Assistive technology programs in Seattle and Boston: where to borrow, try and finance devices

What to take away

How the two states' programs are set up

Both cities are served by a state program funded under the federal Assistive Technology Act. The statute (29 U.S.C. 3003) tells each state to support financing activities, run device reutilization programs and short-term device loan programs, and demonstrate a variety of devices with staff who know them. The same text says state financing activities do not include direct payment for a device for an individual. See the Act's text.

In practice this means a state AT Act program is the place to try a device before you buy it, or to find a reused one. The national technical assistance center, AT3, publishes each program's contact details: Washington and Massachusetts.

If you are still working out which kind of tool you need, read assistive tools compared first. For the built-in options on a phone or computer you already own, see how to set up accessibility features.

Seattle and Washington State

WATAP. The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program sits inside the University of Washington Center for Technology and Disability and serves people with disabilities and older adults, plus family, caregivers, employers and educators. Its services, from its own pages:

Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. The WTBBL, run by the Secretary of State, serves Washington residents who cannot read standard print because of legal blindness, visual impairment, a physical disability that prevents turning pages or holding a book for extended periods, DeafBlindness or a reading disability (see its eligibility and application page). Its equipment page lists Zoomax and HumanWare braille eReaders with 20-cell refreshable braille displays, provided free to eligible patrons on long-term loan. It also offers 60-minute one-on-one technology training, virtual or in person, on 206-615-0400 or 800-542-0866. Its tech training page says it cannot recommend specific products.

Department of Services for the Blind (DSB). For people with visual disabilities, DSB has assistive technology specialists who help evaluate, select, acquire and learn devices for work, education or daily living. Its independent living program offers free help with aids such as magnifiers and talking watches to eligible people.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR lists assistive technology services among its offerings, tied to an employment goal. The key current fact is the Order of Selection. DVR closed all five priority categories on December 8, 2025. People without a signed Individualized Plan for Employment before that date are placed on a waiting list, and people with a signed plan keep receiving services. If you are on the list, DVR says your counselor will give you information and referrals to other programs. For how VR funding works nationally, see assistive technology funding through vocational rehabilitation.

Boston and Massachusetts

MassMATCH. The AT3 listing shows the program at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, 600 Washington St., Boston, with device loan, device demonstration, device reutilization and financial loan services. Easterseals Massachusetts describes MassAbility as the former Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, so expect both names. Email info@massmatch.org or call 877-508-3974.

Assistive Technology Regional Centers. MassAbility's regional centers, hosted by Easterseals, are lending libraries. Easterseals says Massachusetts residents can learn about, try and borrow devices free for 30 days, in areas such as communication, education, hearing and vision, and daily living. People with and without disabilities and their families can use them. You create a free user account to search the inventory. Listed locations:

Alternative Finance Program. The Massachusetts Alternative Finance Program, operated by Easterseals with MassAbility funding, lists three programs:

Items it names as covered include hearing aids, computers, flashing doorbells, electric wheelchairs or scooters, adapted vehicles and home modifications such as portable ramps or stair lifts. Eligibility and terms are the program's to confirm, so ask before assuming you qualify.

Vocational rehabilitation. MassAbility is the state's successor to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Check eligibility, any waiting list and its assistive technology process with the agency directly. This directory did not confirm current VR rules for Massachusetts.

Local contact. The Boston Center for Independent Living lists offices at 60 Temple Place, Boston and 1526 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, phone 617-338-6665. Its website says it is being updated, so call to ask what is available.

Schools and workplaces

Assistive technology is not only a benefits question.

A sensible order of steps

Editorial suggestion, not a rule from any agency:

Sources