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related professionals will have the opportunity to access the expertise and experience of a variety of technology experts, service providers, and vendors.

  • Schools will save money when they are able to utilize deeper discounts on technology purchases.
  • Students will be utilizing the most appropriate solution in the classroom when they can try it before a school buys it. The combined availability of NEAT equipment and ATP’s demonstration and loan equipment will expand opportunities for demonstrations and loans.

You will see changes in marketing and informational materials, brochures, our website, and this newsletter. ATP’s toll free number will be used to provide access to all of the combined services. In addition, the combination of our resources will provide a base to develop additional services to meet the needs of students with disabilities transitioning to post-secondary education, work or independent living.
There will likely be some struggles ahead as we work out the details, but the combination of ATP and NEAT services will provide a more comprehensive program of assistance for everyone and assure that one call can get you started down the right path to assistive technology.

Advocacy Resources
Nebraska Advocacy Services (NAS), The Center for Disability Rights, Law, and Advocacy, assists consumers who need assistive technology and have been denied a device or service by their insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare. NAS assisted a person who needed Medicare to pay for repairs to their specialized wheelchair by locating the documentation required by Medicare. Further review of the consumer’s claim resulted in payment for the repairs.
NAS also helps consumers who have defective equipment. A consumer who had experienced problems with their porch lift since it had been installed contacted NAS. The consumer did not receive assistance after they had contacted the manufacturer and distributor. Eventually the lift became inoperable due to corroded circuits. NAS contacted the manufacturer and outlined the individual’s rights under the Nebraska Lemon Law. The consumer received a refund and following negotiations with the manufacturer, NAS was able to secure a financial settlement on behalf of the individual.
NAS has also helped students obtain assistive technology as part of their special education program. A student 		with limited motor skills needed a switch to access a computer. The equipment was included in the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP); however, the child’s mother was unsuccessful in getting the school to purchase the switch. NAS was able get another IEP meeting scheduled to discuss the student’s need for using the switch at school. The IEP team agreed to provide the switch to further the educational goals of the child.
For more information visit
the NAS website at www.nebraska advocacyservices.org or contact NAS at 1.800.422.6691.
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a free statewide service for individuals who are applying for or receiving services from the following agencies: Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Centers for Independent Living.
CAP helps consumers understand agency rules, regulations, procedures, and their benefits under the Rehabilitation Act. CAP is also an advocate who can communicate concerns and help resolve problems.
If you have further questions or need assistance, contact Vicki Rasmussen at 1.800.742.7594 or 1.402.471.3656.
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