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control devices to control
lights, doors, call buttons, emergency communication, and computer access are recommended when needed. Daily living activities, including eating, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, cooking, and communication are also considered. When needed the plan includes modifications to the family vehicle for accessible transportation.
The comprehensive plan also includes timelines, cost, types of equipment/technology, drawings and other recommendations deemed appropriate. When and how this plan is accepted is instrumental in coordinating recommendations with fiscal, professional, and family resources.
The recommendations of the Assistive Technology Partnership are attached to the subsidy agreement. The Health and Human Services Adoption Specialist must approve all projects prior to implementation. All projects to be paid for after the child has been adopted must be approved in writing in the original subsidized adoption agreement. Health and Human Services does not pay for modifications unless the family is committed to adopting or becoming guardians of the child, and they do not pay for modifications to foster homes.

Housing.NE.gov: Welcome Home!
The Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) and their partners are pleased to introduce Housing.NE.gov (located at http://www.housing.ne.gov), a new, FREE, online listing and locating service. You will find easy access to information about housing opportunities throughout Nebraska.
Individuals are able to search for housing that best fits their needs. A variety of search criteria are available including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, rent amount, whether or not the rent is income-based, accessibility features, acceptance of a rental subsidy, proximity to public transportation, security deposit amount, and many others.
Property owners and managers are able to register and manage their listings online or via phone. Properties can be described in detail and can include pictures, maps, and information about nearby amenities. Property listings are updated regularly so that searchers can be certain that the unit they desire is available.
ATP and their partners have plans to expand the site to include links to other helpful resources, as well as tools for renters, including an affordability calculator, a rental checklist, and renter rights and responsibilities (some of which are already available). Information on supportive services throughout Nebraska, especially those services linked to housing needs, will also be available.
Individuals, landlords, and service providers that do not have access to the Internet or need further assistance should call toll free 1.877.428.8844. The service is supported by a bilingual call center Monday though Friday, from 		8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Lauren Shafenberg, ATP’s Housing Resource Specialist, at 1.888.806.6287 or email lauren.shafenberg@atp.ne.gov

Searching the Site

The site was opened to the public on January 31, 2006. In March, John Turner, Housing Specialist for Region V Systems, decided to utilize the database to do a search when a man walked into his office asking for help with mental health issues and rental assistance. Together they determined the man had county assistance to cover monthly rent and a security deposit, but was having difficulty finding an apartment. After conducting a search, they identified a property that was $295 per month, utilities included. They left a message for the landlord and the man went to look at the property. John may never know if he rented the apartment, but the information John was able to access on the housing database instilled a sense of hope that the man could indeed find housing he could afford.

Site Totals as of March 1, 2006
Available Units 942
Listed Properties 5,117
Landlords Registered 312
Average Searches Per Day 360
Searches Since Jan. 31, 2006 17,762

 
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