If assistive technology has felt expensive or out of reach, the Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) has a special program called the Assistive Technology Fund that may be able to help you. This fund helps people get the tools that make it easier for blind people to read, communicate, attend school, work and live independently.
Their Assistive Technology Fund provides financial assistance to eligible legally blind citizens who need adaptive technology. While it is not a free-device giveaway, the fund can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs by covering up to half of the retail price of approved products.
What is the Assistive Technology Fund?
The Association of Blind Citizens is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and independence of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Through its Assistive Technology Fund, ABC helps qualified applicants purchase adaptive devices and software that can improve accessibility and independence. The program accepts applications twice each year and is available to eligible residents throughout the United States.
How Much Assistance Can I Receive?
The Assistive Technology Fund generally covers 50% of the retail price of approved adaptive devices or software.
To qualify, the requested product must typically have a retail price between $200 and $6,000.
This means the program may help reduce the cost of many commonly used accessibility tools, including:
- Screen reader software
- Screen magnification software
- Refreshable braille displays
- Braille note-taking devices
- Accessibility equipment for education
- Technology that supports employment
- Devices that increase independence in daily living
Applicants are responsible for paying the remaining portion of the purchase price.
Who Qualifies?
According to the Association of Blind Citizens, applicants must:
- Be legally blind
- Be a resident of the United States
- Have a family income below $50,000
- Have cash assets below $20,000
- Request an eligible adaptive device or software product
- Follow all application requirements and deadlines
ABC may request additional documentation, including tax returns, bank statements, or other financial records, to verify eligibility and assess financial need.
How to Apply
ndividuals who want to apply should visit the Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology Fund page and review the current program requirements.
Applicants will generally need to:
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Identify the adaptive device or software they want to purchase.
- Provide information about the product and its retail cost.
- Explain how the technology will help increase independence or support employment.
- Submit all required information before the application deadline.
ABC states that product descriptions should be concise and explain how the technology would benefit the applicant.
Important Deadlines
The Assistive Technology Fund accepts applications twice each year.
Current application deadlines are:
- June 30
- December 31
ABC states that applicants are generally notified within 45 days after the application deadline.
If approved, recipients typically have 30 days after notification to purchase the product. ABC notes that awards may be withdrawn if the product is not purchased within that timeframe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before applying, it’s important to understand several limitations of the program.
- It Is not a free device program. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the fund provides free assistive technology. In reality, the program generally pays for 50% of the approved product’s retail price, meaning recipients must cover the remaining cost.
- You can only apply once per year. ABC states that applicants may submit only one request per calendar year.
- Late applications are not considered. Applications received after the deadline are generally not reviewed, so it is important to submit all required materials on time.
Other Ways to Get Help
People who need assistive technology may also want to explore their state’s Assistive Technology Act Program.
According to the Administration for Community Living, every state and territory has an Assistive Technology Program that may offer services such as:
- Device demonstrations
- Short-term device loans
- Reused or refurbished equipment
- Financing assistance
- Low-interest loan programs
These programs can sometimes be used alongside other forms of assistance to make adaptive technology more affordable.
Relief Recap
The Association of Blind Citizens Assistive Technology Fund can be a valuable resource for legally blind Americans who need expensive accessibility equipment or software.
Although the program does not provide free devices, it may cut the cost of eligible assistive technology in half. For individuals who rely on screen readers, braille equipment, magnification tools, or other adaptive technology, that savings can make a significant difference.
