1 AT & Public Funding Employment Department of Rehabilitation Services or equipment needed to achieve your employment goals. Social Security Work incentive programs that allow you to work and limit the impact your earnings will have on your benefits.

2 Vocational Rehabilitation Eligibility: The federal Rehabilitation Act provides for vocational and independent living services to people with disabilities if: –You have a physical or mental disability which is a substantial impediment to employment; and –You require services to prepare, secure, retain or regain employment. In California, the agency responsible for providing vocational services is the Department of Rehabilitation. The Department also administers the Assistive Technology and Transportation Loan Guarantee Program.

3 Vocational Rehabilitation Individualized Plan for Employment: Equipment and services must be described in a written document, called an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). If you need technology, your IPE must include the following: –The specific rehabilitation technology services you need; –How the technology will be provided to you in the most integrated setting; and –Who will provide the technology and any services related to its acquisition and use.

4 AT & Public Funding Multiple Services Regional Centers Assessment, services and case management for people with developmental disabilities Veterans Administration A range of services for veterans who leave active military service. Public Programs Accommodation for access or benefit from public services, activities or programs.

5 Regional Centers Eligibility: Regional Centers must serve people with developmental disabilities; Women at high-risk of giving birth to a child with a developmental disability, and; Infants at high-risk of becoming developmentally disabled.

6 Regional Centers Eligibility: Developmental disabilities include: –Mental retardation; cerebral palsy; epilepsy; autism; and other disabling conditions. –Other disabling conditions are related to mental retardation or require treatment similar to treatment required for people with mental retardation. –The condition must begin before the person is 18 years old, be likely to continue indefinitely, and constitute a substantial disability.

7 Regional Centers Coverage: There are 21 Regional Centers throughout California. Each serves a specified geographical area. The Lanterman Act calls assistive technology adaptive equipment and supplies, and transportation services. Assistive technology is part of the services and supports offered by Regional Centers that can help in social, personal, physical, or economic habilitation or rehabilitation.

8 Identifying AT Funding Sources $ PublicPrivateCommunity

9 AT & Community Funding Community Associations Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Blind & Low Vision, & Deaf & HOH, etc. Local Service Organizations Civic Clubs such as Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, fraternal, and labor unions. Foundations Grant support through foundations. Faith-based Organizations Religious organizations such as churches and synagogues.

10 Community Resources Associations: Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis Services for the Blind & Low-Vision Services for the Deaf & HOH and more...

11 Community Resources Local Service Organizations: Lions Clubs Rotary Kiwanis Fraternal organizations Labor unions and more...

12 Community Resources Foundations: California Community Foundations Orange County Community Foundation Partners In Care Foundation Change A Life Foundation and more…

13 Community Resources Faith-based Organizations: Churches Synagogues Mosques and more…

14 Community Resources Home Modification Programs: Downey and Whittier Rebuilding Together and more…

15 Community Resources Other community resources: Salvation Army Jewish Free Loan Association California State University at Northridge (CSUN) ATEC TASK and more…

16 Lets (try to) Remember… Identify the AT need Identify the funding source Review the funding criteria and appeal process Consider your options Dont be afraid to think outside the box.

17 Resources: PAI Protection And Advocacy, Inc. To ask for PAI services anywhere in California, call PAI's toll free number: (TTY) (Voice) You can also get help by contacting one of PAI's regional legal offices: Los Angeles Regional Office (TTY) (Voice) San Diego Regional Office (TTY) (Voice)

18 Resources: ILCs So. Calif. Rehabilitation Services (SCRS) Independent Living Center 7830 Quill Drive, Suite D Downey, California VOICE FAX TTY Dayle McIntosh Center Independent Living Center Garden Grove Garden Grove, CA VOICE FAX TDD

19 Resources: AT Centers Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC) Goodwill Industries of Orange County 200 N., Fairview Santa Ana, CA VOICE FAX TTY/TDD Team of Advocates for Special Kids TASK 100 W. Cerritos Avenue Anaheim, CA Toll-free VOICE FAX

20 Resources: Networks AT Network TOLL FREE TTY Alliance for Technology Access VOICE FAX TTY

The AT Network is dedicated to expanding the accessibility of tools, resources and technology that will help increase independence, improve personal productivity and enhance the quality of life for all Californians. © 2007 – AT Network - All rights reserved AT Network materials may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes provided their source is identified.