Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Community Living, has forecasted the 2026 Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program. This opportunity is designed to increase access to assistive technology by funding programs that enable individuals with disabilities to purchase devices and services through financing mechanisms. These mechanisms may include low-interest loan funds, revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, interest buy-down programs, or insurance programs. The program reflects a longstanding federal commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to access technologies that support independence and quality of life. The purpose of this program is to create or expand financing options that give people with disabilities the ability to obtain assistive technology devices and services of their choosing. A critical requirement is that applicants demonstrate how their proposed program will expand and emphasize consumer choice and control. Additionally, applicants are expected to incorporate credit-building activities, such as financial education and awareness of alternative funding sources. These measures are intended to strengthen the financial stability of beneficiaries while ensuring equitable access to necessary technologies. Funding under this program is expected to total $1,970,000 in fiscal year 2026, with up to three awards anticipated. Individual awards will range between a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $700,000. Funding must be used to support financing structures that result in the acquisition of assistive technology devices and services. The Administration for Community Living expects awardees to develop comprehensive and inclusive programs that serve individuals regardless of disability type, health condition, income level, or geographic location. Eligible applicants include state governments, Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. The notice clarifies that foreign entities are not eligible to apply. Additionally, state agencies and community-based disability organizations directed by and operated for individuals with disabilities are specifically highlighted as eligible. Faith-based and community organizations may also participate if they meet the eligibility requirements. The forecasted application timeline begins with an estimated posting date of February 2, 2026. The anticipated deadline for applications is April 7, 2026, with awards expected to be announced on September 1, 2026. Funded projects are also scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026. As this is a forecast, these dates may be subject to change but provide applicants with early notice to prepare proposals. The program is not currently accepting applications and remains in the forecast stage. Applicants seeking additional information may review resources on the Administration for Community Living’s website. The primary contact for this funding opportunity is Robert Groenendaal, who can be reached at (202) 795-7356 or by email at Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov. The opportunity carries the assistance listing number 93.469 and falls under the discretionary funding category of science and technology and other research and development. The opportunity number is HHS-2026-ACL-CIP-ATTF-0067, and the archive date for this notice is December 31, 2026.