Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
PATF 2019-2020 Impact Report is propped on a table next to a small vase of flowers.
Just released!
PATF's 2019-2020 Impact Report
We at Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation are pleased to share our organization's growth over the last year with the release of our 2019-2020 Impact Report. Historically we have always released our annual report at our annual press conference. With everyone's health and safety in mind, we have decided to cancel that in-person event, and release our report online.

This past year we focused special attention on improving access to information, so that people with disabilities can have the tools they need to live independent and productive lives. We created two new publications, Funding Your Assistive Technology and the 6th edition of Cents and Sensibility , and we hosted Pennsylvania's first Conference on Financial Empowerment for Individuals with Disabilities .

Recently, our focus has shifted so we can address the needs of our loan applicants and borrowers during this COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for our loans have not slowed, and we feel fortunate to be able to continue to create solutions for acquiring assistive technology through our programs.
Spread from the Impact Report 2019 by the Numbers
This Impact Report demonstrates our success in 2019, as our cumulative loan portfolio exceeded $40 million to just under 4,000 Pennsylvanians since 2002. This could not have been achieved without the generosity of the General Assembly, the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, our foundation partners, and individual donors.

We hope you will take a moment to read the stories of just a few of the people our programs have impacted over the last year, and celebrate the difference assistive technology can make in the lives of Pennsylvanians with disabilities when they have access to funding.
Have you benefited from our programs?
We need your help!
Our legislators in Harrisburg are working on the Pennsylvania budget that will begin July 1. PATF relies on funding from the state appropriation so that we can provide our services free-of-charge and our financing at low interest rates with no fees.

Please let your legislator know how PATF has made a difference in your life and share the link to this Impact Report.
Cents and Sensibility Disponible ahora en espanol
¡La sexta edición de El dinero y la sensatez: Guía para la administración del dinero está disponible en español!
Este currículo innovador de educación financiera es ideal para jóvenes en edad de transición y aprendizaje remoto. Está lleno de consejos útiles y guía específicamente para personas con discapacidades. Los temas incluyen la diferencia entre deseos y necesidades, crear y mantener un mapa de dinero (presupuesto), formas seguras de ahorrar (como #PAABLE), entender tu crédito, cómo planificar para un hogar propio y la toma de decisiones de adultos.


• • •

The 6th edition of Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management is available in Spanish!

This innovative financial education curriculum is great for transition-age youth and remote learning. It is full of helpful tips and guidance specifically for people with disabilities. Topics include the difference between wants and needs, creating and maintaining a money map (budget), safe ways to save (such as #PAABLE), understanding credit, how to plan for a home of your own, and adult decision-making.

Please Join Us in Welcoming New Members to Our Board and Staff
Josie Badger
Josie Badger
PATF Board Member
Dr. Josie Badger received her Bachelor’s degree from Geneva College in Disability Law and Advocacy, a Master’s from the University of Pittsburgh in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Doctorate from Duquesne University in Healthcare Ethics.

Melissa Rooney
Melissa Rooney
PATF Board Member
Melissa Rooney has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. She earned her master’s degree in nursing from La Roche College in 2016. She holds a certification in Care Coordination and Transition Management. 

Megan Bolin
Megan Bolin
PATF's Housing and Outreach Director
Megan Bolin joined PATF with over seventeen years’ experience managing nonprofit legal assistance and housing programs serving seniors and individuals with disabilities in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

We are here for you
PATF is Here to Help During COVID-19
Whether you need help funding assistive technology for telehealth, remote learning and education, or other needs related to our new reality... or perhaps you already have a PATF loan but you need help because of unexpected financial hardship related to the coronavirus... we are here for you. Learn more about what we do, and contact us if there is anything we can do to help.
COVID-19 and Your Finances

Here are just a few resources you may find helpful as you navigate the effects of COVID-19 on your personal finances.

NDI understands the devastating impact COVID-19 will have on the financial and personal health of people with disabilities and those with chronic health conditions, as well as their families and communities. This website provides you with trusted answers to your questions, including assistance to help you manage your finances.

CFPB has published a number of blogs about how to manage various aspects of your finances during this time. Topics include everything from Planning Your Finances for an Uncertain Future to Beware of Scams Related to the Coronavirus .

While not directly COVID-19 related, the PA ABLE Savings Program continues to give individuals with qualified disabilities and their families a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department regularly hosts free webinars to help you learn about this program.
Treating Your Passwords Like the Keys to Your Home

Written by Kirby Smith, Founder of SunKirb Ideas, LLC

Why are so many of us too busy to protect our passwords?

My entire career has been involved with computer technology and digital devices. My past profession was as senior vice president of information technology for a mid-sized national company and now I own a business where I automate houses and set up smart homes.

Both jobs have required me to set up and manage devices and network security for individuals and organizations. One area that has always stunned me is how lightly people treat the importance and protection of their passwords. Disproportionately, people live in ever-increasing fear of “ hackers.” Just the mention of the word can cause people to rise up in outrage against companies blamed for not stopping the hackers.

Before looking at why better password management should be higher on your list of online security priorities, let’s look at the reality of hackers and passwords.

There are lots of ways to make a difference.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1998, that provides education and financing opportunities and advocates for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them to acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.
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Shop using  smile.amazon.com_ch_23-2953796  and Amazon donates to Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. 

United Way
Give to the  United Way  of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and designate PATF by writing donor choice #13064 in the comment section on the form.

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