AT / AAC Assessment
Assistive Technology (AT) assessments help identify specialized equipment, devices, and tools that make daily life safer, more independent, and more accessible. AT can support activities of daily living, communication, environmental control, and participation in other services and community activities for people using the FIS, CL, or BI waivers.
AT assessments at VATN focus on understanding what a person needs in their home, vehicle, day program, school, or community settings and recommending the most effective and cost-conscious options available within Virginia’s waiver guidelines (up to 5,000 dollars per calendar year for AT devices and related labor).
AT & AAC Assessments at VATN
At VATN, AT assessments are completed by qualified professionals such as occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, behavior consultants, or other independent evaluators, depending on the type of device or support being considered.
Our clinicians:
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Review current abilities, goals, and challenges
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Observe the person in relevant settings (home, school, community, day program)
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Consider what devices, equipment, or technology could increase independence, safety, or communication
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Provide a clear recommendation that can be used by your Support Coordinator and AT vendor for waiver service authorization and purchases
Examples of AT that may be recommended include communication devices, organizational tools, adapted seating or support chairs, writing supports, specialized toileting equipment, and other devices that are not available through the Medicaid State Plan but are medically necessary and directly support ISP outcomes.
AT / AAC ASSESMENT INTAKE PROCESS
AT Assessment
The evaluator observes the individual in relevant settings and may try out sample tools or devices when available. They consider the least expensive, most effective options that meet medical and functional needs and align with waiver guidelines (no duplication with DME, EPSDT, or ADA responsibilities).
Report & Recommendation
You receive a written recommendation that explains the need for AT, the specific device(s) or equipment recommended, and how they will support the person’s ISP outcomes. This report can be used by your Support Coordinator and AT vendor when requesting service authorization and purchasing equipment through the waiver.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Assistive Technology (AT) in the DD waivers?
AT includes specialized medical equipment, devices, supplies, and controls that are not covered under the standard Medicaid State Plan but are necessary to help someone perform daily living tasks, communicate, control their environment, participate in services, or maintain life support systems.
Who is eligible for AT services?
Individuals enrolled in the Community Living (CL), Family & Individual Supports (FIS), or Building Independence (BI) waivers who are receiving at least one other waiver service and have a documented need for equipment that provides direct medical benefit or increases safety and independence in their primary home, primary vehicle, day program, or community setting may be eligible.
What does VATN's AT assessment include?
AT assessments include an intake and interview, observation in relevant settings, and a written recommendation from an independent qualified professional that specifies the type of device or equipment, why it is needed, and how it will support the person’s ISP goals. VATN does not sell AT devices; we provide the evaluation and clinical justification needed for authorization.
Who completes the AT assessment?
An independent professional—such as an OT, PT, SLP, behavior consultant, physician, certified rehabilitation specialist, or rehabilitation engineer—completes the assessment depending on the device category (for example, a communication device vs. mobility or toileting support). Providers who supply the AT equipment cannot perform the assessment or write the specifications for that same individual.
How is AT funded?
For waiver participants, AT devices and related labor are funded through the CL, FIS, or BI waiver, up to a combined total of 5,000 dollars per calendar year, when authorized by DMAS or its designee. AT must be medically necessary, cost-effective, and not otherwise covered under the Medicaid State Plan, EPSDT (for children), or required under ADA/Section 504 responsibilities.
Can AT recommendations include "nice-to-have" or recreational items?
No. AT through the waivers cannot be authorized for caregiver convenience, restraint, or recreational/leisure purposes (for example, typical furniture, play structures, gaming systems, or general exercise equipment). Recommended items must provide direct medical or functional benefit and directly support ISP outcomes.
What happens after the AT assessment is completed?
Your Support Coordinator uses the evaluator’s written recommendation to submit a service authorization request. Once approved, an enrolled AT/DME provider orders, delivers, and installs the equipment. The provider must demonstrate the device, ensure it works correctly, and transfer any warranties or instructions to you before billing Medicaid.