AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: March 22, 2022
To: Lead agencies and other interested parties
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To share resources to improve access to assistive technology
Contact: DSD Contact Form

Ideas for lead agencies to help people access assistive technology

Throughout 2022, DHS and its community partners will work together to make assistive technology available to more people with disabilities and older adults. We will take several actions to support this initiative, including sharing information and resources with lead agencies. The goal is to increase the use of technology that allows people with disabilities to reduce their reliance on caregivers, improve their health and interact with members of their community.

Resources to share

Last month we shared ways to help people access internet services. This month we highlight videos and other information to help spark ideas regarding more comprehensive assistive technology solutions. Lead agencies should use an assistive technology assessment to determine the technology that best meets a person’s needs.

Background information

1. Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) Technology Resource Center:

· Remote monitoring starts with a conversation

· Making a plan to use technology (video)

2. United Spinal Association: Smart home technology helps wheelchair users stay independent (video)

3. NBC News: Smart homes are game changer for people with disabilities (video)

How to access technology

· Contact Minnesota Network and Education for Assistive Technology (MN—NEAT) to find someone to perform a formal assistive technology assessment, if needed

· Use the Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology — SETT framework to learn how you can assess someone’s technology needs

How to cover costs

Assistive technology:

· Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver (CBSM — Assistive technology)

· Brain Injury (BI) Waiver, Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver, Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver, Elderly Waiver (EW) and Alternative Care (AC) program (CBSM — Specialized equipment and supplies)

Monitoring technology:

· BI, CAC, CADI, DD, EW waivers and AC program (CBSM — Environmental accessibility adaptations and CBSM — Monitoring technology usage)

Questions

We will continue to share additional information about assistive technology each month. To get more information or ask questions, use the DSD Contact Form.

Previous eList announcements

AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE