Many pieces of basic adaptive technology,
such as reachers, walkers, splints, raised toilet seats, toilet benches etc.
are now available at large pharmacy retail stores (CVS, Walmart, Target etc.).
Other’s have been already integrated into general consumer products such
as voice recognition software, one handed flossers, velcro shoes, Under Armour
jackets with the newly designed Magzip feature, or thermostats and lighting
controlled by your smart phone, etc. Support groups are an other good way of
learning about useful Assistive Technology. There is a lot of information, of
course available on-line too. But for a lot of older individuals, especially if
the aren’t tech-savvy, they rely on the members of their rehabilitation
team.
Most people with disabilities will work
with a member of a rehabilitation team, whether it is a PT, OT, Speech
Therapist, Audiologist, Prosthetist, etc. at some time in their rehabilitation
process. For a more comprehensive list, see slide 12 of my PowerPoint
presentation (as per our community member - please insert psychologist into the
list - as they might order such things as memory aids and biofeedback
machines). When a licensed rehabilitation specialist works with an individual,
this means that the rehabilitation specialist will have received a prescription
to evaluate and treat (though this is not always true if you are paying out of
pocket and working directly with a vendors assistive technology specialist)
from the individuals doctor. The doctor’s prescription is especially
important if an individual is trying to get insurance reimbursement for certain
pieces of equipment. (It’s also necessary for legal reasons.)
However, the cost of many pieces of
adaptive technology aren’t covered or are only partially covered by
insurance (even if it isn’t Medicare!). Most Medicare insurance only
covers a very few pieces of adaptive technology (basic) and then at only 80%.
For instance I can get Medicare to help pay for a depot style wheelchair (read
"heavy") for someone who has had a stroke, but not a light weight wheelchair
(think "expensive") that might be better for them and their families (imagine a
70 year old spouse trying to put a 25 lb wheelchair into the trunk of their
car). I would have more luck getting a light weight wheelchair if the person
had a spinal cord injury (can’t walk at all) and was young / active etc.
Also Medicare won’t typically cover a power wheelchair or scooter that is
only needed and used outside of the home, even if it means that person is then
independent in shopping, etc.
Loss of income from disability can be
limiting in how much and what type of rehabilitation and adaptive equipment you
actually get. An example: Many people who could easily drive with a few pieces
of adaptive technology, can no longer do so, as they can’t afford the cost
of the evaluation and in car training necessary to regain their license.
Another example is that most insurances quit paying for stroke rehabilitation
after six months. If you couple this with loss of cognitive function, as in the
case of many post stroke survivors, it’s even more difficulty to manage
the system and get what you want / need.
FYI - We rehabilitation folk often know
of community resources available for the subsidizing and installation /
building of assistive technology. Two sources come to mind,
Lions Club and
Elks Club. They often will build ramps for
people in need or provide grants. Another good resource for financially
strapped individuals needing some basic accessibility modifications (doors
widened to accommodate wheelchairs in the bathroom, grab bars etc.) is the
organization
Rebuilding
Together (formerly known as Christmas in April). Perhaps some of your
students would like to become involved in some of these organizations. You
don’t have to be an OT or PT to help do the installations etc.
Debbie
