Funding for Home and Community 
For people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities (except the legally blind)
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Independent Living Centers (ILCs)
ILCs may pay for AT--including home modifications and vehicle modifications--for eligible applicants out of federal Title VII Part B funds. Unfortunately there can be a long waiting list to receive this financial assistance. Read more.
Independent Living Centers (federal Title VII Part B funding)*
*Portions of this section have been adapted from the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative fact sheet: "Independent Living" available from www.dati.org.
Title VII Part B is federal funding for independent living services. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) distributes these funds to Independent Living Centers (ILCs) across the state including Independent Living Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people (DHILS). The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) also receives a small share of Title VII Part B funding which provides flexible family supports for their legally blind consumers.
Title VII Part B is a modest funding source for assistive technology for persons with disabilities whose goals are to function more independently at home and in the community. Unfortunately there can be a long waiting list to receive this financial assistance.
Individuals who have private insurance or Medicaid should pursue those sources for "durable medical equipment" like wheelchairs, scooters and other medically necessary devices. If an IL Specialist suspects that an item is medically necessary (devices used for mobility, seating, positioning and/or speech prostheses are generally considered medically necessary), the case is referred to MassHealth. Individuals needing other non-vocational AT who cannot wait for service through an ILC often consider pursuing Independent Living Assistive Technology Services (IL AT), the Home Modification Loan Program or the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program.
Who is Eligible?
People with disabilities who are eligible to receive AT services through Title VII Part B funds are individuals who create an Independent Living Plan (ILP) with ILC staff. The ILP lays out their Independent Living goals and service needs and may include AT.
Eligibility for general Independent Living services is as follows:
One must
- Be a Massachusetts resident of any age
- Have a significant disability
- Meet a financial needs test (recipients of SSI benefits automatically meet this test)
- Seek to live independently or maintain independence
An applicant to the IL program should not have a job or vocational goal. If a person has an employment goal, even if they do not currently have a job, they should contact their local vocational rehabilitation office. This program is intended as a last resort only for people not eligible for services elsewhere; all other possible sources of funding should be looked at first and a record of the search should be kept before applying for this funding.
About Vocational Rehabilitation vs. Independent Living
Both Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and IL services are authorized under the same federal law, The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (the Act). However, the rationale for funding assistive technology (AT) under each of these programs is very different.
For IL, the Act does not require an employment goal. Instead the IL provisions focus on enabling individuals to function independently in the community. The Act promotes its IL philosophy by funding an independent living program within each state as well as establishing Independent Living Centers (ILCs) controlled by consumers within the community. This aspect of the Act seeks to maximize self-determination, independence, and to further individual and system advocacy.
How are Services Provided?
Upon entry into the IL program, applicants work with an ILC staff member to determine which services may be needed to help them live more independently. This process leads to the development of an Independent Living Plan (ILP). The ILP should document any needed AT or service, such as home or vehicle modifications, communication aids, adaptive driving equipment, and electronic aids for daily living.
A "Part B " eligibility application is then completed and signed by the individual seeking services. The ILC sends this application to MRC's IL Services coordinator who determines if the individual is eligible and then authorizes services. If approved and sufficient funds exist to purchase the item or service, the ILC will arrange for the service (often through a bidding process). ILC staff may help research AT options, make referrals for any needed evaluations, and obtain additional technical assistance from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission if necessary.
Beginning in 2007, people needing AT devices may be referred to a MassMATCH AT Regional Center.
Due to the demand for services there may be a waiting period before needed AT is provided.
What AT is Provided?
Devices commonly provided assist individuals to perform such tasks as check or letter writing, money management, shopping, controlling the home environment and communication improvement. ILCs have specific guidelines governing access to certain types of AT, such as vehicle and home modifications and hearing aids (see DHILS for more on hearing aids and this funding). Home modifications under $1,000 are eligible for this funding. Vehicle modifications under $12,500 are eligible, although ILCs will condition payment upon several factors, such as the age of the vehicle, mileage, and general condition. In general, ILCs will pay for the most "cost conscious" AT option. Again, most ILCs maintain waiting lists for these services.
Contact:
Boston Metro Region:
- Boston Center for Independent Living
60 Temple Place, 5th floor,
Boston, MA02111
(617) 338-6665
TTY (617) 338-6662
Fax: (617) 338-6661
Email: BostonCIL@hotmail.com
www.BostonCIL.org - Independent Living Project
Multicultural Independent Living Center
110 Claybourne Street
Dorchester, MA 02121
(617) 288-9431 voice
(617) 288-2707 TTY
Fax: (617) 265-2707
www.milcb.org
Metro West Region:
- Metro West Independent Living Center
280 Irving Street, #401
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 875-7853
Fax: (508) 875-8359
www.mwcil.org
Central and Western Region:
- Center for Living and Working
484 Main Street, Suite 345
Worcester, MA 01608-1874
Phone (508) 798-0350
Fax (508) 797-4015
Email: mritz@centerlw.org
www.centerlw.org - Stavros Center for Independent Living, Inc.
210 Old Farm Road
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 256-0473 voice/TTY
Fax: (413) 256-0190
Email: staff@stavros.org - Ad-Lib, Inc.
215 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 442-7047
TTY (413) 442-7158
Fax: (413) 443-4338
Email: adlib@vgernet.net
Northeast Region:
- Northeast Independent Living Program
20 Ballard Road
Lawrence, MA 01843
(978) 687-4288 voice/TTY
Fax: (978) 689-4488
Email: info@nilp.org
www.nilp.org - Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann
27 Congress Street, Suite 107
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 741-0077 voice/TTY
Fax: (978) 741-1133
Email: information@ilcnsca.org
www.ilcnsca.org
Southeast Region:
- Independence Associates
141 Main Street, 1st Floor
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 583-2166 voice/TTY
Fax: (508) 583-2165
Email: info@iacil.org
www.iacil.org - Southeast Center for Independent Living
Merrill Building
66 Troy Street
Fall River, MA 02721
(508) 679-9210 voice/TTY
Fax: (508) 677-2377
Email: scil@secil.org
www.secil.org - Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled (CORD)
1019 Iyanough Road, #4
Hyannis, MA 02601
(508) 775-8300 voice/TTY
Fax: (508) 775-7022
Email: pburkley@cape.com
www.cilcapecod.org
Independent Living Assistive Technology Services
This state funded MRC program helps people with severe disabilities pay for AT devices and training, but not home modifications or vehicle modifications. Funds are limited and the program often keeps a waiting list. Read more.
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission also maintains a state funded Independent Living Assistive Technology Services (IL AT services) program. The program was created in 1999 to enable persons with severe disabilities to get AT devices and training. Services are available from four regional IL AT providers. Funds are limited and a waiting list is common.
This program does not provide vehicle modifications, home modifications or seating and mobility devices. Individuals who need seating, positioning mobility, and/or speech prosthesis devices should pursue other funding sources such as private insurance or Medicaid. If an IL Specialist suspects that an item is medically necessary, the case is referred to MassHealth. Individuals needing other non-vocational AT who cannot wait for service through this program often consider the Independent Living Centers (ILC), the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) or the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program (MATLP).
Who is Eligible?
Any individual 16 years old or older who:
- Has a severe physical or mental impairment and whose ability to function independently in the family or community is substantially limited, and
- Would benefit by AT services and training to improve their ability to function, or continue functioning or move towards functioning independently in family and community.
Persons with severe disabilities who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, other agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human services, or for services through their local school districts, are referred to these agencies and may not be eligible for IL AT services through MRC.
How are Services Provided?
The MRC contracts with three community-based organizations to provide IL AT services (MA Easter Seals, United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County and CLASS, Inc.); in addition it maintains an Interagency Service Agreement (ISA) with the University of MA-Dartmouth to fund AT services through Project SHARE. Each organization provides services on a regional basis and maintains on-site AT devices to be used for evaluation and training. Each provider conducts AT assessments, purchases and sets up equipment, and provides training and follow-up with program participants.
Beginning in 2007, people needing AT devices may be referred to a MassMATCH AT Regional Center.
What AT is Provided?
Devices commonly provided assist individuals to perform such tasks as check or letter writing, money management, shopping, controlling the home environment and communication improvement. These include adapted computer systems, alternative communication access, augmentative communication devices (communication aids), and electronic aids for daily living. This program does not provide vehicle modifications, home modifications or seating and mobility devices. Speech prosthesis devices may be provided if they serve the individual's IL goals.
Contact
Regional Providers:
Western MA Area
UCP-Berkshire County
(413) 442-1562
Central MA, Greater Boston, Southeast/Cape Area
MA Easter Seals
1-800-922-8290
(508) 751-6311
Northeast/North Shore
CLASS, Inc.
(978) 975-8587
Fall River/New Bedford
Project SHARE
(508) 999-8482
Contact IL AT services at:
(617) 204-3851 Voice
(617) 204-3815 TTY
(617) 204-3877 Fax
massmatch@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/mrc
Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services (BISSCS)
BISSCS is a state funded MRC program providing community services to people with externally caused traumatic brain injury (TBI). BISSCS AT funds are last resort resources, and only non-vocational needs are considered. Read more.
BISSCS (formerly the Statewide Head Injury Program or SHIP) is a state funded MRC program providing community services to people with externally caused traumatic brain injury (TBI). Services may include assistive technology as well as community-based residential placements, regional head injury centers, service coordination, case management, respite, one-to-one technical assistance, advocacy, and information referral. MRC case managers and regional service coordinators help BISSCS clients navigate funding sources for needed AT. BISSCS may also share the cost of AT devices with eligible consumers when other funding is not available. BISSCS AT funds are last resort resources, and only non-vocational needs are considered.
Who is Eligible?
A person of any age who:
- is a resident of Massachusetts
- has a documented externally caused traumatic brain injury*
- has related impairments resulting in cognitive, physical and/or behavioral functioning
- Is able to participate in community-based services
*BISSCS defines a TBI as an injury caused by an external force (the head may hit, strike or be shaken violently). The TBI may cause cognitive, physical, behavioral, or social impairments. Examples of brain injuries not considered TBI are stroke, oxygen deprivation or brain tumors. BISSCS applicants provide information about where and when they were treated for their TBI and who treated them. Original documentation related to the injury is sought in order to provide BISSCS services.
BISSCS case managers and regional service coordinators refer MassHealth enrolled BISSCS clients to rehabilitation or medical centers for occupational therapy and AT assessments and services. Those without MassHealth may be referred to MRC's regional Independent Living AT service providers for assessments and the coordination of AT services or to a MassMATCH AT Regional Center if they need devices.
Contact
Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services (BISSCS)
Director Debra S. Kamen
Information and Referral: (617) 204-3852 or (800) 223-2559 ex. 2
website at www.mass.gov/mrc
email: SHIPU@MRC.state.ma.us
Turning 22 Independent Living Program
MRC's state funded Turning 22 IL program assists youth with planning for residential services that they will need after high school graduation or "turning 22" years old. As funding permits, the program can purchase Assistive Technology to increase and support a consumer's independence. Read more.
MRC's state-funded Turning 22 IL program assists youth with planning for residential services that they will need after high school graduation or "turning 22" years old. For those who choose to pursue living independently, supported living services (service coordination and skill training) are provided. All services are designed to empower these young adults to make their own decisions about their lives and maximize their independence. As funding permits, the MRC T22 Independent Living Program can also purchase Assistive Technology to increase and support a consumer's independence.
Who is Eligible?
Supported Living may serve any individual who:
- Is exiting from a 766 educational program (special education) and has not yet reached the age of 22
- Is their own legal guardian
- Has a severe physical disability with a mobility impairment
- Has a 688 Individual Transition Plan (ITP) that includes supported living services
- Is ineligible for comparable services from another Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) State agency, such as DDS, DMH, MCB, or the MRC Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services (BISSCS)
How are Services Provided?
Turning 22 case coordinators help their consumers access AT services. Referrals are made to MRC's Independent Living AT program providers for services. Individuals needing AT devices may be referred to a MassMATCH AT Regional Center.
What AT is Provided?
Typical AT devices provided by this program include adapted computers, computerized communication devices, automatic door openers and other adaptive equipment for controlling the home environment and improving communication.
Contact
Adult Supported Living
Mary Ellen MacRae
Phone: 617-204-3618
TTY: 617-204-3815
maryellen.macrae@state.ma.us
Adult Supported Living mass.gov web page
Transition to Adulthood Program
Jim Durant,
T22 Program Coordinator,
617-204-3626 (Voice)
617-204-3815 (TTY)
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)
The CICRF was established to help families bear the excessive financial burdens associated with the care of children with special health care needs and disabilities. Medically related home and vehicle modifications, medical transportation, and medical equipment are among the categories of expenses eligible for reimbursement. Read more.
The CICRF was established to help families bear the excessive financial burdens associated with the care of children with special health care needs and disabilities. The Fund reimburses families for expenses they've already paid for or assumed debt to cover. The expenses must not be coverable by insurance. The Fund works on a reimbursement basis only, except in cases of extreme emergency. In all cases, the CICRF should be considered the "payer of last resort" after the family makes all reasonable attempts to pursue other funding.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must be residents of Massachusetts, 21 years of age or younger, and under the care of a licensed health care provider with staff privileges at a hospital licensed or accredited to provide pediatric or neonatal care. Guidelines for applicants 19 to 21 years of age may be different (and are still being determined as of this writing).
In addition, the family of the applicant must have expenses related to the medical condition that are considered "excessive." The CICRF has a formula for determining this standard (for example, if a family earns less than $100,000 per year, the medical expenses must be a minimum of 10% of the family's gross annual income). Expenses eligible for consideration must have incurred within 24 months of the application date.
What AT Services are Eligible?
Medically related home and vehicle modifications, medical transportation, and medical equipment are among the categories of expenses eligible for reimbursement (if they are found to be reasonable). Read the complete list of eligible medical expense categories at this CICRF web page.
Only expenses for which the family is directly responsible as a result of the child's medical condition may be considered for payment or reimbursement. For example, expenses covered by health or other insurance cannot be included in the calculation of total eligible expenses.
Contact:
CICRF Website
(800) 882-1435
(617) 624-5992 TTY
