The Long Term Device Loan Program provides loans of assistive technology devices to disabled residents of Massachusetts living in households with incomes under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. These assistive technology devices must have a total cost of under $500 (including all shipping, taxes, and other necessary costs), must be reusable, and may not be customized.
Funding is limited for this program, and applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. Applications with the highest priority are those in which the requested device is required to meet physical health and safety needs, improve the independence of the individual by providing a means to accomplish tasks of daily living, and/or the applicants require assistive technology as the primary means of communication.
Generally, examples of higher priority items include, but are not limited to, portable ramps for primary access to a residence, alert notification systems for the hearing impaired, grab bars for bathroom access, and speaking devices.
Lower priority items include those devices that will have a significant positive impact on daily living (other than above), applicants who require assistive technology for online activities, and devices that are necessary to support educational and social goals.
Generally, examples of lower priority items include, but are not limited to, vibrating alarm clocks, magnifiers, tablets and computers, and exercise equipment.
Eligible applications are filled by priority, and then by date received. Applicants seeking lower priority items may have a longer wait time before receiving their device.
All devices must be for an assistive technology product necessary to maintain or improve the functioning of a person with a disability, as it relates to the disability. When completing your application, please be specific when describing how the assistive technology device you are requesting will improve your current situation based on challenges related to your disability in order for the Massachusetts Alternative Finance Team to properly prioritize your application.
General Eligibility
To be eligible for a Long Term Device Loan, the applicant must:
- be a Massachusetts resident, or applying on behalf of a Massachusetts resident
- have a disability, or be applying on behalf of a person with a disability
- be seeking an assistive technology product to maintain or improve the functioning of a person with a disability as it relates to the disability
- have selected a device with a total cost of under $500, including all associated costs (taxes, shipping, etc.)
- have selected a device that may be purchased from a reputable and legitimate vendor (examples include Amazon, Best Buy, Diglo, etc.)
- demonstrate a household income under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- submit a complete application
- submit all documentation necessary to prove eligibility
Family Size (Household Size) : Annual Income (per year)
- 1: $30,120
- 2: $40,880
- 3: $51,640
- 4: $62,400
- 5: $73,160
- 6: $83,920
- 7: $94,680
- 8: $105,440
- Each additional person: $10,760
General Information
- Applicants will be updated by email or regular mail on the status of their application
- Purchases are made monthly based on available funds
- Devices are shipped to the applicant. The applicant must provide a safe shipping address. Stolen devices or devices shipped to the wrong address are not repurchased.
- Easterseals Massachusetts purchases and owns the device with a three year loan term lease
- Devices must be returned to Easterseals Massachusetts if they are no longer needed
- There is no technical support for the Long Term Device Program
- Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program staff may not assist individuals in choosing a device to assist with an individual’s disability.
