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Assistance programs to purchase adaptive tech

While doing some research for the conference, I found the following sources to help fund adaptive technology purchases. The first one I've posted here before - the others are new. I hope this is helpful to some.


The Assistive Technology Fund (for Residents of the United States)
The Association of Blind Citizens has established the Assistive Technology Fund. This fund will provide for 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increasing the level of independence and enhancing the recipients overall quality of life.


Applicant must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. Applications must be submitted by June 30th, September 30th or December 31st for each grant period. ABC will notify applicants if their request for a grant is approved within 45 days after the application deadline. All applications must be submitted via e-mail.
For more information, please visit:
www.assocofblindcitizens.org Name:
First Line Of Address:
Second Line Of Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Telephone Number with area code:
Email address:
Provide a description of 500 or fewer words of the device you wish to purchase and how it will help you achieve employment or increase your independence.


-->Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)
Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) can join the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) to take advantage of access loans to assist someone with a disability. Borrow from $1,500 to $25,000 or more for up to 72 months with no down payment required. The borrower need not be the beneficiary of the purchase. Qualified purchases include, but are not limited to: assistive technology, durable medical equipment, housing modifications, and rehabilitative equipment. For more information, please visit:
www.dcu.org

The Association of Blind Citizens
The Association of Blind Citizens provides financial assistance for the purchase of technology products. Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States. Applications must be submitted online. If selected to receive a technology grant, applicants will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns and bank statements. Persons eligible to apply must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000. For more information, please visit:
www.assocofblindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm

Programs by State

Iowa Residents
Iowa COMPASS provides information to Iowa consumers and family members about potential sources of funding for the purchase of assistive technology. For more information, please visit:
www.uiowa.edu/infotech/Funding.htm

Kentucky Residents
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans through its lending partners for qualified applicants who need any type of equipment or home modification that will assist a person to become more independent. For more information, please visit:
http://www.katlc.ky.gov

Maryland Residents
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority For Maryland residents provides product purchase assistance under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. For more information, please visit:
www.mdtap.org

Michigan Residents
The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) has established the Assistive Technology Loan Fund to help people with disabilities purchase assistive technology devices and services. The Loan Fund provides low-cost financing to persons with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices that allow for greater access, enhanced communication and job opportunities. For more information, please visit:
www.mi-atlf.org

Ohio Residents
The Assistive Technology Infusion Project
Offers an exciting opportunity for Ohio schools to provide much needed assistive technology to students with disabilities. A variety of high quality, easy to use, low vision technology products to aid students with vision impairment is available. For more information, please visit:
http://www.atip.state.oh.us


Utah Residents
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation
The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that works with Zions Bank of Utah to provide zero and low-interest loans to purchase assistive technology and telework devices. The UATF also offers some small grants ($250 or less) on a limited basis through non-federal funding to families who meet federal poverty guidelines. The goal of the UATF is to enhance the independence, education, employment, and quality of life for Utah residents with disabilities. For more information, please visit:
www.uatf.org

Vermont Residents
The Vermont Development Credit Union manages the Adaptive Equipment Revolving Loan Fund (AERLF) made possible through Vermont Assistive Technology Project. Loans are made available to residents with disabilities who need assistive equipment. For more information, please visit:
www.vdcu.org

Virginia Residents
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority For Virgina residents provides loans for wheelchairs, motorized scooters, Braille equipment, hearing aids, low vision aids, communication systems, environmental control devices, building modifications for accessibility or telecommunication devices for the deaf. For more information, please visit:
www.atlfa.org

Washington Residents
Lions Foundation of Washington works with each chapter in the state of Washington and will typically pay for half the cost of a video magnifier with the chapter picking up the other half. The end-user needs to be evaluated at one of the Lions Low Vision Clinics in the state in order to start the process. For more information about this program please contact Gael at the Lions Low Vision Clinic of Bellevue at 425-558-4228.


Washington Assistive Technology Foundation
The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to, and controlled by, people with vision disabilities. Their first project is a low interest loan fund (the “Access Fund”) established to provide Washington state residents with disabilities affordable credit for purchases of assistive technology (AT) and home and vehicle accessibility modifications. For more information, please visit:
www.depts.washington.edu/watf/index.html

Comments

Kevin Mills said…
Great article!

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