Chapter 1: Accessibility and Assistive Technology
Section 4: Assistive Technology Funding
Ability Connection Oklahoma (United Cerebral Palsy - OKC)
10400 Greenbriar Pl., Ste. 101
Oklahoma City,
OK
73159
800-827-2289 Toll Free
405-759-3562 Voice
Based on financial need, UCP provides help for purchase of adaptive devices and medical equipment including wheelchairs and mobility aids, adapted toys, computer related assistive technology, environmental controls and other items. Training, information and help locating other funding sources may also be provided.
Ability Connection Oklahoma (United Cerebral Palsy - Tulsa)
6565 S. Yale, Ste. 423
Tulsa,
OK
74136
918-794-4655 Voice
tulsa@abilityconnectionoklahoma.org
www.ucpok.org
Based on financial need, UCP provides help for purchase of adaptive devices and medical equipment including wheelchairs and mobility aids, adapted toys, computer related assistive technology, environmental controls and other items. Training, information and help locating other funding sources may also be provided.
Acts of Kindness
3011 N.W. 63rd St.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73116
405-843-2405 Voice
Nonprofit organization loans medical equipment to needy persons. Equipment available may include electric wheelchairs and scooters, manual wheelchairs, bath transfer benches, shower chairs, bedside commodes, raised toilet seats and grab bars. Equipment donations are accepted. All items are repaired, sanitized and inspected for safety.
Alternatives in Motion
201 Matilda NE
Grand Rapids,
MI
49503
616-493-2620 Voice
877-468-9335 Toll Free
616-493-2621 Fax
info@alternativesinmotion.org
www.alternativesinmotion.org
BancFirst of Stillwater Low Interest Loans For Assistive Technology
800-446-9401 Voice
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
7500 Security Blvd.
Baltimore,
MD
21244-1850
800-633-4227 Toll Free
800-486-2048 Toll Free TTY
Medicare is the health benefit available to persons receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security retirement and to some other connected individuals.
Medicare generally covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that:
- Can stand repeated use;
- Is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose;
- Is generally not useful to a person in absence of illness or injury; and
- Is appropriate for use in the home.
Medicare typically pays 80% of the Medicare allowable charge for an item or service. The patient may have to pay a deductible and co-payment. A doctor's prescription and in some cases a Certificate of Medical Necessity are required for Medicare payment for medical equipment.
Palmetto Government Benefits Administration handles Durable Medical Equipment (DME) claims for Medicare in this region. Questions on Medicare DME coverage can be directed to 800-213-5452.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sequoyah Memorial Office Bldg.
2400 Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73105
405-521-3679 Voice
405-521-4158 Fax
www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/health/epsdt/
There is a wide range of services available under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program which has established a schedule of exams to ensure the continued health of Medicaid eligible individuals up to age 21.
Persons under 21 who are receiving medical benefits may receive health and dental screenings and follow-up treatment for certain conditions. Providers include physicians, health departments, schools and some local health clinics. These exams are available on a periodic schedule based on the age of the individual.
Easter Seals of Oklahoma
701 N.E. 13th St.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73104
405-239-2525 Voice
405 239-2278 Fax
esok1@coxinet.net
ok.easterseals.com
Purchase of adaptive devices and medical equipment for children ages 0-21. Aid based on economic need. Other services include an infant development clinic; medical assistance; speech, language and physical therapy; ADD intervention; reading tutoring; and vision and hearing screening. Operates an Adult Day Services Center.
Hear Now
6700 Washington Ave South
Eden Prairie,
MN
55344
866.354.3254 Voice/TTY
952.828.6900 fax
nonprofit@starkey.com
www.sotheworldmayhear.org/hearnow/
Financial assistance for hearing aids and ear surgery for deaf and hard of hearing persons.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
P.O. Box 6080
Morgantown,
WV
26506-6080
800-526-7234 Toll Free
877-781-9403 Toll Free TTY
304-293-7186 Voice
304-293-5407 Fax
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, these anti-discrimination laws do not provide funds for assistive technology or accessibility, but they can provide a means for individuals with disabilities to obtain assistive technology or needed accessibility on the job, in the marketplace and in the delivery of government services. Employees with disabilities may ask an employer to provide reasonable accommodations to enable the employee to perform his or her job. Accommodations could include adaptive equipment.
Just Plain Folks
419 N Maple St., Ste. C
Pryor,
OK
74361
918-824-1552 Fax
admin@jpfolks2.com
www.jpfolks2.com
Non-Profit Business is designed to help terminal patients, cancer patients, disabled patients, Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) that are in need of a computer and the accessories that go with it. They offer free computers but require a doctors note verifying the disability or illness.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Eastern Oklahoma
3015 E. Skelly Dr., Ste. 221A
Tulsa,
OK
74105
918-749-7997 Voice
918-749-3725 Fax
Serves eastern Oklahoma residents who have any of the 40 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA. Provides financial help to purchase wheelchairs and other mobility aids when other payment sources are unavailable. Maintains an equipment lending program.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Oklahoma City
5601 N.W. 72nd St., Ste. 124
Oklahoma City,
OK
73132
405-722-8001 Voice
405-722-1602 Fax
oklahomacityadistrict@mdausa.org
www.mda.org
Serves individuals with any of 40 neuromuscular diseases. Financial assistance may be provided for wheelchairs, braces and other mobility aids when other payment sources are not available. Loan and repair of equipment may be provided. MDA also provides diagnostic and other medical services through its network of clinics. Summer camps held.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University
Seretean Wellness Center
1514 W. Hall of Fame Rd.
Stillwater,
OK
74078-2026
800-257-1705 Toll Free V/TTY
405-744-9355 Voice/TTY
Explore public and private funding sources in Oklahoma - "Guide to Funding Assistive Technology in Oklahoma 2005" and "The Oklahoma ABLE Tech Activity and Funding Report." Both are available on the Oklahoma ABLE Tech website. These comprehensive manuals cover potential assistive technology funding from numerous public and private sources including:
- Oklahoma Medicaid;
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (for children);
- Medicare;
- Special Education and SoonerStart;
- Children With Special Health Care Needs (SSI DCP);
- Department of Rehabilitation Services;
- Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver;
- Medicaid In-Home Support Waiver;
- Family Support Assistance Payments;
- ADvantage Waiver; and
- Nonprofit organizations.
Direct link: http://ok.gov/abletech/Financing_Activities/index.html
Assistive technology funding sources for equipment demonstration sites and lending programs call Oklahoma ABLE Tech's Info-Line 888-885-5588. Oklahoma Equipment Connection also has a listing of adaptive and medical equipment for resale.
Direct link: http://oec.okstate.edu/.
Alternative lending program includes BancFirst Alternative Lending Program. There are low-interest loans and guaranty loans with extended terms for AT loans made to individuals with disabilities or people with dependents who are disabled. Information on eligibility, terms, applications and communities served can be found at the website above.
Direct link: http://ok.gov/abletech/Financing_Activities/Alternative_Lending_Program_BancFirst_Brochure.html.
Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Board
421 N.W. 13th St., Ste. 290
Oklahoma City,
OK
73103
800-745-6098 Toll Free
405-264-5006 Voice
victimsservices@dac.state.ok.us
www.ok.gov/dac/Victims_Services/Victims_Compensation_Program/index.html
Injured victims of violent crimes or dependents of deceased victims may be eligible to receive assistance from the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Board for medical expenses, income loss, replacement services and funeral expenses resulting from the crime (property loss not covered). Rehabilitation including assistive devices may qualify for reimbursement through this program. Compensation may not be paid for a loss or cost covered by insurance or other sources.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
State Office
3535 N.W. 58th St., Ste. 500
Oklahoma City,
OK
73112-4824
800-845-8476 Toll Free V/TTY
405-951-3400 Voice/TTY
DRS provides vocational rehabilitation, employment and limited independent living services to eligible individuals with disabilities. Medical equipment, assistive technology and related services may be provided if they are part of the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) developed with a vocational rehabilitation client. In some cases assistive technology devices and services may be provided for independent living purposes.
Assistive technology services which may be available based on a person's eligibility and plan of service include evaluation for assistive technology needs, recommendations for suitable equipment, worksite evaluation for adaptive equipment needs and training in use of specialized equipment.
Current DRS clients should discuss assistive technology needs with their DRS counselors. Applications for DRS services can be made by contacting local DRS offices. See DRS Offices Statewide, Rehabilitation and Independent Living section.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) - Oklahoma School for the Deaf, Equipment Distribution Program
1100 E. Oklahoma Avenue
Sulphur,
OK
73086
888-685-3323 Toll Free V/TTY
580-622-8812 Voice/TTY
lhawkins@okdrs.gov
www.osd.k12.ok.us
Equipment Distribution Program provides adaptive equipment for telephone and communications access for individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired. Items available include TTYs, phone amplifiers, ring signalers, visual signaling devices and other adaptive devices for use in the home. Equipment is free for those meeting income guidelines, with sliding scale charges for persons above set income levels. Call 866-309-1717 or 580-622-5850 for more information.
Hearing Aid Program for Seniors provides assistance purchasing hearing aids for income-eligible senior citizens. Persons exceeding the income criteria may receive partial assistance. For information and applications call 866-309-1717 or 580-622-5850.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
4545 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 124
Oklahoma City,
OK
73105
800-522-0310 Toll Free
405-522-7171 OKC
405-522-7179 TDD/TTY
SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) is a health coverage program jointly funded by the federal and state government. This program helps pay some or all medical bills for many people who can't afford them. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is the state agency that administers the program. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) determines financial eligibility for the program.
Oklahoma SSI Disabled Children's Program
To apply for the Disabled Children's Program, please visit your local county OKDHS Office
www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/health/med/docs/ssidcp.htm
This program assists children from birth to age 18 who receive a Supplemental Security Income - Disability Payment (SSI) to receive assistance in getting needed equipment and services. This includes adaptive equipment and specialty formula from birth to age 18 and diapers from age 4 to age 18.
Practical Assisted Living Systems (P.A.L.S.)
2904 Pine Ridge Rd.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73120
405-752-4241 Voice
405-752-4636 Fax
Volunteers who design and build adaptive devices for individual needs. Volunteers work closely with therapists, medical professionals and special educators in development of low-cost technology solutions for unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Client reimbursement of materials costs is appreciated, but there is no fee for P.A.L.S. design work.
Private or Employer Health Insurance
Most standard health insurance policies pay a portion of the cost of medical equipment when medically necessary. Check your policy or contact your employee health benefits coordinator for information.
State law requires health insurance coverage of certain benefits, such as hearing aids for children under age 13, but all insurers may not be subject to such requirements. Check plan for coverage details.
Sooner Ambucs
P.O. Box 118
Norman,
OK
73070
405-360-1521 Voice
Adri-Anne@cox.net
www.soonerambucs.org
Ambucs Share-4-Life Komputers (ASK) program takes donations of used computers and gives them to individuals with disabilities. Software is installed on the computers but adaptive software and hardware is not provided. Direct Link: www.soonerambucs.org/default.asp?page_id=27372.
SoonerStart
Special Education Services
Oklahoma Department of Education
2500 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73105
405-521-4155 Voice
405-521-6938 Fax
www.sde.state.ok.us/Curriculum/SpecEd/SoonerStart.html
SoonerStart is Oklahoma's early intervention program designed to meet the needs of infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. The program is a joint effort of the Oklahoma departments of Education, Human Services, Health, Mental Health Services, the Commission on Children and Youth and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
Special Education Services
Oklahoma Department of Education
2500 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 411
Oklahoma City,
OK
73105
405-521-3248 Voice
405-522-2066 Fax
IDEA Panel - States are required to establish and maintain an advisory panel for the purpose of providing policy guidance with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in the state. The panel is required to consist of members appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
A majority of the members of the panel shall be individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26). Duties of the panel include: advising of unmet needs in the education of children with disabilities; commenting publicly on any rules or regulations proposed regarding the education of children with disabilities; advising in developing evaluations and reporting on 618 data; advising in developing corrective action plans to address identified findings in Federal monitoring reports; and advising in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities. Direct Link: http://se.sde.state.ok.us/ses/idea-b_advisory_panel/.
The Limbs for Life Foundation
218 E. Main St.
Oklahoma City,
OK
73104
888-235-5462 Toll Free
405-605-5462 Voice
405-843-5123 Fax
admin@limbsforlife.org
www.limbsforlife.org
Services for amputees in financial need include provision and repair of prosthetic and orthotic devices, including artificial limbs.
Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access (TSHA)
8740 E. 11th St., Ste. A
Tulsa,
OK
74112-7957
888-311-3523 Toll Free
918-832-8742 Voice
918-834-4329 Fax
administrator@tsha.cc
www.tsha.cc
Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program provides reconditioned hearing aids on a long-term loan basis to needy persons age 65 and over. A nominal processing fee is charged but may be waived in some cases. Direct Link: www.tsha.cc/sharp.htm.
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington,
DC
20210
866-633-7365 Toll Free
877-889-5627 Toll Free TTY
202-693-7888 Fax
Under Section 504 and the ADA, state and local government programs must make their facilities and services accessible and usable by people with disabilities. Businesses and commercial facilities must also make their goods and services equally available to persons with disabilities. Acquiring adaptive devices, such as a TTY for use by deaf or hard of hearing customers, may help agencies and businesses comply with the law. Direct links: www.dol.gov/odep/categories/employer/employing/accommodations.htm and www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5087.
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