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February 1999
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February 1999
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By: Paul Rasinski
As you may know I have a major physical disability, but I’m able to get around using a wheelchair and modified van. I put the van on the road in March of 1992 and as you surely know even the best equipment eventually wears out from constant use. Getting in and out of the van, some days ten or more times, takes its toll. In the past year the lift began to become a problem. My dilemma was what do I do with a still very usable van that has a lift that is costing me time from my job and the price of repairs? What are the possibilities?
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provided the original adaptive equipment in the van. My agreement with DORS, for the van modification, was that I would complete my rehabilitation plan and seek employment. The commitment was a bargain since a job was my goal anyhow. Six years later and long after I severed my client ties to DORS, I was faced with the fact that my lift and electronic switch board were wearing out. When I looked into the cost of replacing the parts, I began to hear figures like $8,000 and $10,000. Assistive technology for driving is not inexpensive. Even an Executive Director’s salary does not allow a person to simply write a check and keep on going. I wondered if there was financial help I could tap into.
I began checking into the possibilities; As director of MD TAP I knew the First National Bank of Maryland has a program (that MD TAP was instrumental in setting up!) which provides loans for assistive technology at below-market rates. A very helpful program, but I was looking for help that would ease my burden even more. The information specialist for TAP reminded me that even though I had not been a client of DORS for over four years and that I was employed I might get some help from DORS if I still had a disability and my job was in jeopardy. The loss of the use of my van would certainly put a damper on my ability to do my job, since just getting to work would mean transferring on four different bus lines or relying on the MTA’s Mobility, an inconsistent service at best.
I phoned my local DORS office and found that help was indeed a possibility. I received some forms to complete and return, including a statement of my financial status at this point. I was assigned a counselor and given an initial meeting appointment. We discussed my needs and decided on a plan that would address those needs. The assistance did not exempt me from all financial responsibility but certainly promised to make the replacement far more affordable. DORS has a policy that allows employed persons with disabilities to "buy in" to services. A graduated scale is used to decide a person’s contribution to the process. The cost of the buy in was still a great saving when compared to the full cost of the necessary devices my van needed.
I followed the procedure that my counselor and I decided on and my van was evaluated as being in good enough condition to warrant refitting. I have taken very good care of my van, which I recommend to anyone with adaptive driving equipment. Refitting a few parts is much less expensive than having to buy a new van just to replace a lift. The van is in the shop being fixed as I am writing this article, a one-week process I’ve been told, and so taking care of this potential disaster may only cost a few dollars and a little inconvenience instead of an unexpected break down that could have forced me to sit at home for months while I attempted to handle the disaster by phone.
DORS has certainly proved to be a blessing for me and the system can work for you also. If you have a disability that makes you eligible for their services I recommend that you contact your local office today but keep in mind access to DORS services is a two way street. You must be ready to fulfill your commitment to complete your rehabilitation and ultimately become employed. The system is in place for your benefit but only you can initiate the service and motivate yourself to succeed.
MD TAP has information on assistive technology devices and services that may help you or a family member or friend learn of the possibilities assistive technology devices and services may create for you. We’re as close as an e-mail or phone call away. Check the rest of our site for contact information and let us assist you.
Paul Rasinski
Executive Director, MD TAP
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