WisLoan

Helping People with Disabilities to Purchase Assistive Technology

What is WisLoan?

WisLoan is a federally-funded project of the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education under P.L. 105-394, The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 Grant No.H224C010017. WisLoan is provided as a cooperative service of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, M & I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, Independence First and it's contracted statewide ILCs.

Contact the WisLoan Coordinator at
Independence First
Voice/TTY: (414) 291-7520
Toll-free 1-877-463-3778

Will Everyone Be Able To Get a Loan?

No. You must have a good likelihood of repaying the loan. WisLoan looks at your income compared with debt, stability in residence, job, and credit history.

Parents of a child with a disability are encouraged to apply.

What Can I Buy with the Loans?

"Assistive technology" is equipment that helps a person with a disability to live more independently and productively.

Examples of Assistive Technology:

• Wheelchairs & motorized scooters
• Hearing Aids
• Magnifiers and other visual aids
• Computers with modifications
• Control/switches for lights, doors, and appliances
• Vehicles with lifts or hand controls

You can also use WisLoan to make certain modifications to your home.

Examples of home modifications:

• Kitchen redesign
• Roll-in showers or other bathroom modifications
• Widening doorways
• Ramps and home accessibility modifications

What if my credit record is poor or I don't have a job?

Your application is reviewed based on your ability to make the monthly payments to pay back the loan. Your Social Security, disability, or retirement benefits are taken into consideration.

Some applicants will be denied, but WisLoan's criteria are more flexible than most bank loans.

How much money can I borrow?

Generally, you can borrow between $1,000 and $35,000. You may apply for the amount you need, but actual loan amounts will depend on the item purchased and your ability to repay.

Call us at: 262-549-4900