TechACCESSory Winter/Spring 2004: Alternative Financing Program: "Getting From Here to There"

Message from ATAP's Project Director:

ATAP recognizes the need for varied funding options for the acquisition of AT devices and services. Existing funding sources, though much more responsive than in the past, do not meet the needs of all individuals with disabilities. ATAP wants to work with other community-based organizations and consumer groups to develop a suitable funding initiative in Rhode Island.

Regina Connor

ALTERNATIVE FINANCING PROGRAM
“GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE”

The Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) works to reduce or eliminate barriers to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Up until recently, the project has primarily focused its efforts on changing systems, such as education, vocational rehabilitation, medical assistance and others that provide services to individuals with disabilities.

During the course of our work, it has become evident that some people with disabilities either do not qualify for services from these systems or are unable to obtain payment from them for their particular piece of equipment. Another identified problem area is that some are unable to acquire AT in a timely manner.

These barriers to acquiring AT were substantiated by ATAP’s statewide consumer survey. In June 2003, the survey results included the following comments: “funding is the one system component in Rhode Island that was not identified by the general community as having improved over the last five years”… “clearly, a focus upon improving funding systems for AT in Rhode Island is much needed.”

The Tech Act suggests that states may support activities to increase access to, and funding for AT devices and services to individuals of all ages. In order to be responsive to individuals with disabilities, the ATAP is looking at ways to address this unmet need. For that purpose, the ATAP is forming a workgroup to promote the development of programs for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition (e.g. lending library) of AT devices and services, in other words, a continuum of services.

The ATAP is currently working on the establishment of an alternative financing program (AFP), such as a reduced interest loan program and welcomes further input and expertise. The partnership will be having a meeting on Monday February 2, 2004 at TechACCESS of RI, 110 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, Rhode Island from 2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Please call 831-3150 and ask for Roberta Greene, ATAP Funding and Policy Specialist, if you can attend or have any further questions.

Please call our Funding & Advocacy Specialists, Anne Mulready and Roberta Greene at (401) 831-3150 (V) or (401) 831-5335 (TTY), or (800) 733-5332 (in state) with your funding questions.