Loan Program

Idaho Assistive Technology Fund

Assistive technology is redefining what is possible for individuals with disabilities. It includes such items as reachers, walkers, adaptive computer hardware and software, wheelchairs, electronic communication systems, wheelchair ramps, and thousands of other commercially available products. Emerging research indicates that using assistive technology allows people with disabilities to get and keep jobs, to succeed at school, and to function well in their homes and communities. Assistive technology allows persons with disabilities to be less dependent on entitlement programs and can help them to avoid entering publicly-funded institutions.

In order to promote the use of assistive technology, the Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) at the University of Idaho established a small low interest loan program in 1994. The program is designed to provide an alternative funding mechanism for the purchase of assistive technology for the benefit of persons with disabilities in the State of Idaho. The IATP serves as the administrator of the program and has been the major contributor of assets and technical assistance. The Idaho Community Foundation, an Idaho-based philanthropic organization, serves as the administrator of pass-through and endowment funds. The Loan Program works through two Idaho banks to offer individuals with disabilities low interest rates on loans for assistive technology. Loans cannot exceed $10,000. As of June 2006, the program reached the one million dollar mark in providing loans for assistive technology since 1994.