Helpful Info
HELPFUL INFORMATION ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
AUGUST 2006
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is any item or service that helps persons with disabilities to live as independently and productively as possible. Assistive technology helps them to do the things they need to do each day but cannot due to their physical or mental disabilities.
According to the federal Assistive Technology Act, an assistive technology device is: “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.� An assistive technology service is: “any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.�
Persons with disabilities use assistive technology at home, in nursing facilities, in ICF/MRs, in state hospitals, in personal care homes, in schools, at work, in day programs, for recreation, in the community, and elsewhere. Assistive technology does not need to be expensive. It can be as simple as a stick to reach a light switch, a box to stand on, or a shelf attached to a wall at a lower height. Assistive technology can also be more expensive and complex, such as a power wheelchair or augmentative communication device. Adaptive equipment in the workplace and lifts on public buses help people with disabilities to live in the community. Assistive technology services include training on the use of a device, customizing a device, or repairing a device.
For more information on assistive technology, please go to our brochure called, “Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities: An Overview.�
How Do I Know What Assistive Technology I Need?
You may wish to have an assistive technology assessment. The assessment will determine what your needs are and how assistive technology devices and services can help you to function more independently in your daily life. Your local Assistive Technology Resource Center may help you find someone to provide an assistive technology assessment. Please call Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology at 800-204-7428 (voice) or 866-268-0579 (TTY) for more information. A health care provider can evaluate your need for a specific assistive technology device or service. This provider can include your family doctor, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, physiatrist, or rehabilitation specialist. Based on the results of an assessment or evaluation, your doctor can write a prescription and Letter of Medical Necessity for assistive technology to submit to any health care plan that you may have or to another funding source. Specialists and others who care for you can submit documentation to the funding source, as well. Remember, some of these funding sources give you the right to make an appeal if you are denied assistive technology. You may wish to contact an attorney or advocate right away if this happens.
How Do I Pay for Assistive Technology?
The following programs may pay for assistive technology devices or services, if you are eligible for the program:
â—? Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
â—? Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers
â—? Medicare
â—? Tricare
â—? Private Health Insurance
â—? Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (resources for individuals and for employers)
â—? School Districts or Intermediate Units
â—? Pass Program (if you are on SSI)
â—? Area Agency on Aging
â—? Telecommunications Device Distribution Program
â—? Family Savings Account
â—? ACCESS loan/grant or USDA for home modifications
â—? Disabled Access Credit for small businesses
â—? Charities, non-profit organizations, foundations, churches, and local businesses
â—? Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (low-interest loans, mini-grants)
� Recycled Equipment Exchange Program, through Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (free or low-cost equipment)
Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology also has a Lending Library, where anyone can borrow a device for free.
Many of these funding sources give you the right to make an appeal if you are denied assistive technology. You may wish to contact an attorney or advocate right away if this happens. For more information, please go to our brochure called, “Assistive Technology: How to Pay for the Device or Service That You Need.�
What If I Need Help?
If you have questions or need help with assistive technology, please contact the combined intake system of Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy, Inc. and the Disabilities Law Project at 800-692-7443 (voice) or 877-375-7139 (TTY).
More Resources
Assistive technology publications
Assistive technology and Medicaid/Medicare links
Channel 6 Piece on Wheelchair Repair
HELPFUL INFORMATION ON AUTISM ORGANIZATIONS
DIRECTORY OF AUTISM ORGANIZATIONS
Click here to review this list of autism advocacy organizations/support groups found in Pennsylvania. The list is also posted on DPW's website as well as the website of the Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research of the University of Pennsylvania.