Faast - AFP expansion to help reduce accessibility barriers at home and in the community - the florida alliance for assistive services and technology (faast) will expand the current AFP by making…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL) awarded $690,389 to the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Inc. (FAAST) under the ACL Assistive Technology program (CFDA 93.464) to expand its Assistive Financing Program (AFP) for reducing accessibility barriers. Beginning September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, FAAST will enhance ramp construction and vehicle modification programs through partnerships with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and a bank partner. The project addresses three primary objectives: establishing a ramp loan program that promotes partner collaboration and expanded funding access, improving the existing bank guarantee loan program for vehicle modifications, and enhancing credit-building and financial education opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

FAAST will deliver partner memoranda of understanding, marketing materials, PowerPoint presentations, website enhancements, vehicle loan applications, surveys, and credit education materials. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and access to home modification financing through ramp loans, greater independence through alternative vehicle financing options, expanded referrals from mobility dealers educated about program changes, and improved financial independence for individuals with disabilities through enhanced credit-building platforms and bank partnerships. This project grant represents a complementary investment to the ACL Assistive Technology program's broader formula-based state assistance model, supporting direct service expansion in accessibility financing for Florida's disability population.

Faast - AFP expansion to help reduce accessibility barriers at home and in the community - the florida alliance for assistive services and technology (faast) will expand the current AFP by making enhancements to its programs for ramp construction and vehicle modifications. The program will succeed through partnerships with the CIL's and bank partner. The goal of the project is to promote better health, quality of life, and independence for individuals with disabilities by breaking down barriers to accessibility by assisting them in gaining information about and access to funding options for home accessibility modifications and modified vehicles. The objectives are: 1) provide a ramp loan program that promotes partner collaboration and greater access to funding for the target population; 2) improve the bank guarantee loan program available through the faast AFP; 3) improve and increase credit building and financial education opportunities. Expected outcomes are: 1) individuals will become better informed about home modification options and more individuals will gain better and safer access to their homes through ramp financing; 2) individuals will become better informed about the bank guarantee loan option for modified vehicles and individuals will gain greater independence through the ability to purchase a vehicle through an alternative financing option; 3) mobility dealers will become educated about the AFP and will refer more clients to the program due to the changes made to the program; 4) individuals with disabilities will gain a better opportunity for financial independence through improvements to the credit building and financial education platform as well as collaboration with the bank partner. The expected products are: partner MOU's, marketing materials, powerpoint presentations, website additions, vehicle loan application, surveys, and credit education materials.