Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AzLAT) operates collaboratively with four partners. The partners have separate, but related responsibilities. AzLAT’s unique model capitalizes on each partner’s strengths and expertise relevant to disability issues, assistive technology, banking and financial services:
The Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
AzTAP is a statewide, Phoenix-based project of the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University. AzTAP assists persons with disabilities of all types and ages as well as family members, service providers, employers and the general public to become better educated about the value and use of assistive technology. Its mission is to connect people with disabilities with the assistive technology they need to participate as fully as possible in activities that matter to them. AzTAP offers comprehensive activities emphasizing direct services including AT device demonstrations, consultations and short term equipment loans; financial loans for the purchase of AT equipment; device reuse; information and assistance; education, training and technical assistance.
MariSol Federal Credit Union
MariSol is our banking partner. Initially established by Charles Samuels in 1954 as the Maricopa County Employees Federal Credit Union, MariSol Federal Credit Union’s purpose is to deliver savings, solutions and service to its membership. In September 2003, our name changed to MariSol Federal Credit Union to reflect our promise to the past and commitment to the future. Our sun logo echoes our vision of the future – brilliant with endless possibilities. In 2010, MariSol was awarded the designation of a Community Development Financial Institution.Our mission is to deliver high quality member services that meet the financial needs of our members while maintaining a strong financial condition. As a financial cooperative, we leverage our members’ resources to directly benefit them and the communities in which they live. MariSol Federal Credit Union is committed to financial inclusion and empowerment by expanding access to affordable and equitable financial services for all.
Arizona Community Foundation
For 36 years, the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) has worked to improve the quality of life in Arizona by promoting and facilitating effective philanthropy. As a statewide philanthropic leader, ACF works closely with donors of its more than 1,400 separate charitable funds to achieve their philanthropic goals. ACF has $650 million in trust and endowment assets and is professionally managed to safeguard principal and yield a competitive rate of return. Oversight is provided by a volunteer Investment Committee comprised of nationally recognized financial experts. ACF complies with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, voluntarily adopting policies and procedures to guarantee business is conducted both legally and ethically. The Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors whose members represent diverse backgrounds, interests and professional expertise. ACF staff work closely with donors, nonprofits, community leaders, government and businesses to ensure the Foundation effectively addresses community needs.
The Advisory Board-Loan Review Committee (AB-LRC)
AB-LRC sets the program’s direction and serves as its decision-making body. Comprised of a majority of individuals with disabilities or family members of persons with disabilities, the group is responsible for establishing, reviewing and revising AzLAT’s lending policies and procedures as well as reviewing, approving or denying loan applications or loan modifications. The AB-LRC meets on a monthly basis or more as needed. The AB-LRC is an integral part of the program evaluation and also functions as advisors to the AzLAT Loan Fund at the Arizona Community Foundation.