Kids Assistive Technology (KAT)

 

Young boy sitting in a wheel chair in front of the wodden front access ramp.

Program Update

 

The KAT Program is currently funded.   If you are seeking multiple funding sources to assist with cost for assistive technology, visit the AT funding page. 

 

Kids Assistive Technology

The Kids Assistive Technology program (KAT) can provide limited funding for assistive technology, vehicle access modifications and some home access modifications for children under age 21.

The purpose of the KAT Program is to provide help when:

• No other funding source is available.
• When other funding sources are not enough to cover the costs of the needed assistive technology or access modifications.

Applications for children in families of lower income receive priority. More information is available below on eligibility requirements.

 

Kid Lift attached to a ceiling track.

 

 

 

 

 

Assistive technology devices and equipment are those used to increase, maintain, or improve independence. Examples of assistive technology devices covered in this program include:

 

  • Adaptive vehicle modification such as wheelchair lifts, turney seats, power chair carriers Adapted computer equipment
  • Home owner adaptations for access such as:
    • Stairway lifts
    • Materials and labor for items such as adding wheelchair ramps, widening of doorways
      Making a bathroom more accessible
    • Installing bathroom grab bars or hand rails, purchasing hand held shower equipment, elevated toilet seats, and toilet safety rails
  • Augmentative communication devices
  • Mobility aids
  • Environmental controls
  • Hearing aids and devices
  • Vision and Braille devices, and others
  • Assistive technology services such as the cost of an evaluation or training to use assistive technology are also eligible

KAT Does Not Cover

Assistance is not available through the program for instructional software, items such as air conditioners or purifiers, purchasing a vehicle, weighted vests, equipment used in therapy, monitors, medical items such as cochlear implants or medical supplies. Major home renovations such as adding a room or yard fencing to a home cannot be provided through the program. 

 

Family with accessible van

 

To qualify for the KAT Program the participant must:

 

  • Be a Missouri resident
  • Be birth up to 21 years of age
  • Have considered, applied for or exhausted other possible funding options. Visit our assistive technology funding page for further options -Funding Resources
  • If awarded other matching funds, have the funding source document the committed matching funding before applying
  • Have an eligible special health care need: (conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Cleft Lip and Palate, Hearing disorders, Hemophilia, paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Seizures, Spina Bifida, and Traumatic Brain Injury).
    • If the child has a developmental disability, mental health disability or behavioral disability that is the diagnosis for the requested AT, these diagnoses are NOT covered under the KAT Program. (Examples are: Autism Spectrum disorder, ADHD or intellectually disability.) See below for a resource to find further assistance.
  • Meet financial eligibility guidelines (family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)


Tactical watch and cane

 

For kids with developmental disabilities that do not meet the above eligibility, we have more details on our website for AT Waiver options.  Missouri Developmental Disability Waivers - all of Missouri's DD Home and Community-Based waivers now include a service called "Assistive Technology" (AT) that can cover a wide range of AT. 

 

Submit and mail in the completed application to MoAT, 1501 NW Jefferson St., Blue Springs, MO, 64015.    After reviewing our description above, please call our office if you are seeking funding for an item not mentioned in the examples above.  If you have more questions or need a copy of the application mailed to you, contact Eileen at Missouri Assistive Technology via e-mail at  ebelton@mo-at.org or call (800) 647-8557.