Contact: Susan Tachau, (888) 744-1938

 

The latest accomplishments of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) will be highlighted at a press conference hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Susan Tachau, at the Capitol Rotunda on May 17, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. PATF continues to achieve outstanding outcomes for the individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians who have been able to purchase the assistive technology (AT) devices and services they need. The program leverages a small amount of public funding into a large number of loans that strengthen our communities. In addition, the repayment of loans from past borrowers provide funding for future borrowers. Remarkably, even though PATF makes many non-traditional loans, its loan default rate is under 1% which is significantly better than the industry average of about 10% for traditional lenders.

 

The organization will release its 2015-2016 Annual Report that contains information on how PATF's financing made it possible for 304 people with disabilities to acquire the assistive technology (AT) they need in the last year. The Report, which will be available at the event, also describes the tremendous growth PATF has experienced in the past 14 years, and the types of assistive technology that more than 2,670 people have purchased with their loans since the organization was founded. The Report also profiles the stories of borrowers whose lives have been impacted by the assistive technology they were able to purchase.

 

The Board of Directors and staff of PATF invite interested persons to join them in the Capitol Rotunda to hear from policy makers about Pennsylvania's continued commitment to provide essential public funding for the program. Scheduled to speak are Senators Ryan Aument, Lisa Baker, Christine Tartaglione, Pat Vance and Sean Wiley; Representatives Tim Briggs, Kate Harper and Dan Miller. In addition, Board President Derek Baker will present Senator Vance with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her hard work, dedication and accomplishments for improving access to assistive technology for people with disabilities. Ben Laudermilch, newly appointed Executive Housing Director, PA Department of Human Services, is also scheduled to speak.

 

Additionally, Robert Shilling, a PATF Board member, will speak about the importance of AT devices for people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing and Tina Schiefelbein, of Affordable Care Hearing Aid will follow. Borrower Linzey Zoccola, founder of a service dog training organization, will speak about living and working independently using the assistive technology she purchased through PATF and how it has impacted her life.

 

About PATF:

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them to acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives. Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, PATF helps Pennsylvanians of all ages, income levels, and disabilities/health diagnoses. Contact PATF at (888) 744-1938 or [email protected].