A list of grant and loan programs.
Dan 1. Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) can join the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) to take advantage of access loans to assist someone with a disability. To use the services of the DCU you must first join the AAPD. Membership is only $15. To join both AAPD and the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) at the same time, you can do so from the DCU website at www.dcu.org or by calling them at 800-328-8797. At the DCU website click on Loans/Visa and then other loans and then Mobility Vehicles and Access Loans. The Access Loans can be for up to 72 months and require no down payment. Back to top 2. The Assistive Technology Fund (for Residents of the United States) Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) which is operated by the Association of Blind Citizens. If the person qualifies the ATF will provide funds to pay for 50% of the MSRP of the adaptive device. The applicant must be legally blind and a resident of the USA. Applications are submitted by email (a...@blindcitizens.org) only. Go to www.blindcitizens.org for more details (look for Assistive Technology Fund in the left column), and to see the qualifications and the application. Back to top 3. National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) The 56 state and territory programs are funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended. State Assistive Technology Act programs work to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance. Additionally, the programs support activities designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, and advocates to access and obtain assistive technology devices and services. http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/ Back to top 4. National: International Association of Lions Clubs Many Lions Clubs provide vocational assistance to persons who are legally blind. The international office refers requests for equipment or other assistance to the appropriate district offices. 300 22nd Street Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842 (800) 747-4448 www.lionnet.com Back to top State Specific Assistance 1. Assistive Technology Resource Project Resources (by State) Back to top 2. CALIFORNIA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM (CATS) (1993) California Department of Rehabilitation 2000 Evergreen Sacramento, CA 95815 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 944222 Sacramento, CA 94244-2220 Information and Referral: Colin Corby Project Director: Kathi Mowers Moore Phone: (916) 263-8687 TTY: (916) 263-8685 FAX: (916) 263-8683 E-mail: kmow...@dor.ca.gov Homepage: http://www.atnet.org Back to top 3. CONNECTICUT ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROJECT (1992) Department of Social Services, BRS 25 Sigourney St., 11th Floor Hartford, CT 06106 Project Director: John M. Ficarro Phone: (860) 424-4881 Phone: (800) 537-2549 (In-State) TTY: (860) 424-4839 FAX: (860) 424-4850 E-mail: ct...@aol.com Homepage: http://www.cttechact.com Back to top 4. Georgia Assistive Technology Loan Program Credit-Able, the Georgia Assistive Technology Loan Program, provides low-interest loans through participating credit unions to enable Georgians with disabilities access to affordable financing for Assistive Technology and Home & Vehicle Modifications. https://www.thecfii.org Back to top 5. Idaho Assistivie Technology Project The IATP is a federally funded program administered by the Center on Disabilities and Human Development at the University of Idaho, in partnership with the Idaho Community Foundation, KeyBank, and Zions Bank. The low interest rate offered by the program can often help a person to obtain a loan who wouldn’t qualify under traditional loan programs. Contact: Julie Magelky at 1-800-432-8324 or visit www.idahoat.org Back to top 6. Iowa Compass Iowa COMPASS provides information to Iowa consumers and family members about potential sources of funding for the purchase of assistive technology. www.iowacompass.org/contactus.htm Back to top 7. Kentucky Residents The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans through its lending partners for qualified applicants who need any type of equipment or home modification that will increase a person to become more independent. For more information please visit: http://www.katlc.ky.gov/ Back to top 8. Louisiana Assistive Technology program Residents of the state of Louisiana may be eligible for federally/state funding for equipment with special low-interest rates through LATAN’s Assertive Technology Loan Program . LATAN’s Assistive Technology Loan Program provides an alternative, affordable source of funding to assist people with disabilities purchase assistive technology through a special loan program. The reduced-interest, fixed-rate, extended-term loan program provides a worthwhile option in the funding maze facing consumers who need to purchase assistive technology to improve or maintain their level of independence, to increase or maintain their productivity, or to improve their quality of life. http://www.latan.org Back to top 9. Maine Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired If you have a vision problem that prevents you from carrying out the activities of daily living, getting an education or a job, there is help. The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired can provide many services to persons with severe visual impairments. http://www.maine.gov/rehab/dbvi/ Back to top 10. Maryland Residents Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority For Maryland residents provides product purchase assistance under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. For more information please visit: http://www.mdod.maryland.gov/mtap.aspx?id=180 Back to top 11. Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund 3401 E. Saginaw. Suite 216 Lansing, MI 48912 People with disabilities and seniors can use this program to borrow money to buy assistive equipment. People can buy many items including: wheelchairs, scooter, ramps, modified vehicles, computers, electronic magnifiers and CCTV’s Phone: 800.828-2714 Fax: 517.203.1203 E-Mail: i...@michiganloanfunds.org URL: http://ucpmichigan.org/our-programs/the-michigan-loan-funds/michigan-assistive-technology-loan-fund Updated: 08/03/2010 Back to top 12. MonTECH – Montana’s Statewide Assistive Technology Program Providing Access to Assistive Technology Tools, Resources and Supports for Montanans University of Montana’s Rural Institute – MonTECH 700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Suite 250 Missoula, MT 59803 Program Director: Kathleen Laurin, Ph.D. Phone: (406)243-5751 Phone: (877)243-5511 (in-state toll-free) TTY: (406)243-4200 FAX: (406)243-4730 E-mail: mont...@ruralinstitute.umt.edu Website: http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/ MonTECH’s Assistive Technology Program offers a Financial Loan Program to assist Montanans with disabilities or their supports in obtaining assistive technology equipment. Eligible AT equipment may include but is not limited to: devices for vision, hearing, and communication; computers and software; wheelchairs, scooters and mobility systems; electronic aids for daily living; recreational devices and modifications; and home modifications. A variety of Enhanced Vision’s Low Vision products are on display in the MonTECH Demonstration Center and are also available for trial purposes through the MonTECH Equipment Loan Program. Back to top 13. Michigan Residents The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) has established the Assistive Technology Loan Fund to help people with disabilities purchase assistive technology devices and services. The Loan Fund provides low-cost financing to persons with disabilities to purchase assistive technology devices that allow for greater access, enhanced communication and job opportunities. For more information please visit: http://www.copower.org/ Back to top 14. NORTH CAROLINA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROJECT (1990) Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services 1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609-7322 Project Director: Ricki Hiatt Phone: (919) 850-2787 (V/TTY) FAX: (919) 850-2792 E-mail: nc...@mindspring.com Website: http://www.ncatp.org/ Back to top 15. Ohio Residents Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio) is a federally funded nonprofit organization housed at The Ohio State University. AT Ohio’s mission is to help Ohioans with disabilities learn about or acquire assistive technology. Assistive Technology refers to devices, equipment or services that assist individuals with disabilities to function independently in the areas of work, home or schoolOhio is the officially designated tech act program for Ohio. http://www.atohio.org Back to top 16. PENNSYLVANIA’S INITIATIVE ON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (PIAT) (1992) Institute on Disabilities Ritter Annex 423 Temple University Philadelphia, PA 19122 Project Director: Amy Goldman Phone: (800) 204-PIAT (7428) (In-State only) TTY: (800) 750-PIAT (In-State only) V/TTY: (215) 204-1356 FAX: (215) 204-9371 E-mail: p...@astro.temple.edu Homepage: http://www.pcacares.org/OrganizationDetail.aspx?organization=PA+Initiative+on+Assistive+Technology+(PIAT) Back to top 17. Utah Assistive Technology Foundation The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that works with Zions Bankof Utah to provide zero and low-interest loans to purchase assistive technology and telework devices. The UATF also offers some small grants ($250 or less) on a limited basis through non-federal funding to families who meet federal poverty guidelines. The goal of the UATF is to enhance the independence, education, employment, and quality of life for Utah citizens with disabilities. For more information please visit: http://www.uatf.org/ Back to top 18. Vermont Residents The Mission of the Vermont Assistive Technology Program is to increase awareness and knowledge, and to change policies and practices to ensure assistive technology is available through all services to Vermonters with disabilities. http://atp.vermont.gov/ Back to top 19. Virginia Residents Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority For Virginia residents provides loans for wheelchairs, motorized scooters, Braille equipment, hearing aids, low vision aids, communication systems, environmental control devices, building modifications for accessibility or telecommunication devices for the deaf. For more information please visit: www.atlfa.org Back to top 20. Washington Assistive Technology Foundation Providing Assistive Technology resources and expertise to all Washingtonians with disabilities to aid in making decisions and obtaining the technology and related services needed for employment, education and independent living. http://watap.org/ Back to top 21. Washington Residents Lions Foundation of Washington works with each chapter in the state of Washington and will typically pay for half the cost of a video magnifier with the chapter picking up the other half. The end-user needs to be evaluated at one of the Lions Low Vision Clinics in the state in order to start the process. For more information about this program please contact Gael at the Lions Low Vision Clinic of Bellevue at 425-558-4228. http://www.lowvision.org/greater_eastside_lions_low_visio.htm Back to top 22. Wisconsin Loan Program The program is open to Wisconsin residents of all ages who have a disability. There are no income requirements, and individuals are not required to exhaust personal or public funding. Under the program, banks provide loans to qualified borrowers. Loan amounts depend on the item purchased and the ability to repay the loan. www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/wistech/wisloan.htm E The nice thing about science is that it's true whether you believe in it or not. From: Donna Goodin Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 12:49 PM To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: Refreshable Braille devices? Becky, If you're in the U.S., contact your state rehab/blindness organization. They will probably tie the purchase to education or employment, and may also exert control over which device they will purchase for you, but it's a start. Cheers, Donna On Jul 24, 2017, at 11:40 AM, Rebecca Sabo <beckyas...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi all Is there a program or grant program out there to buy a braille display I really would like one? Becky Sent from my iPhone On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:07 AM, Donna Goodin <doniado...@me.com> wrote: I've used both the Ultra and the Edge, and though of course this is just my opinion, I think the Ultra is a far superior device. It's smaller, lighter, much more solidly built, and has much better functionality. I like HIMS as a company, but I think they kind of dropped the ball with the Edge. Cheers, Donna On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:51 AM, Mary Otten <motte...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Les, I agree that devices like the altar are very expensive. But, based on what the original poster said she wanted, it sounds like that device would meet her needs. Perhaps the Edgewood as well. I know it's less expensive. I am just not that familiar with its capabilities in terms of notetaking and file transferring, particularly to a Mac. But I think it is about $1000 or perhaps a bit more than that cheaper, if that makes any sense. Mary Sent from my iPhone On Jul 24, 2017, at 8:39 AM, Les Kriegler <kriegle...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Mary, In my opinion, all the no takers including the ultra or overpriced. The ultra the last time I checked for the 40 so my will cost her about $4000. Not worth it in my opinion for what you get. Anybody who buys a blind is no taking device is really paying premium for it. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 24, 2017, at 10:36 AM, Mary Otten <motte...@gmail.com> wrote: If you don't want the full blown capability of a very expensive blindness note taker, such as the new Polaris, you might consider the varrio ultra. That has the ability to transfer files with a USB stick. And it also has note taking capability. It has an excellent warranty. Some people also find it more complicated than the traditional regular braille displays such as the edge. They do have excellent US customer support, as well as an online manual, and an active helpful email list. This display comes in 20 or 40 sell links. It has a text reader, word processor, PDF reader, spreadsheet viewer and others. What it does not have our things like the ability to fetch email or connect to the Internet. That is where you would need the full note taker, but then you're also going to be paying a whole lot more. And if you're good with your iPhone and your Mac, really, who needs that? Mary Sent from my iPhone On Jul 24, 2017, at 3:08 AM, Caitlyn Furness <caitlyn.furn...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi, Personally, I love any of the Hims devices, so these are things like the new polaris and the U2, braille sense line of products. The braille is nice and crisp, and the devices themselves are just very well made. I can’t speak about anything made by humanware except the brilliant, but that’s a full sized display and doesn’t have the capability to store files, just access what’s on the computer when you are hooked up to it. I think the braille edge from Hims also works somewhat like a braille note taker, but am not sure on that. I’ve had no troubles getting files from the mac onto the braille sense. when I attach it to my mac with a USB cable, the device comes up like any other drive, and I can copy and paste things from one to the other, although it takes a long time. Of course, you can also use a usb stick to transfer files, or the sd card. HTH, and I’ll be interested to see what others have to say on this as well! Cait On Jul 23, 2017, at 6:26 PM, Sarah Amelia Sackville McLauchlan <phantom.va...@gmail.com> wrote: Hi all! So am looking for some advice/guidance before I go out and start applying for assistive tech grant money. I used to use the BrailleNote, but mine died a long time ago. And even before it did, I was starting to run into compatibility issues between it, the program I used to transfer files to my old computer (a PC in those days), and the computer itself. Plus, of course, I've since switched to Mac, which I don't think my BrailleNote was compatible with anyway. So now I'm without a Braille device! But I really want to get another one. What's compatible with Mac, though? Basically, what I'm looking for would be a portable, refreshable Braille device that I can easily transfer files to from my computer and back. Because, although I might use it for writing sometimes, what I'd mainly be using it for is reading. For example, I'd use it to read my papers when I present at conferences, or my poetry/fiction at reading events. Though, I might use it for private reading too. So are there devices in the Mac compatible world that will allow me to do that? Anyway, thanks. :-) I figured that, if anyone would know, it'd be folks here! www.phantomfemme.com Sent from my iPad -- The following information is important for all members of the Mac Visionaries list. 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