Larry F. Cobb

APT 507

Assistive

Technology

HOW TO FUND ASSISTIVE

TECHNOLOGY DEVICES

AND SERVICE

Organizations

Federal and State Programs

Advocacy Groups

Grants

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SOURCES FOR

FUNDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

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.

ORGANIZATIONS

RESNA, 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.

ORGANIZATIONS

US 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 skil ls

coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in

starting their own businesses or independent l iving 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 ef fective 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 of ten contribute funds and/or

organize fundraisers to assist in the provision of AT devices for

individuals who l ive in their areas. A l isting 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.

ORGANIZATIONS

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 Rehabil itation Research

Office of Special Education Programs

Rehabil itation Services Administration

Race to the Top Fund

Client Assistance Program

FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS

The 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.

FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS

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 GROUPS

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 l ife 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 (LOCAL)

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 facil itates 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 l ink to state loan programs.

ADVOCACY GROUP (NATIONAL)

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/edgra

nts.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

disabil ities prepare for and engage in gainful employment

consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns,

abil ities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

GRANTS

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.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES