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| Veronica Cook, Melanie, Jay Inslee |
From Veronica Cook, Shorewood Teacher
Yesterday, Jay Inslee stopped by our classroom for a meet and greet. He asked about our students' ability to get the equipment they need to be successful in life. I introduced him to Mel and told him the story about how we are trying to get Mel an iPad and the software to go with it so that she can communicate but that Medicaid will not pay for it because it is not considered durable Medical equipment. They will pay for a $6000.00 piece of equipment that will just do Augmentative Communication but because the iPad can do more than that, they won't pay for it.
Come to find out, he went back to his office very mad about this. He had one of his staff people call me and get Mel's information. They called DSHS and were told that there was nothing that could be done to get Mel an iPad until the law was changed. He decided Mel couldn't wait. He called today and asked to come visit her and brought her an iPad with a promise to also buy the software she needs. He told her that she inspired him and that's why he did it.
It was a great moment for Mel (in the picture she is in process of kissing his hand). She's had hard times. It's nice to have good things happen to her. It inspires her to keep fighting.
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