ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS COMMUNICATION, MOBILITY, AND DAILY FUNCTIONING

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Role: Authorizes assistive technology purchases and services under PCA, ABI, and other waivers

Agency: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Oversees AT services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities under DDS HCBS Waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures that AT services under Medicaid meet federal HCBS standards for accessibility and medical necessity

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2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services involve the evaluation, acquisition, customization, and training necessary for individuals to use technology that increases their functional abilities at home or in the community.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Assessments and AT evaluations
• Recommendations for devices (e.g., communication tools, mobility aids, smart home tech)
• Purchase and customization of equipment
• Device setup, training, and troubleshooting
• Maintenance and repair of approved devices
• Documentation of medical necessity and service outcomes

Examples of eligible equipment:

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices
• Adaptive switches and environmental controls
• Wheelchair modifications or seating systems
• Smart doorbells, reminders, and medication dispensers
• Hearing/vision supports and adaptive computer hardware

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Connecticut DSS Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• For DDS Waivers, become a qualified provider through DDS
• Employ or contract professionals such as Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs), occupational therapists (OTs), or speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as appropriate
• Maintain liability insurance and ensure HIPAA compliance in documentation and training

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid or DDS Provider Enrollment

• Apply through DSS or DDS based on waiver program served
• Submit credentials, resumes, service description, and pricing structure

Step 2: Obtain Service Authorizations

• Coordinate with case managers and waiver care teams for client-specific AT authorizations

Step 3: Deliver Services and Submit Documentation

• Conduct assessments, install equipment, and train participants
• Submit billing and service logs in accordance with DSS or DDS guidance

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Medicaid provider or DDS qualified provider approval

Policy & procedure manual including:

• AT assessment tools and referral intake forms
• Service delivery logs and training verification
• Documentation of medical necessity and justification for devices
• Consent forms and HIPAA privacy policies
• Safety, maintenance, and troubleshooting protocols
• Staff credentialing, training logs, and continuing education records
• Invoices, receipts, and warranty documentation for purchased items

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist / Consultant
Requirements: ATP certification, OT/SLP license, or experience in disability technology

Role: Technician / Installer / Trainer
Requirements:

• Experience in adaptive equipment setup and support
• Background checks and proper vendor insurance
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• AT device functionality and usage training
• Person-centered care and communication
• HIPAA and confidentiality
• Equipment safety, maintenance, and documentation protocols

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Assistive Technology is reimbursed under:

• Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waivers I & II
• Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Waivers
• Medically Complex Children’s Waiver (as medically necessary)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Evaluations and recommendations based on functional needs
• Purchase and setup of approved devices
• Participant and caregiver training
• Maintenance or replacement services (if authorized)
• Documentation supporting need and successful outcomes

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid or DDS Enrollment
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Credentialing and Equipment Sourcing Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Service Delivery and Referral Activation
Timeline: Ongoing

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Email: ddsct.co@ct.gov
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dds

Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://www.ctdssmap.com

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10. SCOPE OF WORK 

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• DSS or DDS provider enrollment and credentialing support
• Policy & procedure manual for device procurement, service delivery, and training
• Templates for evaluations, installation logs, and training records
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and continuing education logs
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and troubleshooting guides
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with therapists, case managers, and discharge planners

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER

We help technology consultants, rehabilitation specialists, and accessibility experts launch Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology Services under Connecticut’s waiver and Medicaid programs.