Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT)
Purpose
To provide assistance and advocacy to persons with disabilities in the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology or assistive technology services, such as augmentative communication devices, closed captioned television, hydraulic lifts, scooters and mobility devices, TTYs, etc.
Eligibility
Any person with a disability who needs assistive technology devices or services to enhance their daily living and independence.
Priorities
- Individual Advocacy to Increase Access to Durable Medical Equipment by People with Disabilities. Advocacy methods will include informal advocacy, negotiation and mediation, and initiation of administrative and judicial hearings.
- Systems Advocacy to Increase State, Federal, and Private Funding for Access to Assistive Technology. Increase access to assistive technology for people with disabilities through changes in laws, regulations, policies and practices, in conjunction with consumers and consumer organizations through informal advocacy with Vermont policy makers and formal advocacy in all forums including legislative, judicial and administrative.
- Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals who are Eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (dual eligible). Individual and system advocacy to ensure that individuals who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (dual eligible) have access to assistive technology which is equal to that of individuals who are eligible only for Medicaid.
