Agency Details:

Washington Assistive Technology Foundation

Our mission is to promote access to technology and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities in Washington State. The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Description:
WATF was established by and for people with disabilities in Washington state. We provides low-interest loans and other financing services to help individuals with disabilities obtain the technologies and business equipment needed to live independently and to succeed at school, at work, at play and in the community.

History:
WATF was incorporated in 1999; received its 501(c)(3) status in 2001 as well as its first grant from the Washington Council of the Blind. WATF's first loan was disbursed in 2002 and it became a certified Community Development Financial Institution in 2003. Since inception, WATF has made over 200 loans -- lending out approximately $775,000. Most of its clients are low income with 73% falling below 80% of the statewide median and 50% below 50% of the statewide median. WATF nevertheless boasts a 98% repayment rate (based on loans repaid as a percentage of all loans disbursed) - testimony to the importance of these technologies in the lives of our borrowers.

Contact people:

Leann Wicklund, Assistant, (phone), (email) Frances Pennell, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Kathy Gilman, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (206) 328-5116
TDD number: (888) 808-8942
Office fax number: (206) 328-5126

Address:

100 South King Street, Suite 280 Seattle, WA 98104 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.watf.org

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	No

Last updated on July 21, 2009