Assistive Technology Loan Program for Massachusetts Residents with Disabilities

An innovative loan program is now available to Massachusetts residents with disabilities through a partnership between the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), Easter Seals Massachusetts and Sovereign Bank.

The Massachusetts Assistive Technology (MA AT) Loan Program provides low-interest loans to qualified people with disabilities and their families to purchase assistive technology and services that will help them lead more independent lives. Assistive technology includes communications devices, specially adapted computers, Braille equipment, and hearing and vision aids.

Certain vehicle and home modifications also are eligible for loans. “Technology can level the playing field for people with disabilities when it comes to getting jobs and living independently,” said Elmer C. Bartels, commissioner of the MRC. “This program offers us the ability to broaden our scope of services to the disability community and help additional consumers get the assistance they need.”

“There is a tremendous need for a program such as this,” Easter Seals President Kirk Joslin said. “Assistive technology can open up a whole new world for someone with a disability. The MA AT Loan Program puts that technology and related services within reach of many more people.”

Christopher T. Borowiec from Sovereign Bank said, “We are so pleased to administer this important program with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and Easter Seals. We look forward to helping those with disabilities receive the services they need to enrich their lives.” Easter Seals is working in partnership with Sovereign Bank and disability groups around the state. Sovereign Bank will handle the loan distribution.

The MRC obtained a $1.7 million USD federal grant for the program and chose Easter Seals to manage the project. The funding came from the Alternative Financing Program of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education.

Source: Sovereign Bank