AATLF is a non-profit organization. We help Kentuckians and Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older adults get assistive technology by offering financial loans to purchase assistive technology devices and services.

An assistive technology (AT) device is defined by the federal Assistive Technology Act as “any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

Examples of AT include vehicle hand-controls; ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and other modifications for homes; hearing and vision aids; scooters; lift chairs; stair glides; smart home technology; speech and communication devices; tablets and computers with special software and/or hardware; and adaptive sports equipment.

An assistive technology service is “any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.” Training, repair, and other such services are also included within the definition of an AT service.

Examples include training for adapted driving lessons; assessments for home modifications or smart home technology; design or architectural services; extended warranties; and assistive technology repair.

NOTE: AATLF does not reimburse or refinance items or services that have already been purchased.

AATLF is much more than a loan program. We work with each loan applicant to understand your full financial situation and develop manageable repayment terms.

There aren’t any fees associated with a Mini-Loan. Our loan eligibility guidelines are more flexible than those of a traditional lender. If the applicant can demonstrate the ability and willingness to repay the loan, we will consider lower credit scores (including no credit) and/or higher debt-to-income ratios. And, with each on-time repayment of your loan, you can build positive credit. Positive credit can be important for securing a job, an apartment, a mortgage, financing for a car, and other types of financial loans.

Your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. This is one way lenders measure your ability to manage the monthly payments to repay the money you plan to borrow.

AATLF helps people of all disabilities and health conditions, all income levels, all ages, all communities, and all cultural backgrounds. Any Kentuckian or Pennsylvanian with a disability or older person who needs assistive technology is eligible to apply for a loan. Family members, advocates, guardians, and authorized representatives may apply on behalf of children or other individuals with a disability if the device or service is for the use of the person with a disability. The applicant(s) must be age 18 or older.

The interest rate for loans between $100 and $7,000 is 0% with no fees.

No. You must pay off your current loan before you can apply for another AATLF loan.

In most cases, yes, you can purchase several types of assistive technology and include them in one loan. For example, a smart speaker, smart lock, smart door camera, and extended warranty can be purchased at the same time and combined into one loan.

When AATLF receives a new application with supporting documents, we will first review it to make sure it is complete.

The loan application is reviewed and processed by AATLF’s staff committee. If the committee is confident that you can repay the loan, the application will be approved and closing documents will be prepared for your final signature.

If the staff committee has concerns about your ability to repay the Mini-Loan, more time will be needed for AATLF’s Board of Directors to review the loan request.

When approved, the applicant must close the loan within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of approval. Applicants who have not closed their loans within the thirty-day period will need to re-apply. We cannot consider your application complete until we have received all necessary supporting documents (see the list of required supporting documents on the cover page of the loan application).

A decision will be made as quickly as possible. To process an application, all supporting documents and a fully completed application must be submitted.

The loan closing documents will be sent for your notarized signature. The documents can be emailed via DocuSign for a quicker turnaround time. Typically, you will receive the loan check within a week after your signed and notarized documents are returned. The check will be issued for the loan amount. As a rule, the loan check will be made to the vendor to benefit the borrower(s).

We cannot pre-approve an applicant for a loan – you must submit a quote from your chosen vendor for the device or service you plan to purchase so that we can process your application. You can apply for a loan for any amount up to the total cost of the assistive technology device/service you plan to purchase. AATLF’s Mini-Loans are available for up to $7,000.

Repayment terms are based on the expected useful life of the assistive technology device. For example, loans for most computers and related devices have a two-year term. The maximum loan term for a Mini-Loan is 48 months (four years).

Yes, we report every loan repayment to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

AATLF wants to help you maintain good credit while you repay your loan. If you have unexpected financial difficulties because of a sudden illness, job loss, or other hardship, contact AATLF staff to discuss your options as soon as you are able.

If you default (do not repay your loan) it will have a negative effect on your credit. Your non-payment will be listed on your credit report for at least seven years and will make it difficult for you to qualify for other loans. In addition, your loan may be sent to a collection agency.

Your privacy matters to us, and maintaining your trust is one of our highest priorities. Confidentiality and security of your sensitive personal information is of paramount importance. AATLF follows procedural safeguards in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations to guard your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, and destruction. We restrict access to your personal information to those employees and other parties who must use the information to provide services to you.

Contact us for help with questions about our loan program. The loan application is available and accessible from our website, or you may contact us to receive a print copy by mail (also available in large print and braille).