Project Technical Abstract

This project is funded by a three year Real Choice Systems Change Grant, funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is administered and directed by the Oregon Office on Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (HCS). In May 2005, the Office of Seniors and People with Disabilities awarded a subcontract to Eugene Research Institute to work with SPD on implementation of grant activities.

There is a gap between availability of innovative technology and effective implementation particularly as it pertains to the needs of low income seniors and people with disabilities. Although lack of funding continues to be an issue, lack of infrastructure capacity represents a significant barrier to integration of assistive technology into affordable housing development and long-term supports. There is a need for mechanisms to promote systematic consideration of consumers’ assistive technology needs as related to housing and long-term supports. There is also a need for innovative ways to educate and connect consumers, technical assistance providers, and property managers who are responsible for long-term supports in housing communities.

The purpose of this project is to:

• Review currently available technologies and identify infrastructure deficits that act as barriers to effective technology integration into housing for seniors and people with disabilities;
• Develop a plan for system change that will provide tools to promote the potential of assistive technology and result in its incorporation in key program planning and individual planning processes;
• Implement recommended infrastructure improvements and demonstration projects, and develop information resources and training materials for consumers, housing developers, case managers, families, contractors, and others.