TECHNOLOGY
Funding for Assistive Technology
Funding Fact Sheet: Non-Governmental Resources for Assistive Technology
Foundations, Disability-Specific Organizations, and Civic Organizations
Introduction
When individuals with disabilities cannot obtain assistive technology devices and services through public programs or private insurance, it is often helpful to explore foundations, disability specific organizations, and civic organizations. Many of these are listed in this document. Some of these groups have several chapters throughout Pennsylvania, and the scope of activities may vary from chapter to chapter. For example, each chapter may establish its own eligibility guidelines, specify the types of assistive technology it will donate, and/or determine the amount of financial contributions, as well as the geographical areas it will serve.
In addition to the groups listed here, local churches, synagogues, sororities, fraternities, or other local clubs may make a contribution toward the cost of needed assistive technology. These organizations are worth exploring, especially if you or a family member have an affiliation or are a member. Sometimes these groups may organize volunteers to help raise funds. If the need is for home modifications, these organizations may provide volunteers to help build ramps and do other modifications. You may also find that stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's may donate materials and items that can be used as assistive technology. You may need to find assistance from several programs and organizations and put those resources together in order to come up with the funding for the AT you need.
Some good resources to consider when trying to locate non-governmental funding sources include the United Way, local telephone directories, community newspapers, public libraries, the Internet, and "networking" with friends, family members, and colleagues. Many disability-specific organizations and civic organizations have national, and even international, headquarters that may be a resource for information about local chapters and their initiatives to provide funding for assistive technology. You may also contact Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), or your local Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) for additional information and assistance in contacting local groups. PIAT's Funding Coordinator can be reached at (Voice) 800-204-PIAT (7428), (TTY) 866-268-0579, Fax 215-204-9371, or Email fundAT@temple.edu.
Some organizations may provide assistive technology through long-term or indefinite equipment loans or low-interest cash loans, rather than cash grants. In any case, these programs may be a way for you to obtain the AT devices and services you need.
Every effort has been made to make sure the information contained in this document is accurate and up-to-date. However, the information changes frequently. If you find any information that is inaccurate or needs updating, please let PIAT's AT Funding Coordinator know.
If you are successful in obtaining assistive technology through the use of information in this list, please let us know.
Let us know if you are able to obtain assistive technology using any of these sources the information from this list or any other services of PIAT. Knowing about your experience will help us to help other people in need of AT.
Are we missing any resources? Has contact information changed? Please contact us at (voice) 215-204-1356, (fax) 215-204-9371, or (email) fundAT@temple.edu to keep this list as up to date as possible.
To request additional copies of this document or to request the document in an alternate format, contact 800-204-PIAT (7428) toll-free or 866-268-0579, TTY.
This document was developed by Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. PIAT is funded through a grant from the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.
