Process: VR Staff

1. Explores with the client the need for rehabilitation technology, assistive devices, adaptation, and home, vehicle (including Driver Control Systems), or work modifications.
2. Discusses Rule 72 Cost Containment guidelines with the client
3. Explores client resources
4. Makes a referral to ATP

   • Completes the ATP Referral Form electronically (no hand written referrals will be accepted) ensuring the most current information is reflected. If information requested on the referral form is not available VR staff will contact the client and get the required information. VR staff will email the completed ATP Referral Form as an attachment to atp.vrforms@nebraska.gov. or fax to (402) 471-6052. (Priority Referral: Use checklist-priority to make determination. Office Director approves referral)
   • If referral made in assessment, add Assessment Support Service: Rehab Technology-Rehab Engineering.

Process: ATP Technology Specialist

1. Gathers information and makes recommendations.
2. Requests medical information and/or other documents necessary to adequately complete the assessment. Since ATP is administratively aligned with VR and is listed on the Vocational Rehabilitation Release of Information form an additional release of information is not required.
3. Makes appointment with the client to complete an assessment at the client’s home or workplace. Invites the referring VR staff to the appointment. VR staff is highly encouraged to attend the assessment appointment.
4. Conducts an on-site Assistive Technology (AT) assessment, which may include:

   • Talking with the client and employer about the client’s needs.
   • Observing activities or job shadowing.
   • Assessing existing facilities, equipment, hardware or software.
   • Measuring, sketching and taking pictures or videos of the site.
   • Discussing possible AT solutions with client.
   • Demonstrating products.
   • Loaning products to client to try (ATP WILL EMPHASIZE THESE OPPORTUNITIES).

5. Develops assistive technology solutions. 6.Obtains quotes from vendors/contractors. Immediately contacts VR Specialist, ATP Funding Coordinator & VR Program Director for Community Services if client disagrees with vendor recommendation. (VR Specialist will provide specific reason to ATP if the lowest bid vendor is not selected.)
6. Provides an evaluation report with recommendations and quotes to the ATP Funding Coordinator and VR Counselor.

Process: ATP Funding Coordinator

1. Seeks available comparable benefits
2. Locates and secures comparable benefits (other funding sources) to offset all or part of the cost of the recommended technology.
3. Issues funding report in the form of an email to the VR Specialist and Accounting Associate. Sending the funding report to both members of the Team better ensures authorizations will be processed in a timely manner.
4. Provides VR staff a funding report (ATTIE format) that identifies any comparable benefits to offset part or all of the cost for necessary goods and services.
5. Provides VR with any additional information as necessary to coordinate the authorization of VR funds with other comparable benefits secured by ATP.

Process: VR Staff

1. Staffs case immediately with ATP Specialist and client if client does not agree with vendor recommendation. (Consults with VR Program Director for Community Services & ATP Funding Coordinator if needed.) VR Specialist will notify ATP Specialist with the reason it supports client choice.
2. Reviews the ATP recommendations and makes funding decision.
3. Consults with the ATP Technology Specialist if the team has any issues/questions/concerns regarding the recommendations.
4. Emails the completed authorization as an attachment to atp.vrforms@nebraska.gov or faxes the form to ATP (402-595-1919). Authorization must include specifically what VR is funding and the amount. If Medicaid rates apply specific amounts will not be included, however, the Medicaid Standard Text will be included.

Process: ATP Staff

1. Sends an ATP Service Authorization (identifying all funding sources and methods of payment for any comparable benefits) to contractor or vendor. The ATP Service Authorization sent to the contractor or vendor will include the same Standard Text that appears on the VR Authorization. A copy of ATP Service Authorization is sent to the Technology Specialist and client.
2. Includes on the ATP Service Authorization sent to the Technology Specialist and client the time limits to complete the service. For equipment, the time will be 30 days or less, for construction it will be 60 days or less, as specified depending on each individual situation. Pending jobs, school, or other needs may create an urgency demanding shorter timelines for completion.
3. Inspects the completed project to make sure the modifications meet specifications. The ATP Technology Specialist will demonstrate how to use equipment and ensure the equipment has addressed the client’s needs.
4. Obtains client signature on Acceptance/Agreement form and sends to ATP Office in Lincoln.
5. Processes all payments to contractor or vendor.
6. Sends to VR Accounting Associate a copy of the Acceptance/Agreement form, paid invoice, ATP Service Authorization, and a copy of the VR Authorization.

Process: VR Associate

1. Enters payment into QE2.
2. Notifies the VR Specialist the ATP process is completed.

Clients who self report or who VR staff identify as needing assistive devices; adaptations; or vehicle, home, or work site modifications will be referred to ATP for assessment. Referrals can also be made to ATP for assistance in determining an appropriate cost for used adaptive equipment.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE ATP/VR PARTNERSHIP PROCESS. THESE ITEMS DO NOT NEED TO BE REFERRED TO ATP FOR ASSESSMENTS OR FOR FUNDING COORDINATION.

• Hearing aids
• An ALD recommended by an audiologist that is paired to the client's current or future hearing aid
• Eyeglasses
• Prosthetics*
• Orthotics *
• Repairs to assistive devices, adaptations, and vehicle, home, or work site modifications

*The Purchase of prosthetics or orthotics requires a prescription for each item. Prior to purchase, contact ATP to see if there may be comparable benefits for the client. VR payment is based upon medicaid rates. If any exception to the purchase is required, consult the Office Director.

Note: Any of the items exempt from referral to ATP may at the discretion of the VR Specialist be referred to ATP if the ATP Technology Specialist’s involvement would be helpful. A referral may be needed to ATP for other worksite modifications or training after the purchase of the prosthetic or the orthotic device.

Driving evaluations will be completed by VR prior to making a referral to ATP for vehicle modification assessments.

ATP is responsible for completing a final inspection to ensure the client’s needs are met and any equipment provided is working and being used correctly.

Driving Control Systems Manual Chapter.