Assistive Technology Programs in Minnesota
Where to try, borrow, and get help paying for assistive technology in Minnesota. Each is an independent public program: call, ask the questions listed below, and let them tell you what's possible. These are starting points, not coverage advice.
Where to start in Minnesota
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Minnesota's Assistive Technology Act programMinnesota STAR Program
Call (888) 234-1267
Staff demonstrate devices, lend them short-term so you can try before anyone buys, and help people sort out which of the programs below fit their situation.
Also lends in Minnesota: PACER Simon Technology Center (Bloomington) — browse the loan inventory.
mn.gov ↗ · Browse the loan inventory ↗
Confirmed with the program, October 2026
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MedicaidMedical Assistance (MA)
Call 800-657-3672
Medical Assistance (MA) is the name Minnesota uses for its Medicaid program.
About this program and what to ask
Medicaid is your state's health coverage program for people with limited income or significant disabilities — it is run by the state, unlike Medicare, the federal program for people 65 and older and for younger people with disabilities, usually after two years on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many states also run Medicaid "waiver" programs, which are home- and community-based services that can include assistive technology for daily living and communication. Every state sets up its Medicaid program and waivers differently, so the way in is always a conversation with your state's agency.
This program is worth a call if you or the person you support already has Medicaid, or has a disability or limited income that might qualify. It is a common starting point for daily living aids and communication devices, especially for children and for adults receiving home-based supports.
Questions to ask when you call
- Does my Medicaid plan have a process for requesting assistive technology or durable medical equipment, and where does that request start?
- Does our state offer home- and community-based waiver programs that include assistive technology, and how do I apply or get on a waitlist?
- What documentation do you need from a doctor, therapist, or other professional to consider a device request?
- Is there a case manager or care coordinator who can help me through this process, and how do I get one assigned?
- If a request is denied, what is the appeal process and how long do I have to file?
- I'm not sure whether I have Medicaid, Medicare, or both — can you help me confirm what coverage this person has?
- How long does a decision usually take, and who can I contact to check on the status?
Curious about waivers? What a Medicaid waiver is · Medicaid.gov's official state waiver list
From public sources, September 2026
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Vocational RehabilitationVocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)
Call 800-328-9095
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) is run by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
About this program and what to ask
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is your state's program for helping people with disabilities get a job, keep a job, or train for one. Assistive technology can be part of that help when it connects to work — anything from screen readers to communication devices to workplace equipment. Some states also have a separate agency serving people who are blind or have low vision, and it works the same way.
This program fits if you're working, looking for work, at risk of losing a job because of a disability, or in school or training that leads to employment. The connection to work is what matters here — if the technology would help you do a job or prepare for one, this is a program worth calling.
Questions to ask when you call
- How do I apply for vocational rehabilitation services, and what happens after I apply?
- Can assistive technology be included in my plan if it helps me get or keep a job?
- Does my state have a separate agency for people who are blind or have low vision, and should I be talking to them instead?
- Can VR pay for an assistive technology evaluation to figure out what would actually help me at work?
- I'm in school or a training program — can VR help with technology I need to finish it?
- How long does the process usually take from application to receiving services?
- If I'm already employed but struggling, can VR help me keep the job I have?
From public sources, September 2026
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Vocational Rehabilitation · blind and low visionState Services for the Blind (SSB)
Call 651-539-2300
State Services for the Blind (SSB) is a separate DEED agency for people who are blind or have low vision, sitting alongside VRS in DEED's Workforce Development Division.
About this program and what to ask
Some states run a separate vocational rehabilitation agency for people who are blind or have low vision. It does what general VR does — helps people get a job, keep a job, or train for one — with staff who specialize in vision loss. Assistive technology such as screen readers, magnifiers, braille displays, and training in how to use them can be part of that help. These agencies usually also run independent living services for people 55 and older who are losing vision, whether or not work is the goal.
Call this agency instead of general VR when vision loss is the main barrier. It fits if you're working, looking for work, or in school or training that leads to a job and need technology or skills to do it with low vision or blindness. If you're 55 or older, ask about independent living services even if you aren't working.
Questions to ask when you call
- How do I apply for services, and what happens after I apply?
- Can assistive technology be included in my plan if it helps me get or keep a job?
- Can you pay for a low vision or assistive technology evaluation to figure out what would help?
- Do you offer training on the technology itself, like screen reader, magnification, or braille instruction?
- I'm 55 or older and not working — do you have independent living services I can use?
- If I have other disabilities besides vision loss, should I also be talking to general VR?
- How long does the process usually take from application to receiving services?
From public sources, September 2026
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ABLE savings accountMinnesota ABLE Plan
Call (888) 609-8872
The Minnesota ABLE Plan is part of the National ABLE Alliance and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services with Ascensus College Savings as recordkeeper.
About this program and what to ask
An ABLE account (Achieving a Better Life Experience) is a savings and investment account designed for people with disabilities. Money in the account can be put toward disability-related expenses — which can include assistive technology — and, unlike a regular savings account, it is built so that saving does not automatically put benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid at risk. It is a way to save toward equipment over time, not a program that pays for it.
An ABLE account fits when you are planning ahead rather than facing an urgent need — saving toward a future purchase, or setting money aside without jeopardizing the benefits you rely on. It also fits when family members want to contribute toward equipment costs and need a safe place for that money to go.
Questions to ask when you call
- Who is eligible to open an ABLE account, and what do I need to show about my disability or when it began?
- How does money in an ABLE account interact with the benefits I receive now, like SSI or Medicaid?
- Would assistive technology — for example, a communication device or a screen reader — count as a qualified disability expense?
- How much can be contributed each year, and is there a point where the balance starts to affect my benefits?
- What fees does the account charge, and is there a minimum to open or maintain it?
- Can family members or others put money into the account directly?
- How do I take money out when I'm ready to buy equipment, and what records should I keep?
From public sources, September 2026
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Same in every stateNational programs and charities
Medicare, VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, Lions Clubs International, Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Cerebral Palsy, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. Federal rules or nationwide requests, the same wherever you live.
TTY users can reach any number on this page through relay by dialing 711. Programs that publish their own TTY line have it listed under their phone number.
Something wrong? Tell us
Compiled from official state program websites, the AT3 Center directory (at3center.net), and the ABLE National Resource Center (ablenrc.org). Starting points, not coverage advice. Each entry says who confirmed it: “Confirmed with the program” means the program itself checked it, and “From public sources” means we checked the program’s website and public directories. Programs change — if a link is wrong, email hello@whatcanhelp.com.