Funding of Assistive Technology

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

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?

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 improves
independence and productivity for individuals with disabilities. However, knowing
what technology you want/need but not knowing where or how to pay for it is often a
significant barrier. Possible funding options are listed below:

Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Fund

The State of Alaska through 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. 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
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Kathy 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 financial
assistance or help with the purchase of assistive technology. A personal contact
within the group is most helpful. However, if you don't personally know someone in
the organization, can contact them by telephone or send a letter of inquiry and
explain what you are seeking.

Elks Lodges - Alaska

Programs include: Scholarships, Veterans Services, Drug Education and Youth
activities. There are many Elks Lodges located in communities around Alaska.
Website: www.elks.org/States/lodges.cfm?vhpID=8002

Kiwanis International
Contact: 3636 Woodview Trace Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone: 317-875-8755 Fax:
317-879-0204 Website: www.kiwanis.org/

Knights of Columbus
Contact: 1 Columbus Plaza New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: 203-752-4000
Website: www.kofc.org/

Lions Club International Alaska Chapters

The Lions Clubs provides assistance to people with disabilities including the
donations of eyeglasses, guide dogs and white canes for the blind, wheelchair lifts for
vans, hearing aids, and recycled AT equipment such as wheelchairs. Not every
chapter provides all of these services. Alaska Chapters are located throughout the
state. Website: www.anchoragelions.org/lionsclubs.html

Rotary
There are more than thirty-five Rotary Clubs throughout Alaska. Contact the Club
nearest you. Website: rotaryclubmembers.com

Rotary Club International

One Rotary Center 1560 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201, USA
Phone: 847-866-3000 Fax: 847-328-8554 or 847-328-8281

Sertoma International
This 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 800-593-5646
FAX 816-333-4320 Email: infosertoma@sertoma.org Website: www.sertoma.org/

Shriners: Al Aska Shrine

The Alaska Chapter supports children in Alaska with disabilities who need specialized
medical through Shriner's Hospitals for Children in the Pacific Northwest.
Website: www.alaskashrine.com/
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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
Developmental Disabilities Grant Program
Short-Term Assistance & Referral Programs (STAR)/Mini-Grants
The STAR Program assists people with developmental disabilities and their families
in addressing short-term needs before a crisis occurs and to defer the need for more
expensive residential services or long-term care. Many people who are on the
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiting List access STAR services. Allowable costs
under 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 needs
necessary to avert a crisis that is not covered by another public or private program
such 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 help
beneficiaries attain and maintain healthy and productive lifestyles. The kinds of
supplies or services the Mental Health Trust considers appropriate for Mini-Grants
include, but are not limited to: therapeutic devices, access to medical, dental and
vision care, or special health-care needs. Contact: Laurie Cooper, PO Box 110680
Juneau, AK 99811-0680 Phone: (907) 465-3135 Fax: (907) 465-1170 Email:
Laurie.Cooper@alaska.gov
Website: 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 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 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 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
Website: 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. 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 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)

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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
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. Contact:
Website: www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm

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
Website: www.danabowman.com/bank_foundation.php

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 Website: www.dcrf.com

Easter Seals Alaska

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

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. Contact: Website: www.hearingloss.org

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: Website: www.sotheworldmayhear.org/hearnow

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 www.limbsforlife.org

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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
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 Website: www.mdff.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

In addition to services for people with muscular dystrophy, MDA will provide funding
for people who have a neuromuscular disease 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: MDA 121 W. Fireweed
Lane, Anchorage, AK (907) 276-2131. Website: www.mdaalaska.com

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

The National Federation of the Blind has established a low interest loan to help blind
persons purchase AT. Such technology might include: computers, screen reading
hardware/software, electronic note-takers, Braille embossers, optical character
recognition (OCR) systems, refreshable Braille devices, and speech synthesizers. Due
to limited funds, loan requests in excess of $3,000 will likely not be granted.
Contact: Curtis Chong 3000 Grand Avenue, Apartment 810, Des Moines, Iowa
50312 Email: curtischong@earthlink.net. Phone: (515) 277-1288.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Alaska Division

The Alaska Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society can be contacted for funding
questions. Funding fact sheets available. Contact: 511 West 41st Avenue, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 563-1115. Website: www.nationalmssociety.org/aka

NOCK - National Organization Caring for Kids

NOCK is a national children’s charity that provides AT including communication
devices, wheelchairs, and seating systems, to disabled/special needs children when
there is nowhere else to turn. Contact: Website: www.nockonline.org

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.
Website: www.pva.org

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 Website: www.mdaalaska.com

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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
Travis Roy Foundation
The Travis Roy Foundation provides grants to spinal cord injury survivors. Grants
typically range from $4,000 to $7,500; no minimum award. Assistance awarded to
paraplegics or quadriplegics paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury (Please Note:
paralysis must be due to a spinal cord injury).Contact:
Website: www.travisroyfoundation.org

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. Contact: Charlotte Safos (202) 387-0272 Email:
Csafos@aol.com Website: www.ucp.org/ucp_general.cfm/1/11365

Foundations and Trusts

There are many foundations in the United States. The focus of their funding varies
from foundation to foundation and may be general in nature or specific to a disability,
education or technology. If you find a foundation of interest, send them a letter of
inquiry about their funding, dates of application and how to apply.

Baar Foundation
The Barr Foundation is a non-profit organization that purchases prosthetic limbs for
amputees who cannot otherwise afford them. They can pay for materials and fitting of
a new prosthesis. To establish that need, the amputee and prosthetist would need to
show there are no other sources of funding available. Contact: The Barr Foundation
c/o Storage USA 3090 NW 2nd Ave, Ste #693 Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 391-7601
Email: Foundation@t-barr.com
Website: www.oandp.com/resources/organizations/barr/fund/

Bellows Foundation
The Elsie S. Bellows Fund provides funds to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) affiliates to
purchase equipment which then becomes the property of the disabled person.
Contact: National Cerebral Palsy Association Website: www.ucp.org

Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury
by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with
paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.
Website: www.christopherreeve.org

Cristina Foundation
The National Cristina Foundation provides computers, computer technology and
solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk and economically
disadvantaged persons the opportunity to lead more independent and productive
lives. Website: www.cristina.org/contactus.html

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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
TRICARE (Military)
TRICARE, formerly CHAMPUS, is a health benefit for dependents of active duty
military personnel, military retires and their dependents. Generally speaking,
TRICARE covers prosthetic devices including augmentative communication devices
(voice prostheses), wheelchairs and scooters, standers, gait trainers, and hearing
aids in addition to other durable medical equipment (DME)and specialized medical
equipment (SME). Contact: TriWest Healthcare Alliance at 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-
874-9378)

Extended Health Care Options (ECHO)

ECHO, a supplemental TRICARE program, provides financial assistance to eligible
active duty family members who have a qualifying mental or physical disability.
Contact :TriWest HealthCare Alliance in Alaska and the western region of the United
States. Website:: www.triwest.com/corporate/frames.aspx

Vehicle Modification Programs

Due to changes in the economy and the automotive industry, some of these
manufacturers may have changed or discontinued their vehicle modification
programs.

Chrysler Motors Automobility Program

Chrysler's Automobility Program reimburses up to $1,000 for adaptive driving
equipment and its installation in minivans and full size conversion vans and up to
$750 for all other Chrysler models. The offer is limited to retail purchases and leases
of new Chrysler vehicles. Applications may be obtained from any authorized dealer.
Contact: Chrysler Motors Automobility Program, Chrysler Corporation Attn:
Automobility Program P.O. Box 3124 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (800) 255-9877

Ford Mobility Motoring Program

This program reimburses up to $1,000 for installation of adaptive driving aids in new
model Ford Motor cars, trucks or vans for persons with disabilities. The program also
provides up to a maximum of $200 reimbursement for running boards, lumbar
supports, and alerting devices. Contact: Ford Motor Company Attn: Mobility Program
P.O. Box 529 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 (800) 952-2248 (800) TDD-0312 (TDD)

General Motors Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities

This program reimburses up to $1,000 for installation of adaptive driving aids in new
or leased GM cars, trucks or vans for persons (driver or passengers) with disabilities.
The dealer from whom the vehicle was originally purchased must submit applications
for reimbursement. Contact: General Motors, P.O. Box 9011 Detroit, MI 48202 (800)
323-9935 (313) 974-4383 (fax) (800) TDD-9935 (TDD) (800) 594-4886.

Saturn Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities

This program reimburses up to $1,000 for installation and purchase of aftermarket
driver or passenger mobility equipment. Saturn also reimburses up to $200 for
alerting devices. If both adaptive and alerting devices are needed, Saturn will
reimburse up to $800 for the adaptive equipment and up to $200 for the alerting

device. Contact: Saturn Corporation Attn: Assistance Center 100 Saturn Parkway
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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
Mail Drop 371-999-S-24 Spring Hill, TN 37174 (800) 553-600 (800) 833-6000 (TDD)

Toyota Mobility Assistance Center

Toyota Motor Sales USA offers a cash reimbursement for adaptive driving or
passenger equipment for persons with disabilities. The reimbursement can be applied
toward the cost of purchasing and installing such equipment, with a maximum of
$1,000. This program covers new purchased and leased Toyota vehicles. Contact:
Toyota Mail Drop H200 19001 S. Western Avenue Torrance, CA 90509-2714 (800)
331-4331 (800) 443-4999 (TTY)

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

The Volkswagen Mobility Access program offers up to $1,500 reimbursement for
adaptive equipment added to a new or leased Volkswagen vehicle. A maximum of
$1,000 is offered for a wheelchair lift and up to $500 for hand control devices.
Contact: (800) DRIVEVW (374-8389)

Mobility by Volvo
This program reimburses up to $1,000 towards the cost of installing adaptive
equipment to an eligible Volvo. The program also provides up to a maximum of $200
reimbursement on alert hearing devices. Modifications must be completed and the
request for reimbursement must be submitted within 180 days of the vehicle
purchase. Contact: 1-800-803-5222 TDD1-800-833-0312

Veterans Administration (VA) Eligible Veterans

Enrolled veterans receiving VA care for any condition may receive medically
necessary VA prosthetic appliances, equipment and devices, such as artificial limbs,
orthopedic braces and shoes, wheelchairs, crutches and canes, and other durable
medical equipment and supplies. Certain veterans who are not enrolled may also be
eligible for prosthetic items for a service-connected disability. Contact the Veteran's
Administration Facilities in Alaska.
Website: www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?State=AK&dnum=ALL

Additional Sources of Funding for Veterans

CAP - Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program

CAP provides assistive technology (AT) and services to people with disabilities,
Federal managers, supervisors, and IT professionals.
Website: http://www.tricare.mil/CAP/

CAP Wounded Service Member Initiative

CAP works closely with service members to ensure they receive appropriate assistive
technology (AT) for their needs. Additional information can also be found at the
TRICARE website. Website: www.tricare.mil/CAP/wsm/Index.cfm

Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), the
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), and the Brain Injury Association
of America (BIAA) have resources and expertise to enhance the care and recovery of
active military and veterans with paralysis and/or traumatic brain injury.
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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
The PRC Military Outreach Campaign assists all service members and veterans with
mobility impairment from a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury. The PRC has
two locations and an extensive website to help those living with paralysis make more
informed decisions about their treatment. For information about paralysis contact the
PRC veteran’s and military hotline(866) 962-8387 military@ChristopherReeve.org
military@ChristopherReeve.org For military brain injury questions contact DVBIC:
(800) 870-9244 Website: www.christopherreeve.org

Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA)

Website: www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm

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.
Website: www.pva.org

Veterans Service Organizations

Website: www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Contact local and national veterans organizations for information on potential
assistance with funding.

Wheelchair and Durable Medical Equipment

Wheelchairs may be available for "give-away" or long term loan from local veteran's
organizations, e.g. Disabled American Veterans, Veterans or Foreign Wars, VFW,
American Legion. Many of the wheelchairs for veterans are stored at Frontier
Medical in Anchorage. Contact: Frontier Medical Phone: (907) 258-8618 Fax: (907)
563-9291 Website: www.frontiermedical.biz

Vocational and Employment Related

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

The original purpose of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act was to assure that all
individuals with disabilities were able to live their lives as independently as possible.
The 1993 revisions added assistive technology (AT) and a presumption of ability,
meaning that VR counselors must assume that all individuals regardless of the
severity of their disability must be regarded as being able to work. Because of the
revision, the Alaska State VR plan must now describe how a broad range of
rehabilitation technology services will be provided at each stage of the rehabilitation
process. It must also describe the manner in which AT devices and services will be
provided, or work site assessments will be made as part of the assessment for
determining eligibility and the vocational rehabilitation needs of each individual.
Assistive technology (AT) may be provided as part of employment or independent
living. The key to obtaining funding is the inclusion of AT in the Individualized Plan for
Employment (IPE). The technology must be needed to enhance or improve
independent skills so they can obtain and sustain employment. Students are not
eligible for services from DVR until age 14. DVR should become involved through
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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
transition planning that is required to start by the time the student is 16 years old.

Funding of Assistive Technology

The services available through Alaska's state vocational rehabilitation (VR) system
can play a critical role in assisting people with disabilities to enter the work force. As
with any other area of life, assistive technology (AT) can greatly enhance the
employment options for many people with disabilities.
Website: http://labor.state.ak.us/dvr/home.htm

Governors Committee on Employment and Rehabilitation of People With

Disabilities
Website: www.labor.state.ak.us/govscomm/at-gov.htm

Social Security Administration (PASS)

Contact: (800) 772-1213 TTY/TDD (800) 325-0778) Website: www.socialsecurity.gov
or www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm

Other Funding Sources

American Association of People with Disabilities/Digital Federal Credit Union Access

Loans (AAPD / DCU)
Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) can apply
through the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) for loans for AT or home modifications
to assist a person with a disability. The membership fee to join AAPD is $8 and one
can join the DCU with a $5 deposit into a checking or savings account. The borrower
need not be the person with the disability. The loans are not guaranteed. DCU offers
flexible terms, including up to 10 years to repay loans for adapted vehicles. DCU
attempts to offer competitive rates, and though they review an applicant's credit
rating, they state that they will consider unusual expenses like medical bills. Contact:
(800) 328-8797 or (800) 395-5146 (TTY)
Website: www.dcu.org/loans_visa/mobility_menu.html

Bank of America Access Loans

(800) 900-9000 Website:
www.bankofamerica.com/vehicle_and_personal_loans/index.cfm?template=access_l
oans

Computers / IT
National Cristina Foundation
The National Cristina Foundation (NCF) donates commercially obsolete computers,
software, and related equipment to non-profit organizations and public agencies.
Priority is given first to NCF partner organizations and then to organizations that train
people with disabilities in an educational or rehabilitative environment. Contact: 500
West Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT 06830 Phone (203) 863-9100 or Fax (203) 863-
9230 Website: www.cristina.org/

Share the Technology

Share the Technology is a non-profit organization that repairs, upgrades, and donates
used computers to persons with disabilities, schools, and non-profit organizations.
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Website: www.sharetechnology.org/

Home Modifications
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service in Alaska
The USDA Rural Housing Service in Alaska provides low-interest loans and grants to
low income persons for home repairs and modifications. Applicants must own and
occupy their homes, and those homes must be in rural areas.
Contact: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ak/offices.htm

Senior Housing Accessibility Modifications program.

The purpose of the program is to provide housing accessible modifications for seniors
that will extend their ability to live independently in the community. Contact:
NeighborWorks Anchorage CVB 480 West Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907)
677-8490 Website: www.nwanchorage.org/

Manufacturers' Websites
Many of the manufacturer's of speech generating devices will help process funding
requests. Go to the specific vendor for assistance and check their funding sections.
They may assist with Medicaid, Medicare and Insurance.

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

Reutilization and Recycling of Equipment

The Alaska Trading Post or AK Trading Post (www.aktradingpost.org) is an online
searchable database of "gently used" assistive technology (AT) and durable medical
equipment (DME) that is available for buy, sell, loan, trade, or give-away.
Organizations and individuals enter their items into the database and manage their
own inventory. Any Alaskan can make items available of the Trading Post.

There are other not-for-profits businesses and organizations as well as for-profit ones
in Alaska that have recycling/reutilization programs. Items are sanitized and
refurbished if necessary 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. Craig’s List, eBay and ATMatch.com are other
sources of used equipment and devices.

Partnering Organizations with the AK Trading Post include:

Access Alaska Anchorage Website: www.infor@accessalaska.org

Alaska Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Website: www.alaskabvi.org
Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA) Website: www.atlaak.org
Kenai Independent living Center Website: www.peninsulailc.org/
Southeast Independent Living Center (SAIL) Website: www.sailinc.org/
(Satellite Centers in Ketchikan and Sitka)
Special Education Service Agency (SESA) Website: www.sesa.org
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Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
Resources / Documents / Publications:

AAC-RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center)

Website: www.aac-rerc.com/pages/medicare/MCgeneral.htm

AACfundinghelp.com
This website is specific to funding of augmentative communication devices. It is a
joint effort with Duke University, and the AAC-RERC Lewis Golinker, Esq. It is
described as a One-Stop source for funding on speech generating devices.
Website: www.aacfundinghelp.com

Family Information Guide to Assistive Technology

This Guide is from the Family Center on Technology Disability (FCTD) gives a nice
overview of education, government, Medicaid, Medicare and other funding options.
Website: www.fctd.info/resources/fig/Sec3.htm

Frequently Asked Questions on Assistive Technology Funding (United Cerebral

Palsy)
This document from the United Cerebral Palsy website answers many questions
about assistive technology and sources for funding. Although this is an older
document, the information is still appropriate.
Website :www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/12/69/69-69/607

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

The Neighborhood Legal Services project offers a number of different articles related
to financing of assistive technology (AT). A special focus of the project is on legal
issues related to AT. An on line newsletter and booklet are offered as well. This is a
very informative site. Website: www.nls.org/work&AT.htm

Medicare Funding of AAC Devices

The Rehabilitation Engineering Center (RERC) has an extensive resource on funding
of Speech Generating Devices (SGD) and Medicare funding policies.
Website www.aac-rerc.com

2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 12

Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)