Assistive Technology Funding
Assistive technology (AT) may be funded and purchased in many different ways.
Below, you can read about the main sources for funding that may be available to pay for AT.
Main Funding Sources for AT
If the equipment is considered durable medical equipment (DME) with a HCPCS code and medically necessary, it is likely covered by your medical insurance.
Examples of DME include:
- Speech generating devices (SGDs)
- iPads packaged as SGDs
- Wheelchairs
Please work with your doctor and healthcare team on how to submit ???. You can call your insurance company to find out if the coded equipment is covered. You may have a copay and/or deductible for this equipment.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this process or talk with your healthcare team.
The Oregon Department of Human Services offers support and services, including AT, to people with developmental disabilities. You access these support and services through your county’s Community Developmental Disability Programs.
To find out if you are eligible for services, please contact your County Community Developmental Disability Program (CDDP) office. Once enrolled, you may qualify for AT supports. Certain criteria and limits apply.
Here is a link to the 2025 version of the Assistive Devices, AT, and Specialized Medical Supplies Guide that explains what is covered.
AT Worker Guide 2025 12-minute video
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
For people with disabilities who would like assistance in getting and keeping a job, Oregon Department of Human Services offers services and supports—including AT—through county Vocational Rehabilitation offices around the state. If eligible, you will be assigned a VR Counselor who can help you navigate any AT equipment needs.
Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB)
Oregon residents who are blind or visually impaired may qualify for supports, including AT, and services through the Oregon Commission for the Blind. OCB helps people work and live independently and helps youth transition from school to work or college.
Telephone
The Telecommunication Devices Access Program (TDAP) is a program that loans specialized communications equipment at no cost and with no income guidelines to eligible Oregon residents who have a disability in hearing, vision, speech, mobility, or cognition.
Examples of these devices include:
- Corded or cordless amplified phones
- Captioned phones
- Big button phones
- Speakerphones
- Electrolarynxes
- Cell phones
- Tablets
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
- And more
Every child in the country is entitled to a free, appropriate public education. Students with disabilities sometimes need AT to access their education. In general, schools must provide and pay for AT for the students who need it. This is true under both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. These are two laws that cover students with disabilities.
In Oregon, the school district, education service district (ESD), or regional program may provide the equipment. Please contact your child’s individualized education program (IEP) team or 504 coordinator for more information or call the AT Lab or FACT Oregon if you have more questions about your rights.
Please visit the NW Access Fund to find out about low-interest loans for AT, as well as adapted vehicles and home modifications.
There are several grants offered by charitable organizations throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest that provide funding for AT if it is not covered by your medical insurance, school, county, or state funding.
We have compiled a list of grants in the following categories: