Print this page
Print large text version

Assistive Technology Grant could meet up to 25% of the cost of assistive technology

Release Date: Nov 19th, 2007

What is it?

The Assistive Technology Acquisition Grant (ATAG) is an initiative of NCBI being piloted towards the end of defraying the cost of assistive technology for people who are blind or vision impaired. The ATAG is intended to help meet up to 25% of the cost of assistive technology which is not fully or partly funded by any existing grant arrangements and whose cost is being borne by an individual. NCBI has allocated €15,000 to this scheme during its pilot phase.

The pilot scheme has been introduced following representations from the Visually Impaired Computer Society of Ireland (VICS) to assist those individuals who for a variety of reasons find themselves having to purchase Screen readers, reading machines (including CCTVs), Braille printers or Braille displays.

How does it work?

  • The ATAG can be used to fund up to 25% of the cost of a single AT product, provided the item’s price does not exceed €3,000.
  • If a single AT product costs greater than €3,000, the ATAG may cover up to €750 of the purchase price before the application of Value Added Tax (VAT).
  • All AT products purchased on or after 1st April 2007 are eligible for funding under the pilot arrangement for the ATAG until the fund shall become exhausted.
  • Access to the ATAG is limited to people who are blind or vision impaired and who are resident in the Republic Of Ireland.
  • Recipients of funding from the ATAG are responsible for any maintenance and upgrades concerned with the AT product purchased under the scheme.

How to apply?

Anyone wishing to avail of the ATAG must submit a completed application form to NCBI. Forms are available from NCBI in print, large print, Braille or electronic formats. Alternatively, you can download the application form [Word, 33KB] and return it to NCBI.

All applications are considered on a case by case basis. NCBI reserves the right to exclude from funding any item of assistive technology which it deems does not conform with what it believes to be appropriate for this pilot scheme.

When does Funding come through?

Successful applicants are awarded funds from the ATAG, on submission of a purchase receipt for the product.

If the AT product is to be purchased through NCBI, and if the item has been approved for funding from the ATAG scheme, the cost of the item to the individual will be reduced accordingly. Where an eligible individual purchases through NCBI, NCBI will reclaim any VAT on the item on behalf of the purchasing individual and will reduce the price to be paid by the value of the VAT refund and the grant from the ATAG.

Contact:

Stuart Lawler at NCBI will assist you If you wish to obtain further guidance in applying for equipment under this scheme. Telephone 01 8821901, or email stuart.lawler@ncbi.ie.

Pilot now complete

Please note that this pilot scheme has now come to and end (1st April 2008)