Funding Options for Assistive Devices for Children with Communication Difficulties

By Rouzan Dishoian, MS, CCC-SLP

Finding funding for assistive devices for your child can be a challenging process. Here are four key ways to seek financial support:

1. Funding Through the Regional Center

The Regional Center offers valuable support, especially for children under three years of age who receive services through them:

• Begin by consulting your child’s speech therapist, who can write a referral for an AAC evaluation to your service coordinator.
• After the evaluation, a specialist will recommend an appropriate assistive device.
• Based on the specialist’s recommendation, the Regional Center will fund the device if it meets the child’s developmental needs and no other funding sources are available

2. Funding Through the School District

For children over three years of age who receive services through the school district:

• Parents can request an AAC evaluation as part of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• If the evaluation shows that an assistive device is necessary for the child’s educational participation, the school district must provide and fund the device as part of the IEP

3. Funding Through Health Insurance

Health insurance may cover assistive devices under certain conditions:

• A medical diagnosis is often required for health insurance to fund the device. The device must be classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and deemed medically necessary.
• Consumer products such as iPads are generally not covered by health insurance as a method of communication

4. Funding Through AbleNet

AbleNet offers funding support for assistive technology through a benefit check and trial program. Here’s how the process works:

• The child’s therapist or a family member should complete a benefit check using AbleNet’s online form: QuickTalker Freestyle Client Information Form.
• After submission, someone from AbleNet will contact the family within a week to confirm if the insurance covers the device.
• If the insurance covers it, AbleNet provides a trial device for 30 to 90 days, depending on the insurance plan. During this trial period, the family can determine if the device suits their child’s needs.
• At the end of the trial, the speech therapist is required to write a report based on their assessment of the child’s use of the device to proceed with obtaining permanent approval and funding from the insurance

These options provide a pathway to ensure your child receives the assistive technology they need. Work closely with your child’s therapist, service coordinator, or school district to find the best option for your family.