Funding Resources
Page 2
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) "Part B"
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires states to ensure that children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 receive a free and appropriate education (FAPE), which emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs. Congress has appropriated funds to the states to achieve the goal spelled out in the federal law.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) "Part C"
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services*
ECI provides evaluations, at no cost to families, to determine eligibility and the need for services. Families and professionals work together as a team to plan appropriate services based on the unique strengths and needs of the child and family. Services are provided in the home and in community settings such as child care facilities, play groups and Mothers' Day Out programs. For help in locating ECI services, please call our toll-free Care Line, or use our search feature to find a service or program in your area.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
Children's Health Insuracne Program (CHIP)
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance for their children. CHIP coverage provides eligible children with coverage for a full range of health services including regular checkups, immunizations, prescription drugs, lab tests, X-rays, hospital visits and more.
CHIP
The Program for Amplification for Children of Texas (PACT)
The Program for Amplification for Children of Texas (PACT) serves Texas children from birth through 2 years of age who have hearing loss that causes a problem in school. PACT provides diagnostic and remedial services needed by children with hearing loss who are Medicaid eligible. Services are for children who have a hearing loss that is permanent. Treatment for conductive hearing loss caused by middle ear problems is NOT covered by this program.
PACT
Private Health Insurance
Private health Insurance may cover assistive technology if it is considered medically necessary.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Auxiliary aids and services. Which includes: qualified interpreters or other effective methods of making
aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing
impairments; qualified readers, taped texts, or other effective methods of
making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual
impairments; acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
other similar services and actions.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
A civil rights statute that requires groups, such as public schools, who receive frederal funds to make accommodations to persons with disabilities.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities in the provision of preschool, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education services. The Section 504 regulations require that schools do whatever is necessary to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students participating in regular or special education, regardless of disability. AT devices, related services, or modifications to the educational program may be required in order for the district to fulfill these requirements.
Financial Loans
Banks, savings and loans, credit unions and even many businesses offer consumer loans that can be used to purchase assistive technology.
Some of these loans have high interest rates and are quite expensive. There are several national
loan programs designed to provide funding for assistive technology.
Loans