We at Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) feel fortunate to be able to continue to create solutions for acquiring assistive technology through our programs. 

We are pleased to share new videos that explain who we are, what we do, and how assistive technology can help people with disabilities live independent and productive lives. In the first video, Dr. Edith Dong, a practicing deaf audiologist, talks about her journey with hearing loss. Watch the video on our website's homepage. 

In another new video, Dr. Dong and Dr. Caroline Davis, who self-identifies as hard of hearing and is a practicing pediatric occupational therapist, talk about the assistive technology they use, and how they funded it. From assistive technology used in the classroom to devices used in their everyday lives, Dr. Dong and Dr. Davis discuss it all in this video. 

Cara Beth has severe arthritis, making it difficult to walk and live safely in her home. She uses mobility devices to get around, but she was still having difficulty going up and down stairs. After falling down the stairs, she started considering getting a chairlift, so she could safely increase her mobility between the first and second floor.

Cara Beth contacted PATF for funding options, and she applied for a loan and was approved. She said that without the loan from PATF, it would have taken her years to save up for a chairlift. Her life at home has significantly improved after getting the chairlift. She often volunteers and now she can use the chairlift when she gets home to go to bed if she is tired. Cara Beth and her family feel more confident in her ability to be at home safely.

PATF is able to continue this work with support from the CDFI Fund. Over the last five years, PATF has helped 1,878 people just like Cara Beth by facilitating or extending 1,878 loans, totaling nearly $14 million.

Philadelphia Bilingual Disability Resource Fairs - Dozens of people turned out for the Philadelphia Bilingual Disability Resource Fairs held in both North and South Philadelphia in September. 



PATF co-hosted the two-day event with the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity for the City of Philadelphia. Attendees were able to speak with disability professionals, agencies, and service providers to learn about resources that are available to them.  

Temple’s Department of Emergency Medicine, HearUSA, Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and University of Pennsylvania Dental School provided free health screenings. This included blood pressure and blood oxygen tests, ear exams, vision screenings, information on dental health, and more.  

Attendees also enjoyed face painting, arts and crafts, and other fun activities! We thank the exhibitors who attended the event and shared their resources with the community and Wawa for supporting our event with a donation of soft pretzels, and we are grateful to El Concilio and St. Thomas Aquinas Church for providing their facilities for the fairs. 

Exhibitors: CaptionCall, Hamilton CapTel, HUNE, Abby Care, Embry Care, PEAL Center, University of Pennsylvania Dental School, Transition Consults, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, LAMP – Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, Legal Clinic for the Disabled, Keystone First Community Health Choices, Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Care & Help Home Care, Oak Street Health, Temple’s Department of Emergency Medicine, Miracle Makers Home Care, PEAL Center, UDS Foundation, HearUSA, The Center for Autism Research at CHOP, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, OneWell, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Vision for Equality.

State Representative Napoleon Nelson’s Senior Fair - We had the pleasure of attending State Rep. Napoleon Nelson’s 5th Senior Fair that included SEPTA Senior Fare Cards, flu and COVID immunizations, free health screenings, and information and resources from various agencies. 

We were able to speak to people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians about how PATF can fund assistive technology, so that they can live more independently and safely in their homes. 

Thriving with Vision Loss - People with vision loss attended the Keystone Blind Association’s Thriving with Vision Loss Expo on September 17th. There was also information on computer and smart technologies, low vision technology, and employment opportunities for people who are legally blind. Contact PATF if you are looking for funding resources for assistive technology to support your vision. 

Disability Pride Pittsburgh - PATF had the pleasure of connecting with the community at the Disability Pride Pittsburgh in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The day included vendors, valuable resources, giveaways, other fun activities, music, and more.

State Representative Joseph Hohenstein’s Disability Summit - This year’s event, held at Temple University on September 25th, focused on change, challenges, and celebration. The impact of changes in law and policy was reviewed, tools and skills to overcome challenges were discussed, and the different lived experiences of people with disabilities were recognized.    

November is AT Awareness Month, and PATF will be sharing valuable information about assistive technology all month long. You will hear from people with disabilities on how they use assistive technology, the difference it makes in their lives, and how they fund it. Follow us on our social media accounts, so you don’t miss it!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the PA ABLE Savings Program is hosting four virtual sessions in October on different financial topics. The first session happened on October 7th and covered savings, checking, and PA ABLE for working people with disabilities. PATF CEO, Will Hall, spoke during this session. The second session was held October 14th and covered short-term and long-term investing. It is not too late to join the upcoming sessions! 

Session 3: Financial Tools for Working People with Disabilities: Work While you Maintain Your Benefits with Work Incentives and the PA ABLE Savings Program   

1:00 P.M. - Tuesday, October 21 – Register today  

Session 4: Disability Employment and Savings Success Stories   

1:00 P.M. - Tuesday, October 28 – Register today  

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) helps Pennsylvanians of all ages, all disabilities and health conditions, all income levels, and all communities and cultural backgrounds. We offer information about acquiring assistive technology (AT), funding resources, financial education, and financial loan programs. For more information, call 484-674-0506 or visit www.patf.us.

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.