Finding sources for funds to purchase an accessible digital audio system can be frustrating. HOwever, persistance does pay off. Various state agencies have purchased such systems for blind individuals during the past 15 years. Check with your local organizations that serve the blind population including private, nonprofit organizations, local, state, and federal agencies, and inquire with your local chapter of the American Council of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind as you choose. The American Foundation for the Blind may also be able to suggest potential funding sources. The Braille Institute of America operates a toll-free referral line for resources for persons with visual impairment. The number is 800-Braille, or (800) 272-4553. While this service is certainly not an exhaustive catalog of all resources, it may serve as an effective starting place.

The California State Department of Rehabilitation, in concert with the Braille Institute of America in Los Angeles, purchased an accessible audio production system including DigiDesign's ProTools for a totally blind client, (Rick Boggs), in 1996. To the best of our knowledge this was the first approval of a plan for a career in audio production. The plan was a great success! Since that time, several other agencies in several other states have followed suit. In 2001, the Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation SErvices Administration in Phoenix, Arizona purchased a comparable system for a blind client. Services for the blind in Florida followed suit as did agencies in other states.

Whether requesting funds from a government agency or from a private foundation or even from a venture capitalist, a clear, well-presented, thorough, presentation IN WRITING is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! It would be unreasonable to expect to receive funds for a system that could cost from $ 5,000 to $ 15,000 with nothing more than a verbal request. The presentation must demonstrate a clear understanding of the profession, evidence that pursuing such a career will be successful, and that a specific plan of action (a business plan) is in place. KNowing which equipment you may need is only a small part of the equation.

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