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Do you have a story to share? Is there something you would like to learn about? Send your ideas to info@washingtonaccessfund.org! We'll include them in our newsletter and/or on Facebook.
 Get 100% return on your investment in an Individual Development Account! A new round of applications for our Assistive Technology IDA Program is now open. IDAs are matched savings accounts established to help low-income households purchase important assets. Every dollar a person saves is matched by one dollar, doubling your money. The Washington Access Fund has two pilot programs for IDAs - an Assistive Technology IDA and a Business Equipment IDA.
Thanks to the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Access Fund has been able to open up new Assistive Technology IDA's for 2012. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and only a limited number of accounts are available. For more information visit our IDA Program page. Please give us a call or send an email to leann@washingtonaccessfund.org if you have any questions.
 Preparing Yourself and Your AT in an Emergency: Join WATAP on Thursday, February 9th at 10:00am for a free webinar on emergency preparedness. If a disaster struck, either large or small, how prepared would you feel? What would you do with your assistive technology and how would you replace it if it were lost? Learn simple steps you can take to prepare yourself and your assistive technology in case of an emergency. Find out about resources available, ways people can receive communication before and during an emergency and the importance of thinking ahead. There’s no time like now to be prepared for the unexpected.
For more information and to register, send an email to Leann at leann@washingtonaccessfund.org or give us a call at (206) 328-5116. We're looking forward to having you join the discussion!
 SNAP Seattle Emergency Preparedness is seeking your feedback on Seattle's Disaster Readiness and Response Plan. To have the best plan possible they are committed to the idea of "Planning with the Community rather than for the Community". The first step in getting input is making the plan assessable to everyone.
They have provided a number of ways that the community can provide input. Individuals can access an online survey tool or visit one of the upcoming community forums. The first is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2012 at the Northgate Community Center located at 10510 5th Ave NE 98125 and the second will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Southwest Community Center located at 2801 SW Thistle, 98126. Both meetings will begin at 6:30 PM. If you would like to attend please RSVP at Seattle-DisasterPlan@seattle.gov. If you know someone who would like to attend but needs translation services please invite them and let us know when you RSVP.
Jan. 19th Emergency Preparedness Training for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Duvall Fire is presenting emergency preparedness training for deaf and hard of hearing community members. The class will be held on Thursday, January 19th at 7 pm at the Duvall Fire Headquarter's station. Real time captioning and an FM listening system will be provided. Sign language interpreter will be available if requests are received on or before January 13th. For more information, please contact Duvall Fire Battalion Chief Greg Bawden at 425-788-1625 or by email at gbawden@duvallfire45.com.
 Chuck Borzick has been an Access Fund client since 2007 when he first joined our Closed Circuit TV ("CCTV") Rental Program. With multiple retina detachments in both eyes, Chuck needed powerful magnification in order to read, write and manage both his household and business finances. At the time, his wife Paula, ran a popular Lake Stevens quilting and embroidery business (Twin Quilts).
Chuck and Paula have been through a lot in the years since 2007. In 2010, they launched a new business, Clear-N-Clean offering comprehensive "restoration" services on repossessed properties. The Borzicks quickly built a reputation for doing solid work and ended up subcontracting with several different companies. With the new business growing, the Borzicks needed a vehicle capable of pulling trailer. Given the extra income from the business plus their social security, the loan was quickly approved. With it, the Borzicks were able to purchase a 2004 Ford Explorer with low mileage - using their business income to buy a trailer for equipment and items hauled off the properties to be taken to the dump or recycling. On a personal note, having a reliable vehicle also meant a real vacation - 5 days at the beach - the first in more than four years.
Visit the following link to read the full article and find out about Chuck and Paula's new adventure! Feel free to check out other Access Fund clients.
 Jan. 12th The Northwest Universal Design Council: a volunteer group seeking to promote universal design principles, products, and processes that enable everyone, regardless of age or ability, to live actively by design -meets quarterly on the third Thursdays of January, April, July and October, unless otherwise noted. Council meetings are open to the public. Next meeting is Thursday, January 12, 2012, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Seattle Municipal Tower, Suite 1610, 700 5th Ave., Seattle. For more information, visit the NWUDC website or e-mail info@environmentsforall.org.
Jan. 19th Free Webinar on Workplace Accessibility:disability as a strategic business advantage will be presented by the SSB Bart Group. Workplace Accessibility increases productivity and maximizes employee talent while minimizing legal risk and exposure. Successful businesses know that people with disabilities are the second largest minority group in the US. The value of accessing this group includes an expanded talent pool, higher profits, and an increased market share. A team of experts will discuss the importance of workplace accessibility, strategies for insuring productive communication between applicants and employees with disabilities, and effective accessibility practices used by successful employers. Visit the following link to register with SSB.
Jan. 21st Learn about Project Endeavor at SWCDHH: Want fast Internet and equipment (such as IPad 2) for up to 50% off? Come and see Sarah Hafer from Project Endeavor at Southwest Washington Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing! Project Endeavor is a program that focuses on providing deaf and hard of hearing Americans with access to broadband or high speed internet through discounted internet service plans and internet devices. Project Endeavor also provides an array of training materials and educational resources for deaf and hard of hearing people. Join SWCDHH on Jan. 21st from 1pm-4pm to learn more! Contact SWCDHH by phone at 360-695-3364 or TTY 360-695-9720.
Don't forget!!! Our next Small Business Planning Class begins Tuesday, February 7th from 12pm-1:30! For more information and to register, please contact Kathy Gilman at (206) 328-5116 or by email at Kathy@washingtonaccessufund.org.
 Our mission is to promote access to technology and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities in Washington State. The Washington Access Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
Washington Access Fund provides: Assistive Technology Loans, Business Equipment Loans, CCTV Rentals, and Matched Savings IDAs
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