January 2002

Michael Scione Executive Director

Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager announced recently that the ATLFA and the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) had received a grant award totaling $2,464,000 from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

"Many Virginians have overcome the challenges of disabilities and contributed greatly to the prosperity of our Commonwealth with the aid of agencies such as the ATLFA," said Lt. Governor Hager. "This money will provide additional funding for low interest loans and loan guarantees to Virginians with disabilities for equipment and technology that increase independence, quality of life, and employment opportunities."

Obtaining the grant was a priority initiative of the Disability Commission, which helped establish and fund the ATLFA. Lt. Gov. Hager is Chairman of the Disability Commission

For the second consecutive year, the ATLFA and the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) successfully collaborated in a national grant competition, receiving the largest grant award in both years. NIDRR awarded over $13.6 million in grants to 14 states to operate financial loan programs for individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology.

This year’s award effectively doubles the size of the ATLFA. Virginia’s loan fund program is now the second largest in the country. VATS, a program under the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), facilitated the establishment of the loan fund and administers the grants.

The following graph shows how $821,000 in state funds will draw down the federal funds which will result in over $10,000,000 in loans by SunTrust Bank.

Karen Woodbury is a Chaplain / Counselor at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She works in their Emergency Department. While Karen is a professional in the health care field, she is also a single mom. And one with a daughter who has a severe disability. Keeanu has cerebral palsy, but she also has medical problems that must be treated quickly.

Karen was unable to transport her daughter to medical appointments using her personal vehicle as Keeanu uses a power wheelchair that weighs over three hundred pounds. While Norfolk has public transportation, Karen feels that it is somewhat unreliable.

"I work long hours at the hospital to support my family and I simply cannot take time off of work to wait for public transportation," said Karen. "With all the medical and rehabilitative costs we have, I could never have afforded such a nice van."

Karen applied for a low-interest loan with the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority and was able to obtain reliable transportation for Keeanu. Karen still drives to work in an older model compact car, saving the van for family trips and medical appointments. "This program has very valuable to our family and I hope that other families in a similar position are able to take advantage of it."

As Virginia’s first full-time lieutenant governor, John H. Hager redefined the Commonwealth’s second-highest office. He fulfilled his campaign promise to work seven days a week, covering Virginia, listening and learning and turning ideas into action.

The official duties listed in the state’s constitution provide for the lieutenant governor to preside over the Senate and be available in the event the governor is incapacitated. But Hager has gone far beyond the two-months-a-year responsibility of being President of the Senate. He has taken an active role in developing and promoting legislative initiatives; he has advanced the interests of the citizens through various commissions; and spent many days out among the people, listening to their concerns and being a conduit for their ideas in the Capitol.

Those who knew Lt. Gov. Hager before were not surprised. As the former head of more than 30 boards and commissions, Hager already had a reputation for getting a lot done. In office, he has enhanced that reputation by travelling the state indefatigably. He regularly makes five or six appearances a day — appearing on a transportation panel, promoting economic development, or giving a keynote speech on faith and values in leadership. Hager leaves office at noon on January 12, 2002. It seems certain that he will be at his desk answering mail or travelling the state speaking to constituents up until 11:59 a.m.

Hager continues to be a vivid presence on the statewide stage. He was the Republican Party’s Chairman of the Coordinated Campaign, campaigning throughout the Commonwealth for candidates for the House of Delegates, as well as the statewide ticket. Despite a defeat at the party’s state convention in June, Hager also graciously campaigned for his opponent for the gubernatorial nomination.

Gov. Gilmore appointed Lt. Gov. Hager to a key post on the Security and Preparedness Panel, which was organized in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Additionally, Hager is: Chairman of the Faith-Based Task Force, Co-Chairman of the Specialized Transportation Council, Chairman of the Disability Commission, and on the Executive Council of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors. "We’re still working hard every day doing the people’s business," said Hager. "There are lots of ways we can continue to make a difference in people’s lives".

The Disability Commission, an ex-officio duty of Virginia’s lieutenant governor, has been far more productive under Hager than ever before. In October, the ATLFA, a priority initiative of the Disability Commission, received the largest grant ever ($2.5 million) from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The Lieutenant Governor supported two ATLFA's grant requests and assisted the ATLFA numerous times during the past four years.

The Disability Commission has also been successful in moving various projects to aid the disabled higher on the priority list of state budget-writers. "Chairing the Disability Commission is one of the most rewarding parts of my service to the people of Virginia," says Lt. Gov. Hager. "Last year, the legislature extended the life of the commission for four years, and in 2000, we developed a strategic plan to focus on employment, housing and transportation for the next three years. The commission is moving ahead studying these issues without additional legislative directives," he said.

Recent recommendations of the Disability Commission include:

In a related development, the previously-dormant Specialized Transportation Council, an umbrella organization for coordinating the provision of transportation services to the elderly and disabled, was revived and revitalized at Hager’s urging. Like the Disability Commission, this council is much closer to fulfilling its mission than ever before.

" The people elected me to serve a four-year term and that’s what I’m going to do," said Hager. Right up until 11:59 a.m. January 12. And after that, stay tuned.

Disability Commission recommends a loan fund for assistive technology.

VATS conducts research and makes several presentations to the Disability Commission.

VCAT and other disability groups support a loan fund for people with disabilities.

Maggie Hager advocates for establishment of ATLFA at Disability Commission meeting.

Senator Jane Woods writes legislation for ATLFA establishment.

Senator Jane Woods' budget amendment approved by General Assembly ATLFA receives $500,000

ATLFA makes first loans and guaranteed loans through the Central Fidelity Bank.

Crestar becomes banking partner, agrees to make low-interest loans.

Lt. Governor Hager supports ATLFA as Disability Commission's top priority.

Delegate Robert Bloxom's budget amendment results in a $400,000 appropriation for ATLFA.

CBS Division of DRS transfers un-used state funds to the ATLFA.

ATLFA obtains $1,000,000 grant from the US Department of Education (NIDRR).

ATLFA obtains $2,464,000 grant from the US Department of Education (NIDRR).

John H. Hager, Lt. Governor

Donald Beyer, Lt. Governor

W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., DBVI Commissioner

Maggie Hager, DRVD Director, VCAT

Robert Frank, ATLFA Chairman

Jane Woods, Senator

Jeannie Keiningham, VCAT

Steven Gilson, VCAT

Kathryn Hayfield, DRS

Joey Wallace, VATS

Ken Knorr, VATS

Michael Scione, ATLFA Executive Director

Robert Bloxom, Delegate

 Ronald Fisher, from Richmond, Virginia, was explaining the high cost of technology which allows his wife, Barbara, to live at home. "Home modifications, an accessible van, the power wheelchair, and several other devices have been a godsend to us," he said. "But the cost has been extraordinary. Thank goodness for the assistance of the ATLFA and other state programs. We could never have afforded all this without your help."

Barbara was in a severe automobile accident last year which left her paralyzed from the neck down. This longtime Henrico County teacher was suddenly faced with being unable to care for even her most basic needs. After much professional care and assistance, Barbara is able to live at home with the aid of a personal care attendant, which costs the Fishers about $1,000 per week. Fortunately, insurance pays for most of that.

However, in order to live at home, the Fishers had to put in a wheelchair ramp, widen doorways - including those in cinder block walls, install an electric lift for their stairway, and build a roll-in shower. This allows Barbara to live downstairs in her bedroom, and in the den. But it also lets her travel upstairs to the rest of the house.

The Fishers were able to obtain a low-interest loan through the ATLFA and SunTrust Bank for the home modifications, as well as another loan for an accessible van. "Without the transportation, I would be trapped at home", said Barbara.

Benefits and donations from their church and community organizations will allow Ronald, who is retired, to pay off the loans years before they are due. "Even with all that has happened, we are blessed to have such good friends that have come to our aid.", said Ronald. "We are also grateful for the assistance of the ATLFA."

For more information about low cost loans for purchasing vehicles with modifications, home modification or adaptive devices and equipment, call us at (804) 662-9000.

Lieutenant Governor Hager's work as Chairman of the Disability Commission was among the many contributions Hager made to help improve the lives and promote independence for individuals with disabilities. During the past year the Disability Commission, led by Hager, supported an appropriation for the ATLFA that allowed it to compete successfully for a grant from the US Department of Education. In addition, Hager personally advocated for the expansion and stability of the Loan Fund Authority. He has also been intrumental in the Commission prioritizing the critical issues facing individualas with disabilities. He has also been President or Chairman of more than 30 boards or commissions.

The Ms Wheelchair Pageant showcases women of achievement, advocacy and inspiration. Each year a competition is held to select a spokeswoman for for people with all types of disabilities. This year the pageant is at the Omni Hotel on March 22, 2002 in Richmond Virginia.

Ms Wheelchair VA raises awareness about disability rights and advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all aspects of life and serves as a role model for individuals with disabilities. She also represents the state on a national level at the Ms Wheelchair America competition.