The guidelines are intended to assist individuals seeking government or private agency help to obtain funding for the purchase of communication aids or prostheses. First, the need for a communication aid and selection of an aid or prosthesis are considered. Five steps are identified in the process of securing funding and include: (1) selecting a person to coordinate the effort; (2) deciding on the potential funding source or sources to approach, and making contact; (3) providing documentation to the funding source; (4) following up with appeals if necessary; and (5) arranging for purchase and training. Most of the document consists of appendixes which include a resource listing of possible funding sources including personal and/or family resources, insurance companies, government funded programs, service clubs, and foundations; a listing of the state agencies for crippled children; a listing of the state agencies for vocational rehabilitation programs; and a listing of six reference books on funding sources. (DB)