Assistive Technology

Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) recently released a brief on telehealth, and its impact on dually eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As noted by RIC, people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as people with I/DD, are diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions at higher rates than the general population and often face barriers with access to healthcare. Telehealth services have been increasing in popularity and usage and has the potential to positively impact people with I/DD. Health plans can utilize the information in the document to further their understanding of how telehealth modalities can improve access to person centered care for people with I/DD.

CMS recently released a proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) decision that would, for the first time, expand coverage for power seat elevation equipment on certain power wheelchairs to Medicare individuals. The proposed NCD is open for public comment for 30 days and will end on March 17, 2023. If finalized, power seat elevation equipment would be covered by Medicare for individuals with a Group 3 power wheelchair, which are designed to meet the needs of people with Medicare with severe disabilities, to improve their health as they transfer from the wheelchair to other surfaces.

Technology Affinity Group

MN - Network and Education for Assistive Technology

Knox DD - Assistive Technology & Remote Supports

iLink Support Technologies delivers health and behavioral support, home security, in-home care, and emergency support to a customer’s home when it is needed.

COVID-19 is a long-lasting and complex disaster situation involving a public health emergency and an economic crisis, with particularly acute impacts for older adults, people with disabilities, and others with certain health conditions. States are responding with changes in policies and procedures to ensure individuals have access to public benefit programs (e.g. Medicare Savings Programs, LIS/Extra Help, SNAP, and LIHEAP). ADvancing States has a new brief highlighting where states are with benefit access and enrollment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results in the brief comes from the 2021 ADvancing States Membership Survey: COVID-19 Benefits Access and Enrollment, a follow-up to the 2020 survey.

A panel of State Units on Aging senior leadership discuss their use, and the impact of, Joy for All robotic Companion Pets. They share the intended use cases, distribution methods, volume of pets distributed (if appropriate), and specific stories of impact. Leaders also speak to their plans regarding the ongoing use of Companion Pets to combat social isolation and loneliness post-pandemic.

The Assisted Living Research Institute has created a resource page detailing comprehensive research and insights on medical alert systems. The webpage provides a practical, clear overview of assistive technology options for fall prevention. On the page, there are also sections dedicated to helping individuals learn more about medical alert systems and compare them.

NVISION Eye Centers have created a resource page designed to increase access to information on various methods, features, and tools that can be used to improve internet accessibility for the visually impaired. The webpage provides a practical, clear overview of assistive technology options including built-in computer tools, internet browser extensions, and phone apps. There is also a list of references provided on the webpage for independent research.