Nationwide more than 40% of adults with disabilities are unemployed. Many lack the resources necessary to gain employment and face barriers that impede the employment process. In many cases, people with disabilities are unable to access needed equipment to facilitate employment. People with disabilities lack the financial resources to purchase computers and related equipment that would facilitate alternative employment options such as telecommuting. Nationally, only 25% of people with disabilities own computers compared to 55% of U.S. adults.

In Minnesota, 36% of all people with disabilities age 18 and over are unemployed compared with 4.4% of the general population. The 2000 Minnesota Census indicates that of the 670,000 individuals who identified themselves as disabled, more than 250,000 lived outside the seven county metropolitan area. People with disabilities who live in Greater Minnesota face unemployment rates that are soaring as companies downsize and move or go out of business. A lack of transportation in rural areas and a decrease in metropolitan transit services has resulted in decreased employment options, as people with disabilities are unable to get to work. Beyond the Twin Cities Metropolitan area, 80 counties in Greater Minnesota have very limited / accessible transportation or none at all. Implementing a program that supports alternatives such as telecommuting eliminates serious employment barriers such as transportation for Minnesotans with disabilities.

Minnesota received support from the US Rehabilitation Services Administration to develop Access to Telework, an alternative finance program supporting employment for people with disabilities. The grant provides funding to the State of Minnesota, Department of Administration for the restructure of the Alternative Finance Program, AFP, operated through Assistive Technology of Minnesota, ATMN. The AFP will provide a financing to people with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology devices and equipment related to employment. The AFP / Telework project will support the purchase of computers, AT and other equipment necessary for employment with a focus on telecommuting. ATMN, a statewide nonprofit organization, currently operates an alternative finance program, AFP, for the purchase of assistive technology, AT, devices and services. In a 1998 statewide survey, 61% of the respondents indicated that a lack of funding prevented them from accessing the AT needed for daily life. Over fifty percent of ATMN’s loan applicants seek financial support to purchase transportation and other AT devices needed for work. Many of the current loan applicants are unable to obtain a loan because of credit or bankruptcy problems. Creating a revolving loan fund and expanding the low interest loan program to include computers and adaptive equipment needed for employment will expand financial options for Minnesotans with disabilities. A revolving loan fund will provide revenues that will support the program over time. The revolving fund will establish guidelines so that individuals who in the past have been declined for a traditional loan will have a second opportunity.

Using existing network and expanding partnerships, ATMN will develop a Telework model to reach out to under-represented groups and targeted populations. ATMN has established relationships with employers, state and local government agencies, educators, AT specialty providers and other professionals who deliver AT services. An important component of the ATMN AFP / Telework model is to provide local support through our AT partners and the state work force centers. Access to Telework has the potential to impact people with disabilities living throughout Minnesota with the outcome of employment. The program provides financial support to individuals so they can purchase the necessary equipment needed to engage in meaningful and productive work.

As a demonstration project, the management and evaluation on the effectiveness of the AFP / Telework is essential. The State of Minnesota, Department of Administration will oversee the project through its contractual arrangement with Assistive Technology of Minnesota.