What is Access for Individuals?

Access for Individuals is a partnership between the State Treasurer's Office and Fifth Third Bank to assist disabled Ohioans in leading more independent and productive lives.

Under the program, disabled Ohioans who qualify can receive a low-interest loan to purchase assistive equipment or modifications that will enhance their quality of life.

Who is eligible?

• An eligible individual must be a resident of Ohio who is disabled (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) whose independence and quality of life would be improved by the purchase of an assistive technology device.
• The parent, custodian or guardian of an individual with a disability as described above may also apply.
• Eligible assistive technology devices include but are not limited to hearing aids, text telephones, computer talking software, Braille printers, optical scanners, closed circuit television, manual or motorized wheelchairs and home and van modifications.

How it works

• Complete an application to participate in the program and return it to the State Treasurer’s Office.
• The application must include verification from a medical doctor indicating that the applicant is disabled and that the proposed assistive equipment purchase will enhance his or her quality of life. A written quote detailing the cost of the proposed assistive technology device/equipment must also accompany the application.
• Fifth Third Bank will review the credit worthiness of each applicant.
• If approved, the applicant will receive the loaned amount from Fifth Third Bank. The participant will also receive a payment book from Fifth Third.
• The State Treasurer’s Office will monitor compliance with the guidelines of the program and will require equipment purchase verification or inspection.

The Loan

• There are no fees or charges associated with the application or loan other than the finance charge.
• Standard credit criteria will be applied.
• Approved loans, secured or unsecured, will be at a below market fixed rate.
• Fifth Third Bank making final decision.
• Loans may be in any amounts up to $10,000 unsecured. Any amount requested over $10,000 must be secured.
• The term of the loan can be one to five years unsecured, six to twenty years must be secured.
• Failure to comply with the purchase or payment guidelines will result in the interest rate reverting to a typical rate associated with an unsecured installment loan.

The Process

1. Fill out an Access for Individuals Application(download the Access for Individuals application here.)
2. Approval Processing

Completed applications should be returned to the Treasurer of State, where program eligibility and medical verification will be determined. Next, Fifth Third Bank will provide a credit analysis to determine creditworthiness. Expected turnaround time is one to three weeks, depending on the nature of the request. Fifth Third Bank will notify qualified borrowers of their approval.

3. Reduced Rate Loan Issued

Once a loan is approved, the closing process begins. Fifth Third Bank will mail closing documents to the borrower that need to be completed, notarized and returned. Loans can be funded once the completed documentation is received by Fifth Third. A check will be issued to the appropriate vendor and/or individual. A payment book will also be sent to the borrower.

4. Monitoring

The Office of the Treasurer of State will monitor the use of the funds and will verify the purchase of the assistive technology devices/equipment as described in the initial loan application.