Nebraska's Request for Coordinated Devices and Services Form was the result of cooperative efforts among more than a dozen funding agencies and organizations. Established procedures include a mechanism to allow tracking the form through the statewide system in order to ensure timely responses and identification of any problem areas that may be slowing down the system's referral process. Consensus was achieved on a single set of information that would satisfy requirements across all agencies. The result is that the same information is collected from each applicant, regardless if the request is for a device, service, home or vehicle modification. Referrals to other agencies are facilitated if the consumer chooses to sign the optional multiple release on the back of the form, thus allowing one agency to forward an application immediately to the next agency.
Consumers provide requested information only one time to complete the form.
The form is then used for referral among participating funding sources for which the individual is eligible. During Town Meetings and through satisfaction surveys sponsored by DakotaLink and the Division of Rehabilitation Services, consumers expressed dissatisfaction with the length of time typically required for the agency to determine service eligibility. Consumers shared personal experiences of lengthy waits for eligibility determination from rehabilitation services- beyond the sixty days stipulated in state regulation. Many consumers were empowered to speak out, in part, due to training received in self-advocacy programs delivered by DakotaLink. As a result, the Board of Rehabilitation Services initiated policy changes that will, under some circumstances, approve applicants for services on the same day an application is received.