There are several sources to fund assistive technology including organizations like RESNA and the VA, federal and state programs such as the Assistive Technology Act, vocational rehabilitation services, advocacy groups like Abledata and Alternative Funding Technical Assistance Project, grants from offices like the Office of Educational Technology, and additional sources like private corporations, manufacturers, worker's compensation, and private loans. These various programs and organizations provide information, referrals, loans, equipment, and funding to help individuals with disabilities obtain assistive technology devices and services.

1. How to Fund
Assistive
Technology
Devices and
Service

2. There are a number of sources
for funding Assistive
Technology
 Organizations
 Federal and State Programs
 Advocacy Groups
 Grants

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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/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 disabilities prepare for and engage in gainful
employment consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities,
concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.

14. 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.