Through Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s Access to Telework Program, an individual from Kay County was able to make his dreams of self-employment come true reducing his need for social services and disability benefits. With a lot of determination and a combination of support from Vocational Rehabilitation in the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Social Security disability benefits through the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) plan, and the ABLE Tech ATF program, he was able to open a laser engraving business to serve a large portion of Oklahoma. 

The purpose of the Access to Telework Fund (ATF) program is to increase access to and funding of computers and other equipment, including adaptive equipment so that Oklahomans with disabilities can telework. It is a low interest bank loan program.  Telework outcomes can encompass work that can be performed effectively from home and/or remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a telework center. Telework would apply to individuals with disabilities who are currently unemployed, underemployed, self-employed or needing to maintain employment on a full time or part time basis.