Assistive Technology Loan Program

Assistive Technology – hearing and vision aids, communication devices, environmental adaptations, wheelchairs and home or vehicle modifications – can be expensive to purchase. National Disability Institute can help you find and afford assistive technology. Our Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program provides affordable loans of up to $45,000 for the purchase or refinance of assistive technology to residents of New Jersey and New York.

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NDI’s AT Loan Program at a Glance

Watch this short overview about NDI’s Assistive Technology Loan Program

Video Transcript

Apply for a Loan

Make sure that you read the Loan Application Checklist at the start of each application. There are two separate loan application forms — one for home modifications and one for non-home modifications. Please check to make sure that you are using the correct form.

You can download the application to your device in order to utilize the fillable PDF form.

Application for Non-Home Modification
Application for Non-Home Modification
DOWNLOAD THE SPENDING PLAN

NDI’s AT Loan Program at a Glance

Watch this short overview about NDI’s Assistive Technology Loan Program

Video Transcript

If you think you are ready for a loan, but would like assistance or guidance before applying, please contact Laurie Schaller at (202) 449-9521, toll free: 1 (877) 771-1962 or lschaller@ndi-inc.org

Testimonials: NDI's AT Loan Program

  • "I am a social worker and I came upon a wheelchair user who asked if I would help push her down the block. It was obvious the person needed a motorized wheel chair. I called the NDI AT Loan Program and I received a few referrals for possible places to get a used unit. I explained that the person had limited income, their only income being SSI and therefore, they could not afford a loan. I received several referrals to find a used unit.  I was surprised to learn that the monthly payment would only be $57 for a new motorized chair – that is affordable, more people need to know about this program!"

  • "Now that I have my OrCam vision device, I can read my prescription bottles and newspaper again. Thank you, NDI AT Loan Program!"

    Linda

  • "I wanted the best for my child who was striving to succeed in school. I began the search for assistive technology that would help my son succeed in school. I stumbled across OrCam, a device that provides text-to-speech capability that is untethered to any device. I was able to make the AT purchase, thanks to the NDI AT Loan Program. Now, in his first year in high school, my son uses the device when he starts to struggle reading text and comprehension. School administrators and technology directors from both his current and previous school marvel at the device and consider it to be leading-edge technology. This statement says it all. 'Without the device, I don’t think I would have graduated from the 8th grade; thanks to NDI'."  

    Clifton

Learn more about the AT Loan Program…

NDI received funding for the program, which is one of more than 40 nationally, from the U.S. Department of Education. Loans for the purchase or refinance of assistive technology (AT) and are available to residents of New Jersey and New York. NDI buys down the interest rate, making it possible for approved loan applicants to obtain loans at 4 percent interest, a significant cost savings for borrowers. NDI also guarantees the loans, allowing for more favorable lending terms; this can be a credit building loan.

National Disability Institute takes calls regarding requests for AT loans and group presentations. Referrals are also provided which, in many cases, further reduces costs for those who need AT.

Individuals who apply for a loan are required to submit documentation, including recent bills and sources of income, to National Disability Institute. We prequalify applicants and send the information to a partnering financial institution for final approval and loan service.

Through the AT Loan Program, National Disability Institute aims to help residents with disabilities in New York and New Jersey increase or maintain their productivity and quality of life. Learn more or apply for a loan today!

AT Loan Flyer

What AT Loan resources are available for residents of New York or New Jersey?

Take some time to learn about the assistive technology resources available in your state before you apply for a loan. A loan is just ONE of many options. You can use the guides below to find available assistive technology and ways to reduce your need for a loan.

I don't live in New York or New Jersey...can I still get a loan?

Want to find similar loan programs outside of New Jersey and New York?

View a national listing of Alternative Financing Programs.

What happens after I send my application?

After you loan application is received, NDI will contact you for your intake. At that time, your loan application and credit report will be reviewed with you.

We will send a summary of your loan application to our NDI AT Loan Committee. The NDI AT Loan Committee will pre-screen you for an AT loan based on the requirements of the participating financial institutions. If you do not meet the requirements for a loan, we will ask that you reapply in the future.

If you pass the pre-screening for a loan, NDI will submit your loan application to the appropriate partnering financial institution. The financial institution will review your application and determine if your loan is approved or denied.

Once your loan is approved, your loan funds will be issued directly to your AT vendor.

Who can I contact for help?

If you think you are ready for a loan, but would like assistance or guidance before applying, please contact Laurie Schaller at 1.877.771.1962 or lschaller@ndi-inc.org.

NDI encourages you to apply for a loan that meets your needs. If you need support along the way, please contact us.

Upcoming Events & Webinar Archives

Register for an upcoming webinar:

NDI Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Spotlight Webinar: Seeing Eye Dog and Therapy Animal Services, Thursday, August 17th, 2023, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Register here.

Watch the Loan Orientation:

NDI’s Loan Orientation will help you complete your loan application and create a spending plan to decide how much you can afford to borrow.

The loan orientation webinar takes about 1 hour to complete. Download NDI’s fillable spending plan to help you complete the orientation.

Webinar archives:

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