April 23, 2026  – Pennsylvania has introduced a significant policy change to how assistive technology is funded for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), aiming to provide greater flexibility as participants’ needs evolve over time.

The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) announced that it has eliminated a longstanding $10,000 lifetime cap on assistive technology under the state’s Consolidated Waiver. In its place, the agency has implemented a new $3,000 annual limit for participants. The change also applies to related waiver programs, including the Community Living and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waivers, though those programs structure the funding slightly differently.

According to ODP, the move is designed to address a key limitation of the previous system. Under the lifetime cap, participants could exhaust their funding early, leaving little room to adapt as their needs changed. The new annual model allows individuals to access resources year after year, which officials say better supports long-term independence and quality of life.

For individuals enrolled in the Consolidated Waiver, expenses that exceed the $3,000 yearly threshold may still be approved through an exception process. Meanwhile, participants in the Community Living and P/FDS waivers will see assistive technology costs counted within their broader annual service budgets, rather than as a separate capped category.

Assistive technology, as defined by ODP, includes a wide range of tools and supports that help individuals live more independently. These can include communication devices, environmental control systems, and equipment that assists with everyday activities such as dressing or mobility. Funding may also cover related services, including customization, maintenance, evaluations, and software. In most cases, electronic devices can be replaced every five years to ensure functionality and relevance.

Some limitations remain in place. For example, generators are still subject to a separate $5,000 lifetime cap and must be used at a participant’s primary residence. Unlike other assistive technology expenses, this cap cannot be adjusted through the state’s variance process.

State data offers additional context on how widely these services are used. During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, more than 19,000 individuals were enrolled in the Consolidated Waiver, while over 7,000 participated in the Community Living Waiver and more than 11,000 in the P/FDS Waiver. However, only a small portion of participants currently utilize the assistive technology benefit.

Advocates and policymakers will likely monitor the impact of the change in the coming years, particularly as more participants consider using assistive technology to support independence. By shifting from a lifetime cap to an annual allowance, Pennsylvania is taking a step toward a more flexible, needs-based approach to long-term support services.