Assistive Technology
 & Home Modifications

The Assistive Technology Program is made possible through a grant from the RI Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP). Home Modification Programs are funded through Title VII: B of the Rehab Act and State Funding provided through the Rhode Island General Assembly.

OSCIL's Home Modification & Equipment Program provides assistance to individuals with significant disabilities to meet independent living goals which can only be obtained with the addition of special adaptive equipment or the removal of some obstacle in their home environment. This is a consumer driven, independent living program. This means that any request for services needs to come directly from the consumer. It is not intended to ease the task of care giving for the family/attendants of the individual. The individual needs to show motivation and have the potential to be independent with the use of the equipment or modification requested.

Funding can only be provided when there are no other sources available. Funding will not pay for any item that can be covered through health insurance. Home repairs or items that are therapeutic or strictly health-related are not within the scope of this program.

Funding Eligibility - To be eligible for funding individual must be:

• At least 18 years of age,
• Not active with Vocational Rehabilitation Services of Rhode Island,
• Have presence of a severe disability,
• Be Independent in the use of the requested adaptation or equipment as determined by an independent living/accessibility assessment or based on the recommendation of a home care provider's Occupational Therapist.
• Be within the range of the economic needs assessment.  See "Income Criteria" below.

Home Accessibility

Modifications can only be made to a consumer's home or a consumer's relative-owned home in which the consumer resides. Modifications will only be done in residence in which the consumer plans to live for at least 10 years after the modifications are completed. The only modifications that can be authorized involve those directly affecting the functional limitations of the individual with the disability. Anyone who resides in an apartment or other dwelling that is not owned by them or a family member is not eligible for home modifications. However, these individuals may be eligible for adaptive equipment that does not attach to or alter the property.

Economic Need:

In order for the program to fund the full amount of the cost of the requested adaptation or equipment, an individual must not exceed the allowable gross weekly income established by the Office of Rehabilitation Services for the State of Rhode Island.  The allowable income is outlined below.  Another stipulation is that cash assets cannot equal $10,000 or more.

Evaluation Process: 

It should be noted that careful consideration is given to each request.  Please understand that funds are limited.  We cannot guarantee that an individual will be accepted into the program.  This program is not a means to rectify emergency/unsafe situations.  Evaluation may be a lengthy process that could involve an independent living/accessibility assessment and/or an occupational therapy evaluation from a home care provider; in addition to an architectural evaluation.  If the cost of the request exceeds $500.00, three bids will need to be obtained to determine the most cost effective solution.

* Add $65.00 for each additional person beyond 10.

**Spousal income, disability benefits, public assistance, pension benefits, worker’s compensation, unemployment, TDI, and rental income must be included.