| Program Purpose - The purpose of the Neuromuscular Program is to provide assistive devices to South Dakotans with severe neuromuscular disabilities that substantially limit major life activities in order for the individual to live more independently in their home or community.
Questions – Questions about the Neuromuscular Program (NMP) should be referred to South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services, Hillsview Plaza, and E. Hwy 34, Pierre, SD 57501 or call (605) 773-3195.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES - The individual must: 1), have a neuromuscular disability (MS, MD, or ALS) that substantially limits major life activities that prevents them from living independently in their home, 2) be able to benefit from receiving services, 3) be considered homebound, 4) device must improve quality of the individual’s life and 5) must be a state resident.
Substantially Limits a Major Life Activity – To constitute a “disability,” a neuromuscular condition must substantially limit major life activities. A major life activity includes such activities as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and or working.
Benefit from receiving services – The services provided must benefit the individual to allow them to stay in their home or apartment longer instead of going to a nursing home.
Homebound – The progression of the neuromuscular disease must have advanced to the point that the individual requires on going care and assistance from a family member or other care Provider in their own home or apartment.
State Resident – An individual is considered a resident of South Dakota if the individual:
1) Is living in South Dakota, not receiving any form of public assistance from another state
or
2) Is a resident of South Dakota and has no intention of moving out of the state but is
temporarily absent for a period not longer than 9 months.
|
Scope of Services Includes – The scope of services are limited to assistive devices that are necessary to over come substantial limitations of major life activities that will allow an individual to function more independently in their home or community. NMP may purchase adaptive devices such as but not limited to wheelchair ramps, lift chairs, hospital beds, bed trapeze, hoyer lifts, alternating pressure mattress, oxygen concentrators, monitor systems (call switch), seating/positioning supports, wheelchairs, and respiratory aids. The scope of services does not include medical supplies, medications, telecommunication equipment, employment related services, Medicaid covered services, etc. NMP will not purchase a vehicle, home, build a home, make the home accessible and will not provide modifications to the structure of the residence. When an individual requests a device with more features than are needed to overcome the limitations in the major life activity, the individual may be required to pay the difference. NMP will only purchase the basics. The State of South Dakota reserves the right to determine what is reasonable and which devices are within the scope of services.
Telecommunication Equipment - If services are needed for using the telephone, a referral should be made to the Telecommunication Adaptive Devices Program or Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program.
Medicaid Covered Services – If the service can be purchased by Medicaid, the individual should be referred to Medicaid.
Employment Related Services – If services are needed to obtain or maintain employment, a referral should be made to the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) district office.
Wheelchair Ramps – NMP will purchase wheelchair ramps from the Mike Durfee State Prison Vocational Education Program in Springfield, SD. If necessary the program may pay for extra shipping that the prison is unable to handle. If volunteers are unavailable for assembly, NMP may pay for ramp assembly on site.
Approved Service Provider - Only DRS approved Service Providers (Provider) may deliver services. DRS will maintain a list of approved Providers.
Applying for NMP services– An individual may apply for services by contacting either the Rehabilitation Engineer or the Independent Living Specialist at the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Assessment - The Provider may schedule a personal interview for individuals requesting NMP services to conduct an assessment and determine eligibility and need. An assessment will include discussing with the individual difficulties resulting from the disability. If the severity of the disability is beyond the Provider’s qualifications, DRS will refer the individual to an outside evaluator. An outside evaluator may include an assistive technology specialist, rehabilitation engineer, occupational or physical therapist, speech pathologist.
Conditions of Acceptance for Devices - The individual must sign the Conditions of Acceptance Form before receiving any device. The Provider must keep the original form and provide a copy to the individual and South Dakota Community Foundation.
Tracking - The Division will track the individual’s record of the last provided services for 5 years, then the records will be permanently destroyed.
Training the Individual - The Provider shall ensure adequate training is provided to the consumer and, if appropriate, the caregiver or personal attendant when the device is received. The type and extent of training will depend on the individual’s experience using the device and their capacity to learn. Additional training may be provided as needed.
Re-assessment of Individual Needs - If the disability significantly changes over time, the individual may be re-assessed to determine additional NMP needs. All devices previously provided that are useable but no longer needed must be returned to the Provider before other devices are provided.
Priority for Services – Lack of Resources - Should demand exceed resources, services may be distributed based on economic need. Economic need will be determined by using the VR form (DRS - 314). If a waiting list of eligible individuals who meet economic need is established, services will be delivered on first come first served basis determined by service request date.
Moves out of State Permanently - If an individual moves out of state permanently, the individual must return the device, unless it is not useful.
Returned Device - A device returned to a Provider shall be checked over and, if in good working condition, be stored for re-distribution. The Provider should notify the Division of Rehabilitation Services that the device has been returned. If the device is not repairable, the Division must be notified in order to remove it from the database and then the Provider may dispose of the device.
Maintenance - Individuals must follow manufacturers’ maintenance procedures and immediately report problems to the Provider.
Repairs -The Provider will determine if repairs can be made or whether the device must be returned to the manufacture. Any repair and shipping costs incurred as a result of manufacturer defect, while the device is under warranty, will be the responsibility of the manufacturer. If repairs are not resulting from manufacturer defect or individual’s fault, the Provider is to ship the device directly to the certified technician, vendor, or manufacturer. NMP will pay for the repair cost. The individual must pay all repair, shipping, installation costs resulting from their fault before the device is returned to them.
Replacements - Malfunctioning devices may be replaced when the problem is not a result of manufacturer defect and the damage is too extensive to justify repair. Replacements also can be made when the malfunction is beyond the individual’s control such as normal wear and tear, fires, floods and vandalism. Police and/or fire department reports will be required for claims of theft, fire or vandalism.
Useful Life and Disposal of Device– The individual may dispose of the device when there is no useful life remaining only after the individual has notified the Provider and received permission from the Provider to dispose of the device. The individual may apply for another device.
Property of the State of South Dakota – All devices are property of the State of South Dakota.
Pawning or Selling of Device - An individual is prohibited from pawning or selling a device. Should this occur, the individual’s right to obtain any additional device shall be revoked for three years, beginning when the Provider or State discovers the sale. Providers are to report pawning and selling to the State for prosecution. Selling is allowed if approved by the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the proceeds must be returned to the State.
Loss - Lost device(s) must be reported to the Provider or the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Depending on the circumstance around the loss a replacement may not be provided.
Death or No Longer Benefits from the Device - If the individual dies or no longer benefits from the device, it must be returned to the Provider or the local Division of Rehabilitation Services District office in a reasonable time period. . The individual or heir forfeits all claims to the device including their contribution for any special features.
Extended Out-Of-State Stays - An individual may take the device with them out-of-state if a lengthy stay in another state is required. The consumer must report the out of state stay to the Provider or DRS.
Change of Address - If the individual moves to another location in South Dakota, the new address must be reported to the Division. If the individual moves out-of-state permanently, the device(s) may need to be returned to the Provider or Division of Rehabilitation Services.
GUIDE FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A VEHICLE, HOUSE OR APARTMENT?
What to consider before providing vehicle modifications?
- The program may purchase adaptive equipment to allow the consumer to drive or ride safely and independently. Examples of equipment are hand controls, lifts, spinner knobs, tie downs, etc.
- Repairing equipment is allowable.
- Purchasing a vehicle or customizing a vehicle such as carpeting, paneling, lighting, etc. is not appropriate.
- Do not rent vehicle equipment or repair rented vehicle equipment.
What to consider before providing services for a house or apartment?
- Devices must meet the consumer’s essential needs and are limited in scope. Encourage consumers to select devices that meet general accepted safety standards. All wheelchair ramps must be built to meet individual needs, within ADA Accessibility Guidelines and purchase from the Mike Durfee State Prison Vocational Education Program. If the consumer uses a wheelchair, consider the type of wheelchair and it’s dimensions to make the accommodations. The program will make one entrance accessible. The ramp landing at the entry door may not exceed 8 feet by 8 feet.
- Modifications to a residence are the responsibility of the individual.
|
