Welcome to the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability
‘Assessment and Investigation of New Coverage Policies for Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) within a Contemporary Accountable Care Environment’
Our Mission is to partner with academia and key disability, industry, and policy stakeholders in a series of interrelated project activities to investigate how current wheelchair (i.e. CRT) health policy impacts health and function, community living and participation of working age people with disabilities.
This project is guided by NIDILRR’s mission to “Generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of people with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community, and also to expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for its citizens with disabilities.”
Spring/Summer 2024
National Assistive Technology Awareness Day
Today, as we celebrate National AT Awareness Day, we recognize the importance of AT devices and services in making community living a reality for millions across the country.
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the independence and function of people with disabilities and older adults. AT solutions enable people of all ages with short-term or long-term disabilities to fully engage in all aspects of life. AT solutions can take many forms, from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices that empower people to interact and socialize with others to home modifications that empower people to continue living among family and friends in their own neighborhoods.
AT impacts all aspects of community living. AT can help students with disabilities realize their future dreams by enabling full engagement in all aspects of education. AT can help people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and employers create more accessible workplaces that attract the most qualified job seekers—regardless of disability. And AT can help people with a variety of disabilities travel from place to place to engage with friends and family and participate in community activities.
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Posted 04/18/2024
Senators Hassan, Blackburn, Casey, and Duckworth Urge Improved Medicare Mobility Equipment Coverage
Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) submitted an important bipartisan letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging for improved Medicare mobility equipment coverage and a reassessment of the interpretation of the “in the home” requirement. The letter was sent to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and the Department of Health and Human Services General Counsel, Samuel Bagenstos, urging them to conduct a full review of its 2005 National Coverage Determination for Mobility Assistive Equipment (MAE) for Medicare beneficiaries, including its interpretation of the “in the home” requirement. Under its current interpretation, CMS only covers mobility assistive equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, canes, and scooters) that is considered reasonable and necessary for daily life activities that occur within the home. The letter is asking for a reassessment of this standard to ensure that individuals with disabilities can get the support they need to live independently and to participate in their communities.
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Posted 04/18/2024
