Purpose
The Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) board of directors believes the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) operated by the ABC will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to assistive technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life. The ATF provides funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices and software for people who are blind or have low vision.
Contact(s)
781-961-1023
email: atf@blindcitizens.org
website: blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm
Financial Criteria
Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000.
Eligibility
Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Products must retail for a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $6,000. Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. Applications must be submitted by June 30th and December 31st for each grant period (two per year). Applicants will be notified if their request for a grant is approved. All applications must be submitted via email. You will be notified by ABC within 45 days of the application deadline. The grantee will have 30 days after notification to purchase the product. If the purchase cannot be made within 30 days, ABC reserves the right to withdraw the award and assign it to another applicant. All decisions are final.
AT Services Provided/Covered
None
AT Devices Provided/Covered
Adaptive devices or software which will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Assistive Technology Committee (ATC) and recommendations will be submitted for board approval. If applicants are selected to receive a technology grant, applicants will be asked to provide documents such as tax returns, bank statements, and any other documents that the ABC board or its designee would deem necessary to assess financial need for the grant. Requests must be received via email only, by June 30th or December 31st. Please do not use attachments when submitting your request.
Pieces of the Puzzle
- Your request email must be sent to atf@blindcitizens.org and should include the following information:
- Name
- First line of address
- Second line of address
- City
- State
- Zip code
- Telephone number with area code
- Email address
- A description of 500 or fewer words of the device you wish to purchase and how it will help you achieve employment or increase your independence.