Lifelong disability advocate and CEO of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), Susan Tachau, is retiring on September 30, 2022. 

In her new role as PATF’s Chief Innovations Officer, she will work on special projects and advocacy activities.

During Tachau’s tenure as CEO, the organization has established itself as the leading Alternative Financing Program (AFP) in the US, continually providing more loans and extending more capital each year for the purchase of assistive technology than any other AFP, and offering information and assistance to thousands more Pennsylvanians, helping them access alternative funding resources. 

With Tachau's steadfast advocacy, PATF has also had significant impact among Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), helping to secure more federal funding for CDFIs to serve the disability community, and educating CDFIs on best practices. 

In 2021, Tachau was an AARP Purpose Prize Winner, an award that recognizes people 50-plus who are using their knowledge and life experience to solve tough social problems. 

In the same year, Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) recognized Tachau’s CDFI work with the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance, the highest individual honor in the CDFI industry.

Last year, the Institute on Financial Literacy presented PATF with the Non-Profit Organization of the Year 2021 Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award, for PATF’s one-of-a-kind financial education curriculum, Cents and Sensibility, tailored to the needs of people with disabilities.

In a push to serve more people, Tachau founded Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund, a subsidiary to PATF, so that people with disabilities in nearby states will have access to affordable financing for assistive technology.

Building up PATF and advocating for people with disabilities has been Tachau’s life’s work. Tachau described the source of this wellspring of passion for this work.

“Our son, Michael, introduced me to the world of disability and the importance of community living, work, and connection to family and friends. Assistive technology can make this possible,” shares Tachau. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside my dedicated colleagues to grow PATF from a small, fledgling organization to one that has helped more than 4,500 Pennsylvanians with loans worth almost $46 million."

"I’m proud of our commitment to excellence and compassion, and the desire to expand our programs to meet the growing demands of the future. I’m confident that PATF’s good work will continue long after I retire.”

President of PATF’s Board of Directors, Nancy Murray, reflects on Susan’s announcement, “The Board is proud of Susan’s commitment, dedication, and achievements as PATF’s CEO for almost two decades. Susan has grown the organization into a formidable force for good in the world.”

Seasoned executive Ben Laudermilch is PATF’s new CEO, as of September 6, 2022. 

Most recently, Laudermilch served as the Vice President and Executive Director of Inglis Housing Corporation, where he established independent living communities for people with disabilities.

Prior to his tenure at Inglis, Laudermilch was the Special Assistant to the Secretary for the PA Department of Corrections, developing housing opportunities for reentering Pennsylvanians. Laudermilch also served as the Special Advisor to the Secretary of the PA Department of Human Services. For a decade prior, he worked for the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities in various roles, including Executive Director.

Laudermilch's experience promoting the benefits of assistive technology is highlighted through projects that he has managed that integrated smart home technology (a form of assistive technology) into housing for people with disabilities and older adults.

“I am excited about this new chapter in my career and the life of PATF. For many years, I’ve been in roles that have intersected with the disability world, and this new position feels like a culmination of all the work I have done,” Laudermilch says.

“We are thrilled that Ben is joining the organization as CEO, bringing new skills and experiences that will take PATF into the future, into a new chapter,” says Nancy Murray, President of PATF Board of Directors.

In his role as CEO, Laudermilch will be growing PATF’s mission across Pennsylvania, working with public and private stakeholders and partners.

To assist with this transition, PATF has developed a new Strategic Plan and a comprehensive, state-of-the-art brand book – both of which will help guide the nonprofit for years to come.

4,537

Pennsylvanians used PATF financial loans to purchase assistive technology worth

$44,908,945

13,904

people received information and assistance about AT funding resources

“It's my hope that Braxtyn's story helps encourage others and make them aware of the assistance that is out there.” 

Braxtyn is the youngest child of six and is very loved. 

“Everyone in our family takes part in helping improve Braxtyn's world and care for him,” says his mother, Angela.

He was born with spina bifida, which can lead to a variation of decreased sensation and lack of mobility.

Wearing braces on his ankles, Braxtyn relied heavily on a posterior walker until almost his third birthday in May 2022.

This year, PATF extended a Low-Interest Loan to Braxton’s family for the new paving of a sidewalk and driveway outside of their home. These modifications have changed his life tremendously, making it possible for him to safely go in and out of his home. Walking, running, and playing is now so much easier for Braxtyn.

Read the full article

PATF provides zero-interest, no fee Mini-Loans up to $7,000, and Low-Interest Loans from $7,001-$60,000 for the purchase of assistive technology devices, including stair glides, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and much more.

Looking to purchase assistive technology devices for someone with a disability? PATF can help you locate possible funding resources, or offer to extend a low- or no-interest loan.

Contact us at www.patf.us or 484-674-0506

How to Write a Letter of Medical Necessity

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) has a new resource for health care providers that explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity when requesting Personal Assistance Services (PAS). 

The brochure includes some sample language that may be useful in describing your medial opinion.

The guide outlines seven key steps:

1. Introduce Yourself and Why You're Writing
2. Describe Your Patient
3. Explain WHY the Requested PAS Hours are Medically Necessary
4. Expand on Your Opinion with Helpful Details
5. Restate Your Conclusion
6. Proofread
7. Sign, Date, & Deliver 

Read PHLP's Sample Letter of Medical Necessity

Click on the links below to read E-Newsletters from PATF & other organizations.

• PATF Newsletter Archives
• Wireless Tech RERC August Newsletter
• Achieva Family Trust's: Trust Matters 
• The Arc of PA: In Touch 
• RCPA
• PA Developmental Disability Council: Slice of PIE

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.