Changing Technology,
Growing Needs
Assistive Technology Bill of 2007
addresses variety of statewide issues
by Carol Fury-Fistman
As a longtime enthusiast and
advocate for assistive technology programs and services, Anne Henry
of the Minnesota Disability Law Center remembers when duct tape,
Velcro and items from the hardware store were the main ingredients
necessary to adapt equipment. Sitting in Room 10 of the State Office
Building late one March evening, as the House Health and Human Service
Finance Division (HHS-FD) finalized the first round of appropriations,
Henry reflected on the progress made toward full inclusion, and
how assistive technology has changed the lives of people with disabilities. “Interest
in and support of assistive technology is strong at the State Capitol,” says
Henry. Indeed, ensuring that people in need have access to life-changing equipment
is the priority of the Assistive Technology Bill of 2007 (House File 0725 and
Senate File 0639) now making its way toward passage in the current session.
Over the past four years, efforts to encourage legislators, the
governor and other agencies in state government to include state
funding for assistive technology (AT) services have resulted in few
noticeable changes. But with the introduction this session of the
AT Bill of
“The Curry
family experienced a common problem, not knowing where
to go, what agency provides which service, and who is eligible
for what program.”
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2007, advocates have noticed
a shift toward support for AT and the use of state dollars to fund
programs. The bill directs the Minnesota State Council on Disability
to conduct a study of individual needs and service delivery, and
provide a report to the Chairs of the House and Senate HHS-FDs with
recommendations for a statewide comprehensive AT Plan. For the first
time in Minnesota history, agencies, nonprofit organizations, individuals,
families, health providers and other groups will all be invited to
the table with the goal of creating such a plan.
HF 0725 is sponsored by Representatives Madore, Thissen, Kahn, Erickson,
Abeler, Ward et. al; SF 0639 is sponsored by Senators Tommassoni,
Bakk, Lourey, Larson, Metzen, and Olseen.
Included in the bill is a provision to establish an AT Savings Account,
whereby individuals, families or guardians will be allowed to set
aside pretax earnings, disability income and other funds to purchase
AT devices and services without losing eligibility for public programs.
When complete, the study and its recommendations will create a roadmap
for the future of assistive technology in Minnesota.
The AT Bill of 2007
addresses the rapid advancement in technology, increased demand
for adaptive equipment and issues related to payment. It will provide
solutions, help to close gaps in the system and remove barriers
associated with access. HHS-FD Chairpersons Senator Linda Berglin
and Representative Thomas Huntley have included funding for AT
in their Omnibus Budget Bills. At the
“. . . now that baby boomers are beginning
to acquire age-related disabilities and seniors choose to remain
in their own homes, individuals with disabilities are not the
only ones in need of AT devices and services.”
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time of this article, the
$300,000 appropriation will support: a portion of the bill’s
funding request, the remaining local/state match necessary to fully
fund the federal Alternative Finance Project for the statewide
low-interest loan program operated by Assistive Technology of MN
(ATMn) and one-year funding for the member organizations of the
Minnesota Regions Assistive Technology Collaborative. The original
bill also requests $200,000 to conduct the needs study, create
the AT plan and establish a pretax savings account, none of which
is currently funded in the House and Senate finance bills.
Kim Curry’s experience highlights the importance of strong
support programs. She was recently able to secure a low-interest
loan to help with the transportation of her two sons with muscular
dystrophy, Jake and Jordan. Curry had this to say about the supports
and services currently available, “When my journey to find
a safe and accessible vehicle began, I was really discouraged ….
I thought it wouldn’t be a possibility for us because of my
credit and income level, but [ATMn] made that dream come true! ….
I am so relieved to know both of my children are in a safe vehicle
and not sliding around all over the place.”
The Curry family experienced a common problem, not knowing where
to go, what agency provides which service, and who is eligible for
what program. Locating the right source was one of their major problems.
Funding from this bill will help create a coordinated system, eliminate
fragmentation and provide funding to sustain itself. Turning to the
low-interest loan program as an option resulted in a positive outcome
for this family. How many other families are in the same difficult
situation and do not know where to go for help?
With the elimination
of federal funds to support AT services, Minnesota is faced with
a serious issue – no dedicated funding source
for AT providers. As the demand increases and the needs become more
complex, service providers have nowhere to turn for financial sustainability.
Without the full appropriation sought through this bill,
“But with
the introduction this session of the AT Bill of 2007, advocates
have noticed a shift toward support for AT and the use of
state dollars to fund programs.”
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services,
especially in Greater Minnesota, are at risk. And now that baby
boomers are beginning to acquire age-related disabilities and seniors
choose to remain in their own homes, individuals with disabilities
are not the only ones in need of AT devices and services. The home-care
industry is constantly changing as those in need of supportive housing
are no longer required to live in nursing home settings; people under
the age of 65 with disabilities have choices for alternative community-based
care. All are in need of some type of modification, adaptation
or device to live independently.
As the session continues, it is essential to convince legislators
to include full funding for HF 0725/SF 0639. The $1 million appropriation
originally sought will jump-start a process to create a statewide
plan to coordinate services, support the current statewide service
delivery system helping those in need.
Minnesotans with disabilities, our seniors and people living with
chronic medical conditions have the right to live, work, learn and
play in their community. Assistive technology devices and services
are critical to meeting those rights. With the necessary financial
support for providers and a roadmap for the future, access to life-changing
equipment will be available to all. Stay tuned as we continue to
seek full inclusion and funding for HF 0725/SF 0639, the Assistive
Technology Bill of 2007. ![]()
Carol Fury-Fistman is Executive Director of Assistive Technology
of Minnesota.
