Assistive Technology may be the answer for an increasingly competitive market for people with disabilities to help them stay in the forefront in securing employment. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers took over the Assistive Technology Network, which included the Information and Referral phone line two years ago. Finally, the Network was successful in securing funding for each of the 29 Independent Living Centers to offer assistive technology information, referral and assistance as a service. This service is available to children, adults, seniors and people of color who are disabled across the state. One major hurdle to the use of assistive technology is the cost.
Many devices can range in the thousands of dollars for just one device.
The California Department of Rehabilitation works collaboratively with the Assistive Technology Network by helping individuals with disabilities who are actively looking for work purchase assistive technology devices. A not so bright spot that is slow to change involves benefit disincentives in California. Once an individual becomes gainfully employed most beneficiaries lose their medical coverage because of their increased income. Often times the cost of durable medical equipment and certain medications are not covered under private insurance that are covered under Medi-cal benefits. The state Department of Health took on the task without consulting consumers who use the programs and their advocates.