OK Alternative Financing Program Success Stories
Low Interest Loan Provides Access to Assistive Technology for Oklahoma City Person

Candace Chavez recently took advantage of the new Alternative Financing Program through BancFirst. The program offers a low interest loan for the purchase of assistive technology. Ms. Chavez is a teacher and a single mother of Bryan, a 13-year-old who uses a wheelchair. Due to her son's growth, it became increasingly more difficult for Candace to transfer him to their vehicle. She applied for a low interest loan to help her purchase a van and a motorized lift to facilitate the transfer of Bryan and his wheelchair into the van. Ms. Chavez said the application process at BancFirst was very quick and convenient. The bank provided two checks to Ms. Chavez: one, for Bob Howard Mall in Edmond to purchase the van and another for Handicapped Aids who provided the van modifications and lift. Ms. Chavez highly recommends Leo Carter at Bob Howard Mall. Mr. Carter is also a Shriner clown named "Yum-Yum" and is very easy to work with. The low interest loan can be used for any type of assistive technology (devices and services) for an individual with a disability or a family member. Other examples of assistive technology purchased through this program are: computers and software, home modifications, mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters, and hearing aids. For more information on the Alternative Financing Program, please call Oklahoma ABLE Tech at 800-257-1705. Or, if you would like to directly apply for a low interest loan, please call  BancFirst at 800-446-9401. The Alternative Financing Program is made available by partner groups, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, BancFirst, and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation.

July 22, 2002 Press Release Low Interest Loan Provides Access to Assistive Technology for Tulsa Family
Contact: Oklahoma ABLE Tech 1-800-257-1705, OSU Seretean Wellness Center, 1514 W. Hall of Fame, Stillwater, OK 74078

A low interest loan program through BancFirst made it possible for a Tulsa family to easily acquire a loan to purchase hearing aids for their 10 year old son, Philip. The Alternative Financing Program provides a low interest rate and is designed for individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology to enhance their lives in a variety of ways. Assistive Technology includes items such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, modified vehicles, and computers. This is the first set of hearing aids Philip has ever worn. Mr. Goree knew that his son had some difficulty hearing, but it was apparent a few months back when the birds were flocking in the Tulsa area that Philip could not hear them. That is when he knew he needed to do something. Philip chose a clear plastic style so everyone could see the inside electronics; he thinks that is a really cool feature, and now, he can hear the birds and much more. Mr. Goree said, "The fact that this program exists made our decision much easier. Philip's hearing loss was not profound, but he needed hearing aids and we did not have ready cash for this type of purchase. This program made it possible" Oklahoma recently passed a law, which states that businesses with 50 or more employees will provide hearing aids through health insurance coverage to children up to the age of 18; however, Mr. Goree is not employed by a company with more than 50 employees. Independence is priceless, and the BancFirst low interest loan program provides better access to the equipment and devices people need to live more independently. The Alternative Financing Program is made possible by partner groups, BancFirst, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, and the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation. For more information contact Oklahoma ABLE Tech at 800-257-1705 or BancFirst at 800-446-9401.