Finding Funding for Assistive Technology

Assistive technology can greatly improve the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. Tools like screen readers, magnification software, accessible smartphones, electronic magnifiers, braille displays, and talking devices can make daily tasks much easier.

However, many helpful devices are expensive. A braille display, special magnifier, or advanced computer setup can cost hundreds or even thousands of euros, pounds, or dollars. (Visual Impairment and Blindness Financial Planning: SSI, SNT, and Assistive Technology, n.d.) Even software subscriptions can become costly over time.

The good news is you may not have to pay the full cost yourself. Depending on where you live and your situation, you might get financial help from government programs, charities, employers, schools, healthcare or rehab services, and disability organizations.

Finding this kind of help can sometimes be just as challenging as choosing the right technology. Each program has its own rules, application steps, and limits on what it will cover.

This guide covers the main ways to find funding and offers practical tips to help you get support.

Start With Your Needs

Before looking for funding, identify exactly what technology you need and why.

It can be tempting to look for grants first and then pick a device based on what you find. But it's usually better to start by figuring out what you need.

Think about the tasks you need help with. For example, you may need technology to:

• Read printed documents and letters.
• Use a computer independently.
• Access online banking
• Read books and newspapers.
• Communicate with family and friends.
• Study at school, college, or university
• Work more independently
• Navigate unfamiliar environments
• Identify objects, products, or labels.
• Manage appointments and personal information.
• Access entertainment and media

Once you know what you want to achieve, you can look into which technologies will help you most.

For example, someone who mainly needs to read correspondence may benefit from an electronic magnifier or text-to-speech solution. Someone who uses a computer extensively may need a screen reader, magnification software, or a refreshable braille display.

This difference matters when you apply for financial help. Funding organisations usually care more about what the technology will help you do than about the product's name or technical details.

Government Disability Programmes

Government funding is often a good place to start.

Many countries operate disability support programmes designed to help people remain independent, access education, or participate in employment. Depending on the programme, assistance may include grants, equipment loans, technology assessments, or direct payments. (RNIB - Technology Grants, n.d.)

The terminology varies considerably. You may encounter terms such as:

• Assistive technology grants
• Disability equipment funding
• Independent living grants
• Employment support
• Workplace accommodation funding
• Educational support
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Disability equipment loans
• Personal assistance programmes

Eligibility may depend on your level of disability, income, employment status, age, educational circumstances, or the specific purpose for which you need the technology. (Assistive Technology Fund, n.d.)

Some schemes are intended specifically for employment. Others focus on education or independent living.

So, it's a good idea to check with several government departments instead of relying on just one disability office.

If you're not sure where to begin, contact your local disability or social services office and explain what you need the technology to help you do.

Employment-Related Funding

If you are employed, looking for work, or planning to return to employment, workplace support can be especially important.

Many countries have programmes designed to help disabled people obtain the equipment and adjustments they need to work effectively. (Employing disabled people and people with health conditions, 2023)

Assistive technology can form part of a reasonable workplace adjustment. Depending on your job, this might include:

• Screen-reading software
• Screen magnification
• Braille displays
• Accessible keyboards
• Large monitors
• OCR software
• Text-to-speech applications
• Accessible mobile devices
• Specialist lighting
• Electronic magnifiers
• Accessible meeting and communication software

Your employer might also have their own process for workplace adjustments or accessibility support.

Do not assume you must p (Assistive Technology Funding Systems, n.d.)urchase the equipment yourself simply because you use it for work. In some situations, the employer may have responsibilities to provide reasonable adjustments, while government employment programmes may contribute towards additional costs. (Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions, 2024)

Rules can vary by country and job situation, so get advice before making any big purchases.

Funding for Students

Students who are blind or visually impaired may have additional funding opportunities.

Schools, colleges, universities, and government education departments sometimes provide assistive technology or financial support to students with disabilities. (Smith & Doe, 2015, pp. 45-67)

The technology might include:

• Laptops
• Screen readers
• Magnification software
• Braille displays
• OCR applications
• Recording equipment
• Accessible note-taking tools
• Specialist keyboards
• Portable magnifiers
• Accessible study software

Some schools or colleges give students the equipment directly instead of giving them money to buy it.

If you're a student, get in touch with your school's disability or accessibility service as early as you can. Try not to wait until the start of the academic year.

Assistive technology often needs to be assessed, ordered, set up, and learned. Starting early gives you time to make sure everything works before your important classes or exams.

Charities and Nonprofit Organisations

Charities can be an extremely valuable source of assistance.

Organisations supporting people who are blind or visually impaired may offer grants, donated equipment, refurbished technology, discounts, or advice about other funding sources. (Grants from RNIB, 2024)

Some charities specialise in particular areas, such as:

• Visual impairment
• Blindness
• Independent living
• Education
• Employment
• Technology
• Children and young people
• Older adults
• Specific medical conditions

Not every organisation provides direct financial assistance. Some may instead operate equipment loan schemes or connect applicants with other organisations that can help.

Reach out to several charities that might help, rather than relying on a single application.

When contacting an organisation, explain your circumstances clearly and describe the problem you are trying to solve.

For example, instead of simply saying, "I need a braille display," explain that you need a braille display because you use a computer for work or education and require reliable access to written information.

That gives the organisation a better understanding of the practical benefit.

Refurbished and Donated Equipment

Financial assistance does not always mean receiving a cash grant.

Some organisations provide refurbished assistive technology at little or no cost. (Assistive Technology Training – VISIONS, n.d.) This could be especially helpful when a new device is beyond your budget.

Refurbished equipment might include:

• Computers
• Smartphones
• Electronic magnifiers
• Braille displays
• Keyboards
• Headphones
• Portable reading devices
• Specialist software

You can save a lot compared to buying new equipment.

However, check the condition of refurbished technology carefully. Ask whether the device has been tested, whether batteries have been replaced where appropriate, whether software licences are included, and whether technical support is available.

For older electronic devices, compatibility can also be important. A device that worked perfectly several years ago may not work with your current computer, smartphone, operating system, or accessibility software.

Local Disability Organisations

National organisations are not the only source of help.

Local disability groups, blindness organisations, rehabilitation services, community organisations, and independent living centres may know about funding opportunities that are not widely advertised. (Grants from RNIB for accessible technology, n.d.)

Local organisations can sometimes provide something equally valuable: knowledge of the application process.

They may know:

• Which organisations currently provide grants
• What documentation is required
• Whether applications are currently open
• Which equipment suppliers are recognised
• How long applications typically take
• Whether an assessment is required
• What alternatives exist if an application is refused

Even when an organisation cannot provide funding itself, it may be able to point you towards another source.

Ask Technology Suppliers

Specialist assistive technology suppliers can also be useful sources of information.

Companies selling accessibility products often have experience dealing with funding organisations and may know which products are commonly approved.

Some suppliers may offer:

• Quotes specifically prepared for grant applications.
• Demonstrations
• Trials
• Equipment assessments
• Financing options
• Refurbished devices
• Educational discounts
• Installation and training

Suppliers are mainly interested in selling equipment, so don't rely on them as your only source of advice. Still, a demonstration or trial can help you see whether a product fits your needs before you apply for funding.

Don't assume the most expensive product is always the best choice.

Build a Strong Funding Application

Once you have identified a possible funding source, spend time preparing the application.

A weak application may say:

"I need this equipment because I am visually impaired."

A stronger application explains the specific difficulties you experience and how the requested technology would address them.

For example, a screen reader would allow you to independently read emails, complete online forms, access workplace documents, and communicate with colleagues.

This shows a real benefit, not just that you have a disability.

Where possible, describe:

1. The problem you currently experience.
2. The technology you are requesting.
3. How it will solve the problem.
4. What you will be able to do independently.
5. Why cheaper alternatives are unsuitable.

This last point is especially important if you're asking for expensive equipment.

If a basic magnifier cannot provide sufficient magnification or portability, explain why. If a standard smartphone accessibility feature does not meet your needs, explain the limitations.

Obtain Professional Evidence

Some funding programmes require evidence from a qualified professional. (Assistive Technology Funding Systems, n.d.)

This could include an assessment or recommendation from an eye-care professional, occupational therapist, rehabilitation specialist, accessibility professional, employment specialist, or other appropriately qualified person.

The exact requirements vary.

Professional evidence is especially helpful when you're requesting costly technology.

A recommendation should ideally explain not only your visual impairment but also why the proposed technology is appropriate for your specific needs.

Ask the professional to describe the useful benefits, not just name the device.

Get More Than One Quote

For expensive equipment, you may be asked to provide quotations.

Even if it's not required, getting more than one quote can be helpful.

It allows you to compare:

• Purchase prices
• Warranty periods
• Technical support
• Training
• Delivery costs
• Installation
• Software licences
• Accessories
• Ongoing subscription costs

The lowest price isn't always the best value.

For example, a slightly more expensive device may include training and a longer warranty. Those services could save money later.

Make sure quotations are recent and clearly identify the equipment and services included.

Consider the Total Cost

When comparing assistive technology, remember that the purchase price may not be the complete cost.

A device could require:

• Software subscriptions
• Replacement batteries
• Accessories
• Repairs
• Updates
• Technical support
• Training
• Internet access
• Replacement parts

A funding group might pay for the device itself but not for ongoing costs. (Funding for Assistive Technology, 2024)

Before committing to a product, find out what you will need to pay after the grant or funding has been used.

This is especially important for subscription-based software.

A product that seems affordable at first can become expensive after years of monthly or yearly payments.

Equipment Loans Can Help

If you cannot obtain a grant immediately, look for equipment loan schemes.

Loan programmes allow people to use assistive technology for a specified period. Some provide temporary assistance while a permanent funding application is processed. (Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund (AATLF), n.d.)

Loans can also help you test technology before buying it.

This is especially valuable with expensive equipment. Reading about a braille display or electronic magnifier online cannot always tell you whether it will work well for you.

Trying the device in your usual environment can give you a much better idea of how well it works for you.

If a loan is available, ask about the loan period, maintenance, insurance, replacement arrangements, and what happens if the equipment stops working.

Don't Overlook Free Technology

Before applying for expensive equipment, investigate the accessibility features you already have.

Modern computers and smartphones include increasingly capable accessibility tools. (Alajarmeh, 2021)

Depending on your device, you may already have access to:

• Screen readers
• Magnification
• Larger text
• High-contrast options
• Voice control
• Text-to-speech
• Speech recognition
• Camera-based text recognition
• Accessibility shortcuts

These built-in features might not replace specialist equipment, but they can sometimes solve smaller problems without extra cost.

Free and low-cost accessibility software can also be useful.

But free options aren't always the best fit. If specialist technology would really help you be more independent, don't skip it just because there's a free alternative.

Be Careful About Buying First

One of the most important pieces of advice is to check funding rules before purchasing expensive equipment.

Some programmes will not reimburse purchases made before an application has been approved. (Assistive Technology Funding Systems, n.d.)

This could mean you end up paying the whole cost yourself.

Before placing an order, ask the funding organisation:

• Do I need approval before buying?
• Is a specific supplier required?
• Do I need an assessment?
• Are there limits on the amount available?
• Will you fund accessories?
• Is training covered?
• Are ongoing software costs covered?
• How long will the application take?

Getting these answers in writing can help you avoid any surprises later.

What If Your Application Is Refused?

A rejected application does not necessarily mean that financial assistance is unavailable.

Read the decision carefully and find out why it has been refused.

Possible reasons might include:

• Missing documentation
• Incorrect application procedure
• The equipment being considered unsuitable
• The requested cost being above the programme limit.
• Another funding source being considered responsible
• Insufficient evidence of need

If appeals are permitted, find out how the process works and whether you can submit additional evidence.

You can also investigate different funding sources.

A government programme may refuse an application while a charity or local organisation may be able to help.

Don't get discouraged if your first application isn't successful.

Keep Your Documentation Organised

Funding applications can involve considerable paperwork. (Grants from RNIB, n.d.)

Create a folder where you keep copies of:

• Applications
• Medical or professional assessments
• Quotes
• Letters
• Emails
• Funding decisions
• Receipts
• Equipment specifications
• Warranty information

If you're applying to several organisations, keeping things organised will save you a lot of time.

It also helps you avoid accidentally sending in conflicting information.

For digital documents, employ descriptive filenames so that you can locate them easily with your screen reader or other accessibility software.

Ask for Help With Applications

You don't have to go through this process by yourself.

If forms are inaccessible or difficult to understand, ask whether the organisation can provide the information in an accessible format or assist you with the application.

A disability organisation, social worker, rehabilitation professional, family member, friend, or advocate may also be able to help.

If you are blind or have low vision, accessibility issues in the application process shouldn't stop you from applying.

Ask specifically about accessible alternatives if an online form does not work properly with your assistive technology.

Look Beyond the Initial Purchase

Successful funding should ideally provide more than equipment.

Training can be just as important.

A sophisticated screen reader, braille display, magnifier, or specialist device may have many features that are difficult to discover without instruction.

If funding is available for training, consider requesting it in your application.

Training may help you:

• Set up the technology correctly.
• Learn shortcuts
• Configure accessibility settings
• Improve your productivity
• Fix common problems
• Use advanced features

The better you can use the equipment, the more you'll get out of the funding.

Persistence Can Pay Off

Finding funding for assistive technology can take time.

You may need to contact several organisations, complete lengthy forms, obtain assessments, compare quotations, and wait for decisions.

This process can be frustrating, especially when you already need the technology for daily life.

Still, persistence can make a real difference.

Keep a record of organisations you have contacted and the responses you receive. If one source cannot help, ask whether they know of another organisation that might be able to assist.

Funding opportunities also change. A programme that is unavailable today may reopen in the future.

Think About Independence

When making a funding application, remember that assistive technology is not simply a collection of gadgets.

For people who are blind or visually impaired, the right technology can mean more independence.

It can make it possible to read correspondence without assistance, use online services, communicate with other people, study, work, manage finances, and access entertainment.

It's worth describing these real-life benefits in your funding application.

Instead of focusing entirely on technical specifications, show what the equipment will let you accomplish.

This strengthens your application and helps the funding group see the technology's potential impact.

Explore Every Funding Route

There is rarely one universal source of financial help.

It's best to look into several options at once.

Consider:

• Government disability programmes
• Employment support
• Educational funding
• Charities
• Blindness organisations
• Local disability groups
• Equipment loan schemes
• Rehabilitation services
• Employers
• Schools and universities
• Technology suppliers
• Community organisations

You might be able to combine different types of support, but always check the rules first.

For example, one organisation might provide the equipment while another provides training.

Final Thoughts

Assistive technology can be costly, but price shouldn't stop you from getting tools that could help you be more independent.

Government programmes, employers, educational institutions, charities, disability organisations, and equipment loan schemes can all provide potential routes to assistance.

The most important thing is to start with your needs, not a specific product. Identify the problems you want to solve, research the right technology, and then explore funding options that fit your situation.

Prepare applications carefully, explain the practical gains, obtain supporting evidence where required, and check the rules before purchasing anything.

Most importantly, don't give up if your first application isn't successful.

Finding funding can take patience and persistence, but the right assistive technology can help you for years to come. For people who are blind or visually impaired, this investment can mean more independence, better access to information, and a fuller life at work, in school, and every day.

References

(n.d.). Visual Impairment and Blindness Financial Planning: SSI, SNT, and Assistive Technology. Special Needs Advisor Match.

(n.d.). RNIB - Technology Grants. Action Together.

(n.d.). Assistive Technology Fund. Association of Blind Citizens.

(2023). Employing disabled people and people with health conditions. GOV.UK.

(n.d.). Assistive Technology Funding Systems. AssistiveTechnology.org.

(2024). Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions. GOV.UK.

Smith, J. & Doe, J. (2015). Assistive Technology in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Postsecondary Education 10(2), pp. 45-67.

(2024). Grants from RNIB. RNIB.

(n.d.). Assistive Technology Training – VISIONS. VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

(n.d.). Grants from RNIB for accessible technology. RNIB.

(n.d.). Assistive Technology Funding Systems. AssistiveTechnology.org.

(September 27, 2024). Funding for Assistive Technology. ACL Administration for Community Living.

(n.d.). Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund (AATLF). Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund.

Alajarmeh, N. (2021). Non-visual access to mobile devices: A survey of touchscreen accessibility for users who are visually impaired. Display Technology 70.

(n.d.). Assistive Technology Funding Systems. AssistiveTechnology.org.

(n.d.). Grants from RNIB. RNIB.