ACL is announcing four new Assistive Technology (AT) Alternative Financing Program (AFP) discretionary grant awards totaling nearly $2 million over one year.
Many people with disabilities and older adults do not have the financial resources to purchase AT devices that can help them live, learn, work, and thrive in the community. Major programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and state vocational rehabilitation are often unable to keep up with the growing demand for AT. The AFP grant awards will establish or expand programs that provide people with additional options to access and acquire AT devices through a low-interest loan fund, an interest buy-down program, a revolving loan fund, a loan guarantee, an insurance program, or other approaches. AFPs emphasize consumer choice and control to build programs that provide financing for the full array of AT devices and services to ensure all people with disabilities — regardless of type of disability or health condition, age, level of income, and residence setting — have access to the program.
Projects Being Funded
Bridging the Gap: CreditAble
Grantee: Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! Inc. (FODAC)
This project supports CreditAble to expand access to low interest loan funds and their interest buy-down program. It also establishes a program for the purchase or other acquisition of AT devices and services. The project’s goal is to increase loan assets for underserved populations across the state of Georgia and to deliver comprehensive, yet easy to understand, financial education services to acquire needed AT and durable medical equipment.
Expansion of PATF's Lending Programs and Financial Education Program in Pennsylvania and Kentucky
Grantee: Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
PATF’s project objectives are to maintain and grow a diversified AT loan portfolio in Pennsylvania; reach more communities in need across Kentucky by strengthening current partnerships and building new partnerships to extend more AT loans; meet rising demand for information and assistance services by developing and launching a pilot artificial intelligence (AI) tool, Aida the AT Navigator; and provide financial education, as well as one-on-one coaching, to people with disabilities in both states.
Increased Access to Hearing Aid and Hearing Assistive Technology Financing
Grantee: Maryland Technology Assistance Program
Maryland’s Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP), with partners including centers for independent living and several organizations and state agencies that serve Marylanders with hearing loss, seeks to expand lending parameters for unsecured loans for hearing aids and hearing assistive technologies (HATs); offer HAT consultations and short-term device loans to consumers prior to purchase; make referrals to low-cost audiology services/programs for those who don’t have audiology covered through insurance; and develop informational materials/trainings for consumers and service providers to strengthen education and awareness of available hearing aid and HAT financing options.
AT Ownership Through Leasing (AOL)
Grantee: Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN)
This program will provide individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others with functional limitations the opportunity to permanently own their AT through a lease-to-own option. The project updates and expands its current lease program which was originally created to meet the needs of individuals with serious medical conditions or needed access to AT on a temporary basis, such as for travel.
The AT Act program in your state or territory can help you learn more about options and provide assistance to increase your awareness of, and access to, AT devices and services. They also can help you find out about available alternative financing programs and other state financing options where you live. You can reach out to the National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center for more information about AFPs and additional AT financing resources and activities. Learn more about ACL's assistive technology programs.
See Notice of Funding Opportunity: HHS-2024-ACL-CIP-ATTF-0088, “Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program,” posted June 13, 2024.