What is assistive technology and how can I get funding for it?

The term “assist technology” generally refers to products, devices, and equipment that are purchased, adapted, or custom-built and are intended to maintain, improve, or enhance the functional abilities of people with disabilities.

Thanks to technology, their quality of life improves because it allows for a greater degree of independence in functioning: performing daily tasks, communicating, working, studying, and being creative.  

The accessories can contribute to improving physical or mental functions, strengthen physical or mental weaknesses, assist in overcoming disorders and disabilities, help prevent the condition from worsening, help improve learning abilities, and even serve as a replacement for missing limbs.

The database of assistive technologies presented on the site is wide and diverse. Some of them have a funding or assistance entity, and some do not have a funding entity. The policy in this area is not uniform – each entity operates according to its own procedures, so it is recommended that everyone who requests it check their eligibility for financial assistance with the relevant entity.

Funding bodies:

1. Ministry of Health: Assists in financing rehabilitation, mobility and walking devices for people who suffer from permanent disabilities and live in the community (not hospitalized). Eligibility is according to Appendix 3 to the State Health Law and in accordance with Ministry of Health procedures.For information about eligibility for mobility devices, click here
2. Ministry of Defense: Disabled Rehabilitation Division for disabled IDF and Defense Forces personnel, who are eligible under the Disabled Persons (Compensations and Rehabilitation) Law or the Police (Disabled and Casualties) Law. For information about the rights of disabled IDF personnel, click here
3. National Insurance: Assists victims of work accidents who are eligible under the National Insurance Law and victims of hostilities who are eligible under the Compensation for Victims of Hostilities Law.
4. The Ministry of Housing – assists with grants and loans for internal and external renovations to enable access to the home.

Health Services: Eligibility for assistance for some of the equipment is according to the National Health Law and for some, within the framework of supplementary insurance.

Insurance Companies: Anyone recognized by the insurance company for this purpose is eligible for assistance.