Are you in nursing facility but would like to move out?
Are you unable to communicate your needs, thoughts, and desires?
Would you be willing to use technology to help you “speak”?
Then you might be eligible for a communication device through the Voice for Freedom Project!
The Voice for Freedom Program is a project run jointly by the Maryland Department of Disabilities Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) and the Freedom Center. The goal of the project is to provide augmentative communication devices to non-speaking nursing facility residents who qualify for the LAH Waiver so they can communicate preferences, coordinate services, and eventually move into the community. MD TAP provides the facility resident with a communication evaluation provided by a speech language pathologist, device purchase, and additional device training. As an AT provider (only for communication devices) for the LAH Waiver, MD TAP can receive reimbursement for device purchases once the individual has a transition date identified in the plan of service, thus allowing the program to recycle funds to purchase additional devices and create a sustainable, long-term integral program for Marylanders with communication disorders and support community transition for facility residents.
For more information on this program, contact Lori Markland with the Maryland Technology Assistance Program at 1-800-832-4827, lmarkland@mdtap.org or the Freedom Center at 301- 846-7811.
