Assistive Technology Public Funding

 

INDEPENDENT LIVING - "IL"



What agency runs the program?


In Rhode Island, Independent Living (IL) services are provided by two Independent Living Centers (IL Centers), with funds received from the state Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS). The Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) division of the ORS also provides IL services to some older blind individuals.

To apply for IL services, you should contact one of the two IL Centers, at the addresses below:

 

Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL)
1944 Warwick Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
Voice (401) 738-1013
TDD (401) 738-1015
Website: http://www.oscil.org/
E-mail: info@oscil.org



PARI Independent Living Center (PARI)
Independence Square
500 Prospect Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Voice/TDD (401)725-1966
Website: http://www.pari-ilc.org/
E-mail: info@pari-ilc.org


If you are an older individual (age 55 or over) with a severe visual impairment, you should contact the SBVI division at ORS:

 

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI)
Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903-1898
Voice (401) 421-7005
TDD (401) 421-7016
Website: http://www.ors.state.ri.us/copied/SBVI.htm


Who can get services from the program?

 

Generally, to be eligible for IL services, you must:

- have a significant disability;

- which results in a substantial limitation of your ability to live independently in the family or community, or

- which results in a substantial limitation of your ability to maintain or advance in employment; and

- be able to show that receiving IL services will improve your ability to function independently in the family or community or to continue in employment.


You may also be eligible for IL services if you are an older individual (age 55 or older) with a severe visual impairment, which makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain, but are still capable of achieving IL goals.


What kinds of AT help can the program provide?

 

The two IL Centers do not provide the same AT services. Currently, the following AT services are provided by the IL Centers:


- assessments (PARI)
- dealer tryouts (PARI)
- technical assistance on customization (PARI)
- tryouts on communication devices and computers with adaptive equipment (OSCIL)
- referrals to AT device providers (OSCIL)
- training on use of TDD's (OSCIL).


SBVI provides older blind individuals with severe visual impairments with "adaptive equipment related to vision needs" so that the individual may function more independently.


What is the cost for AT?

 

The IL program may help pay for the AT device or service you need. Depending upon your income, the IL program may pay for all or only a part of the AT service or device you need. Both the IL Centers and the SBVI use the same financial need standards.


How can I make a request for AT?

 

While you are being evaluated to see if you could benefit from IL services, and/or after you are found eligible for IL services, you will be assigned a counselor at SBVI or at an IL Center . If you think you could benefit from AT services or devices, you may ask your the IL counselor for an AT assessment . If you have already identified an AT device or service you need, you may request the AT without going through the assessment.


How can I appeal a denial of AT?


SBVI or the IL Center should give you a written decision if IL services will not help you obtain an AT assessment, device or service. You have the right to appeal this denial. You must request an appeal within 45 days of written decision from SBVI or the IL Center. There are two types of review on appeal:

An "informal review" is a meeting between you, your SBVI or IL counselor, and a supervisor. You can bring a representative to this meeting. The supervisor will review the counselor's decision to see if the decision was correct. The "informal review" meeting is optional -- you do not have to go through this step.

If you are not happy with the informal review meeting (or if you want to skip that step), you can request an "administrative hearing." The administrative hearing will be run by a Hearings Officer from the state Department of Human Services. You have the right to bring a representative or an attorney with you to this hearing. You also have a right to bring witnesses, and to ask questions of any IL or SBVI staff at the hearing. After the hearing, the Hearings Officer will write a decision, which contains his opinion about whether the original denial was legally correct. This decision will become the "final" agency decision within 20 days, unless the Director of ORS decides to review the Hearing Officer's decision and issues a new "final" decision.

If you are not satisfied with the "final" agency decision, you may file and appeal in state court. You have 30 days from the date the"final" decision was mailed to file in court.


Where can I get legal help?


The Rhode Island Disability Law Center, Inc., (formerly RIPAS), can provide free legal services if you have questions or need help getting IL services.


For more information or help contact:

RI Disability Law Center, Inc.
349 Eddy Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Voice (401) 831-3150, (800) 733-5332
TDD (401) 831-5335
Website: http://www.ridlc.org/
E-mail: info@ridlc.org


 

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