Funding+Resources

A tremendous variety of assistive technology (AT) is now available to enable people with disabilities to live independently, to achieve higher levels of education, to participate in activities of the workplace, and to engage in hobbies and recreational activities. When people with disabilities and their families seek to purchase these products, they often find that AT products can be expensive and that locating and obtaining financial assistance to purchase them can be a frustrating experience. Funding is often difficult to find and may seem to be unavailable. Even when people with disabilities and their families locate a source of funding, they are often confronted with a maze of eligibility requirements, restrictions, paperwork, rules, regulations, and denials and refusals. This Informed Consumer Guide discusses a broad range of potential sources of funding and funding information for assistive technology and provides lists of specific organizations and programs from which funding and funding information are available. The guide also discusses other sources of information on funding issues and organizations that assist people to find the funds that they need.

** Funding Information Center ** //** Organizations **//
 * 1) ** [|1-88-88-DISABLED] **  1-88-88-DISABLED is dedicated to the welfare of helping deserving claimants get through all levels of red tape in becoming a SSD (Social Security Disability) or SSI (Social Security Income) recipient. This national system of lawyers aids people with disabilities to receive Federal benefits. [|[More Information on 1-88-88-DISABLED]]
 * 2) ** [|Accessibility Is a Right Foundation] **  The Accessibility Is a Right Foundation (AIR Foundation) was created to further the cause of universal accessibility to digital information throughout the world. To further this aim, the AIR Foundation makes available for free the Serotek Corporation's System Access, a da Vinci Award-winning tool that delivers e functionality similar to a conventional screen reader. AIR makes System Access available in a unique Web-based application called System Access To Go or SAToGo. Any person connected to the Internet can use it by simply typing www.satogo.com into their Internet browser. The software becomes active immediately and continues to run on the System until the user disconnects from the Internet. [|[More Information on Accessibility Is a Right Foundation]]
 * 3) ** [|Acura Mobility Assistance Program] **  The Acura Mobility Assistance Program supports the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. A cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 is provided for the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment installed on any eligible vehicle that has been purchased or leased. [|[More Information on Acura Mobility Assistance Program]]
 * 4) ** [|Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project] **  The RESNA Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project (AFTAP) provides technical assistance to State Assistive Technology Financial Loan Programs. The project and the State programs are funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). [|[More Information on Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project]]
 * 5) ** [|American Association of People with Disabilities] **  The American Association of People with Disabilities is a national nonprofit cross-disability member organization dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for Americans with disabilities. AAPD works in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation and enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Membership benefits include the AAPD Quarterly Newsletter; car rental discounts; life insurance; discounted subscription rates for New Mobility Magazine; and eligibility for membership in Digital Federal Credit Union, which provides a full range of financial services including Mobility Vehicle Loans and Access Loans to finance adaptive equipment and modifications. [|[More Information on American Association of People with Disabilities]]
 * 6) ** [|American Elder Care Research Organization] **  The American Elder Care Research Organization was established in 2007 as a result of the founders’ personal experience navigating the maze of program eligibility requirements, and eventually assembling the myriad pieces of the puzzle to create a suitable financial plan for a loved one. Carol Guerrero, an attorney specializing in estate planning and other legal issues of seniors, and Alex Guerrero, a website developer, drew from the expertise of other immediate family members (in medicine, law and research) to create the PayingForSeniorCare.com website and its Eldercare Financial Resource Locator Tool, which help families to find the care and financial resources required for their loved ones to age with comfort and dignity. [|[More Information on American Elder Care Research Organization]]
 * 7) ** [|Assistive Technology Law Center] **  The Assistive Technology Law Center is a public interest law firm providing information and advocacy assistance to expand coverage and funding for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, also called speech generating devices (SGDs). Its web site, AACFundingHelp.com, includes extensive information and documentation about the most important funding sources for SGDs, including Medicare, state Medicaid programs, Tricare, private health insurance, the Department of Veterans Affairs, education programs, vocational rehabilitation programs, and telecommunications equipment distribution programs. [|[More Information on Assistive Technology Law Center]]
 * 8) ** [|Association of Blind Citizens] **  The ABC is a membership organization of blind/visually impaired persons, their friends and families, and other interested individuals who recognize the needs and issues effecting the blind community. It provides assistance through information and referral services, advocacy, and other supports to maximize and increase options and opportunities for all blind and visually impaired persons. The ABC offers an online newsletter (20/20 Access), informative meetings, and a radio show (In Focus). It sponsors an Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) that makes grants to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. Legally blind residents of the United States are eligible. [|[More Information on Association of Blind Citizens]]
 * 9) ** [|AUDIENT Program] **  AUDIENT is an affiliate of the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight and Hearing. This nonprofit alliance brings together suppliers, hearing health care professionals, and related groups with the common goal of providing access to quality hearing health care for persons currently without adequate financial resources. AUDIENT provides people with low income access to hearing care providers and discounted hearing aids. [|[More Information on AUDIENT Program]]
 * 10) ** [|Cochlear Implant Assistance Program] **  Colorado Neurological Institute’s Cochlear Implant Assistance Program provides cochlear implants at no charge to qualified candidates, through a cooperative effort of Cochlear Americas and Advanced Bionics. Although there is no charge for the device, patients are responsible for other costs associated with the procedure such as physician, hospital, anesthesiology, and audiological fees. The average out-of-pocket cost for candidates who receive an implant is approximately $15,000. Eligibility is open to permanent, legal U.S. residents from any state. [|[More Information on Cochlear Implant Assistance Program]]
 * 11) ** [|DaimlerChrysler Automobility Program] **  The DaimlerChrysler Automobility Program provides a cash reimbursement to help cover the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on any new model Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle bought or leased from a participating dealer. Leased vehicles must be leased for a minimum of 12 months to be eligible. [|[More Information on DaimlerChrysler Automobility Program]]
 * 12) ** [|Digital Federal Credit Union] **  The Digital Federal Credit Union offers Mobility Vehicle Loans and Access Loans to credit union members. With a Mobility Vehicle Loan, the member can borrow from $5,000 to $100,000 for up to 120 months for lift-equipped vans and other vehicle modifications. Access Loans can be for any product, device, or building modification designed to assist someone with a disability. With an Access Loan, the member can borrow from $1,500 to $25,000 or more for up to 72 months with no downpayment required. Loans are available only to credit union members. Individuals belonging to the American Association of People with Disabilities, a national cross-disability organization, are eligible to join the credit union. [|[More Information on Digital Federal Credit Union]]
 * 13) ** [|Emergent Institute] **  The Emergent Institute supports literary, visual and performing artists with special needs, contributing to their enablement as they pursue self-sufficiency through their chosen educational, employment and entrepreneurial ventures. The institute also serves as a business incubator by providing technical assistance and financial support to for-profit entities that are developing or have developed innovative, adaptive/assistive solutions to enable persons with disabilities to overcome obstacles as they strive to improve the quality of their life. [|[More Information on Emergent Institute]]
 * 14) ** [|Ford Mobility Motoring Program] **  "Ford Mobility Motoring offers financial assistance toward the cost of the installation of adaptive equipment on a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle. The program also offers Ford Credit Mobility Financing and comprehensive Roadside Assistance." [|[More Information on Ford Mobility Motoring Program]]
 * 15) ** [|General Motors Mobility Reimbursement Program] **  The GM Mobility Reimbursement Program provides aftermarket reimbursement for adaptive equipment installed on GM vehicles, including GM OnStar TTY equipment and safety belt extenders, and other adaptive equipment purchased from and installed by a licensed equipment installer. Participating GM divisions include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, and Saturn. [|[More Information on General Motors Mobility Reimbursement Program]]
 * 16) ** [|GiveTech] **  GiveTech was established with the goal of improving the quality of life of individuals with severe physical disabilities by providing them with accessible computer input technology. Its focus is on individuals with severe physical disabilities whose disabilities leave them physically unable to use a computer through normal means (e.g. mouse and/or keyboard) but who remain lucid, who lack the financial ability to purchase the necessary computer input technology to allow them to use a computer, and whose lives would be greatly improved by the ability to use a computer. GiveTech seeks to identify such persons, determine their needs and the best solutions to allow them to utilize a computer, obtain the necessary technology (either through purchase or donation) and give the technology to the people who can benefit from it. [|[More Information on GiveTech]]
 * 17) ** [|Home Free Home] **  Home Free Home is an all volunteer organization that relies on local architects and university students to design barrier-free accessible home renovations that allow people with disabilities to live in greater safety and ease. It is the vision of the organization’s founders that good universal design and even minimal changes in the home environment can create dramatic benefits in the daily life of physically challenged people and their families. HFH functions to encourage and amplify volunteer efforts to create accessible homes. HomeFreeHome is the “not-so-extreme makeover that makes a big difference.” Started on Long Island, New York in 2006, HFH now has volunteer architects in Texas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida. [|[More Information on Home Free Home]]
 * 18) ** [|Homes for Our Troops, Inc.] **  Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004 that is strongly committed to helping veterans who have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries. It assists severely injured servicemen and women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. All services provided by Homes for Our Troops are at no cost to the veterans it serves. [|[More Information on Homes for Our Troops, Inc.]]
 * 19) ** [|Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program] **  To support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities, the Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle. This program applies only to new Honda vehicles that are retailed or leased in the U.S. [|[More Information on Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program]]
 * 20) ** [|Hyundai Mobility Program] **  The Hyundai Mobility Program assists Hyundai owners with up to $1,000 toward the cost of installation of new adaptive equipment in a new Hyundai vehicle purchased from an authorized Hyundai dealership. The mobility equipment must be installed within 6 months of the vehicle purchase or lease. [|[More Information on Hyundai Mobility Program]]
 * 21) ** [|Let Them Hear Foundation] **  The Let Them Hear Foundation offers a Cochlear Implant and Pediatric Hearing Aid Program providing services to patients in Northern California and around the world. The Foundation also offers a nationwide Insurance Advocacy Program to assist individuals appealing insurance denials. The Foundation was established in 2003 and is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation in the State of California. LetThemHear.org is funded by donations and patient fees. [|[More Information on Let Them Hear Foundation]]
 * 22) ** [|Lions Clubs International] **  Lions Clubs International is a volunteer organization with 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. Worldwide, Lions Clubs are recognized for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the 1925 Lions Clubs International Convention. Clubs provide free quality eye care, eyeglasses, Braille writers, large print texts, white canes, and guide dogs for thousands of people each year. The Lions SightFirst Program has restored sight to 7 million people through cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss for 20 million people, and improved eye care services for hundreds of millions. The Lions Clubs International web site includes a locator for finding local clubs. [|[More Information on Lions Clubs International]]
 * 23) ** [|Mary Mwaniki Foundation] **  The Foundation is registered in Kenya as a charity with a mission to empower the persons with spinal cord injuries through psychosocial approaches, training, networking, adaptive equipment distribution, individual and peer support groups therapy leading to a holistic transformation in order enhance their social-economic and psychosocial productivity and self-eeficacy. [|[More Information on Mary Mwaniki Foundation]]
 * 24) ** [|Medicaid Reference Desk] **  This site offers information on Medicaid for people with cognitive disabilities. It also has links to regional, State and local organizations that may be of assistance to all people with disabilities. [|[More Information on Medicaid Reference Desk]]
 * 25) ** [|Mortgageloan.com] **  This guide is designed for persons living with a disability or those who have a family member, friend or other relation with a disability and seek more about homeownership and financing. [|[More Information on Mortgageloan.com]]
 * 26) ** [|Motability Scheme] **  The Motability Scheme is a program in the United Kingdom that enables individuals qualified for disability benefits in the UK to use their government-funded mobility allowances to obtain a new car, powered wheelchair, or scooter. [|[More Information on Motability Scheme]]
 * 27) ** [|Muscular Dystrophy Association] **  The Muscular Dystrophy Association provides financial support for research, medical care, and equipment. It also sponsors support groups and summer camps. Its focus includes muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases, and it has a division for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Services to enhance mobility and independent living are available in each community through MDA’s local network of chapters and field offices. When medically prescribed by the local MDA clinic physician, MDA assists with the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication devices. All those for whom a wheelchair, leg braces, or communication device have been prescribed, regardless of age, education or employment status, are eligible for MDA assistance (once registered) when the equipment is prescribed by an MDA clinic physician in relation to an individual’s neuromuscular disease. In addition to utilizing whatever medical insurance may be applicable, the person for whom the equipment has been prescribed or that person’s family may be asked to assist with its purchase through personal resources. The maximum allowable assistance toward the purchase of a wheelchair, leg braces or a communication device is established by MDA annually. Through its Equipment Loan Program, MDA provides, to the extent feasible and when available, good-condition recycled wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment when medically prescribed in relation to an individual’s neuromuscular disease. When the individual for whom it was prescribed no longer needs the equipment, families are encouraged to return it to MDA for use by others. Through its local chapters and field offices, MDA accepts durable medical equipment for distribution through the Association's loan program. The Association assists with payment toward the cost of repairs/modifications to all wheelchairs and leg braces routinely authorized for MDA payment. The amount allowable toward repairs/modifications is established by the Association annually. [|[More Information on Muscular Dystrophy Association]]
 * 28) ** [|National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project] **  Funded through a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), this project provides nationwide support services to Protection and Advocacy (P&A) and Client Assistance Program attorneys and advocates, as well as Legal Services and private attorneys who are working on AT advocacy issues. The project's web site features downloadable booklets on funding AT through Social Security, SSI (Supplementatl Security Income), Medicare, Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and the public schools' special education system. The project's online newsletter is the AT Advocate. [|[More Information on National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project]]
 * 29) ** [|National Organization Caring for Kids] **  The National Organization Caring for Kids (NOCK) helps parents of children with disabilities to fund assistive technology products, with a focus on communication aids, seating, and mobility. Participants must be referred by one of NOCK's partners, after all other traditional funding sources have been exhausted. NOCK's partners include Dynavox Systems, United Seating & Mobility, Care Medical, Olympic Pharmacy, and Sunrise Medical. Parents who feel they qualify for assistance from NOCK should contact one of these partners to request a referral to an assistive technology specialist. The approval process for recipients is thorough and analyzed by several independent sources including NOCK's medical advisory council. [|[More Information on National Organization Caring for Kids]]
 * 30) ** [|Robert Wood Johnson Foundation] **  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation seeks to improve the health and health care of all Americans. Grants are made in four goal areas: (1) To assure that all Americans have access to quality health care at reasonable cost. (2) To improve the quality of care and support for people with chronic health conditions. (3) To promote healthy communities and lifestyles. (4) To reduce the personal, social and economic harm caused by substance abuse — tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. To accomplish these goals, the Foundation supports training, education, research (excluding biomedical research), and projects that demonstrate the effective delivery of health care services. Rather than paying for individual care, the Foundation concentrates on health care systems and the conditions that promote better health. Grantees include hospitals; medical, nursing, and public schools; hospices; professional associations; research organizations; state and local government agencies; and community groups. [|[More Information on Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]]
 * 31) ** [|ROC Wheels (Reach Out & Care)] **  ROC Wheels is a non-profit organization providing wheelchairs and other mobility products for people in developing countries without regard to political affiliation, religious beliefs, or ethnic identity. ROC Wheels helps design, develop and fit each wheelchair or other mobility product to each individual so they can function to the best of their ability, gain independence, interact with their peers, and become a more active member of their community. The ultimate goal is to help people help themselves. In order to better serve individuals with mobility needs, ROC Wheels networks with other individuals and organizations to help provide a more complete range of services. Projects have been completed or are planned in Kenya, Morocco, Mali, Iraq, Peru, Vietnam, Russia, and Jamaica. [|[More Information on ROC Wheels (Reach Out & Care)]]
 * 32) ** [|SHARE Foundation, Inc.] **  The Society for Human Advancement through Rehabilitation Engineering (SHARE) Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit foundation that supports the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Rehabilitation Engineering, whose engineers develop, build and provide computer-enhanced adaptive equipment for children and adults with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis, visual impairments, and accident or stroke-related conditions. When a person with a disability comes to the Foundation for help, that person’s abilities and needs are evaluated in consultation with the individual and members of the individual’s support group. Then the Foundation's Client Services staff may recommend appropriate commercial equipment or work with the engineers and technicians of the UMass Center for Rehabilitation Engineering to design or modify equipment to suit the abilities and needs of the person who has requested help. Each system is controlled by a user-suitable set of switches. Some switches are hand or finger operated; some are controlled by facial muscles; others are activated by the raising of an eyebrow or by sipping on a drinking straw. Some people control their systems by talking to them or by gazing at a special control screen. New systems and new ways of controlling systems are being developed as new technology becomes available. [|[More Information on SHARE Foundation, Inc.]]
 * 33) ** [|Social Security Administration] **  This site offers comprehensive information on the benefits programs administered by the Social Security Administration. It contains an electronic newsletter, publications, claims and services, research, the budget, rules, and links to international and other Social Security sites. [|[More Information on Social Security Administration]]
 * 34) ** [|Social Security Disability FAQ - Sheri Abrams, Attorney at Law] **  This page offers answers to questions about Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. It is part of the Web site of Sheri Abrams, an attorney in Virginia. An alternative web site is http://www.sheriabrams.com. [|[More Information on Social Security Disability FAQ - Sheri Abrams, Attorney at Law]]
 * 35) ** [|Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program Association] **  The Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program Association (TEDPA) is a national membership organization that supports programs involved in statewide, or jurisdiction-wide, distribution of specialized telecommunications equipment for persons with disabilities. TEDPA provides a forum for members to exchange information and assist one another with the administration of the various state equipment distribution programs. It educates its members about state and federal regulatory issues, and advocates for changes when they seem to be in the interest of improving quality and efficiency for consumers with disabilities. The organization's web site includes links for State Equipment Distribution Programs at http://www.tedpa.org/tedpainfo/stateprograms.html. [|[More Information on Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program Association]]
 * 36) ** [|Texas Center for the Physically Impaired (TCPI), A Division of International Services for the Physically Challenged (ISVC)] **  Begun as the Texas Center for the Physically Impaired (TCPI) and still operating under that name in Texas, International Services for the Visually Challenged (ISPC) serves the needs of the physically challenged and their family members in the United States and Canada. Services include information, counseling, and referrals. Programs include refurbished computers for the blind and a circulating library of over 200 descriptive video titles for individuals who are visually impaired. Computers are donated by businesses and refurbished by volunteers, and are free to blind residents of the United States or Canada with a $100 donation. [|[More Information on Texas Center for the Physically Impaired (TCPI), A Division of International Services for the Physically Challenged (ISVC)]]
 * 37) ** [|Toyota Mobility Program] **  "Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer, for the exact cost they paid to purchase and install qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities. This offer applies to all purchased or leased new 2001 and later Toyota vehicles. Leased vehicles require advance written lessor approval of adaptive equipment installations." [|[More Information on Toyota Mobility Program]]
 * 38) ** [|Travis Roy Foundation] **  The Travis Roy Foundation was established in 1997 to help spinal cord injury survivors and to fund research into a cure. The Foundation is named for Travis Roy, who was a promising 20-year-old hockey star when a freak accident drove him into the boards, and a cracked fourth vertebra left him paralyzed from the neck down. The Foundation makes grants to individuals for specific modifications or equipment. Examples of eligible items include upgrade and maintenance of wheelchairs, vehicle modifications such as hand controls or lifts, home modifications including ramp and elevator installation, and other adaptive equipment. Grants typically range from $4,000 to $7,500; there is no minimum award. [|[More Information on Travis Roy Foundation]]
 * 39) ** [|Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of] **  The VA provides Federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. The department operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance and burial benefits. Veterans may be entitled to medically-necessary assistive technology as part of their VA health care benefits. In addition, the VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Service may provide AT devices for blind and visually impaired veterans, and eligible veterans may receive employment-related AT through the Independent Living Program of VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services. Severely disabled veterans who are entitled to a home especially adapted for their needs due to loss of mobility may receive grants or loans through the Specially Adapted Housing Program. [|[More Information on Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of]]
 * 40) ** [|Volvo Mobility Program] **  "Mobility by Volvo provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance toward the cost of adding adaptive equipment to an eligible new Volvo vehicles and up to $200 on alert hearing devices. Adaptive equipment is defined as any device that makes it easier for persons with disabilities to drive or to be transported in a vehicle. Disabilities must by documented by a licensed or certified medical or medical-related professional. Options available for factory or retailer installation, such as running boards and power-assisted seats, are not considered eligible for reimbursement." [|[More Information on Volvo Mobility Program]]
 * 41) ** [|Wheels for Humanity] **  Wheels for Humanity recycles wheelchairs and delivers and fits them, at no cost, to children and adults in developing countries. The organization works with local healthcare workers in villages and towns to identify those in greatest need of help. With a volunteer team of health care professionals, physical / occupational therapists and rehabilitation seating specialists, each recipient is matched to the wheelchair that best fits his or her needs. [|[More Information on Wheels for Humanity]]