How to Fund

Assistive

Technology

Devices and

Service

There are a number of sources

for funding Assistive

Technology

Organizations

Federal and State Programs

Advocacy Groups

Grants

Organizations

Funding for Assistive Technology can be

found both in public and private sources

Disability-focused organizations operate

nationwide to share information and resources on

specific disabilities. Quite often these national

organizations have state and local chapters.

OrganizationsRESNA, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America offers several programs for members and for the assistive technology professional community at large. The RESNA Catalyst Project is funded to provide assistance to the AT Act Grantees to assist them in increasing awareness, access, acquisition and advocacy to assistive technology (AT) devices and services for consumers with disabilities of all ages. The project works with the 56 statewide AT programs, the 57 protection and advocacy for AT programs, and the 39 alternative financing programs. It also works with 19 access to telework financial loan programs.

OrganizationsUS Department of Veteran Affairs For Veterans-You may receive vocational rehabilitation

and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.

For Service members and Veterans - VA's Education and Career Counseling program is a great opportunity for Service members and Veterans to get personalized counseling and support to help guide their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.

Organizations National and local organizations and service

clubs.International and national organizations such as Easter Seals, United Way, Lions Club International, March of Dimes, Kiwanis and may have assistance programs for funding AT. Some local and state organizations may also take on a “fundraising project” in specific cases.

Local organizations such as Knights of Columbus , local Lions Clubs and faith-based organizations will often contribute funds and/or organize fundraisers to assist in the provision of AT devices for individuals who live in their areas. A listing of these clubs can be found in your telephone directory and by searching for “local service organizations” for your locale on the internet.

Assistive Technology Related Organizations also provide some needed assistance.

Federal and State Programs

The Department of Education hosts a number of programs that provide funding for Assistive Technology through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services The National Institute for on Disability and Rehabilitation

Research Office of Special Education Programs Rehabilitation Services Administration Race to the Top Fund Client Assistance Program

Federal and State ProgramsThe Assistive Technology Act is intended to promote people’s awareness of and access to, assistive technology devices and services. Under the law, each U.S. state and territory receives a grant to fund an Assistive Technology Act Project (ATA). These projects provide services to persons with disabilities for their entire life span, as well as to their families or guardians, service providers, and agencies and other entities that are involved in providing services such as education and employment to persons with disabilities.

For the State of Alabama, see this link below.

http://www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-and-families/star

Federal and State Programs

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) – every state has a federally funded agency that administers vocational rehabilitation (VR), supported employment and independent living services. VRS will often pay for assistive technology if the technology will enhance the worker’s ability to prepare for, get or keep a job.

Advocacy Groups

On the local and national levels there are

many advocacy groups that provide

assistance to persons with disabilities.

Several of these organizations assist with

funding for AT devices, home modifications,

AT assessments, etc.

Advocacy Group (Local)Alabama Statewide Assistive Technology Access and Response Program

The mission of the Alabama Statewide Assistive Technology Access and Response (STAR) Program program is to enhance independence, productivity and quality of life for all Alabamians with disabilities through access to assistive technology devices and services. STAR's services include Ability loans; assistive technology devices and services; equipment loan program; an information and referral service; and specialized training programs.

Advocacy Group (National) Abledata – provides information about assistive technology

products and rehabilitation equipment

Assistive Technology Act Programs - ATAP was established in 1997 to provide support to state AT Program members to enhance the effectiveness of AT Programs on the state and local level, and promote the national network of AT Programs. ATAP facilitates the coordination of state AT Programs nationally and provides technical assistance and support to its members. ATAP represents the needs and interests of the state AT Programs and is the national voice of the AT Programs.

Alternative Funding Technical Assistance Project- Sponsored by RESNA this project provides technical assistance to State Assistive Technology Financial Loan Programs. The website is directed at state TA projects; however, consumers may want to check the link to state loan programs.

Grants

Grants are money you don’t have to repay and are usually based on your financial need. Grant programs are available from the Office of Educational

Technology: http://ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/edgrants.html

Formula Grants are available through the Rehabilitation Services Administration. This agency provides grants to states to support a wide range of services designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for and engage in gainful employment consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

Additional Funding Sources Organizations, private corporations and manufacturers of assistive

technology are also valuable sources of funding. They may be able to put you in contact with families who have been successful at locating funding and purchasing equipment. Some nonprofit groups and manufacturers sponsor guaranteed loan programs for the purchase of AT devices while others actually loan equipment or computer software.

Worker's Compensation may fund AT devices and services for persons with work related injuries.

Loans from private banks: Although banks would hesitate to loan money with AT devices as collateral, there are some aspects of the Federal Reserve Regulations, Regulation Z: the Truth in Lending Law and Regulation B: the Anti-Discrimination Law that might assist a user in acquiring a loan for the purchase of AT.