Module 12 - Assistive Technology Funding and Resources

Over the past twenty years, great strides have been made in the AT field, making AT an important tool in the lives of people with disabilities. Despite advances in the field, there are still a couple of common issues that present barriers to many people obtaining proper AT. These primary barriers are as follows:

• Resource Awareness – Due to AT being a fairly specialized field, available resources can often be difficult to find. Individuals who need AT may not be aware of where to look or who to talk to to obtain valuable information on desired AT topics or specific devices. 

• Economic Constraints – AT evaluations, implementation, devices, and ongoing maintenance and repair can be costly. Most consumers do not have the financial resources to be able to purchase necessary services and equipment. Nor are they aware of how to secure third-party funding for AT equipment, thus making the economic burden associated with AT acquisition one of the most frequently reported barriers to obtaining AT.

This module will discuss methods for both developing an awareness of potential resources for researching AT products or services and potential AT funding sources. In terms of AT resources, various types of resources while providing links to state and federal AT resources will also be addressed. Further, potential funding sources, the steps to go through to obtain funding, and how to justify an AT purchase to a funding source will also be discussed. At the end of this module, a proposal outline that can be used when exploring potential funding sources for individual AT needs or program initiatives will be presented.

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