Paying for assistive technology can be challenging and seem overwhelming for many individuals after a device has been identified for them.
ND Assistive raises dollars through donations and on Giving Hearts Day to help ND residents with disabilities obtain the assistive technology (AT) they need for independence at home. All the dollars raised go directly toward the purchase of AT through the ND Assistive Possibilities Grant program. This program is intended to be a last resort, and cannot supplant other public funding avenues (e.g., vocational rehabilitation or public schools).
Individuals who are impacted by a disability and/or aging often have expenses that are above and beyond what insurances and other funding programs will cover. This is where our Possibilities Grant steps in. With the funds raised, ND Assistive has been able to purchase vision and hearing equipment, computer access tools, vehicle and home modifications, communication devices and so much more for people who were eligible to receive funds.
Often Possibilities Grant recipients meet with an ND Assistive AT Consultant to discuss and try out different types of AT devices or meet with their rehabilitation team to assure the best AT match is made.
Meet Shane Klose whose physical therapist helped him connect to ND Assistive’s Possibilities Grant to get assistive technology for him not covered by insurance.
Here is my interview with Shane after receiving his assistive technology through our Possibilities Grant program.
ND Assistive: Tell me a little bit about you, your age, disability, and likes/hobbies.
Shane: I am 26 years old who is a C4 quadriplegic due to a car accident in September of 2011. After my injury, I spent 6 months in a hospital to stabilize and go through rehabilitation. I was released from the hospital in March of 2012. In 2013, I returned to high school and graduated. After I graduated, I attended NDSCS College, taking online classes where I graduated with an Associates Degree in Health Information Technology. My likes and hobbies are anything on a computer. I enjoy playing computer games.
ND Assistive: What role does assistive technology play in your daily life?
Shane: Assistive technology plays a huge role! There are so many different types of assistive technology that assist me in my daily tasks. One example of assistive technology that plays a big part in my daily living is environmental control systems for my home that can turn on my light, my TV, etc.
ND Assistive: How did you hear about ND Assistive and our grant program?
Shane: I used to work with Freedom Resources years ago. How I heard about the grant was through my physical therapist and my case manager.
ND Assistive: Tell me about the assistive technology you received through our Possibilities Grant.
Shane: Prior to me getting my LED lights on my electric wheelchair, I was limited to taking trips only during the day. Otherwise, if I was out in the dark I could not see what was exactly in front of me or it made it hard for me to be visible to cars. Thanks to the Possibilities Grant I now can be out and take trips in the dark with my electric wheelchair with my LED Lights. These lights are on the fender both in the front and back of my electric wheelchair. They allow me now to see about 5 feet in front of me as well as I am more visible to cars now. These LED lights allow for more independence and safety for me.
ND Assistive: What would you tell somebody who is looking for help to pay for assistive technology that would help them be more independent?
Shane: Some insurance plans will help pay for needed assistive technology; but if they will not cover it, I would encourage them to reach out to ND Assistive and fill out an application!
Thank you, Shane, for sharing your story and pictures of your LED lights!
If you or someone you know would like to Donate to the Possibilities Grant or who could use these funds to help purchase AT please visit ndassistive.org for applicant information and for applicant/donation forms or call us at (800) 895-4728.
