Assistive Technology Funding Programs in New York
These are New York's official starting points for help paying for assistive technology. Each one is an independent public program — call them, ask the questions below, and let them tell you what's possible. These are starting points, not coverage advice: each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers.
State Medicaid
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
Vocational Rehabilitation
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.
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
www.acces.nysed.gov ↗ · 1-800-222-5627
Verified June 2026
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)
ocfs.ny.gov ↗ · 1-866-871-3000
Verified June 2026
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?
ABLE savings accounts
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.
NY ABLE (NY Achieving a Better Life Experience)
www.mynyable.org ↗ · 1-855-569-2253
Verified June 2026
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?
National programs and charities
These programs are the same in every state. Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) run on federal rules, and the charities listed here accept requests nationwide.
Medicare — Durable Medical Equipment
Medicare's durable medical equipment pages are the place to start if you have Medicare and want to ask whether equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or speech devices could go through your plan — call 1-800-MEDICARE with questions about your situation.
www.medicare.gov ↗ · 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Questions to ask when you call
- Does the equipment we're looking at count as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B, and what would it take to find out?
- What does my doctor need to include in the prescription or order for this request to be considered?
- How do I find a supplier that's enrolled in Medicare and accepts assignment in my area?
- If this item isn't considered durable medical equipment, is there another part of Medicare or another program you'd point me to?
- What costs could I still be responsible for, like a deductible or a share of the price, and how do I get that in writing before anything is ordered?
- If the request is denied, how do I appeal, and how long do I have to file?
- I have a Medicare Advantage plan — does this process work differently for me, and who should I call instead?
VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
If you're enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service is your starting point for assistive technology, from hearing aids to wheelchairs — ask your VA care team about a referral.
Questions to ask when you call
- I'm a veteran but not enrolled in VA health care yet — what do I need to apply, and how long does enrollment usually take?
- I'm having trouble with hearing, vision, mobility, or communication — who on my care team do I talk to about equipment that could help?
- Can you connect me with the prosthetic and sensory aids service at my VA medical center?
- Do I need an evaluation or a referral from my VA provider before equipment can be considered, and how do I get one scheduled?
- Does it matter whether my need is connected to my military service, and does that change which programs I should ask about?
- I already use a specific device — can the VA help with repairs, replacement, or training on it?
- If the VA can't help with this particular need, can you point me to other programs for veterans in my state that might?
Lions Clubs International
Local Lions Clubs often help people pay for vision-related technology and eye care — use the club locator to find your nearest club and ask what they can do for your situation.
Muscular Dystrophy Association — Equipment Assistance
If you or a family member lives with a neuromuscular disease, the Muscular Dystrophy Association runs an equipment assistance program, including a Durable Medical Equipment Grant Program — their Resource Center is the place to start the conversation.
United Cerebral Palsy — Elsie S. Bellows Fund
United Cerebral Palsy's Elsie S. Bellows Fund exists to put assistive equipment within reach of people with disabilities — applications go through local UCP affiliates, so finding your nearest affiliate is the first step.
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) refurbishes donated wheelchairs and other home medical equipment and works both locally and nationally — their Get Help page is where you request equipment.
Try before anyone buys
New York's AT Act lending program offers short-term device loans, typically free — borrowing first means a funding request can name a device you already know works.
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. Programs change — if a link is wrong, email hello@whatcanhelp.com.