Young man sits in the grass with his service dog_ a sheepdog wearing a training vest.
"Having the right equipment to use with Clover allows me to be the most independent, and I'm going more places on my own and spending more time in places I couldn't have before."
A Borrower Story

A nice day for Sam involves arriving at the library when it opens, favorite drink in hand (coffee or hot chocolate), and spending the day reading with a break for lunch and dinner. But - a really, really nice day includes the addition of a visit to the local conservatory with a large indoor botanical garden, conveniently located near his favorite library.

Sometimes these outings, and others, are not easy for Sam. Sam is autistic, and also has OCD and anxiety. While his service dog Clover and her training are not considered assistive technology (AT) devices or services by the federal definition, the equipment that Sam uses to make the most of his work with Clover is most definitely AT.

A young woman sits in a ceiling lift chair in a colorful bedroom with her father standing behind her holding the control for the lift.
How Participants Enrolled in Community HealthChoices Can Access Assistive Technology
Informational Factsheet

Most Pennsylvanians with disabilities and seniors who are eligible, or already receive, support services from the Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living, are transitioning into a new Medicaid managed care program called Community HealthChoices. Pennsylvanians who participate in the new Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care program and need Assistive Technology (AT) will get the AT they need from the CHC plan in which they are enrolled. AT devices, however, may be covered by one or more source(s) of coverage and under one or more covered service(s). This may cause confusion for Participants and CHC - Managed Care Organizations (CHC-MCOs). 

This factsheet outlines how different AT devices may be covered and, we hope, will help Participants advocate for getting the AT devices they need approved.

Screenshot of a Youtube video titled Webinar_ Smart Homes Made Simple.
Smart Homes Made Simple logo features the blue outline of a house with a grey wifi symbol inside
The Latest on Smart Home Technology from Smart Homes Made Simple
Webinar: Smart Homes Made Simple

This free recorded webinar focuses on defining and learning about "smart home" technology and how these devices can be integrated into home and work environments to enhance independence, safety and quality of life. Funding resources for the acquisition of smart home devices are also discussed.

Penny Pincher cartoon of woman with lightbulb above her head
Financial Tips with Penny Pincher
It's Tax Time! Resources for Help with Tax Preparation

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide:  AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers - especially those 50 and older - at nearly 5,000 locations nationwide.

Ceiba:  Ceiba is a coalition of Latino community-based organizations in Philadelphia. Ceiba provides FREE federal and state tax preparation services to low income families. 

Ceiba es una coalición de organizaciones sin fines de lucro de los vecindarios Latinos de Filadelfia. Ceiba provee el servicio de preparación gratuita de impuestos federales y estatales para familias de bajos ingresos.

TCE:  Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

VITA: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
Upcoming Events

From Our Hearts Senior Luncheon
Erie, PA - February 14 from 12-2pm
Sponsored by the Independent Council on Aging. Seniors are free with reservation.

2nd Annual Ag Safety Expo at Penn State
University Park, PA - February 22 from 8am-5pm
The event will feature agricultural-safety demonstrations and other displays with opportunity for hands-on participation.  Topics include: workplace injuries (head, eye, and foot), hazards of flowing grain, large-animal rescue, tractor rollover, corn picker reaction time, atv tilt table, overturned tractor, chainsaw safety, other safety demonstrations and additional displays.

Lebanon County Dairy, Livestock & Crops Conference
Lebanon, PA - February 23 from 9am-3:15pm
Offers compliance credits in pest and nutrient management, as well as production updates in crops, dairy, and livestock. A wide variety of production topics and breakouts will be available and will feature two keynote addresses relative to Dairy and Forages.  Trade Show & Exhibits - Visit with vendors throughout the day!

Caregiver Comic Relief
Erie, PA - March 28 from 4-8pm
An event to thank caregivers for all they do to care for loved ones. Join us for the 10th Annual Comic Relief for Caregivers Event. There is no cost to attend, but seats will be limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made at 814-835-7487.
There are Lots of Ways to Make a Difference
A woman drives her power wheelchair down the ramp of her adapted van.
You Shop, AmazonSmile Gives
Support us when you shop using smile.amazon.com_ch_23-2953796 and Amazon donates to Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. 

United Way
Give to the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and designate PATF by writing in donor choice #13064 in the comment section on the form.

Donate
Learn more about how you can help Pennsylvanians access the assistive technology they need.
STAY CONNECTED:
1004 West 9th Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406 | 888.744.1938 | patf@patf.us | www.patf.us