Funding Assistance for Pediatric & Big Kid Belt Canes
Funding Pathways
Financial assistance may be available for all Pediatric and Big Kid Belt Cane models, subject to funding availability through insurance, Medicaid, Early Intervention, or school-based assistive technology funding. When traditional funding sources are unavailable, Safe Toddles works to ensure that cost does not prevent an MVI/B child from accessing mobility technology.
Medically Necessary Equipment
Children with a mobility visual impairment or blindness in the United States qualify for funding through insurance or.
Safe Toddles works with Durable Medical Equipment Suppliers (DMEs) such as our partners at National Seating & Mobility, to help families pursue insurance coverage through established processes.
Possible funding sources include:
✓ Private Insurance
✓ Medicaid
✓ State Disability Programs
✓ Medical Equipment Funding Programs
Typical Process
-
Child is evaluated by qualified professional.
-
Medical necessity is documented.
-
A DME supplier assists with the funding process.
-
Insurance or Medicaid reviews the request.
-
If approved, the Belt Cane is provided through the funding source.
Educationally Necessary Equipment
By law: Assistive Technology (AT) The IEP Team must consider whether the MVI/B child requires AT devices and services at each IEP meeting. The Pediatric Belt Cane qualifies as assistive mobility technology and should be listed on the child's IFSP, IEP, or transition plan as "needed to support developmental and educational participation".
Typical Process
-
Child's educational team is sent a request for a Mobility Device Assistive Technology Evaluation.
-
Gather and submit expert recommendations & reports.
-
Emphasize that your request for the wearable belt cane as assistive technology is not a “luxury” but essential for your child to participate safely and independently.
-
Ensure correct and effective IEP language
-
The Belt Cane belongs in the Assistive Technology Section: list the device, as a “correctly fitted wearable belt cane”.
-
Include training for the student, teacher(s), aides, and mobility staff.
-
When listed on the IEP/IFSP, the Belt Cane is provided through state/federal funding.
How Families Obtain a Belt Cane
Sequence | Goal | Description |
|---|---|---|
Step 1: | Recognize the need | Mobility visual impairment or blindness is affecting my child's safe and independent movement. |
Step 2: | Obtain Supporting Documentation | Medical and educational professionals document the need for a Belt Cane. |
Step 3: | Apply for Funding | Submit requests through insurance, Medicaid, a DME supplier, IFSP, IEP or transition team. |
Step 4: | Receive a Decision | Funding is approved or denied. |
Step 5: | We're Here to Help | If funding is denied, Safe Toddles may be able to provide financial assistance. |
Does insurance cover a Belt Cane?
Yes, many children may qualify for insurance coverage for a Pediatric or Big Kid Belt Cane when it is determined to be medically necessary. Safe Toddles partners with National Seating & Mobility (NSM), a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider, to help families pursue insurance funding through the established DME process.
IF FUNDING IS DENIED
❤️
We Understand Funding Is Not Always Available
Safe Toddles believes children should not be denied mobility technology solely because funding systems fail to provide access.
When traditional funding sources are unavailable, we may be able to:
✓ Reduce the purchase price
✓ Arrange alternative funding
✓ Connect families with donors
✓ Fully fund a Pediatric Belt Cane when charitable resources permit
Before Applying for Assistance
Please provide two or more of the following:
01
Insurance denial letter
02
IFSP funding denial
03
IEP funding denial
04
Written explanation of unavailable funding sources
GET A PEDRIACTRIC BELT CANE
Choose your next step.
We'll guide you through every step — from sizing to funding to documentation.
