Information You Need to Know:

Knowing the following information will help your search for funding because there may be restrictions on who or what will be funded.

1. What is the individual's age? (0 -3 years, 4 - 21 years, 22 years +, 65 years +)

2. What is the individual's income?

3. What is the individual's disability / diagnosis?

4. What is the purpose of the AT? (communication, mobility, medical, computer access)

5. Where will the technology be used? (home, school, job, community)

Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Fund

The Alaska Assistive Technology Loan Fund that allows people with disabilities to purchase needed AT when there is no other source of funding.

Civic Organizations / Service Clubs

There are numerous civic organizations and service clubs that may help fund AT for individuals without other funding.

Disability Related Funding

Funding sources may be specific to certain disabilities or diseases to include: Neuromuscular Diseases, Blind / Visually Impaired, Developmental Disabilities, Hearing Loss, Communication, and Mobility

Educational

Federal laws have helped shape the funding for Early Intervention, Special Education, and even in some aspect at the Post Secondary level.

Foundations and Trusts

There are local, state and national foundations and trusts that will assist with funding of AT.

Medicaid / Medicare / Private Insurance / TRICARE

Some of the most common sources of funding of AT for individuals with disabilities are Medicaid, Medicare and Private Insurance. For military dependents and retires, TRICARE is an option.

Rental

Many manufacturer's of assistive technology will let individuals rent equipment for extended periods of time or allow rent to own purchased. Medicare will also pay for rentals.

Reutilization and Recycling of Equipment

The recycling/reutilization programs sanitize and refurbish donated equipment that's then donated or sold at an affordable price to clients. Exchange programs help match those who need used equipment with people who have equipment to donate or sell.

Veteran's Administration

The Veteran's Administration (VA) is one of the largest purchasers of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Not all veterans are equally eligible for all VA benefits

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

Qualified individuals with disabilities may receive AT through Vocational Rehabilitation or through employment / work incentive programs.

The following funding handouts were distributed during the 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference in August 2009.

Funding of Assistive Technology

This handout from the 2009 MSATC is a compilation of funding resources from ATLA's Funding Resource pages. It lists potential funding options such as Alaska's AT Loan Fund, civic organization and service clubs, disability specific organizations, veterans, 3rd part insurance, etc.  Note that some of the resources may have changed on this document. Up-to-date information will be on the funding pages.

Non-Traditional Funding Sources and Funding Strategies for AT (by James Sheldon, Neighborhood Legal Services, NY)

Little known funding strategies to obtain AT, including: the use of a flexible spending account (FSA) to fund AT and reduce federal taxes; how the reduction of countable income through the FSA; special ways to establish eligibility for Medicaid; ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs with Medicare; how to ensure financial eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services; the federal adoption subsidy program, and the crime victims compensation fund. (Handouts available from conference website.)

Other Home Modification Grants may be available under Disability Specific Funding in addition to other areas.  Enter keywords into the SEARCH field - terms such as Multiple  Sclerosis, Diabetes, Hard of Hearing, etc.

NeighborWorks Home Modification and Accessibility Grant Program

NeighborWorks Anchorage will begin taking applications for their latest grant "Home Modification and Accessibility Grant Program". This grant provides funds for housing modifications for Alaska Mental Heath Trust beneficiaries and individuals with disabilities or special needs in the Municipality of Anchorage. There are no age or income limits. The funds for this grant are provided by a joint program of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The program provides homeowners up to $12,000 and persons living in rental housing up to $8,000 to overcome roadblocks in realizing an enhanced quality of life while attaining the highest level of self-sufficiency possible.

NeighborWorks - Senior Housing Accessibility Modifications Program

The purpose of this program is to provide housing accessibility for seniors that will extend their ability to live independently in the community. This grant provides funding for housing modifications for seniors age 55 or older who who live in the Municipality of Anchorage. Up to $12,000 is available to seniors who own their own home, up to $8,000 for seniors live in 1-4 unit rental housing, and up to $5,000 for those who live in a small (5-bed or less) assisted living facility.

Contact: NeighborWorks Anchorage at (907)677-8490 or Grant Coordinator at (907) 677-8427.

The State of Alaska throught the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) established an Assistive Technology Loan Fund in 1994.

The AT Loan Fund was established to help improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through a flexible loan option program that allows them to purchase needed Assistive Technology (AT) to improve independence and productivity which will decrease the need for public support. This option may allow the customer to access a lower interest rate and/or longer term repayment timelines based on their individual needs. The State guarantees 90% of this loan while the commercial bank covers the remaining 10% guarantee.

A. Guidelines

• Maximum loan amount is $40,000
• Minimum loan amount is $2,500
• Interest Rate on AT loans is set with the maximum rate based on the published Wall Street Journal Prime rate. The minimum rate depends on the final approval of interest buy-down requests as noted above. The rate is established on a case by case basis with the initial recommendation made by the lending institution (Northrim Bank) and reviewed and approved by the AT Loan Fund representative Sean O'Brien at DVR).
• Qualified consumers may obtain a second loan from the fund provided that the existing loan is in good standing and the total of the two loans does not exceed the maximum allowable loan amount.

B. Eligibility

• Must be a person with a disability, their representative(s) or parent
• Must be used to purchase Assistive Technology (AT) such as, but not limited to vehicle modifications, housing modifications, durable medical equipment, off the shelf customized products that improve the quality of life for individual with disabilities.
• Must be demonstrated that the assistive technology requested has the potential to improve that individual's quality of life, independence, or ability to function productively.
• Must work with other funding sources to ensure that the funding for Assistive Technology is not available through less expensive means before applying to the AT Loan Fund for a loan. This includes funding through other agencies or programs or eligibility for a conventional consumer loan, notwithstanding extenuating factors.

C. AT Loan Process

1. The loan applicant and/or their legal representative contacts the DVR representative for verification that individual or representative(s) is eligible for the AT Loan Program. If they qualify, the DVR representative notifies the participating Bank of the qualification.
2. The loan applicant and/or their legal representative contacts the DVR representative for verification that individual or representative(s) is eligible for the AT Loan Program. If they qualify, the DVR representative notifies the participating Bank of the qualification.
3. After the Bank receives the approval to proceed, Northrim will mail out the Consumer Credit Application along with a self stamped envelope. The completed application can then be mailed back or faxed back to (907) 263 3219.
4. Bank will underwrite received application and make a recommendation to approve or decline based on AT Loan Fund Guidelines. Bank will contact the AT Loan representative to discuss recommended decision.
5. If declined, Bank will send out the Notice of Decline letter to borrower(s).
6. If approved, the Bank and AT representative will determine the appropriate rate and term based on individual needs and determine if the request warrants a interest buy down consideration.
7. Bank will produce loan documents for approved request and borrower(s) would sign the documentation at the most convenient Northrim Bank Branch location. If there is not a convenient Northrim Bank Branch, Loan can be completed using US Postal Service but documents would require a notary for verification of signature.
8. Bank to provide Payment coupons to cover installment schedule for loan.
9. Bank to collect and process all payments from borrower(s).
10. Approved Loan reported to the Credit Bureau.
11. If account reaches a past due status, Bank to send late notices and make collection calls according to established guidelines.
12. Provide quarterly reporting to the State of Alaska on total amount loaned, payments received and any delinquent accounts.

CONTACTS:

Document Available:  http://www.atlaak.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:assistive-technology-loan-fund&catid=50:funding&Itemid=78

Assistive Technology Loan Fund
Sean O'Brien; e-mail: sean.obrien@alaska.gov
801 W. 10th St., Suite A
Juneau, Alaska 99801
1-800-478-2815 (toll free)
(907) 465-6969, fax: (907) 465-2856

Northrim Bank Contact:
Angela Freeman
2709 Spenard Road
P.O. Box 241489
Anchorage, Alaska  99524-1489
(907) 261-6206


(updated 03/12/09, SKO)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) may fund up to $2,000 toward the purchase of an augmentative communication device, wheelchair or other assistive technology for individuals with ALS. Contact: Muscular Dystrophy Association Address: 121 W. Fireweed, Anchorage, Alaska Zip Code: 99503 Phone (907) 276-2131

Anne Ford Scholarship - National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

The NCLD gives out the Anne Ford Scholarship, a $10,000 award given to a high school senior with an identified learning disability who is pursuing an undergraduate degree. The student must be of high merit with an identified learning disability (LD) in public or private secondary school. Contact: Anne Ford Scholarship - NCLD, 81 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10016-8806. FAX 212-545-9665 or AFScholarship@ncld.org

Alzheimers Disease Resource Agency of Alaska

The Alzheimer's Association offers grants up to $2500 to individuals and families of individuals with Alzheimers, dementia and other neurological disorders. Available for an Alaskan with one or more of the following diagnoses: ADRD (Alzheimer's disease and related disorders) including Parkinson's, Dementia, Multi-Infarct Dementia (stroke-related), Pick's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Huntington's Disease or Cruetzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Contact: Phone (907) 561-3313 Toll-Free within Alaska (800) 478-1080 Fax (907) 561-3315. 1750 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507

Association of Blind Citizens AT Fund

The Association of Blind Citizens AT Fund covers 50 percent of the retail cost of adaptive devices or software. Eligible persons are: (1) those who are legally blind; (2) with a family income of less than $50,000; and (3) cash assets of less than $20,000. The AT must have a retail cost of between $200-$6,000.

Better Hearing Institute

The Better Hearing Institute has a guide Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids. Specific eligibility applies.

Contact: (202) 449-1100 Voice or (202) 216-9646 Fax or 1-800-EAR-WELL

Bobby Jones Open Assistance Grant

Grants up to $1,000 are available for qualifying American Syringomyelia & Chiari Association (ASAP) members to assist with the purchase of adaptive equipment and assistive devices. The grantee be a member of ASAP for 6 months prior to applying for the grant, have a diagnosis of syringomyelia or Chiari, and provide a written quote for total cost of the item. For more information go to: American Syringomyelia & Chiari Association Phone: 1-800-272-7282.

Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank

The Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation, previously known as the Dana Bowman Limb Bank Foundation, acts as a ready resource for artificial limbs for those in need. It is a non-profit organization seeking to fulfill the need for artificial limbs in underdeveloped nations and here in the United States where traditional funding is unavailable. Contact: Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank 100 Spanish Oak Road, Weatherford, Texas 76087 (817)597-1826 Email: DanaBowman@aol.com

Bryan Riesch Paralysis Foundation

BRFP Charitable Grants up to $10,000 are awarded quarterly to individuals with spinal cord injury to help pay for items such as vehicle modifications, wheelchairs, and ramps. Wisconsin residents are given precedence, but grants are not limited to the state. Contact:  BRPF Charitable Grants Phone: (262)547-2683  Email: info@brpf.org

Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF)

The Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF) provides modest grants, typically ranging between $25 and $200, to help with the purchase of assistive devices. The maximum grant is $1,000. Although the DCRF has no eligibility restrictions with regard to disability type, preference is given to applicants with physical disabilities in need of prosthetic devices. Computers are excluded from this program. Contact: Phone: (516) 377-1605

Easter Seals Alaska

Easter Seals provides services, education, outreach and advocacy for people liviing with autism and disabilities. Contact Easter Seals Alaska for more information or go the the National Easter Seal Society for additional information. Contact: 126 West 15th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907 277-7325

Frederich's Ataxia

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will provide funding for people who have muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases with a $2,000 allowance toward the purchase of an augmentative communication device, wheelchair or set or leg braces and allows up to $500 in repair of the equipment. Contact: 121 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK (907) 276-2131

G.O.A.L.S. Inc. (Go Out And Live Successfully)

Goals Inc is a foundation dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injury better access the community environment. Funding assists with purchases mobility related items such as wheelchairs, ceiling lifts, stair glides, repairs to vans. For more information go to G.O.A.L.S. Inc. Phone: (561) 212-6499

Hearing Loss Association of America

The Hearing Loss Association of American (formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) is a national organization dedicated to helping people with hearing loss. They have a wealth of places to contact to fund hearing aids. Contact: 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-657-2248 Fax: 301-913-9413

Hear Now

Hear Now is a national non-profit program committed to assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources who permanently reside within the United States. Contact: Hear Now, 6700 Washington Ave. South Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (800)-648-4327

HIKE Fund, Inc. - Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment

Any hearing impaired person between the ages of newborn through twenty years, with financial need, may apply for a hearing aid and/or assistive listening devices. With proper documentation this may include closed caption converters for television, FM units that amplify hearing aids, computers to assist communication, or other technology devices. This fund is supported by the International Order of Job's Daughters. For more information go to The Hike Fund, Inc. Phone: (352) 688-2579, E-mail: ceterrill1@aol.com

Kya's Krusade

Kya's Krusade is an organization that offers information, support, and financial assistance for individuals up to 18 years old who have a confirmed diagnosis of arthrogryposis or other less publicized physical disability. Currently a small organization, the goal is to become national. The adaptive equipment fund will provide up to $1,000. Examples of equipment include: easels, mobility aids, standing aids, and bathroom equipment. For more information go to: Kya's Krusade Funding Assistance Phone: 614-750-2198. Information Email info@kyaskrusade.org

Limbs for Life Foundation

The Limbs for Life Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fully functional prosthetic care for people who cannot otherwise afford it. Each qualified applicant is provided with partial or complete funding for an advanced prosthesis, fitted by a certified prosthetist. The Limbs for Life Foundation's Diabetic Prosthetic Rehabilitation Program, assists individuals who have had an amputation caused by diabetes. Contact: Limbs for Life 5929 N. May, Suite 511, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (888)-235-5462 (405)843-5174 FAX (405) 843-5123 Email: admin@limbsforlife.org

Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation - MDFF

This nonprofit foundation provides adaptive equipment and emotional support to individuals and families affected by any one of 40 neuromuscular diseases. MDFF funds adaptive equipment from wheelchairs to van lifts to communication devices and beyond. Contact: Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation 3951 N. Meridian Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (800) 544-1213 or 317-923-MDFF Fax (317) 923-6334

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will provide funding for people who have muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases with a $2,000 allowance toward the purchase of an augmentative communication device, wheelchair or set or leg braces and allows up to $500 in repair of the equipment. Contact: 121 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK (907) 276-2131

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

The MSF Assistive Technology Program may provide an AT product, help locate a product, or help with funding for a wide range of devices that allow individuals with MS to function more independently in activities of daily living, as well as recreation, education and vocational activities. Products and devices include: ADLs, communication devices, computers and computer aids, home modifications, vehicle modifications, orthotics, seating, positioning, and mobility devices, aids for vision and hearing, and cooling aids.

The MSF Brighter Tomorrow grant provides individuals with MS with goods or services (valued at up to $1000.00 per recipient) to improve their quality of life by enhancing safety, self-sufficiency, comfort, or well-being. Examples include, but are not limited to car repairs, ramps, wheelchairs, walkers, eyeglasses, computers, therapeutic equipment, and various home modifications. To qualify, a person must be 18 years of age or older and diagnosed with MS, or the parent of a minor child diagnosed with MS, and be a permanent U.S. resident. They must not have any other means of fulfilling the need they express.

For information about these and other MSF Programs Phone: 1-888-673-6287 Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST; Or Email: support@msfocus.org.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Alaska Division

The Alaska Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society may be able to assist with funding for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Call the Anchorage office for additional information and application. Contact: 511 West 41st Avenue, Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-7347

Home Modifications for people with MS are available from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

NOCK- National Organization Caring for Kids

National Organization Caring for Kids (NOCK) is a national children’s charity that provides assistive technology including communication devices, wheelchairs, and seating systems, to disabled and special needs children when there is no where else to turn.

Paralyzed Veterans Association - PVA

The Paralyzed Veterans Association (PVA), Northwest Chapter, provides opportunities for health promotion, employment, sports, recreation, service and camaraderie for paralyzed veterans. Contact: Northwest Chapter of PVA 616 SW 152nd Suite B,_Burien, WA 98166(206) 241-1843 or (800) 336-9782.

Parkinson's

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will fund up to $2,000 allowance toward the purchase of an augmentative communication device, wheelchair or other assistive technology for individuals with Parkinson's. Contact: Muscular Dystrophy Association; Address: 121 W. Fireweed, Anchorage, Alaska Zip Code: 99503 Phone (907) 276-2131

SCORE (Spinal Cord Opporunities for Rehabilitation Endowment)

SCORE funding assists individuals with spinal cord injury costs, including the out-of-pocket costs for items such as home modifications, vehicle adaptations and medical co-payments. In the long term, SCORE strives to provide resources to help the individual achieve full independent living. Grant preference to young people injured while participating in sports. For more information got to SCORE Phone: (323) 655-8298 Email: questions@scorefund.org

Travelers Protective Association (TPA)

12.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Travis Roy Foundation

The Travis Roy Foundation provides grants to spinal cord injury survivors. Grants typically range from $4,000 to $7,500; there is no minimum award. Assistance is awarded to paraplegics or quadriplegics paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury (Please Note: paralysis must be due to a spinal cord injury; paralysis due to other causes, such as MS or spina bifida, is not eligible).

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Bellows Fund

The UCP Bellows Fund provides funds to persons with disabilities for the purchase of AT. Eligibility is not limited to persons with cerebral palsy. The program focuses on those in financial need and covers both equipment purchases and repairs. Eligible equipment may included wheelchairs, AAC devices, environmental control units (ECU), computers, lifts, and hearing aids. The program will not fund automobiles or AT services, including evaluations.
National Contact: Charlotte Safos (202) 387-0272 Email:Csafos@aol.com