Vol. 3, No. 3, May/June 1995	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Financing Assistive Technology: Questions and Answers on Funding AT

Ron Sibert, Funding Specialist, DATI

People often call me to ask questions about funding devices or accessing services, and many of our discussions point up some important principles that I think are very much worth sharing.

QUESTION: I am a 53 year old guy with a not-so-obvious disability. My collapsed nasal passages make it difficult for me to breathe, so I fatigue easily. I receive Social Security disability benefits, and I have a modest pension. Still, my total monthly income is under $1000 per month. I am currently in school working on my doctoral thesis, and I need a word processor, but I can't afford one on my income. I was told that Social Security might pay for it under a special program. Is that true? If not, where do I go from here?

There is a special work incentive program for people who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), but I don't think it's the best strategy given your current situation. First of all, SSDI benefits exist for people with disabilities who are unable to earn above what the Social Security Administration calls the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, which is about $500 per month. When work becomes possible, these benefits continue through a nine-month trial work period and an additional three month grace period. Income may exceed the SGA level. Equipment that a person needs in order to work may be deducted from earnings in a way that reduces income below the SGA level. In that case, the person remains eligible for SSDI benefits. What presents a problem in your case is that you are not purchasing the equipment during a time that you have been or plan to be employed (a program requirement). Another requirement of the program that might be problematic for you is that the equipment must be used to establish or maintain employment. The IRWE program is a work incentive program, and is not necessarily geared to career enhancement. Of course there are always exceptions and it rarely hurts to try, but be prepared for some resistance if you decide to take that route. However, I would suggest looking into another, perhaps more feasible alternative.

1. The 9 months are not necessarily consecutive, and earned income must be $200 in a given month in order for it to be counted as one of the nine trial months.

Since you are not employed, and the word processor's intended use is for education/career development, the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) would be a better way to go. Once you are enrolled, a DVR counselor will assist you with developing an individualized written rehabilitation plan (IWRP). Ideally, that plan should contain any equipment or services that will help you meet your vocational goals and objectives. DVR must then provide or facilitate access to whatever equipment or services you and the counselor have identified in the IWRP. Speak with the VR counselor about including the word processor in your plan.

QUESTION: My 6 year old son has cerebral palsy and uses a special walker that was purchased through Medicaid to help him get around. He has since outgrown his walker and his posture is being compromised. Is my son entitled to a new walker? Also, his IEP [individualized education program] calls for physical therapy services to be provided by the school district to help increase his range of motion, yet his doctor says that his range of motion is decreasing due to insufficient activity. Can you speak with someone at Medicaid and at the school on our behalf?

As long as your son's doctor will certify in writing that the walker no longer meets his medical needs (or is causing harm) and prescribes a replacement walker, Medicaid is likely to cover it under the EPSDT [Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment] program. Simply forward the doctor's analysis and prescription (be sure to keep a copy for your own records) to a medical equipment provider that handles Medicaid claims. The dealer will usually complete a form for the doctor's signature, and deliver the walker shortly after obtaining the necessary paperwork and Medicaid's approval. If you need a listing of Medicaid equipment providers, contact Medicaid's central office in New Castle at (302) 577-4900.

Next, in your son's case, physical therapy has been identified a a necessary related service by the IEP team at school. The question is whether or not or to what extent the therapy is actually being provided. If it is occurring as described in the IEP, and it's not enough, perhaps the IEP team should reevaluate the type and amount of treatment. If the amount of therapy specified on the IEP is not being provided, the school would be in violation of state and federal law. In such cases it is advisable to file a complaint in writing to:

The Exceptional Children's Team
Delaware Dept. of Public Instruction
John G. Townsend Building
P.O. Box 1402
Dover, Delaware 19903-1402
(302) 739-4667

The complaint should include a statement that the school has violated a requirement of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a description of the services that were promised in the IEP but not delivered. If possible, attach a letter from your son's doctor documenting how his condition has been affected as a result of insufficient treatment. Within 60 days following receipt of the complaint, DPI must have investigated the situation, reviewed all relevant information, and issued a written decision that addresses each point in the complaint.

Finally, unless there has been a history of limited access to or denial of services, acting on one's own behalf is often the most direct and efficient way to go. We at the DATI generally try to help by providing enough information and training for individuals and families to proceed on their own. This approach enables people with disabilities and their families to develop crucial advocacy skills and to establish productive working relationships with service providers. Give these suggestions a shot, then feel free to call if you need further assistance.