KATS Network

Special Services & Equipment Fund

Division of Mental Retardation, Department for Mental Health & Mental Retardation Services

Overview:

The Special Service and Equipment funds may be used for the purchase of services and equipment for Kentucky residents who meet the eligibility requirements, which include financial guidelines. Evaluation and training for the use of assistive technology can also be covered as part of the total cost. Applications are only accepted for items and/or services costing over $100 with the maximum amount that can be paid is $2,500 per individual per year. The Fund is financed by state general funds and is intended to be a payer of last resort and is administered by the Division of Mental Retardation (DMR). State General Funds are dollars that Comprehensive Care Centers can use flexibly. These versatile dollars can fund short term supports that include but are not limited to respite, crisis intervention, and case management. Special Services and equipment funds are distributed among the 14 Comprehensive Care Centers across the state. All equipment (if applicable) purchased with SS&E funds remains the property of DMR and must be returned if no longer needed by the individual. This would allow for redistribution to someone else in need. The regional comprehensive care center is required to maintain an inventory of all purchased equipment. Return of any equipment can be arranged by calling DMR or contacting one of the regional comprehensive care centers.

Eligibility Requirements:

Verified diagnosis of mental retardation or other developmental disability
Meet income requirements

AT Services Provided/Covered:

Evaluation/Assessment
Purchasing/Acquisition
Selection/Design
Coordination
Training/ Technical Assistance

AT Devices Provided/Covered:

Vision/Hearing Equipment
Speech Communication
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
Daily Living
Environmental Adaptations
Vehicle Modifications
Computers and Related
Recreation, Sports and Leisure Equipment

Application Process:

An individual seeking funding from this source should contact their local Comprehensive Care Center (see appendix B). A case manager will collect all of the necessary information and will assist in the application process. The application will then be reviewed and either accepted or denied by the Center.

Contact Information:

See Appendix B for Regional Comprehensive Care Center information.

Additional Information:

Computers will be considered for funding only when a professional in the field verifies that they are needed for augmentative communication

Bridges & Potholes:

Bridges

The range of equipment and services that the fund will pay for are not as restrictive as some other sources of funding, such as Medicaid. Funding for items is determined on an individual basis.
The justification for needing a particular device is also reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Some requirements of other funding sources, such as a doctor's prescription or an illustration of medical need, are not necessary, although the recommendation of some type of a professional, such as a physical therapist or speech therapist, is usually needed. This allows for much more flexibility in deciding what to fund.

Potholes

Only limited funds are available from this funding source. The funds are usually spent well before the end of the fiscal year.
There is a limit on the funds available to one individual that is currently $2,500.00 per individual per year. If the desired service or equipment exceeds this limit, the difference must be made up from other sources.

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