Florida Alliance Assistive Services and Technology, Inc.

(FAAST)

FAAST Alternative Financing Program

The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Title III, allows "Tech Act" states to establish alternative financing programs (AFPs) for the purchase of assistive technology.  FAAST, Inc., has been awarded State, Federal and private funds to embark on such a program for persons with disabilities or their representatives to apply for loans to purchase assistive technology or accessibility.

Questions and Answers

Who qualifies to apply for a loan?

An individual with a disability as specifically defined by the ADA.  The term "disability" means, with respect to an individual:

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major activities of such individual

A record of such impairment, or

Being regarded as having such an impairment

How do I repay the loan?

With an approved loan, a payment booklet with individual receipts is prepared and delivered to the recipient as part of the loan acceptance procedure.  You may mail the payments to the address provided.

The FLA has established these criteria for the applicant:

Has a disabling condition,

Wants to purchase assistive technology or accessibility for assistive technology,

Has the ability to repay this loan.

What if I have never had a loan and live on a fixed income?

The FAAST Board through the FLA will consider all the options available and may accept your proposal or may propose an alternative repayment schedule.

Where can I apply for a loan?

There are many community partners who have trained Loan Application Specialists who can assist with the loan application and credit history:

FAAST Regional Demonstrations Centers

On-line at the FAAST Web Page (www.faast.org)

Any of the Florida Centers for Independent Living

Depending on the level of assistance that an individual requires, any of the trained community partners can facilitate the process.  The loan information and application is in alternative formats.

What is the loan minimum?        $500.00

What is the loan maximum?        $20,000.00

What is the payback period?        2-6 years

How much can I borrow, and for how long?

Loan Amount                Term

$500 - $2,999                24 months

$3,000 - $6,999             60 months

$7,000 - $20,000           72 months

What can the loan purchase?

Assistive services and technology or accessibility options.

As an example, a person with a disability may need an Augmentative Communication Device (ACD) for communication.  Access to the ACD is from an adjustable arm which is attached to their wheelchair and positioned for optimal use; the ACD is the assistive technology while the adjustable arm is the accessibility option necessary for use by the individual.

What are the costs associated with the loan?

The only cost to the consumer is a loan processing fee of $75.00 which is paid at closing to AmSouth.

FAAST Regional Demonstration Center (Central Florida)

Tampa (813) 844-7591

Local Florida Center for Independent Living

Center for Independent Living North Central Florida

3445 N.E. 24th Street

Ocala, FL 34470

(352) 368-3788

(352) 629-0098 [Fax]

(352) 368-2969 [TDD]

 

For additional information on the FAAST Low Interest Loan program for Floridians with disabilities please contact:

FAAST, Inc

1020 E. Lafayette Street, Suite 110

Tallahassee, FL 32301-4546

(850) 487-3278

(850) 487-2805 [Fax]

(850) 922-5951 [TDD]

(888) 788-9216 [Toll Free]

E-mail: faast@faast.org

Web Page: http://faast.org

 

 

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