Mini-Loan Pilot Program Updates |
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On January 18th we launched our 2021 Mini-Loan Pilot Program which expanded our existing no-fee, no-interest loans up to $7,000. Just six weeks in, we have received an overwhelming response!
Read on to see how these loans are already making a difference in people's lives.
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“I’ve been legally blind for about 63 years, and the main thing I want to do with my new Iris Vision glasses is see all the things I haven’t seen since I was very young.
“Just little things like looking at a butterfly’s wings and leaves in nature. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but that’s really special to me. It’s nice to look over and see my dog sleeping.” – Patty
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39 People Helped Since January 18th |
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Across Pennsylvania, 39 people are accessing $169,000 worth of assistive technology through our Mini-Loan Pilot Program.
We're thrilled to be able to offer this low-cost program to help more people acquire the technology they want and need.
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“Because I couldn’t afford to pay for my hearing aids in full, PATF helped me to get them. My quality of life improved and now I can live my life with confidence.” – Anonymous
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Types of Assistive Technology Financed |
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1
electronic glasses for low vision
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1
adaptation to a vehicle
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“I would definitely recommend PATF to anyone who needs help financially to be able to stay in their home and live comfortably. The process of getting a loan for our stair lift through PATF was super easy. I faxed the paperwork Friday and we knew by Monday that we had gotten the loan.
“My husband and I both have disabilities that make going up and down stairs difficult. Now we will be able to access the basement anytime we need to without a hassle. This will make life a lot better for us.” – Sue and Al
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U.S. Postal Service Delays
We are aware that there have been significant delays with the U.S. mail lately. If you are concerned about your loan documents or sending/receiving other mail with PATF, please reach out to us: patf@patf.us or 888-744-1938. |
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Increased Access to AT within Community HealthChoices Waiver |
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A new amendment to the Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver which is retroactive to January 1, 2021 will give increased access to assistive technology (AT). The amendment provides a revised definition of AT and an expanded list of provider who are qualified to provide AT services (including evaluations).
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Posters Available:
CHC Waiver Services
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The Community HealthChoices waiver covers many services people who are eligible may not know about. Hang this 18" by 24" infographic poster (available in English and in Spanish) in your waiting area, office, or community space to help inform people about the CHC waiver. View the infographic.
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Tax season is here. Everyone wants to make sure that they get their taxes right and pay their fair share, but not more. However, filing taxes can be confusing and stressful. Taxes are a fact of life when you are working and there may be an opportunity to receive a large payment through your tax refund. Join us as we break down taxes into simple concepts and discuss how to prepare to file your taxes this year.
Presenters:
- Alena Anderson, Program Manager, United for Families, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Holly Zugay, CFP®, Senior Financial Education Officer, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
- Samantha Vollrath, 811 Project Rental Assistance Program Lead, Self-Determination Housing of Pennsylvania
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Did you miss one of the Money Talks webinars? Recordings, written transcripts, session slides, and additional materials are available.
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Smart Home Technology News: A Global Chip Shortage |
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Having a hard time getting your hands on new smart home technology these days? That may be because the pandemic has caused a world-wide computer chip shortage. These chips are used in a wide variety of products, including everything from your Amazon Alexa to your new car.
Don't be surprised to see fluctuations in price on smart home devices, products in stock one minute and out of stock the next, and delays in promised releases of new technology.
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AT Funding Resource Spotlight |
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Achieva Family Trust
Provides supplemental supports and services to children and adults with intellectual, physical and behavioral disabilities who have no other resources to obtain the needed product or service. Categories of funding include assistive technology, camp/recreation, medical, products or supplies, disability-related modifications, and caregiving. Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Who: Individuals with disabilities.
Where: Pennsylvania.
Financial Eligibility: Applicants must have no other resources to obtain the needed product or service.
Contact: 888-272-7229
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Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1998, that provides financing opportunities, education, and advocacy 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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Donate
You Shop, AmazonSmile Gives
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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