Tips to Get Your Child's Assistive Technology Funded

Courtesy of Tamara Simmons

Author of Funding Guide for Children With Disabilities

Parenting a child with special needs is a unique, fulfilling, challenging and heartwarming experience. But, let's face it—it's not cheap. And, as we all know, there are devices that your kid absolutely needs to enhance their quality of life that your insurance won't cover. Here are some tips from Tamara Simmons, author of Funding Guide for Children With Disabilities.

Tammy's Top 8 Tips to Get Your Child's Assistive Technology Funded

• The very first step in the funding process is to choose the most appropriate assistive technology needed.
• Always try before you buy.
• Save time and get more than one price quote for the same item from different vendors.
• Take a photo of your child with the AT that you are trying to get funding for. The adorable image of your child enjoying the device that will change his or her life will go you a long way in getting the monetary assistance you need.
• When researching a funder, the first thing you should consider is geographic location; you must be a match.
• Submit all required paperwork to your insurance right away; they need time to process your denial letter. Some funders require this, some don't—but get it anyway.
• Follow instructions! If the funder asks for only 3 typewritten pages and you give them 4, they will file your inspiring prose under "G!" for garbage.
• Go high or go home. Apply to at least 5 funders for the same item and drastically increase your chances of being funded.

What Do the Funders Have to Say?

• Read our guidelines carefully. If you don't meet each and every requirement then don't apply.
• If we only fund for children who live in California and you live in Florida, please don't apply. This is often the biggest mistake that is made on applications.
• Never type using less than a 12 point font so you can squeeze in more information unless the guidelines state to use a smaller font.
• We have to read through a lot of applications, be as clear and concise as possible. Sometimes, less is more.
• If you are not sure of something give us a call. We won't mind helping to clarify something to save us both time.
• If you don't get funded the first time, you can usually apply again. Sometimes we just have more applications than money, but that could change at the next meeting. Make sure you check our guidelines on the time you need to wait before you apply again.
• A picture really is worth a thousand words. Include a photo of your child with your application.