Locating Funding Sources

The following information is available from "The Family Guide to Assistive Technology" prepared by P.L.U.K. Parents, Let's Unite for Kids. This guide contains additional information that you may find helpful. To read "The Family Guide to Assistive Technology" in full, visit: www.pluk.org

Funding for Assistive Technology is available from a variety of public and private sources. To receive public or private funding, the individual must meet eligibility criteria for the specific program and provide sufficient documentation of the need for assistive technology.

The following list includes some of the programs which may pay for equipment if the individual needing the device meets their requirements. Many of these programs are run by different agencies in different states, making them hard to find. In general, the state's Tech Act office can assist consumers and family members in finding and using these programs.

Public Programs >>

Private Programs

Private Insurance

Some health insurance plans will buy equipment, but it depends on the specific wording of the policy. Unless the policy says the equipment is not covered, it makes sense to ask the insurance company to pay for it. The equipment must be considered medically necessary and therefore requires a doctor's prescription.

Loans

There are several low or no interest loans available to help buy technology. Call the state Tech Act program or the manufacturer of the equipment may know where to get this type of loan.

Non-Profit Disability Associations

There are many disability organizations, some of which may be able to loan equipment or provide information about other funding sources or support groups. These organizations include: National Easter Seal Society, March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way, United Cerebral Palsy Association, and the Braille Institute.

Foundations

Some private foundations have been set up specifically to provide help to people with disabilities. A listing of such foundations can be found at the library or may be available from the state Tech Act program.

Civic Organizations

There are many local civic and service organizations which may provide money to help someone in their community. Lists of these organizations are available from the Chamber of Commerce. Examples of these organizations are: Lions Club, Masons, Grotto, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Elks Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus and Soroptomists. Some of these organizations have a national focus on disability or on a particular disability. Others will fund devices for a particular child who is known to the local club.

Charities and Fund-Raisers

Local churches, high school groups, neighborhood organizations, labor unions, or special interest groups (e.g., computer clubs, ham operators) may plan a fund-raiser to help purchase assistive technology. College student organizations (fraternities and sororities) may give money or students' time to help a special cause. Even if money is not available, they may be willing to help organize a fund raiser.

Local Media (radio, television, newspapers)

Sometimes they will sponsor fund-raising activities to fund devices. They may not contribute money but will help with organizing the fund-raising activity and publicizing it to the community.

Public Programs

Early Intervention Programs (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part H)

Young children (0-3) and their families may receive help through early intervention programs in evaluating what the child needs, in getting assistive technology, and in learning how to use it. Equipment and services must be included in a written plan, called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). To find the program for a particular state, call National Early Childhood Technical Assistance System (NEC*TAS) at 919-962-2001 or 919-966-4041 (TDD).

Head Start

This child development program provides comprehensive educational and health services for eligible children ages 3-5. Since 1982, federal law has required that at least 10 percent of the total number of placements must be available to children who are disabled and require special services. Head Start is a mainstream placement option for children whose IEP calls for placement with non-disabled children. The January 1993 Head Start regulations specifically require the consideration of assistive technology services and devices. For more information, contact National Head Start Association, 201 N. Union St., Suite 320, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-739-0875.

Schools (IDEA, Part B)

This program mandates a free, appropriate public education for preschoolers, children and youth with disabilities. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required for all children with a disability. These children are entitled to special education, related services or supplementary aids. If the IEP team determines that assistive technology is required for a free, appropriate public education, then it must be provided at no cost to the child. The technology must be included in the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents have a right to be involved and should help to develop the IEP goals which may include technology. For help in getting assistive technology in the IEP, call the TAPP Focus Center on Assistive Technology at 1-800-222-7585.

State Operated and Supported Schools (Chapter I)

This program provides federal assistance to help educate children with disabilities who are enrolled in state-operated and state-supported programs. Federal funds must be used to pay for services that supplement a child's basic special education program, such as construction and the purchase of equipment. For more information, contact your State Department of Education.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 provides a civil-rights mandate that requires accommodations for students who have disabilities such as orthopedic impairments, but who do not qualify for special education services. It denies federal funds to any institution, including a school, whose practices or policies discriminate against individuals with disabilities. This legislation has resulted in a number of outcomes, including various actions to remove physical barriers to education, which may incorporate assistive technology. For more information, contact the nearest regional Office of Civil Rights or the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.

State Programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs

These programs provide and pay for services for eligible children. CSHCN programs vary widely from state to state in the services they offer, the number of children served, and the requirements for eligibility. Some CSHCN programs do pay for assistive technology devices when no other funding source is available and the equipment is necessary for health-related reasons. Most CSHCN programs are run by the state health agency. For contact information about CSHCN in your state, contact your health department, or internet search (your state) CSHCN. Ex: Michigan CSHCN.

School-to-Work Transition Programs

Transition Programs are charged with assisting students with disabilities to receive the job related training and placement services to help them move from school to work. Sometimes assistive technology may be necessary in order for a student to make a successful transition and become employable. If technology is needed for transition purposes, it can be written into the student's Individualized Transition Plan (ITP). To receive more information about transition and technology, call the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) in your state (See Appendix).

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

State vocational rehabilitation agencies provide information, evaluation services, training and funding for technology and education to help adults go to work or live more independently. If technology is necessary for an individual to work, Vocational Rehabilitation may pay for the equipment as part of an Individualized Work-Related Plan (IWRP). To locate the nearest Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, look in the telephone book under state government.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program which covers some equipment if it is considered medically necessary. For more information about Medicaid and who and what is covered, contact the local Department of Human Services office.

Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988

This federal competitive grants program provides monies for states to establish a statewide, consumer-responsive service delivery system designed to effect systems change regarding assistive technology. In most Tech Act states, a funding specialist or policy analyst is available to assist with accessing assistive technology. Several states operate loan programs to help with the purchase of devices and services. For more information, contact RESNA Technology Assistance Project, 1700 N. Moore ST., Suite 1540, Arlington VA 22209-1903; 703-524-6686.