As the creators of the GRIT Freedom Chair, we feel strongly that a lack of money shouldn’t prevent anyone from being able to live life beyond the pavement and enjoy the freedom of outdoor mobility. We’ve already created this list with some helpful suggestions for financial assistance, but we want to do more to help. Read on for a list of Financial Loan Programs organized by state.
Alabama
Alabama Ability Loan Program
“Alabama’s Alternative Finance Program (The Ability Loan Program) for individuals with disabilities and their families allows applicants to borrow money at low-interest and/or for extended terms for the purchase of assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and related services. Alternative financing needs may include but will not be limited to a means of: a) paying for devices not covered by public programs; b) providing a loan sooner than other public programs, and/or; c) having another funding source available.”
Alaska
Assistive Technology Loan Fund
“The Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Fund helps improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through a flexible loan option program that allows them to purchase needed AT to improve independence and productivity which will decrease the need for public support. This option may allow customers to access a lower interest rate and/or longer term repayment timelines based on their individual needs.”
Arizona
Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology
“AzLAT is an alternative financing program designed to assist individuals with disabilities (or others on their behalf) to borrow money at affordable rates for the purchase of assistive technology. Qualified applicants (persons who can demonstrate ability to repay the loan) may be approved to borrow money in amounts ranging from $500 to $20,000. Pre-loan support services, flexible repayment terms, below market interest rates, and no prepayment penalties are unique features of this consumer responsive program which are not often found through more traditional lenders.”
Arkansas
Increasing Capabilities Access Network
“iCAN is the Arkansas statewide Assistive Technology program designed to make technology available and accessible for everyone who needs it. Assistive technology (AT) is any kind of device or tool that helps people live, learn, work, and communicate more independently. . . . The services offered by iCAN are available to all Arkansans, regardless of age, geographic area, disability, income or eligibility for any other service.”
California
Freedom Tech Financial Loan Program
“The FreedomTech Financial Loan Program provides low-interest financial loans for Californians with disabilities and their families to purchase needed assistive technology (AT) when other funding sources are not available. Applicants can request loans from $500 to $15,000. FreedomTech also provides financial education and resources.”
CLICK HERE to learn more
Connecticut
Connecticut Tech Act Project
“ATLP is a low-interest financial loan to help individuals with disabilities or their family members purchase Assistive Technology devices and services needed to enhance independence and/or functioning in the community, education and/or employment.”
Delaware
Easter Seals Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program
“The Easter Seals Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program* can help you affordably acquire the equipment you need to live safely and independently by helping you secure a lower interest loan through our lending partners . . . The program is open to Delaware residents of all ages with disabilities of all types; seniors with age-related functional limitations; and family members caring for someone with a disability.”
Florida
Florida Alliance for Assistive Technology New Horizon Loan Loan Program
“[Florida’s] New Horizon Loan Program offers loans for the purchase of assistive technology starting at $3000.00 up to $30,000. We also offer business loans up to $20,000. Our loans have reasonable, below market interest rates and terms.”
Georgia
Credit-Able Loan Program
“The Credit-Able Program is here to assist Georgians with disabilities get financial access to acquire the assistive technology (specialized software, computer equipment, home modifications, vehicle modifications, etc.) they need to be independent. The Credit-Able program is also a resource for financial education and to educate consumers about the importance of financial health, credit and resource management.”
Hawaii
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii
“ATRC, in partnership with American Savings Bank, is making reduced-interest, extended-term loans available to qualified borrowers to purchase the vital assistive technology that can improve or maintain your level of independence, productivity, and quality of life. A loan can range from $500 to $30,000 and can be used for any AT purchase.”
Idaho
Idaho Assistive Technology Project Finance Program
“The Idaho Assistive Technology Financing Program is a consumer-directed program funded by both private and public money that is designed to help Idahoans obtain and use the assistive technology they need to be successful in employment, education, recreation, and in the community”
Illinois
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
“[Illinois Assistive Technology Program] IATP has a loan program specifically for individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates and authorized representatives, who are residents of the State of Illinois. IATP ATLOAN$ are available to purchase assistive technology for daily living.”
Indiana
Easter Seals Crossroads Alternative Financing Program
“[Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) program] provides low-interest extended rate financial loans to qualified individuals through the Alternative Financing Program (AFP). AFP loans are for assistive technology devices . . . This program is for Indiana residents who have a documented disability and who need assistive technology. If the person with the disability is under 18 years of age, then the legal guardian may complete the application process.”
Iowa
Iowa Able Foundation
“The Iowa Able Foundation is a non-profit providing direct lending services. We are a regulated lender licensed in the state of Iowa. For the Alternative Financing Program and Business Loan Program, loans range from $500 to $25,000. Loans can be used on their own or paired with donations or funding from other programs.”
Kansas
K-Loan
“K-Loan is an Alternative Finance Program offered through Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK), the statewide assistive technology program, coordinated by the University of Kansas. K-Loan was established and is directed by persons with disabilities. It is a consumer-run program designed to provide persons with disabilities and their families with access to financial resources toward acquiring assistive technology through education, saving and borrowing.”
Kentucky
Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation
“The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities who need assistive technology. Working with its lending partner, Fifth Third Bank, KATLC can provide loans for modified vehicles, hearing aids, adapted computers, mobility devices, augmentative communication devices or any other type of equipment or home modification that will improve the quality of life or increase the independence of Kentuckians with disabilities.”
Louisiana
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
“At LATAN we believe AT should be easier for people to access. So, we created a more flexible, accessible solution. Our Financial Loan Program provides truly unique and more accessible loans toward assistive technology. We offer lower interest loans than you would find elsewhere. Additionally, we give you the option to extend your term, which can decrease your monthly payments. If you qualify, we can even guarantee your loan.”
Maine
Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program
“Maine’s Adaptive Equipment Loan Program is also known as the Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program (AELP) or mPower.
Kim Wallace became quadriplegic as a result of a spinal cord injury in 1979. This event launched his career as an advocate for disability rights. Kim was a pioneer and the driving force to start the loan program, after he saw the difficulties people faced in getting equipment and home modifications.
Kim partnered with two other leaders in the disability community (Steven Tremblay of Alpha One and Stan Provost of the Finance Authority of Maine) to put a bond measure on the Maine ballot in 1987 after a blue-ribbon commission highlighted equipment as a major barrier for Mainers with disabilities. Mainers voted to approve this fund twice to make loans for Maine residents with disabilities. This makes AELP the only citizen-funded type loan program in the country. Loans totaling more than $20 million have been made to individuals and businesses in the past 31 years.”
Maryland
Maryland Assistive Technology Loan Program
“The Assistive Technology Loan Program helps Maryland residents with disabilities and their families qualify for low-interest loans to buy equipment that will help them live, work, and learn more independently.”
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program
The Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program, operated by Easter Seals Massachusetts, is an alternative financing project that gives people with disabilities and elders access to low interest cash loans to purchase assistive devices and services. The program has many options that can help — even for people who don’t think they would qualify for a loan.”
Michigan
Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people with disabilities and seniors (or their family embers) to purchase assistive technology devices or services, including modification of vehicles and homes. Loans may also cover cost of training to use the purchased equipment, warranties, and service agreements.”
Minnesota
EquipALife
“EquipALife is a nonprofit organization providing access to life-changing equipment and services for people with disabilities. We are your statewide resource for adaptive equipment from A to Z. We create a lifeline for financial solutions, professional support, education and training. EquipALife helps people become more self-sufficient at work, at home, in school and out and about the community.”
Missouri
Show-Me Loans
“Show-Me Loans offers low-interest loans to Missourians with a disability. The general loan enables Missourians an option to buy assistive technology equipment and devices, home access improvements or vehicle access modifications for persons with disabilities in Missouri.”
Montana
Montana Access Loans
RDI Community Lending offers Montana Access Loans providing Montanans with disabilities, or their family members, the ability to purchase assistive technology (AT), for a variety of needs.”
Nebraska
Easterseals Nebraska Alternative Financing Solutions
“Alternative Financing Solutions is a service of Easterseals Nebraska that provides low-interest loans for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services . . . Any Nebraskan with a disability, aged individual, or family member are eligible to apply for a loan. Our loan programs can help people of all ages and income levels.”
Nevada
CARE Loan Program
“CARE Chest is a Northern Nevada nonprofit agency serving individuals in need by providing medical resources, free of charge. . . . CARE Chest connects clients with resources like home and vehicle modifications and assistive technology. CARE Chest also administers a low-interest loan program to fund similar projects.
New Jersey
National Disability Institute Assistive Technology Loan Program
“National Disability Institute (NDI) can help you find and afford assistive technology. NDI’s Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program provides affordable loans from $500 to $30,000 for residents of New Jersey.”
New Mexico
Access Loan New Mexico
“Access Loan New Mexico is a statewide, low interest loan program that allows New Mexicans with disabilities to purchase assistive technology or make home modifications so that the individual can live more independently or productively.”
New York
National Disability Institute Assistive Technology Loan Program
National Disability Institute (NDI) can help you find and afford assistive technology. NDI’s Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program provides affordable loans of $500 to $10,000 to residents of New York City, Brooklyn, Nassau, Staten Island, Suffolk, Queens and Westchester Counties.”
North Carolina
Self-Help Credit Union’s Assistive Technology Financing
“Thanks to a federal grant, Self-Help offers loans for assistive technology that are more affordable than ever. Our loans can cover almost any equipment to boost quality of life for a person with disabilities—like hearing aids, vehicle upfits and more. To help identify people who need loans, we partner with the NC Assistive Technology Program and others who serve NC residents with disabilities.”
North Dakota
North Dakota Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program
North Dakota’s Assistive Technology Financial Loan (ATFL) program offers the people of North Dakota a financing option to help bridge the gap between resources and the need for assistive technology device and service purchases.”
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation Financial Loan Program
“Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) in partnership with Oklahoma ABLE Tech and BancFirst of Stillwater, can provide financing options with low interest and flexible repayment terms for Oklahomans to purchase assistive technology to help them live, work, and learn independently.”
Oregon
Northwest Access Fund
“Oregon residents of all ages with disabilities of all types, including seniors with age-related functional limitations, are eligible . . . We also consider applications from family members, employers and other representatives – as long as the item is purchased for – and owned by – a person with a disability.”
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
“PATF’s Mission: To provide education and financing opportunities for older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities, helping them to acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.”
South Carolina
South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan Program
“This program is a state and federally funded program that helps qualified South Carolinian’s with disabilities obtain the assistive devices and services they need to become more independent and productive citizens.”
Utah
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation Loans
“The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation (UATF) is a private, non-profit organization under UATP organized in 1991 under the laws of the state of Utah. Over the years UATF has been able to help hundreds of Utahns with disabilities of all ages obtain loans and grants to purchase the assistive technology that allows them to be independent, productive and successful at home, at school, at work and in the community. Our goal is to assist Utahns with disabilities by enhancing their quality of life through assistive technology.”
Vermont
Opportunities Credit Union – The Independence Fund
“The AT Act Programs help individuals of all ages find accessible solutions to overcome barriers at home, work, and in the community as related to disability and aging related needs.”
Virginia
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority
“The Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) is a Commonwealth of Virginia State Authority created with public funds to help Virginians with disabilities obtain assistive technology. The ATLFA provides affordable financing alternatives (loans with below-market interest rates, no down payments, longer repayment terms, etc.) to help make adaptive equipment a possibility for individuals who might not otherwise be eligible for borrowing. Any type of equipment can be financed as long as it relates to an individual’s disability.”
Washington
Northwest Access Fund
“Who can apply for Northwest Access Fund’s low interest loans? Washington residents of all ages with disabilities of all types. We also consider applications from family members, employers and other representatives – as long as the item is purchased for – and owned by – a person with a disability.”
West Virginia
West Virginia Revolving Loan Fund
“The West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) is the designated lead agency that works to enhance the lives of all West Virginia residents with disabilities, including older West Virginians and the families of people with disabilities. By providing access to and help with the acquisition of assistive technology devices and services, WVATS can offer West Virginians with disabilities an opportunity for choice, control and independence at home, work, school, play, and in their neighborhoods.
Assistive Technology can be anything which is used to help an individual perform many tasks of daily living.”
Wisconsin
WisLoan
“The WisLoan program offers loans for assistive technology. Assistive technology is defined as ‘any item, piece of equipment or device that enables an individual with a disability to improve his or her independence and quality of life.’ The loans help people buy equipment such as hearing aids, modified vehicles, wheelchairs, ramps, computers with modifications, environmental controls, alternative communication devices and home accessibility modifications. Independent living centers throughout the state provide technical assistance, applications, and assistive technology services. 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.”
Wyoming
Wyoming Technology Access Program
“Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR) and Wyoming Independent Living (WIL) in partnership with First Interstate Bank of Laramie, have developed a program that will offer people with disabilities an opportunity to finance assistive technology (AT) devices and services.”