Some tools make daily life easier, but they can cost a lot. Think of a hearing device, a walker, a talking phone, or a bath seat. It can be hard to know whether something will work for you until you actually use it.
Every state has an Assistive Technology Act program that may help you try, borrow, reuse, or find ways to pay for equipment.
These programs can be especially helpful for people with disabilities and older adults who need equipment to stay independent.
Here is what they offer, how the services work, and where to find your state’s program.
What Counts as Assistive Technology?
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) describes assistive technology, often called AT, as equipment or devices that help people with disabilities and older adults maintain or improve their independence.
Assistive technology includes both high-tech and low-tech items.
For example, it may include:
- Hearing aids and communication devices
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility equipment
- Devices that make bathing or eating easier
- Voice-activated computers and specialized software
- Magnification devices and other vision aids
- Grab bars and equipment that helps prevent falls
- Vehicle adaptations, such as hand controls
Even something as simple as a pencil grip can count as assistive technology if it helps someone perform a task more easily.
The challenge is finding the right equipment without spending money on something that does not meet your needs.
That is where state Assistive Technology Act programs may help.
What Can Your State Assistive Technology Program Do for You?
The federal Assistive Technology Act supports programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories, for a total of 56 programs.
These programs help people learn about assistive technology, explore equipment options, and find ways to obtain devices.
According to the AT3 Center, state programs provide four main types of services.
1. Device Demonstrations
A device demonstration lets you see how equipment works before deciding whether to buy it.
Staff may show you different devices, explain their features, and help you compare options.
For example, you might want to compare communication devices, magnifiers, or equipment that makes everyday tasks easier.
A demonstration can help you understand what a device does and whether it might fit your needs.
Ask your state program whether demonstrations are available in person, remotely, or through another arrangement.
2. Short-Term Device Loans
Some programs let you borrow assistive technology for a limited period.
These are loans of equipment, not loans of money.
You may be able to borrow a device to:
- Try it in your home before purchasing one
- See whether it works for your daily routine
- Use it temporarily while your own equipment is being repaired
- Meet a short-term need while waiting for other assistance
The length of the loan and the equipment available depend on the program.
Borrowing can be especially useful when you are unsure whether a particular device will work for you.
3. Device Reuse Programs
Assistive technology can be expensive, but not everyone needs brand-new equipment.
State reuse programs help make previously owned devices available to new users.
Depending on the program, equipment may be donated, refurbished, exchanged, or sold at a reduced price.
Some reuse programs provide devices for free, while others charge a fee.
The equipment available can change frequently, so you may need to check more than once.
If you need a wheelchair, walker, communication device, or another type of equipment, ask whether your state has a reuse program and what devices are currently available.
4. Financing and Help Obtaining Equipment
Some state programs also help people find ways to afford assistive technology.
This assistance can take several forms, including:
- Low-interest financial loans
- Programs that help cover costs when other funding is unavailable
- Equipment distribution programs
- Group purchasing or other discount arrangements
A financial loan is different from borrowing a device. With a financial loan, you borrow money to purchase equipment and must repay it under the loan agreement.
Some programs offer financing for equipment such as hearing devices, mobility aids, computers, or vehicle adaptations.
You can also ask whether your state’s financing options cover accessibility changes to a home, such as certain modifications that make daily activities safer.
However, not every state offers every financing option, and home modifications are not automatically covered.
Federal Assistive Technology Act funds generally cannot be used to purchase devices directly for individual recipients. However, state programs may administer other funding sources or cost-saving services that help people obtain equipment.
Before applying for financial assistance, ask about interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements, and any fees.
Who Can Use These Programs?
Assistive Technology Act programs are designed to help people with disabilities access equipment and services that support independence.
Older adults may also benefit from these services, especially when they need equipment for mobility, communication, vision, hearing, or everyday activities.
These programs are not limited to people with autism or to seniors.
Family members, caregivers, and professionals may also be able to use certain services to help someone find appropriate equipment.
However, the federal program information does not establish one universal age, income, or diagnosis requirement for every service.
Eligibility depends on the state program and the type of assistance requested.
For example, the requirements for attending a device demonstration may be different from those for receiving used equipment or qualifying for a financial loan.
You do not necessarily need a family member to contact a program on your behalf. If you need assistance for yourself, you can reach out directly and ask what services are available.
How Do You Find Your State’s Program?
The easiest place to start is the AT3 Center’s Find an AT Act Program directory.
The directory includes programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories.
Here is how to use it:
- Open the AT3 Center directory. Visit the official Find an AT Act Program page.
- Choose your state or territory. Use the directory to find the program serving your location.
- Review the services listed. Look for device demonstrations, device loans, device reuse, financial loans, or other state financing.
- Find the appropriate contact. The directory provides contact information for different services.
- Ask about your specific need. Explain what equipment you are looking for and whether you want to try, borrow, obtain, or finance it.
Some states direct residents to separate organizations for financial loans or other services.
If your state’s listing includes an additional program link, follow it to learn about that specific option.
You can also find information through the Administration for Community Living, which links to the national network of Assistive Technology Act programs.
What Should You Ask When You Reach Out?
You do not need to know exactly which device you want before contacting your state program.
It is fine to explain what you are having trouble doing and ask what equipment might help.
Here are some useful questions:
- Do you have a device that could help with my situation?
- Can I try the equipment before buying it?
- How long can I borrow a device?
- Is there a fee for demonstrations or equipment loans?
- Do you have used or refurbished equipment available?
- Are there income, disability, or residency requirements?
- Do you offer financial loans or other help paying for equipment?
- What interest rates, credit requirements, or repayment terms apply?
- Can any financing programs help with accessibility changes to my home?
If you prefer written communication, check whether your state’s program provides an email address or online contact form.
Keeping a written response can make it easier to compare options and understand the next steps.
What Are the Limits?
State Assistive Technology Act programs can be valuable resources, but they do not guarantee free equipment or financial assistance.
There are several things to keep in mind.
Services vary by state. One program may have a large device lending library, while another may offer fewer types of equipment.
Equipment availability changes. A device you need may already be on loan or unavailable through a reuse program.
Not every service is free. Some demonstrations or equipment loans may have fees, and reused devices may be sold rather than given away.
Financial loans must be repaid. Programs may review your income, credit, or other financial information before approving a loan.
Home and vehicle modifications are not guaranteed. Some programs may help with these expenses, but you must confirm what your state allows.
Because costs, eligibility rules, and available equipment differ, contact your state program before making a purchase or counting on assistance.
Relief Recap
Assistive technology can make everyday tasks easier, but finding the right equipment is not always simple or affordable.
Your state’s Assistive Technology Act program may help you try equipment before buying it, borrow devices temporarily, find used equipment, or explore financing options.
These programs serve people with disabilities and may also help older adults, caregivers, and others looking for assistive technology solutions.
The services, costs, and eligibility requirements vary by state, and not every program provides free equipment or financial loans.
Start with the AT3 Center’s state program directory to find the organization serving your area. Ask what equipment and assistance are currently available.
If you are looking for additional places to find affordable equipment, our guide to free used medical equipment includes more programs and resources worth checking.
