Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

AT Advocate
Table of Contents
Newsletter of the National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project
A Project of Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
Copyright 1996-2005, Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

To move to an Issue click on the Volume and Issue line

Volume XI: January 2007 - December 2007

Volume XI, Issue 3 (Fall 2007)

HCBS WAIVERS AS A FUNDING SOURCE FOR AT

A Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver May Fund a Range of
Assistive Technology Not Typically Available Through Medicaid.

The Concept of a CMS-Approved Waiver
Some Examples of Waivers that CMS Can Approve
How an HCBS Waiver Can Help Individuals With Disabilities
Services Possible Through an HCBS Waiver|
State-Specific Examples of HCBS Waivers
Alabama
Connecticut
Illinois
Iowa
Michigan
Montana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Washington State
SPECIAL FEATURES
Resources on HCBS Waivers
“Bridges to Better Advocacy” Conference
When to Suggest an HCBS Waiver to Your Client
Funding of AT Work Group and National AT List Serve -- An Opportunity to Network on AT Issues

Volume XI, Issue 2 (Spring 2007)

The Department of Veterans Affairs As a Funding Source for Assistive Technology

What is the VA?
Who Qualifies for VA Services?
AT as a Medical Service for Qualified Veterans
Definition of Needed “Care”
Specific Items of Available AT
I. Durable Medical Equipment and Prosthetic and Similar Appliances, In General
II. Specific Devices
III. Training in the Use of Appliances
IV. Acquisition of Housing with Special Features or Adaptations to Current Residence
\V. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
VI. Clothing Allowance
VII. AT and Vocational Rehabilitation
The Right to Appeal a VA Decision
Re-Opening Claims and Requests for Revision
SPECIAL FEATURES
 Bridges to Better Advocacy Handouts Available
Veterans’ Benefits Guidebooks and Other References for the VA Advocate
Veterans’ Service Organizations
VA Civilian, Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA)
TRICARE: AT-Related Benefits for Some Active Duty Personnel, Retirees, and Family Members

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Volume XI, Issue 1  (Winter 2006-2007)

MEDICAID, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, AND THE COURTS
An Updated Summary of AT-Related Federal and State Court Decisions

Funding of AT: Some Key Concepts
Interpretive Guidance Used by the Courts
Key AT-Related Case LawThe Exclusive List Cases
Denial of Funding on the Basis of Age
EPSDT and Children Under Age 21
Specific Categories of AT or DME Augmentative Communication Devices (ACDs)
SPECIAL FEATURES
Medicaid Resources on National AT Advocacy Project’s Website
Key Websites to Support Your Medicaid Advocacy
Bridges to Better Advocacy Handouts Available
Our National AT Resource Libraries
“Funding of AT Work Group” and “National AT List Serve” -- An Opportunity to Network on AT Issues

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Volume X: January 2006 - December 2006

Volume X, Issue 3  (Late Fall 2006)

Medicaid, Medicare and Work
Using the Medicaid and Medicare Work Incentives to Retain a Funding Source for Assistive Technology and Other Key Services

Medicaid: SSI and the Section 1619(b) Program
What is Medicaid
SSI Recipients are Automatically Eligible for Medicaid in Most States
Section 1619(b): Continued Medicaid for Beneficiaries Who Lose SSI Through Earnings
Medicaid: The Medically Needy Program and the Medicaid Buy-In Program
       The “Medically Needy” or “Spend Down” Program
The Optional Medicaid Buy-In
The Extended Medicare Provision
What is Medicare?
The Connection Between SSDI and Medicar
Medicare Will Continue During SSDI’s Nine-Month Trial Work Period
Extended Medicare: Continued Coverage for at Least 93 Months After the Trial Work Period
SPECIAL FEATURES
Bridges to Better Advocacy” Conference
Medicaid Waivers Can Support Work Activity
Outreach to Promote the Medicaid and Medicare Work Incentives: An Area for Collaboration Between PAAT and PABSS Programs
Using the SSI Work Incentives Can Ensure SSI and Medicaid Eligibility
The Relationship Between Medicaid and Medicare Part D Benefits
AT Court Watch

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Volume X, Special Issue  (Early Fall 2006)

COMPLETING YOUR ANNUAL PAAT PROGRAM REPORT
Using the Web-Based Reporting System. Tips for Reporting After One Year’s Experience Using the Report Form and Web System

Background: The AT Act and Establishment of PAAT Programs
The PPR Form and Its Developement
Going Through the PPR Form, Part by Part
Part I: Non-Case Services
Part II: Case ServicesPart III: Statistical Information for Individuals Served
Part IV: Systemic Activities and Litigation
Part V: Priorities
Part VI: Agency Administration
SPECIAL FEATURES
Highlights from the First Year of PAAT
Reporting: National PAAT Report to be Published by the Rehabilitation Services Administration
Our National At Advocacy Project is Available to Individuals Completing the PAAT Annual Report

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Volume X, Issue 2 (Spring-Summer 2006)

SSI'S PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT
Using the PASS to Purchase Items and Services, Including Assistive Technology, to Reach a Work Goal

What is SSI?
What is a PASS? How Does it Work?
Criteria for PASS Approval
What Items Can Be Funded with a PASS?
Time Limits for the PASS
An Approved PASS Can Be Amended
Using the PASS to Gain Access to 1619(b) Medicaid
SPECIAL FEATURES
Laws, Regulations an Policies Governing the PASS
Other Resources to Support Your Work on PASSes
SSA’s PASS Cadres
The PASS and Children Under 18
Is Work on PASS Proposals an Appropriate Use of PAAT Resources?
An Alternative Financing Program in Your State May be Available to Obtain a Low Interest Loan to Pay for AT
The PASS and Medicaid, The PASS Can be Used to Reduce the Medicaid Spend Down Amount
AT Court Watch

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Volume X, Issue 1 (Winter 2006)

PREPARING LETTERS OF MEDICAL JUSTIFICATION
Key Components That Will Support the Need for Durable Medical
Equipment Through Medicaid and Other Third Party Insurers

Who Will Review the Letter or Report?
Establishing the Professional Appearance of the Report
Getting Started: Five Key Principles for Writing Letters of Medical Justification
Consider the Funding Source and the Criteria It Will Follow
Using Medicaid Coverage Categories Other Than DME to Fund Specialized Equipment
Drafting the Report
What If My Client Only Has Private Insurance?
What Definitions of DME & Medical Necessity Do I Use Then?
How Does Medicare’s Definition of DME Differ Compared to Medicaid?
AT Court Watch
Bridges to Better Advocacy Handouts

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Volume IX: January 2005 - December 2005

Volume IX, Issue 3 (Summer/Fall 2005)

NON-TRADITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES AND
FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Creative Ways to Access Traditional AT Funding Sources, as Well as
Some Little-Known AT Funding Sources and Funding Strategies
Ensuring Eligibility for the Traditional, Big-Five Funding Sources
Alternative & Little Known Programs for Funding AT
Funding Strategies That Do Not Involve a Program That Funds AT in a Conventional Sense
SPECIAL FEATURES
National AT Advocacy Project Continues Under New Partnership with RESNA
AT Advocate Newlsetter to be Published at Least Three Times Per Year
The 10th Annual “Bridges to Better Advocacy” Conference: April 5--7, 2006
AT Court Watch
Help Us to Enhance Our Hearing Decisions Resource Library

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Volume IX, Issue 2 (Spring 2005)

MEDICAID AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - A Fresh Look at Medicaid as an AT Funding Source.

Medicaid: The Basics
Eligibility for Medicaid
What AT Devices Can Be Funded Under Medicaid?
DME Available to Adults Under Medicaid
AT/DME Available to Children Under EPSDT Program
The CMS Policy Barring “Exclusive Lists” of DME
Application of the CMS Letter By the Courts
Medical Necessity
Medical Necessity for Children Under EPSDT
A Good Letter of Justification Should Support Medical Necessity
Interpretive Guidance in Law and Regulation
Due Process Protections in DME Cases
Medicaid and the Courts: Pursuing Your AT/DME Case Through Litigation
SPECIAL FEATURES
Some Former SSI Recipients Retain Eligibility for Automatic Medicaid; Medicaid Resources Available in The National AT Resource Library;
“Funding of AT Work Group” and “National AT List Serve”--An Opportunity to Network on AT Issues; Can Fair Hearing Decisions Be Used as Binding Precedent? Resources to Support Your Medicaid Advocacy: Selected Publications and Websites.

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Volume IX, Issue 1 (Winter 2004 - 2005)

Assistive Technology can Make Voting a Reality - Enforcing Voting Rights Laws to Obtain Assistive Technology
Several P&A Grants Can Be Used to Enforce Voting Rights

Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act
National Voter Registration Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504
Resources For Enforcing Voting Rights
Help America Vote Act Of 2002
Enforcement Rights Under State Law
Resources for Enforcing Voting Rights
The 9th Annual “Bridges to Better Advocacy” Conference: April 20-22, 2005
Additional Legal Cases
AT Court Watch

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Volume VIII: January 2003 - December 2003

Volume VIII, Issue 2 (Summer - Fall 2003)

IDEA PART C - Early Intervention Services to Infants and Toddlers Under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

What Is The Early Intervention Program?
Limitations On Fees Or Costs
The Process Begins With A Referral
The Service Coordinator
Specific Services Available Are Very Broad
Assistive Technology Is Covered
A Comprehensive, Multidisplinary Evaluation Is Required
Developing The Ifsp
The Transition To Special Education Services
The Right To Appeal
The Impartial Hearing
System Complaints
Special Features
Assistive Technology Included In Ifsp’s
Administrative Hearings
Register Now For The “Bridges To Better Advocacy” Conference
NIDRR To Require Paats To Use Web-based Annual Reporting System

Volume VIII, Issue 1 (Winter 2002 - Spring 2003)

MEDICAID, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, AND THE COURTS An Updated Summary of AT-Related Federal and State Court Decisions

Funding of AT: Some key concepts
Interpretive Guidance used by the Courts
Key AT-Related Case Law
- The Exclusive List Cases
- Denial of Funding on the Basis of Age
- Specific Categories of AT or DME
Medicaid Resources on National AT Advocacy Project';s Website
Key Websites to Support Your Medicaid Advocacy

Volume VII: January 2002 - December 2002

Volume VII, Issue 3 (Fall 2002)

Private Insurance contracts and exclusions for preexisting conditions
Protections Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

THE USE OF PREEXISTING CONDITION CLAUSES
HIPAA: GOVERNING LAW AND REGULATIONS269
PREEXISTING CONDITION EXCLUSIONS, WAITING PERIODS, AFFILIATION PERIODS
The Basic Rules
Application to Individual Who Works and is Covered by a Group Health Plan
HIPAA’S “SIX-MONTH LOOK-BACK RULE”
The Basic Rule, With Examples From HIPAA Regulations
Application to Individual Who Works and Is Covered by a Group Health Plan
Maximum Period of Exclusion: The “12-Month Look-Forward Rule”; Reducing Period Through “Creditable  Coverage”
The Basic Rule, With Examples From HIPAA Regulations
Application to the Individual Who Works and Is Covered by a Group Health Plan
PREEXISTING CONDITION EXCLUSIONS BARRED FOR NEWBORNS, ADOPTED CHILDREN AND PREGNANCY
THE “CERTIFICATE OF CREDITABLE COVERAGE”
Features
Hipaa Online
NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES TO CONTINUE AS NATIONAL AT ADVOCACY PROJECT
AT Court Watch

Volume VII, Issue 2 (Summer 2002)

SSI'S PLAN FOR ACHEIVING SELF SUPPORT

WHAT IS SSI?
WHAT IS A PASS? HOW DOES IT WORK?
CRITERIA FOR PASS APPROVAL
WHAT ITEMS CAN BE FUNDED WITH A PASS?
TIME LIMITS FOR THE PASS
AN APPROVED PASS CAN BE AMENDED
USING THE PASS TO GAIN ACCESS TO 1619(b) MEDICAID
LAWS, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES GOVERNING THE PASS
SSA'S PASS CADRES
Conference handouts available on National AT Project's Website
THE PASS AND CHILDREN UNDER 18
AT Court Watch
New York Court Orders Medicaid to Pay for a Standing Power Wheelchair
California Appellate Court Approves Medicaid Funding for Stairway Chairlifts
Two Federal Court Lawsuits Challenge Restrictive Louisiana Medicaid Policy for Funding Power Wheelchairs

Volume VII, Issue 1 (Spring 2002)

Special Education Revisited: An Assistive Technology Funding Source for Students with Disabilities

SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW: THE BASICS
AT IN THE SCHOOLS - WHAT IS IT?
HOW TO OBTAIN AT FROM THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
APPEALS
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT
OBTAINING AT UNDER SECTION 504
Special Features:
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES ON THE WEB
A VICTORY FOR BENEFICIARIES OF HMO PLANS
WESTSIDE MOTHER’S IS REVERSED

Volume VI: January 2001 - December 2001

Volume VI, Issue 5 (Winter 2001)

THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND ITS PROTECTIONS

WHAT TYPES OF DWELLINGS ARE COVERED?
WHO IS PROTECTED UNDER THE FAIR HOUSING ACT?
The Reasonable Modification Requirement
THE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENT
ENFORCING THE FAIR HOUSING ACT
Filing Complaint with HUD
Filing Action in Federal or State Court
Fair housing resources on the web
AT COURT WATCH
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
Volume VI Issue 4 (Fall 2001)

STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Eligibility for VR Services
The Individualized Plan for Employment
Available Services
Financial Need Criteria
Maximization of Employment
Comparable Services Requirement
Hearing and Appeal Rights

Volume VI Issue 3 (Summer 2001)

THE COURTS ADDRESS GOLF CARTS, ATTORNEY'S FEES AND MEDICAID CAUSES OF ACTION: The Casey Martin, Buckhannon and Westside Mother's Decisions

Supreme Court decides Casey Martin
Casey Martin is an Individual with a Disability
The PGA’s Tournaments are Covered by Title III of the ADA
The Accommodaation Sought Was “Reasonable” and Not a “Fundamental Alteration”
Buckhannon: The Supreme Court’s Attorney’s Fees decision
Life After Buckhannon
Westside mothers: Medicaid Claims and 42 U.S.C. § 1983
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT Advocate now published four times per year
NY Case Challenges Medicaid’s Reimbursement Rates
The Supreme Court’s Decision in Rowley Revisited
Volume VI Issue 2 (April/May 2001)

NEW CRITERIA WILL ALLOW FOR MEDICARE FUNDING OF AAC DEVICES, WITHOUT THE NEED TO APPEAL

THE HISTORICAL BARRIER TO AAC DEVICE COVERAGE: NCD60-9
Policy changes issued by hcFa and the dmercs
Medicare drops the computer-based device exclusion
Medicare Work Group: A National Forum to Discuss at Funding Issues
The Rerc website: A wealth of information on Medicare Funding of AAC devices
2001 medicare premiums and deductibles
Text of ncd 60-23 available on hcfa’s website

 Volume VI Issue 1 (January/March 2001)

ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY OFFERED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
ENTITIES COVERED BY SECTION 508
EXEMPTIONS FROM SECTION 508
DEFINITIONS
METHODS OF COMPLIANCE
    Specific "Technical Standards"
    Web-Based Information and Applications
    Telecommunications Products
    Video and Multimedia Products
    Functional Performance Criteria
    Equivalent Facilitation
    Information, Documentation and Support
ENFORCEMENT OF SECTION 508
    Self-Assessment
    Administrative Complaint
    Court Action
Do We Face an Enforcement Dilemma?
SECTION 508 RESOURCES ON THE WEB
USING SECTION 508 TO ENFORCE THE RIGHT TO E&IT THROUGH OTHER FEDERAL LAWS
THE NATIONAL AT ADVOCACY PROJECT'S LIST SERVE

Volume V: February2000 - December/January 2001

Volume V Issue 5 (November/December 2000)

STATE CHILD HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES
HEALTH CARE TO UNINSURED LOW-INCOME CHILDREN

Program overview—the basics
Eligibility criteria
Available services
Cost sharing
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Bridges to better advocacy conference
Final section 508 regulations published
Proposed regulations-new “ticket to work”
Staff changes at National AT advocacy project
New criteria for medicare funding of aac devices - without the need to appeal
Will Medicare hearings soon be available by video teleconference?
Volume V Issue 4 (Sep./Oct. 2000)

SPECIAL MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY PROVISIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

medicaid: the basics
using ssi as the conduit to medicaid eligibility
four provisions allow former ssi recipients to retain medicaid
obtaining medicaid through the “medically needy” or “spend down” program
home and community-based waivers
the medicaid buy-in program
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“bridges to better advocacy” conference
at court watch
administrative hearings

 Volume V Issue 3 (June/August 2000)

OBTAINING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FROM THE SCHOOLS: Limiting the Impact of the Rowley Decision Under Recent IDEA Changes and through a Fresh Look at Section 504

analysis under idea
analysis under section 504
analysis of rowley in light of this section 504
   standard
SPECIAL FEATURES:
proposed social security and ssi regulations will
      improve work incentives
russman briefs available

Volume V Issue 2 (April/May 2000)

MEDICARE WITHDRAWS AAC DEVICE NON-COVERAGE DECISION

background: national coverage decision 60-9
what the announcement states
elimination of the non-coverage decision was long overdue
the steps still to be completed
what does it all mean?
SPECIAL FEATURES:
table 1: organizations participating in the formal request
useful websites for medicare advocates
2000 medicare premiums and deductibles
finding your way around our website
Table 2: text of medicare decision to withdraw aac device non-coverage decision
medicare resources available through the national at advocacy project

 Volume V Issue 1 (February/March 2000)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ISSUES PROPOSED VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION REGULATIONS

state one-stop system
basic eligibility criteria
ssdi and ssi recipients
presumption of employability
order of selection
the individualized plan for employment
comparable services requirement
at for Special Education Students in transition
financial need criteria
appeal and hearing rights
decisions of interest

Volume IV: December 1999 - December/January 2000

Volume IV Issue 6 (December 1999/January 2000)

EMPLOYMENT AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: ACTIONS BY THE SUPREME COURT AND CONGRESS DURING 1999

Employment and the ada: four cases from supreme court’s 1999 term
A restrictive definition of disability under the ada
Application for or receipt of ssdi benefits does not bar claim under ada
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Ticket to work and work incentives improvement act of 1999
Ticket to work and self sufficiency provisions
Publications available on social security and ssi work incentives
Bridges to better advocacy conference

 Volume IV Issue 5 (October/November 1999)

NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES AWARDED THREE-YEAR CONTRACT; WILL CONTINUE AS NATIONAL AT ADVOCACY PROJECT

a new grant, new partnerships, and new mandates
core services of project will continue
1. advocacy-related technical assistance
2. resource library materials
3. materials preparation and dissemination
4. training
5. a project website [www.nls.org]
6. conduit for communication within p&a network
new initiatives
management-related technical assistance and training
an at advocacy list serve
two distance learning initiatives
SPECIAL FEATURES:
our project’s advisory board
do you have email?
the national at advocacy project staff members
publications available or soon to be available
bridges to better advocacy conference
Volume IV Issue 4 (June/July 1999)

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME AND THE FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY

Using Creative Alimony, Child Support and Property Settlements to Maximize
SSI, Medicaid and Create Funding for Assistive Technology

ssi: a source of cash benefits; a way to qualify for medicaid
application of ssi rules to money received as alimony, child support, or property settlement
ssi income rules
ssi resource rules
family law issues ...
the federal family support act of 1988
alimony and property settlements
options for settlement for child with disability
options for settlement for adult with disability
conclusion: creative resolutions must be realistic

 Volume IV Issue 3 (April/May 1999)

THE FEDERAL SPECIAL EDUCATION REGULATIONS OF 1999

provision of a free appropriate public education
when does the right to special education services end
definition of disability
scope of special education services
the right to summer school services
a family’s use of private insurance
the choice of educational methodology
comprehensive system of personnel development
assistive technology
least restrictive environment
individualized education program development
private school placements
the right to continued services when an appeal is filed
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Special Education & AT Publication
AT in the Courts
Administrative Hearings
Volume IV Issue 2 (February/March 1999)

THE SSDI AND SSI WORK INCENTIVES: FUNDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE WORK A REALITY

ssdi and ssi; medicare and medicaid: the basics
ssdi and medicare work incentives
the $500 substantial gainful activity rule
reducing wages below $500 through irwes
extended medicare coverage when a person loses ssdi
ssi and medicaid work incentives
ssi applicants: the limited application of the $500 rule
ssi applicants and recipients: the use of irwes when calculating amount of ssi check
blind work expenses
1619(b) medicaid
ssi’s plan for achieving self support
SPECIAL FEATURES:
work incentives improvement act of 1999 introduced in senate
sga amount increased to $700
reference materials on ssdi/ssi work incentives
special education regs out soon
bridges to better advocacy handouts

 Volume IV Issue 1 (December 1998/January 1999)

SERVICES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE NATIONAL AT ADVOCACY PROJECT: AN UPDATE

Technical assistance to callers nationwide
Preparation and dissemination of materials
Training
Clearinghouse for information and resource materials
Communication and collaboration within the paat network
How you can help us
SPECIAL FEATURES
At court watch
The new ssi rates for 1999
Medicare rate update

Volume III: December 1997 - October/November 1998

Volume III Issue 6 (October/November 1998)

REHABILITATION ACT REAUTHORIZED:
GREATER ROLE FOR CONSUMERS IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS

Basic Eligibility Criteria
The Individualized Plan for Employment
Rehab ‘98 Revolutionizes Informed Choice
Individualized Plan for Employment
Available Services
Comparable Services Requirement
Purchase of AT for Special Education Students in Transition: Who Pays?
AT for the College Student: Who Pays?
Appeal and Hearing Rights
Mediation [§ 102(c)(4)]
Impartial Hearing [§ 102(c)(5)]
Administrative Review [§ 102(c)(5)(D)-(F)]
Court Appeals [§ 102(c)(5)(J)]
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Amendments to §508 of The Rehabiltation Act
"Let’s Go For A Ride"

 Volume III Issue 5 (August/September 1998)

EXPANDING PAAT RESOURCES: A PRO BONO REFERRAL PROJECT
MAY BE THE ANSWER

Introduction
What Is A Pro Bono Project
Identify Your Local and Regional Partners
Legal Services Programs and the Private
Attorney Involvement Mandate
Your State and Local Bar Associations
Big Law Firms
AT Cases Are A Natural For Pro Bono Projects
Project Implementation
Importance of a Good Coordinator
Recruiting Volunteer Attorneys
Pre-Referral Evaluation of Cases
The Referral
Technical Assistance to Attorneys
Extent of Volunteer’s Commitment
Reporting of Outcomes
NY’s Experience with the Hodgson, Russ Firm
NY’s Project: Recent Statistics
Your PAAT and Pro Bono: Can We Help?
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT Court Watch
Other P&A Pro Bono Models
Volume III Issue 4 (June/July 1998)

REPORT WRITING: JUSTIFYING THE NEED FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Establishing Integrity of the Report
Getting Started: 5 Key Principles
Consider the Funding Source and the Criteria it will Follow
Drafting the Report
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT Court Watch: Second Circuit Denies Application for Rehearing in Desario Case
Admiinistrative Hearings: Sometimes A Letter of Justification Becomes The Basis For The Decision

 Volume III Issue 3 (April/May 1998)

PRIVATE INSURANCE & AT PART II

Is the Device Covered by the Policy?
Is the Device Medically Necessary?
What if the Policy’s Language is Unclear
Appeal RightsAT Court Watch
The Impact of ERISA
Americans with Disabilities Act
SPECIAL FEATURES:
FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Regarding   § 255 of Telecommunications Act
Bridges to Better Advocacy
AT Court Watch
AT Related Training in the Northwest
Administrative Hearings
Volume III Issue 2 (February/March 1998)

PRIVATE INSURANCE & AT PART I
Will the Insurance Policy Pay for AT?
Make Sure You Obtain the Actual Policy
Who is Covered by the Policy?
Preexisting Condition Clauses & Portability
& Accountability Act of 1996
COBRA
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT Court Watch I (DeSario)
AT Court Watch II (Glick)		 Volume III Issue 1 (December 1997/January 1998)

THE INTERNET AS A RESOURCE TOOL

Your Client's Problems
First Internet Solution
Legal Research LinksI
Second Internet Solution
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT Court Watch I
New SSI Rates for 1998
Administrative Hearings
AT Court Watch I
AT Conference - March 1998

 

Volume II: December 1996 - October/November 1997

Volume II Issue 6 (October/November 1997)

INTERNET AS A RESOURCE TOOL

What is the Internet? a Web Page?
Four Ways of Reaching Web Pages
Typing a Known Web Address
Searching by Key Words or Phrases
Using Bookmarks
Using Links
Important Web Sites
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT Court Watch
Florida PAAT Challenges Medicaid
Administrative Hearings
Pro Bono Attorneys
Attorneys' Fees for Education Cases
AT Conference - March 1997

 Volume II Issue 5 (August/September 1997)

IDEA

Definition of Appropriate IEP Development
Least Restrictive Environment
Assistive Technology
Policy Letters
Private School Placements
Mediation
Attorney's Fees
Student Discipline
SPECIAL FEATURES
Vocational Rehabilitation Update
AT Court Watch
Volume II Issue 4 (June/July 1997)

MEDICARE: A NEW PRIORITY FOR AT ADVOCATES?

What is Medicare?
Premiums, Deductibles & Co-Payments
Medicare & Managed Care
Medicare Eligibility
Who is Eligible?
Medicare had no Income or Resource Rules
What Happens when an SSI Recipient Works?
Resources Available on Medicare Funding of AT
What is covered? What is excluded?
Statutory Exclusions
Medicare's Medical Necessity Test
National Coverage Decisions
Coverage of AT under Medicare
Suggested Sequence for Analyzing AT Case
Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers
Processing Medicare Claims for AT
Medicare Funding of Augmentative Communication Devices (ACDs)
Legal Basis for Funding
Three ALJ Decsision have Approved Funding
Why only 3 Decisions? Barriers to Funding
National Work Group to Address Medicare
Funding of ACD's
Medicare Appeals
National AT Advocacy Project Staffing Change
AT Court Watch

Volume II Issue 3 (April/May 1997)

FUNDING OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY THROUGH MEDICAID

Medicaid: The Basics
Eligibility for Medicaid
What AT Devices can be Funded under Medicaid?
AT Available to Adults under Medicaid
Suggested Sequence for Analysis of AT Case
AT Available to Children under EPSDT Prog.
Medical Necessity
Interpretive Guidance in Law and Regulation
Application of Medicaid Law to Specific Requests for Assistive Technology
Litigation regarding ACD
Special Features:
Web Page Update
AT _ On Point
Request for Information
Retaining Eligibility for Automatic Medical Assistance
Final VR Regs in the Federal Register
National AT Conference in Austin
AT Related Session at NAPAS Conference
Medicaid Resources in the National AT Resource Library

Volume II Issue 2 (February/March 1997)

USING SSI AND ITS INCOME AND RESOURCE RULES TO LEVERAGE MONEY FOR AT

What is SSI
SSI Recipients are Automatically Eligible for Medicaid in Most States
Parent to Child Deeming Break-Even Points
Retaining SSI Eligibility
  Parental Income & Children under 18
  The Generous Relative
  The Community Fundraiser
Using SSI's Income & Resource Rules to Leverage Money for AT
  Child Support for Children
  Matrimonial Settlements for Adults
  Impairment Related Work Expenses
  Blind Work Expenses
Special Features:
New Web Site for National AT Advocacy Project
AT Court Watch I
AT Court Watch II
Final Vocational Rehabilitation Regs in the Federal Register

 Volume II Issue 1 (December 1996/January 1997)

Early Intervention Services under Part H of IDEA

AT Court Watch I
AT Court Watch II
Administrative Hearings
Visit our Internet Home Page
Conference - Bridges to Better Advocacy

Volume I: July 1996 - November 1996

Volume I, Issue 5 (November 1996)

Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: Using AT to Maximize Employability

INTRODUCTION
STATE VR AGENCIES-WHAT ARE THEY?
BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
THE INDIVIDUAL WRITTEN REHAB PROGRAM
AVAILABLE SERVICES
MAXIMIZATION OF EMPLOYABILITY
COMPARABLE SERVICES REQUIREMENT
STUDENTS IN TRANSITION - WHO PAYS?
COLLEGE STUDENTS - WHO PAYS?
CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SPECIAL FEATURES:
APPEAL & HEARING RIGHTS
CONCERNS FROM THE FIELD
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
AT COURT WATCH I
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
WORK GROUP FOR MEDICAID & AUG COMM
AT COURT WATCH II
AT CONFERENCE FOR P&A ADVOCATES

Volume I, Issue 4 (October 1996)

Assistive Technology Endless Possibilities

AT: It's not Just Wheelchairs:
Expand Your Definition of AT
Case Histories
Where are the AT Issues Hiding?
      Some may be Right in Front of You
Where do Potential Issues Hide?
SPECIAL FEATURES:
New Litigation
AT Advocacy Project goes High Tech
Concerns from the Field
Administrative Hearings
Medicaid & AT: What Should be in a Good Doctor's Letter?
Volume I, Issue 3 (September 1996)

SSI's PASS: An Overlooked Funding Source for Assistive Technology

SSI'S PASS: AN OVERLOOKED FUNDING SOURCE:
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS A PASS? HOW DOES IT WORK?
CRITERIA FOR PASS APPROVAL
WHAT ITEMS CAN BE FUNDED WITH A PASS?
TIME LIMITS FOR THE PASS
AN APPROVED PASS CAN BE AMENDED
SPECIAL FEATURES:
AT COURT WATCH
LAW REGULATION & POLICY GOVERNING PASS
CHANGES IN AT ADVOCACY PROJECT STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN APRIL 1996 POMS
SECTION 1619(B) MEDICAID

 Volume I, Issue 2 (August 1996)

Obtaining Assistive Technology through the Public Schools

Obtaining AT through Public Schools:
Special Education Law: The Basics
AT in the Schools C What is it?
How to Obtain AT from the Special Education System
Appeals
Dept. of Educ. Policy Letter on AT
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Obtaining AT Under Section 504
Special Features:
AT Court Watch
Advisory Board
Acknowledgments
Administrative Hearings

Volume I, Issue 1 (July 1996)

Neighborhood Legal Services Awarded Contract to Provide Technical Assistance to Protection and Advocacy Network

Welcome to Our Readers 
NLS Awarded National AT Advocacy Grant
What is Assistive Technology?
What is the P & A Network?
The AT Advocacy project will Enhance
The Work of P & A Advocates
Purpose of Future Newsletters
How You Can Help Us

  

 

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