AT Funding Guide

Table of Contents

Preface

Section I:
Introduction to Assistive Technology & Oklahoma ABLE Tech

Section II: Funding Strategy

Developing a Funding Strategy (direct links to topics below are on this page)

  • Steps and Strategies to Acquire Funding for Assistive Technology

Step 1: Define and document the need.
Step 2: Identify the equipment and/or services needed.
Step 3: Determine if an alternative device will meet the need.
Step 4: Determine potential funding sources.
Step 5: Gather all essential information to be submitted including prescriptions and other justifications
Step 6: Seek appeals as appropriate.

Appeals and Advocacy (direct links to topics below are on this page)

  • Client Disability Program (CAP)
  • Office of Disability Concerns
  • Special Education Resolution Center (SERC)
  • Oklahoma Parents Center (OPC)
  • Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
  • Office of Client Advocacy
  • Alternative Dispute Early Settlement Mediation Programs
  • Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC)

Potential Funding Sources at a Glance

Glossary of Assistive Technology Terms

Section III: Public Sources of Funding

The following pages contain fact sheets on public or governmental sources of funding. To determine the most likely agencies to pay for the AT you need, look closely at the eligibility requirements and financial criteria of each source and what types of AT devices and services the agency will fund. Due to eligibility requirements, funding for AT from public sources is far from guaranteed. You will have to build a strong case for the AT you need. Most agencies will have an internal appeals process if you disagree with the initial decision made in your case request.

Section IV: Private Sources of Funding

Public sources of funding have been exhausted and appeals have been rejected. Private insurance or the insurance that you do have will not cover the assistive technology needed. The next step should be to search for private nonprofit organizations and foundations that may be able to assist. There are many such sources in the state and nation, but they have restrictions on what they will provide, vary widely on eligibility requirements, and the resources available to them are limited. A person who needs funding for assistive technology may turn to a private nonprofit agency, organization, trust, or foundation for assistance. This Section describes such groups and lists contact information, but there may be others in your local communities that are not listed here.

Appendix A: Laws that Impact AT