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PATF Newsletter Summer 2013
Independence is priceless ... we help make it affordable.
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Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
2012-2013 Annual Report
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PATF is pleased to present its latest Annual Report. Through stories of some of the individuals and families who have purchased assistive technology with a PATF loan, and benefited from our varied programs, we hope it will paint a picture of how our organization is making a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians of all ages, across the state. The report highlights:
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- How assistive technology (AT) is helping hundreds of Pennsylvanians with disabilities go to work, live more comfortably and independently in their own homes, learn more effectively in school, and participate in community activities.
- It also illustrates exactly what PATF has been up to, including helping 245 people with disabilities to access assistive technology devices by extending almost $3.3 million in new loans.
- In the report, you will read how PATF has helped over a thousand Pennsylvanians with information and assistance (I &A) services. This involved helping them to identify the AT they needed and informing them about other possible funding resources. This service has resulted in our borrowers finding an additional $1 million in grant funding, to lower their overall loan amounts.
- Copies of the report, which describes the growth PATF has experienced, are available here.
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Financial Education Booklet
for Adults with Disabilities is Now Available!
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 | | This new financial education booklet teaches money management: saving, budgeting, establishing credit, and much, much more! |
T hanks to a collaboration with Widener University School of Business Administration, and grants from the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, PATF has published the 1st edition of Cents & $ensibility: A Guide to Money Management for People with Disabilities. To download the booklet, check out this link Cents & $ensibility .
Geared towards the 18-40 age group, the booklet is available both in hard copy and electronically. It covers topics such as money management, budgeting, credit, banks and credit unions, government benefits and saving options. With helpful activities reinforcing the topics in each chapter, definitions and tips, a glossary of financial terms and an index of resources, Cents & $ensibility is a valuable tool for the young (and not quite so young) person starting down the road to managing their finances independently. Visit www.patf.us for more information.
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Stabler Foundation Grant Helps Pennsylvanians
Access iPad Technology
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In 2012, PATF and UCP of Central Pennsylvania joined together (once again) to create an exciting new pr ogram, the Technology Access Partnership, to help people with disabilities and their families benefit from the capabilities of tablet technology.
In the short time since its inception, this joint venture has already made tablet technology available to
16 adults and children with disabilities and their families.
UCP of Central PA has provided free outreach and training events about tablet technology; understanding the most popular applications that can help with communication, learning, social skill development, and memory; and setting up and getting started on a new device.
PATF's role has been to provide financing for the purchase of a tablet and apps through its mini-loan program (amounts that range from $100 to $1,500 at 0% interest for up to 3 years ($20 minimum a month). A partial grant of up to 50% of the loan request has also been available to qualified borrowers.
This groundbreaking program, made possible through a grant from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, is currently available to individuals who live in Adams, Centre, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union, and York counties.
Here is some of the feedback we've received to this valuable program so far:
Dear PATF,
Here's a big Thank You to the Stabler Foundation for the partial grant for Jennifer's iPad. I haven't seen her this excited about something in a long time. Jennifer's Mom
Dear PATF,
Thank you for the the help you provided so I could purchase an iPad. I just got it and I'm so excited to use it for my memory exercises. I know this is going to allow me to be more independent. Thanks again! Jennifer
Dear PATF,
.......... Maggie has cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. She is really learning a lot from the apps we have installed for her. It's the first thing she turns on in the morning and the last thing that gets turned off at night.
UCP's Assistive Technology staff is available to make presentations about this program to disability groups, non-profit organizations and support groups for individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information, contact Jackie Wardle at 717-737-3477, 800-998-4827 or [email protected].
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About Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need.
Any device that helps a person with a disability achieve a more independent and productive life is known as Assistive Technology. Devices include such items as:
- adapted vehicles
- i-Pads
- home modifications (including ramps, roll-in showers, lowered counter tops)
- Braille readers and other devices for people with low vision or blindness
- computers with special software and/or hardware
- hearing aids
- flashing doorbells
- scooters and wheelchairs
- seat lift chairs
- closed circuit televisions (CCTVs)
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