The Assistive Technology Loan Program

The Assistive Technology Loan Program is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services in partnership with People's Bank

If you need costly equipment to meet your special needs, People's Bank is working with the Connecticut Tech Act Project (state of Connecticut) to provide you with a low-interest loan to help you obtain the assistive technology you need.

Assistive technology is any tool, device or equipment designed to help you develop, maintain or improve your ability to function daily. It could range from small, inexpensive kitchen gadgets that help you cook to a van adapted with special controls to help you drive independently. Hearing aids, motorized wheelchairs, computers controlled by voice or other special switch and augmentative alternative communication tools are included in a long list of assistive technology devices.

Construction work completed on part of a building to make it possible for you to use your device also qualifies as assistive technology. You may need to use assistive technology in your home, school, work, or recreational settings.

To qualify for the Assistive Technology Loan Program, you must have:

• a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits
• at least one major daily activity; and
• an income at or below 100% of the state median; or an income above 100% of the state median level but cannot meet conventional loan standards.

To Apply for an Assistive Technology Loan, speak to your People's Bank Loan Officer or call the Peer Technology Counselor working at one of the five Centers for Independent Living. They can help you complete the loan application packet. The Peer Technology Counselors can also provide you with information about vendors who sell assistive technology and other funding sources. The amount of the loan you receive depends on the price of the equipment and your financial status. People's Bank will help you plan a schedule to repay the loan.

Assistive Technology Loan Fund - Forms index

The Connecticut Tech Act Project also provides information and advocacy services to you regarding assistive technology. The project's goal is to make sure that Connecticut's residents (all ages) with disabilities get access to assistive technology. The project is funded in part by a grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

For more information, contact your nearest Peer Technology Counselor in:

Stratford: Dana Canevari,
Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County -
80 Ferry Boulevard  
Stratford CT, 06615 
Voice: 203-378-6977  
TTY: 203-378-3248  
e-mail: [email protected]

Naugatuck: Bob Gorman, 
Independence Northwest Route 63, 
1183 New Haven Road, Suite 200 
Naugatuck CT, 06770 
Voice: 203-729-3299 
TTY: 203-729-1281 
Fax: 203-729-2839 
e-mail: [email protected]

North Franklin: Rick DeLuca 
Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut 
238 West Town Street
Norwich CT, 06360
Voice/TTY: 860-823-1898  
Fax: 860-886-2316 
e-mail: [email protected]

West Haven: Susan Duval 
Center for Disability Rights 
764A Campbell Avenue 
West Haven CT, 06516 
Voice: 203-934-7077  
TTY: 203-934-7079  
Fax: 203-934-7078 
e-mail: [email protected]

Hartford: Michael Leyva  
Independence Unlimited  
151 New Park Avenue, Suite D  
Hartford CT, 06106 
Voice: 860-523-5021 (V) 
TTY: 860-529-0436 (TDD) 
e-mail: [email protected]

or call the Connecticut Tech Act Project at the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Social Services at 860-424-4871 or 1-800-537-2549 (V/TDD).

The Department of Social Services offers programs regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, physical or mental disabilities, national origin, or language barriers. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this information is available in large print, Braille, or on audio cassette, upon request, by calling toll-free: 1-800-537-2549 (V/TDD).