Our vision statement: We will create individual and family supports, chosen and directed by the person with a disability

Assessment shows need for assistive technology

Most of the names in these stories have been changed to protect privacy.

Eighteen-year-old Zeke Mandheim needs help with all of his daily living activities. Besides the personal care she provided, it was obvious to his mother that Zeke needed assistive technology equipment - such as a lift, a bath chair, a hospital bed, and more.

Zeke is eligible for California Children’s Services (CCS) and Medi-Cal. CCS provides medically necessary care and case management for children with physically disabling conditions, if they meet eligibility requirements. CCS also offers case management for people who are eligible for both CCS and Medi-Cal.

Frustrated with bureaucracy and delays, Zeke’s mother called the San Diego and talked to an attorney. A team of attorneys in the San Diego office asked CCS to assess Zeke to find out exactly what kind of assistive technology he needed. When CCS did not follow up on the assessment, the attorneys asked for a hearing with the Department of Health Care Services.

Then CCS staff visited Zeke’s home and assessed his assistive technology needs. After the assessment, CCS provided a hospital bed, a bath chair, a Hoyer lift, a stander and a stroller tray for Zeke They also approved an authorization to evaluate Zeke for a back brace.