AT+Funding+Resources

=AT Funding Resources=

//**Who owns the AT I am currently using?**//
//**How much has been spent to repair and maintain it?**// //**What are my immediate future AT needs?**// //**What can I do now to make acquiring funding easier later?**// //**What kinds of funding assistance is out there?**//

AT Rule Number One: Try before you buy.
Click here to go directly to our AT to Borrow page, where you can browse the PIAT AT Lending Library and PaTTAN Short Term Loan without leaving the wiki page.

[|PIAT]:
 * Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technolog**y (PIAT) is PA's Tech Act Project. //"PIAT strives to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families, through access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, which allow for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods."// It is a resource for much funding information, as well as device loans and training information.

PIAT provides information and assistance to individuals with disabilities and their families who are searching for funding for assistive technology they need and cannot afford. PIAT can help you work through the maze of health insurances, public programs including "waivers," recycling programs, cash loan programs, and [|non-governmental funding sources] to determine which ones might help. When needed, the AT Funding Coordinator can help make inquiries, complete applications, write letters of need or provide examples of "good" letters of medical necessity, and refer individuals for assistance through the appeals process.

[|Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania] The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a non-profit statewide public interest law firm that provides legal assistance and other services to individuals with disabilities, their organizations, their families, and their advocates. DRN works to ensure that people with disabilities have equal and unhindered access to employment, transportation, public accommodations, and government services; to enforce their rights to vocational rehabilitation, habilitation, post-secondary education, health, and other services, including assistive technology. A variety of [|DRN publications regarding AT] are available, including several pertaining to appeals to funding decisons.

Here is a presentation on MA funding for AT, by PIAT and DRN staff in April, 2006.

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[|PATF:]
 * Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation** (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need. PATF also talks to consumers about other possible funding sources, such as home and community-based waivers, the Variety Club, and other local resources, facilitating timely funding for what the consumer feels will work best for them. Funding may include screen readers, lowered floors for cars and vans, ramps, grab bars and wider doorways for homes, hearing and vision aids, scooters, and computers with special software and/or hardware. PATF serves people of all ages, income levels and disability diagnosis throughout Pennsylvania.

[|Client Assistance Program (CAP)] The Client Assistance Program (CAP) offers assistance to those having difficulty obtaining assistive technology from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), including the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (BVRS) and Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS). CAP services include information and referral, mediation/negotiation, and assistance with appeals. See this '[|Tips for Transition]' page.

[|AAC Funding Help]: Speech Generating Device funding solutions from the Assistive Technology Law Center.

[|Assistive Technology Funding from Disability Resources.org]: General information on funding assistive technology.

[|Abledata Funding Resource Page]: Information of 35 funding resources and organizations.


 * Device Reutilization and Recycling**: Previously owned devices are an affordable option instead of buying new, and several options are available to Pennsylvanians.
 * Recycled and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP): [|classified listing] of used devices ,
 * [|ATMatch] is an online auction site for the sale of new or used AT devices, as well as a place to learn about Pennsylvania AT vendors.
 * [|Into New Hands] accepts and refurbishes equipment for reuse and is maintained by the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living.
 * Check your local [|Assistive Technology Resource Center] (ATRC) for more information on local funding sources.
 * The [|Pass It On Center]: A National Collaboration for the Reutilization and Coordination of Assistive Technology.

//Disclaimer: This site and information, links, and resources contained herein, are intended as a forum for information and communication only and should not be interpreted to mean endorsement by PATTAN or any of its transition partners. Unless otherwise stated, information on this website is not intended to represent the policies, positions, or intentions of PaTTAN or any state agency. //