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Washington Assistive Technology Foundation | |
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WATF NEWS WASHINGTON ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION SPRING 2005 IN THIS ISSUE *** Indicates the beginning of a new article
*** PHOTOGRAPHER TURNED BUSINESS MAN— WATF’s TELEWORK LOAN FUND AT WORK
Since Don had a back injury that impaired his ability to sit at a desk, he was prevented from getting a job in the typical 9-5 world. However, his back injury did result in Don being found eligible for services from The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Once Don came off the DVR waiting list, he received the necessary online training, and was provided assistance in writing his multifaceted business plan. Next, DVR approved his plan and paid for most of Don’s startup costs including his photography equipment and software. After almost all the ingredients were in place for Don’s business to take off, he had to find funding for one last startup cost. He desperately needed transportation to make his business cook, but soon discovered that most banks could not approve a vehicle loan for a start-up business. Then Mark Frost, a business consultant from MD Business Infrastructure Services LLC and DVR contractor, told Don about WATF’s Telework Loan program. Don decided to look into this option and found a nonprofit organization that listened and believed in Don’s vision and dream despite his disability. Don asked WATF for a $4,300 Telework Loan to pay for a 1996 4x4 Geo Tracker. He needed a vehicle that would be easy for him to get in and out of, could withstand the tough terrain of his diverse work environments, and had great gas mileage. He also wanted a vehicle that could be pulled easily behind his motor home. After Don put up his motor home for collateral and wrote the loan payment into his PASS Plan, WATF approved the $4,300 loan. Now his Geo Tracker fits nicely pulled behind his mobile home and travels nicely when he needs to capture images in locations he could not reach if he did not have the vehicle. “It makes all the difference,” he said. “It makes all the difference in the world- having a dependable vehicle that allows me to go to the places I need to go.” To contact Don at Natural Settings Digital Imaging & Design call 360.291.3474 or email naturalsettings@localaccess.com.
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However, since age fifteen Bisnett has had a condition that affects the corneas of his eyes known as keratoconus. “My vision comes to a point,” he said, “like a carrot.” At age 18, Bisnett obtained a cornea transplant to remove the deformity. Since then he has had several more transplants. The last one took place just five years ago. “A good cornea transplant only lasts so long,” he said. In the past, Bisnett accommodated his disability by reading large print books and taking notes with a tape recorder. Recently, his reading has slowed due to continued deterioration of his corneas. The King County Library, which furnishes him with large print books, suggested that he rent a CCTV magnifier through the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation. CCTV’s use video cameras to magnify documents and objects onto a screen so that a person with low vision can see them. Because Bisnett has almost no income, WATF was able to offer the CCTV at a much reduced price to match up with his financial situation. Since he lost his right leg a few years ago and takes food intravenously, Frances Pennell, WATF’s Director, drove the CCTV to Federal Way and set it up for him. Now he uses both the CCTV and a magnifying glass in order to read. He is also working on his autobiography, “The Saga of My Life: Releasing of My Faith.” He feels that people could benefit- and perhaps feel inspired- by his story.
*** WATF has received an $85,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for our Access to Telework Loan Fund. This new project provides low interest loans to employees and entrepreneurs with disabilities for the equipment needed to successfully “Telework” on a full or part-time basis including, for example: computers with high speed Internet access, software, cell phones, and fax machines. The project is operated by WATF in collaboration with the Washington Department of Community Trade & Economic Development and is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant which matched all funds raised locally on a nine to one basis. The Gates Foundation grant leveraged more than $760,000 for the Telework Loan Fund which now has more than $1,000,000 in loan capital. Call to learn more about our Telework loans.
*** Number of Loans: 30
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The highlight of the benefit was the presentation by guest speaker and WATF client, David Scott Palm who received a loan to purchase a cell phone. Scott demonstrated how his cell phone works with his augmentative communication device and made the attendees laugh with a variety of sounds, words and songs which emanated from the device, including the stirring theme song from Star Wars. We would like to thank Enablemart, Woodland Park Zoo, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Sunset Bowling Alley, ArtsWest Theatre, the Seattle Art Museum, the Philharmonia Northwest, the Wing Luke Asian Art Museum, Enchanted Village and Wild Waves, the Mariners Baseball Association, the Hallmark store at University Village, the Museum of History and Industry, the 5th Avenue Theatre, the Pacific Science Center, Phinney Ridge Starbucks, Henry Art Museum, the Seattle Sonics and Storm, the Seattle Aquarium, Experience Music Project, Apple Inc., the SKIFORALL Foundation, the Seattle IMAX Dome Theatre, Café Van Gogh, Kathy Williams and Gina Iandola of HomeStreet Bank, Gene and Liz Brandzel, Patty Grossman and the WATF Board.
*** WATF needs to raise $140,000 before September 30th to meet its match requirement for a U.S. Department of Education Alternative Financing Program grant. All donations are tax deductible. For every dollar contributed, WATF earns three dollars in federal funds for a total of more than $600,000. Your dollars will be used to support operating expenses, technical assistance and lending activity for our borrowers – a majority of whom are low income.
*** WATF VISTA JOB CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE $50,000 TELEWORK LOANS
*** Since 1976, the Community Service Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CSCDHH), a non profit organization, has promoted effective communication to bridge and strengthen communities. The programs that are offered at CSCDHH include Advocacy Service, Information & Referral Service, Northwest Library on Deafness, quarterly Community Newsletter, Senior Citizens Program, Volunteer Program, Washington State 911 and TTY Education Program, and Interpreter Referral Services. To learn more about CSCDHH, visit www.CSCDHH.org or call (206) 322-4996.
*** Are you graduating from High School in 2005? Do you need to buy assistive technology for your future plans? Then you need to know about the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)’s Shirley Smith Assistive Technology grants administered by the WATF Access Fund for graduating High School Seniors. To be considered, you must be eligible to participate in DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Call WATF at 206.328.5116 for more information on applying.
*** April 21, 2005 May 4, 2005 May 14, 2005 June 6, 2005
*** WATF Access Fund
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Don Schluter is the founder of a digital imaging / photography / teaching / web design business called Natural Settings Digital Imaging and Design. 
WATF’s client Russell Frederic Bisnett always loved to read. He graduated from a college in Indiana with a degree in linguistics. He taught Russian, German, Spanish, and French at Pacific Lutheran University. He says he will read anything, and has a worn copy of the Holy Bible with him always. Retired, he lives in a senior citizen home in Federal Way and is on a fixed income.
On Saturday, November 6, the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation held its Third Annual Wine and Cheese Benefit. With the help of HomeStreet Bank—which surprised us with a $1,900 donation—and a silent auction, the event raised a little over $5,000. With matching funds from the U.S. Department of Education the total raised equaled $33,000!