Technology and Funding

As we enter the time of year where schools are getting ready to release their proposed budgets it is perfect timing to learn about assistive technology funding. In my eyes, I think assistive technology should be a crucial part of any special education budget. Funding should be available to purchase technology as well as to hire people who can teach how to use the technology. After reading this weeks articles, I want to find a way that I can advocate for assistive technology and its funding. I was unaware of many of the resources that New York State offers and I am sure that other people are also unaware of this.

When looking at why claims are denied most of the reasons appear to be clerical or time errors.

• The request supplied incomplete or inaccurate information. 
• The equipment or service was deemed not medically necessary. 
• No diagnosis was indicated on prior authorization forms. 
• The claim exceeded filing time limit. 
• The equipment would not lead to an increase in self-care. 
• Another device would be less costly, with no justification for the higher cost. 
• There were typographical errors in the request.

It is important to make sure that if you are going for the funding to be sure you are turning in a complete document. It may be extremely time consuming but it is better to do it once and do it right. Even though the process may take a while the benefits that come from it can be outstanding. Also, it amazes me that is is very common for at least one denial. I can see why assistive technology isn't used that much. The process of obtaining funding for assistive technology is grueling.

In Building an Initial Information Base: Assisitve Technology Funding Resources for School Aged Students with Disabilities, had a lot of useful information on what resources can by used and reimbursed to students with disabilities. I was not aware that often time Medicaid is being used to fund assistive technology. I always thought the financial responsibility fell on the school district. It is important to remember that these devices will eventually need to be used outside of the classroom setting. In the classroom we are teaching students how to prepare themselves for life. Being able to get these technologies for students to use once they are out of school is extremely important as well.

Overall, I spent a great deal of time reading all of this weeks readings. However, I am sure that I will need to read these documents many more times in order to retain all of the information they hold. There was so much information this week that I didn't know.