Non-Governmental Funding Sources

for Assistive Technology:

Foundations, Disability-Specific Organizations, and Civic
Organizations

Introduction
When individuals with disabilities cannot obtain assistive technology devices and
services through public programs or private insurance, it is often helpful to explore
foundations, disability specific organizations, and civic organizations. Many of these are
listed in this document. Some of these groups have several chapters throughout
Pennsylvania, and the scope of activities may vary from chapter to chapter. For
example, each chapter may establish its own eligibility guidelines, specify the types of
assistive technology it will donate, and/or determine the amount of financial
contributions, as well as the geographical areas it will serve.

In addition to the groups listed here, local churches, synagogues, sororities, fraternities,
or other local clubs may make a contribution toward the cost of needed assistive
technology. These organizations are worth exploring, especially if you or a family
member have an affiliation or are a member. Sometimes these groups may organize
volunteers to help raise funds. If the need is for home modifications, these organizations
may provide volunteers to help build ramps and do other modifications. You may also
find that stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s may donate materials and items that
can be used as assistive technology. You may need to find assistance from several
programs and organizations and put those resources together in order to come up with
the funding for the AT you need.

Some good resources to consider when trying to locate non-governmental funding

sources include the United Way, local telephone directories, community newspapers,
public libraries, the Internet, and "networking" with friends, family members, and
colleagues. Many disability-specific organizations and civic organizations have national,
and even international, headquarters that may be a resource for information about local
chapters and their initiatives to provide funding for assistive technology. You may also
contact Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), or your local Assistive
Technology Resource Center (ATRC) for additional information and assistance in
contacting local groups. PIAT’s Funding Coordinator can be reached at (Voice) 800-204-
PIAT (7428), (TTY) 866-268-0579, Fax 215-204-9371, or Email [email protected].
Some organizations may provide assistive technology through long-term or indefinite
equipment loans or low-interest cash loans, rather than cash grants. In any case, these
programs may be a way for you to obtain the AT devices and services you need.

Every effort has been made to make sure the information contained in this document is
accurate and up-to-date. However, the information changes frequently. If you find any
information that is inaccurate or needs updating, please let PIAT’s AT Funding
Coordinator know.

If you are successful in obtaining assistive technology through the use of information in
this list, please let us know.

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 Table of Contents

Non-Governmental Funding Sources..............................................................................................1

for Assistive Technology:.................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Alzheimer's Family Relief Program................................................................................................4
American Red Cross........................................................................................................................4
ALS Association..............................................................................................................................5
Arthritis Foundation.........................................................................................................................6
AUDIENT Alliance for Accessible Hearing Care...........................................................................7
The Blind Relief Fund of Philadelphia............................................................................................7
Disabled Children's Relief Fund......................................................................................................8
National Easter Seals Society..........................................................................................................8
Giles Fund........................................................................................................................................9
Golden Slipper Club and Charities..................................................................................................9
Hear Now.......................................................................................................................................10
The HIKE Fund, Inc......................................................................................................................10
Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund.................................................................................................11
Lions Clubs ...................................................................................................................................12
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America..........................................................................................12
Miracle Ear Children's Foundation................................................................................................13
Moose Lodges................................................................................................................................13
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.......................................................................................................14
Multiple Sclerosis Society.............................................................................................................14
Muscular Dystrophy Association - USA........................................................................................15
Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation.......................................................................................16
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation............................................................................16
Sertoma International.....................................................................................................................17
Shriners Hospitals for Children.....................................................................................................18
Spina Bifida Association................................................................................................................18
Sunshine Foundation......................................................................................................................19
The Tracy Fleisher Memorial Fund ..............................................................................................20
United Cerebral Palsy Association (National)...............................................................................20
United Spinal Association..............................................................................................................21
Variety – The Children’s Charity...................................................................................................21
Veterans of Foreign War ...............................................................................................................22
Additional Resources ....................................................................................................................23

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Alzheimer's Family Relief Program
c/o American Health Assistance Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, MD 20871
Toll-free: 800-437-2423
Voice: 301-948-3244
TTY: 301-963-4990
Fax: 301-258-9454
Web site: www.ahaf.org

Ages Served - Adults

Disability Served - Alzheimer's Disease
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide

The Alzheimer's Family Relief Program (AFRP) is operated by the American Health
Assistance Foundation (AHAF). The AFRP may provide emergency grants to individuals
with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers on a first-come, first-served basis. The
amount of funding available may range up to $750 and is based on an assessment of
financial need. The patient's liquid assets cannot exceed $10,000. To qualify for funding,
individuals must provide a physician's statement with a diagnosis of "Alzheimer's
disease", "probable Alzheimer's Disease" or "dementia of the Alzheimer's type" from
their physician. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. More detailed
application guidelines are available on the AHAF website,
http://www.ahaf.org/afrp/guide_body.htm) or by telephone or fax

American Red Cross

2025 E. Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
Voice: 202-303-4498
Toll-free: 800-Red-Cross
Web site: www.redcross.org

Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

2221 Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Voice: 215-299-4000
Fax: 215-299-4021
Web site: www.redcross-philly.org

Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter

225 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Voice: 412-263-3100

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Fax: 412-263-3175
Web site: www.swpa-redcross.org

Ages Served - All

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide with local chapters

The American Red Cross may be a source of funding for assistive technology that has
been damaged or destroyed due to a fire, natural disaster or other emergency. An
assessment team will conduct a site evaluation, and a physician must verify the need
for the assistive technology. The process is not long or complicated, and if necessary,
authorization for purchase can be given in a matter of minutes. The American Red
Cross has many chapters throughout Pennsylvania. Individuals who wish to locate a
chapter in their area may call the regional chapter or go to the national website.

ALS Association
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150
Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104
Voice: 818-880-9007
Fax: 818-880-9006
Web site: http://www.alsa.org/

Greater Philadelphia Chapter

321 Norristown Road, Suite 260
Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002
Voice: 215-643-5434
Toll-free: 877-GEHRIG-1 (434-7441)
Fax: 215-643-9307
Web site: www.alsphiladelphia.org

Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter

Landmarks Building, Suite 550
100 W. Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Voice: 412-261-5940
Toll-free Patient Services Line: 800-967-9296
Fax: 412-471-2722
Web site: www.cure4als.org

Ages Served - Adults

Disability Served - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Geographical Areas Served – Nationwide with regional chapters.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA) provides assistive technology to

consumers with ALS through its equipment loan program. Consumers who do not have

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other resources, such as private insurance, Medical Assistance, Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation, etc., may borrow durable medical equipment, including augmentative
and alternative communication (AAC) devices and even adapted vehicles until they are
no longer needed by the person who has ALS. There is also limited funding available for
home modifications for eligible individuals. A special program provides 50% of the costs
for certain equipment, if the individual is able to obtain the remainder of the cost from
other sources and agrees to return the equipment to the ALS Association when it is no
longer needed.

The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter provides services such as AAC
evaluations and training. Persons with ALS who have no prior affiliation with the Chapter
may require an evaluation by Chapter staff prior to approval for funding or equipment
loan. Contact the chapter in your area for more information or to apply for services.

Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30357-0669
Voice: 404-872-7100
Toll-free: 800-568-4045
Web site: www.arthritis.org

Western Pennsylvania Chapter

100 West Station Square, Suite 1950
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Voice: 412-566-1645
Toll-free: 800-522-9900
Fax: 412-391-1677

Central Pennsylvania Chapter

3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 204
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Voice: 717-763-0900
Toll-free: 800-776-0746
Fax: 717-763-0903

Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter

111 S. Independence Mall East, Suite 500
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Voice: 215-574-3060
Toll Free: 800-355-9040
Fax: 215-564-6599

Ages Served - All

Disability Served - Arthritis all types
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide with regional chapters

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Based on the availability of funds, the Arthritis Foundation may provide grants toward
the purchase or rental of assistive technology devices for individuals with a diagnosis of
arthritis. To request funding, contact your regional chapter office and ask for information
about funding assistive technology. If funding is available, ask for the guidelines for
making a request.

AUDIENT Alliance for Accessible Hearing Care

AUDIENT Program
901 Boren Avenue, Suite 810
Seattle, WA 98104-3534
Voice: 206-838-7194
Toll-free: 877-AUDIENT (283-4368)
Fax: 206-838-7195
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.audientalliance.org

Ages Served - All

Disability Served – Hard-of-hearing
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide

The Audient Alliance for Affordable Hearing Care is designed for individuals whose
income is above the government’s established poverty levels, but still find it difficult to
afford quality hearing care. Moderate income individuals can purchase the Lions
Affordable Hearing Aid, a fully digital behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid, through
AUDIENT. Ask your hearing professional about partnering with AUDIENT or call
AUDIENT directly.

In March 2007, single individuals in Pennsylvania could qualify if their annual income
was $24,500. An individual in a family of two was income-eligible if the family’s annual
income was $33,000, and an individual in a family of three was income eligible if the
family’s annual income was $41,500. For each additional family member, add $8,500.

Income qualified individuals who can benefit from this program must pay $750 for a
digital hearing aid for 1 ear or $1,290 for digital hearing aids for both ears. Financing is
also available for a small fee. It may be possible to obtain assistance with paying the fee
from a local Lions Club, the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, or other
organization included in this list.

The Blind Relief Fund of Philadelphia

551 Walnut Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Voice: 215-483-3888
Fax: 215-487-2024
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Email:
Web site: www.blindrelieffund.org

Ages Served - Adults

Disability Served - Blindness
Geographical Area Served - Philadelphia

The Blind Relief Fund of Philadelphia may be a resource for obtaining assistive
technology for individuals who are legally or totally blind, live in Philadelphia, and
demonstrate severe financial need. The amount of funding provided is based upon
individual need and may be used to purchase assistive technology devices such as
eyeglasses, canes, and sensory aids. Most indiviiduals served have a monthly income
below $600. Contact the agency to request an application.

Disabled Children's Relief Fund

P.O. Box 89
Freeport, NY 11520
Voice: 516-377-1605
Web site: www.dcrf.com

Ages Served - Birth to 19

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide

The Disabled Children's Relief Fund provides funding for assistive technology and
rehabilitation services. Priority for funding is given to those children with disabilities
whose families have no health insurance coverage. Applications for funding may be
obtained April through September by calling or, writing the Fund, or through the website.

National Easter Seals Society

230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606
Voice: 312-726-6200
TTY: 312-726-4258
Toll-free: 800-221-6827
Fax: 312-726-1494
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.easterseals.com

Ages Served - All

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide

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Individual chapters of the Easter Seals Society may purchase or provide assistive
technology through equipment loan programs. Eligibility criteria, funding and the types
of devices that may be available vary from chapter to chapter. There are many Easter
Seals organizations in Pennsylvania. To locate your local chapter go to the National
Easter Seals Society website, or call the National Office.

Giles Fund
Associated Services for the Blind
919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Voice: 215-627-0600
Fax: 215-922-0692
Web site: www.asb.org

Ages Served - Adults

Disabilities Served – Deaf-blind
Geographical Area Served – Pennsylvania

Administered by Associate Services for the Blind, the Giles Fund grants provides limited
funding for assistive technology to help individuals who are deaf-blind to have an
improved quality of life. Call the secretary of the Executive Director of the Associated
Services for the Blind to request an application. All applications are reviewed by a
committee that meets on a regular basis.

Golden Slipper Club and Charities

215 N. Presidential Boulevard, 1st Floor
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Voice: 610-660-0510
Fax: 610-660-0515
Web site: www.goldenslipperclub.org

Ages Served - All

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served - Philadelphia and vicinity

The Golden Slippers Club and Charities is an organization that helps individuals with
disabilities that do not have resources to purchase assistive technology. Individuals who
reside in Philadelphia and vicinity may qualify for a one-time grant through this
organization. The amount of funding provided is based on individual need but does not
usually exceed $500.

To request funding, an individual other than the person with a disability (e.g. health care
provider or social worker) must send a letter to the Golden Slipper Club and Charities,
attention: Human Needs and Services Committee (HUNAS), or contact the Club for
additional information.
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Hear Now
The Starkey Hearing Foundation
Hear Now Program
6700 Washington Avenue South
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Toll-free: 800-648-4327
Fax: 952-947-4997
Web site: www.sotheworldmayhear.org/hearnow

Ages Served - All

Disability Served - Hearing
Geographical Area Served – Worldwide

HEAR NOW, a program of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, provides hearing aids to
children and adults who have hearing impairments and who do not have the financial
resources to purchase their own hearing aids. Assistance is based on financial need.
Applicants must have exhausted all other funding options.

To obtain an application, call or download one from the website. Documentation of a

complete hearing evaluation by a licensed hearing health care provider who is willing to
work with HEAR NOW must be submitted with the application. A non-refundable
application and processing fee, currently (March 2007) $100 for each hearing aid, is
also required. The fee is subject to change.

The HIKE Fund, Inc

Job's Daughters International
10115 Cherryhill Place
Spring Hill, FL 34608-7116
Voice / Fax: 352-688-2579
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.thehikefund.org

Ages Served - Birth to 20 years

Disability Served – Hearing Impaired
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide

The Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund, Inc. is a not-for-profit continuing
philanthropic project of the International Order of Job's Daughters. The purpose of the
Fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing impairments between the
ages of birth and 20 years whose parents are unable to meet this special need
financially. Children are eligible to receive a grant provided the need is verified by a
prescription from an audiologist or physician and the family is low -income. The Fund

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has awarded many types of devices including, but not limited to hearing aids, FM
systems, tactile units, alerting systems, and specialized sports equipment to assist
hearing-impaired children in communication. Contact the HIKE Fund by telephone for
more information or an application. Applications are also available on the website.

Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund

602 S. Bethlehem Pike, Bldg. D
2nd Floor
Ambler, PA 19002
(P.O. Box 556)
Voice: 215-643-0763
Fax: 215-628-0266
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kadmf.org

Age Served - Birth to 21

Disabilities Served - Chronic/Critical/Terminal
Geographical Area Served – Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware

The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to children who
have a diagnosed serious, chronic, or critical illness, disability, or condition currently
requiring medical attention. The fund helps both low income and middle income families
who are experiencing financial challenges as a direct result of the level of care required
by their child. Applications for funding must be completed in full, verified and signed by a
social worker or health care provider. For more information and/or to obtain applications,
call or visit their website.

Kiwanis Clubs
Kiwanis International
3636 Woodview Trace
Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196
Voice: 317-875-8755
Fax: 317-879-0204
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.kiwanis.org

Ages Served - Primarily children and young people

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served - International

Kiwanis Club members are active or retired business and professional men and women.
Local chapters of Kiwanis International sponsor service clubs for young people,
including people with disabilities, and engage in other service projects. Individual local
clubs may provide funding for assistive technology. The primary focus of giving is to
young children.
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There are many Kiwanis Clubs in Pennsylvania. To find your local club or for more
information, call Kiwanis International or visit their website.

Lions Clubs
Lions Clubs International
300 W 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
Voice: 630-571-5466
TTY: 630-571-6533
Fax: 630-571-8890
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.lionsclubs.org

Ages Served - All

Disabilities Served - Blindness and low vision and, in some cases, other disabilities
Geographical Area Served - Worldwide

Among other activities, Lions Clubs work on problems like prevention of blindness, drug
abuse prevention, and diabetes awareness. They are well-known for their work with
blind people and often pay for assistive technology for individuals who are blind or
visually impaired. Some local Lions Clubs also pay for hearing aids and/or assistive
technology for people with other disabilities. Some clubs participate in the Lions Hearing
Aid Bank, which provides used hearing aids which are recalibrated and re-cased to fit
the individual needs of each recipient.

To apply for funding or for the Lions Hearing Aid Bank, it is necessary to contact your
local Lions Club. The local club can be located by calling Lions International or using the
Club Locator on their website. (For affordable hearing aids through another Lions
project, see AUDIENT, near the beginning of this list.)

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

3550 North Central Avenue, Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2127
Voice: 602-279-WISH (9474)
Toll-free: 800-722-WISH (9474)
Fax: 602-279-0855
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.wish.org

Age Served - Children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 years of age
Disability Served - Life-threatening medical condition
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide, www.worldwish.org for International

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Children who have a disability as a result of a life-threatening medical condition may be
eligible for assistive technology through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The cost and
scope of "wishes" vary, and are granted on an individual basis. Parents, guardians,
medical professionals treating the child, or the potential wish child may contact the "wish
team" of a local chapter to initiate a wish request. To locate your local chapter, call the
national office or fill out a "Wish Referral" form on the website.

Miracle Ear Children's Foundation

P.O. Box 59261
Minneapolis, MN 55459-0261
Voice: 800-234-5422
Fax: 763-268-4365
Web site: http://www.miracle-ear.com/resources/children_request.asp

Age Served – 16 years of age or younger

Disability Served - Hearing
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide

The Miracle Ear Foundation provides new or reconditioned hearing aids to children who
are hard-of-hearing. Eligibility for the program is based on verification of hearing loss
and financial need: the family’s income level must not allow the family to receive public
support. $20,000-$50,000 gross. All other programs must have been tried first.

To apply for funding, parents or guardians should send an application, physician's

medical clearance form, and audiogram to the Miracle Ear Children’s Foundation.
Additional information and applications can be obtained by calling or by making a
request online at their website.

Moose Lodges
Moose International, Inc
155 S International Drive
Mooseheart, IL 60539
Voice: 630-966-2224
Fax: 630-859-6616
Web site: www.mooseintl.org

Ages Served - All

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served- International and nationwide with local clubs

Moose Lodges sponsor community service projects for improving community living. In
addition, local lodges may make financial contributions toward initiatives that benefit

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children and adults with disabilities. Your local telephone directory should have contact
information for the clubs in your area. You may also go to the Moose International
website and click on Lodge / Chapter Finder.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

Brighter Tomorrow Grants
6350 N. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Voice: 888-MSFOCUS
Fax: 954-351-0630
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.msfocus.org

Ages Served – All ages

Disabilities Served - Multiple Sclerosis
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides grants of up to $1,000 to selected

individuals who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The funds can be used for
the purchase of items or services that will improve the quality of life for the recipients,
such as ramps and other home modifications, vehicle modifications, special furniture,
and air conditioners.

To qualify, applicants must have no other means of fulfilling the need they express.
Applicants are asked to provide basic personal and financial information and to write a
brief essay of 100 words or less to describe how the grant would be used to help them
have "A Brighter Tomorrow". Applications are reviewed annually. Contact the Multiple
Sclerosis Foundation for application deadline information.

Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Toll-free: 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867)
Web site: www.nationalmssociety.org

Greater Delaware Valley Chapter

One Reed Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Voice: 215-271-1500
Toll-free: 800-FIGHT-MS
Web site: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/pae/

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Central PA Chapter
2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 104
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Voice: 717-652-2108
Toll-free: 800-227-2108
Web site: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/pac

Allegheny Chapter
1040 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Voice: 412-261-6347
Toll-free: 800-544-5250
Web site: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/pax

Ages Served - Adults

Disability Served - Multiple Sclerosis
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide with statewide chapters

The Multiple Sclerosis Society has an "equipment loan closet" for consumers with
multiple sclerosis who cannot obtain the assistive technology they need through other
sources. The assistive technology can be borrowed until no longer needed, at which
time it is to be returned to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. To obtain an equipment loan,
consumers must be registered with a local chapter, and the request should be made
directly to that chapter. Some local chapters provide donations of used equipment; and,
in some cases, they can also provide financial assistance for the purchase of assistive
technology. Individuals should contact their local chapter for additional information.

Muscular Dystrophy Association - USA

3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
Toll-free: 800-FIGHT-MD (344-4863)
Fax: 520-529-5300
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.mdausa.org

Ages Served - All

Disability Served - Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, other neuromuscular diseases
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide

The national Muscular Dystrophy Association may be a potential source of funding for
assistive technology devices and services for people with disabilities due to
neuromuscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophies and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS). Individuals who have diagnoses of the above diseases and believe they
may be eligible for assistive technology through the Muscular Dystrophy Association

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must obtain a written recommendation from a physician affiliated with a Muscular
Dystrophy Association clinic.

On an annual basis, the Muscular Dystrophy Association determines the amount of

funding available. To request funding for assistive technology, consumers should
contact the Muscular Dystrophy clinic in their area. To locate a clinic, call the Muscular
Dystrophy Association.

Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation

3951 North Meridian Street. Suite 100
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
Voice: 317-923-MDFF
Toll-free: 800-544-1213
Fax: 317-923-6334
Web site: www.mdff.org

Ages Served - All

Disability Served - Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases
Geographical Area Served - Nationwide

The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation is a national organization that may provide
funding for assistive technology for individuals with a verifiable neuromuscular disease.
Some examples of assistive technology that may be funded include manual and power
wheelchairs, lifts or ramps for vans, and ramps for the home and other home
modifications. Funding is provided on a case-by-case basis depending on individual
need. To apply for funding, individuals should contact the Director of Social Services at
the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

1004 West 9th Avenue, 1st Floor
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Voice: 484-674-0506
Toll-free Voice / TTY: 888-744-1938
Fax: 484-674-0510
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.patf.us

Ages Served All

Disabilities Served - All
Geographical Area Served – Statewide

The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) provides low-interest cash

loans to people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians so that they can buy the AT

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devices and services they need. Any older Pennsylvanian or state resident with a
disability, a family member, or a primary caregiver may apply for a loan. Most loans are
between $500 and $25,000. Under appropriate circumstances, even larger amounts
may be borrowed. An individual's ability to repay the amount requested affects the
amount that can be borrowed. Loans may be available to individuals who are not
candidates for conventional bank loans.

For mini-loans that are from $100 to $1,000, the interest rate is 0% with a minimum
monthly payment of $20. The maximum repayment period is three years. Along with a
mini-loan, PATF may be able to offer a mini-grant of up to 50% of the loan request if the
borrower meets the grant eligibility guidelines. These guidelines include: the borrower
must exhaust all other funding options, and must have a household income that is no
greater than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines ($15,315 for a family of one in
2007).

For loans that are greater than $1,000, the interest rate is currently 4% in April 2007,
subject to change. If a borrower has good credit, then his or her loan request may be
approved as a traditional loan and the loan can be for up to $60,000. The repayment
period for the loan will be based upon the useful life of the device.

For more information, including the current interest rate, and/or to obtain an application
for either type of loan, contact the Foundation by telephone or fax or visit its web site.

Sertoma International
1912 E. Meyer Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64132
Voice: 816-333-8300
Fax: 816-333-4320
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.sertoma.org

Ages Served All

Disabilities Served - Speech and Hearing Disabilities
Geographical Area Served- Nationwide with statewide chapters

Sertoma International is a civic service organization whose primary goal is to help

people with speech, hearing, and language disorders. Depending on the goals and
guidelines of individual chapters, clubs may provide hearing aids and augmentative
communication devices to children and adults. For more information and/or to locate the
club nearest you, contact Sertoma International or visit their website. Alternatively you
may send an email message to [email protected], and Sertoma will ask a
member an in your community to contact you.

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Shriners Hospitals for Children
Toll free: 800-237-5055
Web site: www.shrinershq.org

3551 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140Voice: 215-430-4000
Toll Free: 800-281-4050
Fax: 215-430-4126
Email: [email protected]

1645 W. 8th Street

Erie, PA 16505
Voice: 814-875-8700
Fax: 814-875-8756

Ages Served - Birth to 18

Disabilities Served – Orthopedic, spinal cord, and burn injuries
Geographical Areas Served – Nationwide

Shriners Hospitals for Children may provide assistive technology to children who
receive health care services through one of their hospitals. Assistive technology devices
may be borrowed or purchased. The amount of funding that may be provided for the
purchase of assistive technology devices is based on individual need and the availability
of other resources.

For more information, call the Shriners, visit the website, or speak with the child’s social
worker at the Shriners Hospital where the child receives services.

Spina Bifida Association

Web site: www.SBADV.org
Email: [email protected]

Spina Bifida Association of Delaware Valley

PO Box 72109
Thorndale, PA 19372
Toll free: 800-223-0222
Fax: 215-412-9396
www.spadv.org

Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania

134 Shenot Road - Building One
Wexford, PA 15090
Toll free: 800-243-5787

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Gatehouse: 877-310-5433
Fax: 724-934-9610
www.sbawp.org

Spina Bifida Association of Greater Pennsylvania

215 East State St., Suite D
Quarryville, PA 17566
Voice: 717-786-9280
Fax: 717-786-8821
www.geocities.com/sbaofgpa

Ages Served – All

Disability Served - Spina Bifida
Geographical Area Served: Flexible.

The Spina Bifida Association of Greater Pennsylvania serves all areas in the
Commonwealth not served by other chapters. However, sometimes there are overlaps,
especially if one chapter provides a service that another does not.

Some local chapters of the Spina Bifida Association maintain equipment loan closets
through which individuals with Spina Bifida may borrow AT for a period of time. The
scope of AT devices that may be available varies from chapter to chapter, but individuals
may be able to borrow devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and adaptive toys,
including tricycles with hand controls, for as long as needed. If they are in useful
condition when no longer needed, individuals or family members are expected to return
the items for use by others with spina bifida.

Some chapters also have small amounts of funding for AT from time to time. Call your
local chapter or the Spina Bifida Association of Greater Pennsylvania to obtain
information about the status of funding for AT at the time you need it.

Sunshine Foundation
1041 Mill Creek Drive
Feasterville, PA 19053
Voice: 215-396-4770
Fax: 215-396-4774
Web site: www.sunshinefoundation.org

Ages Served - 3 to 21
Disabilities Served - Seriously iIl, "physically challenged", and/or abused children
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide

The Sunshine Foundation may be a source of funding for assistive technology devices.
Sunshine's sole purpose is to answer the dreams of ill children whose families cannot
fulfill their requests due to the financial strain that the child's illness may cause. Families

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with incomes at or above $75,000 a year cannot be considered. The amount granted
varies based on the individual "wishes" children make.

To submit a wish request, send a letter that should includes parents' and child's names,
age of the child, disability, mailing address, telephone number and a description of the
child's wish. Wish requests may also be submitted through the website.

The Tracy Fleisher Memorial Fund

C/O Little Neck Jewish Center
49-10 Little Neck Parkway
Little Neck, NY 11362
Voice / Fax: 516-482-0160
Web site: www.TheTracyFund.org

Ages Served – Children under the age of 21

Disabilities Served – Various
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide.

This fund helps pay for medically-related treatments, equipment, and therapies
(including assistive technology devices and services) that are not covered by insurance.
Please note that this fund does not contribute toward adapted vehicles. The Fund
requires a written request from a doctor or social worker, including a short description of
the patient's history, diagnosis, specific need, name and address of health care provider
or vendor, and cost. Upon approval, funds are paid directly to the provider.

United Cerebral Palsy Association (National)

1660 L Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Toll-free: 800-872-5827
Voice: 202-776-0406
Fax: 202-776-0414
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.ucp.org

UCP of Pennsylvania
908 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Voice: 717-441-6049 / Toll-free 866-761-6129
Fax: 717-236-2046
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.ucpofpa.org

Ages Served - All

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Disabilities Served - Cerebral palsy and sometimes other disabilities
Geographical Area Served – Statewide

Local affiliates of the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) may be a potential
source for obtaining assistive technology for individuals with cerebral palsy. In many
cases, a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is NOT required. Programs and services vary, but
may include assistance in obtaining funding, loan programs, and recycled equipment
programs. Contact your local UCPA affiliate to find out if they have a program to assist
you. A listing of statewide affiliates is available at UCPA National's website as well as at
UCP of Pennsylvania’s website. You may also call UCP of Pennsylvania to find the
affiliate in your area.

United Spinal Association

75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, New York 11370
Voice: 718 803-3782
Fax: 718 803-0414
Web site: http://www.unitedspinal.org

Ages Served - All

Disabilities Served - People with Spinal Cord Disabilities, including spinal cord injuries,
multiple sclerosis, polio, spina bifida, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s
disease).
Geographical Area Served - National

The United Spinal Association provides financial support to qualifying low-income

members toward the purchase of equipment that promotes mobility and independence
and that contributes to quality of life and maintenance of health. Grants are made for
wheelchairs, mobility devices, adapted van and auto purchases and modifications,
home accessibility renovations, and other assistive technology. The availability of
funding varies from time.

Membership in the United Spinal Association is free and open to all individuals who
have a spinal cord injury or disorder. You can join through their website or by
requesting a membership packet by phone or letter. To request financial assistance with
assistive technology, call or write.

Variety – The Children’s Charity

Variety – The Children’s Charity
Philadelphia Division
1520 Locust Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Voice: 215-735-0803
Toll Free: 800-553-7806

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Fax: 215-735-2450
Web site: www.varietyphila.org
Pennsylvania Counties served: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon,
Lehigh, Montgomery, Philadelphia

Variety of Pittsburgh
Kids on the Go Program
Penn Center West Three, Suite 229
Pittsburgh, PA 15276
Voice: 412-747-2680
Fax: 412-747-2681
Web site: www.varietytent1.org
Pennsylvania Counties served: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence,
Washington, Westmoreland

Ages Served - Birth to 18

Disabilities Served - Physical Disabilities
Geographical Area Served – Specific counties in Pennsylvania as indicated above

Depending on financial need, Variety – The Children’s Charity provides funding to

eligible children whose families cannot afford to purchase assistive technology, such as
wheelchairs, walkers, standers, and other items. Each chapter establishes its own
program guidelines and application process. The submission of an application must
include verification of the child's need and a professional recommendation for the
equipment, as well as equipment specifications and bids from suppliers, when possible.
Contact the Variety serving your area to request an application or download it from their
website.

Veterans of Foreign War

National Headquarters
406 West 34th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Voice: 816-756-3390
Fax: 816-968-1149
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.vfw.org

Ages Served – All

Disabilities Served – Primarily those served in military service
Geographical Area Served – Nationwide with local posts

Veterans of Foreign Wars is a major organization that, among other activities, helps
veterans and their dependents to obtain the benefits to which they are entitled through
the Veterans Administration. This includes facilitating aid to families in need of medical,
rehabilitation, assistive technology, education and employment. They also have an

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Unmet Needs Program, which may pay for assistive technology. Funding for assistive
technology may be provided through local "Posts". To locate a local Post, contact VFW
National Headquarters or visit their website.

Additional Resources
The Foundation Center
79 Fifth Avenue / 16th Street
New York, NY 10003-3076
Voice: 212-620-4230
Web site: www.fdncenter.org

Individuals may be able to locate additional resources and information about

philanthropic organizations that may be potential sources of funding for assistive
technology devices and services through The Foundation Center. This is an
independent national organization that provides information on foundation and
corporate giving. See especially their section on Foundation Grants to Individuals online
at: http://gtionline.fdncenter.org/. This website requires subscription fees
for searching the databases.

The Foundation Center's Cooperating Collections house publications and materials

useful to grant seekers in their communities. Call your local library to ask where the
nearest Foundation Center’s Cooperating Collections are housed.

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)

Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
1601 N. Broad Street, USB 610
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Toll-free: 800-204-7428
TTY: 866-268-0579
Fax: 215-204-9371
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://disabilities.temple.edu

The staff of PIAT and its Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ATRCs) can provide
assistance to individuals and families in Pennsylvania in exploring and identifying
governmental and non-governmental resources for funding for assistive technology.
PIAT and ATRC staff can also provide information about assistive technology and about
where the assistive technology can be obtained. To locate the ATRC in your area,
contact PIAT by phone, fax or email.

Let us know if you are able to obtain assistive technology using any of these sources
the information from this list or any other services of PIAT. Knowing about your
experience will help us to help other people in need of AT.

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_____________
Are we missing any resources? Has contact information changed? Please contact
Janice Knuth at (voice) 215-204-5397, (fax) 215-204-9371, or (e-mail)
[email protected] to keep this list as up to date as possible.

________________
To request additional copies of this document or to request the document in an alternate
format, contact 800-204-PIAT (7428) toll-free or 866-268-0579, TTY.

This document was developed by Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology

(PIAT) a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. PIAT is funded
through a grant from the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services
Administration, under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. The
contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education,
and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.

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