ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Provides information and referral and direct services to consumers who can take advantage of technical and practical items that will minimize their disability. In addition, this program strives to raise awareness and foster collaboration among businesses, community organizations, and nonprofit agencies dedicated to serving the community.
On a cold rainy day in November 2004, a 54-year old gentleman visited WCIL. Referred by a reputable vendor of durable medical equipment, he requested assistance obtaining a motorized wheelchair. Living in a skilled nursing facility, he was undergoing rehabilitation and wanted his independent life back.
His Medi-Cal coverage continued to deny the motorized wheelchair he needed, even though all necessary information and documentation had been submitted by the vendor in support of the required Treatment Authorization Request (TAR). A new report from his rehabilitation unit and phone calls from the vendor had no effect in changing the Medi-Cal decision. Perhaps, the Medi-Cal decision makers felt that someone in a skilled nursing facility would only need a manual wheelchair.
In reality, he did not have enough strength to move a manual chair. He was transported to rehabilitation and other appointments by ambulance. In fact, when he visited WCIL for the first time, he was using a motorized wheelchair loaned by his rehabilitation unit.
The solution was clear: the motorized wheelchair was his bridge to independence. With a collaborative effort on the part of Assistive Technology and Benefits Advocacy services an action plan was developed with the consumer. Skilled advocacy and support were launched to contact every involved party in the process. In the end, the effort yielded the expected, highly needed, and overdue, result. The consumer obtained the motorized wheelchair that permitted him to continue to pursue independence.
