Funding Resources for Individuals
who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Paying for assistive technology can be challenging! Here is a list of common funding options! This list is provided for informational purposes only. WATF does not endorse any particular assistive technology device, vendor or manufacturer. Please send updates, suggestions or information about other vehicle modification funding resources to info@watf.org.
Grants
Northwest Lions Foundation & Lions Club Chapters
The Northwest Lions Patient Care Program and local Lions Club Chapters work together to fund special equipment and medical procedures for low income individuals with vision and hearing loss. To apply for this program, contact Northwest Lions Foundation at 206-847-5786 or 206-682-8500 and ask for the Patient Care Program Coordinator (Jolene Barnard).
Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology Fund
The Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides funding to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Eligibility is limited to individuals with cash assets of less than $20,000 and family incomes of less than $50,000. Applications must be submitted by June 30th and December 31st for each grant period (two per year) via email. All applications must be submitted via e-mail to atf@assocofblindcitizens.org. [Contact WATF if you do not have email.]
Washington State School for the Blind Foundation
Provides funding for persons, programs or projects relating to education and employment of individuals with vision impairment. WSBF funds are not available to supplant State or Federal funding. Applications are available by calling the Foundation at: 360-696-6321, ext. 176 or by downloading them from the website.
For Employment & Education Leading to Employment
Department of Services for the Blind
Provides rehabilitation technology identified as needed in an Individual Plan for Employment. Rules re IPE’s can be found at: http://www.dsb.wa.gov/lawsregs.htm.
PASS Plans
Social Security: Plan to Achieve Self-Support: A PASS plan lets you set aside money from earned income or SSDI for employment, self-employment or educational purposes. For more information about PASS plans, contact a Benefit Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) Program. If you live in King County, call Positive Solutions at 206-322-8181. If you live in Kitsap County, call Positive Solutions at 360-405-0620. For all other counties, contact Plan to Work toll-free at 1-866-497-9443 or TTY 1-877-846-0775 statewide or in Spokane at 509-444-3087 or TTY 509-777-0776.
For Students
Washington Council of the Blind
WCB provides scholarships to blind and visually impaired students for higher education and related purposes.
NFBW
The Washington Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind provides scholarships to recognize outstanding blind scholars who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in post-secondary education. Information about the scholarships is released annually in late Spring. Check the NFB website beginning in April or May of each year or email them at: info@nfbw.org.
Department of Services for the Blind Shirley Smith Awards
Grant funding for equipment students will need after graduating from High School. Information about the Shirley Smith Awards is sent out every Spring. Great source of funding for those items that DSB can’t cover – e.g., Personal Digital Assistants, equipment for independent living purposes. Contact DSB at: 1-800-552-7103.
For Vets
Veteran's Administration
Veterans may be eligible for rehabilitation services and equipment depending upon a variety of circumstances. To determine eligibility, contact your local Veterans Administration service provider or the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs American Lake Blind Rehabilitation Center for a referral at: 253-583-1299 or 1-800-329-8387.
Low Interest Loans
Washington Assistive Technology Foundation
Low interest loans for assistive technology and home and vehicle modifications and business equipment for home based employment and self-employment. Closed Circuit TV rentals. info@watf.org (206) 328-5116; 1-800-214-8731 Voice 1-888-808-8942 TTY www.watf.org.
Washington Council of the Blind
WCB provides no interest loans to individuals who have members in good standing for six months or more. Click here to learn more about their Zero Interest Loan Fund managed by WATF.
American Association of People with Disabilities/Digital Federal Credit Union Access Loans
The American Association of People with Disabilities is partnering with the Federal Digital Credit Union to provide access loans for assistive technology and home and vehicle modifications. Membership in AAPD is $15.00 per year and automatically entitles you to join the DCU. For more information, check out the AAPD website at: http://www.aapd-dc.org/docs/benefits.php#2
Other Resources
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
1-800-214-8731 1-866-866-0162 TTY
1-800-214-8732
• Information & Referral
• Device Demo’s
• Short Term Loans for Trial Purposes (small administrative fee)
