Funding-Assistive Technology

• Central Michigan University Augmentative Communication Evaluation Center services for individuals who may need augmentative/alternative communication are specialized services of the Central Michigan University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinics which is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. CMU's AAC services provide resources, evaluations, equipment access/programming, and therapeutic instruction for individuals who are unable to use functional communication through traditional speech-language therapy. All of the AAC services are coordinated by certified professionals recognized for their expertise in augmentative and alternative communication. http://www.chp.cmich.edu/aac/

• Dynavox Technologies (augmentative communication devices) http://www.dynavoxtech.com/funding/

• Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people with disabilities and seniors (or their family members) to purchase assistive technology devices or services, including modification of vehicles and homes. Loans may also cover cost of training to use the purchased equipment, warranties, and service agreements. http://www.michiganloanfunds.org

• Michigan Disability Rights Coalition - Michigan operates the Michigan AT Loan Fund to provide low interest loans to people with disabilities so they can purchase AT. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition has now transfered ownership of this fund to United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan. MDRC also transfered ownership of the Michigan Telework Loan Fund which provides loans for the purchase of equipment for people with disabilities to work at home or operate home businesses. For more information about the loan funds please visit: http://www.copower.org/At/index.htm

• Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) - Vocational Rehabilitation counseling is designed to help people with disabilities decide on an appropriate employment goal.  The basic idea is to help you identify any barriers interfering with your obtaining employment and to develop solutions to address them.  Together, you and your counselor will: Address your disability-related barriers to employoment and develop and carry out a plan of action (Individual Plan for Employment) based on informed choice that will result in suitable employment. http://www.michigan.gov/mrs [phone] or [phone]

• Medicaid – Social Security Administration http://www.ssa.gov - [phone]

• Private Insurance

• Riverwood Center – Community Mental Health (CMH) - Riverwood is a community-based, non-profit behavioral health care agency serving the residents of Berrien County. We offer a full range of responsive and accessible mental health services that provide the hope and self-determination to give you the tools to live the best possible life you can. Our professional staff utilizes appropriate resources to provide carefully customized, personalized care. We view our consumers as partners in a process that promotes well-being and inspires an enhanced quality of life through living constructive, satisfying lives. http://www.riverwoodcenter.org [phone] or [phone]

• United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan (UCP) - Many people with disabilities and seniors cannot afford to purchase assistive technology and traditional bank loans have generally not been available for such purposes. The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) supports the purchase of needed technology through low interest rates and loan guarantees. The program does not provide grants. It provides loans, which must be paid back. The program is a unique partnership of United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan and Option 1 Credit Union in Lansing. Who is eligible to apply? Michigan residents with disabilities, seniors, and their family members or guardians. http://www.ucpmichigan.org [phone]