Funding Sources
Confusion and anxiety can most definitely ensue when it comes to money and funding sources for Assistive Technology. Parents and teachers alike may find themselves overwhelmed and lost when on the quest to find funding for a child's technological needs.
Some important things to know and remember....
"Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), all local educational agencies (LEAs) are expected to provide assistive technology (AT) to students who need it in order to receive a free appropriate public education." (www.ldonline.org)
What does this mean?
This means that every child, who is deemed entitled to AT, must be provided it through the local, public school they attend.
Yet, sometimes it is not that easy...
Sometimes school systems have no budget for AT or they have used up their budget.
In this case the parent may need to express their child's needs in writing.
"This correspondence should include the child's specific LD issue(s), a list of specific recommendations for AT identified in the child's IEP that have not been provided, and a request for a timeframe for when you can expect your request to be addressed." (www.ldonline.org)
Alternative routes to obtaining AT for a child...
If there are extensive issues with obtaining AT through the local educational agencies, fear not! There are alternative routes that can prove helpful. Some examples are:
1. Private Sources: This can be charities or even local community organizations, such as the Lion's Club. These groups often respond to AT requests, and can be a successful route to helping a child obtain the assistive technology they need.
2. An AT Lending Library: A lending library can allow an individual to test out a certain device to see if it works for them. From there they can decide to put in an application to a specific funding source to help purchase the device. A lending library can also allow a person to "borrow" a device for an extended period of time. This may be helpful if the device is something that may only be useful for the person's early childhood years, therefore they won't have to make a big purchase on something that will only be needed for a short period of time.
3. Medical Insurance: Sometimes one's insurance can help obtain an AT device, such as an iPad. Read about one woman's successful quest to obtain an iPad for her special needs son through medical insurance. http://itaalk.org/fundingsources/medicalinsurancecoverage.html
By: Cara Clinton
Resources: http://www.ldonline.org/article/Finding_Alternative_Sources_of_Funding_for_Assistive_Technology
JPEG: http://www.dutiee.com/crowd-funding-helps-patients-cover-medical-costs-for-lifesaving-treatments