Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a statewide, non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians acquire the assistive technology devices and services they want. PATF is a state and federally-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and is the Commonwealth’s designated Alternative Financing Program (AFP) under the federal Assistive Technology Act. PATF is one of 42 AFPs and state financing entities in the U.S. and territories.
Mission
PATF provides financing opportunities, education, and advocacy for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them to acquire the assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.
Who We Help
PATF programs are available to Pennsylvanians of:
- All ages
- All income levels
- All disabilities and health conditions
We make every effort to make all of our materials accessible, including to non-English speakers.
What We Do
PATF offers:
- Information and assistance about assistive technology, funding resources, and vendors
- Financial education
- Financial loans for the purchase of assistive technology
[ Read What We Do ]
Guiding Principles
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) was founded as an option for individuals who want to pay for needed assistive technology devices themselves. PATF is not to be thought of as a program of last resort, meaning that all avenues of potential payers do not have to be exhausted before a loan application is considered. Key principles are:
- Individuals with disabilities and/or family members make the decision to apply for a loan. It is one’s choice to seek financing to purchase assistive technology and to select the assistive technology equipment and services needed.
- There is no requirement that a loan applicant must have been turned down by other funding resources before s/he can apply for a loan.
- Consumers can purchase the equipment and/or service s/he wants. The consumer also chooses the vendor or contractor with whom they want to work. PATF does not require multiple bids for goods and services.
- PATF does not require that the applicant provide proof of disability. Applicants must describe how the device or service they wish to purchase is assistive technology.
- PATF will provide services to all residents of Pennsylvania, regardless of disability diagnosis, age of onset, county of residence, age, or income level. A borrower must be willing and able to repay a loan.
- In accordance with federal and state law, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, national origin, age, sex, creed, religion, color, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to Department of Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20220 or call (202) 622-1160.
- PATF believes in maintaining high standards of financial integrity. Our books are audited by an independent auditor on an annual basis and are available upon request by calling (484) 674-0506. Financial statements can also be found on www.guidestar.org.