IL Program Serves As A Good AT Resource

Tom McDonough, DATI Funding and Policy Specialist

The Independent Living (IL) Program is a good resource to consider for funding AT that is not covered by health insurance. Authorized under The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the State Independent Living Council funds a project within the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI).

IL seeks to further individual and systems advocacy and to maximize self-determination, independence, and equal access. IL services do not have to be connected to an employment goal. Therefore, IL is able to pay for AT if it will further the goal of independent living. In order to be eligible for IL services, one must be a Delaware resident age 16 or older, have a significant disability, meet a financial needs test, and seek to live more independently.

An IL applicant is assigned to an IL counselor, who helps the individual to determine which services will lead to more independent living. This process leads to the development of an Independent Living Plan (ILP). The ILP lists any needed AT or service, such as vehicle modifications or environmental control units. After developing an ILP, the counselor arranges for the necessary AT or service. Because the demand for services outweighs the program's resources, at times there may be a waiting period before the AT is provided. IL is able to combine its resources with those of other public and private agencies to maximize its ability to obtain AT for clients.

IL has specific guidelines governing access to certain types of AT. For example, IL will pay for the most "cost-conscious" home modification option. In the case of vehicles, IL will consider paying for vehicle modifications but not the purchase of a vehicle. When determining if vehicle modifications will be covered, IL takes into consideration the age, mileage, and condition of a vehicle. IL will purchase a hearing aid for persons with significant hearing loss in the conversational speech range. The need for an aid must be proven with medical documentation from a licensed audiologist. IL limits its purchase to one hearing aid or one set of bilateral hearing aids in a client's lifetime. Hearing aid repair costs are not covered.

IL resources are limited. It makes sense to first pursue private or public health insurance funding for "medically necessary" AT (e.g., wheelchairs). IL will consider funding an insurance copay in appropriate cases. For more information, contact IL at (302) 378-5779.