Access to Assistive Technology creates equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play.

For individuals with disabilities, accessing Assistive Technology can be the difference that provides equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play.  Many Veterans are fortunate to have some additional options through the Department of Veterans Affairs to acquire Assistive Technology products and services, such as modified vehicles, hearing aids, laptops to attend health-related counseling sessions, and more.  All Veterans should consider enrolling in VA Health, even if they ultimately choose not to participate in it.

Regardless of whether or not you choose to enroll in VA Health, you and your family members can receive assistance in acquiring Assistive Technology products and services in the form of specially constructed zero- and low-interest loans through the Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program.  You may also be able to receive assistance through Massachusetts organizations, such as the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and other state and federal programs.

Below you’ll find information and links to VA resources, the Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program, and other organizations that may make the acquisition of Assistive Technology more accessible to you and your family.

The Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program, also known as the Assistive Technology Loan Program, offers options in both cash loans and device loans for disabled residents of Massachusetts seeking Assistive Technology products or services.  Not a Veteran-specific program, this may be also be used for family members, including spouses, children and parents, with disabilities.  Veterans will often use this option to purchase items not easily obtainable through their health insurance, to make up the difference in funds for items that are not fully covered, or to purchase items that may be reimbursed through MA Chapter 115 benefits, the VA Non-service Connected Pension, or other program for lower income Veterans.

Provides low-interest loans greater than $2,000 for the purchase of Assistive Technology products and services, including hearing aids, accessible vehicles, adaptive fitness equipment and much more.

Provides 0% interest loans of $100 to $2,000 for the purchase of Assistive Technology products and services, including minor vehicle modifications, hearing aids, laptops and more.

Provides long-term loans of non-customized Assistive Technology devices valued at less than $500 to financially eligible disabled Massachusetts residents.

Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may apply for grants to build an adapted home or install ramps, widen doors, or make other modifications to live more independently.  All grants have maximum amounts set by Congress and are indexed to construction costs. VA administers three grants that accommodate Veterans’ unique housing needs.

Generally used to create wheelchair accessible homes.

Generally used to enhance Veterans’ mobility throughout their homes.

Grants are for eligible Veterans and service members who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member that needs modifications to accommodate the Veteran’s or Servicemember’s needs.

For active duty service members or Veterans who have loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands or feet, or permanent vision impairment, or severe burn injuries that limit motion and preclude effective operation of an automobile and for whom these disabilities are rated or treated as service-connected.

For active duty service members or Veterans who meet the above disability requirements or who have immobility of the joint of one or both knees or hips and for whom these disabilities are rated or treated as service-connected.

REquipment is a great way to obtain free, gently used, durable home medical equipment (DME) in Massachusetts. Donated devices are sanitized, refurbished, and made available in their inventory.  Soon to offer a broad range of refurbished Assistive Technology products!

Operating in western, central and eastern Massachusetts, Assistive Technology Regional Centers are where you can get hands-on and learn about, try and borrow assistive technology.

MassMATCH is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s initiative to Maximize Assistive Technology (AT) in Consumer’s Hands. Its mission is to promote the use of AT and AT services to enhance the independence of people with disabilities, enabling equal participation in all of life’s activities.