GAYLORD — For a number of reasons, persons with disabilities often find it difficult to access loans to purchase necessary equipment, but there is an option. The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund allows people to buy ramps and elevators, hearing aids, power wheelchairs, computers and peripherals, vehicles with adaptive controls or lifts, home modifications and more. The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund program is available through United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan and Option 1 Credit Union.
Any resident of the state of Michigan who has a disability or a person aged 60 and older who needs assistive technology may apply, she said. There is no minimum loan amount; however, there is a maximum of $30,000.
The interest rate is determined by Option 1 Credit Union based on your credit score and is a fixed rate for the duration of the loan. Repayment terms are based on the expected useful life of the assistive technology device or service and are for as long as possible, up to a maximum of seven years.
For more information or an application form, visit www.michiganloanfunds.org or contact the Region 9 Area Agency on Aging at (800) 219-2273 ext. 261. Region 9 provides services in the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon.
