Institute for Human Development

The Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) a program of the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University is creating Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT). AzLAT is a consumer driven, statewide alternative financing program to make affordable loans available to persons with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology devices.

Assistive technology (AT) includes thousands of simple to complex devices and products that enable people with disabilities to be more productive and independent in major life activities such as communication, self-care, education, employment, mobility, and recreation. Assistive technology may be used at home, in the workplace, in the classroom, and in the community in ways that provide creative solutions to reduce barriers and increase personal capabilities. Examples of assistive technology include hearing aids, wheelchairs, Braille note takers, safety rails in the bathroom, specialized computer keyboards and lifts for vans.

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology reflects an innovative, highly collaborative public/private partnership involving Arizona technology Access Program; the AzLAT Consortium representing nine other disability-related agencies, Arizona MultiBank Community Development Corporation, and The Arizona Community Foundation. (Ten additional community based organizations will also contribute their expertise to the project.) The program is designed to promote access to assistive technology devices for persons with disabilities by creating a dignified alternative to traditional loan programs. Funding for the program is provided by grants from the Department of Education's National Institute for Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR) and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.