Funding of Assistive Technology

There are many different sources of funding that can be used to purchase or acquireassistive technology; however, it is not always easy to secure funding. It may beeasier for consumers to work with a care coordinator, case manager,counselor/rehabilitation specialist, etc. to assist in the search. They may be able tocombine resources to help purchase a device, piece of equipment, etc. In manycases a consumer may be asked to contribute funds or in-kind services to assist withthe purchase. AT vendors and manufacturers are also a good resource of fundingassistance.

Information You Need to Know:

Knowing the following information will help your search for funding because theremay be restrictions on who or what will be funded.1. What is the individual's age?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)5. Where will the technology be used? (home, school, job, community)

Potential Sources of Funding for Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) opens up a world of possibilities and improvesindependence and productivity for individuals with disabilities. However, knowingwhat technology you want/need but not knowing where or how to pay for it is often asignificant barrier. Possible funding options are listed below:

Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Fund

The State of Alaska through the Department of Labor and Workforce Developmentand the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) established an AssistiveTechnology Loan Fund in 1994.The AT Loan Fund was established to help improve the quality of life for individualswith disabilities through a flexible loan option program that allows them to purchaseneeded Assistive Technology (AT) to improve independence and productivity whichwill decrease the need for public support. This option may allow the customer toaccess 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 bankcovers the remaining 10% guarantee. Website:www.atlaak.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:assistive-technology-loan-fund&catid=50:funding&Itemid=78465-2856 Contact: Sean O'Brien DVR, 801 W. 10th St., Suite A , Juneau, Alaska 99801(800)478-2815 (907)465-6969 FAX (907) 465-2856 E-mail: sean.obrien@alaska.gov

Midnight Sun Assistive Technology ConferenceKathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

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

Civic Organizations and Service Clubs

There are numerous civic organizations and service clubs that may provide financialassistance or help with the purchase of assistive technology. A personal contactwithin the group is most helpful. However, if you don't personally know someone inthe organization, can contact them by telephone or send a letter of inquiry andexplain what you are seeking.Elks Lodges - AlaskaPrograms include: Scholarships, Veterans Services, Drug Education and Youthactivities. There are many Elks Lodges located in communities around Alaska.Website:www.elks.org/States/lodges.cfm?vhpID=8002 Kiwanis InternationalContact: 3636 Woodview Trace Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-875-8755 Fax:317-879-0204 Website: www.kiwanis.org/Knights of ColumbusContact: 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: 203-752-4000Website:www.kofc.org/ Lions Club International Alaska ChaptersThe Lions Clubs provides assistance to people with disabilities including thedonations of eyeglasses, guide dogs and white canes for the blind, wheelchair lifts for vans, hearing aids, and recycled AT equipment such as wheelchairs. Not everychapter provides all of these services. Alaska Chapters are located throughout thestate. Website:www.anchoragelions.org/lionsclubs.html RotaryThere are more than thirty-five Rotary Clubs throughout Alaska. Contact the Clubnearest you. Website:rotaryclubmembers.comRotary Club InternationalOne Rotary Center 1560 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201, USAPhone: 847-866-3000 Fax: 847-328-8554 or 847-328-8281Sertoma InternationalThis is a volunteer civic service organization emphasizing freedom, youth causes,and community needs. Contact: 11912 E. Meyer Blvd.Kansas City, MO 64132 816-333-8300 800-593-5646FAX 816-333-4320 Email:infosertoma@sertoma.orgWebsite:www.sertoma.org/ Shriners: Al Aska ShrineThe Alaska Chapter supports children in Alaska with disabilities who need specializedmedical through Shriner's Hospitals for Children in the Pacific Northwest.Website:www.alaskashrine.com/

Midnight Sun Assistive Technology ConferenceKathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

Developmental Disabilities Grant Program

Short-Term Assistance & Referral Programs (STAR)/Mini-GrantsThe STAR Program assists people with developmental disabilities and their familiesin addressing short-term needs before a crisis occurs and to defer the need for moreexpensive residential services or long-term care. Many people who are on theDevelopmental Disabilities (DD) Waiting List access STAR services. Allowable costsunder the STAR Program include, but are not limited to environmental modifications,adaptive equipment, and services that assist the family such as behavioral training,personal care, or medical appointments. Assistance with basic living needsnecessary to avert a crisis that is not covered by another public or private programsuch as emergency transportation and clothing may be approved on a limited basis.Mini-Grants are a one-time award made to individuals not to exceed $2,500 per recipient for health and safety needs not covered by grants or other programs, to helpbeneficiaries attain and maintain healthy and productive lifestyles. The kinds of supplies or services the Mental Health Trust considers appropriate for Mini-Grantsinclude, but are not limited to: therapeutic devices, access to medical, dental andvision care, or special health-care needs. Contact: Laurie Cooper, PO Box 110680Juneau, AK 99811-0680 Phone: (907) 465-3135 Fax: (907) 465-1170 Email:Laurie.Cooper@alaska.govWebsite:www.

hss.state.ak.us/dsds/grantservices/starmini.htm

Disability Specific

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) may fund up to $2,000 toward thepurchase of an augmentative communication device, wheelchair or other assistivetechnology for individuals with ALS. Contact: Muscular Dystrophy Association;Address: 121 W. Fireweed, Anchorage, Alaska Zip Code: 99503 Phone (907) 276-2131 Website:www.alsa.org Anne Ford Scholarship - National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)The NCLD gives out the Anne Ford Scholarship, a $10,000 award given to a highschool senior with an identified learning disability who is pursuing an undergraduatedegree. The student must be of high merit with an identified learning disability (LD) inpublic or private secondary school. Contact: Anne Ford Scholarship - NCLD, 81 ParkAvenue South, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10016-8806. FAX 212-545-9665 or Website:AFScholarship@ncld.orgAlzheimers Disease Resource Agency of AlaskaThe Alzheimer's Association offers grants up to $2500 to individuals and families of individuals with Alzheimers, dementia and other neurological disorders. Contact:Phone (907) 561-3313 Toll-Free within Alaska (800) 478-1080 Fax (907) 561-3315.1750 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 Website:www.alzalaska.org Association of Blind Citizens AT FundThe 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)

Midnight Sun Assistive Technology ConferenceKathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)