3710 LANDMARK DRIVE, SUITE 208, COLUMBIA, SC 29204
(803) 782 – 0639; FAX (803) 790-1946
1-866-275-7273 (VOICE AND LANGUAGE LINE) AND 1-866-232-4525 (TTY)
E-mail: info@protectionandadvocacy-sc.org
Website: www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org
HAND OUT March 30, 2006
EXHAUSTING
FUNDING RESOURCES
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)
FOR
The most common sources of funding for Assistive Technology (AT) are
commonly referred to as the BIG 5 of AT funding.
These sources are:
Medicaid
Medicare
State Agencies such Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the
Blind, and Dept. of Disabilities and Special Needs
Private Insurance
Schools
If the person in need of AT is eligible for any of these resources, the first
place to start is to request an AT assessment utilizing these sources. If the
person is not eligible for these resources and/or they have exhausted their
appeals regarding the denials, they will turn to alternative funding sources.
THINK LOW TECH
 Not every AT device has to be a technological wonder.
Rubber handle knob
cooking and eating utensils
Rubber handle faucet grips
Dishes with raised edges for
Rocker knife
better scooping
Drinking straw holder
Weighted utensils
Foam Rubber on handles of
Automatic Eye Drop Dispenser
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Flashing kitchen timer
Talking pill box organizer
Magnifier nail clippers
Check writing guides
Vibration Timer
LARGE numbers on Thermostat
Magnifying glass
Electric seat lift
Wheel chair umbrella
Car Caddie
Raised toilet seat
Wireless motion alert sensor
 Low Tech may mean lower price.
Many of these devices are available for $100 or less. EXAMPLES:
1.
Foam tubing for kitchen utensils is available for online for as low as $13.95
for 6 pieces. (http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/colored-foam-tubing-p420.html)
2.
Magnifying glass worn around the next is available for $4.99 each.
(http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/powerful-4x-over-the-neck-ultraloupep-320.html).
3.
Car Caddie is available for $19.99.
(http://www.wellhaven.com/s.nl/category.199/it.A/id.155/.f )
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES
VETERAN’S HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
REVERSE MORTGAGE PROGRAM. A reverse mortgage enables senior
homeowners (62 + years old) to convert part of the equity in their homes into taxfree income without having to sell the home, give up title, or take on a new
monthly mortgage payment. No mortgage payments are due during the life of
the loan.
Seniors may use the funds for assistive technology devices or services as well as
home modifications. A reverse mortgage becomes repayable when the borrower
sells the home or permanently moves out. The repayment amount can’t exceed
the current value of the home. Reverse mortgages are originated largely by
private lenders.
SC TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
(SCTEDP). SCTEDP distributes amplified telephones, voice carry over
telephones, tty machines, large vision tty machines and telephones, alarm alerts,
in-line amplifiers, 2-way pagers, weather alert radios, artificial larynx, hands free
phones with amplification, and Dynamos. SCTEDP equipment is always
considered the property of the State of South Carolina. The equipment is
distributed only to qualifying individuals as long as they remain in the state of
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South Carolina.
Eligibility Requirements:
 Must be a South Carolina resident;
 Must have a hearing or speech impairment;
 Must furnish an ID; and
 Must furnish proof of a phone line in residence.
For more information, contact:
SCTEDP
100 Executive Center Drive
Suite A-100
Senate Building
Columbia, SC 29210
Toll-free 1-877-225-8337 Voice/1-877-889-8337 TTY
Local in Columbia: 803-896-8337 Voice/803-896-8334 TTY
http://www.scsdb.k12.sc.us/TEDP/TEDP%20Instructions.htm
EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAMS
 South Carolina operates an AT/equipment loan program, offering low-cost
loans to persons with disabilities who meet the criteria of the program.
 In South Carolina, this program is called the South Carolina Assistive
Technology Loan Program and operates out of the SC Vocational
Rehabilitation Department.
 This program offers loan guarantees and interest rate subsidies to qualifying
South Carolinians with disabilities, their families and authorized
representatives to purchase equipment needed to become more independent
and to enhance quality of life. The costs of training to use the equipment,
insurance, extended warranties and maintenance plans may be included in the
loan.
Who can apply?
Anyone who intends to use the loan to buy assistive technology for a South
Carolina resident with a disability may apply. That includes people with
disabilities, family members, employers or friends on behalf of an individual with
a disability.
Allowable equipment shall include, but is not limited to:
 Wheelchairs
 Motorized Scooters
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Braille equipment
 Voice simulation systems
 Scanners
 Assistive listening devices
 Environmental control units
 Telecommunications devices for the deaf
 Augmentative communication systems
 Computers and adaptive peripherals
 Building modifications for accessibility
 Motor vehicles and vehicle modifications
Not everyone is eligible for a loan. There must be a good likelihood of repaying
the loan. The program reviews income compared with debt, stability in
residence/job, and credit history. Some applicants maybe declined. But the
program’s criteria (much less stringent than most banks use) often will enable
many people to get loans who otherwise would not qualify.
Loans may range from $1,000 to $30,000. Rates may vary, but are generally
lower than most loans for the same type of purchases.
Contact information
S.C. Assistive Technology Loan Program
c/o Denise Koon
1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15
West Columbia, SC 29171-0015
896-6374 in the Columbia, SC area or 1-866-247-8354, toll free
http://www.scvrd.net/i_assist_tech.html

THE FEDERAL ADOPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
 States are authorized to enter into adoption assistance agreements with
parents who adopt a child with special needs. Id. §§ 673(a)(1)(B), 675(3).
 For children with disabilities, the child is held to meet the criteria as a child
with special needs if the child meets all the eligibility requirements for SSI. Id.
§ 673(a)(2)(A)(ii).
o The state may make adoption assistance payments to the adoptive
parents directly through the State agency or through another public or
nonprofit agency, in amounts to be determined. The assistance
payments may not be higher than foster care payments would have
been if the child had remained in or entered a foster home. Id. §
673(a)(3). States may continue the adoption assistance payments until
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the child is 21.
NOTE: The law specifically provides that a child with a disability
will not be considered a child with special needs unless: (a) the
state has determined that the child cannot or should not return
to the home of his or her natural parents; (b) the state has
determined that because of the child's disability or other special
factors it is reasonable to conclude that the child cannot be
adopted without adoption assistance; and (c) a reasonable but
unsuccessful effort has been made to place the child without
providing adoption assistance or Medicaid. Id. § 673(c).
 Automatic Medicaid eligibility. If specific criteria is met, the adopted child
with a disability is automatically eligible for Medicaid
 Additional services to adoptive parents will vary from state to state.
o Advocates will need to become familiar with what special services are
available under state law and policy.
THE CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION FUND
This program, operated through each state by a federal grant, is authorized by
the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). VOCA authorizes federal financial
assistance to states (up to 40 percent reimbursement for approved expenditures)
for the purposes of compensating and assisting crime victims, and funding
training and technical assistance. South Carolina Offices:
State Office of Victim Assistance
1205 Pendleton Street
Edgar A. Brown Building, Room 401
Columbia, SC 29201
sova@oepp.sc.gov
Phone: (803) 734-1900
Fax: (803) 734-1708
Victims Only: 1 (800) 220-5370
1st Circuit Office (serving Calhoun, Dorchester, & Orangeburg counties)
State Office of Victim Assistance
P.O. Box 2809
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Tel: (803) 531-8149
Fax: (803) 531-5366
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2nd Circuit Office (serving Aiken, Bamberg & Barnwell counties)
State Office of Victim Assistance
P.O. Box 502
Bamberg, SC 29003
Tel: (803) 245-4994
Fax: (803) 245-3375
4th Circuit Office (serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, & Marlboro
counties)
State Office of Victim Assistance
P.O. Box 439
Bennettsville, SC 29512
Tel: (843) 479-2021
Fax: (843) 479-2022
There are specific eligibility guidelines for victim compensation and
compensable expenses. At a minimum, states must award compensation for a
list of expenses when they are attributable to a physical injury resulting from a
compensable crime.
These include:
 Medical expenses, including eyeglasses and other corrective lenses, dental
services, prosthetic or other devices.
 Necessary building modification and equipment to accommodate physical
disabilities resulting from a compensable crime.
The federal guidelines provide that the compensation program is the payor of
last resort with regard to federal or federally financed programs. The maximum
amount payable is a total of $15,000.
IMPAIRMENT-RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE)
If you work and have a physical or mental disability that functionally limits your
employment, or a physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or
more of your major life activities, you may be able to claim impairment related
work expenses. These are allowable business expenses for attendant care at your
workplace and other expenses that allow you to work. Impairment-related work
expenses are not subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limit that applies to
most other employee business expenses. To claim this deduction, complete IRS
Forms 2106 or 2106-EZ.
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INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS – in South Carolina, these are the
Disability Action Centers and Walton Options. They may be able to offer
assistance with home modifications and securing some assistive technology
devices.

THE SSI PLAN FOR ACHIEVING SELF SUPPORT PROGRAM (PASS PLAN)
A PASS is a tool that a person with a disability or blindness uses to set aside
income or resources to reach a work goal. For example, a person may set aside
money for an educational or training program or to start a business.
A person may have a PASS if s/he receives or is eligible for SSI benefits and has
income or resources, other than those needed for living expenses, which can be
set aside to pay for items or services needed to reach the work goal.
Money saved under an approved plan will not count against the resource limit of
$2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
A person who sets aside income under a plan may receive a higher SSI benefit
than without a plan. A PASS will not increase SSI benefit if the person already
receives the full SSI benefit amount.
This also may mean that a person who would not otherwise be eligible for SSI
benefits can set aside income and resources under an approved plan to become
eligible for SSI benefits.
A plan must: (minimum requirements)
 be in writing and be approved by SSA;
 have a specific work goal which the person can probably reach;
 say how long it will take for the person to reach the goal;
 say what income or resources will be set aside and how they will be spent;
 explain how the income or resources will be kept separate from other
money; and
 describe any goods and services needed to reach the goal and explain why
they are needed.
The PASS application Form SSA–545–BK is available from the local Social
Security office or online at www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-545.html.
SOUTH CAROLINA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM
SC CHILDREN’S REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
UNCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES
THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT UNDER FEDERAL TAX LAW
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This may include medical expenses for eyeglasses and hearing aids; and cost and
maintenance of a wheelchair to name a few.
CREATIVE STRUCTURING/RESTRUCTURING OF A CHILD SUPPORT OR
ALIMONY AGREEMENT TO OBTAIN OR RETAIN SSI AND MEDICAID
WORKERS COMPENSATION
FAIR HOUSING ACT – modifications to rental units, common areas
WORK CREATIVELY WITHIN EXISTING FRAMEWORKS:
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
including professional associations such as:
•South Carolina Bar Association
•National Association of Social Workers – SC Chapter
FOUNDATIONS – for a start, look at:
•The Foundation Directory
•Grants for the Physically & Mentally Disabled
•Directory of Financial Aids for Minorities
•National Directory of Corporate Giving
•Taft Corporate Giving Directory
•Hispanic Americans Information Directory
TRUST FUNDS
PRIVATE CORPORATIONS AND BUSINESSES
HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICES
GRANTS
USED EQUIPMENT BROKERS
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
NEXUSKIDS COMPUTER BUDDIES
BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS & LOAN PROGRAMS
ASSISTIVE FINANCING THROUGH LOAN GUARANTEES
The Mitarai/Canon Optacon Financing Program


the first nationwide program using a large consumer credit system to
finance technological aids for individuals with disabilities
Telesensory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 7455, Mountain, View, CA 94039-7455.
(415) 960-0920
EASTER SEAL NATIONAL LOAN PROGRAM, South Carolina Services
 Financial assistance in limited instances for the purchase of:
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 Orthopedic Appliances - prescribed orthopedic appliances such as braces and
shoes.
 Durable Medical Equipment (DME)- prescribed DME such as wheelchairs,
walkers, bath equipment, etc.
 Transportation Assistance - Reimbursement of transportation may be
provided for medical appointments.
 Equipment Loan Program – Some locations maintain an equipment loan
closet.
o Medical and mobility equipment may be borrowed for short-term use
when authorized by a physician.
o Available for individuals seeking temporary use of wheelchairs, transfer
benches, walkers, and other durable medical equipment.
o Available to anyone living in South Carolina, regardless of age or
disability.
 Contact Easter Seals for more information:
o By phone at 1-800-951-4090 (toll-free), 803-256-0735 (voice) or by fax at
803-765-9765.
o By U.S. Mail at 3020 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203
 Easter Seals Locations in South Carolina
State Headquarters – Rose M. Lowe Rehabilitation Center
3020 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203
800-951-4090 (toll free)
803-256-0735
803-765-9765 fax
Anderson/Oconee
1104 Ella Street
Anderson, SC 29621
864-225-1371
Email essand@nuvox.net
Greenville
1100-B Rutherford Road
Greenville, SC 29609
864-232-4185
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eastersgvl@aol.com
Spartanburg
1004 South Pine Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
864-582-8050
http://www.eastersealsspartanburg.org/
director@eastersealsspartanburg.org
Florence/Darlington
PO Box 3209
Florence, SC 29502-3209
843-661-6909
SUBSIDY PROGRAMS
COMPETITIVE SUBSIDIES
PRIVATE, NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
ASSISTIVE DEVICE MANUFACTURERS.
COLLABORATIVE
EFFORTS OF BUSINESS AND VOLUNTARY
ORGANIZATIONS including:
formalized partnerships
voluntary organization initiatives
subsidies available through membership discounts
non-competitive subsidies offered by private non-profit organizations
created to market discounted equipment
REBATES FOR A PARTICULAR PRODUCT OR PRODUCT LINE
DISCOUNTS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES AND SERVICES
o www.UnitedTTY.com
o Special events where manufacturers offer discounts
SERVICE CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS:
 Lions - In their efforts to advocate for the blind and visually impaired, Lions
clubs often purchase white canes.
 Quota International
 Shriners
 Kiwanis International
 Knights of Columbus
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 Optimist International - Provides aids and services to hearing impaired youth.
Contact your local Optimists Club.
 Sertoma International – S.H.A.R.P.S.: Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling
Program. This program provides hearing aids for low-income individuals.
 Elks
 Rotary International
MORE RESOURCES:
United Cerebral Palsy - Bellows Fund. The Bellows Fund is able to provide
assistive technology devices to individuals with disabilities in financial need.
The annual income generated from the Charitable Fund is utilized to purchase
assistive technology equipment for individuals with disabilities. This program
is available only through UCP affiliates.
 Churches
 College fraternities and sororities
 Grants – use your public library
 Fundraisers – local radio, television, and newspapers will sometimes sponsor
fundraising events
 Non-profit organizations
 Muscular Dystrophy Association - MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES.
Medical equipment including gently-used wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers,
communication devices, etc. are made available at no cost to individuals with
neuromuscular disease.
Muscular Dystrophy Association - USA
National Headquarters
3300 E. Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
1-800-FIGHT-MD (344-4863)
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mdausa.org/help/products.cfm

USE THE WEB
http://www.sightexchange.com/
give and receive items that serve the needs of the blind, low vision or
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visually impaired population
www.freecycle.org - Freecycle Network™
 Worldwide.
 Membership is free.
 Started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson's downtown &
help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills.
 RULE: Everything posted must be free, legal, & appropriate for all ages.
 Open to all communities and individuals who want to participate.
 There are currently 45 Freecycle Network™ sites available in SC. In some of
the more urban areas there may be more sites.
FOR OTHERS:
Funding Strategies for employers
Small Business Tax Credit – available to small businesses for 50% of its
eligible expenditures to make the business accessible. The expenses must
exceed $250 but not exceed $10,000 per year. A business is eligible for the
credit each year that it makes eligible expenditure for access.
ElderCare Trust Fund - grants to public and private nonprofit agencies
and organizations to establish and administer innovative programs and
activities that assist older South Carolinians to live with dignity and vitality
in their communities."
KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING:
Be creative.
Don’t be afraid to ask friends, families and organizations for help locating
what you need.
Don’t give up.
SPECIAL THANKS to Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.; RESNA
(Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North
America); and Easter Seals.
This publication provides legal information, but is not intended to be legal advice. The
information was based on the law at the time it was written. As the law may change,
please contact P&A for updates.
This publication is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It does not necessarily
represent the official views of the funding authorities.
P&A does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, gender, or national origin in
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the provision of its programs or services. Pete Cantrell is P&A’s designated coordinator
for Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
March 2006.
© Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc.
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