Missouri Code of State Regulations
Title 5 - DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Division 110 - Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Counsel
Chapter 1 - Assistive Technology Programs
Section 5 CSR 110-1.020 - Assistive Technology Loan Program

(A) Assistive technology device-is equipment or an item to help maintain, increase, or improve the independence, or functional capabilities of an individual with a disability. The program will facilitate loans to purchase a broad range of assistive technology;

(B) Assistive technology service-is a service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such term includes, but is not limited to:

(C) Individual with a disability-is an individual who meets the definition of an individual with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act or an individual who is eligible for any of the state of Missouri disability related programs;

(D) Council-is the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council;

(E) Program-is the Show-Me Loans for Assistive Technology and Telework Program;

(F) Eligible applicant-is an individual seeking a loan to assist one (1) or more individuals with disabilities obtain an assistive technology device or service or obtain equipment for telework;

(G) Adjusted gross income-is the amount claimed as adjusted gross income on an applicant's most recent federal income tax return;

(H) Program administrator-is staff of Missouri Assistive Technology or other entity so designated by the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council;

(I) Telework-is work as an employee or contractor or as a self-employed individual on a full-time or part-time basis from home or other remote site;

(J) Telework equipment-is equipment that will be used by an individual with a disability to work from home or from other remote site;

(K) Revolving loan-is a loan made directly from and repaid directly into the Assistive Technology Loan Revolving Fund;

(L) Commercial loan-is a loan from a commercial lending institution that is supported by a fee, loan guarantee, interest buy-down or other financial support through the Show-Me Loans program.

(A) Eligible applicants shall:

(B) The program administrator may determine an applicant is ineligible for the program when the applicant has defaulted on a previous loan made through the program or violates any provisions of the program, or ceases to meet the requirements of these rules or of any standards or policies established by the council.

(A) Allowable devices shall include, but not be limited to:

(B) Loans are not permitted toward the purchase of a home.

(A) Allowable equipment shall include, but not be limited to:

(B) Loans are not permitted toward the purchase of a building or for the purchase of services, including, but not limited to, monthly Internet service charges.

(A) Interest Rates. As a Special Purpose Credit Program under Section 8 of Regulation B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the loan program may base interest rates on economic need rather than credit risk factors. The council shall establish an interest rate formula for borrowers based on individual payment abilities. Loans may be made with no interest.

(B) Principal Buy-Down. The council may establish criteria for a principal buy-down of not more than twenty percent (20%) of the loan principal for borrowers with financial circumstances who would otherwise be unable to afford a loan.

(C) Repayment Periods. The council shall establish repayment periods for borrowers based on the ability to pay. Loan repayment periods for revolving loans shall not exceed ten (10) years.

(D) Loan Amount. The council shall have the authority to review and adjust the maximum loan amount.

(E) Other. The council shall establish standards at the beginning of each year for matters necessary to implement the program. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, requirements for security or collateral for loans, and limits on the numbers and amounts of loans to assure the continued solvency of the loan program fund.

(A) Applicant name, home and mailing address, home and work phone, and Social Security number;

(B) If the applicant does not have a disability, a description of the applicant's relationship to the individual with a disability, the name of the person with a disability, if different from applicant; and the type of disability;

(C) Whether the applicant is applying as an individual or with a co-applicant;

(D) For an assistive technology loan, identification of the assistive technology that the applicant plans to purchase; a description of how the assistive technology will improve the life of the person with a disability; the cost of the assistive technology; amount of loan requested; and the name, address and phone number of the vendor, contractor, or individual from whom the assistive technology will be purchased;

(E) For a telework loan, identification of the telework equipment that the applicant plans to purchase; the cost of the telework equipment; amount of loan requested; and the name, address and phone number of the vendors, contractors, or individuals from whom the telework equipment will be purchased; and other pertinent information in a format to be determined by the program administrator;

(F) Certification by the applicant that they authorize the program administrator to check the applicant's credit, make all inquiries necessary to verify the accuracy of the information provided, and share all financial, credit, and other pertinent information with required entities for the sole purposes of loan approval and loan maintenance;

(G) Whether the applicant rents or owns housing; name of landlord or mortgagor; monthly rent or mortgage payment; years and months living at current address and at previous address; name, address, and phone number of current employer; amount of gross monthly income from employment; source and monthly amount of income other than employment; name, address, and phone number of previous employer; years and months at current employer and previous employer; position or occupation at current employer and at previous employer; whether the applicant has a checking or a savings account; the bank name that holds the checking or savings account; and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and relationship to the applicant of the two (2) closest living relatives not living at applicant's address. If there is a co-applicant, all information in section (6) is also required for the co-applicant including a spouse if the spouse is contractually liable for repayment or if the applicant is relying on the income of spouse for approval of credit;

(H) Information about the applicant's current financial obligations including, but not limited to: financial institutions, department stores, credit cards, leases, unpaid taxes, alimony and child support. The applicant shall include information including the responsibility of the applicant and any co-applicant, the name of creditors, current outstanding balances, monthly or other term payments;

(I) Information required by federal or state statute;

(J) A statement to be signed by the applicant verifying the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted;

(K) In addition to information required on the application, applicants shall supply any additional information and supporting documentation which the program administrator deems reasonably necessary to determine the applicant's eligibility to receive a loan through the program.

(A) Initial Application Review. Upon receipt of an application, the program administrator will perform an initial review to verify that the applicant is seeking a loan for assistive technology or telework for an individual with a disability. The program administrator will perform an initial review of the applicant's creditworthiness, ability to repay the loan, and ability to meet the eligibility criteria established by the council.

(B) Loan Application Review. Following initial application review, the application will be submitted by the program administrator for approval or denial by the loan application review committee.

(C) Approved Loan Processing.

(D) Denied Loan Processing. The program administrator shall notify the applicant in writing following the denial of a loan application. The notification shall include information about how to appeal the denial decision.

(A) Applicants may appeal any disapproval of a revolving loan application by filing a written appeal with the Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council. No specific form shall be required. The council may hear appeals during any regularly scheduled council meeting or may call a special meeting of the council for such purpose. The council's decision regarding approval or denial of a loan shall be final.

(B) Applicants may appeal any disapproval of a commercial loan using the commercial lending institution's appeal procedures.