Section 166.3 - Technical Aids and Devices

Purpose

Technical Aids, Devices, Special or Adaptive Equipment required to assist in removing a disability-related barrier to training and/or employment may be eligible for funding. The following are examples of items which have been funded:

1. adaptations to wheelchairs or specialized wheelchairs;
2. tactile reading devices;
3. optical character readers - audio, Braille, tactile;
4. computers and related personal access systems;
5. closed circuit television readers;
6. print to Braille and Braille to print hardware and software;
7. tape recorders (generally four track);
8. calculators to meet specific disability needs;
9. telephone devices for the deaf;
10. communication devices (Blis /hearing aids); and
11. orthotic devices (e.g. writing splints).

Generally equipment will not be purchased for the purpose of job search or periods of unemployment. Funding of equipment and/or technology in order to retain skills while searching for employment is not considered under the marketAbilities Program.

 

Process

The following administrative policies and procedures apply to the funding of technical aids and devices:

1. All requests totaling more than $1,000 must be supported with price quotations from three suppliers unless there is only one or two known suppliers. Manitoba suppliers shall be given priority wherever possible.
   
2. Where specialized computer equipment is required, as in the case of CNIB, and a supplier has been identified whose product is comparable in price to other suppliers, but who can offer more expertise, support and a complete package product for this specialized equipment, then more than one cost estimate may not be required. Price quotations from other suppliers must be obtained annually to ensure the prices offered by the exclusive supplier continue to remain competitive.
   
3. A specific supplier may be approved or, alternatively, a maximum cost expenditure could be approved leaving the final decision as to choice of supplier up to the participant. In all cases, invoices or bills must be available to verify expenditures. Only approved items may be charged against authorized limits.
   
4. It is not necessary in all cases to purchase equipment. Rental or lease arrangements should be considered especially where it is anticipated that there will not be an ongoing need for the equipment or where there is uncertainty as to appropriateness of the equipment. Terms and conditions of a rental or lease arrangement must be forwarded with the application for marketAbilities Individualized Training Funding and must demonstrate a cost saving.
   
5. If the individual's contribution exceeds 50% of the total price of the equipment (the basic and adequate item plus upgrades), then the individual owns the device.
   
   If the individual's contribution is less than 50% of the total price of the equipment, the equipment is owned by the marketAbilities Program, until the participant has clearly demonstrated an ability to use the equipment, and has established an ongoing vocational or employment-related use or requirement for the equipment, provided that:
   1. the training/employment period lasts a minimum of three months; and
   2. the participant can demonstrate an ability to use the equipment and has an ongoing employment related need for the equipment.
6. When the equipment purchased is a permanent adaptation such as a vehicle, wheelchair, or building modification, it is not practical for the Program to exercise any type of recall if the vocational plan for which it was approved does not materialize. Therefore, the following may be required:
   1. thorough and supporting documentation that the employment objectives are attainable;
   2. a cost-shared arrangement with the participant, employer, or other funding sources; and
   3. a lease arrangement be considered indicating that the Program will contribute on a time-limited basis or as long as the person is actively pursuing a vocational goal and up to 36 months after obtaining employment. The lease arrangement shall not exceed the original purchase price.
7. Applicants who are provided with technical equipment may be required to demonstrate an ability to use the equipment prior to approval being granted. Specialized training in the use of the equipment may also be required in order to ensure maximum benefit to the participant. The marketAbilities Individualized Training Fund funds may be used for this purpose and the participant must demonstrate a willingness to put forth their own personal time and commitment in learning how to use the equipment.
   
8. Normal maintenance (e.g., batteries, diskettes, cleaning, etc.) of the equipment is the responsibility of the participant/user. The Program will pay for repairs to equipment resulting from normal use provided other criteria applicable to marketAbilities Individualized Training Funding are met, generally this is limited to the pre-employment part of the vocational plan.
   
9. Replacement of equipment, which has become outdated or otherwise non-functional, may be considered on a case-to-case basis. Normal criteria for marketAbilities Individualized Training Funding will apply and the original equipment shall be returned to the Program.

Refer to Appendix XII for a sample Memorandum of Understanding between an Agency/Region and participant for Technical Aids and Devices.

 

Standards

The following standards apply to technical aids and devices:

1. Funding for technical aids and devices is approved where the:
   1. participant requires the technical aid or device to overcome a significant disability-related barrier to pursuing training and/or employment;
   2. the technical aid or device will eliminate or reduce the disability-related barriers within a reasonable time and contribute to the attainment of the vocational goal;
   3. support service is not available as a benefit of a universal plan or through another department; and
   4. participant demonstrates an ability to use the equipment or technology in a training or employment setting.

 

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