Computers through the VA

By Shawn Tracy

Hey everybody, it’s been a busy month at the VA trying to take care of our veterans and keep up with my schoolwork. I thought you would like to know about an article that came out in the PN Magazine on page 69 in August 2008.

1. Determined by the medical provider working with the patient following evaluation by the qualified clinician to have significant impairment(s) that would benefit from intervention with computer technology to include but not limited to desktop computers, laptops, computer components, access devices, and / or software as delineated under Section III Population Served.

2. A trained, qualified clinician (i.e., occupational therapist, speech pathologist, physical therapist, etc.) must complete the comprehensive assistive computerized technology evaluation.

3. The veteran requires the use of computer technology to facilitate functioning and assist in rehabilitation.

4. Veterans determined by medical providers or clinicians to have difficulty using a standard input device may be considered for voice or other specialized input options.

Medical necessity justification for physical, communicative, and cognitive deficits include but are not limited to:

1. Access to Medicare

2. Attendant Care Management

3. Access to Communication

4. Access to Basic Independent Living Skills

5. Self Care/Higher Level Living Skills

6. Psychosocial

7. Restorative Rehabilitation

Please keep in mind the need for evaluations by an occupational therapist, psychologist, and a medical doctor. The request will then be sent to Prosthetics for final approval. You need not be service-connected in order to receive this equipment.

Our direct office line has changed to 405-456-5482, 405-456-5483 and 405-235-6910. The direct number to OKC VAMC is 405-456-1000.

 

 

 

 

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In the last Mid-America Chapter Newsletter, there was a great article about VA Vocational-Rehabilitation and Employment (Voc-Rehab) program by Lawrence Walker for service connected veterans. But, what are your options when you’re a non-service connected veteran? Well, fortunately there are organizations like the PVA to answer such questions, because you do have other options!!

When I first became injured, my world was upside down and after I left the SCI center to come home, I knew I was going to need to make changes in my occupation in order to pay the bills. I had a year left on my G.I. Bill, which wasn’t much. Luckily, someone directed me to see Voc-Rehab with the state of Kansas, which is a great program and is run like the VA’s Voc-Rehab program. Both Kansas and Oklahoma have this program and all you need to do is set up an appointment to see a counselor and start discussing your options. It’s that SIMPLE!!

If you are one who does not want to go back to school but rather re-enter into the workforce, I can provide you some information there too! Recently, I attended the 2008 Midwest Health and Abilities Expo in Wichita, and learned of a company called "Center Industries Corporation" (CIC). CIC is a stand-alone not-for-profit facility that competes for contracts without reference to the fact that of its 300 plus employees, 75% of the production work force is disabled. CIC produces a variety of components and assemblies for customers both government and commercial. The hallmark of the cerebral Palsy Research foundation of Kansas is its unwavering commitment to provide dignified and meaningful employment opportunities for persons with

disabilities who have an average, and in many instances above average intelligence. In this respect CIC is unique in that it is not a sheltered workshop. CIC employees receive competitive wages and a benefits package that includes health and life insurance as well as a pension plan. This is especially critical for employees with disabilities because they forgo much of the government funding they could receive if they chose to sit at home rather than work, earn wages and pay taxes. It is important to note that CIC competes competitively for contracts with mainstream manufacturers that do not have the extraordinary expense of modifying workstations to accommodate employees with disabilities.

The current customer base of CIC is comprised of The Department of Defense, The State of Kansas, Boeing, Raytheon, Cessna and John Deere. Current contracts include the manufacture of all license plates for the State of Kansas, production of 30 Round Magazine Clips for The Department of Defense and window frames for Boeing Wichita Division.

One aspect that I found interesting about CIC is their purpose statement which is as follows; According to a 1993 census report, there are 13.2 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 who have a severe disability, as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (29 CFR part 1630.2). Among this population, the employment rate is 27.6%, as contrasted with an employment rate of80.5% for thos4e in the same age range without a disability.

Clearly, the challenge exists on a national basis to prepare this population of persons with severe disabilities to become productive workers, employees who can contribute value to corporations competing in both national and global economies. According to a national Louis Poll, 84% of unemployed adults with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 44 stated they want to work. The costs to the national economy are enormous when so many disabled individuals are unable to find employment, or are unprepared when the opportunity presents itself. The President’s Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities has reported, "Each year the federal government spends 40 times more money to support people with disabilities NOT working than it spends to assist them to prepare for or to find employment. It has been estimated that the lack of labor force participation of people with disabilities costs the U.S. economy more than $200 Billion annually."