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![[TRAID Project logo]](traidhdr.gif)
ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY POLICY AND FUNDING INFORMATION
Assistive
Technology Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-394) PDF
Text
This
resource guide provides an overview of more than 30 different programs
or entities in New York State that may fund or help individuals obtain
funding for some types of assistive technology.
This booklet, which was
developed by the New York State Office of Advocate for Persons with
Disabilities, Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
(TRAID) Project was updated in April 2004, is useful for consumers of assistive
technology, service providers, case managers, care coordinators,
counselors and others.
You can obtain more information by clicking on the title above or you may obtain a hard
copy of the booklet by contacting the Advocate's Office by calling .
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& EARLY INTERVENTION
In 1999, the New York State
Department of Health released a memorandum to guide the appropriate
selection and use of assistive technology devices and services
for children eligible for the Early Intervention Program. A copy of
that policy may be obtained by contacting the New York State Department
of Health Early Intervention Program at or visit the
Health Department's website at
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& EDUCATION
Assistive Technology
can be a vital tool to assure students with disabilities have access
to a free, appropriate public education. Assistive technology can
be incorporated into an individualized education program as a related
service or as a supplementary aid or service. In addition, Section 200.4(d)(3)(v)
of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education require that the
IEP consider under "special factors" whether a student requires
AT devices and services to receive a free and appropriate public education.
A copy of the state regulations governing Special Education can be found
at
During the year 2000, the
State enacted new requirements for teacher certification. One of the
general requirements under the pedagogical core requires that teachers
must have a knowledge of the uses of technology, including instructional
and assistive technology. The regulations are included in Title
8 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 52.21.
In July 1996, the State
Education Department and the State Comptroller issued a memorandum to
clarify issues associated with the transfer of assistive technology.
The memo clarifies that when a student with a disability transfers from
a local education agency to other settings or opportunities, the school
may surplus the technology and sell or provide the assistive technology
at fair market value thus allowing students to transfer the assistive
technology with them to the new setting.
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& HEALTH CARE
Durable Medical Equipment
- Beginning in
October 2001, New York State’s Family Health Plus Program will
begin operating in New York. Durable Medical Equipment will be one of
the benefits available to enrolled individuals. For information call
or visit
Alternative and Augmentative
Communication -
Beginning July 1, 2001 Medicare will pay for "speech generating
devices." To access Medicare's new coverage policy visit
Eyeglasses
- Medicare pays for one pair of eyeglass frames and two lenses for individuals
after cataract surgery. This coverage policy does not include tinted
lenses.
Seat Lift Mechanisms
_ Medicare does
pay for seat lifts, however, to obtain such a device an individual must
meet all the criteria explained in the medical review policy. To access
this policy go to
Wheelchair Bases
- Beginning October 1, 2001, Advance Determinations of Medicare Coverage
(ADMC) will be available for certain wheelchairs bases. ADMC will be
made for wheelchairs coded as K0011 only when a power tilt and/or power
recline seating system or non-joystick control device is ordered and
for wheelchairs coded as K0014 only when a power tilt and/or power recline
seating system or non-joystick control device is ordered. For information
got to
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& COMMUNITY LIVING
To meet the directives
of the recent Supreme Court's decision on the Olmstead case the Department
of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will provide funds to enable states
to extend Medicaid coverage to more people with disabilities who need
services and supports to live in the community. DHHS has been providing
a series of letters to Medicaid directors to help answer questions regarding
each state's responsibility to assure access to services for persons
with disabilities in more integrated settings. One of these letters
specifically encourages inclusion of environmental modifications
as a one-time expense in order to help individuals s live in the community.
For more information on Olmstead visit
and perform a search on
"Olmstead."
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& INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
On December 21, 2000, the
U.S. Access Board released standards to implement Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act. As of June 21, 2001, Federal agencies must comply
with the standards. Section 508 requires that electronic and information
technology developed, procured and maintained, or used by the Federal
government be accessible to people with disabilities unless it would
pose an undue burden to do so. For more information on the 508 standards
visit
In 2004, the New York State
Office for Technology,
issued Technology Policy
P04-002 to assure access to New York State agency
websites. For a copy of this policy link to Office for Technology
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& THE NEW FREEDOM INITIATIVE
In Spring of 2001, President
Bush pledged his support for a variety of concepts to promote independence
and access for persons with disabilities through the New Freedom Initiative
(NFI). The initiative recommends increased federal funding for a variety
of programs, such as assistive technology, special education,
telecommuting, transportation pilot programs, and physical access. Investments
in assistive technology will be for the development of new assistive
technologies at the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers and
for expansion of low-interest loan programs. For more information on
the New Freedom Initiative go to
If you have
questions about the Assistive Technology policy information provided
on this page, please contact Lisa Rosano-Kaczkowski at
Please note
that the information provided on this page is periodically updated.
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