LVCILAssistiveTech_Nabavian_Presentation_LVMAC_17Jul2024.pdf

Presentation by the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center's LVCIL's Coordinator of Community Accessibility and Related Programs, Fatima Nabavian, spoke at the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council meeting on 17 July 2024 on the subject of “Free Tools and Resources For Maintaining Independence”.

1. Assistive
Technology at
LVCIL
Presented By:
Fatima Nabavian
Coordinator of Community
Accessibility and Related
Programs
[email protected]

2. A brief History: LVCIL
Founded in 1990
16 CILs in Pennsylvania
Core services of CILs
Additional services
Partners with TechOWL
and PATF AT ACT Programs
TECHOWLPA.ORG 2

3. A BRIEF HISTORY: TECHOWL
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TechOWL -Technology for Our Whole Lives
Formally known as Pennsylvania’s Initiative on
Assistive Technology (PIAT)
A program at the Institute on Disabilities at
Temple University
Funded by Pennsylvania’s AT Act Program
Implements all AT programs for
Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older
Pennsylvanians with AT needs
TechOWLpa.org

4. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Devices
Any item, piece of equipment,
or product system, whether
acquired commercially,
modified, or customized, that
is used to increase, maintain,
or improve the functional
capacities of individuals with
disabilities.
Services
Any service that directly assists a
person with a disability or the
person’s family in the selection,
acquisition, or use of an assistive
technology device
TechOWLpa.org

5. TechOWL PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
Pennsylvania’s AT Lending Library
• “Try Tech Tools”
•100s of AT devices available to borrow
Reused Equipment Exchange Program
•Get donated/ used items for free or low cost
TDDP and National Deaf-Blind Equipment
Distribution Program (iCanConnect PA)
•FREE telephones or communication devices
•Eligibility based on income and disability
CreATe Together
•Get something made from our makers
Connect With Tech (Free Tablets)
Emergency Preparedness
•Training, information, programs, and services about emergency
preparedness for people with disabilities and/or emergency
management and related professionals.
AAC Community
•Effort to unite all individuals concerned with communication
rights for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disability, autism,
movement difficulties and other disabilities that create complex
communication needs.
ACES
•Training for users of augmentative communication
TechOWLpa.org

6. “READY TO MAKE” -3D CATALOG SAMPLING
TechOWLpa.org

7. FREE SPECIAL PHONE PROGRAM: TDDP
If you have trouble using a regular home telephone, you might be able to get a free
special home phone.
To be eligible, you must:
Be a Pennsylvania resident with a disability or disabilities that prevent you from making and/or receiving phone calls independently;
Be six years of age or older;
Have individual gross income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less
Have current telephone service; and
Have the ability to learn how to use the requested device(s).
If you can answer YES to ALL of the above questions, you may be eligible for free equipment.
TechOWLpa.org

8. TYPES OF DEVICES AVAILABLE
TECHOWLPA.ORG

9. LENDING LIBRARY
How to borrow?
Create a log in: Borrow –
TechOWL (techowlpa.org)
Reserve your items using your
TechOWL account
Check out the items online
Items will be sent directly to you
TechOWLpa.org
https://techowlpa.org/form/sign- up-to-borrow/

10. Devices for Loan- ATLL (Lending Library)
Echo Plus Smart Home Kit Adaptive Gaming Kit Zubits Magnetic Shoe ClosuresObi Dining Robot

11. PLUS…
TechOWLpa.org

12. Pennsylvania Assistive Technology
Foundation
Programs & Services
Fatima Nabavian, Outreach Specialist
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

13. Pennsylvania Assistive Technology
Foundation (PATF)
•Statewide, non-profit organization, based in King of Prussia, PA
•Majority of the Board and staff are individuals with disabilities and/or
immediate family members
•Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), consumer lender
•PA’s Alternative Financing Program (federal 21st Century Act)
•PATF is one of three programs in Pennsylvania under the AT Act:
1.Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
2.TechOWL (formerly PIAT)
3.Disability Rights Pennsylvania
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14. PATF Programs and Services
Information and assistance about assistive
technology (AT) funding resources and vendors
Financial loans for assistive technology
Financial education
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15. Financial Loans for Assistive Technology
Mini-Loan Program
•$100 to $7,000
•0% interest, zero fees
•$20/month minimum payment
PATF may be able to offer a partial grant in
conjunction with a Mini- Loan (current mini-
grants are for: tablets, vision AT for
borrowers who are blind or low-vision, and
any AT for low-income borrowers, except
computers).
Low-Interest Loan Program
•$7,001 and above
•3.75% interest, zero fees
- Non-Guaranteed up to $60,000
- Guaranteed up to $35,000
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16. Mini-Loan Program
•$100 to $7,000
•0% interest, zero fees
•Payments as low as $20/month
•4-year maximum loan term

17. Mini-Loan Example
John is starting his first job and was recently diagnosed with a bi- lateral
moderate to severe hearing loss. In addition to hearing aids, his audiologist
recommended a directional microphone to help with client meetings. OVR
paid for a portion of the hearing aids, but not the directional microphone.
John applied for a mini loan for the balance on the hearing aids, an extra
charger for his rechargeable hearing aids and a directional microphone.
AT Cost Mini-Loan Loan Payment
Portion of hearing
aids, Phonak charger
case and Roger Pen
$3,000
0% interest
No fees
Repayment term 48
months
$62.50 / month
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18. Low-Interest Loan Program
•$7,001 and above
•3.75% interest, zero fees
oNon-Guaranteed (up to $60,000)
oGuaranteed (up to $35,000)
•Loan term based on useful life of device

19. Guaranteed Low- Interest Loan Example
Nancy, who has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user, came to PATF for a
Low-Interest Loan to purchase an adapted vehicle. Vehicle adaptations
(lowered floor, ramp, tie-downs) were paid for by the Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation.
AT Cost Guaranteed
Low-Interest Loan
Loan Payment
Vehicle body$25,000
3.75% interest, no fees,
with repayment term of
7 years
$339 / month
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20. “Braiding” Funding
Alexa braided three funding sources
together to modify her new home. OVR paid
for a ceiling-mounted lift and the installation
of an electric door opener on the front door.
Her waiver paid for modifications to her
floors, walls, and three other doors.
A grant from the Cumberland County
Housing and Redevelopment Authority was
used to install the Universal Remote Control
home automation system (a type of “smart
home” technology).
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21. Financial Education for People with Disabilities
•Budgeting
•Saving (e.g., PA ABLE)
•Banking
•Credit
•Housing
•Employment
•Transition- Age Checklist
•Adult Decision- Making
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22. Free Webinar Series on Financial
Empowerment for People with
Disabilities
•Voting and Participating in the Census
•Identity Theft
•Saving with PA ABLE
•Funding Resources for Assistive Technology
•Money Mapping (Budgeting)
•Credit
•Tax Preparation
•Decision-Making Supports for Adults with
Disabilities
Recordings, transcripts, slides, and additional
materials: patf.us/MoneyTalks

23. Contact Us
[email protected]
www.patf.us
484-674-0506
1004 West 9th Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Sign Up for our Newsletter
and follow us on Social Media:
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24. TECHOWL – TECH NOLOGY FOR OUR WHOLE LIVES
Lending Library
Demonstrations
ReUsed Equipment
Free Special Phones
And more…
TechOWLpa.org
LVCIL.org/assistivetech
[email protected]
[email protected]
610-770 9781 ext. 123
Text Chat!
Video Chat!
TechOWLpa.org