Assistive Technology Funding Programs in Northern Mariana Islands

Where to start in Northern Mariana Islands

• Northern Mariana Islands's Assistive Technology Act programCommonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Assistive Technology Project

  Call (670) 664-7000

  Staff demonstrate devices, lend them short-term so you can try before anyone buys, and know which of the programs below fit a given situation. If you make one call, make this one.

  cnmicdd.gov.mp ↗

  Verified June 2026

• MedicaidCommonwealth Medicaid Agency (CMA)

  Call 670-664-4880

  Also called the Commonwealth Medicaid Program, this agency has island offices in Tinian (670-433-9263 ext. 102) and Rota (670-236-2080 ext. 5016).

  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, which is the federal program tied mostly to age. 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

  www.cnmimedicaid.org ↗

  Verified June 2026

• Vocational RehabilitationCNMI Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

  Call (670) 322-6537/8

  This single combined agency handles both general and blind/low-vision vocational rehabilitation for CNMI, operating under the Office of the Governor since 1975.

  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?

  www.ovrgov.net ↗

  Verified June 2026

• AT financing loanCNMI Assistive Technology Project (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands)

  Call (670) 664-7000

  The Trankilu Alternative Financing Program is being re-established; call the CNMI Assistive Technology Program at the Council on Developmental Disabilities for its current status.

  About this program and what to ask

  Every state has an Assistive Technology (AT) Act program, and many of them run a financing arm that offers low-interest or guaranteed loans for buying assistive technology. These are loans, not grants — you borrow the money and pay it back over time, usually on friendlier terms than a bank or credit card would offer. The program listed here is your state's official starting point.

  This option fits when other funding programs have come up short or don't apply to your situation — for example, the device you need isn't covered elsewhere, or you'd rather buy now than wait on an approval process. Before borrowing, check whether your state's device lending program lets you try the equipment first, so you're confident before you commit to payments.

  Questions to ask when you call

  • What interest rate and repayment terms would apply to a loan for the device on my list?
  • What do I need to qualify, and do you work with people who have limited income or a low credit score?
  • Can the loan cover related costs like training, repairs, warranties, or installation, or only the device itself?
  • How long does the application and decision process usually take from start to finish?
  • Is there a way to try this device through a lending library or demonstration program before I take out a loan?
  • If I'm turned down, can you point me toward other funding programs that might fit my situation?
  • Are there any fees, and what happens if I need to pay the loan off early or my situation changes?

  cnmicdd.gov.mp ↗

  Verified June 2026

• 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.

  See the national programs

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.