Washington Access Fund [ At Ida ]

The Washington Access Fund offers IDAs for Assistive Technology. This pilot program is generously funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation as part of the Washington Access Fund’s Asset Building Demonstration Project.

Through this IDA program, low-income individuals with disabilities and their families can save up to $4,000 and receive an equal amount in matching funds to help pay for assistive technologies needed for any purpose: independent living, education, employment, recreation, health and safety, and family and community life. In addition to saving consistently for at least six months, participants must take training on financial management and assistive technology selection and financing.

Assistive Technology is broadly defined to include any device that maintains or enhances the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. Please refer to the FAQ for examples or give us a call if you are unsure if something would qualify. IDAs can also be used for co-pays and combined with other resources including the Access Fund’s low-interest loans.

To be eligible, an applicant must show that:

He or she is a Washington state resident with a physical, mental or sensory disability and/or caring for a child or other family member with a disability;
Household income at the start of the savings program is equal to or less than 80% of the county median income, adjusted for household size - medical expenses may be deducted from your household income (click here to view income guidelines);
Household net assets at the time of application must be at or below $20,000. “Household net assets” is the total market value of all assets owned in whole or in part by any household member minus total debts or obligations. The value of the primary dwelling unit, one motor vehicle, special needs trusts and similar accounts (including e.g., accounts set up under ABLE Act), and retirement accounts are excluded in calculating net worth;
The individual account holder must be at least 15 years old; family members may apply for a person with a disability who is under 15;
The technology to be purchased qualifies as “assistive technology”.

For a list of "Frequently Asked Questions", please click here.

Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and only a limited number of slots are available. Please give us a call or send an email to leann@washingtonaccessfund.org for more information.

To download the application, please click here.