Finding Alternative Sources of Funding for Assistive Technology

(2006)

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (IDEA), all public school systems are compelled to provide assistive technology (AT) to students who need it in order to acquire a free and appropriate public education. Students with learning disabilities are included under the special education umbrella, and have the right to be provided with appropriate assistive devices to help them succeed in school.

The range of assistive technology is wide, and could take the form of a simple tilted surface to ease handwriting, or a sophisticated computer package. There is rarely one solution that will meet all of a child's needs as he or she progresses through school. Think of assistive technology as a process running parallel to your child's educational pathway. It chugs alongside, lending support, but may need to be replaced or updated with time.

Once your child's specific LD issues have been identified and an assessment has yielded specific recommendations for classroom- and/or home-based assistive technology, the school system has an obligation to provide it. But there is no specific source of federal or state funds for assistive technology, so school districts must either re-direct their IDEA monies or dip into general operating funds to buy or lease such equipment. What if your school's AT budget is exhausted, or was never there to begin with? What if the school provides AT for the classroom, but not for use at home, even though it's supposed to? Then what?

This is by no means an exhaustive resource list, but it should get you thinking about how widely you can cast your net to bring home the tools your child needs. Important: Make sure your child's AT needs are written into the IEP, and be prepared to obtain a ’letter of medical necessity“ or a prescription for assistive technology from your child's physician. It may seem odd to apply these things in the LD context, but it will save time and aggravation later.

• ADA Technical Assistance Programs. Each state has one, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and they provide an array of services, including funding, training, and support. Look on your state government's website for contact information.
• Health care programs . Many school systems will ask families to apply through their own health care plans for AT, which is fine as long as it does not bring a separate burden on the family – such as a cap on services or hefty co-pays. Medical Assistance may also cover some devices if they can be justified as helping the child with basic life functions.
• Seek out private funding sources by researching charitable foundations or other 501(c)(3) organizations, especially if they are affiliated with major industries in your state. Local civic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and Lions Clubs often respond to requests from the community to help provide assistive devices for children.
• One creative way schools are stretching AT funds is through the Used Equipment Marketplace, where assistive technology valued at more than $25 can be sought, sold, or given away. Classified ads are free, and items are periodically listed in newsletters or websites. Contact the Marketplace directly to obtain donations. Here are 3 examples of Internet-based Marketplaces: www.accesstechnologiesinc.org, www.neatmarketplace.org/Lev3_BuyUsedEquip.htm and www.wati.org.
• Some projects are helping make computer technology more available to schools by arranging bulk purchases of software programs that are especially beneficial for students with disabilities. Maryland Assistive Technology Cooperative and Infinitec in Illinois are examples to check out.
• Loan closets, lending libraries and demonstration programs . Many disability-related agencies and organizations operate services which enables schools to borrow assistive equipment. Go to www.adainfo.org/accessible/it/resources.asp for more information.

Some specialized federal legislation may provide funding options as well. In some cases, Title I (economically disadvantaged), Title III (limited English proficiency), and vocational education programs may yield grant funds for assistive technology.