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What's New Hot topics Current information State AT Loan Programs Contact your state program Telework Funding and resources Loan Program Data Lending statistics Success Stories Meet people and programs Library Resources for your state loan program Grantees Only Resources just for grantees Links Connect with others Sitemap Feedback AFTAP Home | Delaware Assistive Technology Loan Fund Florida Alternative Financing Program Application FAAST partners with the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Association for Centers for Independent Living (FACIL), and the local Centers for Independent Living (CILs). The Centers are the focal point of consumer counseling regarding application, selection of devices and services, and assistance with completion of paperwork. AMSouth Bank is the lending institution partner. Georgia Department of Labor, Tools for Life Program Since Georgia does not have a state credit union for residents of Georgia, Tools for Life is partnering with a number of groups committed to improving the economic literacy, self-sufficiency, and affordable financial services for our citizens. Georgians with disabilities can benefit to a significant degree from financial counseling as an option to increase the likelihood of their success in fulfilling responsibilities as borrowers. These groups formed The GettingAhead Association (TGAA) two years ago to address statewide needs for financial education and support among many different populations. Regardless of age, economic status, education, geographic location or Georgians with disabilities can join TGAA for a $5.00 membership fee, covered by this grant or by a sponsor, which then offers them opportunities to join one of several participating credit unions. MACO and Gwinnett Federal Credit Union both serve the entire state regardless of members’ county of residence, and have on-line financial services. Tech-Able, Inc., has voluntarily served in a leadership role on behalf of all the Assistive Technology Resource Centers for many years and is involved in a leadership capacity with many other organizations. Serving in a role as the Community-Based Organization for Credit-Able, Tech-Able will lead the development of administrative and loan guarantee policies and procedures, and will provide oversight evaluation of all incoming program and consume satisfaction data. Tech-Able will work closely with all program partners affiliated as the Credit-Able Advisory Group to develop, plan, assist and evaluate Credit-Able. Tools for Life and its partners are committed to consumer choice and control of programs like Credit-Able. As the program matures, expanded opportunities will occur in every area of program operation: from selection of assistive technology, decisions about whether to pursue a loan, to leadership opportunities on the Credit-Able Advisory Group and Loan Guarantee Review Panel, and TGAA board or program staff. Guam Options for Alternative Loans - Assistive Technology (GOAL-AT) Planned goals and objectives of the GOAL-AT Project include: 1) to establish a permanent and separate account with a financial institution on Guam utilizing a proposal process; 2) to generate policies and procedures for GOAL-AT; 3) to formulate and disseminate a Request For Proposal for a community based organization that has individuals with disabilities involved in organizational decision making at all organizational levels to administer the project; 4) to advertise the availability of the GOAL-AT program and the applications for loans; 5) to work with interested applicants to determine specific assistive technology needed to facilitate independence and participation in the community; 6) to provide training on assistive technology for recipients of a loan on the particular device they acquire to ensure appropriate usage; 7) to provide follow up monitoring and technical assistance to recipients of the loan program; and 8) to maintain data and reporting information on the status and success of program and status of funding. The short-term goal of the program is to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representative to purchase assistive technology. The long-term outcome is to establish a nationwide network of permanent state AFPs that promote independence and choice. Guam’s AFP project GOAL-AT supports President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities for assistive technology, which will promote choice, independence, and community inclusion. Illinois TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program Through this grant, IATP will be able to expand its current TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program, making its available to more citizens with disabilities statewide. The consumer-controlled Advisory Committee for the TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program will further refine the program’s policies and procedures to maximize the number of individuals with disabilities and their families that can benefit from the program. The TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program will continue to promote its accessible on-line loan application form, which is available in English and Spanish, as well as, all other formats. This approach simplifies the loan application process for individuals with disabilities and their families and ensures a timelier processing of the loan applications. The overall purpose of the TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program is to provide an option to the greatest barrier preventing individuals with disabilities from obtaining needed assistive technology devices, services and home modifications – lack of funding! Iowa AFP and Telework Loan Programs The Iowa AFP and Telework loan programs will develop and implement policies and procedures beneficial to achieving the short term goals of mediating the financial barriers that have traditionally limited individuals with disabilities from obtaining the necessary assistive technology they require. The AFP and Telework programs will be administered in a manner that will allow consumers to receive technical assistance throughout the application process, a timely and fair decision making process and financial products that best meet the situation and need of the consumer. The Iowa AFP program will work to achieve the long term goals of bringing independence and inclusion to individuals with disabilities who previously lacked the financial resources to obtain the home modifications, transportation and assistive technology available. The long tem goals of the Iowa Telework program focus on the sustained employment and self-employment opportunities offered from a home based setting. It is the belief of the administrative partnership that when given the proper tools and assistance, telework and entrepreneurial opportunities from the home offer a significant advantage for competitive income earning potential while minimizing the constraints of travel, accessibility and related obstacles that disability may present. The benefits of the partnership between Iowa Able and the Abilities Fund lie in the expertise and ability of the two partners to identify and gather the supplementary resources that are available for training, technical assistance and financial programs that will offer a higher level of sustainability. The Iowa Telework program will work to market individuals with disabilities to employers as well as work with the Iowa Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program to utilize successful approaches to facilitating income potential. The Iowa AFP and Telework programs will operate primarily as loan guarantee resources to maintain the availability of program dollars. Additionally, it will be the responsibility of all parties involved to seek ongoing financial support to maintain and grow these programs with the ultimate goals of establishing permanent programs that will benefit Iowans with disabilities for years to come. Kansas Alternative Finance Program Program development activities include reviewing and implementing additional financing options that would result in increased consumer choice and control. The KATCO Advisory Board will review financing options for the Alternative Finance Program. The FY 2000 AFP loan program offered consumers access to a low-interest loan fund, a revolving loan fund, and a loan guarantee or insurance program. With the FY 2003 award, the KATCO Advisory Board will consider adding an interest buy-down program and a program operated by a partnership among private entities for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of AT devices or AT services. Dissemination and Outreach efforts for the Alternative Finance programs will include public service announcements, media campaigns, informational booths at state and regional meetings, direct mailing, articles in newspapers, and presentations made to disability and non-disability groups. Assistive Technology providers and Durable Medical Equipment vendors will be involved in media outreach efforts and will be included in public awareness efforts. Data regarding applicant characteristics, device selection, impact of access to technology, and employment outcomes will be collected and shared with the national database. Information and outcomes will be shared with policymakers. Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) The consumer-controlled KATLC Board of Directors has striven to develop an efficient and consumer-friendly loan application process. Through the use of an e-group and with direct access to Fifth Third loan officers, KATLC processes application in a timely manner, providing an answer in three days or less to the great majority of applicants. In three short years, KATLC has developed an important place in the continuum of services available to Kentuckians with disabilities. It has enabled many individuals to obtain the benefits of assistive technology. It has had a major impact on many lives. This grant allows , KATLC to further expand its lending capacity and provide this funding option to more people. Maryland Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program The projects partnerships institute innovations that make it a national model, including the following: 1. Multiple lenders – Two banks and one statewide credit union participate in the program. Three provide guaranteed loans; two offer discounted rates for non-guaranteed loans. Multiple lenders provide borrows and the program with a choice of options, and the program with leverage to negotiate better terms among all lenders. The program is now seeking a partnership with Digital Credit Union. 2. Reduced costs for AT purchase – The AT Co-Op offers exclusive purchase discounts to borrowers. 3. Increased income and resources for borrowers to help them afford AT – Benefits InfoSource and the Benefits Resource Center will assist borrowers to use SSI and Social Security work incentives to retain higher cash benefits, while the Maryland Center for Community Development will link borrowers with service providers matching funds for their savings set aside for AT purchase. 4. Alternative resources for AT evaluation and training – No Boundaries and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind provide evaluations, while Learning Independence through Computers (LINC) offers computer training for borrowers. Created by Maryland statute and initially funded through a state appropriation and two Title III grants from NIDRR, the program is administered by an independent, community-based, volunteer Board of Directors. Five of the nine current Directors – including the President and Secretary – are persons with disabilities. The Board oversees all operations, including setting policy, approving and declining lenders and managing fiscal affairs. Staff operate the program under the Board’s direction. Staff provide information and referral to applicants; handle administrative tasks related to loan guarantees and interest buy-downs; and market the program through direct mail, partnerships with broad coalition of disability groups and service organizations, news articles, and presentations. Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission MRC will convene stakeholder meetings of state agency representatives, disability organization representatives, advocates and individuals with disabilities to finalize program design. MRC will contract with a Community Based Organization (CBO) who in conjunction with a lending institution will be the entity that will approve/disapprove loan applications, disburse funds and collect all program data. The loan programs will work with regionally located Assistive Technology Access Points (ATAPs). ATAPs will be local sites where people with disabilities will make application for AT and AT services. People with disabilities will have choice in their ATAP, which will include a range of disability and elder organizations. The ATAP staff will conduct intake, determine program eligibility, and provide resource information to help the consumer in identifying the AT most suitable to their needs, where to purchase AT equipment and how to get the best price. The ATAP will submit the request for loan to the CBO/lending institution for approval. MRC will include people with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities in all aspects of the program planning, design, implementation, oversight and evaluation of the program. Project funds have been set aside to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to participate in these activities. Project funds will also be used to contract with Individual Consumer Consultants to be meaningfully involved in a paid capacity to guarantee substantial consumer involvement from the earliest stages of the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program. People with disabilities require a range of assistive technology devices and services to live in the community. This grant will enhance and increase the availability of funding for the purchase of these devices and services and give control to the user in the choice of AT equipment and providers. This project will complement and support many of the state's other grant/projects through the federal Freedom Initiative including the Nursing Facility Transition Grant, Real Choices Systems Change Grant, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant and other initiatives underway as a result the Massachusetts Enhancing Community Based Services (Olmstead Plan). Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund Individuals with disabilities in Michigan are the target groups of the Fund, the goal of which is that "people with disabilities in Michigan are able to obtain, either through Project loans or through other means, assistive technology equipment and service." Key objectives for the new grant are the following: * Expand the number of local disability organizations serving as counseling and intake sites. * Expand the outreach of the fund to underserved populations including minorities, people living in economically disadvantaged areas, and individuals/living in rural communities. * Approve loans for 75 People with disabilities to enable them to purchase assistive technology devices and services that will enable them to achieve increased independence. Five key attributes distinguish the Loan Fund as an effective tool to meets its purpose. First, it was developed by and is being implemented by people with disabilities with extensive experience with assistive technology. Second, the Fund adopted Principles and Values that demonstrate its commitment to client-driven, client-chosen services. Third, the planning process of the Fund has involved a wide variety of stakeholders, particularly people with disabilities, in a genuinely collaborative process, with the result that it enjoys strong support statewide. Fourth, the Loan Fund’s partnership with local disability organizations, which serve as local intake and counseling points for loan applicants, is a unique design element. While the Fund is strongly committed to the principle that persons with disabilities should make their own choices about AT, these organizations, many of which are Centers for Independent Living (CILs), are uniquely situated to provide applicants with information to help them make informed choices about AT. Additionally, the organizations are knowledgeable about sources of funding other than loans and about AT services such as training, equipment trial before purchase, and repair, all of which enhance AT success. Finally, the Loan Fund results demonstrate its ability to develop an excellent, well-managed Loan Fund that provides high quality services to people with disabilities. The Loan Fund is governed by MDRC’s Board of Directors, most of whose members have disabilities and is administered by UCP Michigan. A Loan Committee composed of people with disabilities who use AT and two bankers approves loan guarantees. Minnesota Alternative Funding Mechanism Project A Minnesota statewide need assessment completed in 1998 found the most common barrier to assistive technology was funding. Of the 124 respondents, 61% indicated funding to be the primary obstacle in acquiring needed AT devices and services. In Minnesota, the Alternative Finance Program (AFP), is managed by Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMN), a statewide organization. Under the current model, ATMN provides a low interest loan to consumers, their families and employers for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. ATMN serves a small number of individuals with disabilities. In 2003, ATMN received over 40 inquiries and processed 11 loans. Limited financial support for the development of the AFP has impeded ATMN’s ability to serve the varying needs of people with disabilities. Under this new grant, Assistive Technology of Minnesota will re-structure its Alternative Finance Program by expanding the financial options available to people with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. Re-structuring the current model by adding a revolving loan program and a loan guarantee will provide options to meet the varying financial needs of individuals with disabilities. Establishing a revolving loan program and loan guarantee will provide funding opportunities for people, who in the past were ineligible for a traditional loan. The revolving loan fund will provide ATMN with continued funding, as the revenues generated through the program are reinvested sustaining the program for many years in the future. It is important to expand awareness about the benefits of assistive technology so that people with disabilities can take advantage of assistive technology devices and services for employment, mobility, in their homes and their independence. ATMN collaborates with state and local groups to increase awareness about the benefits of assistive technology. Collaborating with other nonprofit groups and building new relationships will enable ATMN to reach out to all areas and all disability groups in the state. Expanding options by re-structuring the AFP and reaching out into communities that are unaware of the benefits of AT, ATMN will support individuals with disabilities to acquire the devices and services needed for a more independent life. The outcomes of the program shift will directly affect people with disabilities from all walks of life, children in the classroom, seniors remaining in their own homes and improve employment opportunities. Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership The Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership will contract with a community based non-profit organization to develop and implement a low interest revolving loan program. A financial institution will be selected to provide low interest loans, ranging from 0-3% interest, to individuals with disabilities and their families. New Mexico Alternative Financing Mechanism Program (NMAFP) The NMAFP program services will include contracting with a community based organization that has individuals with disabilities involved in organizational decision making to administer the program and abide by Title III of the AT Act. The NMAFP program will provide statewide outreach to provide awareness of the loan program including accessible electronic and printed information to assist users to seek, find, and obtain loans for assistive technology needs. The NMAFP will establish a low interest and interest buy-down program what will involve a loan guarantee to lower rates and allow higher risk loans. State-of-the-art accessibility methods regarding outreach, loan processing, and consumer support services will be employed including the use of the toll-free telephone consulting, and information navigation and accommodation assistance. The NMAFP will continue on a permanent basis and the State of New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and New Mexico Technology Assistance Program will assure that reporting requirements, consumer choice, and a permanent separate account is established. In addition, the funds made available through this grant will not supplant other federal, state, or local public funds expended to provide alternative financing mechanisms. North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology P & A and IPAT’s critical partners in the establishment of the North Dakota AFLP include: 1) the North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD); a community based organization (CBO), 2) the IPAT Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC), made up entirely of persons or family members with disabilities; 3) the Bank of North Dakota (BND); 4) Centers for Independent Living (CILs); and 5) a financial institution. IPAT and partners are structured to provide statewide services, reaching consumers in all regions of the rural state. The design of the North Dakota AFLP is in response to a statewide stakeholders meeting, a statewide needs assessment, and a 12-member taskforce. The AFLP will offer low-interest, guaranteed and non-guaranteed loans, for a wide range of technology devices and services. The Program will offer counseling services at all steps of the loan process, guidance in the area of selecting assistive technology, and information regarding other funding options. The program will be easy and convenient to access at a variety of regional sites. People will become aware of the availability of this funding option through a statewide marketing campaign. Future plans for sustainability are being investigated and include private foundations and legislative action. The people of North Dakota are extremely independent and proud. A low-interest guaranteed financial loan program is an agreeable system in which they may obtain needed AT devices and services and still maintain their pride and autonomy. Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas - Trankilu Oklahoma Alternative Financing Program ABLE Tech will continue to implement both a low-interest loan fund and a loan guaranty program. ABLE Tech assures Oklahomans with disabilities, and their authorized representatives, low-interest, longer-term loans with customized underwriting standards for the purchase of AT. In addition, for Oklahomans that do not meet BancFirst of Stillwater’s loan criteria, OkAT, under established policies and procedures, can guaranty a low interest loan for the purchase of AT. All AFP loans, guaranteed or non-guaranteed, will have the same low interest rate of two percentage points (2%) about the Well Street Journal Daily Prime Interest Rate for a term up to sixty (60) months. The federal, state, and private funds will be deposited into a separate permanent account that will be used to leverage substantial private sector dollars from BancFirst of Stillwater to loan funds to the targeted population for the purchase of AT. Since October 1, 2001, ABLE Tech has continually participated in the national data base collection of AFP applicants and borrowers. ABLE Tech has provided both programmatic data and individual information of the following: (1) information on the type of alternative financing mechanisms used, (2) demographic information on the consumer that includes age, type of disability, type of AT financed, geographic location within the state, gender and whether the person is underrepresented or rural, (3) number of loan applications, loans, interest rate, amount and term of the loans, (4) purpose and type of AT purchased, (5) number of applicants denied and reason for denial, (6) default rate and net losses, and (7) State loan capacity. Since October 1, 2001, BancFirst has obligated over $724,000 in private funds to provide low interest loans for AT, of that amount only $240,000 has been guaranteed by OkAT. OkAT have set aside $266,000 creating a 3 to 1 ratio of private funds to public funds. The default rate is less than 1% with a net loss of only $7,400. Permanence of the program will continue through various activities, such as interest income, seeking private foundation funding, wise investment of capital, low default rates, continuous evaluation of loan policies and the involvement of consumers in all levels of the decision making loan process. ABLE Tech, OkAT and BancFirst of Stillwater stay committed to the success of this program on behalf of Oklahomans with disabilities needing assistive technology. Pennsylvania Alternative Financing Program Goals for 2003-04 include increasing the total number of new borrowers by 25% to 100, increasing the proportion of minority, limited English-speaking and senior citizen participants to 15% of this total, making a special outreach effort to older Pennsylvanians (with special emphasis on hearing and vision aids), and maintaining the interest rate charges to participating borrows at 3.5% for the entire year regardless of market-rate fluctuations. As a community-based organization under contract to DCED, PATF will be responsible for conducting and/or overseeing all aspects of the program in Pennsylvania, including planning and implementing new outreach to older Pennsylvanians, minority and limited English-speaking communities. PATF will also oversee activities in support of program to be carried out under an agreement with the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. The Institute will provide coordination and training to strengthen the capacity of PATF’s network of funding assistance centers (FACs), provide counseling to individuals regarding other funding sources, and collect data needed to complete the annual project evaluation. PATF will also strengthen its own capacity to serve the public by adopting new plans for organizational development, diversification of funding, and better use of information technology. South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan Program The Alternative Financing mechanism program will address these issues by providing the financial support needed to increase access to assistive technologies, expand educational opportunities, increase integration into the workforce, and promote access to daily community living. Through the implementation of the South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan Program (SCAT), South Carolinians with disabilities, regardless of age, race, or gender, can apply for loans designed to aid I the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. The program will include an interest buy-down program and a guaranteed loan program. The grantee agency of the SCAT program is the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD). SCVRD will provide the non-federal match requirement and provide support to The Foundation for Independence through Employment (The Foundation), the administrating agent of the program. The Foundation, composed of a majority of individuals with disabilities in decision making roles, will manage the overall daily operation of the program. The Foundation will develop the policies and procedures for the program, enter into an agreement with a commercial lending institution, and market the program to all South Carolinians with disabilities. Utah Alternative Financing Mechanisms Program In 1991, several disability-related entities in Utah developed the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation (UATF), which entered into a collaborative partnership with a regional bank to provide low interest loans for AT devices and services. The UATF, a community-based organization, is governed by a board with a majority of individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. The activities of this program under this grant are designed to expand the benefits and services of the UATF for all Utahans with particular attention focused on those in underrepresented populations. Funding is requested by the Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) at Utah State University to expand the benefits and services of the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation. During the 12 months of this project, the CPD and UATDF will: (a) expand consumer choice and control of the UATF services; (b) maintain the zero / low interest loans buy down program for AT devices and services; (c) increase the number of approved loans for assistive technology devices and services; (d) develop, implement, and evaluate a targeted outreach initiative to underrepresented populations, thus increasing the number of individuals in Utah who receive zero / low interest loans to purchase the AT devices and services they need; (e) increase the endowment fund, enabling the UATF to earn interest that can be used for future interest buy down and future administrative support; and (f) design a comprehensive process and outcome evaluation plan that will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the UATF in meeting its mandate and continuing the consumer-responsive UATF on a permanent basis. Expanding the current services offered by UATF will enable greater numbers of individuals with disabilities to increase their independence in home, school, work, and community setting. The CPD, along with the UATF Board and staff, will be responsible for ensuring that these services are implemented on an ongoing, permanent basis, and that the UATF, in partnership wit Zions Bank, will offer a consumer-responsive alternative financing option for Utahans with disabilities. Vermont Development Ventures Assistive Technology Loan Fund Vermont was among the first group of states to create an assistive technology fund. In existence for a decade, the Vermont Adaptive Equipment Revolving Loan Fund ("Existing Fund") had provided $1,500,000 in affordable and flexible financing over the last seven years to more than 250 Vermonters. The Existing Fund is a partnership among the Vermont Assistive Technology Program, the Adaptive Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Board and the Vermont Development Credit Union (VDCU). Its present portfolio of loans to Vermonters with disabilities is just over $500,000. The Existing Fund’s successful lending results from the disability wisdom of its Loan Board plus VDCU’s expertise in counseling-based lending. Nevertheless, while the fund has enjoyed solid success to date, the demand for its resources will soon outstrip its capacity. The New Fund will supplement, optimize and expand the work of the Existing Fund. The New Fund will more then double the alternative financing currently available and exponentially expand help to disabled Vermonters. To maximize the alternative financing impact, the VDV AT Loan Fund will: 1. Create extensive marketing to reach and provide information to more Vermonters with disabilities and generate more applications. 2. Offer an array of counseling-based services to help more low-income Vermonters with disabilities qualify for loans. 3. Dedicate additional resources to continually improve products, operations and efficiencies. 4. Increase the number of loans made and dollars distributed. 5. Integrate with The Existing Fund to achieve economies of scale, maximize cost-efficiency and provide seamless service. 6. Utilize the proven resources of an established community development financial institution with experience in serving disabled Vermonters for the administration, marketing, origination, underwriting and loan servicing. 7. Capitalize on an existing investment in sophisticated MIS to track the impact of the New Fund. 8. Make available the full benefits of VDCU’s mission as a community development financial institution to the disability market. US Virgin Islands The main mission of this program is to help the approximately 8,000 USVI residents with disabilities purchase AT devices and services that may be required for independence in the home, workplace and community. VIUCEDD will implement public awareness activities and provide overall administration of the program. The CBF will administer the loan program and establish an endowment fund to maintain the Virgin Islands Alternative Financing Program for Assistive Technology (VIAFP) in perpetuity. The endowment fund will enable the VIAFP to become self-sustaining and independent of future federal funding. Partners will collaborate to market the program to consumer groups, service providers and other potential beneficiaries throughout the territory. Virginia Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) Federal funds will allow the expansion of the existing program to assist individuals with disabilities and their families to acquire adaptive technology devices and equipment, to purchase vehicles with modification and to obtain home modifications for accessibility. Funds will be set aside for rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology assessment services at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, The ATLFA will contract with Children’s Hospital in Richmond to demonstrate assistive technology, provide Assistive Technology services and to provide short-term equipment loans. Other funds will also be set aside for the establishment of three regional loan application centers, which will assist consumers in device selection and application and will also be responsible for telephone surveys to complete NIDRR data requirements. Virginians with disabilities, their family members, and eligible businesses will obtain low-interest, longer-term loans for accommodations and the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. SunTrust Bank will continue to provide loan financing and administration. Other partners include the Virginia’s Centers for Independent Living, which will provide Consumer Counseling for device selection, application completion, and financial counseling, the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS), the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Children’s Hospital of Richmond. This year, a portion of the federal funds will enable the ATLFA to extend loans to the business community for accessibility. The ATLFA will also establish a new program for low-income individuals with disabilities. This innovative and new direction will enable people with disabilities who would not normally be eligible even for an ATLFA guaranteed loan to: * Obtain loans at 0% interest. * Extend the term of loans beyond that of any other AFP to meet consumer needs. * Make loans based on the borrower’s ability to contribute monthly. Washington Alternative Financing Project Matching funds will be provided by the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) which also will serve as the CBO. WATF is a non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI) founded and controlled by Washington residents with disabilities. AFP funding will be used to provide low interest loans for Washington residents with disabilities for assistive technology and home and vehicle accessibility modifications. These loans will be provided through a direct lending program operated by WATF and through contract with other commercial lenders potentially including commercial banks, credit unions and/or CDFI’s. The commercial lender(s) will be chosen within the first twelve months of the project. Potential borrowers will be offered financial counseling and financial literacy education, information on AT selection, assistance with PASS plan preparation and information about, and referral to, appropriate AT professionals and providers. These services will be provided directly by WATF and/or through referral to other state and private entities. Project evaluation will focus on the extent to which the AFP improved access to assistive technology, the impact of improved access on outcomes with respect to the independent living, education, employment and participation in community life. The AFP also will examine the impact of its project on financial literacy, financial management skills and debt reduction. Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) The DHFS manages programs that address the same consumer-directed goals as WisLoan. In 1981, Wisconsin created the Community Options Program to provide resources for community-based long-term support and was one of the original states to implement home and community-based waivers. The work unit that manages the WisLoan Program operates the Wisconsin Disability Benefit Specialist Program, WisTech (Wisconsin’s AT Act Title I Program), the Nursing Facility Transition Program, and Wisconsin’s Independent Living Centers. The DHFS will contract with IndependenceFirst to continue the WisLoan program to facilitate provision of low-interest loans, made by Marshall & Illsey Bank (M&I), its banking partner, for the purchase of AT by Wisconsin citizens with disabilities. IndependenceFirst, a community-based and consumer controlled organization, will manage WisLoan and will maintain its partnership with M&I and Wisconsin’s Independent Living Centers (ILCs) to provide statewide consumer access to WisLoan. Wyoming Technology Access Program | |
AFTAP/RESNA 1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540 Arlington, VA 22209-1903 Phone: 703/524-6686 Fax: 703/524-6630 TTY: 703/524-6639 Email: info@resna.org http://www.resnaprojects.org/AFTAP |