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Self
Advocacy and the Fight for Funding
In the search
for assistive technology funding, you might deal
with any combination of representatives from insurance
companies, government agencies and private, nonprofit
organizations. It's important for you to know
how to work with these organizations -- and how
to get answers to your questions and concerns.
You are your own best advocate. However, if you're
new to the funding process and would like assistance,
the most efficient way to begin may be to work
with someone who already has experience with obtaining
assistive technology funding. You can get in touch
with an advocate through technology manufacturers,
disability groups, other people with disabilities
and their families, teachers or therapists. Many
technology manufacturers and vendors also have
Funding Coordinators, full-time employees who
are knowledgeable about the funding process.
To participate fully in the assessment and funding
process, you need to know what you're entitled
to and who should provide it. Following are some
of the basic questions that you and/or your advocate
should ask of the programs with which you're working:
- What are the eligibility criteria
for this program?
- re assessment, training, follow-up
and equipment repair included in funding considerations?
- If an assessment is to be provided,
does it take into consideration appropriate
assistive technology devices and services?
- Who makes the decision to fund
or purchase an assistive device?
- Are funding policies available
in writing?
- What legislation governs this
program?
- Is there an appeals process?
If so, what is it?
No matter which funding source
you're approaching, it's essential that you demonstrate
and document the need for the technology you request.
A doctor's prescription for the assistive technology,
plus a letter describing the necessity for the devices
or services, will go a long way toward helping you
make your case. Additional information that will
be helpful includes: an outline of your functional
skills and how they will be improved by the assistive
technology you request; an explanation of the specific
features of the requested technology that will meet
your unique needs; and the specifications of the
equipment, including its cost and a photograph or
catalog picture. Keep a file of all information
related to the assistive technology.
Appeal
If you are denied funding upon your initial request,
realize that denial is not an end point. In fact,
appealing funding decisions is quite common, and
nearly every funding source has an established
appeal process to which you can turn for re-evaluation
of your case. Many appeals for assistive technology
are successful.
These appeal processes invariably demand extensive
written evidence to support your claims. From
the beginning of your search for funding, keep
copies of all correspondence and written notes
from all phone calls related to your case. And
when you begin an appeal, find out whether your
request was denied because of a lack of funds
or because a lack of information. If it is the
latter, find out what additional information is
needed, and submit it directly to the person handing
your request.
STAR Program
Room 360, 658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
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Inver Grove Hts MN 55077 
