After a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999 and interstitial lungdisease in 2013, Cara Gregg, local community volunteer, decided it was time to look into getting an adapted vehicle for herself. Tired of having to stand out in the cold, snow, rain, and heat to load her wheelchair in and out of her car, she had decided to purchase a 2014 Toyota Sienna adapted van. Combining small grants from a variety of organizations and agencies, as well as receiving a substantial grant from her church, Bridgeway Community Church, Cara researched additional options to pay for the balance of the otherwise costly van, finding information about the Assistive Technology Loan Program (ATLP) through a Google search. After reaching out to the ATLP and submitting an application for financing in February, Ms. Gregg worked closely with Keyonna Baker, Assistant Director of the ATLP, to secure the loan, "She seemed to care that I had a great experience and that the process went smoothly." Having retired from her position as a PG County school teacher, and having had to give up a variety of activities that she previously held dear such as traveling, scuba diving, and visiting amusement parks, Ms. Gregg has been excited about the prospect of regaining some of her independence with a car that could more easily accommodate her wheelchair, "I now use much less energy loading and unloading my wheelchair... This allows me to go to community events or meet with friends...to spend less time in bed resting and more time volunteering with Fidos for Freedom, Inc., Special Olympics Howard County, and Bridgeway Community Church." Among her many volunteer roles, Cara and her service dog, Tank, now use the vehicle to travel the state promoting the use of service animals, making therapeutic visits to schools for children with disabilities, and working with inmates in the Fido's Federal Prison Program to train inmates working with young service animals. The Assistive Technology Loan Program was established to provide financing options to Marylanders who might otherwise not be able to afford the assistive technology they are in need of. Through partnerships with local lenders, the ATLP staff works with consumers one-on-one to help applicants establish monthly payments that are affordable so they can access the equipment they need. And for Ms. Gregg, "Without the program, I would not have been able to afford payments on my van. I want others to have the same experience and outcome as I."
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