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What is Assistive Technology?
It's a general term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for individuals who have disabilities. These devices help create opportunities for more independence by helping people perform tasks they wouldn't have otherwise been able to accomplish. These devices also help facilitate communication.
There are high tech like an ipad and low tech as simple as using a calculator or paper. Low tech assistive technology can make a significant difference in progress.
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How do I know which assistive technology is appropriate?
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If your child isn't making progress with their speech therapy or their behaviors have increased because they aren't able to express what is wrong, these are some good reasons to look into AT. If your child is of school age, you can talk to your schools speech therapist and request (in writing) for your child to be evaluated by the school district. A word of caution if you hear a speech therapist say, " let's see how your child does with the speech program or some other explanation to wait. There are some professionals who hold a personal belief that AT devices hinder speech. If your child needs a new way to communicate or their behaviors are escalating and you get push back from your school's speech therapist, seek an outside evaluator.
Many schools outsource this service to the IU's. If your child is not of school age or you want to be able to have more input as to the type of AT device your child gets, then you can outsource this to a qualified provider. It will take more legwork on your part to submit paperwork for borrowing one.
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One difference between getting an AT device privately is that there is flexibility with trialing AT devices and programs. The IU usually will go the full 6-8 weeks even if the device isn't working for the child. This process can unnecessarily prolong the child getting the technology he/she needs if the correct device isn't picked from the start. Also getting an AT device through school, the device belongs to the school not your child.
Below are a list of qualified providers to get started. You will need to trial several programs both electronically and non-technical forms of communication like PECs. The provider should supply you with forms to "try before you buy" an AT device with a recommended program. Each trial usually take several weeks. When you find a program that works best for your child, then the provider will help you go through the insurance company to purchase an AT device. If not, you can try another recommended device/program until your child finds one that fits his/her communication needs.
​Ask the provider about he SETT Process (Student Environment Tasks to be done and Tools to achieve tasks. It's an assessment tool that determines a student's strengths and weaknesses in different settings. It helps determine products and strategies to help address the student's needs.
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Here's a downloadable comprehensive PowerPoint presentation that includes the most common AT and more information about SETT.
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Articles
15 IEP Goals for Assistive Technology and AAC
​Ideas on how to use assistive technology in the Classroom
​Assistive technology in the Classroom
Top 5 Funding Resources for Assistive Technology
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Evaluators
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Good Shepherd Rehabilitation offers a leading-edge and coordinated program that connects you with the proper technology, helping you or your family member achieve goals and maximize independence.
Where: Health & Technology Center, 850 S. 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103
Call: 1-888-44-REHAB (73422)
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Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, start, and maintain employment. Your local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation can arrange for a free evaluation of your assistive technology needs. The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program helps individuals with appeals and other issues concerning the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Call: 215-557-7221 or 888-745-2357
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Assistive Technology Resource Centers
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
Provides education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives. They offer low interest loans to purchase the equipment and software.
Where: 1004 West 9th Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Call: 888-744-1938
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Temple University
TechOWL PA is Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) program.
Call: 800-204-7428
Website
Resources for Parents:
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What is LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning?
LAMP is an AAC technology specifically designed for individuals with Autism.
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Families at the Forefront of Technology (FFT)
A community gathering to develop and enable technology for special needs individuals and their families.
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The Center on Technology and Disability Teacher Resource Portal has webinars and resources that are relevant to teachers.
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The Arc's Tech Toolbox™ is a place to find, share, rate and review technology for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). There are already over 500 apps and devices listed. You can also read stories of how people have used each product and their view of the product's strengths and weaknesses.
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How can I get AT funded in the state of Pennsylvania?
The Assistive Technology must be considered a medical necessity and prior authorization may be required. Some primary insurances might cover the cost but if not, medical assistance or Medicaid will cover the cost. Here is a downloadable document about funding Augmentative Communication Devices from the Disability Rights Network.
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Appealing to Medical Assistance: All decisions regarding your Medical Assistance, including assistive technology, must be given to you in writing. If you disagree with a decision, if you do not get a written decision, or if the Department of Public Welfare or managed care health plan fails to act within a reasonable amount of time, you have the right to file an appeal with the Department of Public Welfare and ask for a fair hearing. If you are in a Medical Assistance managed care health plan, you also have the right to file a grievance or a complaint with the health plan. There are deadlines to make your appeal and to file your grievance or complaint. Read carefully all letters provided to
you, and meet all deadlines.
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PASS program through the Social Security Administration Under the Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS), a person on SSI can set aside income, other than SSI, to pay for items or service s needed to achieve a specific work goal. The money or assets set aside will not count against the person’s eligibility for SSI or SSI check amount. For example, money can be set aside to pay for items needed to help the person get to and from work and to do his or her job at work. This can include assistive technology devices and services. A person can also set aside 12 money for installment payments. Social Security does not pay for the assistive technology device or service. The person on SSI pa
ys for the items or services from the money set aside under the PASS. For more information, please contact Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (a service of the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania): 800-692-7443 (voice) or 877-375-7139 (TTY).
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Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
Mission: To provide education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives. Loans and mini-grant programs cover hearing aids, portable ramps, flashing fire alarms, manual wheelchairs, computers and tablets with specialized software, scooters, batteries and chargers, and environmental controls. It's available to all ages, all incomes and all disabilities.
NEW Funding Your Assistive Technology Guide
Where: 1004 West 9th Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406
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Pennsylvania’s Telecommunication Device Distribution Program provides specialized telecommunication devices for free to persons with disabilities. A telecommunication device is equipment needed by a person with a disability so that he or she can communicate by wire or radio with another person.
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Use your PA ABLE Savings Program to pay for AT
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​​The Recycled Equipment Exchange Program is a classified listing of used assistive technology devices offered for sale or for free. For more information, please contact Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology at 800-204-7428 (toll free voice) or 866-268-0579 (TTY).
