Oklahoma STABLE Accounts
Oklahoma STABLE AccountsOklahoma STABLE accounts offer saving and investment solutions for people with disabilities. They are made possible by the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act that allows individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save and invest up to $15,000 without losing government benefits such as Medicaid or SSI. Contributions to the accounts can also be deducted from state taxes starting with 2021 income tax filings. The funds invested can be used to pay for disability-related expenses such as basic living, housing, education, assistive technology, and many other expenses.
To be eligible to open an account an individual must be someone who developed the disability before the age of 26. The individual must have been living with the disability for at least one year or must expect the disability to last for at least a year.
For more information go to the Oklahoma STABLE website.
ABLE Tech Microloan Program
In conjunction with ABLE Tech’s partner, the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT), ABLE Tech now offers a new microloan program to finance needed low-cost assistive technology (AT).
Examples of AT that might be purchased through the microloan program include items such as a lift chair, durable medical equipment, a ramp for home entrance, glasses, or other needed AT. The microloan program is a 5% interest rate loan of $2,000 or less with flexible underwriting criteria that can be repaid over 36 months. To apply online visit the ABLE Tech Financial Loan page for more information or go to.
Financial Tip
Financial TipDid you know federal law allows individuals access to a free copy of their credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company? Monitoring your credit report is important to assure information is accurate and up to date, and regularly reviewing credit reports helps to catch signs of identity theft early.
Go to the Annual Credit Report website to pull a free credit report today!
CaptionCall
With hearing loss, sometimes additional assistive technology (AT) is needed beyond hearing aids – especially when trying to talk on the telephone. CaptionCall is part of a federally funded program to benefit people with hearing loss. This fund pays the total cost to receive captioning services for telephone communications.
With documentation of hearing loss, CaptionCall can provide complimentary delivery, installation, training, and support of a phone that displays big, easy-to-read text that automatically captions conversations. It dials, rings, and works just like a regular phone, but is also hearing aid friendly and has Bluetooth connectivity. Captioning is also available for iPad and iPhone with CaptionCall Mobile. 
For more information, visit the CaptionCall website or call 1-877-557-2227.
Borrower Quotes
Mildred is glad she no longer has to apologize for not being able to hear. She notes that “due to additional hearing loss it was very difficult to hear when someone was speaking; the hearing aids purchased have definitely improved my life!”
Robert purchased a modified vehicle. He states, “I am now independent and go to my appointments without assistance. Since I am in a powerchair and can no longer walk, this van has made it possible for me to conduct my own business.”
Susan chose the low-interest loan through ABLE Tech because, otherwise, the purchase of the hearing aids for her spouse would have been out of reach financially. Susan stated, “since they are retired, they spend a lot of time together.” Their quality of life is greatly improved, as is his communication with others.
To apply for a loan for AT go to the ABLE Tech Financial Loan page or visit OkAT's website.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech is the statewide AT Act Program located at Oklahoma State University in the Department of Wellness. ABLE Tech's mission is to improve access to and acquisition of AT for individuals with disabilities of all ages. ABLE Tech offers device demonstrations and short-term loans, financial loans, and programs that offer free, gently-used AT and durable medical equipment (DME).
WORDS from our Borrowers
Jeffrey L, Norman, OK
AT purchased: Hand controls for vehicle
Purpose: Community Living
“This was the only way I would be able to get the equipment and be able to pay it out over time and not all upfront. This equipment gets me mobile again. I don’t have to rely on my aging mother to take me everywhere from doctor appointments, to the store, or over to other people’s homes and social activities.
Jacfus P., Tulsa, OK
AT purchased: Wheelchair lift for vehicle
Purpose: Community Living
“I chose to use this loan program because everyone was so helpful in helping me get the loan…. The device was very helpful to me to get around, continue to go to church, go to the store, shop, go to the doctor’s office and more. Thank you for being so helpful.”
Chris C., Shawnee, OK
AT purchased: Hearing aids
Purpose: Employment
"I have insurance and they paid a portion of the hearing aids, but this was the only reasonable option to pay for non-insurance covered portion of the hearing aids. It was a simple application and credit check, all very timely… I can now hear people talking in big crowds again, I can hear my co-workers better at my work, which is very loud. The hearing aids are also helping address my tinnitus in both ears.”
Peggy B., Sulphur, OK
AT purchased: Hearing aids
Purpose: Community Living
“I didn’t qualify for the program. If I did qualify, they only give one hearing aid and I needed two. I can now hear – Thank you!”
Juanita H., Shawnee, OK
AT purchased: Hearing aids
Purpose: Community Living
“We are in our 80’s and live on a fixed income. Low interest means payments will be low…. I was unable to hear conversations, but I just got my new hearing aids and I am hearing better. AS I become accustomed to them I know it will improve my quality of life.”
Julia F., Shawnee, OK
AT purchased: Hearing aids
Purpose: Employment
“I could not afford to pay for the hearing aids on my own… my audiologist told me about the financial loan program… The hearing aids have allowed me to hear the speakers more clearly during meetings at school. I can also carry on a more normal conversation without having to ask the person to repeat themselves.
James H., Sapulpa, OK
AT purchased: Hearing aids
Purpose: Community Living
“I could not get a hearing aid any other way. I am now able to talk to people again, instead of being withdrawn. I can hear and understand people now, where as before, I didn’t talk much and couldn’t understand people.”