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January 2024
To provide staff with information on assistive technology (AT) and how it can be used throughout the DVR process to assist consumers toward achieving their employment goals.
Assistive technology is sometimes called rehabilitation technology, but in recent years has been more frequently described as assistive technology, or AT.
AT promotes greater independence through modification of the environment, use of devices, and specialized training, helping consumers complete tasks that they may have had difficulty with or had been unable to complete previously.
AT services, accommodations, and devices are intended to assist with disability-related needs. If a consumer has a need at any time during the VR process for AT to participate in services or work toward achieving their IPE goal, AT services should be explored and provided as needed.
Assistive technology needs should be addressed as early in the process as possible to ensure the options are understood and inform the rest of the process. When referring a consumer for an assistive technology assessment, the purpose for the referral, the specific tasks to be addressed, and the employment or training goals should be provided.
Some assistive technology service providers may provide assessments and recommend specific equipment they are selling without regard to other types of equipment and brands that may better suit the needs of the consumer. This would be an example of a non-neutral provider. Seek out professionals familiar with many types, varieties, and brands of technology.
Neutral providers do not typically sell equipment or represent a specific company or brand of equipment. Some neutral providers do sell equipment, but they represent a variety of brands and are free to recommend devices that meet the consumer need. When at all possible, it is recommended that a neutral provider be selected.
Assessments should recommend technology based on the specific need of the consumer and the functionality of the item. The assessment results and recommendations should be reviewed together with the consumer, DVR staff, and service providers prior to purchase.
Consult with your local AsTec team member for additional information on services and accommodation needs of consumers.
The need for and utilization of assistive technology must be considered throughout the DVR process. Assistive technology may be needed and appropriate during:
*During eligibility determination assessments, examples of using assistive technology as an accommodation include renting assistive technology items to allow a consumer to participate in assessments for determining eligibility or an evaluator providing accommodations during an assessment.
Several varieties of specialized assessments exist that may be used to provide a full picture of a consumer's needs. These assessments can be used in combination as needed.
Several types of providers of assistive technology devices and services exist today. These include medical equipment dealers, manufacturer representatives, private sales agents, and non-profit agencies. The provider that is selected by the consumer for an assessment may not be the same provider of the device(s) or the training. It is important to understand the role of an Assistive Technology provider in these three different scenarios.
Service providers must have sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disabling conditions, and disease processes relevant to the technical aspects of the equipment they provide. To gain and maintain this knowledge, service providers will regularly engage in self-guided study or attend courses, seminars, trade shows, and other continuing education activities.
Sound knowledge can be defined as having a combination of the educational, professional, or personal experience necessary to provide comprehensive information and services to the consumer. This may be in the form of formal education, professional certification, or in-depth training by a product manufacturer. Providers may have a credential called an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certificate, which is considered the hallmark of a trained professional in the provision of assistive technology services.
AT services are exempt from comparable benefits; however, DVR's purchasing policies still apply (e.g., required price comparisons). See the DVR Rate of Payment Determination Chart for more information on required documentation and rate determination procedures for DVR services.
DVR staff should take the time to ensure that assistive technology items are identified and coded properly. Whether a specific item or service is considered assistive technology depends upon the purpose of the item. This identification is important because AT services are exempt from comparable benefits. However, if an outside funding resource is readily available to the consumer, DVR may ask the consumer to use this resource if it will not cause undue delay in the service. In some cases, cost sharing may be appropriate and arranged with the consumer, a local resource, or the employer.
When another entity is responsible for providing an AT service or device(s) under other laws (e.g., WIOA or ADA), DVR should provide resources and expertise in the coordination of these services. This type of situation may occur when a consumer is still in high school or when a consumer is working.
The purpose of the service needs to be determined on an individual basis. In one case, a specific item may be considered assistive technology, while in another case, the exact same item may not. Similarly, entire services may be considered assistive technology in one case, while in others, only part of the service is considered assistive technology.
For example, consider the case of a modified computer with adaptive software. The software may be considered assistive technology, while the computer itself is considered work-related equipment, which may be the responsibility of the employing business to provide.
For individuals who own an existing business, DVR does not purchase, provide maintenance, repair, or replace equipment customary for the size and scope of a business. These are considered standard expenses and the cost of doing business. The business owner/consumer should plan for these expenses to maintain their business. If an item, or piece of equipment, cannot be adapted or modified, DVR will pay for the lowest cost piece of equipment that is required to meet the disability need, minus the trade-in allowance of the consumers item that cannot be modified. Consult with your supervisor with any questions or concerns.
DVR may participate financially in the purchase of assistive technology services and equipment identified as necessary for the consumer to perform the essential functions of a job. DVR cannot participate in the purchase of services or equipment identified for business use only.
See the DVR Fee Schedule to learn more about DVR's spending limits for specific goods and services and the exception process.
Assessment reports should include the information required in available technical specifications or other published guidelines. In general, they should answer questions related to the disability and the work-related task(s) that require modification. The report should explain the reasons and need for each accommodation. Solutions should be provided that include a variety of approaches and consider the work or training environment.
Training reports should include specific training targets, approaches to be used, progress, and anticipated timeframes for completion. These reports should provide DVR and the consumer with information about expectations and responsibilities for both the trainer and the DVR consumer.
In some cases, AT training is recommended for a consumer to learn how to use a specific device(s) or to learn alternative accommodation strategies as part of implementing assistive technology.
This type of training should be time-limited, include learning targets, and outline a level of proficiency in the use of the accommodation. It may be necessary for the VRC to monitor training approaches to determine if progress is being made, if the training should continue, or if an alternative process should be identified or outlined.
Sometimes acquiring the skills necessary to use accommodations can be challenging for consumers. Before authorizing this training, the expected timeframes and ongoing time commitments necessary to reach proficiency should be discussed. Best practice is to include these timelines and progress measures in the consumer's IPE.
Devices become the property of the consumer upon purchase. Discussion and planning should take place to address anticipated needs for follow-up, maintenance, repair, equipment upgrades, replacements, and how consumable supplies should be obtained, if needed.
DVR can be a great resource to educate employers on assistive technology, accommodations, and disabilities. DVR staff are encouraged to coordinate services and provide technical assistance to employers on modifications and architectural accessibility as a means of obtaining, maintaining, or advancing employment for people with disabilities. It is helpful to provide resources and services related to budgeting, saving, or financial literacy to consumers receiving AT services or equipment.
In some circumstances, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the employer's responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations.
Once services under VR end and the case is closed, responsibility for the AT equipment provided and any additional needs falls to the employer as applicable by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Any questions or concerns related to an employer’s obligation can be directed to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). DVR staff should discuss with consumers the availability of post-employment services as well as their ability to reapply for services as needed. AT services can be provided under post-employment.
Accommodation: A change or adjustment to a job (including reassignment of duties), workspace (i.e., an ergonomic chair or workstation) or use of an item necessary to perform a job (i.e., steps on a tractor). An accommodation is further defined as a disability related item or service required by the worker not typically required by others doing the same job and necessary due to a limitation caused by the disability.
Assistive Technology: Technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service.
Assistive Technology Device: Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Assistive Technology Service: Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
High-tech: Solutions that involve a significant amount of customization, technology, or engineering. Examples include a sip and puff-controlled wheelchair or a computer with voice recognition software.
Low-tech: A device or item used in an innovative manner to provide solutions to a problem. Examples include use of a sponge roller on a pen to create a larger grip or an existing bookcase to create a raised workspace.
Rehabilitation Engineering: Use of engineering sciences to design, develop, adapt, test, evaluate, apply, or distribute technology solutions to individuals with disability.
Rehabilitation Technology: The systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of, and address the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities in areas that include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services.
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(608) 266-3131
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