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Qualified individuals with disabilities may receive AT through Vocational Rehabilitation or through employment / work incentive programs.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
The original purpose of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act was to assure that all individuals with disabilities were able to live their lives as independently as possible. The 1993 revisions added assistive technology (AT) and a presumption of ability, meaning that VR counselors must assume that all individuals regardless of the severity of their disability must be regarded as being able to work. Because of the revision, the Alaska State VR plan must now describe how a broad range of rehabilitation technology services will be provided at each stage of the rehabilitation process. It must also describe the manner in which AT devices and services will be provided, or work site assessments will be made as part of the assessment for determining eligibility and the vocational rehabilitation needs of each individual.
Assistive technology (AT) may be provided as part of employment or independent living. The key to obtaining funding is the inclusion of AT in the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The technology must be needed to enhance or improve independent skills so they can obtain and sustain employment. Students are not eligible for services from DVR until age 14. DVR should become involved through transition planning that is required to start by the time the student is 16 years old.
Funding of Assistive Technology
The services available through Alaska's state vocational rehabilitation (VR) system can play a critical role in assisting people with disabilities to enter the work force. As with any other area of life, assistive technology (AT) can greatly enhance the employment options for many people with disabilities.
For additional information contact the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Website: http://labor.state.ak.us/dvr/home.htm
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Funding Resources 
