Funding Resources for Special Needs & Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive equipment can make everyday life safer, more accessible, and more independent. Finding a way to pay for that equipment, however, is not always simple. Explore insurance, Medicaid, grants, nonprofit programs, state resources, and other potential funding options for adaptive equipment and special needs products.
Start with your insurance provider or Medicaid program when applicable, then explore state assistive technology programs and nonprofit grants. Having a product quote and supporting medical documentation ready can make the process easier.
Four funding paths worth exploring
Funding eligibility varies widely, so families may need to explore more than one source before finding the right option.
Insurance & Medicaid
Some medically necessary adaptive equipment may qualify for insurance or Medicaid coverage depending on the individual's plan, age, medical need, and state requirements.
State Programs
State assistive technology programs may offer equipment loans, demonstrations, reuse programs, financial loans, or other assistance.
Grants & Foundations
Nonprofit organizations and foundations may provide grants toward medical equipment, mobility devices, assistive technology, therapies, or related expenses.
Schools & Agencies
Schools, government agencies, waiver programs, and community organizations may have separate purchasing or funding channels for qualifying equipment.
Search for funding organizations that may fit your needs.
Use our funding source search to look for agencies by service category, service provided, disability, age range, city, county, and other criteria.
Additional resources to explore
These organizations and programs may offer financial assistance, equipment support, healthcare assistance, or connections to local resources. Always review current eligibility requirements directly with each organization.
State Assistive Technology Programs
The AT3 Center maintains a directory of Assistive Technology Act programs throughout the United States and territories. Depending on the state, programs may include equipment demonstrations, device loans, equipment reuse, and financing assistance.
Find Your State ProgramUnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
UHCCF provides medical grants to eligible families for qualifying children's medical expenses that are not covered, or not fully covered, by commercial health insurance. Eligibility and covered expenses are subject to current program requirements.
Review Grant EligibilityFirst Hand Foundation
First Hand Foundation provides pediatric medical grants designed to help uninsured and underinsured children access essential healthcare. Assistance may include certain medical equipment and other qualifying healthcare expenses.
Visit First Hand FoundationOracle Health Foundation
Oracle Health Foundation provides pediatric grants for qualifying healthcare needs. Covered categories may include equipment such as wheelchairs, assistive technology, prostheses, hearing aids, as well as certain therapies, procedures, and treatment related expenses.
Explore Pediatric GrantsVariety, The Children's Charity
Variety chapters provide assistance to children and families in communities throughout the United States. Available grants and programs vary by chapter and may include equipment, products, and services.
Find Variety Grant InformationMedicaid EPSDT
For Medicaid enrolled children and adolescents under age 21, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment benefit provides broad coverage for medically necessary services within Medicaid benefit categories. Coverage and authorization processes vary by state.
Learn About EPSDTEasterseals
Easterseals operates a nationwide network of local affiliates that provide disability and community services. Available programs vary by location and may help families identify services and additional support in their community.
Find a Local EastersealsShriners Children's
Shriners Children's provides specialized pediatric care for qualifying conditions through locations across the United States and other countries. Shriners Children's states that care is available regardless of a family's ability to pay or insurance status.
Explore Shriners Children'sFunding resource notice: eSpecial Needs does not determine eligibility, approve grants, administer the programs listed above, or guarantee payment or reimbursement. Funding programs, eligibility requirements, award amounts, covered products, and availability can change. Contact each organization directly for current information before making purchasing decisions.
What to have ready before you apply
Requirements differ between programs, but gathering the right information before beginning an application can make the process easier.
Identify the equipment needed
Determine the specific adaptive product or equipment that addresses the individual's mobility, positioning, safety, communication, therapy, sensory, or daily living needs.
Get an equipment quote
Many funding organizations require a written quote showing the product, options, accessories, and expected purchase price. eSpecial Needs can help provide quotes for many of the products we carry.
Gather supporting documentation
A physician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other qualified professional may need to document why the requested equipment is medically or functionally necessary.
Check insurance and public benefits
Some grant programs may ask whether private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, school funding, or other benefits have already been explored or denied.
Apply to appropriate programs
Review eligibility carefully and consider more than one appropriate funding source. Geographic area, age, diagnosis, income, equipment type, and insurance status may all affect eligibility.
Build a stronger equipment funding request
Depending on the program, you may be asked to provide some or all of the following information.
We can help with the next step.
While we cannot guarantee third party funding, our resources can help you prepare documentation, obtain product information, and complete purchasing requirements.
Quote Requests
Request pricing and product information for adaptive equipment you are considering.
Request a QuoteLetters of Medical Necessity
Learn what information is commonly included when documenting why adaptive equipment is needed.
View the GuidePurchase Orders
Find information for schools, agencies, organizations, and other customers purchasing with a purchase order.
Purchase Order InformationSchools & Government
Explore purchasing resources for schools, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and other institutions.
View Organization ResourcesNeed help finding adaptive equipment?
Search available funding resources or contact eSpecial Needs for assistance identifying products and obtaining an equipment quote.