The Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) is Michigan’s statewide program funded under the federal Assistive Technology Act. All funds are used to support one purpose: helping people with disabilities and older adults find tools that make daily life easier.
Assistive Technology (AT) can be anything that supports day-to-day living. That includes low-tech tools like jar openers, magnifiers, and dressing aids, as well as high-tech options like memory supports, communication devices, and smart home tools. If it helps someone do something more easily, safely, or independently, it’s AT. People use assistive technology in all aspects of their lives- from gaming and crafting to learning, cooking, dressing, and reading.
Here’s how MATP can help:
We offer free device demonstrations, so you can compare AT and see what works best for you or someone you care about.
You can borrow equipment from our statewide lending library for a few weeks or a few months. This gives you time to use it in your daily life before deciding whether to pursue your own.
We provide one-on-one training and support to help you feel comfortable and confident using the technology.
What makes MATP unique is how we deliver services. We come to you—whether you're at home, at work, or in your community. Our team serves all 83 counties in Michigan, including rural and remote areas where access to AT may be limited. The best part? All our services are free, thanks to federal and grant funding.
We’re also a program for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities. Lived experience shapes how we support others.
Ruth’s Story
MATP connected with Ruth, a woman in her 60s, through her daughter who attended an MATP training. Ruth was experiencing a change in her ability to communicate overtime due to her disability and needed Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support her communication needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. MATP collaborated with Ruth, her husband, her daughter, and her speech therapist to get her access to AAC, (that wasn’t otherwise available in the rural area where she lives), to trial. Ruth expressed excitement and joy to have an easier way to talk about her many children and grandchildren again. She is currently trying loaned AAC from MATP!
Lennon’s Story
MATP was approached by a Speech Therapist with Michigan's Early On Program asking for AT supports for Lennon, an 18-month-old girl with a rare genetic condition that results in low muscle tone. Lennon was just learning how to sit with props. The Early On therapists were recommending a Special Tomato Soft Touch with Roller Base device to help Lennon participate in play, socializing, therapies, and eating. The therapist asked if the family could borrow the seating system while they worked on getting the device through their insurance. Early On, the school system, and the Education Lending Library Alt Shift could not loan or provide the needed device. MATP provided a device for open ended loan while the family pursued insurance
funding. Now, Lennon is able to move around with her brother pushing her, play, and interact, and have an upright, safe posture while eating and participating in speech therapy. According to her speech therapist, this seat is "So huge a support for this family!"
These are just two examples of how assistive technology can change lives. At MATP, we believe everyone deserves access to tools that support their goals—regardless of age, location, or disability.
Learn more about MATP.
Do you have a story to share? Know a rural organization or individual making a difference? Email Laura Stoddard, Social Drivers of Health Manager, at laura.mispelon@affiliate.msu.edu, and let us share your story!