RESNA Catalyst Project Document Search
Topic Snapshot
Topic Snapshot: Funding (2011) -- Available formats:
Overview of resources available for this topic.General
Financial Resources for AFPs (2013) -- Available formats: word
This document, jointly created by the GA, PA and WA loan programs, is a listing of alternate financial assistance resources.Small Investments, Big Returns (2013) -- Available formats: pdf word
This document demonstrates the collaborations that are possible between state VR agencies and Alternative Financing Programs. The programs from Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Arkansas are highlighted.Overcoming Medicaid’s Most Common Reasons for Saying No to Durable Medical Equipment Requests: Turning a No Into a Yes (2012) -- Available formats: word mp3
Diana Straube and Jim Sheldon of the National AT Advocacy Project present on Medicaid funding, and how to avoid common causes for denial.Small Investment-Big Savings: A look at how vocational rehabilitation agencies save money by partnering with their statewide AT program (2012) -- Available formats:
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies are finding that working with their statewide AT Act programs can save them funds. This publication contains case studies that describe how Vocational Rehabilitation agencies have realized big savings by partnering with four statewide at programs.Reports
Services to Preschool Children with Disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education (2010) -- Available formats:
This is the Volume 13 number 3 Winter 2009-2010 issue of the AT Advocate which details what services and funding are available for young children under IDEA.Assistive Technology Funding Sources (2009) -- Available formats: rtf
This list of outside funding sources for assistive technology was compiled by MDTAP, and referenced during the "Customer Service is our Goal" session of the New Directors Series on June 8, 2009.Funding of Home Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities: An Emphasis on Funding Home Modifications to Support Employment Goals (2009) -- Available formats:
This document provides an overview of the major funding sources for home modifications related to employment, such as vocational rehabilitation, SSI - PASS, AFP and Telework loans, and Medicaid.Work, Assistive Technology and Transition-Aged Youth (2009) -- Available formats:
This publication from Neighborhood Legal Services looks at funding sources for AT as youth transition to work and post-secondary activities.Medicaid, Assistive Technology, and the Courts, (2007) -- Available formats:
This Winter 2006-2007 AT Advocate is an updated summary of AT-related federal and state court decisions. It includes key funding concepts, information about interpretive guidance used by the courts, and illustrates with some key AT-related case law - the Exclusive List Cases, Denial of Funding on the Basis of Age, EPSDT and Children Under Age 21, Specific Categories of AT or DME including Augmentative Communication Devices (ACDs)Preparing Letters of Medical Justification (2007) -- Available formats:
This Winter 2006 AT Advocate focuses on the key components that will support the need for durable medical equipment through Medicaid and other third party insurers. The issue includes Who Will Review the Letter or Report, Establishing the Professional Appearance of the Report, Getting Started: Five Key Principles forWriting Letters of Medical Justification, Consider the Funding Source and the Criteria It Will Follow, Using Medicaid Coverage Categories Other Than DME to Fund Specialized Equipment, and Drafting the Report.The National Coverage Decision for Mobility Assistive Equipment (2007) -- Available formats:
This document comes from the National Coverage Decisions Manual, governing Medicare Claims and represents the National Coverage Decision (NCD) governing mobility assistive equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters. It is available on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at: www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/downloads/ncd103c1_Part4.pdf.Transition to Adult Life (2007) -- Available formats:
This booklet by the Disability Rights Network in Wisconsin identifies funding resources for assistive technology. It looks at the student rights for AT through IDEA, how to link to outside agencies, the importance of transition planning and how to get started, and post-secondary issuesFunding of Assistive Technology to Make Work a Reality (2006) -- Available formats:
This article has been built around a case scenario involving Sharon, a 16 year old with a severe physical disability who will face multiple needs for AT as she completes her special education program, attends college, and eventually moves on to her employment goal. In walking through several years of her life, she is faced with the need to access several different benefit programs as funding sources for AT, including the special education program, the state vocational rehabilitation agency, Medicaid, Medicare, and SSI’s Plan for Achieving Self Support.IDEA, Part C: Early Intervention Services to Infants and Toddlers Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2006) -- Available formats:
This article describes the Part C (Early Intervention) Program; explains what services are available through the program, including assistive technology (AT) devices and services and how to apply for them; explains how a child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed; and details the options available when a family wishes to challenge the denial of services. When first enacted, Early Intervention was in Part H of the IDEA. With the reauthorization of the IDEA in 1997 (IDEA'97), the program was moved to Part C.Medicaid and Assistive Technology: A Fresh Look at Medicaid as an AT Funding Source (2006) -- Available formats:
This article presents an overview of Medicaid and the funding available for AT under Medicaid for both children and adults.Medicaid and Persons with Disabilities - Part 1: The Regular State Medicaid Program Part II: A Focus on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (2006) -- Available formats:
This handout provides an overview of how the regular state Medicaid program operates. This includes some discussion of the range of services covered or potentially covered by the regular Medicaid program.This handout will then discuss, in Part Two, HCBS waivers and what they can offer to individuals with disabilities who have specialized health care and related needs. This will include some discussion of the range of possible waiver provisions that would allow individuals to establish eligibility for Medicaid despite income or resources of responsible parents or spouses. It will then provide state-specific examples of how waivers are being used to benefit persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on assistive technology available through the waivers.Medicaid, Assistive Technology, and the Courts: An Updated Summary of AT-Related Federal and State Court Decisions (2006) -- Available formats:
This article summarizes many of the most important AT-related court decisions going back to the mid 1980s, with most of these decisions published during the 1994 - 2003 period (i.e., since the Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology or PAAT programs have been funded). The great majority of these cases involved attorneys from P&A; programs or attorneys who could be identified as part of our extended AT advocacy network. Given the limitations of space, this article does not highlight unreported court decisions (i.e., not reported in either official reporters or Westlaw) or court settlements, except insofar as later reported cases relied on the unreported or settled case in some way.Non-Traditional Funding Sources and Funding Strategies for Assistive Technology: Creative Ways to Access Traditional AT Funding Sources, Some Little-Known AT Funding Sources and Funding Strategies (2006) -- Available formats:
This document represents an attempt to identify, in one place, many of the “best-kept secrets” in the AT funding world.Private Insurance Contracts & Assistive Technology: Part II (2006) -- Available formats:
In this article we will discuss special policy provisions, such as a durable medical equipment provision, which determine what AT items are covered under an insurance policy. Next, we will discuss what criteria must be met for the insurer (i.e., the insurance company or other entity providing insurance) to determine that an AT device is medically necessary. We will then discuss how one appeals a denial of AT by a private insurer. We will close with a limited discussion of the applicability of the Americans with Disabilities Act to private insurance companies.Proactive Intervention for Hearing Impaired Infants, Preschoolers, and Adults: A Discussion of Funding Sources for Hearing Aids (2006) -- Available formats:
This provides the justification for funding personaly prescribed devices, namely cochlear implants and hearing aids.State Child Health Insurance Program Provides Health Care to Uninsured Low-Income Children (2006) -- Available formats:
Health insurance is a pressing issue for many families with limited income. This is especially true when the family has a child with a disability who needs assistive technology (AT) or other expensive services. The poorest of these children will qualify for Medicaid. What about uninsured children from families with income that is too high for Medicaid? The State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) may be the answer. This article explores how that can be done.State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: An Important Source of AT for Individuals Preparing for Work (2006) -- Available formats:
This article reviews VR eligibility criteria, the services available from state VR agencies, and the VR appeals process.The Federal Fair Housing Act: A Tool to Obtain or Get Full Benefit for AT in Rental Housing (2006) -- Available formats:
Individuals with disabilities are often denied the opportunity to acquire, use and enjoy the residential premises of their choosing. Through assistive technology (AT), many of the traditional barriers to the use and enjoyment of residential space can be overcome. The focus of this article is to describe the protections of the federal Fair Housing Act applicable to persons with disabilities who seek rental housing of their choice or who wish to use AT to fully use and enjoy rental housing.Suggested State Strategies for Private Health Insurance Initiatives and Assistive Technology and Private Health Insurance Consensus Principles (2002) -- Available formats:
The RESNA Technical Assistance Project hosted a one-day meeting May 17, 2002 in Hartford, Connecticut for representatives of statewide assistive technology (AT) programs and private health insurance companies. The purpose of this meeting was to begin a dialog between these groups to: (1) promote a greater understanding of assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME), (2) clarify current private insurance coverage of AT/DME; (3) identify information needed to broaden coverage of AT/DME, and (4) explore mechanisms for starting a long-term dialog among AT advocates and insurance industry representatives. As a result of this meeting, Consensus Principles and Suggested State Strategies for private health insurance and assistive technology were developed by the RESNA Technical Assistance Project.Report on CPT Codes and Assistive Technology (2001) -- Available formats:
Medical and related service personnel to determine reimbursement use Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes. It is important that assistive technology (AT) professionals understand CPT (Common Procedural Terminology) Codes and how they impact reimbursement for AT in both the public and private insurance systems. This document provides an overview of CPT codes to AT professionals, including AT service providers and those involved in policy related to AT.Sample Documents
CReATE Service Fee Form (2009) -- Available formats:
This form is used by the Utah AT Reuse Program to charge fees for service. Part of the Fee-for-Service teleconference October 29, 2009Funding Services and Service and Device Application (Multi-Agency Form) (2008) -- Available formats:
This is the one combined form that several agencies use to register clients and coordinate funding of services in NebraskaVehicle Modifications Brochure - Reader's Sample PDF (2008) -- Available formats:
This brochure presents topics to consider when deciding on vehicle modifications.Alternative Funding System: Assistive Technology Act Program of Colorado (2006) -- Available formats:
Describes the funding database used in Colorado. Includes screen shotsDoing a Good Screening for AT Funding Possibilities (2006) -- Available formats:
This is a summary document that discussed how to approach a specific AT funding request. It begins with the characteristics of the individual, then a consideration of the various funding sources, and then a look at the various processes to request and receive funding.FAAST Funding Sources Database (2006) -- Available formats:
Describes the Florida database for funding sources in that state. Includes screen shots of the web site.Identifying Funding Sources for Assistive Technology Funding: A Screening Tool for AT Advocates (2006) -- Available formats:
This screening tool is designed for attorneys or advocates who work for Protection and Advocacy for AT (PAAT) projects, as well as individuals employed by State AT Act Projects or Alternative Financing Projects. Although the questionnaire is meant to help the user identify whether a potential funding source may or may not be an option, the user will need other resources to aid in pursuing any particular funding source.Web-based AT Funding Resources Data Systems Teleconference - MP3 (2006) -- Available formats:
Audio for Web-based AT Funding Resources Data Systems TeleconferenceToolkits
MDO Funding Resources Sheet (2009) -- Available formats: pdf
This chart provides a list of the major fuunding sources for microdevelopment loans.Marketing Materials
The Significance of Outcome Data at The FREE Foundation (2009) -- Available formats:
Free collects data on falls, number of trips to the ER, number of admittances to the hospital, and other data. This has in turn provided data to use when requesting additional funding and identifying outcomes.Training Materials
Federal Financial Report SF 425 Fact Sheet (2011) -- Available formats:
This document is a fact sheet explaining the Standard Form (SF)-425, financial reporting form.Financial Freedom: Borrowing for Assistive Technology (2009) -- Available formats:
This powerpoint provides an overview of a Financial education curriculum about borrowing money to purchase AT. The curriculum was developed by Alpha One with a grant from NEFE. The presentation describes the curriculum chapters and other resources.Money Smart – Accessible Curriculum by Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (2009) -- Available formats:
This web site provides an accessible version of the financial literacy curriculum, Money Smart. Each chapter has slides and other materials.Possible Sources for Financial Literacy Education Funding (2009) -- Available formats: rtf
Funding sources as identified by users of the Community Development Banking listservWhy is the Treasury Department Interested in Financial Access and Financial Education (2009) -- Available formats:
This powerpoint provides an overview of the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Financial Education activities. It describes what the financial literacy program has identified as working and describes how a program can begin a financial literacy program, what the benefits are, and what resources are available.Profile
Early Intervention Initiatives in Assistive Technology - July 15, 2010 - Transcript (2010) -- Available formats:
Brian Burne and Maureen Melonis of Assistive Technology Partners, University of Colorado shared information on the network of early intervention (EI) providers who have gone through training with AT Partners in order to serve as a resource for their local EI community. Beth Heyd of the Westchester Institute for Human Development with New York State TRAID Center also provided information on the long term collaboration with the counties in their region to provide an early intervention device demonstration and loan program.EPSDT & AT - May 13, 2010 Powerpoint (2010) -- Available formats:
Diana Straube presents information about the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program (EPSDT). She describes the main components of the program, what DME is covered and what AT services can be covered. Also included are two case studies.Virginia Reuse Network Sustainability Planning Efforts (2009) -- Available formats:
This powerpoint describes the Virginia network of reuse programs and efforts in the past year to secure extra funding through the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative, the ARRA (Stimulus funds) and other funding sources.SSI's Plan for Achieving Self Support: Using the PASS to Purchase Assistive Technology to Achieve a Work Goal (2006) -- Available formats:
This example highlights the potential for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program’s Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS). The example uses a 17 year old student and how it can be applied to his situation.Essential Documents
EDGAR 74.24 (2009) -- Available formats:
Excerpts from EDGAR regarding accounting for fee- for-service activities.Teleconferences
AT AFP Grant Competition Information Call - August 21, 2014 (2014) -- Available formats: mp3
The RESNA Catalyst project and Rob Groenendaal from RSA hosted a Q&A; call on the new AT AFP grant competition. The general guidelines were discussed and specific questions from interested parties were answered.AT AFP Grant Competition Information Call - August 21, 2014 (2014) -- Available formats:
The RESNA Catalyst project and Rob Groenendaal from RSA hosted a Q&A; call on the new AT AFP grant competition. The general guidelines were discussed and specific questions from interested parties were answered.2012 AFP Grant Competition Teleconference (2012) -- Available formats: mp3
Rob Groenendaal and Brian Bard from RSA present information on and answer questions about the 2012 AFP grant competition.Collaborations with Money Follows the Persons Program - March 25, 2010 Transcript (2010) -- Available formats:
Laurie Brooks from the Oregon Statewide AT Act Program, Arlene Lugo from the Connecticut Statewide AT Act Project, Bil Roby from Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services - Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care and Lauren Rock from the Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership shared information on collaborations their programs have created with Money Follows the Person initiatives throughout their state.EPSDT & AT - May 13, 2010 Transcript and MP3 (2010) -- Available formats:
Diana Straube from Neighborhood Legal Services presented information on the special requirements of the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Program (EPSDT) and how they can be used to meet unique AT-related needs for children under the age of 21.Meeting the AT Needs of Preschool Students Under the IDEA – June 17, 2010 - Powerpoint (2010) -- Available formats:
This presentation covers IDEA Part C and selected parts of Part B. It describes the components of Part C and the purpose of the provisions, who is eligible, and the process that is followed. It details the role of the service provider, the coordination needed, the evaluations and the development of the individualized family service plan. It discusses the AT covered and provides examples.Meeting the AT Needs of Preschool Students Under the IDEA – June 17, 2010 - Transcript and MP3 (2010) -- Available formats:
Ron Hager from the National Disability Rights Network presented information on the variety of funding sources available to preschool students needing AT. One of the most important is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part C of the IDEA, the early intervention program for infants and toddlers, covers children with disabilities from birth through age two. The school-age provisions of the IDEA, Part B, cover students beginning at age three.AT, Work and Transition Aged Youth – June 18, 2009 (2009) -- Available formats:
Jim Sheldon from Neighborhood Legal Services led a discussion on how students with disabilities and their families can fund a range of assistive technology (AT) needed as they finish their last years of high school, move into higher education, and plan to enter the workforce. Using a case scenario, Jim facilitated a discussion about how a young person can access several funding sources, including special education programs, Medicaid, Medicare, vocational rehabilitation programs, and SSI Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) that can be used to acquire a range of AT.AT, Work and Transition Aged Youth – June 18, 2009 Powerpoint (2009) -- Available formats:
Jim Sheldon from Neighborhood Legal Services led a discussion on how students with disabilities and their families can fund a range of assistive technology (AT) needed as they finish their last years of high school, move into higher education, and plan to enter the workforce. Using a case scenario, Jim facilitated a discussion about how a young person can access several funding sources, including special education programs, Medicaid, Medicare, vocational rehabilitation programs, and SSI Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) that can be used to acquire a range of AT. This is the powerpoint for the presentation.Case Study - AT, Work and Transition Aged Youth (2009) -- Available formats:
Jim Sheldon from Neighborhood Legal Services led a discussion on how students with disabilities and their families can fund a range of assistive technology (AT) needed as they finish their last years of high school, move into higher education, and plan to enter the workforce. Using a case scenario, Jim facilitated a discussion about how a young person can access several funding sources, including special education programs, Medicaid, Medicare, vocational rehabilitation programs, and SSI Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) that can be used to acquire a range of AT.Fee for Service Teleconference - October 29, 2009 - Powerpoint (2009) -- Available formats:
This teleconference focused on how to start fee-for-service activities. During this call, Rob Groenendaal and Brian Bard from RSA discussed EDGAR regulations and how to report generated program income. Tammy Koger from the North Carolina AT Act Program, Heather Young and Alma Burgess from the Utah Assistive Technology Program shared information on how their programs have implemented fee-for-service to serve more people with disabilities.Fee for Service Teleconference - October 29, 2009 - Transcript (2009) -- Available formats:
This teleconference focused on how to start fee-for-service activities. During this call, Rob Groenendaal and Brian Bard from RSA discussed EDGAR regulations and how to report generated program income. Tammy Koger from the North Carolina AT Act Program, Heather Young and Alma Burgess from the Utah Assistive Technology Program shared information on how their programs have implemented fee-for-service to serve more people with disabilities.Using the PASS for AT Loans (2007) -- Available formats: ppt pdf
Explains what the PASS Program is, and how it can be used to fund AT.Webinars
Real Economic Tour - Power points (2011) -- Available formats: ppt
Johnette Hartnett, National Disability Institute, describes the real economic tour.Using Tax Benefits and Credits - IRS (2011) -- Available formats: ppt
Several Tax credts are explained, including the earned income tax credit.Using Tax Benefits and Credits as a Catalyst for Economic Independence for People with Disabilities -Transcript for February 17, 2011 (2011) -- Available formats: rtf
Johnette Hartnett, National Disability Institute; Don Dill, Internal Revenue Service; and Jackie Wilks-Weathers, Georgia Center for Financial Independence & Innovation discuss several tax services and initiatives that might benefit clients needing Assistive Technology.Meetings
Developing Collaborative Partners for AT/DME Reutilization (2009) -- Available formats:
This presentation provides data on the funders of reused AT, provides tips on collaborating, and offers suggestions on potential partners.Federal Funding Sources for Microenterprise Development (2009) -- Available formats: pdf
This lists common funding sources, primarily federal programs that provide funding to microlenders.Funding for Microenterprise Development Organizations (2009) -- Available formats: rtf
List of current and potential funders of microloan programs.Rebuilding Together (2008) -- Available formats:
This is a link to Rebuilding Together, a community partaner of the Nebraska project that provides funding for home modifications.A Year in Review (2007) -- Available formats:
This presentation surveys some of the most interesting and potentially important developments that have informed or may inform the work of State AT Projects, P&A; programs, and their partners. It is a sampling of developments and seeks to address each development in ways that emphasize its potential for the users of AT on behalf of whom we work, and from the standpoint of opportunities or risks it may create or adumbrate for AT advocates.Keeping and Seeking Opportunities for AT in Today's Medicaid Programs (2006) -- Available formats:
This presentation describes the CMS waiver system. It details the home and community based waiver and how to become involved in your state.Organizational Resources
List of hearing aid resources (2009) -- Available formats: rtf
This document was referenced in the June 8, 2009 New Directors Series Call #1 "Customer Service is our Goal"American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Low-Interest Loans (unknown) -- Available formats: html
One of the benefits of membership in AAPD, is that its members can join the Digital Credit Union and potentially qualify for low interest loans to purchase assistive technology, vans and other equipment.Association of Blind Citizens (unknown) -- Available formats: external
The Association of Blind Citizens has established an Assistive Technology Fund to cover 50% of the price of adaptive devices or software. Applicants can apply during the three grant periods (June, September, and December) each year. There are limits on the price of the device and family income.Bank of America Access Loans (unknown) -- Available formats: html
For vehicles and home modificationsRural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans (unknown) -- Available formats: html
Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans are loans funded directly by the Government. These loans are available to very low-income rural residents who own and occupy a dwelling in need of repairs. Funds are available for repairs to improve or modernize a home, or to remove health and safety hazards. This loan is a 1% loan that may be repaid over a 20-year period.
