Does My State Have Funding for Enabling Technology? (Updated)

Note: The original version of this post was published in November. But we have some additional resources to share with you, so we thought we'd update it and share it again!

It’s a question we hear often: Does my state cover assistive technology?

It’s not a surprising question: Working through pages and pages of waivers and other documents can make you feel like you are working in the dark.

As we work with providers, clients, families, and loved ones, most want to know if Medicaid funding can be used to implement assistive technology – and specifically, to use that technology to promote independence as a part of a life in the community. This is what we call enabling technology.

What's Your Why?

Recently SimplyHome’s Allen and Drue Ray attended the 2018 Ohio Tech Summit, a one-day event focused on technology that enables independence for people with disabilities.

Allen led a session where he spoke about SimplyHome’s enabling technology products and services, but as usual, he reminded the audience not to focus on the newest technology for its own sake, on “Final Rules” or on EVV, but to focus instead on their why.

Allen asked each audience member to write down their own why for wanting to use technology to support people with disabilities. SimplyHome was so inspired by the audience’s responses that we wanted to share some of these! Thanks to these awesome audience members for sharing their why.

Caregivers, For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeJune 21, 2018Comment

Carl's Story: A Portrait of Independence with Enabling Technology

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (TN DIDD) recently released a video that is a moving portrait of how enabling technology helped Carl (who receives services via one of our partners, Core Services of Northeast Tennessee) finally achieve his dream of living on his own.

Sandra's Story - In Recognition of Mental Health Month

With changes in Medicaid funding as a result of the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) final rule, states are developing waivers to support the transition of people with mental health issues into more independent community living. With these waivers, individuals can access enabling technology that supports health and wellbeing without the need for 24/7 staffing in the home environment.

For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., FundingSimplyHomeMay 18, 2018Comment

SimplyHome Founders Drue & Allen Ray featured in Outreach NC Magazine

SimplyHome was honored to be featured in the May 2018 of Outreach NC. The article, entitled "Carolina Conversations with SimplyHome," features SimplyHome's founders, Drue & Allen Ray.

Press, News, Independent LivingSimplyHomeMay 11, 2018Comment

SimplyHome Named a 2018 Sky High Growth Award Winner

SimplyHome is proud to announce that our company has been honored with a 2018 Sky High Growth Award. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce made the announcement with a special press release.

Awards, NewsSimplyHomeApril 13, 2018Comment

An Update on David's Vision

David Maennle, whom we have previously featured on the SimplyHome blog, continues to distinguish himself as an outstanding young man working towards his goals. David has Down syndrome and uses SimplyHome technology to live in his own apartment in the community.

For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., TestimonialsSimplyHomeMarch 28, 2018Comment

Using technology as a natural support, Bryan Leonard hones his skills

Today on our blog, in support of the upcoming event #InclusionSaturday, we feature our employee Bryan Leonard, who also happens to be celebrating a birthday this week. Happy Birthday, Bryan!!!!

For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab...SimplyHomeMarch 22, 2018Comment

In the news: Open House to Celebrate SimplyHome's New Offices!

SimplyHome is delighted to announce that we have officially moved in to our new and expanded offices at 48 Fisk Drive in Arden! We hope you can join us for an open house, ribbon cutting, and delicious hors d'oeuvres by Farm to Fender with beverages supplied by Wicked Weed Brewing, our new neighbors in Arden. Our open house will take place from 4-6 on Thursday, March 8.

Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., News, PressSimplyHomeMarch 8, 2018Comment

Meet Steve: NY Resident, Movie Buff, and Self-Advocate

Every once in a while, we come across a story and we just can’t stop smiling. Steve’s story is one of those. SimplyHome is honored to be a part of Steve’s quest for more independence in his community.

Steve accepts services from Wildwood Programs in NY. One day, as part of an in-depth self-assessment administered by Wildwood, Steve spoke up and told his care team that he wanted to live on his own.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., Testimonials, FundingSimplyHomeDecember 21, 2017Comment

Does My State Have Funding for Enabling Technology?

It’s a question we hear often: Does my state cover assistive technology? It’s not a surprising question: Working through pages and pages of waivers and other documents can make you feel like you are working in the dark.

As we work with providers, clients, families, and loved ones, most want to know if Medicaid funding can be used to implement assistive technology – and specifically, to use that technology to promote independence as a part of a life in the community.

For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., NewsSimplyHomeDecember 12, 2017Comment

Alaska Newspaper Features Family Using SimplyHome Technology

The Juneau Empire recently published the story of Gina and Sandy, a mother and daughter who have begun to use SimplyHome technology at their remote Alaskan homestead.

Caregivers, For Individuals, For Organizations, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., Press, TestimonialsSimplyHomeNovember 27, 2017Comment

In Alaska, Technology Helps Create Connection and Independence

In the state of Alaska, feeling connected can be a challenge, with neighbors sometimes miles away and reliable internet access often only available via satellite. Alaska is the least densely populated of all U.S. states and the state capital, Juneau, boasts a population of only 32,000.

But one service provider, REACH, has long been on a mission to connect the people they serve – many of whom have intellectual or developmental disabilities – with the services they need and the communities they live in.

Finding His Voice: Brian Keefer Presents at PAR Conference with SimplyHome

SimplyHome attends many conferences, but the most recent one was special: the room was so full that many people had to stand. The audience seemed spellbound, and more than a few had tears in their eyes.

Extreme Makeover: Home..., For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., News, Press, TestimonialsSimplyHomeNovember 8, 2017Comment

SimplyHome Develops Voice-Activated Technology through VA Grant

After two tours in the Middle East and several combat-related injuries, John decided it was time to rejoin civilian life and hone new skill sets in the business technology world. John runs a small business out of his house and uses SimplyHome technology to set the scene for a day of working from home.

For Individuals, Independent Living, Individuals with Disab..., News, No Place Like Home, VeteransSimplyHomeNovember 1, 2017Comment

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