INTENT
To describe the types of assistive technology and services/supports funded through DRES.

POLICY
DRES provides funding for assistive technology and services/supports. The assistive technology and services/supports funded though DRES reduce or address barriers as a result of a disability to enable participation in job search, employment, education or training.

Note:

All policy, eligibility, and responsibilities stated in the DRES Overview Policy and the DRES Eligibility policy must be met and agreed to prior to the issuance of DRES funding for supports/services.

DRES funded supports/services are not intended to replace:

• Daily Living Aids
• Services that are not an accommodation of an individual’s barrier (i.e. travel, fuel and parking expenses)
• Basic equipment/technology for employment such as a computers, flashdrives, printers, etc.
• Phone, wireless or internet access
• Insurance, warranties, or virus protection
• Training in non-specialised equipment
• Furniture for the workplace or educational institution
• Medical or paramedical treatment (i.e. physiotherapy)

Assistive Services/Supports

Examples of eligible Assistive Services/Supports include, but are not limited to:

• Sign Language Interpreter
• Transliterater
• Intervener
• CART (Computer Assisted Real Time Transcription)
• Reader
• Job Coach

Examples of eligible Assistive Services/Supports for Education supports:

• Note Taker
• Scribe
• Academic aide
• Academic strategist
• Tutor

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology may include the costs of set-up, installation and training of the technology. Discretion lies with an Authorized Official for which version or substitute of the technology would best support an individual to overcome their barrier(s).

Examples of eligible Assistive Technology include, but are not limited to:

• Rental or purchase of specialized software or technical device including
• Digital recorder
• Electronic or graphic organizer
• Screen readers
• Braillers
• Specialized software (for example: JAWS, Zoom Text, Kurzweil, optical character recognition and voice activated software)
• Technology upgrades as a result of a significant change to physiological, or psychological circumstances which creates a significant barrier.

Note: When possible it is best practice to rent technology for Job Search technology requests. When a rental option does not exist, purchasing the technology or equipment may be considered.

Structural Modifications
Structural modifications may be provided under workplace supports.

Examples of approved structural alterations include, but are not limited to:

• Ramps
• Wheelchair lifts
• Widening doorways
• Washroom accessibility
• Workbench or desk accommodations
• Adapting equipment

PROCESS

Business Process

R10 Mobius Business Process

APPEALS

Individuals requesting a review of a decision regarding DRES supports and/or services or to exceed maximum funding amounts must follow the DRES Review of Decision process outlined in policy.

RELATED POLICIES

CEIS Overview

DRES General Policy Overview

DRES Eligibility Policy

DRES Education Supports

DRES Job Search Supports

DRES Workplace Supports

Employability Assessment

Workforce Development

Specialized Assessment