High-risk infant case management and assistive technology: funding and family enabling perspectives

Nursing personnel who are high-risk infant case managers need to be aware of potential funding resources in order to provide needed technology and services to families of high-risk infants and young children. The authors review federal funding streams for the provision of assistive technology and services for this population. Emphasis is placed on encouraging parents to function as independently as possible and assume active rather than passive roles in the case management process. Practical strategies for assisting families to secure needed funding are presented, including the development of a funding portfolio, obtaining technology evaluations, gathering documentation, and becoming involved in appeal processes.