FINANCING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: More on AT-Related Services for Children

Ron Sibert, Funding Specialist, DATI

The two primary assistive technology funding sources for children, the Medicaid Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT), and Public School Special Education programs, were discussed in a previous issue of the AT Messenger. However, children with disabilities and their families sometimes have difficulty accessing or qualifying for these programs because of age, family income level, type of disability, the nature of their needs, policy barriers, etc. Still, persistence, creativity, and the right information often work wonders. There are other options, so don't give up!

The 1993 article discussed Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law calls for the consideration of AT in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of school-age children with disabilities in special education. Still, several questions may have come to mind such as: "What about younger kids?" or "What about the children with disabilities who do not qualify for special education services?"

There are ways for preschoolers to access AT as well. Part H of the IDEA authorizes federal money for states to provide early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3). Delaware has a Part H program which coordinates a full array of early intervention services, and can help locate funding for or actually purchase assistive devices and services. In fact, the final regulations to the 1991 Part H amendments, passed in July of last year, contain a definition of assistive technology devices and services. The regulations also say that the need for AT must be determined on a case-by-case basis along with the development of the required Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP). Generally, the Part H program is the "payor of last resort," meaning that staff must exhaust all other funding options using Part H dollars to purchase equipment or services. Even so, the program must take whatever steps necessary to assure that the services and/or equipment identified in the IFSP are provided "without delay." Delaware's Birth to Three Program is administered by the Management Services Division of the Delaware Department of Health & Social Services. The Contact numbers are: 995-8617 in New Castle County, and 422-1335 for services in Kent and Sussex Counties. A similar program for children in the 3 through 5 age group is administered by the Delaware Department of Public Instruction and is called "Early Choices." The New Castle County program number is 323-5370; for Kent, dial 739-4707; and for Sussex, call 856-5909.

Next, school-age children and youth with disabilities who do not qualify for special education services are still entitled to assistive technology in school under two additional laws. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires schools to furnish such students with whatever aids are necessary for them to receive an appropriate public education at no cost to the student's family. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a nondiscrimination statute. Under Title II of the Act, public entities must provide program access in an integrated setting (unless separate programs are necessary to ensure equal benefits or services). In the context of public education, the ADA requires schools to make their programs and services accessible to children with disabilities. The school may employ assistive technology or a variety of other means to make the necessary accommodations.

Finally, no discussion of assistive technology funding for school-age youngsters with disabilities would be complete without some mention of the Medicaid EPSDT program. It is a substantial AT funding resource, and also helps support various Special Education and Early Intervention program services. However, many families have incomes that are above Medicaid eligibility levels. The Medicaid Option for Disabled Children helps some severely disabled children to qualify for Medicaid benefits as "families of one" (independent of parental income). Nonetheless, there are still many children who cannot qualify for Medicaid benefits.

In 1935, the Delaware State Legislature approved a significant sum of money to meet special needs of children with disabilities. When the legislation was passed it was called the "Crippled Children's Fund." Unfortunately, this title is still on the books and was recently mentioned in the media as such. Fortunately, however, the program is now called the Children with Special Needs Program. The program features a higher income cut-off, and is offered to persons aged 0-21. In addition, their families must be unable to receive services through Medicaid or private insurance, and they must be Delaware residents. For more information, contact the State Public Health Division at 739-4739.

In 1990, State funds were made available to provide special services and equipment to children with extraordinary needs that would enable them to be educated in public schools. The program is called Unique Alternatives. In order to be considered, the child's disability must be severe enough to warrant placement in a private program. Contact the Exceptional Children Team of the State Department of Public Instruction at 739-4667.