Paying for Assistive Technology
Paying for AT is difficult. We can help you look for funding.
How to pay for AT?
Looking for a way to pay for the tools, technology, and services you need? If you are not eligible for what you need through our programs, we will try hard to help you find a way to get what you need.
We can help you learn about what programs are available to help. You may need to use several programs together in order to come up with the funding for what you need. Together, we can work through the maze of health insurances, public programs including waivers, reuse programs, cash loan programs, and non-governmental funding sources to determine which ones might help.
Information and Assistance to Obtain Funding for Assistive Technology
Together, we can work through the maze of health insurances, public programs including waivers, reuse programs, cash loan programs, and non-governmental funding sources to determine which ones might help.
Virginia Del Sordo Fund
The Virginia Del Sordo Fund, administered by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University as part of Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), provides financial assistance through small grants to Pennsylvanians with disabilities to increase their ability to acquire assistive technology (AT) devices they need. The Del Sordo Fund is named in memory of Virginia Del Sordo, a former Assistant Director of PIAT, who created this fund in her will.
The Del Sordo Fund is considered a “last resort” option, meaning that other funding sources for which the applicant is eligible – Medicaid/Medicare, private health (e.g., insurance, school, or the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) must have denied full or partial coverage. Applicants may also request items for which third-party funding is unavailable (e.g., AT for leisure and recreation). The Del Sordo Fund may also be used to meet deductibles or co-pays. This is a one-time-only award. The maximum award is $400.
If you have trouble accessing the application digitally, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sandra McNally via email at Sandra.McNally@temple.edu for assistance.
PATF
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)—www.patf.us provides cash loans and financial literacy education. PATF is a statewide non-profit organization that offers 0% interest and low-interest cash loans with extended repayment terms. For loans greater than $7,000, the interest rate is currently 3.75%, subject to change. For AT that is less than $7,000, loans are offered at 0% interest with reasonable repayment amounts and periods; and low-income individuals may be eligible for a grant for part of the cost. PATF also provides information about other potential funding sources and free consumer credit counseling.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
1004 West 9th Avenue, 1st Floor
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Voice: 484-674-0506
Voice/TTY Toll-Free: 888-744-1938
FAX: 484-674-0510
Email: patf@patf.us
Website: www.patf.us
Disability Rights PA
Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) 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. DRP’s main purpose is to advocate for the civil rights of persons with mental and physical disabilities, especially their right to live as integral parts of their communities. DRP 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); and to protect them from abuse and neglect. DRP identifies systemic issues which are important to people with disabilities and seeks change and reform through litigation, administrative advocacy, and public education. DRP has offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh.
Contact DRP’s Intake Team:
Toll-free/voice: 1-800-692-7443
TDD: 1-877-375-7139
Email: intake@drnpa.org
Website: http://disabilityrightspa.org
Client Assistance Program
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.
Contact CAP at:
Client Assistance Program
Center for Disability Law and Policy
1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Voice/TTY/Toll-free: 888-745-2357
Email: info@equalemployment.org
Website: www.equalemployment.org