agencies representatives are designated by their respective agency heads
or governing boards, while consumer nominations are solicited through
networks of disability organizations or councils throughout the State.
Members of the Council are appointed by the Secretary of the Department
of Human Services. All members are expected to serve a three year term
and are eligible to serve two full three year terms, per the by-laws
adopted by the council.

The Advisory Council adopted by-laws that establish elected officers
including a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and a member at large elected
by a majority vote of the full Council membership for a period of one
year. These officers along with a non-voting representative of the Lead
agency comprise the Council's Executive Committee. The Executive
Committee is authorized to: 1. Act on behalf of the Council to perform
necessary business matters between regular meetings provided their
actions receive concurrence of a majority of the Council members at the
next full Council meeting. 2. Act on behalf of the Council on actions as
directed by the full Council. 3. Report regularly its work and actions
to the Council by sending minutes of Executive Committee meetings to all
the Council members.

The Advisory Council shall meet as often as necessary, as determined by
the Chairperson and in cooperation with the Department of Human Services
and DakotaLink and its activities follow the state fiscal year.

The functions of the Council, in consultation with the Department of
Human Services, are:

1)  Advise the Department and DakotaLink on the assistive technology
    needs of individuals with disabilities and the professionals who
    provide them with services.

2)  Assist the Department and DakotaLink in identifying and prioritizing
    strategies to make assistive technology more available to South
    Dakota citizens with disabilities, consistent with the requirements
    of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended.

3)  Assist the Department and DakotaLink in designing meaningful
    outcomes for activities.

4)  Serve on ad-hoc workgroups to design and refine services.

5)  Identify and support collaborative initiatives whose goals and
    activities align with and help further the goals of DakotaLink, the
    statewide assistive technology program.

> All meetings of the Advisory Council are open to the public in
> accordance with the State of South Dakota open meetings law, SDCL
> 1-25-1. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the rules
> contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly
> Revised in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they
> are not inconsistent with the Council's by-laws and any special rules
> the Council might adopt. The Council may amend the by-laws at any
> meeting of the Council by a majority vote of the appointed Council
> membership in attendance provided the amendment has been distributed
> to all Council members prior to the meeting.

Attachment 4: Measurable Goals

Dakotalink will establish a baseline for each of the goals 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 subsequent years 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:

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-   Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

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

-   Long-term goal:

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-   Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

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

-   Long-term goal:

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-   Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

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

-   Long-term goal:

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-   Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

[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 baseline of the
        percentage of appropriate targeted individuals and entities who
        obtained devices or services from State financing activities or
        reutilization programs for educational purposes who would not
        have obtained the AT device or service**.

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

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

-   Long-term goal:

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```
-   Short-term goal for Year 3:

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

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

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

-   Long-term goal:

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```
-   Short-term goal for Year 3

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

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

    8.  [Additional Measurable Goals --]{.underline}

No additional goals have been established at this time.

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.

An alternative financing program (AFP) is designed by states as a
vehicle to provide loan and loan guarantees to individuals with
disabilities in need of assistive technology, but unable to directly
purchase the equipment and/or qualify for a traditional loan from a
lending institution.

As the State of South Dakota does not currently have an alternative
financing program for assistive technology, the design, development, and
implementation of an AFP will be of primary consideration within the
current state AT plan. The first year of the plan a feasibility study
**was conducted to determine** **how an AFP that is both universally
accessible and comprehensive might be implemented within the state and
how that AFP might be designed so that it meets the AT acquisition needs
of individuals with disabilities who could not otherwise purchase AT
devices.**

**Two primary questions answered through the feasibility study were:**

1.  **What is the current need in South Dakota for an Assistive
    Technology Alternative Financing Program?**

2.  **What is the State's capacity for designing, developing,
    implementing and maintaining an AFP?**

**The first effort in the feasibility study was the development,
distribution and evaluation of an AFP survey. The eleven question survey
was targeted to a wide range of individuals whose interests would be
served through some form of alternative financing for assistive
technology devices and services. DakotaLink partnered with the South
Dakota Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, the South Dakota
Developmental Disabilities Council, the South Dakota Department of
Special Education, the Disabled American Veterans of South Dakota, and
the South Dakota Parent Connection to distribute the survey both in an
electronic format as well as a print version.**

**Of the survey responses: 25% were persons with a disability or other
functional limitation, 27% a family member of a person with a disability
or other functional limitation, 22% service providers, 22% educators,
and 4% disability advocates.**

**79% of the respondents are current users of assistive technology and
62% indicated a current need to purchase some form of AT with 50%
indicating a need for either a home or vehicle modification.**

**57% of the respondents indicated an interest in seeking a loan for AT
if it was low interest with an extended pay back period although 90%
have never made an attempt to seek a financial loan to purchase AT.**

**An indicator in the lack of previous loan activity might be that 72%
of those who responded as a person with a disability or functional
limitation or as a family member of a person with a disability or
functional limitation indicated either they have not attempted to seek a
loan for AT due to insufficient income or monthly payments that are
unaffordable (51%) , that their current debt is too great to take on
another obligation (13%), and that previous credit issues prevented them
from seeking financial assistance through a loan process (8%). 17% of
these respondents indicated that interest rates are too high to consider
a financial loan and 11% reported they were unemployed.**

**The survey further provided insight into the types of assistive
technology being sought by the respondents in the following
categories:**

**Alternative Augmentative Communication devices 10%**

**Hearing devices 6%**

**Vision devices 6%**

**Mobility devices 10%**

**Environmental Controls 6%**

**Computer Access 13%**

**Modified vehicle (new) 6%**

**Modifications to an existing vehicle 6%**

**Home modifications 10%**

**Recreational devices 6%**

**Work/job accommodations 5%**

**Education accommodations 9%**

**Health/Safety/Daily living devices 7%**

**Finally the survey indicated that 49% of the respondents did not know
if they qualified for funding from an existing source however 51%
indicated eligibility for the following programs:**

**Education/ School district funding 13%**

**Vocational Rehabilitation 9%**

**Medicaid 18%**

**Medicare 9%**

**Private insurance 2%**

**In addition to the survey an ad-hoc group of stakeholders has been
consulted to collaborate, provide information and dialogue with regard
to the process of developing and sustaining a state program for
alternative financing. These stakeholders included representatives from
the business and finance communities, the state AT Project, program and
advocacy groups, the education community and individuals with
disabilities.**

**One focus of these discussions was the capacity for developing a low
interest loan program with an extended pay back period. Acquisition of
funds for a match to apply for a grant under Title III of the At Act
were explored. However, it was learned that the remaining Title III
funds authorized for 2006 would be limited to prior applicants who had
not received funding in the previous distribution or who had previously
been under funded and no additional Title III monies would be
appropriated for future use. The availability of State and private funds
to meet this capacity remains limited and would not be sufficient for
establishing this type of loan fund nor would the small amount of
increased dollars appropriated by Congress under Title I. Traditional
financial institutions within the State remain unwilling to participate
in a program where loans are guaranteed by the state AT program.
Available funding may be sufficient to establish a fund of last
resort.**

**These discussions also indicated a statewide interest in seeking
savings on the purchase of Assistive Technology as the primary
alternative to a traditional loan program. Bulk purchasing and
cooperative buying were two mechanisms believed to be the most
advantageous for offering immediate relief to individuals seeking
assistive technology devices.**

**In year two of this State Plan DakotaLink will provide state financing
activities in the following ways:**

**1) A cooperative purchasing program will be implemented building on
previous efforts to decrease the cost of Assistive Technology devices
and pass the savings on to individuals served throughout the State.
Through collaboration with the State Bureau of Information Technology,
State Department of Human Services (Rehabilitation Services and Services
to the Blind and Visually Impaired), State Department of Social Services
(Division of Developmental Disabilities, Services to the Elderly and
Aging, and Medicaid Services), the State Department of Education
(Division of Special Education) and the 176 Independent School Districts
DakotaLink will act as a central point of acquisition for needed
Assistive Technology Devices.**

**DakotaLink will build upon previous vendor relationships established
with AT manufacturers as well as create new relationships to offer the
best pricing and provide discounted products at a dealer rate. A
discount list of available AT products will be produced and distributed
quarterly.**

**2) The overwhelming indication of the limited resources of individuals
with disabilities creates a significant barrier to the acquisition of
assistive technology. As a means to address this barrier DakotaLink will
establish an Assistive Technology lease program. Based upon the success
of the cooperative lease program currently conducted by DakotaLink in
collaboration with the South Dakota Services to the Blind and Visually
Impaired it has been determined that providing devices on a long term
lease basis is a viable means to place assistive technology into the
hands of individuals who would not otherwise be able to acquire them.
After full exploration of all other means of support, if an individual
is determined to be without the means and unable to acquire the needed
assistive technology they will be eligible to lease the device directly
from DakotaLink. Once the device is no longer needed or fails to meet
the need of the individual it will be entered back into the inventory
for continued use. Fees collected from the lease program will be used to
add to the inventory and support the ongoing needs of the program.**

In addition, public awareness and dissemination of marketing information
to appropriate constituents of the program will be administered in
accordance with the overall objectives of the State AT plan (see
Attachment 8, Section 8.2 for detailed information about the public
awareness proposal under State Leadership Activities). The second year
of the plan will serve as an implementation period and provide baseline
data with regard to individuals served through state financing
initiatives.

Subsequent years of the state AT plan will be used to support and grow
**the State financing programs** with an overall goal of creating a
sustainable program. Activities conducted will have a primary focus on
increasing the number of individuals acquiring assistive technology
devices through **State financing activities** who would otherwise not
have acquired the device and include activities that have the potential
to generate additional **State financing** program funds, increase
public awareness about the program, and provide technical assistance to
those seeking AT devices.

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.

Within the State of South Dakota there currently exist a number of
device reutilization programs. Included among these programs is *The
Equipment Connection*, which is an online, consumer driven reutilization
project, designed to match individuals in need of devices with those who
desire to offer used equipment for resale. *The Equipment Connection*
website is maintained by DakotaLink. DakotaLink staff is available to
assist individuals who have limited technical skills negotiate the site;
collect limited data on sales including follow up telephone calls to
sellers; and delete listings for items that have sold or are no longer
for sale.

Use of the website is open to any individual within the state of South
Dakota with Internet access. For individuals who do not have access to
the Internet, access to the equipment connection can be made via phone
or in person to any of the Dakotalink representatives. There are no
limitations on the types of AT devices that can be listed. The program
is currently only limited by what devices the sellers themselves choose
to make available.

As the organization does not act as a mediator between the buyers and
sellers, the specific details regarding individual transitions had been
limited. Sellers are required to register to use the site, but buyers
had been able to remain anonymous. Buyers log onto the website and
contact the seller directly---either via e-mail or telephone---and all
negotiations are completed between the two parties. Therefore, the only
data previously collected is whether or not a transaction occurred.

**Year one activities built upon the current reutilization system
through *The Equipment Connection* website focused on the development of
more accurate and detailed data collection methods that capture data
required under the AT Act. Year two and subsequent years will focus on
expanded use and promotion of this redesigned online resource as a
statewide and comprehensive method of device reutilization.**

*The Neural Muscular Equipment Recycling Program* provides assistive
devices to South Dakotans with severe neuromuscular disabilities that
substantially limit major life activities in order for the individual to
live more independently in their home or community. It is funded and
administered by the State Division of Rehabilitation Services and
provides recycled equipment including installation and training to
individuals within the state who has a neuromuscular disability (MS, MD,
or ALS) that substantially limits major life activities that prevents
them from living independently in their home. Assistive devices provided
are limited to items that are necessary to allow an individual to
function more independently in their home or community. Individuals
access the program by contacting the DRS central office by telephone,
e-mail or in person and completing an application form. Devices are then
delivered to qualifying individuals who sign a condition of acceptance
form agreeing to return the items when they are no longer needed. **In
year two of this plan and for all subsequent years DakotaLink will
manage the inventory, delivery and storage of the assistive technology
devices available through this program. Currently there are
approximately two Million dollars worth of assistive technology devices
available for reuse throughout the State of South Dakota.**

*The Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) Program* is a collaborative effort between
DakotaLink and the State Division of Service to the Blind and Visually
Impaired (SDSBVI) providing CCTVs to consumers with low vision. While
currently part of a lease program, units are returned to DakotaLink at
the end of the lease period and inventoried for reutilization. The CCTV
program is funded by the SDSBVI and administered through contract by
DakotaLink. Individuals contact DakotaLink via a toll-free telephone
number to access the program. CCTV units are delivered to qualifying
individuals who sign a condition of acceptance form agreeing to return
the items when they are no longer needed.

*The Easter Seals Recycle for Life Reutilization Program* is a program
which takes previously owned, donated durable medical equipment,
refurbishes it and donates it to those South Dakota residents who need
it.  All equipment is available only if it is currently in
stock.  Medical Equipment Loans are available through any of 10 Loan
Closet Locations around the state.

The first year of the AT state plan inventoried current reutilization
programs and invited collaborative partnerships among providers to
coordinate activities.

The above cited reutilization providers and other stakeholders in
conjunction with the State Advisory Council and DakotaLink will be
responsible the ongoing goal of building a comprehensive system that
meets the needs of individuals with all types of disability and within
all geographic areas of the state. This includes the use of a toll-free
telephone number operated by DakotaLink who will maintain current and
comprehensive referral information with regard to AT reutilization
programs that meet specific needs as well as a comprehensive website
designed to link programs and services.

Through the equipment reutilization program, individuals with
disabilities will be benefited in a number of ways.

1.  Because devices are used, sellers usually will offer them for free
    or at a low price, creating a more affordable device.

2.  Users of the reutilization program do not need to meet income
    eligibility criteria.

3.  Devices can be made available that are not covered under private or
    public funding.

4.  Some devices made available are no longer manufactured, so the
    reutilization program is a limited source for the particular device.

5.  Individuals may often get devices sooner through the reutilization
    program than if they waited for funding from public or private
    sources.

The device reutilization activities during year two and three of the AT
plan will involve the continued facilitation of collaborative efforts
among providers, stakeholders, and individuals with disabilities to
support and grow the program, to increase public awareness (See
Attachment 82.) about the program, and to increase the number of
individuals receiving AT devices that would not otherwise have received
them (See Attachment 4: Measurable Goals). Activities associated with
the overall goals of years two and three include:

1.  Working with medical providers on a campaign to encourage
    individuals who currently own durable medical equipment that they no
    longer need to recycle the equipment through The Equipment
    Connection to increase the selection of equipment available through
    the program.

2.  Working with disability service providers on a campaign to encourage
    organizations and individuals with disabilities who currently own
    assistive equipment but no longer need it to recycle the equipment
    through The Equipment Connection to increase the selection of
    equipment available through the program.

3.  Explore the feasibility of a partnership with AT vendors throughout
    the region to develop a program to refurbish used devices as some
    devices may be made available and usable with minor repairs and
    upgrades and provided to individuals with disabilities through the
    reutilization program.

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.

Device loan programs within the State of South Dakota are in a similar
situation to the device reutilization programs in that a number of
programs **have existed** in isolation, targeting specific populations
of individuals with disabilities and providing exclusive types of
equipment.

**DakotaLink maintains a number of devices** that individuals may borrow
from the program. The equipment loan program is currently **being**
marketed through DakotaLink's accessible website and through the
demonstration centers. **DakotaLink provides a central access point,
inventory of AT devices available for loan and a formal procedure
through which devices are loaned and returned**, **however**,
**additional efforts to support a system to refurbish, replace, and
upgrade loan equipment will be ongoing.**

In addition to DakotaLink's loan program, other providers of equipment
for loan in the state include:

-   The Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program provides
    telecommunication devices for individuals who are deaf, hard of
    hearing, deaf-blind or speech-impaired with difficulty communicating
    on the telephone. The program, administered by the South Dakota
    Department of Human Services through a contract with Communications
    Services for the Deaf, can be accessed by telephone, electronically,
    or in person at one of four distribution sites across the State. An
    individual wishing to utilize the program complete applications to
    receive equipment free of charge for as long as needed and
    eligibility is based on disability.

-   Easter Seals Equipment Loan Closets provide durable medical
    equipment for loan periods up to 6 months for a nominal fee.  If
    finances are a problem, the fee may be waived.  Ten loan closets
    located in communities across the state and are available to
    individuals who have need of the equipment for a short period of
    time. Individuals borrowing the equipment are asked to arrange for
    pick up and return through the nearest loan closet.  Delivery by
    Easter Seals South Dakota is not available in all areas The Easter
    Seals Equipment Loan program may be accessed by calling, e-mailing,
    or visiting the nearest Loan Closet.

**During the first year of the State AT Plan an inventory of loan
programs was completed and collaborative partnerships formed among
providers to coordinate activities as well as identify gaps in
services.**

**These collaborative partnerships are designed to provide a network of
providers for device loan that embraces the individuality of the
programs while providing for the state-wideness and comprehensiveness
required under the AT Act. This network can be accessed through a single
point of contact via DakotaLink's toll free telephone number, accessible
website, and print material. These efforts ensure that the needs of all
individuals with disabilities in all areas of the state are being met.
DakotaLink will continue the facilitation of the ongoing growth of a
network of providers for device loan and assume a role as a central
point of contact in the referral process.**

The overall goal of the first year of the Device Loan Program **was** to
design a system by which family members and practitioners as well as
individuals with disabilities will be able to borrow a device and use
that device in an appropriate environment in order to make a decision
about acquisition. By allowing individuals with disabilities and
professionals to borrow AT devices, South Dakotans are offered an
opportunity to try out a device before they buy. It also meets the
interim needs of individuals with disabilities whose own devices are
being repaired or to those who are waiting for the approval of the
purchase of a device.

As the equipment loan program **has not had** the capacity to conduct
the program in a fully comprehensive manner, the second and third year
plan activities will revolve around supporting and growing the program,
including identifying additional device loan needs and gaps in services
and determining appropriate strategies to meet the continuing and
growing AT loan needs. Collaborative partnerships will be an integral
part of the device loan program and DakotaLink will continue to take the
lead in developing partnerships and will provide opportunities through
meetings and/or professional development opportunities to facilitate the
ongoing relationships.

An additional responsibility of DakotaLink during years two and three
will be to explore avenues to develop the comprehensiveness of the
device loan program by "filling in the gaps" in which types of devices
needed by specific demographic groups might be missing. **As a means to
fill one "identified gap DakotaLink, through collaboration with the
South Dakota Department of Education Division of Special Education, has
secured a financial commitment for year two in the amount of \$200,000
for the acquisition of additional devices specific to the device loan
needs of students, parents, and educators in the South Dakota K-12
system. In addition to this effort** strategies will be explored to
increase the number and types of devices available including:

1.  Working with medical providers on a campaign to encourage
    individuals who currently own durable medical equipment that they no
    longer need to donate the items to the device loan program to
    increase the selection of equipment available through the program.

2.  Working with disability service providers on a campaign to encourage
    organizations and individuals with disabilities who currently own
    assistive equipment but no longer need it to donate it to the device
    loan program increase the selection of equipment available through
    the program.

3.  Explore the feasibility of a partnership with AT vendors throughout
    the region to develop a program to refurbish used devices as some
    devices may be made available and usable with minor repairs and
    upgrades and provided to individuals with disabilities through the
    device loan program.

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.

Four demonstration centers are currently maintained by DakotaLink. With
one Assistive Technology Specialist at each site, three of the
demonstration centers are located in the Eastern third of the state and
one serves the western most communities. Currently, any of the
appropriate targeted individuals specified within the AT Act may access
a demonstration center by making an appointment with the Assistive
Technology Specialist who will link the individual with devices
appropriate to their needs, provide opportunities for individuals to
operate the devices, and offer additional information and referral as
appropriate.

Assistive Technology Specialists also provide demonstrations to groups
by request at remote locations as well as presenting to groups and
individuals at disability specific conferences, workshops and trainings
throughout the State.

Despite the efforts to provide demonstration access at off-site events,
DakotaLink acknowledges that the current demonstration center system is
not statewide in that individuals may still be required to drive
distances of one hundred miles or more to access a Center or
presentation. In addition, the limited number of devices currently
available decreases the comprehensiveness of the program and thus has
not been efficiently or effectively marketed recently.

Given these challenges, during the first year of the plan, the major
focus of activities within the device demonstration domain
**identified** strategies for a device demonstration program consistent
with the requirements of the AT Act and able to meet the diverse needs
of the rural regions of the state with particular emphasis on increasing
the availability of services to individuals residing within the
Reservation areas of the state.

In order to create a seamless system in which constituents are able to
access demonstration centers as needed, DakotaLink **explored**
partnerships with existing organizations that maintain an infrastructure
consistent with the needs of a AT demonstration center.

The State currently supports nine WIA Service Centers which are
geographically distributed by region that exist as the Career Learning
Centers of South Dakota. While each Center offers programming consistent
with the needs of the specific geographic region in which it is located,
they all embrace employment training and education services as their
main purpose and work in conjunction with the State Workforce
Development Council.

Each of the Career Learning Centers **has been** equipped with commonly
used and diverse AT devices for their consumers with disabilities. In an
ongoing effort to meet the AT access needs of individuals with
disabilities across the state through expanded demonstration centers
**DakotaLink intends to offer additional devices, training, and
technical assistance as the staff at the Centers support the day to day
operations in the second and subsequent years of the Act**. **The
success of this effort may be hampered by recent program changes and
reductions in financial support to the Centers from the United States
Department of Labor.** Other options will **continue to** **be
explored** as part of the proposed demonstration center plan and may
include partnering with local school districts, independent living
centers, and/or other service providers.

In **year two and subsequent years**, demonstration centers will
continue to be supported through DakotaLink and grow in scope and depth
of availability of services based on ongoing data collection and
analysis of the needs of the appropriate targeted individuals and
entities. Ongoing support may include expanding and updating the AT
inventory available for demonstration, providing ongoing staff training
and technical support, engaging in public awareness and marketing of the
demonstration sites (see Attachment 8: State Leadership Activities for a
detailed description of the public awareness activities), providing
on-site assistance to consumers and increasing the availability of
services to individuals residing within the Reservation areas of South
Dakota.

#### 

#### 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.

**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**

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.

**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**

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.

DakotaLink conducts training activities throughout the state to promote
assistive technology awareness and improve access to assistive
technology devices and services. The audience of the current training
programs includes individuals with functional limitations, the elderly,
family members, service providers, medical professionals, and community
members about the benefits of Assistive Technology. Individualized
training for the use of specific kinds of assistive technology is
offered by nationally certified Rehabilitation Technologist\'s within
the DakotaLink staff. Training is currently offered by request of
individuals or groups. In addition, DakotaLink seeks opportunities to
provide trainings at local, regional, and state conferences specific to
disability issues including education, employment, independent living,
and telecommunication/IT.

Training takes place on an individual, group, conference or community
level, with audiences of consumers, professionals and policy-makers
through Topic and Device Specific Workshops, DakotaLink Demonstration
Centers, Team Evaluations and Assessments, as well as presentations at
conferences, civic meetings, health fairs, professional and Consumer
Meetings. Topics of training include:

-   Accessible Electronic and Information Technology

-   Empowerment and self advocacy

-   Consumer Choice (selecting devices)

-   Funding Issues Related to Assistive Technology

-   Assistive Technology in the Classroom

-   Alternative Computer Access

-   Basics of Assistive Technology

-   Assistive Technology for the Elderly

-   Assistive Technology for Infants and Children

-   Assistive Technology and the IEP

The overall goal of training is that individuals with disabilities and
their families will obtain the needed appropriate assistive technology
in a timely manner, resulting in maximum independence and productivity
for the individual needing assistive technology.

Technical assistance is currently offered on an as-needed basis and can
be requested through the DakotaLink main office or any of the
demonstration centers via e-mail, telephone, or in person. Technical
assistance is offered to current users of assistive technology who need
additional support and/or information, individuals interested in the
acquisition of assistive technology, family members, disability related
service providers, employers, independent living centers and educational
institutions at all levels. Technical assistance is provided both on and
off site---usually at the convenience of the individual making the
request. Technical assistance is provided in an effort to ensure that
assistive devices are in proper working order, that individuals have the
knowledge and skills to operate the equipment appropriately and
efficiently and that the current or anticipated equipment is appropriate
to the need of the user.

During year **two and all subsequent years of this** plan under the AT
Act these training and technical assistance activities will continue and
be monitored by the Lead Agency and the State Advisory Council in
conjunction with DakotaLink and analyzed through consumer reaction
surveys for their state-wideness and comprehensiveness to ensure that:

-   All geographic areas of the state are being equally served with
    appropriate training and technical assistance for their demographics

-   All appropriate targeted individuals and entities are being served
    through training and technical assistance opportunities

-   The training and technical assistance activities being implemented
    are appropriate and meeting the needs of the individuals being
    served

-   The training and technical assistance activities are in response to
    consumer driven needs.

**Subsequent years** of the plan period will support the modification of
existing training and technical assistance activities based upon the
data gathered during **the previous year to address the** statewide and
comprehensive requirements of the AT Act and will be guided by the State
Advisory Counsel as well as other stakeholders including individuals
with disabilities who are users of AT. **Subsequent years** of the
proposed plan will include the continuation of the previously described
training and technical assistance plan through an action research spiral
that includes collecting and analyzing data and action planning based on
findings.

In addition to the above described activities, DakotaLink will
collaborate and coordinate services with the South Dakota Transition
Liaison Project and South Dakota Independent Living Centers in
accordance with section 4(e)(3)(B)(i)(III) of the AT Act. The Transition
Services Liaison Project (TSLP),is a state initiated project offered
through two State Department of Human Service agencies --Division of
Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and Service to the Blind and Visually
Impaired (SBVI) and the State special education agency -- Office of
Special Education (OSE). The managing agency grantee is the division of
rehabilitation services which contracts with Black Hills Special
Services Cooperative for project management. The Transition Services
Liaison Project can provide technical assistance and training to
students, families, local school districts, and adult service agencies.
The primary objective of TSLP is to provide a coordinated set of
activities for a student with a disability promoting the movement from
school to post-school activities. DakotaLink will provide information
and technical assistance to the TSLP staff on a schedule consistent with
other regularly occurring meetings and events including advisory board
meetings and staff meetings to ensure that the most current and timely
information is available as well as be available to answer questions and
concerns about needs of individual consumers with regard to AT access,
acquisition, information and/or referral.

Among other activities, the TSLP hosts two major events for students
with disabilities each year. The *Youth Leadership Forum for Students
with Disabilities* is a unique career leadership training program for
high school juniors and seniors with disabilities to serve as delegates
from their communities. *Catch the Wave* is a conference designed
specifically for high school students who have a disability and are
considering post-secondary education (either college or technical
institutes). The AT Act implementing agency proposes to partner with the
Transition Liaison Project for each of the three years of the plan to
coordinate AT training and technical assistance at these two events to
ensure that students with disabilities who are transitioning to
post-secondary education or employment receive appropriate information
and referral, have access to AT devices, and are able to make informed
decisions about the acquisition of AT devices. As part of the
coordination of these efforts, DakotaLink will ensure that each student
participating in the *Youth Leadership Forum* and/or *Catch the Wave*
receives on site assistive technology information, demonstration and
technical assistance as needed and appropriate.

DakotaLink will also collaborate with and support efforts of the
State-wide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the network of
Independent Living Centers throughout the State to provide information
on assistive technology devices and services to the clients they serve.
The DakotaLink Advisory Council member representing the state wide
independent living centers establishes a liaison between the State AT
program and transition issues related to independent living needs.

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

DakotaLink's public awareness activities are currently limited to the
provision of information to service providers primarily in collaboration
with partner organizations. Partners currently include:

South Dakota Advocacy Services (SDAS), an independent, private,
non-profit, tax exempt corporation designated by the Governor to assist
in providing protection and advocacy services to eligible South
Dakotans. SDAS accepts tax-deductible contributions. With four offices
in South Dakota services to individuals with disabilities and their
families and caregivers are free of charge.

The South Dakota Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities which is a
disability advocacy organization and provides resources and advocacy for
all individuals to exercise their rights and freedoms through on-site
consultation, via telephone and e-mail and through an accessible
website.

The South Dakota Independent Living Centers operating out of eight
central and satellite offices and administered five separate
organizations. The independent living centers advocate for the rights of
equal inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community
life, identify and promote access to existing resources and to advocate
for the development of new resources. Specific services of the
independent living centers include independent living skills training,
advocacy, information and referral, and peer support.

The Easter Seals of South Dakota who operate out of a centrally located
office and are accessible by telephone, e-mail and their accessible
website provide a number of services to individuals with disabilities,
their families and caregivers and professionals including an equipment
reutilization program, an equipment loan program, individual economic
assistance and an annual caregiver's conference.

Through existing relationships with the staff of these and other
organizations, DakotaLink maintains regular contact **as** a central
point of contact and provides up to date and ongoing information with
regard to assistive technology access and acquisition information and
DakotaLink activities. This information is provided verbally, through
print material, and electronically; and is passed on by the partner
programs to consumers as needed and appropriate.

Other public awareness activities include maintaining an accessible
website; providing informational presentations at workshops,
conferences, and trainings for individuals with disabilities, their
families, and/or professionals; through print material distributed to
organizations that serve individuals with disabilities; and through
demonstrations at disability related conferences.

These public awareness activities **may not always be** statewide and
comprehensive because they require requesting individuals/organizations
to have current knowledge of DakotaLink's availability and expertise and
workshops/conferences/trainings must be brought to the attention of
DakotaLink staff well in advance of the event in order to make
arrangements to participate.

Information and referral activities are currently conducted by all of
DakotaLink staff at each site as well as during off-site activities.
Information and referral is accessed via telephone, e-mail, the
accessible website, and/or in person. Information and referral databases
are available for use by DakotaLink staff to assist to share with
individuals requesting services, however, are not updated on a regular
basis, requiring staff to have extensive personal knowledge of available
services, supports and resources.

During year one, DakotaLink **focused** on an analysis of the existing
public awareness efforts through consumer survey activities designed to
identify strengths, areas of concern, and gaps in services with regard
to state-wideness and comprehensiveness of the current assistive
technology public awareness, information and referral activities as well
as a determination of appropriateness of the current activities. Based
on this analysis DakotaLink **has developed** strategies to capitalize
upon the strengths of the current public awareness activities and build
capacity to strengthen areas of need. All of the public awareness
activities will be accomplished with the guidance of the State Advisory
Council as well as other stakeholders including service providers and
individuals with disabilities.

During years two and three of the plan DakotaLink will implement public
awareness activities identified through the collaborative partnerships
in year one. The public awareness strategies identified during year one
may include presentations and demonstrations:

-   In conjunction with regional conferences, workshops, and seminars
    for individuals with disabilities and their families as well as
    service providers. It is anticipated that these events will
    encompass all domains of AT access and acquisition including
    education, employment, community living and telecommunications.

-   At educational in-service events such as beginning of the year local
    school district institutes.

-   As part of regional and state leadership meetings of service
    providers in the domains of education, employment, community living
    and telecommunications.

-   In cooperation with ongoing professional development opportunities
    for educators, employment specialists, community living
    professionals and those who work in the telecommunications field.

-   To potential individual users and their family members and/or
    caregivers who seek such services.

-   Across print, electronic, and digital media as appropriate.

As in year one, years two and three of the public awareness activities
aimed at the access and acquisition issues of AT, the reaction to and
the impact of the public awareness activities will be continually
monitored with the assistance of the Lead Agency and the State Advisory
Council and modified to ensure that they are statewide, comprehensive,
and that they meet the needs of the appropriate targeted individuals and
entities. In addition, steps will be taken to ensure equitable access to
and participation in all program activities. These steps specifically
include:

-   Ensuring that all electronic information sources are Section 508 of
    the Rehabilitation Act compliant

-   Offering print material in alternative formats including large print
    and/or Braille format

-   Ensuring that all facilities, including demonstration centers are
    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant

-   Specifically targeting public awareness activities to traditionally
    underserved

> populations, including the nine Native American Reservations in South
> Dakota.

-   Ensuring that the State Advisory Council maintains diversity based
    on gender, race, national origin, color, disability, and age.

    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.

The coordination of assistive technology activities throughout the state
will be one of the significant activities to ensure a seamless process
of access and acquisition of AT devices to individuals with disabilities
that are both statewide and comprehensive. With one of the major goals
of the State AT plan being the creation of a seamless service delivery
system for AT access and acquisition, ensuring that all providers of
services and technical assistance are working towards similar goals will
be a critical step.

With the assistance of the State Advisory Council and the Lead Agency,
measures **were** taken in the initial year of the project so that each
of the state-level and state leadership activities outlined in
Attachment 5 and Attachment 8 are implemented in a manner consistent
with the development of:

-   A comprehensive system of AT access and acquisition that meets the
    needs of all individuals with disabilities.

-   A statewide system of AT access and acquisition that provides
    services to all individuals with disabilities who need/desire the
    services regardless of their geographical location without
    burdensome travel

-   A system that provides for the leveraging of resources---both human
    and fiscal---that efficiently meets the acquisition and access needs
    of individuals with disabilities efficiently and without duplication
    of resources.

With the guidance of the State Advisory Council and the Lead Agency,
**DakotaLink, during the first year of the proposed plan, provided**
leadership in the development of a database of AT access and acquisition
An ad-hoc committee of stakeholders---including service providers and
individuals with disabilities---**was established to provide ongoing
input and guidance to maintain current information on those access and
acquisition resources available and support a process in which
information and referral can best be provided to appropriate targeted
individuals.**

During the first year of the proposed plan a system for a clearinghouse
of information regarding AT access and acquisition **was identified
utilizing the DakotaLink website and partner publications and
newsletters. This system will be implemented within the second year and
monitored and maintained in subsequent years providing opportunities to
engage in public awareness activities described in Attachment 8.2 in
order to support on-going coordination and collaboration and to grow
utilization of the resources available**.

Stakeholders and representatives on the committee include
representatives from:

-   The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Service Centers and/or other
    employment leadership programs.

-   The seven South Dakota Education Service Agencies who provide
    regional staff development and technical assistance to local school
    districts, including those who have been deemed in need of
    improvement under No Child Left Behind.

-   Independent Living Centers

-   Information and communication technology program providers

-   Individuals with disabilities and their families

-   Other service providers and program administrators

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.

### Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC), a legal entity educational cooperative and qualified Local Education Agency (LEA), has been asked by the collaborative partners---The South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services, DakotaLink, and the State Advisory Council to serve as the implementing entity for the State Assistive Technology Program. BHSSC, along with its partners has committed significant resources to the project and to participant success. These human & tangible resources are delineated in the budget, budget narrative and throughout the attachments. Briefly, BHSSC's committed support includes:

-   Fiscal and overall management for the State Assistive technology
    program

-   Facilities, equipment, technology and other resources for management
    personnel

-   Full utilization of all equipment and educational resources within
    the organization including facilities, furnishings, and office
    technology for project staff.

-   Full access to computer learning labs, classrooms, and conference
    rooms as needed

-   Equipment and educational materials including computers, network
    technologies and Internet connectivity, application and
    instructional software and library resources.

-   Education and technology support, and support staff assistance and
    support.

Collaborative partners that provide service, support and advocacy to
individuals with disabilities have committed additional resources to the
project. These partners include:

-   The South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services

-   The South Dakota Division of Service to the Blind and Visually
    Impaired

-   The South Dakota Education Service Agencies

-   The South Dakota Department of Labor through the Career Learning
    Centers of South Dakota

-   The South Dakota Independent Living Centers

-   Advocacy Groups including the South Dakota Coalition of Citizens
    with Disabilities

-   Organizations and entities represented by individuals on the State
    Advisory Council.

Resources committed by these entities and organizations include:

-   Access to educational materials and resources

-   Access to facilities including computer learning labs and classrooms
    at remote sites

-   Access to equipment and materials including computers, network
    technologies and Internet connectivity, application and
    instructional software, textbooks and library resources where
    applicable

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-   Consultation, technical assistance, and program development

-   Public awareness and information dissemination support

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.

Coordination of activities between Black Hills Special Services
Cooperative/DakotaLink as the implementing agency and the State will be
accomplished in the following ways:

-   Regular contact and consultation between the Program Director from
    the Lead Agency and the Program Director from the implementing
    entity.

-   Regular contact and consultation between the Program Contact from
    the Lead Agency and the Program Contact from the implementing entity

-   Lead Agency representation on the Advisory Council for the South
    Dakota Assistive Technology Program

-   Contractual oversight of the implementing entity by the Lead Agency

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 purpose of the Advisory Council for the South Dakota Technology
Related Assistance Service Program -- DakotaLink is to provide
consumer-responsive, consumer-driven advice to the State for, planning
of, implementation of, and evaluation of activities carried out through
the Assistive Technology Grant of 1998, as amended in 2004, including
setting measurable goals for the Program.

The Council in consultation with the Department of Human Services shall:

-   Advise the Department and DakotaLink on the assistive technology
    needs of individuals with disabilities and the professionals who
    provide them with service.

-   Assist the Department and DakotaLink in identifying and prioritizing
    strategies to make assistive technology more available to South
    Dakota citizens with disabilities, consistent with the requirements
    of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004.

-   Assist the Department and DakotaLink in designing meaningful
    outcomes for activities

-   Serve on ad-hoc workgroups to design and refine services

-   Identify and support collaborative initiatives whose goals and
    activities align with and help further the goals of DakotaLink

> The qualifications for the Council specify persons knowledgeable of
> Assistive Technology. A majority, not less than 51 percent, of the
> members shall be individuals with disabilities that use assistive
> technology or the family members or guardians of individuals with
> disabilities that use assistive technology. Members representing State
> units designated in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 as amended in
> 2004: a state center for independent living, the state workforce
> investment board, the state education agency, or representatives of
> other state agencies, public agencies or private organizations shall
> not count toward the majority membership requirement of 51 percent.
>
> The Advisory Council has a Chairperson elected by majority vote who
> presides over all meetings. The Chairperson, in cooperation with the
> lead and implementing entities, schedules all meetings of the Council
> and performs all duties relevant to the office. The Chairperson
> represents the Council in dealing with other organizations and at
> public meetings and conferences, unless an alternate is designated to
> do so.
>
> The Advisory Council meets as often as necessary, as determined by the
> Chairperson and in cooperation with the Department of Human Services
> and DakotaLink. All meetings are open to the public in accordance with
> the State open meetings law, SDCL 1-25-1. Meeting notices and minutes
> will be posted on the DakotaLink website.

## 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), if applicable.

**Not Applicable**

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## 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).

DakotaLink, through Black Hills Special Services Cooperative's
well-established infrastructure, is well positioned to assume leadership
for all required components of the AT Act including the allocation and
utilization of funds. BHSSC uses an electronic time/travel/expense
report system to track the utilization of human resources and to code
specific activities to general ledger numbers.

Within this system, DakotaLink staff members will be able to
differentiate their daily activities as either statewide or state
leadership activities to ensure the 60/40 allocation. From this report,
which is submitted on a monthly basis, the BHSSC business office can
transfer the time/travel/expense distribution to general ledger
categories. All other expenses will be differentiated by their actual
purpose and coded to their appropriate categorization through the
application of established fiscal procedures and generally accepted
accounting principles.

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

The following are proposed budget allocations for State Leadership and
State Level Activities for Year 2 of the program.

[Proposed Allocation Distribution Total of Award Amount]{.underline}

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

Indirect Costs/Administrative 8% \$ 28,025.00 8% \$ 28,173.00

Fee

State Level Activities 65% \$229,084.00 63% \$231,235.00

State Leadership Activities 27% \$ 96,227.00 29% \$104,640.00

*Leadership Activities 95% (of 27%) \$ 91,199.00 90 % (of 29%)
\$94,349.00*

*Transition 5% (of 27%) \$ 5,028.00 10% (of 29%) \$10,291.00*

TOTAL \$353,336.00 \$364,048.00

With the Above Budget, DakotaLink proposes to apportion funds for
specific activities in the following manner.

State Level Activities Proposed Allocations

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

State Financing Activities \$30,000.00 \$33,000.00

Device Reutilization Activities \$50,000.00 \$65,000.00

Device Loan Activities \$96,084.00 \$63,235.00

Device Demonstration Activities \$53,000.00 \$70,000.00

State Leadership Activities Proposed Allocation

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

Training and Technical Assistance Activities \$38,199.00 \$37,762.00

Public Awareness Activities \$36,000.00 \$33.000.00

Coordination and Collaboration Activities \$17,000.00 \$23,587.00

Transition Activities \$ 5,028.00 \$10,291.00

.