Due to the high cost of many high tech devices, the majority of these products are purchased through a “third party payment system.” Before embarking on the complexities of this reimbursement system, it is very important to point out that direct consumer purchase (private pay) is always an option.

Funding for a piece of technology is about resource allocation. Persons with disabilities, along with their support network, can directly purchase, using their own funds, almost any piece of AT. When using their own resources, they should have a much quicker purchasing experience (do not need to wait for third party approvals) and can often negotiate a lower price, (as a private pay sale represents substantially less paperwork and overhead for the vendor than a third party payment sale).

If there are insufficient resources available for private pay, than the person needs to involve a “third party payer”. The term third payer comes from the type of commercial transaction taking place. The person with a disability may be the “end user,” but they are not the payer. The seller (manufacturer or supplier) is actually “selling” the product to a “third party” – the agency responsible for providing the funds for purchase, but not the actual “end user”.

One of the biggest barriers to accessible technology, is figuring out the “third party payment system.” There are multiple potential sources of funding, from both public and private agencies. Each program has its own coverage criteria and its own process for requesting funding. In an effort to insure the end user is getting an “appropriate” solution, most third party payers require submission of justification of need. Most agencies require involvement of a professional to determine and justify the need. As a professional being requested to submit requests for funding, it is critical to understand each agency’s “mandate” and the required submission processes.

Experience in seeking funding is a wonderful teacher. Look for other professionals who been successful in securing funding. Always keep the consumer informed and try and give each consumer as much power as the system allows.

Several commonly used payment sources are outlined below. In addition to the overview descriptions of frequently used third party payers, there are several “guides to funding” – to find “tips” from others who have had more experience.