The michigan assistive technology loan fund (MATLF), will offer financial health and credit-building class and expand our direct loan program. - united cerebral palsy of michigan INC., doing…

The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF), a project of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Michigan, Inc., received a $689,682 Project Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living under the ACL Assistive Technology program (CFDA 93.464). The award, effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, supports the expansion of MATLF's direct loan program and the establishment of financial health and credit-building education services for Michigan residents with disabilities and older adults.

Under this grant, MATLF will deliver quarterly financial counseling and credit-building classes for 10-12 participants per session, covering topics including savings management, priority-setting, and fraud prevention. The organization will expand its loan portfolio beyond the current $30,000 limit by establishing loan guarantee partnerships with additional financial institutions to facilitate the purchase and modification of accessible vehicles and other assistive technology. To support these initiatives, MATLF will hire a staff member dedicated to financial counseling and one-on-one credit-building support. These expanded services aim to increase access to low-interest, affordable lending options and improve financial literacy among individuals with disabilities in Michigan.

The michigan assistive technology loan fund (MATLF), will offer financial health and credit-building class and expand our direct loan program. - united cerebral palsy of michigan INC., doing business as michigan assistive technology loan fund (MATLF), with its parent organization michigan united cerebral palsy, is enhancing its services to support michigan residents with disabilities and older residents. In partnership with the michigan assistive technology program (MATP) and other stakeholders, MATLF will offer financial health and credit-building classes to improve the wellbeing of these communities. Our direct loan program will expand through loan guarantee partnerships, enabling loans larger than our current $30,000 limit. This expansion will support the purchase of durable vehicles and assistive technology, ensuring they last through extended repayment periods. To bolster our financial health and credit-building initiatives, we will add a staff member to provide financial counseling and credit-building classes, supplementing our one-on-one work with applicants and borrowers. These classes, held quarterly and remotely, will accommodate 10 to 12 participants, covering topics such as savings, setting priorities, and avoiding scams. Currently, MATLF partners with a statewide credit union to provide loans up to $30,000. We plan to partner with additional financial institutions to facilitate the purchase of newer accessible vehicles. Our objectives are to: 1) provide financial and credit-building education in a supportive group setting, 2) offer funding up to the full cost of modified vehicles, 3) guarantee loans to enable lower-income individuals and families to purchase or modify vehicles, and 4) fund other assistive technology through our loan program. Expected outcomes include increased financial education, credit-building skills, and more accessible, low-interest lending options, resulting in greater access to assistive technology for michigan residents with disabilities.