Free Laptops for People with Disabilities
This is one of the few groups with a real funding mechanism beyond donation-based nonprofits — state vocational rehabilitation programs and Medicaid waivers can sometimes fund a computer directly as assistive technology.
Who This Is For
Individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities — especially those receiving SSI, SSDI, or VA disability compensation — as well as those in state vocational rehabilitation programs.
Your Best Pathways
- Apply to your state's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. Every state has one. Assistive technology including laptops is a covered service. Search "[your state] vocational rehabilitation" to apply.
- Use SSI or SSDI as proof of eligibility at PCs for People, Human-I-T, and Computers with Causes.
- Contact Adaptive.org — they specialize in assistive technology for people with disabilities and can refer you to specialized equipment.
- Ask your healthcare provider. A letter of medical necessity can make a computer eligible as a Medicaid assistive technology benefit in some states.
Programs That Serve People with Disabilities
PCs for People→
Accepts SSI and SSDI as qualifying benefits. Ships accessible refurbished laptops nationwide.
Adaptive.org→
Specializes in assistive and adaptive technology for people with disabilities, including refurbished computers configured for accessibility needs.
Computers with Causes→
Open application available to individuals with disabilities facing financial hardship.
Human-I-T→
Income-based laptop and internet bundle. SSDI and SSI enrollment accepted as proof of eligibility.
Assistive Technology to Look For
When applying, mention your specific accessibility needs. Many refurbishers can pre-configure devices with:
- Screen magnification (built into Windows and macOS)
- Screen reader software (NVDA is free)
- Large-key keyboards and trackball mice
- Voice recognition (Windows Speech Recognition is built-in)