Obtaining an iPad

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 18, 2025
An iPad can be a game‑changer for students who are blind or have low vision, offering built-in accessibility and access to specialized apps. Here are updated ways families can obtain one:

​School District IEP Provision

​If the iPad is determined necessary for curriculum access, schools must provide and support it under the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The district owns the device and the school will most likely manage it, but it can typically travel between home and school, as per IEP agreements. A thorough AT evaluation by a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or an AT specialist ensures the iPad is the best fit. The evaluation will identify needs (e.g., screen reader, magnification) and recommend suitable apps and accessories.

Insurance Coverage

​Some health insurance and Medicaid waivers may classify an iPad as durable medical equipment (DME). Although not routine, coverage is possible, especially for documented educational/medical necessity. Providing detailed information about the educational and communication needs of the student, as well as the specific features and apps that would benefit them, may increase the chances of approval

​Charitable Grants & Foundations

Numerous nonprofits provide technology grants—including iPads—for students with disabilities:
  • Little Bear Gives (for children with Cortical Visual Impairment)
  • Danny’s Wish Foundation (for nonverbal children with autism)
  • Autism Care Today (ACT Today) grants – up to $5,000, usable for assistive tech
  • ASDF – iPad For Kids Program
  • Small Steps in Speech grants for communication devices, including tablets
  • Oracle Health Foundation pediatric grants covering assistive tech
  • Lions Clubs and other civic groups frequently support vision-related assistive tech like iPads, especially when collaborating with other local agencies
  • “Crowdfunding” platforms such as GoFundMe or DonorsChoose allow families to raise funds directly. Encourage birthday/gift requests in lieu of cards.

​Tips for Success

  • Document Need – Include AT evaluations, vision assessments, and IEP goals in applications.
  • Apply Widely – Different programs serve different populations—apply to all that fit your child’s needs.
  • Watch Deadlines – Timelines vary; some programs only open once annually.
  • Follow Up – If applications go unanswered, reach out.
  • Plan for Extras – Factor in protective case, apps, refreshable braille display, and insurance.

​If You're Unsure...

  • Request an AT evaluation through the school.
  • Talk to your child’s TVI or rehabilitation specialist.
  • Research funding options through groups like PACER Center, ABLE programs, and Children’s Special Health Care Services (varies by state).
By exploring these options, families can work towards obtaining an iPad for their child with visual impairments, ensuring access to technology that supports their educational and communication goals.

Subscribe today!

Subscribe today to unlock premium resources & printables. Choose the subscription level that best fits your needs and get immediate access to additional printable resources, ECC tools, and more. Subscription plans are individual and non-transferable. Your membership helps sustain and grow this resource for the vision community. ​​Thank you for your support!

Article Pages

VI Basics
History of VI ​Vision Professionals​ ​Professional Publications ​​Program Tools & Templates ​Policy & Advocacy ​​Professional Support AT Resources​
Service Planning
VI Referrals​ ​Medical Vision Exam ​Visual DiagnosisFVLMALow Vision EvaluationsOther Evaluations​Service PlansGoals & Objectives
Consultation
​Unique Visual Needs
​Collaboration​​Instructional Adaptations​Environmental Adaptations​​Material Adaptations​Access ClassesFamily Resources
Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development​Alternative Communication​Emergent Literacy​Beginning Braille​​Braille Code​Braille Fluency & Comprehension​Braillewriter​​​​​Slate & Stylus Basics *S
​​​Nemeth Code Instruction *S
​​​Tactile Graphics​Print Concepts​​Abacus ​​Organize​​​Study Skills​​Time Management
Sensory Efficiency
​Auditory Efficiency​​​​​Listening Skills​​Visual Efficiency Skills​​Optical Device Use​Tactile Readiness
Assistive Technology
AT Assessment ​AT Instruction​
AT Basic Use ​​AT Problem Solving ​Braille Notetaker ​iOS/Tablet Instruction Audio Skills ​Video Magnifiers ​​Basic Computer Use Access Productivity
Social Skills
​Non-Verbal Skills​​​​​CommunicateCooperativeIdentity & Self-Awareness​Interactions & RelationshipsManaging Challenges & Safety
Self-Determination
Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene  ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation​Household SkillsClothing Management​Money & BudgetShopping & ConsumerismPhone Use​Safety & Emergency Preparedness​​Services & Community Resources
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure Skills
Career & Vocational
Interactive Activities
Recorded Presentations
Lesson Planning 
Thematic Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall Units​​Winter Units​​Spring UnitsHoliday Units
Printable Resources
**Additionally, each Teach Subscription page and each Thematic Unit contains additional unique printables!
*M = free member pages
*S = Basic subscription pages
*CS = Complete set bonus
*A = All Access subscription pages