ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 7
3 min read

EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CUSTOMIZED DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR DAILY FUNCTION AND COMMUNICATION

Assistive Technology Services in Delaware provides individuals with disabilities access to tools, equipment, and training that support greater independence, safety, and functional ability. These services are authorized through the Delaware Lifespan Waiver, administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), and must be linked to specific needs outlined in a participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Role: Approves assistive technology services under the Lifespan Waiver and monitors provider compliance

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Role: Handles Medicaid reimbursement and waiver funding

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal HCBS guidelines are met for device procurement and service delivery

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services involve evaluating, acquiring, customizing, and training individuals on devices that enhance mobility, communication, learning, and safety. Services must be prescribed, justified, and pre-authorized through DDDS and Medicaid.

Approved providers may deliver:

Technology assessments and consultations
Purchase or customization of assistive devices
Device installation and environmental setup
Training on device use for participants, caregivers, and staff
Maintenance and repair (when authorized)
Documentation of service effectiveness and usage monitoring

Examples of eligible technology:

Communication aids (AAC devices)
Environmental control units (e.g., smart switches, door openers)
Specialized software, screen readers, and adaptive keyboards
Safety and alerting systems
Devices to assist with vision, hearing, or mobility

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply as an Assistive Technology Services Provider under the Lifespan Waiver (DDDS)
Employ or subcontract certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs), OTs, SLPs, or other qualified specialists
Maintain HIPAA-compliant systems for service and billing documentation
Carry liability insurance and follow equipment safety standards

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business and obtain NPI

Step 2: Apply to DDDS for enrollment under the Lifespan Waiver

Submit provider profile, AT service descriptions, staff credentials, and sample reports

Step 3: Register with Delaware Medicaid (DMAP) for billing authorization (if applicable)

Step 4: Connect with support coordinators and waiver case managers for referrals and authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
AT Professional certifications or therapist licenses (if applicable)
Liability insurance and Medicaid approval (if billing)
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Evaluation and service authorization process
- Justification templates for assistive device requests
- Delivery, training, and usage documentation
- Consent forms and confidentiality protocols
- Repair and maintenance tracking (if applicable)
- Incident and issue reporting procedures
- Staff training and CEU records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist / Consultant

Requirements:

Certification as an ATP or state-licensed OT, PT, or SLP with AT experience
Background check and training in device assessment and implementation

Role: Equipment Installer / Trainer

Requirements:

Technical knowledge of adaptive devices
Clean driving record (if conducting in-home setup)
Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Person-centered planning and functional device matching
HIPAA compliance and client confidentiality
Documentation procedures for DDDS and Medicaid
Emergency procedures and safety considerations

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Assistive Technology is reimbursed under:

Delaware Lifespan Waiver (administered by DDDS)

Approved providers may deliver:

Evaluations and device recommendations
Equipment acquisition, training, and installation
Documentation of usage, success, or adjustments
Maintenance and replacement (if included in ISP)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DDDS Waiver Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Onboarding and Service Workflow Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referral Activation and Service Delivery

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Phone: (302) 744-9600

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds

Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Phone: (302) 255-9500

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)

Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

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

We help therapists, device specialists, and accessibility consultants become Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology providers under Delaware’s HCBS waiver system.

Scope of Work: