Types of Funding Resources

The way in which you plan to use assistive technology will dictate which potential funding sources you contact. Knowing the main purpose of the device you're asking for -- is it a medical necessity, a tool for education or a means of holding a job? --will tell you which source is most likely to provide funding.

For example: Medicare is the health care program available to people over age 65 and some people with disabilities under age 65. Medical Assistance is the joint federal/state program that provides medical and health care services to people with low incomes. Both of these programs can purchase certain types of assistive technology, and both require that the technology be medically necessary. Medical necessity is defined as, "A health service that is consistent with the recipient's diagnosis or condition and is recognized as the prevailing standard or current practice by the provider's peer group; and is rendered in response to a life-threatening condition pain; or to treat an injury, illness, or infection; or to treat a condition that could result in serious physical or mental disability; or to care for the mother and child through the maternity period; or to achieve a level of physical or mental function consistent with prevailing community standards for a diagnosis or condition; or is a preventative health services."

Private insurance comes in many forms, and is still largely unregulated when it comes to assistive technology.
Although insurance companies do purchase some assistive technology, insurance plans and policies are often silent about exactly what technology and services are covered. However, technology and services must be medically necessary in order to be covered through health insurance.

School districts may purchase technology devices for their students if it is written into the child's Individual Education Plan. If a school district does purchase equipment, then it is owned by the district, not by the user. This may mean that the student will have to leave the equipment at school after school hours, during the summer, or permanently, if the child moves or graduates.

Schools require assistive technology to be a necessity for the child's education. The 1996 Omnibus K - 12 Education Bill requires school districts to provide assessment including assistive technology assessment (125A.08, sec. 7, subd.3). Another provision of the bill gives school districts an opportunity to purchase an assistive technology device from a child's former school district (120.188, subd. 1 to 3) or the Department of Economic Security to purchase an assistive technology device (120.189, subd. 1 to 3) from the child's former school district to facilitate skill building in the use of a device by limiting interruptions due to transitions to school or work. The statute provides some reimbursement to the school district of origin for its expense in providing a device to a child with a disability. Assistive Technology can be billed to Medical Assistance free of parent fee. When Medical Assistance pays for Assistive Technology the device(s) belongs to the child.

The Minnesota Department of Economic Security/Rehabilitation Service Branch, through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, can fund assistive devices that increase the chance of employment for a person with a disability. They also offer an Independent Living program for people with severe disabilities, and may purchase assistive technology if the device or service will lead to increased independence.

As you can see, your chances of success in obtaining funding will be greater if you ask a school to fund a device that is educationally related (a computer, for example) or if you ask your insurance company, Medicare or Medical Assistance to fund a medically necessary device, such as a wheelchair. Nonprofit and advocacy organizations and manufacturers of assistive technology are valuable sources of funding and information. They may be able to put you in contact with families who have purchased equipment and successfully found funds. Those families will share their methods with you. Nonprofit and advocacy organizations may be able to assist by providing funds. In addition, some manufacturers have special payment plans and offer low-interest loans for their products.

Local service clubs, such as Kiwanis, the Knights of Columbus, and the Lions, will often contribute funds or organize fundraisers for individuals who live in their areas. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for a listing of these clubs and their contacts. When contacting the service club, it is helpful to be very specific about the assistive device that is needed and its cost.

Use Directories of Foundations offering grants. Your local library will help you to locate Minnesota and national granting organizations. Three guides you may want to check out are: Directory of Grants for Organizations Serving People with Disabilities; Directory of Computer and High Technology Grants; and Directory of Building and Equipment Grants. All are edited by Richard M. Eckstein and published by Research Grant Guides, Inc., P.O. Box 1214, Loxahatchee, FL 33470.