by Amy Hanna
The Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT), in collaboration with the Iowa Able Foundation, has established a new, innovative, low interest loan called the Iowa Able Loan Program. This loan fund is available for the purchase of adapted equipment by individuals with disabilities. The Iowa Able Foundation is a non-profit board established by IPAT to develop funding alternatives for Iowans with disabilities. IPAT and the board of Iowa Able worked with First National Bank Iowa (Mercantile Bank Midwest, as of November 1998) in Iowa City to provide this loan program.
"First National Bank Iowa (Mercantile Bank Midwest, as of November 1998) is proud to partner with the Iowa Able Foundation to provide financing for their callers," states Lanny Benishek, Senior Vice President. "This program will make available, reduced cost financing to purchase adapted equipment or to make vehicle or home modifications. We hope this will allow Iowans with disabilities and their families to increase their quality of life. We are excited to have this opportunity to serve our communities through this worthwhile project."
Any Iowan with a disability, their parent, or legal guardian, may be eligible for this program. Money can be borrowed at the rate of 7.75%, in amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, and for terms up to 60 months. The individual applying to borrow must prove basic credit worthiness to be eligible. Funds are available for the purchase of low to high tech adapted equipment, including manual or powered wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, TTY's, and much more. Loans can also be used to purchase equipment that may not typically be funded through other programs, such as adapted recreation equipment and home and vehicle modifications.
To access the Iowa Able Loan Program, an individual must contact InfoTech, IPAT's information and referral service. Information specialists can provide the caller more information about the loan fund and make a direct referral to the program. For more information about the Iowa Able Loan Program as well as general information on assistive technology and funding, contact InfoTech at 800-331-3027.
New Warranty Act by Amy Hanna
The Assistive Devices Warranty Act was signed into legislation by Governor Terry Brandstad after it's passage during the 1998 Legislative Session, it became effective July 1, 1998. The Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT) began working on enactment of this legislation in 1995, in collaboration with consumers, consumer groups, legislators, and Professor Len Sandler, through IPAT's contract with the University of Iowa College of Law. The passage of the legislation was spearheaded by Iowa State Senators Bob Dvorsky, John Redwine, and Sheldon Rittmer, and by State Representatives Bill Witt and Mary Mascher.
What is the Assistive Devices Warranty Act?
The Assistive Devices Warranty Act is an Iowa Law which ensures that any person who purchases or leases a new assistive device has the right to expect the equipment to function normally. This Act (also known as the Lemon Law) protects consumers by providing a one year warranty.
What is an assistive device?
An assistive device is the term used to describe any piece of adapted equipment that enables people with disabilities to work, attend school, communicate, travel, and live active, independent lives.
What are some examples of assistive devices?
An assistive device can range from low tech items to high tech items. This includes the following equipment, plus much more:
What does the law cover?
The Warranty Act covers any serious malfunction or defect, which substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the assistive device.
However, a defect is NOT covered if it is a result of abuse, neglect, or through unauthorized use of the equipment.
The manufacturer must make a reasonable attempt to repair the assistive device.
What does it mean by 'Reasonable Attempt'?
'Reasonable attempt' means that a manufacturer has tried to fix the equipment at least 2 times, or the assistive device has been in for repairs for a total of 30 days within the one-year warranty period, you can chose to receive either a refund or replacement.
Note: the 30 days do not need to be in a row, and the 2 repairs do not need to be for the same problem.
How long does this warranty last?
This warranty lasts for one year and begins the day you receive your equipment. Your equipment may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty, but that does not increase the one-year warranty provided under the Warranty Act.
When does this warranty begin?
This warranty begins immediately upon purchase and delivery of the assistive technology. This promise is in addition to any other warranty provided with the device. If the device turns out to be a lemon, the consumer has the right to return the device for repair, replacement, or a refund.
What am I supposed to do when my equipment is being repaired?
In some situations you can get a loaner device or you can receive reimbursement for rentals while your device is being repaired. You are eligible for this when the repairs take more than ten working days, or if the repair to the device is the same repair that has been worked on at least two times before. The choice is up to you.
How much is the daily rental reimbursement?
If you choose the daily rental reimbursement, the manufacturer will pay up to $20 per day for you to rent an assistive device.
What qualifies as a loaner?
A loaner needs to be a similar piece of equipment and in good working order, and is to be provided free of charge. The loaner does not need to be new or identical to your original device and it does not need to have equal or better capabilities than your original device. A loaner is acceptable as long as the differences between it and your original equipment do not threaten your health or safety.
What happens after the manufacturer makes a reasonable attempt to repair my device?
If the assistive device breaks down again then you can either choose to get a refund or a new replacement. Once again, the choice is up to you.
How much money do I get back if I choose a refund?
If you purchased the device and you decide you want a refund, then the manufacturer will reimburse you the full purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for use. For leases, the manufacturer will accept the return and reimburse you the amount you paid under the lease, less a reasonable allowance for use.
You will also be reimbursed any finance charges, shipping charges, sales tax, etc., plus any extra costs that you incurred during attempts to repair your device.
How long does it take to get the refund or replacement?
Whether you choose a refund or replacement, you must first offer to return the device. Within 30 days of that offer, the manufacturer will give you the refund in exchange for your faulty device.
What are my responsibilities under the Warranty Act?
When a major problem occurs:
REMEMBER, if your device has been in for repairs a total of 30 days or more within the one-year warranty period, OR your device has been in for repairs at least 2 times even for different problems, then you have rights under the Warranty Act!
Help is Available
If you have any questions or do not understand your rights under the Warranty Act, contact InfoTech for more information.
Expanding Horizons took place April 16th and 17th in Des Moines, Iowa. The AT Conference was jointly sponsored by the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT), the Bureau of Children, Family and Community Services, the Department of Education, and University Hospital School. Over two hundred and thirty AEA staff, parents, and teachers participated in the conference training. The AT Expo was free and visited by conference attendees and the general public.
The InfoTech newsletter is a publication of the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology, a project of Iowa's University Affiliated Program. The program is based in The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. InfoTech aids individuals with disabilities, parents, families, and professionals by providing information on the availability of both new and used adaptive devices. No endorsement of products or services is intended. For more information on devices or for help in locating other types of specialized equipment, call: 1 (800) 331-3027 (voice/TTY).
IPAT is supported by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, United States Department of Education (NIDRR/ED). This material does not necessarily reflect the views of NIDRR/ED or indicate official endorsement of their contents.
InfoTech, Iowa Program for Assistive Technology, University Hospital School, 100 Hawkins Drive, Room S384, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011
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