Support Funding for the MassAbility Assistive Technology Independent Living (ATIL) Program
FY 2027 Budget Request
Providing in-home services to help individuals with significant disabilities live more independently and safely. Please add $500,000 for funding for the MassAbility Assistive Technology Independent Living Program in line item 4120-4000. Support Funding for the MassAbility Assistive Technology Independent Living Program.
Easterseals Massachusetts is requesting $500,000 in the FY27 budget for the MassAbility Assistive Technology Independent Living (ATIL) Program (line item 4120-4000), which provides free assistive technology equipment and training to Massachusetts residents with significant disabilities so they can live safely and independently in their homes and communities. Easterseals holds the state’s only comprehensive ATIL contract and serves people who cannot perform major life activities without assistance, using tools like communication devices, computer technology, and electronic daily-living aids. Due to funding cuts, rising equipment costs, and repeated rate increases with no contract growth, the program’s capacity has dropped sharply, with available units down 68% over five years and client volume projected to fall from over 4,000 in FY22 to about 1,962 in FY26. Without the requested increase, another 500 people with disabilities will be denied life-changing technology in FY27, even as demand continues to grow.
Please take action by writing to your legislators: TBA
