Oklahoma AgrAbility Newsletter
Spring 2004 • Volume 3 • Issue 2
Creating Funding for Assistive Technology
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NOTE: Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma State University, Langston University or the National AgrAbility Project and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.
In This Issue
Creating Funding for Assistive Technology
Baling Wire, Twine, and Duct Tape
Obtaining Funding for Assistive Devices
Alternative Financing through the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation
Creating Funding for Assistive Technology
Finding funding for assistive technology (AT) often takes creativity, perseverance, and support. The right piece of AT or an adapted device can enable an individual to perform jobs and activities at work and home. Many daily living aids are reasonably priced while other AT can cost much more. Examples of AT are long-handled reachers, prosthetic devices, tractor lifts, and special tools designed for one-handed use.
Several farm and ranch families have explored different ways to seek funding options for assistive technology. Local and state agencies are available to help with funding for work and independent living technologies. Inside this issue we share some strategies, as well as programs that can help Oklahomans seek funding for assistive technology.
Best Wishes,
Rachael Kircher, AgrAbility Project Coordinator
Carla Wilhite, OT/L, AgrAbility Program Specialist
Baling Wire, Twine, and Duct Tape
Farmers have the well-deserved reputation of using baling wire and duct tape in devising low-cost assistive devices. However, AgrAbility encourages families to first seek ways to purchase commercially made and customized AT devices. Commercially available products should be well-designed, minimizing the risk of injury to a producer. They are not always available, especially for farming/ranching tasks. Some producers may opt to make their own device because of the cost or lack of availability of the unit. It is important to note that people have been injured using home-made devices. Devices made with the wrong materials, a flaw in the design, or for various other reasons may fail while in use. Simply put, always seek professional assistance.
Assistive Technology
Virtually anything that makes a task easier to complete can qualify as assistive technology (AT). Wheelchairs, talking computers, long-handled reachers, and rubber jar openers are AT. Assistive Technology is typically defined as any item, product or piece of equipment that is used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals encountering some sort of limitation in their daily lives.
To search for a specific assistive device visit the National AgrAbility Assistive Technology Database. http://agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech
Obtaining Funding for Assistive Devices
Several steps can be taken to find funding for assistive devices. Developing a strategy will help you locate and use the best sources. The following is a plan to help you get started.
Step 1: Identify and define the need for assistive technology (AT). Look realistically at how you are coping in your every day life. Can you think of a piece of adaptive or assistive equipment that you could use? If so, involve a professional like an occupational therapist or advocate to help you document thoroughly and precisely your specific AT needs. Describe the benefits of the AT and what it will enable you to accomplish in your daily life at home, school, work, and in the community.
Step 2: Document the needed assistive device, equipment or service. Pull together as much documentation as you can, such as a specific written evaluation or assessment report, medical prescription from your physician, a letter of medical necessity, support letters, or other documentation.
Step 3: Find alternative devices. Is there a local loan closet where an item can be borrowed? Will a less expensive item help you do the same job? Does the benefit of the device or equipment outweigh the expense?
Step 4: Determine potential funding sources. The following options have been checked by farm and ranch families to find funding for AT devices.
- Check your insurance policy or agent to see if it is an item covered by your existing health insurance.
- Inventory your existing farm equipment and machinery to decide if any equipment can be liquidated to raise funds.
- Consider dedicating a small part of the yearly operating capital to the purchase of AT devices to increase your ability to work and live more independently. Check with your tax preparer or accountant to see if AT devices would qualify as a tax write off.
- Apply for vocational rehabilitation through the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Certain criteria must be met to be eligible to receive services. If you are eligible, you will work with a vocational rehabilitation counselor to decide which services, including assistive technologies will help you continue working, or re-enter employment. Sometimes an eligible client will need to share in the cost of an assistive or adaptive device if they are financially able.
- If you are receiving Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), you may want to participate in Social Security Work Incentives programs. One example of a work incentive is creating a Plan for Achieving Self-Sufficiency (PASS). The PASS plan can be used to purchase services or items needed to achieve self-support.
- Check the Oklahoma Equipment Connection (OEC) for good quality assistive and adaptive equipment listed for re-sale. (See page 4 for more information on OEC).
- Apply for an Alternative Financing Program (AFP) or Access to Telework (ATF) for a low-interest loan or low-interest guaranteed loan. (See page 4 for more information on AFP and ATF programs).
- Check with your local Rural Development office to see if you qualify for the USDA Home Improvement and Repair loan or grant program for home modifications.
- Consider a community fund-raising event. Many agricultural, church, community, charitable, and fraternal organizations welcome the opportunity to help a community member in need of assistance. People who are working and active in the community will be purchasing goods and services from local businesses and contributing to the health of the community and the local economy.
Step 5: Follow up on agency rejections. If funding is denied, be sure to get the denial in writing, then seek an appeal. Often, the denial for funding AT is due to a lack of understanding or knowledge of assistive devices by representatives of the organization or agency. If possible, find out the reasons why the request was denied. When communicating with agency personnel, always deal with them respectfully and professionally.
The Oklahoma AgrAbility Program Specialist is available to work with you and your family in identifying potential funding solutions and assist the family in accessing agencies or organizations that may be able to provide financial assistance.
Equipment Programs
Acts of Kindness
Equipment lending program
405-306-4370
Oklahoma Equipment Connection
Recycle/reuse program
888-885-5588
Sandra Beasley Independent Living Center
Equipment lending program
800-375-4358
http://members.tripod.com/%7ELew_3/index.html
United Cerebral Palsy of Oklahoma
Equipment lending program
800-827-2289
http://www.ucpok.org/eloans.htm
Contact Oklahoma ABLE Tech for additional equipment lending programs. 888-885-5588
Service Programs
American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation
Tribal Liason - Andrea Hall
Department of Rehabilitation Services
405-522-7957
http://www.okrehab.org/services_vrservices.shtml#14vr
Limbs for Life
888-235-5462
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
800-845-8476
Independent Living Services
http://www.okrehab.org/services_ils.shtml
Oklahoma - USDA Rural Housing Service
Home improvement repair loans and grants
405-742-1000
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ok/housing
Social Security Work Incentives
Alternative Financing through the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation
Alternative Financing Program - AFP
Oklahoma ABLE Tech in partnership with BancFirst and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) offers an Alternative Financing Program (AFP) to Oklahomans with disabilities. The AFP is a low interest and/or guaranty bank loan that provides individuals with disabilities or those that have a dependent with a disability the opportunity to borrow money for the purchase of needed assistive technology.
Access to Telework Fund - ATF
The purpose of the Access to Telework Fund (ATF) program is to increase access to and funding of computers and other equipment, including adaptive equipment so that Oklahomans with disabilities can telework. Telework outcomes can encompass work that can be performed effectively from home and/or remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center. Telework would apply to individuals with disabilities who are currently unemployed, underemployed, self-employed or needing to maintain employment on a full time or part time basis.
In both the AFP or ATF loan programs, applicants that are denied the low interest BancFirst of Stillwater loan can seek a guaranty of the loan through the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT). Under established policies and procedures, OkAT a non-profit organization, can guaranty the loan of qualified applicants. OkAT determines a qualified applicant must have the financial means to make the monthly loan payment.
The AFP and ATF bank loan terms include:
- Fixed interest rate up to a five year term
- 2% over Daily Prime Interest Rate
- Borrowed funds are paid directly to the vendor
- Each closed loan has a $50.00 documentation fee
For more information and to check your eligibility contact Oklahoma ABLE Tech at 888-885-5588.
Oklahoma Equipment Connection
The Oklahoma Equipment Connection (OEC) is a free service through Oklahoma ABLE Tech. Helping Oklahomans with disabilities find affordable, used assistive technology and adaptive or durable medical equipment. The OEC is a resale listing from individuals that no longer use or need the equipment. Items on the OEC are in the following categories: Communication Aids and Devices, Educational/Adapted Toys, Assistive Listening Devices, Environmental or Personal Care Devices, Wheelchairs and Scooters, Mobility and Seating Devices, Safety Alert and Health Items, Visual Aids, Recreational and Exercise Devices, Modified Vehicles and Lift equipment. For those interested in buying or listing equipment call the ABLE Tech Info-Line at 888-885-5588.
Notes on Liability: The Oklahoma Equipment Connection assumes no responsibility for the condition of products exchanged through this information service. It is the responsibility of the owner to provide accurate information about product specifications and conditions. Additionally, terms or arrangements made for any product exchanges are the sole responsibility of the exchanging parties.
This newsletter was supported in part by USDA-CSREES grant award number 2002-41590-01370.