1. Exhausting AT Funding Resources Robin Wheeler, Attorney Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. March 30, 2006

2. Objectives Introduction to alternatives to the BIG 5 AT Funding Sources Realization that these alternatives are ever changing and need constant updates Starting points and techniques for updating

3. BIG 5 Review 1. Medicaid 2. Medicare 3. State Agencies such Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the Blind, and Dept. of Disabilities and Special Needs 4. Private Insurance 5. Schools

4. Think Low Tech Not every AT device has to be a technological wonder. Low Tech may mean lower price.

5. Alternatives to the Big 5 Veteran’s Health Administration Reverse Mortgage Program SC Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program Equipment Loan Funds The Federal Adoption Assistance Program The Crime Victims Compensation Fund Impairment-Related Work Expense (IRWE)

6. Alternatives to the Big 5 (cont’d) Independent Living Centers (DAC and Walton Options) The SSI Plan for Achieving Self Support Program (PASS Plan) South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan Program SC Children’s Rehabilitative Services Department of Veterans Affairs

7. Unconventional Resources The Flexible Spending Account under Federal Tax Law Creative Structuring/Restructuring of a Child Support or Alimony Agreement to Obtain or Retain SSI and Medicaid Workers Compensation Fair Housing Act – modifications to rental units, common areas

8. Work creatively within existing frameworks such as: Civic Organizations including professional associations. Foundations Trust funds Private corporations and businesses Used equipment brokers University resources

9. Banks, Credit Unions, Loan Programs, and Tax Incentives Assistive Financing through Loan Guarantees Funding Strategies for employers Small Business Tax Credit

10. Easter Seals South Carolina Services Financial assistance in limited instances for the purchase of: Orthopedic Appliances Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Transportation Assistance Equipment Loan Program

11. Easter Seals Equipment Loan Program Medical and mobility equipment may be borrowed for short-term use when authorized by a physician. Available for individuals seeking temporary use of wheelchairs, transfer benches, walkers, and other durable medical equipment. Available to anyone living in South Carolina, regardless of age or disability.

12. Easter Seals South Carolina Locations State Headquarters - Rose M. Lowe Rehabilitation Center (Columbia) Anderson/Oconee Greenville Spartanburg Florence/Darlington

13. Subsidy Programs Competitive subsidies Collaborative efforts of business and voluntary organizations Rebates for a particular product or product line Discounts on telecommunications devices and services Special events where manufacturers offer discounts

14. Service clubs & organizations Lions Quota International Shriners Kiwanis International Knights of Columbus Optimist International United Cerebral Palsy Sertoma International Elks Rotary International

15. More resources: Non-profit organizations Churches United Cerebral Palsy Muscular Dystrophy Association College fraternities and sororities Grants – use your public library Fundraisers ElderCare Trust Fund

16. Points to Remember Be creative. Use the Web: http://www.sightexchange.com/ www.freecycle.org - Freecycle Network™ www.freecycle.org Ask friends, families and organizations for help locating what you need. Don’t give up.

17. Additional References & Special Thanks to: Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. at http://www.nls.org/; http://www.nls.org/ RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) at http://www.resna.org/ ; andhttp://www.resna.org/ Easter Seals at http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer. http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer

18. Thank you! Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. 3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 208 Columbia, SC 29204 1-866-275-7273 (voice) 1-866-232-4525 (TTY) (803) 782-0639