(KATCO) was established and is directed by
persons with disabilities. It is a consumer run
financial program founded to provide persons
with disabilities and their families access to
financial resources for acquiring assistive
technology through education, savings and
borrowing.
Emporia, Kansas 66801
(866) 465-2826
v/tt (620) 341-9002
v/tt (620) 342-6400 fax
Founded in 2000, the Kansas Assistive Technology Co-operative provides Kansans with disabilities and their families access to financial resources for acquiring assistive technology. A brief History of KATCO details the evolution of this unique consumer directed program.
Families on fixed incomes, or who have credit problems related to disabilities, may qualify for loans. KATCO offers assistance with a combination of education, savings and low interest borrowing. The Financial Services section provides full explanations of these activities.
The KATCO Staff and Board Member Directory is in this section, with address and contact information. You may also choose to e-mail us directly from this site, using the form provided.
The Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative (KATCO) was formed as a result of needs identified by persons with disabilities, the Executive Advisory Board of the Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) Project, the University of Kansas and other interested parties. The ATK Project secured money from the state legislature in FY 1998-1999 to increase access to assistive technology. These funds provided the required match for obtaining additional federal dollars. This financial support was used to establish KATCO and operate a low interest loan program for individuals with disabilities. KATCO provides an important partnership to manage a statewide, consumer-responsive financial loan program.
KATCO is a cooperative managed by persons with disabilities to empower them in their quest to achieve independence and self-reliance through assistive technology and economic power.
The Qualifications for KATCO Services are explained in this section. If the adaptive equipment being purchased is related to or would assist in telecommuting (distance employment), it may qualify for the Telework Loan Program.
Highly individualized Financial Planning and Credit Restoration Counseling are provided for persons with disabilities and their families through the Cooperative.
KATCO Flexible Term Loan Program
In order to qualify for a Flexible Term Loan through KATCO, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be a person with a disability, a parent of a minor with a disability, the guardian of a person with a disability, or the employer of a person with a disability.
- Reside in Kansas.
- Demonstrate that the loan will be used to purchase Assistive Technology.
- Complete a KATCO application
a. Provide an accurate description of your monthly expenses.
b. Have a positive balance in your bank account at the end of each month.
c. Have a credit history that demonstrates your ability to manage credit responsibly.
NOTE: An employer may apply for a KATCO loan to purchase adaptive equipment for an employee. However, when the loan is repaid, the equipment becomes the property of the employee, rather than the employer.
Policies and Procedures
Step 1: Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Step 2: Applicant Eligibility.
A. Eligible Applicants shall be:residents of Kansas and citizens of the United States;
- residents of Kansas and citizens of the United States;
- legally able to enter into a binding contract with a lending institution;
- able to demonstrate that they will use the loan to purchase assistive technology; and
- able to repay their loans.
B. Loan Guidelines. The following standards shall be used to determine whether to approve loans.
- Source of income. The Board prefers that applicants currently have a stable income from a reliable source.
- Gross income. There is no specific income requirement.
- Deposit relationships. Applicants may be asked to submit bank statements or other documentation to the loan committee.
- Debt to income ratio. A 50% debt to income ratio (including the loan for which application is made) is preferable.
- Repayment Periods. Loan repayment schedule shall not exceed ten years and shall be based on the ability of the borrower to pay and the estimated life of the device.
- Bankruptcy. Applicants must not have filed for bankruptcy within last 12 months. Exceptions may be made for medically-related debt.
Step 3: All assistive technology eligible for loans.
A. Including all but not limited to:
- Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids
- Braille equipment
- Scanners
- Hearing aids and other assistive listening systems
- Augmentative communication systems
- Computers and adaptive computer peripherals
- Environmental control units
- Building modifications for accessibility (loan is limited to the cost of the
modifications) - Motor vehicle modifications for accessibility
- Motor vehicles requiring modifications for accessibility (where the value of the vehicle is greater than the cost of the modifications)
B. The lender application will be a standard consumer loan application form.
Step 5: Application review.
A. The application shall be reviewed by the Loan Committee as established by
the Board of Directors of KATCO.
B. Notwithstanding any of the loan guidelines, all loans shall be subject to the
sound discretion of the loan committee.
C. Reapplication. Applicants whose request is denied may apply for reconsideration of the same equipment when they can demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to repay the loan.
Step 6: Appeal.
Applicants may appeal any disapproval of a loan application by filing a written
appeal within 10 days of the disapproval. The Board of Directors of KATCO will hear appeals during any regularly scheduled board meeting or a special meeting called for such purpose. The board's decision regarding approval or denial of a loan shall be final.
Step 7: Late Payments and Defaults.
A. Each participating lender will provide all information to KATCO that it provides to the borrower.
B. Defaults.
- KATCO will purchase from lenders at the loan value, any guaranteed loan
when it becomes more than 90 days delinquent or as determined within
the agreement(s) between KATCO and lending partner(s). - KATCO may extend and/or shorten the 90-day period based on contractual arrangements with a financial institution.
C. The Executive Director of KATCO will contact any borrower whose loan is 60 days past due and determine the reason(s) for the late payments and the borrower’s intentions. The Executive Director will follow-up with a letter indicating the need to make the loan current, and KATCO’s intention if the loan is not made current. The loan should be made current with the lending institution, either by the borrower or by KATCO. If the latter, KATCO reserves the right to repossess the equipment and resell or lease it, demand repayment and seek appropriate legal action, turn it over to an external collection agency, or restructure the loan to assure repayment.
Step 8: Interest Rates.
A. The loan committee is authorized to offer any credit-worthy applicant a reduced-interest loan.
B. Upon review of the first year repayment history of the customer, KATCO staff and loan committee members may offer credit-worthy (on-time or early payments) customers a reduced interest rate on their current loan. If accepted, the lending partner will be asked to refinance the loan.
Telework Loan Program
To qualify for a Telework Loan, an applicant must meet the requirements for the Flexible Term Loan Program. In addition, the Telework Loan Program has the following requirements:
Adaptive Equipment being purchased must:
- Enable the applicant to complete and submit distance work to a remote employer, or
- Enable the applicant to complete and submit self-employed distance work to a remote client or customer, or
- Enable the applicant to establish a center for telework for employees with disabilities.
- Support work activities that meet the IRS standards for operating a profitable business.
Home Office Modifications must be limited to the cost of modifications directly related to telework.
The Telework Loan Application should include the name and contact information of the applicant's Telwork employer or evidence of self-employment.
Applications related to a telework center or other business should attach documentation of the adequacy, feasibility and profitability of the business plan. This plan should include telework goals and list the equipment to be purchased to accomplish these goals.
KATCO Telework Loan Program
Telework is work that can be performed effectively from home or at a telework center and delivered to another location via telephone, fax or the internet. If a worker in Kansas completes an assignment for an employer or customer in another state and delivers the results via e-mail, that is telework. Telework can often be combined with traditional workplace employment to create a more flexible and productive job situation. Telework done exclusively outside the traditional workplace is called "telecommuting".
New computer and other technologies can accommodate flexible work schedules and expand employment options. Telecommuting can reduce such barriers as inadequate transportation, fatigue, inaccessible work environments and the need for personal assistance. The telework equipment may be used only part-time and still be eligible for loan consideration. An employee who wishes to work at the office whenever possible could apply for a loan on equipment that would be used part-time.
KATCO makes loans on adaptive equipment that enables persons with disabilities to find telework employment. Examples include:
Equipment for an individual to work from an office at home for an employer at another location;
Equipment for a self-employed individual to serve customers outside the local area or region via internet services;
Equipment for a telework company to employ persons with disabilities.
In addition, KATCO will also approve telework loans for home office modifications. The application for such loans must be limited to the cost of modifications directly related to telework.
Telework Loan Applications should include the name and contact information of the applicant's Telework employer or evidence of self-employment. Applications related to a telework center or other business should attach documentation of the adequacy, feasibility and profitability of the business plan. This plan should include telework goals and list the equipment to be purchased to accomplish these goals.
KATCO makes Telework Loans to individuals and to employers of individuals with disabilities. In both cases, when the loan is repaid, the adaptive equipment that was purchased becomes the property of the individual, not of the employer.
To apply for a Telework Loan,fill out the forms in the KATCO Flexible Loan Application. On page 3, check the box for Telework Equipment/Modifications and in the explanation, describe how the equipment or modifications will be used for telework employment. The final page of the Loan Application Packet includes a checklist for Telework Applications. Review the checklist to be certain all necessary items have been included in your application.
KATCO is pleased to announce the beginning of the Assistive TechnologyIndividual Development Account (AT-IDA) program. The Kansas AT-IDA program is designed to help eligible participants save money to assist in the purchase of AT.
Under this program, a person with a disability or the parent or guardian of a child with a disability is permitted to save earned income up to $5,000.00 annually for five years.
Eligibility requirements of the program include, but are not limited to: Household income is less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level (as published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) Completion of an “Economic Education” class
Adherence to all rules and regulations of Plan holders
Plan holders’ contributions are matched by a KATCO-maintained “match reserve” fund. This reserve match fund is maintained by individual and corporate contributors. Contributions to the “fund” receive a nonrefundable Kansas income tax credit equal to 25% of the amount contributed. Any AT-IDA contribution will also qualify as a charitable deduction under federal income tax law.
For more information about becoming a AT-IDA participant or contributor, please contact the Executive Director of KATCO.
The Qualifications for KATCO Services are explained in this section. If the adaptive equipment being purchased is related to or would assist in telecommuting (distance employment), it may qualify for the Telework Loan Program.
Highly individualized Financial Planning and Credit Restoration Counseling are provided for persons with disabilities and their families through the Cooperative.
When you register with ATMATCH.com you are automatically provided a list of AT and DME Resources in your state. As a member you have access to equipment that is available for purchase, auction, and even donations.
If you or someone you know has need to buy and/or sell AT and DME equipment, learn what ATMACTH has to offer by visiting the site.
KATCO is primarily a funding service for Kansans with disabilities and their families. There are other Financial Resources in Kansas. Before selecting a specific item for purchase, you may want to research atmatch.com. There are also a variety of Other Related Resources in Kansas, ranging from government services to non-profit organizations. KATCO encourages consumers to explore all possible options.
The organizations in this directory have indicated that they provide equipment assistance for consumers who may benefit from assistive technology. Assistance often includes information of other AT services and assistance in obtaining funding. Many of them serve specific regions or communities; others serve only persons with certain diagnosed conditions.
National organizations are included in a separate directory listing after the Kansas directory. For a directory of the durable medical equipment providers in Kansas who are Medicaid approved equipment suppliers, go to (address of upcoming equipment exchange page).
KATCO intends these directories to be a service, and cautions users that the individual organizations may change their policies and practices without our knowledge.
KANSAS EQUIPMENT RESOURCES
ALS ASSOCIATION Patient Services, Keith Worthington Chapter
8340 Mission Road-Suite B4
Prairie Village, KS 66206
Telephone: (913) 648-2062
1-800-878-2062
Fax: (913) 642-2431
(Serving Kansans with ALS.)
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
1315 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604
Telephone: (785) 273-4422
(800) ACS-2345
(800) 359-1025
Fax: (785) 273-1503
(Serving Kansans with cancer who need prosthetics, orthotics and transportation aids.)
CEREBRAL PALSY RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF KANSAS
PO Box 8217
5111 E. 21st Street
Wichita, KS 67208
Telephone: (316) 688-1888 (Ext: 201)
Fax: (316) 688-5687
(Serving persons with all types of disabilities.)
COMMUNITY ACTION, INC. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY LOAN PROGRAM
1000 SE Hancock
Topeka, KS 66607
Telephone: (785)235-9296
Fax: (785) 235-9564
(Serving persons in Shawnee and Wabaunsee Counties lacking the resources to secure needed medical equipment.)
HEARTSPRING DONOR HEARING AID PROGRAM
8700 East 29th Street North
Wichita, KS 67226
Telephone: (316) 634-8750
800-835-1043
(Serving Kansans who lack the resources to purchase hearing aids.)
KANSAS REHABILITATION CENTER FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
2601 SW East Circle Drive North
Topeka, KS 66606
Telephone: (785) 296-3311
Fax: (785) 291-3138
(Serving Kansans aged 14+ who are blind or have visual impairments.)
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY SOUTH CENTRAL AND WESTERN KANSAS DIVISION
250 S. Laura
Wichita, KS 67211
Telephone: (316) 264-1333
** 1-800 FightMS**
Fax: (316) 264-5436
(Serving persons with a diagnosis of MS, family members, and health professionals in 54 counties of South Central and Western Kansas.)
OLDER CITIZENS INFORMATION
1000 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 103
Topeka, KS 66612
Telephone: (785) 232-9065
Fax: (785) 233-1905
(Serving Kansans aged 60+.)
NATIONAL EQUIPMENT RESOURCES
AMERICAN AMPUTEE FOUNDATION
PO Box 250218, Hillcrest Station
Little Rock, Arkansas 72225
Telephone: (501) 666-2523
Fax: (501) 666-8367
(Serving persons who have had amputations with prosthetics and orthotics.)
THE INTERNATIONAL BRAILLE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOR THE BLIND
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Telephone: (410) 659-9314
(Serving blind persons, employers, professionals, vendors of technology, family members, and members of the public.)
NATIONAL SPINAL CORD INJURY ASSOCIATION
6901 Democracy Blvd. Suite 300-9
Bethesda, MD 20817
Telephone: (301) 588-6959
Toll Free: (800) 962-9629
Fax: (301) 588-9414
(Serving persons with spinal cord injuries.)
PEARLE VISION FOUNDATION
2465 Joe Field Rd.
Dallas, TX 75229
Telephone: (972) 277-6191
Fax: (972) 277-6422
(Serving individuals who demonstrate financial hardship and are in need of low vision aids or equipment.)
January 2005
February 2005
KATCO OFFICE
625 Merchant, Suite 205
Emporia, Kansas 66801
(866) 465-2826 v/tt
(620) 341-9002 v/tt
(620) 342-6400 fax
Main eMail: katcomail@sbcglobal.net
E. Basil Kessler, Executive Director
katcodir@sbcglobal.net
Patrick Weir, Executive Assistant
katcostaff1@sbcglobal.net
Askia Adams, Telework Program Coordinator
katcotw@sbcglobal.net
Charles A. Linville, Alternative Finance Program Coordinator
katcoafp@sbcglobal.net
Shannon Jones, President
SILCK
700 SW Jackson, Suite 212
Topeka, KS 66603
785-234-6990
Shari Coatney, Vice-President
SKIL - PO Box 1035
1807 Main Street
Parsons, KS 67357
620-421-5502
David Calvert, Secretary/Treasurer
532 N. Market
Wichita, KS 67214
316-269-9055
Rocky Nichols
Disability Rights Center of KS
3745 SW Wannamker
Topeka, KS 66610
785-273-9661
Steve Roecker
924 Emmaline
Newton, KS 67114
316-945-7117
Jeff Simon
SKIL, Inc.
1011-A Centennial Blvd
Hays, KS 67601
(800) 316-8019
Robert Tabor
Independence Inc.
2001 Haskell Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66046
888-824-7277
Linda Taylor
BFMA
690 Farley
Merriam, KS 66203
816-474-2972 ext. 13