Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities — Subtitle 6. Assistive Technology Loan Program

“Assistive technology” means any item, equipment, or device that is designed to enable an individual with a disability to become more independent or a more productive member of the community with an improved quality of life.

“Assistive technology” includes wheelchairs, motorized scooters, Braille equipment, voice simulation systems, scanners, assistive listening devices, telecommunications devices for the deaf, augmentative communication systems, environmental control systems, computers and adaptive peripherals, building modifications for accessibility, motor vehicles, and vehicle modifications.

the Secretary of Information Technology or the Secretary’s designee;

a representative from the Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration, appointed by the Secretary of Health;

a representative of the State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services, appointed by the State Superintendent of Schools; and

eight members of the public appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

four shall have significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management, or consumer lending; and

four shall have disabilities or assist individuals with disabilities.

The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years.

At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

A member appointed by the Governor may not serve more than two terms.

may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but

is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations as provided in the State budget.

that the loan to be guaranteed or the subsidy of loan interest will be used to acquire assistive technology;

the ability to repay the loan;

creditworthiness; and

the inability to qualify for a loan from a lending institution without a loan guarantee or a subsidy of loan interest.

a participating lending institution approves a loan without the requirement of a guarantee; and

the interest rate is higher than the interest rate otherwise available for a guaranteed loan.

The Board shall administer the Fund.

The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.

premiums and fees charged for the guarantees of loans or the subsidies of loan interest;

income from investment earnings;

proceeds from the sale, disposition, lease, or rental of collateral relating to the guarantees of loans or subsidies of loan interest;

money appropriated by the State to the Fund; and

any other money made available to the Fund.

guaranty payments required by loan defaults;

subsidies of loan interest;

expenses for administrative, legal, actuarial, technical assistance, and other services; and

any other expenses and disbursements that the Board authorizes for administering the Fund and financing the guarantees of loans and the subsidies of loan interest for the purchase of assistive technology.