Free Low Vision Guide

Grants & Assistive Programs

We recommend, if you are researching payment alternatives, to learn more about the numerous grant programs and resources available.

Organizations:

Grants & Funding in Education: Federal Student Aid Grant Programs:

The federal government provides grant funds for students attending colleges, career schools and universities. Grants are not loans and do not have to be repaid. Information about scholarships is also available. Enter the word disability in the search to find scholarships that are specifically for students with disabilities, or you can just search for a field of study or major such as music, law enforcement, biology, social work, etc.
For more information visit https://studentaid.ed.gov.

State Specific Assistance

Organizations

1. Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)
Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) can join the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) to take advantage of access loans to assist someone with a disability. To use the services of the DCU you must first join the AAPD. Membership is only $15. To join both AAPD and the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) at the same time, you can do so from the DCU website at www.dcu.org or by calling them at 800-328-8797. At the DCU website click on Loans/Visa and then other loans and then Mobility Vehicles and Access Loans. The Access Loans can be for up to 72 months and require no down payment.

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2. The Assistive Technology Fund (for Residents of the United States)
Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) which is operated by the Association of Blind Citizens. If the person qualifies the ATF will provide funds to pay for 50% of the MSRP of the adaptive device. The applicant must be legally blind and a resident of the USA. Applications are submitted by email ([email protected]) only. Go to www.blindcitizens.org for more details (look for Assistive Technology Fund in the left column), and to see the qualifications and the application.

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3. National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP)
The 56 state and territory programs are funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. State Assistive Technology Act programs work to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance. Additionally, the programs support activities designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, and advocates to access and obtain assistive technology devices and services. http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/

 

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4. National: International Association of Lions Clubs
Many Lions Clubs provide vocational assistance to persons who are legally blind. The international office refers requests for equipment or other assistance to the appropriate district offices.
300 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
(800) 747-4448
www.lionnet.com

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State Specific Assistance

1. Assistive Technology Resource Project Resources (by State)

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2. CALIFORNIA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM (CATS) (1993)
California Department of Rehabilitation
2000 Evergreen
Sacramento, CA 95815
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 944222
Sacramento, CA 94244-2220
Information and Referral: Colin Corby
Project Director: Kathi Mowers Moore
Phone: (916) 263-8687
TTY: (916) 263-8685
FAX: (916) 263-8683
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: http://www.atnet.org

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3. CONNECTICUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROJECT (1992)
Department of Social Services, BRS
25 Sigourney St., 11th Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
Project Director: John M. Ficarro
Phone: (860) 424-4881
Phone: (800) 537-2549 (In-State)
TTY: (860) 424-4839
FAX: (860) 424-4850
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: http://www.cttechact.com

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4. Georgia Assistive Technology Loan Program
Credit-Able, the Georgia Assistive Technology Loan Program, provides low-interest loans through participating credit unions to enable Georgians with disabilities access to affordable financing for Assistive Technology and Home & Vehicle Modifications.

https://www.thecfii.org

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5. Idaho Assistivie Technology Project 
The IATP is a federally funded program administered by the Center on Disabilities and Human Development at the University of Idaho, in partnership with the Idaho Community Foundation, KeyBank, and Zions Bank. The low interest rate offered by the program can often help a person to obtain a loan who wouldn’t qualify under traditional loan programs. Contact: Julie Magelky at 1-800-432-8324 or visit www.idahoat.org

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6. Iowa Compass
Iowa COMPASS provides information to Iowa consumers and family members about potential sources of funding for the purchase of assistive technology. www.iowacompass.org/contactus.htm

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7. Kentucky Residents
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans through its lending partners for qualified applicants who need any type of equipment or home modification that will increase a person to become more independent. For more information please visit: http://www.katlc.ky.gov/

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8. Louisiana Assistive Technology program
Residents of the state of Louisiana may be eligible for federally/state funding for equipment with special low-interest rates through LATAN’s Assertive Technology Loan Program . LATAN’s Assistive Technology Loan Program provides an alternative, affordable source of funding to assist people with disabilities purchase assistive technology through a special loan program. The reduced-interest, fixed-rate, extended-term loan program provides a worthwhile option in the funding maze facing consumers who need to purchase assistive technology to improve or maintain their level of independence, to increase or maintain their productivity, or to improve their quality of life. http://www.latan.org

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9. Maine Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired
If you have a vision problem that prevents you from carrying out the activities of daily living, getting an education or a job, there is help. The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired can provide many services to persons with severe visual impairments.
http://www.maine.gov/rehab/dbvi/

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10. Maryland Residents
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority For Maryland residents provides product purchase assistance under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. For more information please visit: http://www.mdod.maryland.gov/mtap.aspx?id=180

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11. Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund
3401 E. Saginaw. Suite 216
Lansing, MI 48912
People with disabilities and seniors can use this program to borrow money to buy assistive equipment. People can buy many items including: wheelchairs, scooter, ramps, modified vehicles, computers, electronic magnifiers and CCTV’s
Phone: 800.828-2714
Fax: 517.203.1203
E-Mail: [email protected]
URL: http://ucpmichigan.org/our-programs/the-michigan-loan-funds/michigan-assistive-technology-loan-fund
Updated: 08/03/2010

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12. MonTECH – Montana’s Statewide Assistive Technology Program
Providing Access to Assistive Technology Tools, Resources and Supports for Montanans
University of Montana’s Rural Institute – MonTECH
700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Suite 250
Missoula, MT 59803
Program Director: Kathleen Laurin, Ph.D.
Phone: (406)243-5751
Phone: (877)243-5511 (in-state toll-free)
TTY: (406)243-4200
FAX: (406)243-4730
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/

MonTECH’s Assistive Technology Program offers a Financial Loan Program to assist Montanans with disabilities or their supports in obtaining assistive technology equipment. Eligible AT equipment may include but is not limited to: devices for vision, hearing, and communication; computers and software; wheelchairs, scooters and mobility systems; electronic aids for daily living; recreational devices and modifications; and home modifications.
A variety of Enhanced Vision’s Low Vision products are on display in the MonTECH Demonstration Center and are also available for trial purposes through the MonTECH Equipment Loan Program.

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13. Michigan Residents
The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) has established the Assistive Technology Loan Fund to help people with disabilities purchase assistive technology devices and services. The Loan Fund provides low-cost financing to persons with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices that allow for greater access, enhanced communication and job opportunities. For more information please visit: http://www.copower.org/

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14. NORTH CAROLINA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROJECT (1990)
Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27609-7322
Project Director: Ricki Hiatt
Phone: (919) 850-2787 (V/TTY)
FAX: (919) 850-2792
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ncatp.org/

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15. Ohio Residents
Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio) is a federally funded nonprofit organization housed at The Ohio State University. AT Ohio’s mission is to help Ohioans with disabilities learn about or acquire assistive technology. Assistive Technology refers to devices, equipment or services that assist individuals with disabilities to function independently in the areas of work, home or schoolOhio is the officially designated tech act program for Ohio.

http://www.atohio.org

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16. PENNSYLVANIA’S INITIATIVE ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (PIAT) (1992)
Institute on Disabilities

Ritter Annex 423
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Project Director: Amy Goldman
Phone: (800) 204-PIAT (7428) (In-State only)
TTY: (800) 750-PIAT (In-State only)
V/TTY: (215) 204-1356
FAX: (215) 204-9371
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: http://www.pcacares.org/OrganizationDetail.aspx?organization=PA+Initiative+on+Assistive+Technology+(PIAT)

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17. Utah Assistive Technology Foundation
The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that works with Zions Bankof Utah to provide zero and low-interest loans to purchase assistive technology and telework devices. The UATF also offers some small grants ($250 or less) on a limited basis through non-federal funding to families who meet federal poverty guidelines. The goal of the UATF is to enhance the independence, education, employment, and quality of life for Utah citizens with disabilities. For more information please visit: http://www.uatf.org/

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18. Vermont Residents
The Mission of the Vermont Assistive Technology Program is to increase awareness and knowledge, and to change policies and practices to ensure assistive technology is available through all services to Vermonters with disabilities.

http://atp.vermont.gov/

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19. Virginia Residents
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority For Virginia residents provides loans for wheelchairs, motorized scooters, Braille equipment, hearing aids, low vision aids, communication systems, environmental control devices, building modifications for accessibility or telecommunication devices for the deaf. For more information please visit: www.atlfa.org

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20. Washington Assistive Technology Foundation
Providing Assistive Technology resources and expertise to all Washingtonians with disabilities to aid in making decisions and obtaining the technology and related services needed for employment, education and independent living.
http://watap.org/

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21. Washington Residents
Lions Foundation of Washington works with each chapter in the state of Washington and will typically pay for half the cost of a video magnifier with the chapter picking up the other half. The end-user needs to be evaluated at one of the Lions Low Vision Clinics in the state in order to start the process. For more information about this program please contact Gael at the Lions Low Vision Clinic of Bellevue at 425-558-4228.

http://www.lowvision.org/greater_eastside_lions_low_visio.htm

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22. Wisconsin Loan Program
The program is open to Wisconsin residents of all ages who have a disability. There are no income requirements, and individuals are not required to exhaust personal or public funding. Under the program, banks provide loans to qualified borrowers. Loan amounts depend on the item purchased and the ability to repay the loan.
www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/wistech/wisloan.htm