ATK POLITICAL ACTION AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Passed the Assistive Technology Lemon Law which states that any device that breaks down for thirty days or three times in one year must be replaced or the purchase price reimbursed.

Increased access to assistive technology services for people with medical cards by developing Assistive Technology Case Management with Kansas Medicaid.

Expanded durable medical equipment coverage to include augmentative communication devices for children and adults who are Medicaid eligible.

Developed assistive technology devices and services coverage on the Home and Community Based Services Physical Disabilities and Frail Elderly waivers (lifetime cap of $7,500) in collaboration with the centers for independent living and SILCK.

Advocated with DRACH, the centers for independent living, and the Area Agencies on Aging to develop the Kansas Accessibility Modification Program that provides home modifications to income eligible Kansans.

Collaborated with persons with disabilities to develop the Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative (KATCO) that offers flexible loans to Kansans with disabilities.

Increased access to quality used durable medical equipment for Kansans with disabilities by developing the Kansas Equipment Exchange with Kansas Medicaid.

Advocated for development of the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) to assist people unable to use conventional telephone services due to hearing loss, mobility loss and other disability issues.

Collaborated with Kansas State University and Southeast Kansas Independent Living to develop Kansas Agrability - a program that helps farmers, farm workers and their family members continue to work and live on the farm after an injury.