Utilizing PAAT Programs to get Funding for Assistive Technology

The PAAT program helps individuals with disabilities obtain funding for standing framesor other assistive technology. PAAT locations throughout the US offer support, resources and guidance through the funding process and appeals process if necessary.

The Mandate and Legal Authority
The PAAT program was created by 1994 amendments to the Technology-Related Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities Act.7. Historically, it was administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the United States Department of Education (DOE). Since early 2004, it has been administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration within the DOE. The PAAT program was established to allow P&As to assist individuals with disabilities who seek assistive technology (AT) devices and services.

Eligibility for PAAT Services
PAAT programs can serve any individual with a disability who seeks funding for an AT deviceor service. This program is not limited to serving individuals with any one type of disability; nor does it limit the types of AT devices or services that would be involved in the PAAT’s case work.

Examples of Advocacy Services Under PAAT
The PAAT program continues to be one of the most poorly funded of all the P&A programs. Currently, half of the state P&As (i.e., “minimal allotment” states with the smallest populations) receive only $50,000 per year to cover their entire state and most of the remaining states receive under $100,000 per year. With limited funding, most state P&As must carefully prioritize the work they do through their PAATs. In some states, it has meant that AT-related advocacy has become a priority of the PADD and PAIR programs so that more AT-related advocacy can occur. In other states, the PAATs have reacted to these funding limits by greatly limiting the new cases they work on and dedicating services to outreach and training. PAATs have successfully represented individuals in obtaining AT devices and services from numerous funding sources. These include Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance companies, special education programs, and state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Medicaid is by far the most common area of focus for PAATs, with increased attention given to Medicare in recent years. On October 25, 2004, President Bush signed the AT Act of 2004 which continues funding for the PAAT programs.

PAATs regularly advocate for a wide range of AT devices (often called durable medical equipment by programs like Medicaid and Medicare), including items such as custom and power wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, adaptive computer equipment and software, low vision aids, and access ramps and lifts for the home. Much of the successful advocacy, in the Medicaid and Medicare context, has occurred through representation at administrative hearings. Additionally, a number of successful court actions, filed by PAAT attorneys, have resulted in state Medicaid agencies being required to fund items such as augmentative communication devices.

A list of PAAT locations by state is available on the National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project‘s website or in our Funding Guide under PAAT and AT Project Directory.

Excerpt taken from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations Employment & Disability Institute report “State Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Programs: Policy & Brief #2” written by James R. Sheldon Jr., Attorney in Jan. 2005. Reprinted with permission.

Have you used PAAT Services to help get funding for a piece of equipment that you needed?  If so, tell us about your experience.