Funding Sources for Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities

Assistive technology devices and assistive technology service are defined in the Assistive Technology Act (ATA) of 1998, as follows:
• Assistive Technology Device-Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially or off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.
• Assistive technology service: Any service that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology service.
There are several funding sources to assist with paying of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, including funding by the employer (tax credits are available for the employer), Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Work Incentives, Veteran’s Administration, local service, charitable, religious, and civic organizations, private foundations, and private insurance.
The attached provides a list of Web sites for variety of information on assistive technology and funding sources for persons with disabilities.