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Funding Ideas
For school-age children, funding can often be addressed
through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
For more information on IDEA visit the Families and Advocates Partnership
for Education web site: www.fape.org
An excellent handbook on funding assistive technology
through Medicaid, private insurance, and Social Security can be found at: www.trace.wisc.edu/archive/fintech/fintech.html
Some ATA Centers accept donations of used computers then
refurbish and distribute them to adults with disabilities and to families of
children with disabilities. Some community technology centers also recycle
equipment to people in their communities. For
a listing of all ATA Centers and CTCs visit the web sites of their national
organizations:
www.ATAccess.org
www.CTCNet.org
Lions Club, Elks Club, Easter Seals, church groups, and
local charitable organizations may provide support for the purchase of these
technologies.
Information on some of these groups can be found at:
www.elks.org/lodges/default.cfm
www.easterseals.com
www.lionsclubs.org
Another good resource for families when considering an
assistive technology purchase is the PLUK Family Guide to Assistive Technology
found on the web at:www.pluk.org/AT1.html
Med-Sell
is an organization that helps people buy and sell USED equipment.
The majority of this is medical equipment, but computer and assistive
technology devices may be found.
www.kansas.net/~cbaslock/classifi.html
Information on used equipment, product information, and
funding is available at the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology on the web at:
http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech
Organizations can find help locating technology for their
libraries or for distribution to consumers through the National Cristina
Foundation, an organization that accepts donations of computer equipment and
donates them to tax-exempt organizations or public agencies specializing in
working with the special needs population in the areas of education and
training.
www.cristina.org
Grant monies to obtain assistive technology for individuals
and for non-profits that serve children with disabilities are available from the
Disabled Children’s Relief Fund. Additional
information on the program and how to apply can be found at:
www.dcrf.com
Funds may also be available from GiveTech.org, found on the
web at:
www.givetech.org/assistance
If you need assistance finding technology for yourself or
for a family member with a physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment, check out
the resources listed here, and then start networking.
Talk to parents through early childhood programs, school events, or
advocacy groups. Find out who
provides disability-related services in your community and schedule an
appointment to discuss your needs. Call
your local newspaper to find service organizations that may assist with
purchasing adaptive equipment. Technology
can enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities and improve the
educational and career opportunities available.
Become an advocate for yourself, a family member, or for others and
search for ways to bring this technology to life.
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