The Northwest Access Fund
Looking for Affordable Financing for Assistive Technology or Home & Vehicle Adaptions? The Northwest Access Fund is here to help!
Nationally, it is estimated that more than 50% of all purchases of assistive technology (“AT”) are funded by individuals using their own resources. If you are an individual with a disability or you have a family member with a disability, this comes as no surprise! It is so frustrating to find something that seems “perfect” for you or your child but you have no way to pay for it – or the agency or program that “should” pay for it is dragging its feet.
The Northwest Access Fund was established by and for individuals with disabilities to address such issues. Our goal is to provide an affordable and time sensitive option for paying for assistive technologies. It has been active in Washington since 2004 and recently expanded to Oregon.
The Fund offers low-interest loans for all types of assistive technology and home and vehicle accessibility modifications. Loans of up to $25,000 are available for assistive technology, including modified vehicles, and up to $35,000 for home modifications. The interest rate is 5% for the lifetime of the loan. Eligible applicants include individuals of all ages with disabilities of all types — and their families. A majority of our clients are low income.
Assistive Technology is broadly defined to include any device that maintains or enhances the functional capabilities of a person with a disability — whether it is specially designed for a person with a disability or off the shelf. Examples include (but are not limited to) hearing aids, wheelchairs, ipads, iphones, computers, and recreational equipment such as adaptive and tandem bikes (the latter being a great option for folks who are visually impaired or need mobility assistance). Loans also can be used for related services such as evaluations, training, maintenance, and repairs.
Loan applications are available online or by calling the Access Fund. Loans are generally processed within two weeks from the time the application is completed. Smaller loans (less than $1500) are typically processed in a few days.
Questions? Call us! We’d love to talk. 1-877-428-5116