Assistive Technology Program

What is the Assistive Technology Program?

The Assistive Technology Program was created in FY'99 to enable individuals with severe disabilities to access assistive technology devices and training. Assistive technology (AT) devices and services help an individual with a disability to have control over their environment and achieve self-determined goals. The ability to use AT to perform such tasks as check or letter writing, money management, shopping, controlling the home environment and communication are anticipated outcomes. Individuals served under this program are those with independent living goals. Those with vocational or work goals are provided services through the agency's vocational rehabilitation services.

MRC contracts with three organizations for the provision of AT assessments, purchase and set-up of equipment, training and follow-up. These providers; Easter Seals - MA, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County and CLASS, Inc. provide services on a regional basis and have on-site AT devices to be used for evaluation and training. MRC has an Interagency Service Agreement (ISA) with the University of MA-Dartmouth to fund AT services through Project SHARE. Project SHARE provides similar AT assessment and training to individuals in the Greater Fall River-New Bedford area.

Who is Eligible?

Any individual who:

• Has a severe physical or mental impairment whose ability to function independently in the family or community is substantially limited, and for whom
  
• The delivery of AT services and training will improve the ability to function, continue functioning or move towards functioning independently in family and community

Individuals with vocational goals shall be referred to the local MRC-VR office. Individuals with disabilities who are eligible to receive services from other EOHHS agencies should be referred to those agencies for AT services. There are no age restrictions although school age children with disabilities eligible for Chap. 766 services shall apply through the local LEA for school related AT equipment needs.

How to Apply

Individuals may apply for AT services and assessments by contacting their regional AT provider who will conduct an intake assessment. Because of funding limitations and the high demand for services, there may be a waiting list for services. Should this be the case, individuals are placed on the waiting list according to regional basis on a first come first served basis after determination of financial eligibility and assignment of priority category.

For More Information

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Phone: (617) 204-3851(voice) (617) 204-3815(TDD)
Fax: (617) 204-3877
Email: Ann.Shor@MRC.state.ma.us

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment and public services provided by government agencies. If consumers or employees of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission believe that they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability, they should contact the Commission's Civil Rights Manager,
Mary Connelly. EOHHS, Disabilities and Community Services Cluster
600 Washington Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA  02111
Telephone:617-348-5945 or Fax:617-348-5672 or HR TTY:617-348-5400
Mary.Connelly@MassMail.state.ma.us

Rev. 4/09