Did you miss our recent webinar, Understanding Scams and Financial Exploitation? Dave Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General spoke about the latest information on the most common types of scams, red flags, phishing tactics, practical steps on how to report suspected scams, and how to protect yourself and loved ones from financial harm.

Read our latest blog about the webinar to learn what David Shallcross shared in the webinar. This webinar was not recorded.

On April 15th, Governor Josh Shapiro signed three executive orders to expand protections for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania. 

The first executive order ensures that agencies keep data collection limited to only what’s truly needed and makes sure agencies follow the right steps, especially in health care, research, and legal matters. 

The second executive order establishes the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. This consists of 30 volunteer members that are appointed by the Governor, and will include people with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, and disability professionals. The members will help shape disability-related policies, work with agencies at all levels of government, share Administration initiatives with the public, and gather information on programs, funding, and supports. 

The third executive order reestablished the Developmental Disabilities Council. They will advise the Governor on issues impacting people with developmental disabilities and advocate for greater independence, productivity, and community inclusion, while continuing to lead a statewide plan and push for meaningful, system-wide change across Pennsylvania. 

We are so happy about these executive orders and the positive change they will bring to the disability community in Pennsylvania. 



Learn more about these executive orders. 

Allentown Bilingual Disability Resource Fair

We held the 3rd Annual Allentown Bilingual Disability Resource Fair on April 25th at Luis Ramos Elementary School. With more than 110 attendees and 37 exhibitors, the event was a great opportunity to connect with the community and bridge the gap between resource awareness and different communities within Pennsylvania.

PATF spoke with attendees about our financial loan programs and our other services, so that assistive technology can be more affordable and accessible to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The event was a fun-filled day and featured games, face painting, raffle giveaways, blood pressure checks, vision screenings, and free lunch from the Couchpota.doh Kitchen food truck, thanks to our sponsors of the event. 

We thank Highmark Wholecare, Wellkids by PA Health & Wellness, and AmeriHealth Caritas. With your continued support, we can host important events like this that benefit people across Pennsylvania. 

The event featured over 30 exhibitors who provided valuable resources and information to the attendees. We thank our exhibitors. 

Arc of Lehigh and Northampton, Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, JK Smith Behavioral Consulting, Values into Action, The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University, PA Health & Wellness, Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit, Lehigh County Early Intervention, Miracle Makers Home Care, Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, Abound Health, Sevita Health, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, Disability Rights PA, LANTA - the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Abby Care, Alpha Health Services, Sights for Hope, Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, Hamilton Relay, AmeriHealth, Highmark Wholecare, Plan 504, Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters, Millersville Migrant Education Program, and Care Options for Kids

Inclusive Post-High School Transition Resource Fair -

In March, State Representative Joe Webster and The Arc Alliance hosted this free event, which offered students and their families an opportunity to meet with organizations that are offering employment, education, and transition resources. We were proud to be among the many organizations there and to share how our financial loans, information and assistance, and financial education services can support post-high school opportunities. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters SC PA Annual Youth Leadership -

We had the opportunity to meet with students and professionals for this event in March, where attendees participated in workshops and listened to informational speakers to get real-life insights. It is important to invest in our youth and their future, and we were proud to be part of this event! Assistive technology can assist with a more accessible and inclusive future for all. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters SC PA.

ODHH Hearing Loss Expo -

We joined the celebration of 40 years of the Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing this March at the Hearing Loss Expo! It was a pleasure connecting with attendees and sharing how our financial loans and services can help make hearing devices more accessible. Hearing aids remain the most frequently requested assistive technology through PATF’s financial loans.

Mega Job & Resource Fair -

This event, hosted by PA CareerLink in collaboration with the Mayor’s Committee in April, gave us the opportunity to share information about our financial loans and services, and how they help people obtain assistive technology to support employment. We were proud to be one of more than 20 resource partners at the event, which also featured over 40 employers, giveaways, free haircuts, health screenings, and other supports!

Senator John Kane Senior Expo -

PATF had the pleasure of connecting with aging Pennsylvanians at State Senator John Kane and State Representative Carol Kazeem’s Senior Expo in April. We shared how assistive technology, including smart home technology, can help people be more independent at home and in the community, and how PATF’s financial loans can help to make that happen.

Widener Memorial Transition Fair -

This event was filled with resources from post-secondary partners for students and their families. PATF was there to share how we can be a resource for purchasing assistive technology that can support students in school. Learn more about Widener Memorial.

Making a Difference Together

Because of our sponsors and supporters, we’re able to provide life-changing financial solutions for assistive technology and host events that raise awareness of similar resources for Pennsylvanians. 

Thank You for Helping Advance AT Access Through Funding Support 

We want to thank the following members of the Labor and Industry Committee for advocating to the Senate Appropriations Committee for funding for Assistive Technology Financing, which supports our lending program:  

Majority Chair, 37th District – Senator Devlin J. Robinson  

Minority Chair, 9th District – Senator John I. Kane  

46th District – Senator Camera Bartolotta  

22nd District – Senator Marty Flynn  

49th District – Senator Dan Laughlin  

45th District – Senator Nick Pisciottano 

5th District – Senator Joe Picozzi 

2nd District, Senator Christine M. Tartaglione 

Impact in Action

Cara Beth used a PATF loan for a chairlift after a fall down a flight of steps. Having a chairlift meant that she could increase her mobility between the first and second floors of her home, where her bedroom and bathroom are. Without financing, purchasing this would have impacted her tight budget. 

She was approved for a PATF Mini-Loan and now she can move around her home with more comfort and safety. She now has the energy and time to do things she loves, such as volunteering. 

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.