Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment
California’s New Back-Up Provider System for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS)
This publication provides information about California’s new Back-Up Provider System for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and the Home and Community Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) programs.
Electric Utility Power Shutoffs
Electricity is necessary to power the devices we rely on daily. These devices are essential for a person’s health and safety. In 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission ruled that California Public Utilities Code Section 451 and 399.2(a) give electric utilities authority to shut off the electric power to protect public safety.
Getting Communication Supports through Medi-Cal
Did you know that if you get Medi-Cal and your disability makes it hard for you to communicate, Medi-Cal might pay for communication supports that you need?
Getting Communication Supports through the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
“Communication supports” are devices or services that can help a person with a disability to communicate. For example, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Assistive Technology (AT) or “Special Adaptive Equipment,” are devices that can help a person to communicate.
Getting Communication Supports Through Your Child’s School
“Communication supports” are device or services that can help a person with a disability to communicate. Communications supports are sometimes called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), or Special Adaptive Equipment.
Obtaining Assistive Technology through Your Employer
The term “assistive technology” means the technology used in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service for increasing, maintaining, or improving the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Obtaining Assistive Technology through Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is a state and federal program that ensures health care coverage to many low-income people. The lead state agency for Medi-Cal in California is the Department of Health Care Services.
Obtaining Assistive Technology Through Your Child’s School
Assistive technology is defined twice by Federal special education laws. It is specifically defined by the IDEA as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities.”
Obtaining Assistive Technology through the Department of Rehabilitation
This publication looks to answer questions you might have regarding assistive technology and how the Department of Rehabilitation can help provide those devises and/or services.
Funding Assistive Technology Through A Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)
A PASS is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) work incentive. The PASS allows you to set aside income and/or assets for an employment goal.
Funding of Assistive Technology Through Blind Work Expenses (BWEs)
If you are blind, eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and working, you can use a BWE to reduce your gross income which in turn reduces your countable income. Countable income is what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at to determine your monthly SSI payment amount.
Funding of Assistive Technology through Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)
IRWE deductions are available if you work and you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Funding Assistive Technology through the Regional Center
Regional centers are responsible for giving or arranging services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. To ask for assistive technology through the regional centers, you must first apply for their services and be found eligible.
How to get a private business to provide assistive technology
There are generally two federal laws and two state laws that may require private businesses to provide you with assistive technology.
Rights to Assistive Technology in Higher Education
Colleges have legal obligations to provide equal opportunities to students and applicants with disabilities. These obligations apply to all college programs, services and activities, including...
Rights to Assistive Technology from Public Entities
State and federal anti-discrimination laws give people with disabilities the right to use assistive technology in programs, services and activities provided by public entities.