Adaptive Items

The Teen Life Committee has compiled a list of adaptive items that may support your child in independence or make life easier as your child grows.  

Mobility:

• adaptive strollers
• jogging strollers for higher weights
• wheelchairs
• adaptive trikes
• gait trainers
• adaptive bicycles
• ski leashes
• ramps

Sensory:

• mini trampoline
• stretchy body sock
• weighted blanket
• variety of swings
• sensory seats
• noise-canceling earmuffs or headphones

Miscellaneous

• AAC & Communication Devices
• helmets
• drop support safety harness
• safety locks
• window and door alarms
• slant boards
• pencil grips
• Accessibility features on iPads (sound level maximum, stay in-app, etc.).
• Social skills videos like Model Me Kids, apps like Kid In Story to make your own social stories

Insurance Tips

Here are some insurance tips from Complexchild.com – Some adaptive items or other assistive technologies may be covered by Medicaid or private insurance as long as they meet a medical need. Some state agencies, charitable organizations, or private funding organizations can assist with the cost of the assessment and/or equipment.

 Insurance Request Process:

Request your child’s doctor to write a script of medical necessity and include one of your own.

Submit a Letter of Medical Necessity

• Include all of your child’s diagnoses in the first paragraph,  noting the symptoms that are relevant to needing the adaptive item.  
• Include a short paragraph about why products available to the general public do not work. 
• Next, you need to prove that all the features you are requesting are medically necessary. Do not mention a specific model or brand. Simply list out the features you need medically and explain each one.  
• It can also be very helpful to explain how the adaptive item will keep your child out of the hospital by preventing medical problems.
• Now you can state that whatever bed you want meets all of your child’s medical needs.

Depending on your insurance and your provider, this step may vary somewhat. Some families may submit all the necessary paperwork directly to their insurer. Others will need to submit it through an equipment provider. You may also need to submit a prescription from your doctor and other information.