The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project recognizes that assistive technology can empower people with disabilities to live full and productive lives. P&A can assist with addressing inappropriate denials of or access to disability-related assistive technology supports in community, educational, and employment settings.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology can be “low-tech” or “high-tech". Low-tech items are usually simple, cost-effective tools that help enhance accessibility and independence. Example of low-tech items include adaptive utensils, visual aids, sensory supports and more. High-tech items may be more complex tools that often involve digital or electronic components. Some high-tech examples include specialized computers, wearable assistive technology devices such as hearing aids and smart watches, and smart home devices. Assistive technology is available to help individuals with disabilities tackle any task.
Benefits of Assistive Technology
Assistive technology helps individuals complete daily tasks with greater ease and autonomy. Tools such as smart home devices, adaptive utensils, and mobility aids make daily activities more manageable and support self-sufficiency. By increasing access at home, work, and school, technology enables people to pursue their interests, continue their education, and succeed in employment.
Communication support, including hearing aids, speech-to-text tools, and communication devices, make it easier to engage in conversations, build relationships, and participate in community life. Assistive technology also promotes self-advocacy and confidence by giving people more control over their routines and decision-making. From addressing physical and sensory challenges to supporting cognitive needs, assistive technology creates a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Training and Support
Technology works best when people feel comfortable using it. ND Assistive and other providers offer demonstrations, device training, and ongoing support to ensure that technology is effective. Schools, employers, and service providers may also provide training to help individuals integrate technology into daily life.
Funding Options for Assistive Technology
Funding for assistive technology varies based on an individual's needs, eligibility, and available resources. Potential funding sources include:
- Private Insurance – May cover assistive technology when it is considered medically necessary. Documentation and preauthorization are often required.
- North Dakota Medicaid – Covers durable medical equipment (DME) and other medically necessary technology, including some telehealth services.
- Medicaid Waivers – May provide funding for assistive technology when other funding sources are not available.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) – Eligible veterans may receive assistive technology evaluations, interventions, equipment, and training at no cost.
For additional information about funding options, visit the Assistive Technology Funding Sources in North Dakota resource.
P&A's Workforce and Technology Project
The human service delivery system continues to face workforce challenges, including the recruitment and retention of direct support professionals and other frontline staff who provide critical services to individuals with disabilities. These challenges require innovative approaches to ensure individuals receive the supports they need while maintaining independence and community inclusion.
North Dakota Protection & Advocacy (P&A), in collaboration with state agencies, service providers, technology partners, and community stakeholders, is leading efforts to explore how assistive technology and remote support solutions can address workforce shortages while enhancing independence, safety, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
The Workforce and Technology Initiative focuses on:
- Demonstrating the benefits of assistive technology and remote supports
- Helping individuals maintain their independence
- Supporting individuals in living in the least restrictive environment
- Assisting providers in reallocating staff resources to address workforce shortages
- Identifying sustainable funding pathways for technology and related supports
P&A works with partners to identify and evaluate technology-based practices that can increase independence and reduce reliance on caregiver supports. These efforts explore how assistive technology can be incorporated into home, work, and community settings to support person-centered services and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
As part of the initiative, P&A conducted pilot projects with four individuals who had diverse support needs and lived in different environments. These pilot projects explored how assistive technology and remote support solutions could be tailored to meet individual needs while promoting independence, safety, and community inclusion.
The pilot projects demonstrated a number of positive outcomes, including:
- Enhanced independence in daily activities
- Expanded opportunities for community participation and engagement
- Strengthened social connections
- Increased self-advocacy and confidence
- Reduced barriers to independence and community living
- Greater flexibility and choice in how supports are provided
The experiences and outcomes from these pilot projects continue to inform efforts to expand access to technology and promote innovative service delivery models across North Dakota.
A key focus of the initiative is identifying pathways for funding technology assessments, equipment, implementation, and ongoing support. Efforts have included exploring opportunities through Medicaid and North Dakota waiver programs to ensure individuals can access and sustain the technology they need.
A key component of the Workforce and Technology Initiative is the partnership with Warehouse 13, a North Dakota-based technology company that provides technology solutions designed to promote independence and safety for individuals with disabilities.
Warehouse 13's technology includes a variety of sensors and devices that can monitor environmental conditions, detect potential safety concerns, and provide notifications to designated support staff or caregivers when needed. These tools can help individuals maintain greater independence while supporting their ability to live in the least restrictive setting possible.
Through collaboration with individuals, providers, and community partners, the initiative has explored how technology can be customized to meet individual needs, enhance safety, and supplement direct support services. The use of technology has demonstrated its potential to improve quality of life, increase independence, and help address workforce challenges within the service delivery system.
As a result of these efforts, Warehouse 13's technology solutions are approved for reimbursement through North Dakota Medicaid Waiver programs, creating a sustainable pathway for eligible individuals to access these supports. This milestone expands opportunities for individuals to utilize technology that promotes independence, safety, and community living.
For more information on Warehouse 13's products, visit their website at https://warehouse-13.biz/assistive-tech.
P&A remains committed to advancing the use of assistive technology and remote support solutions throughout North Dakota. By continuing to collaborate with partners, explore innovative technologies, and advocate for sustainable funding, the Workforce and Technology Initiative supports greater independence, safety, and choice for individuals with disabilities while helping address ongoing workforce challenges.