TechTalk

Summer 2008

Summer Techtalk PDF Edition

The Money Issue

Money: It’s the biggest barrier to assistive technology. To address that, we’ve dedicated this issue to resources that help find it and use it wisely.

Inside this issue:

• Low Interest Loans for Assistive Technology
• Home Services $ for AT
• Funds from Service Organizations
• Funding Maze Manual         
• DD Funding AT Program
• AT Recycling
• Cigna Pays
• Insurance/Hearing Aids
• Vision Aid Financing
• Ten Dollar Tech
• What is a PASS?
• Assistive Devices Featured in TechTalk
• It’s Worth Noting

Low Interest Loans for Assistive Technology

The TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program provides loans to people with disabilities and their families, so they can purchase assistive technology (AT) or home modifications. Telework loans are also available for people with disabilities who want to start or improve their home-based business. In the seven years this program has been in existence we’ve helped over 500 people get the assistive technology they need to live more independent lives.                  

This article outlines how the AT loan program works; and how to make an application stronger. The loan program is a project of IATP. It has an Advisory Committee, made up of staff from Illinois centers for independent living, and three statewide organizations for people with disabilities. The Advisory Committee reviews applications and decides if an applicant qualifies for a loan.

What Can I Buy?

Applicants must use the loans for assistive technology. People can use the loans to buy hearing aids or alert systems; electronic and other magnifiers; scanning and reading devices; communication aids; environmental control units; specialty software; lifts and home elevators; manual and powered wheelchairs or scooters; hospital beds; accessible room additions; accessible boats or motor homes; three-wheeled bikes, hand cycles, and; much more.

Examples that you might not think of as AT can include, a covered walkway or carport so a wheelchair user can get to a vehicle. Air conditioning is AT for someone who is unable to control body temperature or has a respiratory disability. New flooring also qualifies if the person needs it to improve mobility. A fence would qualify as AT for a child or adult who wanders; so would a generator to power a respirator or other device in an emergency. If you’re not sure if something fits our requirements call and ask!

The money cannot be used to consolidate bills; buy a home; pay for home repairs; dentures; eyeglasses; surgery; or any other item not considered assistive technology.

Loan applications can be between a minimum of $500.00 and a maximum of $40,000.00. Applicants can combine several devices to reach the loan minimum. There are times when the committee can increase the maximum amount, if an item will benefit more than one person with a disability in a household.

Dot Your i's - Cross Your t’s

Once TechConnect receives the application, we will check it to ensure it contains all the information necessary to make a decision. It’s important to check the application before you send it in. If we don’t receive everything we need, the process stops until you provide the missing items. Please make sure you answer all of the questions to the best of your ability and sign all the places that need your signature. Keep in mind that we’re in Springfield and not necessarily where you are so we need to know the name of your town and your zip code too.

Document, Document, Document

Each applicant must provide us with proof of disability. To qualify for a loan you must have a disability that will last at least one year. In other words, someone who needs a temporary ramp because he has a broken leg and is using a wheelchair is not eligible. However, someone who has been diagnosed with MS and who has days when she uses a wheelchair and days when she doesn’t does qualify.

We also require proof of income. We want to see bank statements for two months. Other income may include statements from Social Security, or copies of 3 months of pay stubs if you are employed. If you receive a pension or any other type of income, you must also include documents for that income. If you include cash payments from family members or others on your application and you can’t show us proof of that income, we can’t count it when figuring your debt to income ratio. Food stamps or a LINK card do not count as income for this program. If you have direct deposit, your bank statements can serve as proof of income.

Lastly, we require price quotes for all the items you want to purchase.

We're Not Done Documenting Yet

Applicants also complete a budget sheet. Its purpose is two-fold. Reviewers use it to help decide if you qualify for a loan. It also determines if you can afford a new payment.  You may want or need an item. However this is a loan program, not a grant. You must be able to afford the monthly payment. Be realistic when you fill out the budget sheet. Contact us if you have questions about what the monthly payment will be and if it fits into your budget.

We’ve all heard a lot lately about the importance of credit scores. Usually, the higher the credit score, the better the interest rate. With the TechConnect program we do look at credit scores, but that alone will not disqualify an applicant. And regardless of your score, the interest rate is always the same. Currently, it’s 5.5%.

What Reviewers Want to See

Reviewers are looking at your credit report for your history of repayment. If you pay all of your other bills reasonably on time, we can assume you’ll pay us back too. If you show a history of late or missed payments, collections, charge offs and judgments, reviewers assume you probably won’t pay us either; and they will deny your application.
However, if you can show the reviewers that these problems are directly related to your disability we will work with you to find alternate proof that you pay your bills. Perhaps you had a long hospital or nursing home stay and there was no one to pay your bills; or you became disabled and had to wait for several months for Social Security so you got behind on bills. 
In some situations, depending on the credit score we may request that an applicant participate in credit education before approving their application. If you’ve never had credit so you don’t have a score, you can still apply for a loan with our program. We’ll work with you to find alternate proof of payment records.

The reviewers also look at your debt to income ratio, or the amount you are obligated to pay each month compared to what you have coming in. We look for a debt to income ratio lower than 50%. We don’t want to set people up to fail.

You may want an accessible van that costs $40,000.00 and only pay $150 a month because that is what you can afford, but unfortunately we can’t work that out. The maximum term on a new accessible van is 10 years. This makes the monthly payment approximately $440.00 for that $40,000.00 vehicle. If this puts you over the 50% requirement, the reviewers can’t approve you for a loan regardless of your credit score. However, if you can find a less expensive used van that meets your needs and the payment fits your budget you will most likely be approved.

If you borrow $40,000.00 to make your home accessible the maximum term is 15 years, making the monthly payment approximately $330.00. Other items, too, have maximum terms. On a computer and specialty software the maximum is 2 years. On hearing aids the maximum term is 5 years. It is 7 years for an accessible car. The terms of the loan should not go beyond the “useful life” of the purchase.

What if I Am Turned Down?

If you do get turned down for a loan, we encourage you to work on your credit. Once you are able to straighten your credit issues out, we encourage you to come back and apply again. We know how important AT can be for people with disabilities.

Home Services Rolling Out New Assistive Technology/Home Modification Program

In the near future, the Home Services Program will expand AT and home modification services for its customers. Currently, Home Services provides assistive equipment and environmental modifications when the cost is spread monthly over no more than two years and it will exceed the monthly service cost maximum. 

This means that customers who are already receiving the maximum amount of services have been unable to get AT or home modifications through this program. Under new rules that the HSP will soon implement, all customers will be able to spend $25,000 to purchase, rent and repair assistive equipment and environmental modifications every five years. The five years clock starts when each customer spends money on his/her first assistive equipment or environmental modifications. 

This is a program of last resort. That means no other resources, public or private (including Medicaid), will pay for the devices, modifications or services. To qualify, the expenses must meet at least one of the following criteria. It will:

• enable the customer to independently perform his/her ADLs;
• result in a decreased need for assistance from another individual in the completion of his/her ADLs;
• prevent an anticipated increase in service costs;
• improve the safety of the customer during the completion of his/her ADLs.

Your local case worker can let you know when the program will begin. But, it should be in the next few months. Your case worker can also refer you for anssistive technology evaluation, should you need one to determine the most appropriate technology to meet your needs.

Approaching Service Org. for Funding

Sometimes people must turn to private funding sources, such as local community groups to help pay for technology. Local community groups often provide money for a broader scope of services than publicly funded programs. They can range from purchasing equipment, to sponsoring a child’s summer camp tuition or even building a ramp for an older adult.

Before contacting any organization for funding, there are a few things you must know about your request. Specifically, you need to know exactly what you want/need, including price quotes for the device; include accessories and shipping cost, if applicable. You also need to be able to express why you need it and why you cannot afford to pay for it and when you need it.

After that, you'll need to know a few more things:

• What is the Organization’s Giving Priority? Most service clubs have specific causes they like to target for their grants. Make sure your application matches the organization’s giving priorities.
• What is the Group’s Average Grant Amount? If you want $1,000 to purchase a communication device for your child and you apply to a group that usually gives $500 the likelihood of getting a "yes" is slim.
• How Do You Make an Application? Some organizations outline each step of the process; others make it difficult. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• When Does the Group Review Applications? Some funders review and vote on applications as they arrive; some wait and review applications quarterly, or (egad!) annually.
• What Does the Funder Want? Some funders want publicity. Others may just want a tax break. Find out ahead of time.
• Make sure you follow the application procedures that the organization specifies. That always helps make a good impression. Here are some other ideas that can help you get that "yes!"
• If applying to a community group, have a case manager, social service or other professional, friend or family member make application on behalf of the family or individual.
• Send a photo. It makes the person real.
• Send literature about the technology.
• Mention how you fall within the specific group, issue, or geographic area the organizations serves.

For more information about looking for funding from service organizations see: http://www.iltech.org/ind_funding.asp

Finally, Help Through the Funding Maze

If you're looking for ways to get a device funded, go to IATP's Online Funding Manual, www.iltech.org/fundingmanual.asp.

The manual has three parts:

• Part I is the introduction. It provides general information about funding. If you   are a beginner in this "game", this section should be helpful.
• Part II lists governmental agencies that can provide assistive technology funding. Also in Part II are all the private, non-profit agencies and service    clubs that can help you in your search for funding.
• Part III lists resources that may be helpful in your search for funding. Good luck on your search. IATP hopes this manual saves you time and that you will          find the funding you need.

Keeping track of changes in funding streams is a full-time job. Unfortunately, IATP does not have full time staff to dedicate to the funding manual.

If you find a source no longer provides funding, let us know. Likewise, if you find a source that isn't listed, let us know. Together we can maintain an up-to-date resource for people with disabilities and their family members looking for funding.

Hidden Treasure: DD $15,000 Over 5 Years!

Adaptive Equipment / Assistive Technology / Home and Vehicle Modifications

There is a special assistive technology funding category available for people with developmental disabilities who receive:

• Adult and Children’s Home-Based Support Services,
• Live in a licensed Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA), or
• Receive Developmental Training, through the Illinois Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities.

$15,000 is available to each for a five-year period, for any combination of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, home, and/or vehicle modifications. This $15,000 benefit is outside the regular monthly allowance maximums for participants’ service plans. The fund can also be used to buy computer touch screens, software, augmentative communication devices, or other devices.

The cost may include assessments to identify the right device for the user and also training the user and caregivers to use or maintain a device.There is a $5000 limitation over 5 years on home modifications made to rental properties. Funds do not cover items that are the responsibility of the provider agency or landlord.

Prior written approval is required. If you are in the Adult or Children’s Home-Based Support Services Waivers, contact your Service Facilitator to request the necessary prior written approval.

If a person is in the Developmental Training program, or lives in a CILA, they should make the request through their QMRP. The request flows through the QMRP to the Network Facilitator, reviewed for completeness, and then sent on for approval through the Rates Section of the Division of DD.

For questions about the program, contact the Network Facilitator.

To find the Network Facilitator, visit the website: or call the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, 217-524-2515.

AT Recycling:  Old Becomes New

For many people with disabilities, assistive technology (AT) is an essential support to daily living.  However, AT can be very expensive and funding is not always available. 

Recycling can make AT much more affordable, and in many cases, items are donated and can be provided free of charge.  Illinois Assistive Technology Program’s web based recycling program, AT Classifieds, provides a means for individuals to buy, sell, or donate a wide variety of pre-owned equipment.  It is a person- to-person exchange that functions very much like the newspaper classifieds.   You can access the program at www.iltech.org, or if you don’t have a computer, call 800-852-5110 and someone will be happy to assist you.

Recycled CCTVs

CIGNA Pays

Persistence pays; especially when trying to get insurance companies to pay. Here's one success story.

A 61-year-old Illinois man, with the help of Equip for Equality (EFE), won his appeal against CIGNA insurance to get a standing power wheelchair.

The northern Illinoisan incurred a complete C5-6 spinal cord injury in 2000. He was still recovering from a pressure sore that developed in 2002.  Despite the best medical treatment and excellent care the pressure sore did not heal completely.  All his medical professionals recommended a power standing wheelchair, so he could independently get off his rump throughout the day.

CIGNA’s initial denial stated that the insurance company did not cover this type of equipment because it is not "medically necessary". After the man's doctor submitted a letter challenging that rationale, CIGNA issued a second denial adding that the insufficient published peer reviewed medical literature supporting clinical effectiveness and claiming that a standing wheelchair was investigational and experimental, as further reasons for denying his claim.

Equip for Equality (EFE) obtained copies of prior decisions awarding standing power wheelchairs in various forums, including Medicaid fair hearing and court decisions, from the National Assistive Technology Project. Permobil, the merchant selling the chair, provided EFE with resources including research supporting the equipment, supporting medical records. EFE was able to get the seller to sign a letter confirming that both Medicaid in Illinois and major insurance companies pay for these wheelchairs. Equip for Equality is the Illinois Protection and Advocacy program that assists people with disabilities throughout the state.

During the appeal, CIGNA told EFE they had ten minutes to argue their case. The medical providers spoke quickly and made strong arguments in support of the medical necessity of the wheelchair for the client.  One week later the man received a letter authorizing coverage for the wheelchair.

This case illustrates that we should challenge insurance companies when they improperly deny assistive technology coverage.  Strong and pertinent medical information is critical, and cooperative medical providers are a strong plus.

Will Insurance Pay for A Hearing Aid?

Most people would say “no”; but that’s not always the case. Widget Richards got her insurance to cover hearing aids. She tells us:
Look at your Health Plan and see if they cover Home Medical Equipment, Prosthesis, or Orthopedic, etc…
Write a letter when submitting bill for hearing aids. Appeal, Appeal, Appeal, if you get turned down. She has sample letters you can use. See: http://www.listenup.org/haid/haidfund2.htm

Vision Aid Funding Assistance

The Association of Blind Citizens offers funding to cover 50% of the cost of adaptive devices and software for eligible applicants. The products must retail between $200 and $6,000. To be eligible you must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. Applicants must be legally blind and U.S. residents. Deadlines are June 30 and Dec. 31 for each grant period (2 per year). For information and an application form, see http://www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm.

Ten Dollar Tech

(Ten Dollar Tech is a regular column in TechTalk)

Editor's note: My mother, Emily Schluge, sent me an email about this no cost idea that creates an emergency notification system.

Most cars today have automatic door locks. The remote control for the door lock usually has three buttons: lock car doors; unlock car doors, and; the panic button. The panic button is a security device that when activated honks the horn until it is deactivated or the battery runs dead.

Let's hope you have great neighbors, because this system is dependent on them. Notify your neighbors nearby that if they hear your car horn honking incessantly, that you are having some sort of emergency and to come looking for you.

Then, all you have to do is remember to keep your keys with you... in your pocket and at your bedside; remember to take it with you to the bathroom. It creates a 24-hour security system for free!

Variation: Rather than carrying the remote on a keychain in your pocket, attach it to a necklace and wear it around your neck. You will never be without it.

Do you have a low cost device or adaptation you’d like to share? IATP would like to publish it.  Send a description, materials list, approximate cost and a picture to csluga@iltech.org. We’ll publish it and give you all the credit!

Autism and Safety at Home is a DVD IATP developed. It is available for $5.00. Call 800-852-5110 v/tty, IL only for details

What is a PASS?

PASS stands for “Plan for Achieving Self Support
For complete information on developing a PASS see Working While Disabled -- A Guide To Plans For Achieving Self-Support http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11017.html

Assistive Devices featured in TechTalk

Between The Sheets Bed Fan: This bed fan creates a cool personal microclimate for you by directing air through a flat conduit that tucks into your bed sheets, allowing you to regulate your temperature. $80.00

Purring Drebble. This ball of fur purrs contentedly when stroked with the slightest touch and shrieks when he's squeezed too firmly. Internally activated, this toy does not require a capability switch.  $50.00

Duster:This duster has a 59” expandable handle for getting to hard to reach places. Use on blinds, vents, fans, etc.$15.00

Bar Alarm: The steel bar adjusts to any door and emits a siren or barking dog sound to scare off strangers. Yoke fits under knob and gripper base anchors unit against floor. Extends from 29" to 43". Uses one 9V battery. $25.00

Laser Scissors : Cut straight every time! A laser beam inside the cordless electric scissors projects a straight line on any cutting surface. Uses 2 AA batteries. Stainless steel blades with easy-grip plastic handle. 8-1/2" L. $15.00

Yoropen: Ergonomic shape requires less pressure to write. The angle lets you see what you're writing and prevents smudging. The grip is adjustable for right and left-handers. $15.00

It’s Worth Noting . . .
SPEAK UP!

Everyone needs health care – period.  Not surprisingly, everyone has been affected by the health care crisis.  Everyone has a story!

The Campaign for Better Health Care gathers stories of real people who have been failed by our health care system. We use these stories to reach out to the media and convince legislators of the need for change.

Stories are tools for change and stories are powerful!  Please, share your story with us, and help us fight for the health care that we all deserve.

If you’re willing to share your story, contact Melissa by phone or e-mail at: 217-352-5600 or mkane@cbhconline.org