Organization
Northwest Access Fund(NWAF)
Northwest Access Fund is a disability-led Community Development Financial Institution that offers low-interest loans for assistive technology, home modifications, and adapted vehicles to people with disabilities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Certified in 2002 as the first CDFI in the United States run by and for people with disabilities, NWAF also provides free financial coaching and peer support.
About
Founded in 1999 and incorporated in Seattle, Northwest Access Fund was certified in 2002 by the US Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution — the first CDFI in the country specifically run by and for people with disabilities. NWAF expanded into Oregon in 2016 and now serves all three Pacific Northwest states including Idaho.
What They Do
NWAF provides low-interest loans at 5% APR — up to $25,000 for assistive technology and up to $60,000 for home or vehicle modifications — with no application fees and no early-payoff penalties. The organisation also offers free financial coaching, a general assistive technology resource guide, and peer support to help borrowers navigate the process.
Who They Serve
NWAF is open to Washington, Oregon, and Idaho residents of any age with any type of disability, including older adults with age-related functional limitations. Family members purchasing AT for a relative and employers purchasing AT for an employee are also eligible to apply.
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