Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) monitors and works to improve both federal and state legislation and policies that are supportive of assistive technology in areas such as Medicaid, special education, vocational rehabilitation, health insurance, etc. MoAT also provides information to individuals attempting to secure funding and resources for assistive technology.
Current legislative and policy information is provided to keep consumers and providers informed of important issues. A disability listserv is operated to provide timely information on disability related legislation and policy. Postings provide a brief overview of state legislation in the General Assembly, implications for persons with disabilities, and up-to-date information on bill status in the legislative process. Updates are also provided on new laws as they go into effect and other timely policy issues.
Additional Information
HOME ACCESS TAX CREDIT REVISED
One often overlooked option for affordability for home access modifications is Missouri’s Residential Dwelling Accessibility (DAT) Tax Credit. While not for everyone, one revision this year makes it available for more Missourians with disabilities and their families than in previous years.
The DAT provides a tax credit for the expense of making a home more accessible for a disabled individual who is a permanent resident of that dwelling.
The tax credit is refundable, which means that an individual can receive the credit to be reimbursed for home access modification expenses regardless of whether they owe state income taxes. The total amount of DAT tax credits is limited to $100,000 per year for the entire state.
The change from previous years lies with the definition of disability. In prior years, the person with the disability wasn’t eligible unless he/she was unable to engage in work. Now, the individual has to have a permanent disability, but seeking or having employment does not disqualify someone from using the credit.
Eligible costs include constructing entrance or exit ramps, widening exterior or interior doorways, widening hallways, installing handrails or grab bars, moving electrical outlets and switches, installing stairway lifts, installing or modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other alerting systems, modifying hardware of doors and modifying bathrooms.
There are two simple and short one page forms to submit (MO-TC and MO-DAT). You may find these and more information at http://dor.mo.gov/taxcredit/dat.php You may also contact David Baker at Missouri Assistive Technology at dbaker@mo-at.org
