Home Modification and Assistive Technology Initiative (HMAT)
The Home Modification and Assistive Technology Initiative (HMAT) is funded through the Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) as part of its efforts to rebalance the portion of Medicaid-funded services provided to participants in their own homes instead of institutional settings. Targeted participants are seniors and people with disabilities that are served by OLTL programs.
The goals of HMAT are to increase the number of participants who are living safely and independently in their homes; improve quality and quantity of the home modifications and the use of appropriate assistive technology across PA; and, maximize the financial and technical resources available for home modifications in order to contain costs in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Activities for 2010 include:
- OLTL will issue a revised Environmental Adaptations Policy Directive this year. Look for this document via e-mail.
- Five Assistance Grants of $100,000 each were awarded in June 2010 to organizations operating successful home modification programs. Recipients include JEVS Human Services, Lawrence County Social Services, Self-Determination Housing Project of PA, United Disabilities Services, and Action Housing.
- Executive leadership training for Area Agency on Aging and Service Provider leadership teams began in 2009 and will continue this fall. Look for e-mails from OLTL and the Long Term Living Training Institute for scheduling.
- The Home Modification Construction Officer grant program and training is scheduled for later this year and will be publicized through e-mails from OLTL and the Training Institute.
If you are a Service Provider or Area Agency on Aging representative interested in learning more about other PHFA-OLTL partnership programs, such as the Regional Housing Coordinator and Rental Assistance programs, please view the Housing Services Web page.