The information provided in this section is designed to help persons with disabilities, families, advocates, and providers identify sources of funding for the individual with a disability to obtain assistive technology. Programs change over time, so we welcome any new information for this focused funding guide. Anyone having questions about any listings, or wanting to share new or additional funding options for individuals with disabilities to obtain assistive technology, may contact Missouri Assistive Technology at (800) 647-8557.
Show Me Loans
Missouri’s low-interest loan program is for assistive technology devices, hearing aids, home access modifications and vehicle access. For more information, see the Show Me Loans page on this Missouri Assistive Technology site or by phone, toll-free at (800) 647-8557. You may also send an e-mail to ebelton@mo-at.org
Kids Assistive Technology (KAT)
The KAT Program can provide some funding assistance for assistive technology, minor home access modifications, and vehicle access modifications needed for children who are under 21 years of age and are in families of low and moderate income. For an application or more information, contact Missouri Assistive Technology at (800) 647-8557, or you may send an e-mail to ebelton@mo-at.org
Telecommunication Access Program (TAP)
Missouri’s Telecommunication Access Programs (TAP) provides equipment to qualifying individuals who have difficulties using the phone or internet because of a disability.
TAP for Internet
The TAP for Internet program provides adaptive computer equipment and software at no cost to enable a person with a disability access the internet. Items needed by persons with any disability for access such as screen reading software, enlarging software, adapted keyboards, and voice recognition software are examples of the types of items available in the program. For an application or more information, call Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) at (800) 647-8557 or visit the TAP for Internet website.
TAP for Telephone
This TAP for Telephone program provides adaptive phone equipment at no cost for persons with disabilities who have problems using traditional phone equipment. Examples of items available are TTYs, amplified phones, amplified ringers and visual ringers, hands free phones, amplified speech phones, phones with enlarged or Braille numbers on the dial pad, and others. For an application or more information, call Missouri Assistive Technology at (800) 647-8557 (Voice) or (800) 647-8558 (TTY) or visit the TAP for Telephone website.
Assistive Technology Reimbursement Program
The Assistive Technology Reimbursement Program (ATR) assists Missouri’s public, charter and State Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) in covering the cost of purchasing assistive technology (AT) devices for students. The program is open to any qualified K-12 student.
To be eligible, a student must have AT identified in their IEP and the cost of the device(s) or system should be between $350 and $5,000. Examples of reimbursable assistive technologies include text-to-speech software, augmentative communication devices, tablets and laptops with assistive apps/programs, electronic enlarging devices, braille embossers, assistive listening systems, et al.
Contact our office for more information at 816-655-6700.
Reutilization Program
Device Reutilization helps ensure assistive technology and durable medical equipment in good working condition can be reused and benefit individuals in need. MoAT partners with community based organizations throughout the state to provide Missourians with convenient access to reutilized assistive technology and durable medical equipment. Items available have been donated and are sanitized and refurbished before being offered to the community at no or little cost.
In addition, we offer the Swap ‘n Shop Program, a person-to-person equipment exchange that functions like a free, classified, online marketplace that can help individuals donate, sell or locate equipment.
Contact our office for more information at 816-655-6705.
Swap ‘n’ Shop
This is a consumer-to-consumer equipment exchange program coordinated by Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT). This program is designed to match up those individuals who are looking for equipment with those who have it for sale or donation. Many agencies get a monthly listing. The current listings are available on this MoAT website under the Swap’n Shop heading. Persons interested in listing equipment may contact MoAT at (800) 647-8557. MoAT handles the statewide recycling efforts. To determine what statewide program is currently funded, visit Swap ‘n Shop.
MO HealthNet
Mo HealthNet (formerly MO Medicaid) provides coverage for durable medical equipment (DME). Medicaid eligibility is based on certain income guidelines and other factors such as disability. In order to be covered, DME must meet MO HealthNet’s definition of “durable medical equipment”. Some devices typically covered in Missouri include: manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, augmentative communication devices, hospital beds, orthotics, prosthetics and eyeglasses. Hearing aids for adults are not currently covered in Missouri.
Missouri’s children under 21 can receive broader range of DME devices through MO HealthNet than adults can receive. Children and adolescents aged birth to 21 years are covered for hearing aids. In fact, any device that can be shown to be medically necessary can be provided to children and adolescents through MO HealthNet under federal law.
Items not covered under MO HealthNet can sometimes be obtained through the MO HealthNet Exceptions process. To obtain a device or service through Exceptions, the item has to meet certain criteria such as being needed to keep an individual from moving to a higher level of care such as a nursing home. There is an application form for Exceptions on the MO HealthNet website in the Dept. of Social Services.
If a service is denied, reduced, or terminated, you may ask for a State Fair Hearing (800) 391-2161. If you disagree with the hearing decision you may ask for an appeal. Individuals in some parts of the state will receive their care through MO HealthNet “health plans” or “managed care plans”. Covered services are the same as for those who are not in health plans.
Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities offers a waiver for Assistive Technology. Review the waiver guidelines. See more about their waiver services.
Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
This agency can fund assistive technology devices and services when needed to assist adults with disabilities to gain or keep employment or to pursue college educations or other training programs that lead to employment. To be eligible for assistance through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program: 1) a person must have a physical or mental disability; 2) the disability must be a substantial impediment in getting or keeping a job; and 3) the person can benefit in terms of employment outcome from Vocational Rehabilitation services. There is no age limit for eligibility. Since gainful employment is the goal, most clients are between the ages of 16 and 65. Medical information must be obtained to document the disability. Financial status of the individual is considered and full or partial funding assistance for assistive technology may be provided on a sliding scale depending on income. Contact your district Vocational Rehabilitation office for more information or (877) 222-8963.
Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
This department can provide vocational services including assistive technology devices and services for persons with varying degrees of visual impairment. Persons may contact their district office of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, or contact the State office at (800) 592-6004.
SHOW ME HOME – MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON
Money Follows the Person is a demonstration program in Missouri that helps persons transition out of nursing facilities or habilitation centers back into the community. For more information, you may contact your local center for independent living.
Department of Economic Development
The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) offers grants to small Missouri communities to improve local facilities, address critical health and safety concerns, and develop a greater capacity for growth. CDBG offers funds for projects that can range from housing and street repairs and more. This can be used for home modifications. Contact the Department of Economic Development or at (573) 751-3600.
Disabled Access Tax Credit
The Disabled Access Tax Credit (DAC) is available to Missouri small businesses that have access expenditures that exceed the $10,250 federal credit limit. A Missouri small business may take a state income tax credit of up to 50 percent of “eligible access expenditures” which exceed $10,250. The maximum credit is $5,000 a year. Disabled Tax Credit
FIRST STEPS
Missouri’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities is First Steps. The First Steps Program is mandated under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and is a system of early intervention services for all infants and young children, from birth to age 3 years who have special health care needs. An Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) is developed for each child and his/her family, and includes a description of what services needed by each child/family. Services provided include assistive technology. Information about First Steps, including referring a child to First Steps, may be obtained by calling (866) 583-2392.
Local School Districts
School districts have certain obligations under IDEA to provide assistive technology for children with disabilities when needed to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Each decision must be made on a case-by-case basis based on the educational needs of the student. If the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) team determines that he/she needs some type of assistive technology in order to receive FAPE, the child’s IEP must contain a specific statement of such services. A school’s or district’s special education director is a point of contact to address the assistive technology needs of a student with a disability. Office of Special Education contact information.
Centers for Independent Living (CIL)
Missouri has 22 centers for independent living that provide a variety of advocacy, and other services to help individuals live more independently. Many centers have programs that can provide limited funding for home access modifications as well as some assistive technology (AT). Some also have durable medical equipment (DME) recycling programs to help consumers get low-cost or no-cost DME. Centers can also provide demonstrations of adaptive telephones that are provided through MoAT’s Telecommunication Access Program (TAP). At least eight centers also have AT demonstration centers for individuals to get hands-on guided demos of AT. Specific funding assistance offered varies from center to center. Contact information for the centers in each region of the state can be found at: MOSILC
Missouri AgrAbility Project
This project was created to assist people with disabilities employed in agriculture. The project provides practical education and assistance that promotes independence in agricultural production and rural living. The AgrAbility Project assists people involved in production agriculture who work both on small and large operations. For Project Information, call: (800) 995-8503 or visit the website for Missouri Agrability Project.
Community Action Agencies
The CAA regional agencies are throughout Missouri that work in collaboration with other community agencies to provide services to low-income area residents. Some Community Action Agencies provide funding assistance for minor home access modifications. To see a list of agencies with contact information and the regions covered, you can call the Missouri Association of Community Action Agencies at (573) 634-2969.
The Department of Veterans Affairs
The Dept. of VA provides assistance for home modifications and independent living assistance for veterans. They offer 3 grant programs for; accessibility design, home modification or home repair. To find out more about the benefits, contact your local Veterans Service Officer or call (800) 827-1000.
VA Hospitals
Jefferson Barracks, Spinal Cord Unit Bldg. 52,Veterans, Saint Louis, MO on Jefferson Barracks Dr., St. Louis, MO 63125-4101. Phone number is 314-894-6677. Kansas City, MO location is 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128. Phone number is 816-861-4700.
Medicare
This is a federally funded health insurance program which can help some persons with disabilities fund certain assistive technology devices and services. Persons must be age 65 and older OR must be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits due to disability. In order to be covered, assistive devices must meet Medicare’s definition of “durable medical equipment” (DME). An individual must have Medicare Part B, the supplemental Medicare medical insurance which covers durable medical equipment. Under Part B, an individual must generally meet an annual deductible of $100 and pay co-insurance of at least 20% of the Medicare approved amount for the device. Manual and motorized wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, seat lift mechanisms, augmentative communication devices, oxygen equipment, artificial limbs, braces and ostomy supplies are some of the items covered.
Devices and equipment that have NOT been commonly covered by Medicare include eyeglasses, hearing aids, assistive listening systems, telecommunication devices, environmental control devices, home modifications and vehicle modifications. For more information or to enroll in Medicare, contact you local Social Security Field Office listed in your phone book. The Social Security Administration has a web page where you can type your zip code for their nearest office.
Rural Development (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Here you will find a Home Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504) program that can be used for home access modifications as well as general home repairs. To be eligible for loans, the household must have income below 50% of the county median income and must have an acceptable credit history. To be eligible for a possible grant, the individual must be aged 62 or older and not able to afford a loan. The USDA Rural Development State office is in Columbia. The phone number is: (573) 876-0976 (voice) or (573) 876-9480 (TTY). Or contact Columbia Department of Planning and Development at (573) 874-7239. You can find information about the programs in Missouri here.
United Cerebral Palsy
UCP can be reached at their website or by phone at (800) 872-5827.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offers several grant programs, some of which is for Assistive Technology. The Assistive Technology Program may help locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for one of a wide range of devices. These allow those with MS to function more independently in their daily lives, as well as more easily participate in recreational, educational, and vocational activities. These include: aids for daily living; communication devices; computer aids; environmental control systems,; home and vehicle modifications; orthotics; seating, positioning, and mobility devices; aids for vision and hearing; cooling aids. Their contact information is (888) 673-6287