WisLoan - Assistive Technology Loan Program
WisLoan is a statewide, alternative loan program allowing residents with a disability to purchase assistive technology that helps them to live more independently and productively.
Who can apply?
Any Wisconsin resident with a disability in need of assistive technology is eligible to apply for a loan. You may apply on behalf of a person with a disability as long as the assistive technology or home modification is to be used by the individual who has the disability.
What can I buy with the loans?
Assistive Technology or home modifications that help a person with a disability to live more independently and productively.
Examples of assistive technology:
- Wheelchairs & motorized scooters
- Hearing Aids
- Magnifiers and other visual aids
- Computers with modifications
- Control/switches for lights, doors and appliances
- Vehicles with lifts or hand controls
Examples of home modifications:
- Kitchen redesign
- Roll-in showers or other bathroom modifications
- Widening doorways
- Ramps and home accessibility modifications
How much money can I borrow?
Loan amounts range from $500 to $50,000. You may apply for the amount you need, but the actual loan amount will depend on the item purchased and your ability to repay.
Can I apply if my credit record is poor?
Yes. The reason for poor credit is taken into consideration. Some applicants are denied, but WisLoan's criteria are more flexible than most commercial loans.
Can I apply if I don't have a job?
Yes. Your Social Security, disability or retirement benefits and other sources of income are considered. Your debt, credit history and residential stability are also important factors.
Will everyone be able to get a loan?
No. You must have the ability to repay the loan. WisLoan looks at your income, debt, stability in residence, job, credit history and may consider other factors.
How do I apply?
Loan applications are completed in person. Verification of income, amount requested, quotes from vendors and other pertinent information on debt is gathered at this time. Contact your local Independent Living Center for more information.
(See Independent Living Centers for your county)
Staffs at the Independent Living Centers, throughout the state, are available to assist customers with an assistive technology assessment, application completion and identification of all available assistive technology funding sources. Although potential applicants are offered these services, they are neither obligated to complete an assessment nor are they required to exhaust all public or personal funds. This is a loan program and the customer has complete control over the technology or services they wish to purchase.
The program is made possible through monies from Title III of the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) of 1998. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS), Office for Persons with Physical Disabilities (OPPD) provides programmatic and fiscal oversight. IndependenceFirst, a community based and consumer controlled independent living center based in Milwaukee, administers the program in partnership with a statewide financial institute and seven Independent Living Centers throughout the state. If you would like to be put on our mailing list please contact Patti Kraemer, the WisLoan Coordinator at IndependenceFirst.
For more information contact Patti Kraemer, WisLoan Coordinator, at (414) 226-8306 or email to: