# How can schools pay for assistive technology for autistic students?

> IDEA duties, district budgets, grants, state AT programs and device loans, and how to build a funding request.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/assistive-technology-funding-schools
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Under IDEA, districts must make assistive technology available when a student's IEP team decides it's needed, at no cost to families, including home use when required. Funding usually comes from district and IDEA budgets. Schools can also use grants, state assistive technology programs (which run device loans and demonstrations), and pilot budgets for tools that support many students.

**Key takeaways**
- IDEA requires AT **when the IEP team decides it's needed**.
- AT in the IEP is **free to families**, including **home use** if needed.
- **State AT programs** offer loans and demonstrations.
- Low-cost tools can fit **classroom or pilot budgets**.

## What does IDEA require?

Districts must ensure assistive technology devices and services are available if a student needs them, and IEP teams must consider AT for every student.[1][2] Home use must be allowed when the IEP team decides it's needed.[1]

## Where does the money come from?

| Source | Best for |
| --- | --- |
| District special education budget | AT listed in IEPs |
| IDEA Part B funds | Special education services and supports |
| Classroom or school budgets | Low-cost apps used by many students |
| Grants and foundations | Pilots and larger projects |
| State AT programs | Loans, demonstrations and guidance |

State assistive technology programs are listed by the AT3 Center.[3]

## How do I build a funding request?

1. **Name the need**: which students and IEP goals.
2. **Show the tool** and cost per student.
3. **Share privacy details.**
4. **Propose a pilot** with measures.

**Pricing for schools.** For school or district pricing and procurement questions, contact us through the schools page and we'll talk it
  through.

## What can I do next?

- [ ] Check which students have AT in their IEPs
- [ ] Contact your state AT program
- [ ] Draft a one-page funding request

Read next: [What assistive technology belongs in an IEP?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/assistive-technology-iep)

## Common questions

### Must families pay for AT in the IEP?

No. AT the IEP team decides is needed must be provided at no cost to the family.

### Can AT go home?

Yes, if the IEP team decides the student needs it at home to receive a free appropriate public education.

### Where can we try AT before buying?

Every state has an assistive technology program, many offering device loans and demonstrations.

## Sources

1. Legal Information Institute: 34 CFR § 300.105, assistive technology. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.105
2. Legal Information Institute: 34 CFR § 300.324, development, review and revision of IEP. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.324
3. AT3 Center: State assistive technology programs. https://www.at3center.net/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.