Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities Operating Manual
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Section 166.3 - Assistive Devices
Technical and assistive devices, aids, 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:
- adaptations to wheelchairs or specialized wheelchairs;
- tactile reading devices;
- optical character readers (such as audio, Braille, tactile);
- computers and related personal access systems;
- closed circuit television readers;
- print to Braille and Braille to print hardware and software;
- audio recorders;
- calculators to meet specific disability needs;
- telephone devices for the deaf;
- communication devices (for example, Blis/hearing aids); and
- orthotic devices (for example, writing splints).
Generally, equipment will not be purchased for the purpose of job search or periods of unemployment. Funding for equipment and/or technology for the participant to retain skills while searching for employment, or, during indeterminate breaks in training is not considered under Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities.
Process
The following administrative policies and procedures apply to the funding of assistive devices:
- All requests totaling more than $1,000.00 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.
- Where specialized computer equipment is required, as in the case of CNIB, a particular procedure for purchasing must be followed. If 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.
- A specific supplier may be approved. 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.
- 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 Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities Individualized Training Funds and must demonstrate a cost saving.
- If the individual's contribution exceeds 50 percent of the total price of the equipment then the individual retains ownership.
If the individual's contribution is less than 50 percent of the total price of the equipment, Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities retains ownership until the participant:- has clearly demonstrated an ability to use the equipment;
- has established an ongoing vocational or employment-related use or requirement for the equipment; and,
- the training/employment period lasts a minimum of three months.
- When the equipment purchased is a permanent adaptation such as a vehicle, wheelchair, or building modification, it is not practical for Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities to exercise any type of recall if the vocational plan for which it was approved does not materialize. Therefore, the following may be required:
- thorough and supporting documentation that the employment objectives are attainable;
- a cost-shared arrangement with the participant, employer, or other funding sources; and
- a lease arrangement be considered indicating that Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities 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.
- 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 Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities Individualized Training Fund 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.
- Normal maintenance (such as, batteries, cleaning, etc.) of the equipment is the responsibility of the participant/user. Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities will pay for repairs to equipment resulting from normal use provided other criteria applicable to the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities Individualized Training Fund are met; generally this is limited to the pre-employment part of the vocational plan.
- Replacement of equipment, which has become outdated or otherwise non-functional, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Normal criteria for Individualized Training Funding will apply and the original equipment shall be returned to Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities.
Refer to Appendix XI for a sample Memorandum of Understanding between an Agency/Region and participant for Assistive Devices.
Standards
The following standards apply to assistive devices:
- Funding for assistive devices is approved where the:
- participant requires the technical aid or device to overcome a significant disability-related barrier to pursuing training and/or employment;
- 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;
- it is not available as a benefit of a universal plan or through another department; and
- participant demonstrates an ability to use the equipment or technology in a training or employment setting.
