Alternative Financing
Alternative financing provides financial access to people who have not previously qualified for traditional financing. Locating funding often creates a barrier to acquiring needed assistive technology devices and services.
While Tools for Life does not directly fund the purchase of devices, it is a resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members, care staff, service providers, counselors, employers, and others to:
- Obtain information about assistive technology and appropriate funding sources
- Borrow equipment on a trial basis
- Purchase selected equipment or software at discount prices
- Consult with specialists regarding accessibility issues
- Receive training
- Receive on-site support at home, in schools, or on the job
The Tools for Life team also works closely with school personnel, family, and related service providers, offering helpful information on related laws, policies, funding tips, and possible funding sources.
Dollars and Sense is an online resource for finding answers and resources within Georgia to support the disability community and increase and maintain independent living.
This funding and acquisition guide includes resources to help access AT in all areas of life.
Financial Assistance to Acquire AT
AT financing activities support the purchase/acquisition of AT through financial loans, initiatives that directly provide AT to consumers at no cost using dollars from non-AT Act sources, or other activities that save consumers money when purchasing AT. Tools for Life does not provide loans, but it maintains a publicly available, comprehensive list of resources called Dollars and Sense.
State Financing Activities (Financial Loans to Acquire AT)
Credit-Able, the Georgia program for financial loans, was designed to provide assistance with the acquisition of AT and home or vehicle modifications through financial loans at affordable interest rates. During 2023, the administration of Credit-Able was transferred to FODAC for increased stability and a re-launch of the program.
AT Reuse
Tools for Life partners with FODAC, a nonprofit organization located in Stone Mountain,GA, that accepts device donations and repairs, refurbishes, sanitizes, and distributes the equipment for reuse. This provides equipment that people who are uninsured or under-insured can acquire freely or at substantial savings. TFL also partners with Walton Options for Independent Living in Augusta for the reutilization of refurbished equipment.
FODAC, a Network partner of TFL, is a leading provider of reused equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and much more. A TFL team member will discuss AT reuse as a funding option or contact FODAC directly to access their services.
Funding Guide
Dollars and Sense is an online resource for finding answers and resources within Georgia to support the disability community and increase and maintain independent living.
This funding and acquisition guide includes resources to help access AT in all areas of life.
