Obtaining Services
Our services are available throughout Minnesota for individuals of all ages no matter the type of disability. Services can be funded through the following programs. If none of these programs fit your particular situation, please contact us as we may have other options available.
Technology for HOME
Technology for HOME (T4H) is a state-funded service that provides assistive technology consultations for people who receive home care or home and community-based services who need assistive technology to live more independently. Technology for HOME offers a team approach that allows multiple professionals to assess and meet a person’s assistive technology needs concurrently. T4H is a direct assessment of AT needs for individuals referred to the program.
An eligible applicant is a person who uses or is eligible for home care services, home and community-based services, personal care assistance, or community first services and supports, and who meets one of the following conditions:
- lives own home and may benefit from assistive technology for safety, communication, community engagement, or independence.
- is currently seeking to live in the applicant’s own home and needs assistive technology to meet that goal.
- resides in a residential setting (e.g. customized living), and is seeking to reduce reliance on paid staff to live more independently in the setting (new as of 7/1/2023).
T4H is used when there is not a billable solution for assistive technology assessment, or when there are complex needs that can only be addressed in the grant. T4H also covers complex training of individuals, when there is not a billable solution model available; as well as training of others who may support the individual. The overall intent is to recommend the most useful and cost-effective AT for an individual, and also provide the necessary training and follow up to make sure the AT can be effectively utilized.
T4H is used when there are not other resources for Assistive Technology Services. T4H funding can be used when it is the only option for the AT assessment or training and will remain involved until other services can be established (clinic or waiver billable). If interpreter or translation services or captioning or transcription for examples of accessible formats and options are needed, T4H will work with lead agencies to coordinate these services, and when that is not an option help to refer the person to services where that is built in or billable in the waiver programs.
Working with AT
The Working with Assistive Technology (AT) program is a project being conducted by LiveLife Therapy Solutions (LLTS) and supported by the Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division. LLTS will deliver specialized AT assessment and training services for individuals with disabilities throughout the state who are seeking competitive employment. This project uses a team approach involving Occupational Therapists and Assistive Technology Specialists and others with extensive knowledge of AT who can support people with a wide range of needs. LLTS is collaborating with lead agencies and/or the Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services office to help participants identify employers who recognize their value and will accommodate their needs.
Services offered include:
- Specialized AT assessment
- Recommending AT equipment for work
- Set up and training of AT equipment
- Connection to community resources
The programs is available to any individuals who:
- Has a disability living in Minnesota and,
- Has a market-rate employment goal
Home and community-based service waivers.
Minnesota has entered into a number of waiver agreements with the federal government in order to provide Minnesotans with more choice in their services. There are some differences in the services available in each waiver and the amount of money a person can use to purchase supports.
Home and community-based waiver programs available to people who meet the eligibility criteria include:
- Alternative Care, a program that supports certain home and community-based services for older Minnesotans, age 65 years and over, who are at risk of nursing home placement and have low levels of income and assets.
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver for people with acquired or traumatic brain injuries who need the level of care provided in a nursing facility that provides specialized (cognitive and behavioral supports) services for people with brain injury or neurobehavioral hospital level of care.
- Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver for chronically ill and medically fragile people who need the level of care provided in a hospital.
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver for people with disabilities who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver for people with developmental disability or related condition who need the level of care provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD).
- Elderly Waiver (EW) for people over the age of 65 years who require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.
- Consumer directed community supports (CDCS) is available under the Alternative Care program and each of the waivers.
LiveLife Therapy Solutions is an enrolled MHCP (Minnesota Health Care Programs) provider. We have the ability to bill for services under all of the waivers listed above using several codes related to assistive technology.
AT for Wellness
Funding for this program has ended.
Connectivity for older adults and people with disabilities remains important. We are investigating additional funding opportunities. So please check back periodically.
Additional Options
LiveLife Therapy Solutions frequently provides assistive technology assessments and training through various other funding possibilities. These include the Minnesota Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Workers Compensation, the ALS Foundation, private pay, and others. Please feel free to contact us or submit a referral to investigate these possibilities.