[tabi] Re: I have an idea for TCB, NFB, and the Lighthouse

From: Beth <thebluesisloose@xxxxxxxxx>
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:01:29 -0500
Good idea.  I like this because you're right.  Assistive tech is very expensive.
Beth

On 11/19/09, Chip Orange <Corange@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> hi all,
>
> I had an idea I hoped the leaders of our 3 big non-profits here in town
> would take up; I think it's worth doing, and it would give us something
> else to focus on besides the bus system, which is more than a little
> divisive.
>
> What I've noticed is that when I'm speaking with many blind people, and
> I mention a possible technical solution to a problem they're having,
> their response is often something like "that would be great, but I can't
> afford it."
>
> understandable of course; we all know assistive technology is expensive,
> and we need a lot of it.
>
> so, what if for this area of Florida served by the Lighthouse, we began
> a fund to which we all contributed, which was then used to provide no
> interest loans for the purchase of assistive technology?
>
> I was hoping one group would take on the administration of the fund, and
> all 3 groups would contribute to it, or fund raise for it, as a joint
> project.  I'll offer to start it off with $100 if someone will take it
> on.
>
> I also hoped the fund could be run in such a way that a person's need
> for the technology, or their ability to pay, would not be a factor in
> receiving the loan.    I'd like this to be as free from value judgments
> as possible.  Perhaps just as the person what payment schedule they
> thought that they could afford.
>
> a lot of microbanks in very poor areas of the world are quite
> successful, with nearly 100% payback rates, when being run like this, by
> simply requiring a family member or friend to cosign the loan
> application, guaranteeing payback if the primary applicant fails to do
> so.  this seems to serve as a screening tool (if you can't produce one
> person who will vouch that you will pay back a loan, then it's likely
> that you won't), and also as a real incentive for the applicant to
> pay-back the loan (not wanting their friend or family to have to do so).
>
> I'd also suggest, to help those taking on the administration of the
> fund, that they do nothing if payments are missed.  we'll make up losses
> through fund raising.  when you're freed of the effort of collections,
> then the administration should be a very minor task.
>
> so, what do people think?  will the leaders of these groups be willing
> to discuss it amongst themselves?
>
> Chip
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Chip Orange
> Database Administrator
> Florida Public Service Commission
>
> Chip.Orange@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> (850) 413-6314
>
>  (Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not
> necessarily reflect those of the Florida Public Service Commission.)
>
>
>
>
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References:
- [tabi] I have an idea for TCB, NFB, and the Lighthouse
  - From: Chip Orange
[tabi] Re: I have an idea for TCB, NFB, and the Lighthouse

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