The mission of the ITEM Coalition (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid) is to raise awareness and build support for policies that will improve access to assistive devices, technologies and related services for people of all ages with disabilities and chronic conditions.

The term “assistive devices, technologies and related services” encompasses an expansive range of items and related services that assist people with disabilities and chronic conditions in virtually all aspects of their lives. These devices range from low technology mobility aids such as canes and handheld magnifiers to high technology speech synthesizers and other augmentative communication devices. Assistive technology can be medical in nature, e.g., a prosthetic limb, or completely non-medical but important to full function of the individual, e.g., a modified work station.

Technological innovations have the potential to unleash unprecedented levels of independent living and community participation among the population of people with physical, cognitive, sensory and communication disabilities. Assistive devices and technologies can vastly improve functional levels of people with disabilities and enhance their quality of life. For both children and adults with disabilities, assistive technology can lead to greater participation, independence, productivity, and integration in the home, classroom, workplace and community.

Additionally, assistive devices play a critical role in preventing injuries in persons with disabilities and chronic conditions, thereby helping to maintain good health. For instance, a modest investment in safety devices such as grab bars for the shower and bathtub can prevent costly hospitalization due to slips and falls.

Access to assistive devices, technologies and related services, however, is severely restricted for a number of reasons, including but not limited to lack of funding, uncoordinated and often outdated federal and state public policy, a lack of awareness of what technology is available, and a lack of expertise by therapists and other service providers. The barriers to access to assistive devices, technologies and related services have been documented to result in physical consequences, such as a general deterioration in health and a risk of secondary injuries, as well as strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, financial strain, decreased independence, and limitations in social participation.

It is time to focus on achieving a comprehensive solution to these intractable problems. The ITEM Coalition will engage a sustained education and advocacy campaign to raise awareness of Americans’ inadequate access to assistive devices, technologies and related services and build support for legislative and regulatory changes to address this problem through enhancing current coverage policies. The Coalition will promote a broad-based assistive device benefit that helps as many users of assistive devices, technologies, and related services as possible.