WASHINGTON ACCESS FUND Promoting Access to Technology & Economic Opportunity for People with Disabilities in Washington State

About us… Small AFP– bulk of initial funding in 2004 from AFP ($635,000) & Telework grants ($1,200,000). Direct Lender – underwrite & service all of our own loans. AT Loans capped at $10,000; Telework loans at $25,000. Disbursed 354 loans to date (approx. $1,215,759) – 63 this year. About $302,000 outstanding Also provide long term CCTV leases and client TA including small business planning class 2

Why Asset Building? Actually -- think of AT & business equipment loans as asset building… About 70% of clients at or below 80% of statewide median income; over 50% at or below statewide median 86% of clients say that they purchased their technology with an Access Fund Loan b/c it was the only way they could afford it But -- wanted to expand options for low income clients & strengthen TA 3

4 Access Fund IDA Programs Three Individual Development Account Pilots – all funded from sources other than Assets for Independence Program United Way of King County Collaboration – Assistive Technology for Work IDAs ( ) Business Equipment IDAs (launched October 2010) Assistive Technology IDAs funded via Paul G. Allen Foundation Grant (launched January 2011) 4

5 United Way IDAs for Work Funded with $40,000 in state dollars under Washingtons IDA Legislation (RCW ) which permits participants to save from unearned income for assistive technologies that allow a person with a disability to participate in work- related activities Eligibility: Person with a disability; must be saving for assistive technology for work related activities and be 18 at time of purchase 5

6 United Way IDAs for Work cont.. Participants started saving in October 08; Program ended in June 2011 Clients required to chose savings goals of $2000 or $4000; 1:1 Match Saving generally by EFT on day of clients choosing (1 exception) Savings put in custodial accounts so would not count as assets for SSI & other benefits Required to save for at least 6 months & take financial education & AT training 6

7 17 Participants – 14 men; 3 women Age: 20-60; Mdn = 44 13/17 = single person households 6 = negative net assets; 7 = net assets of less than $1000; 4 = net assets of $ on SSI or SSDI 5 Employed Full/Part-time; 3 Self Employed 9 Unemployed (3=students) (so ability to save from unearned income was important!) 7 United Way Savers

8 Monthly contributions: $10-$200/month; median about $40/month All saved & made purchases – most multiple Items Purchased: Vehicles; Computers & iPads; Special Software (Zoomtext; Dragon;ProQuo2); Closed Circuit TV; GPS System; Dentures; Hearing Aids; Digitizing Table; AT Training; Color Identifier; Talking Alarm Clock; iBill 8

9 United Way – Other Outcomes Exit Surveys – Clients report benefitting from: Financial Education & AT Training Saving Consistently by EFT Match even though just 1:1 Working with staff – resources & referrals Self-employed seemed to have benefitted the most; those who were unemployed -- still unemployed Barriers To A Better Life: Disability; Not Enough Money; Lack of Steady Work & Health 9

10 Business Equipment IDA Pilot Launched in October 2010 Funded via Telework Grant Set aside $50,000 for first year Can save any amount up to $4,000 for assistive technology or business equipment needed for employment or self employment Match is 1:1 Savings can come from earned or unearned income 10

11 Business Equipment IDA – Eligibility – Flexibility!!! 80% of county median income excluding disability related medical expenses Net Assets of $20,000 excluding retirement funds, special disability-related equipment Adult children living with parents eligible if considered a household for SSI purposes Parents can save for children with disabilities Children can start saving at 15 Feasibility Analysis if for Self-Employment 11

12 Business Equipment IDA – Requirements Save for at least six months; total of three years to save Asset Specific Training (AT, Technology and/or Small Business) required Financial Education required – Goal is to develop a specialized curriculum which can be offered on line or in person! – New: Benefits Consultation & Assistance with goal of offering full range of tools (loans, IDAs, Work Incentives, etc.) to clients 12

13 Business Equipment IDA – To Date 14 Enrolled; one more in process of enrolling Savings goals range from $ (slightly higher than last group?) Similar profiles – age, employment status, etc. Most want to start/expand small business Several from United Way Pilot – needed more time to save or saving for new items Equipment: Computers; ipads; software; sewing machines; digitizing board; vehicles, etc! 13

14 New Assistive Technology IDA Pilot! Funded by Paul G. Allen Foundation as part of comprehensive asset building program Participants can save up to $4,000 for any type of assistive technology and/or home and vehicle accessibility modifications. AT can be for any purpose – not just work related activities! Savings can come from earned or unearned income! Match: 1:1 14

15 New Assistive Technology IDA Pilot! Eligibility Requirements: Same as Business Equipment IDA (except that equipment need not be for employment or self-employment!) Program Requirements – Same as Business Equipment IDA (except not required to take self- employment training of course!) Program Launched in February – $25,000 set aside – Year 1. As of August 31: 8 Active savers; 1 enrolling. Saving for computers, communication devices, therapy pool, GPS System 15

16 Benefits to Loan Programs Clients now have new options for getting AT & business equipment that they could not afford without this program. Helps build long term relationships with clients -- have a greater impact in terms of TA provided including financial education/training on AT and self- employment A number of clients have combined IDAs with either AT or TW loans

17 Considerations & Challenges Staffing – need to have staff with time & expertise. More labor intensive than loan programs! We are happy to help! AFI programs – Cannot save from unearned income; AT is not an asset Partners – many in asset building community are not familiar with disability related issues, AT or obligations to provide accommodations. 17

18 Other Asset Building Tools… Credit Reporting via Credit Builders Alliance ( Credit Builder Loans – up to $500 for assistive technology or business equipment – clients who do not meet regular underwriting standards but have cash flow IDAs – Individual Development Accounts or Matched Savings Programs

Access Fund Staff Frances Pennell, Executive Director Kathy Gilman, Program Director & Business Loans Leann Wicklund, Matched Savings Accounts Phone: TTY: