Funding Assistance for Adaptive Equipment

(Updated July 2012)

Sometimes it can seem impossible to find funding for a piece of adaptive equipment you know will vastly enrich and enhance your child or client’s life. Start by reading the online guides listed below to check that you have tried all the options that may be available to you. In particular, if you are a parent or pediatric therapist, be sure to read Funding Adaptive Mobility Equipment for Young Children with Disabilities which includes a visual algorithm of funding sources.

Scott Conlon--to whom this funding sources for adaptive equipment page is dedicated--is pictured riding his Rifton adaptive tricycle flanked by mom Janet and sister Abby.

This resource page is dedicated to the memory of Scott Conlon, seen here enjoying his Rifton bike with his sister Abby and mom Janet in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Online funding resource guides:

Many funds and foundations have been set up to help with funding for disabilities, but will often only consider an application once all other sources have been exhausted. Some national organizations provide diagnosis-specific assistance, so make sure you know which ones might apply to your situation. Religious and community organizations may also be a source of funding assistance. This list, although by no means exhaustive, is a good starting point. Another place to turn could be your community’s library and/or social service agency, who may know of other local sources of funding for adaptive equipment.

If you know an organization not listed here that provides help with funding adaptive equipment, or if you have feedback on those recommended on this page, please email info@rifton.com.

The following funds and foundations are focused on answering the needs of children and/or adults with disabilities in helping to fill the “funding gaps” where specialized equipment is needed:

Community and religious organizations may also be a source for funding AT devices, such as through local fundraising.

National organizations may provide funding assistance for diagnosis–specific AT or therapy needs, and/or help parents request pro–bono durable medical equipment.