New Mexico Assistive Technology: NMTAP and FundAbility Loans

What NMTAP Provides

The New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) is a New Mexico assistive-technology program. It offers assistive technology assessments and device loans.

An NMTAP assessment can help a family document the individual's assistive-technology needs. When the family contacts another program, it should confirm that program's documentation and medical-necessity requirements rather than assume the NMTAP assessment will be accepted automatically.

The short-term loan program lets families try a device before committing to purchase. That can help determine whether a specific tablet-based communication app, switch interface, or adapted keyboard actually works in the individual's daily environment.

FundAbility: Loans for Equipment Purchase

When a family identifies the right assistive technology but can't cover the cost outright, FundAbility provides an alternative to out-of-pocket purchase. FundAbility is New Mexico's assistive technology financial loan program, offering loans to help people with disabilities purchase adaptive equipment and technology.

The program provides financial loans to help people with disabilities purchase adaptive equipment. Families should confirm FundAbility's current eligibility rules, loan terms, and covered purchases before applying.

Because SSI and Medicaid treatment can depend on the specific loan and purchase, families should confirm the transaction with a benefits counselor before finalizing it — Partners for Employment at UNM's Center for Development and Disability provides this analysis at no cost.

Coordinating AT Funding Across Programs

Assistive technology funding in New Mexico rarely comes from a single source. The practical approach is to layer multiple programs:

• IEP/school district: When assistive technology is required for educational access in the IEP, the school district is responsible for providing it as part of FAPE. Confirm ownership and what happens at graduation before relying on the school-funded device.
• NMDVR: If the assistive technology is necessary for competitive integrated employment, ask whether NMDVR can authorize the purchase through the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). For Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), ask the counselor whether the requested technology fits the specific workplace-readiness activity.
• Medicaid/Turquoise Care MCO: Ask the individual's MCO what durable medical equipment coverage and prior-authorization rules apply.
• DD or Mi Via waiver: Ask the case manager or Mi Via consultant whether the requested equipment is an approved good or service under the person's plan and budget.
• FundAbility loan: Ask whether a financial loan for adaptive equipment can cover a remaining purchase cost.

AT Planning During the Adult Transition

For families navigating the transition at age 18, assistive technology planning intersects several benefit systems simultaneously. A device provided through a school IEP may not automatically transfer to the student after graduation. Families need to confirm ownership and plan replacement funding before FAPE eligibility ends (at age 22 for Ability diploma graduates, or upon Standard diploma graduation).

The New Mexico SSI at 18 & Adult Disability Benefits Guide includes a transition timeline that maps when each funding source becomes available and when school-based entitlements end, so families can sequence AT funding requests across the right programs at the right time.

See more New Mexico guides →