November is Assistive Technology

Awareness Month!

As we celebrate Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Month, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation would like to take this opportunity to amplify the message that AT can help people with disabilities live with more independence, safety, productivity, and with an improved quality of life.

We are committed to helping people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians with information and assistance, financial education, and financing opportunities so they can acquire the AT devices and resources they need.

We are proud and grateful to receive Governor Tom Wolf's proclamation declaring November Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The Governor's proclamation states: 

Our CEO Ben Laudermilch shares the proclamation was created thanks to

steadfast advocacy:

"For decades, PATF has pushed for bipartisan support at the state level for funding to help people with disabilities and older adults live independent lives. The Governor's proclamation recognizes the efforts of disability advocates and raises awareness about life-changing assistive technologies and services," says Ben.

Last year, we celebrated the proclamation by hosting an AT Photo Contest: Show Us Your Tech. This year, we've published our new, third edition of Funding Your Assistive Technology. 

Funding Resources for AT

Assistive technology empowers people with disabilities to do the things they want to do. However, one of the leading obstacles for obtaining AT is finding the money to pay for it.

We have compiled a collection of 70 funding options for assistive technology devices and services called Funding Your Assistive Technology.

Top 5 Funding Resources for AT for Kids With Disabilities

When someone contacts us for help funding their assistive technology (AT), one of the first things we ask is whether or not they are enrolled in a Home and Community-Based (HCBS) waiver.

For many people with disabilities, waivers are a major source of funding for AT.

Read the full blog

All people, including people with disabilities, should have the opportunity, if they choose, to play sports. 

We describe assistive technology (AT) as any device that helps a person with a disability do the things they want to do. This includes adaptive sports equipment that helps you play sports safely with more freedom.

But how do you access adaptive sports equipment to play sports when you have a disability? 

We recently talked to Keith Newerla, a wheelchair user who runs the adaptive sports program at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia.

Click the link to read the full blog

PATF can help you get the adaptive sports equipment you want by extending a no-interest loan through our Mini-Loan program.

We also offer low-interest loans that can cover the cost of assistive technology for things like home modifications, adapted vehicles, eye-gaze systems, and more! 

The Student Loan Debt Relief Application is OPEN! Now is the time to act before student loan payments restart. Click to learn more

Please join us for a one-hour webinar where we will provide valuable information on how to receive loan debt relief from the program.

You will need to register in advance for this webinar. To register, click below:

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), founded in 1998, is a statewide non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Alternative Financing Program under the Federal Assistive Technology Act. PATF 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. Contact PATF at (484) 674-0506 or patf@patf.us. To learn more, visit www.patf.us.