Ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed is paramount for every college. The use of Assistive Technology (AT) plays a pivotal role in empowering students to learn effectively, particularly when it comes to helping disabled students to achieve educational parity.
However, funding Assistive Technology (AT) initiatives can be a significant hurdle for many educational institutions.
To help educators overcome these barriers, Genio explored the different types of funding available as well as how to build an environment where those students that don’t self advocate, are still supported to succeed.
Strategies to secure funding
To address the challenge of funding Assistive Technology (AT) initiatives, institutions can explore various avenues:
Grant funding
For Disability Services departments facing budget constraints, especially when it comes to purchasing technology for accommodation provision, grants and funds offer a valuable resource.
Here are a few examples of grants that you might be able to use:
1. Strengthening Institutions Program
Aims to support higher education institutions in becoming self-sufficient and expanding their capacity to serve low-income students. Grants typically range from $400,000 to $550,000 per year.
2. VETSTART (CEVSS)
The focus of this grant aims to support institutions prioritising veteran student support.
Requirements include:
- Monitoring rates of veteran student enrollment, persistence, and completion
- Providing supportive instructional services, including:
- Personal, academic, and career counseling
- Tutoring and academic skill-building instruction
3. Title V - Hispanic Serving Institutions/DHSI Grant
This grant aims to assist Hispanic Serving Institutions in expanding educational opportunities and improving attainment for Hispanic students.
To be eligible for this, institutions must be designated eligible for Title V Part A and Title III, Part F programs and also be defined as an HSI.
4. PBI Grant
This grant aims to help African-American students achieve academic success, specifically in STEM fields, health education, and teaching.
Eligibility:
- At least 40% Black American students, with more than 1,000 undergraduates
- At least 50% of undergraduates are low-income individuals or first-generation college students
- At least 50% enrolled in programs leading to a bachelor's or associate's degree
Student tech fees
Implementing a dedicated student tech fee can generate a consistent revenue stream for AT projects. Some institutions charge students per credit hour to raise funds for technology initiatives so it could be worth looking at.
Also, student government/council may have a technology budget to support all students and offices typically apply to access a proportion of these funds.
So, another opportunity worth looking at is how to work with them to approve funding as they may be involved in how the funds are used.
Departmental collaboration
Partnering with other departments can expand the funding pool by demonstrating the broader benefits of AT across the institution.
Common collaborators include:
- Student Affairs or Student Success
- Administration (e.g., Dean or Provost)
- IT departments
- Student government
- UDL and instructional design departments
Adopting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can help to improve learning outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) focuses on creating flexible and inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse needs.
By embracing UDL, institutions can foster a more equitable and accessible learning experience for all students, regardless of their disabilities.
Examples of successful implementation
Several institutions have successfully implemented campus wide AT initiatives through innovative funding strategies.
For example, Berkshire University collaborated with the Dean of Student Affairs to secure funding, while Wilfrid Laurier University involved multiple departments and councils in the decision-making process.
Funding assistive technology is essential for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments.
By understanding the challenges faced by students with disabilities, adopting UDL principles, and exploring diverse funding options, institutions can make significant strides in improving accessibility and supporting the academic success of all learners.
There are even more insights in the full webinar. Rewatch the webinar to gain a deeper understanding of how to go about funding assistive technology across your campus.
