Rehabilitation Commission Celebrates $5 Million in Low-Interest Assistive Technology Loans for People with Disabilities

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) today celebrated its Assistive Technology Loan Program, which has now distributed $5 million in low-interest loans to qualified residents with disabilities, at an event at the State House. Through a partnership with Sovereign Bank and Easter Seals, the state’s MassMATCH program (Maximizing Assistive Technology in Consumers’ Hands) has enabled more than 300 Massachusetts residents with disabilities and their families to purchase technology and tools that offer them opportunities to lead more independent lives. Hundreds more have benefited from other assistive technology programs.

“The Assistive Technology Loan Program is central to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission’s commitment to advancing the empowerment, independence and equality of individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts,” said Commissioner Charles Carr. “The Commonwealth’s strong partnership with Easter Seals and Sovereign Bank has helped more than 300 people with disabilities to afford innovative assistive technologies and live more independent lives.”

MassMATCH is one of several assistive technology efforts underway at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Through Assistive Technology demonstration sites around the state, children, adults, and elders with disabilities can try low- to high-tech devices that can help them succeed in school, stay employed, or remain safely in their homes as they age. Assistive technologies include modified vans, adapted computer hardware and software, hearing aids and mobility aids, many of which were on display at today’s State House event.

“A commitment to creating genuine opportunities for people with disabilities and elders to live and work in their communities is at the heart of the Patrick Administration's ‘Community First’ agenda,” said Dr. Jean McGuire, Assistant Secretary for Disability Policy and Programs. “Whether you are a child with a disability entering school, an injured adult returning to the workplace, or an elder wanting to live safely at home, assistive technologies are core to your opportunities to be an independent, contributing member of your community.”

The Assistive Technology Loan Program was established in 2005 with $2 million in funding from the federal Assistive Technology Act and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, as well as support from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Revenue from this initial deposit covers the program’s operating expenses. Administered by Easter Seals in partnership with Sovereign Bank, the program offers a low interest rate of 4.25% and provides people with disabilities and their families more affordable opportunities to purchase the assistive technology devices they need.

Because some assistive technology devices can be very expensive or their use for an individual can be time limited, MRC also participates in a New England-based technology exchange service called GetAT (www.getATstuff.org ), which helps get assistive technology devices that are no longer being used into the hands of people who need and can benefit from them. Additionally, MRC also provides home- and work-based consultations to help individuals with simple adaptations, as well as significant renovations using various assistive technologies.

Individuals interested in learning more about assistive technology or other services and supports available through the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission are encouraged to visit www.mass.gov/mrc or contact Ann Shor, Director of Independent Living and Assistive Technology, at (617) 204-3602. Assistive technology loan applications and assistance are also available at Independent Living Centers (ILCs) and Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) throughout Massachusetts.

About the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission assists individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. The MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Community Services, and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefits programs for Massachusetts citizens with disabilities. The MRC serves people with all types of disabilities except those who are blind, who are served through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. To learn more about MRC, please visit www.mass.gov/mrc.

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