The way in which you plan to use assistive technology will influence which potential funding sources to contact;
Considering the purpose will help with selecting which source/sources is most likely to provide funding. Make a list of all possible funding sources and then prioritize them. You may even find two different funding sources that will equal or come close to the total cost of your need. Some funding sources to explore are listed below. You can also check the "AT Directory" section of this web page for additional funding resources.
What is considered "medically necessary" varies depending on the health insurance program. The general definition is a service or piece of equipment that is required for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness, injury, condition or disease in accordance with current medical practice. Determinations are made on an individual basis and have a reasonable chance for a substantial benefit by preventing regression or by maintaining or improving function.
Which assistive technology is covered by insurance varies greatly. Technology and services must be medically necessary in order to be covered. Call your customer service representative if you don’t feel the coverage is clearly stated in your policy. Be sure and ask about their criteria for determining medical necessity.
Medicaid is a national program of medical assistance for individuals whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services. Administration occurs at the state level. It will purchase, rent or lease various types of assistive technology known as “durable medical equipment” (DME). Check with your local social security office or the Michigan Department of Human Services for further information.
The Medicaid Reference Desk offers information on Medicaid for people with cognitive disabilities. It also has links to regional, State and local organizations that may be of assistance to all people with disabilities.
Many people think of Medicare as a federally funded health insurance program that is only for Americans over 65 years old. However, Medicare also provides insurance to many children and adults with severe disabilities. The program has two parts: Part A- Mandatory Hospital Insurance and Part B- Optional Medical Insurance. It is Part B that may pay for all or a portion of your AT devices if they qualify as “durable medical equipment.” As with Medicaid, to qualify, an AT device must be considered medically necessary. Your doctor must prescribe a specific device and it must be supplied by a Medicare-approved provider. A comprehensive reference is Medicare Funding of Assistive Technology, a guide written in 2004 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. and the Arizona Center for Disability Law.
The Children with Special Needs Fund, provides support for children in Michigan with special health care needs not available through any other funding source. The Fund helps with the purchase of equipment and services that promote optimal health, mobility, and development.
Districts must make available the technology devices required for a student’s access to a free, appropriate public education, which is documented in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).Michigan Protection & Advocacy has a Special Education Manual available. You can contact them at 1-800-288-5923 for more information or order the manual from their website.
Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children (birth through 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability specific information.
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619).
Alt+Shift collaborates with districts and buildings to create and sustain accessible educational environments that have a direct and positive impact on every student. They have an extensive lending library focused on improving outcomes for all students to local school districts. The library could help meet students’ needs for a short time period, helping with decisions about which technology to choose.
A resource for AT in a Post-Secondary Institution is the office set up to help students access accommodations needed for education while that setting. For information see Michigan Association of Higher Education and Disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA apply to most of these settings. See Public Funds below for information about Post Secondary Institutions.
A person with a disability may be eligible for Michigan Rehabilitation Services or the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) if the disability causes problems in preparing for, finding, or keeping a job. The individual must also require vocational rehabilitation services in order to work. Examples of services received by the customer are job-seeking skills training; job placement assistance; accommodations/assistive technology; job coaches; tools, equipment, and licenses needed to go to work; job training; prostheses and other medical services; and support services such as interpreters, readers, and transportation. You can use this link: To locate your local MRS Office or call 1-800-605-6722. To find local BSBP offices or call 517-373-2062 or 1-800-292-4200, TTY 1-888-864-1212 or 1-517-373-4025.
If you receive Supplimental Security Income (SSI) and wish to work, then a Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) could include the purchase of AT which will help you to be able to work.
The cost of AT which enables to you to work could be deducted from your earned income amount in determining how much your SSI or will be reduced due to having work income. You can also use impairment-related work expenses to reduce the "substantial gainful activity" amount if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You'd have to pay for the items out of pocket, track these expenses and be ready to report them to your Social Security Office. These would have to be expenses that you are not otherwise reimbursed for.
Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations. See Public Funds below for more information. Employers may be able to access tax credits for providing reasonable accommodations.
Neighborhood Legal Services has a paper entitled "Funding Of Assistive Technology To Make Work A Reality: Funding for Work-Related Assistive Technology Through Special Education Programs, State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, Medicaid, Medicare and SSI's Plan for Achieving Self Support"
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, employers, state and local governments, post-secondary educational institutions and other public agencies may have some responsibilities to provide assistive technology and reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, and to make their services and programs accessible. Here is guide to Axiliary Aids and Services for Post Secondary Institution students.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level government department responsible for administering a system of health care and benefits for veterans, their families and dependents. It was established in 1989, to replace the Veterans Administration, an independent agency that dates back to 1930.
Neighborhood Legal Services has provided a resource on The Department of Veterans Affairs As a Funding Source for Assistive Technology (PDF - note this is from Spring 2007). Also, the website Abledata has a publication AT Information and Resources for Veterans with Disabilities.
Many service clubs will often contribute funds or organize a fundraiser to help raise necessary funds for individuals in need of assistive technology who live in their local areas. Your local Chamber of Commerce may be of help for a directory of these clubs/organizations. Local Habitats for Humanity may be able to assist with the building of a ramp, as long as the materials are available.
Advocacy groups may be able to put you in touch with other families who have already purchased devices and successfully found funds. The organizations may also be able to provide some funds. Your local Disability Network is also an excellent resource for possible additional funding sources.
Some manufacturers may have special payment plans or low-interest loans available for their products. Companies that sell AT devices may produce funding guides and/or have funding specialists on staff to work with you. Please check the AT Directory at for providers of assistive technology.
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people with disabilities, seniors, or their family members to purchase assistive technology devices or services, including the modification of vehicles and homes. The loans may also cover the cost of training, warranties, and service agreements. The (MATLF) is a part of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program.
The Michigan Employment Loan Fund’s mission is to reduce or eliminate barriers to employment through low-interest loans. Potential borrowers represent those interested in self-employment, those needing assistive devices to maintain, increase, or enhance employment, and those who require equipment to engage in telecommuting employment arrangements with an employer.
When approaching funding sources, it is important to note that there is no one specific method to assure funding. Traditional sources that have provided funding for assistive technology in the past are currently undergoing a period of adjustment. If the assistive technology is new to the marketplace, the funding source may take a “hands-off” attitude. Knowing these things will be important to help you plan your strategy and show patience and respect when dealing with prospective funding sources.
Some helpful hints are: