Funding Of At K.privratsky Atla

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. 2. 3. 4. 5.

What is the individual's age? What is the individual's income? What is the individual's disability / diagnosis? What is the purpose of the AT? (communication, mobility, medical) 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:assistivetechnology-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: [email protected] 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 1 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: [email protected] 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/ 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 2 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: [email protected] 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) 2762131 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: [email protected] 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) 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

3

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: [email protected] 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-ofhearing 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: [email protected] www.limbsforlife.org

2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

4

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: [email protected]. 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

2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

5

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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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

2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

6

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 (1-888874-9378) 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 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 7 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. 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 8 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 [email protected] [email protected] 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 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 9 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) 8639230 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. 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference 10 Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

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: [email protected] 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 2nd Midnight Sun Assistive Technology Conference Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

11

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 Kathy Privratsky – Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)

12