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Home > Archive > Aug 16, 2007

New Wheels, Other Equipment for Disabled Individuals
By Dixie Weekly News
St. George resident Dave Enkerud could not foot the bill for a van that would safely and accessibly transport him and his wheelchair. Then he got connected with the Utah Assistive Technology Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps adults and children obtain needed assistive technology devices through low-interest loans and small grants. With the assistance of UATF, Enkerud applied for and successfully obtained a loan to finance the purchase of a new van, fully-equipped with a wheelchair-accessible ramp.
Not thinking they would financially qualify for a loan, Enkerud and his wife, LoriAnn Enkerud, nonetheless applied at the encouragement of UATF.
"I procrastinated filling out the loan application," LoriAnn Enkerud said, "but just one week after we submitted the application, the bank called and told us to find a van to buy. We were so excited and shocked."
The van was purchased through UATF and then fitted with its wheelchair ramp by St. George's Red Rock Center for Independence.
The new van has entirely altered life for Dave and LoriAnn Enkerud, for the better.
"LoriAnn does not have to transfer me anymore from my wheelchair to the small car we had," Dave Enkerud said. "It was difficult for her to do this, because I am bigger than her, and she also has health problems. The van has provided an improved quality of life for my wife and me."
Dave Ekerud lost his mobility after suffering a stroke. He has since relied completely on his wheelchair to get around, and before purchasing the wheelchair-accessible van, that getting around was difficult. Making a trip to visit the doctor, go to church or just go shopping was a tremendous strain.
"Working with UATF was a very positive experience," Dave Enkerud said. "Everything went smoothly."
LoriAnn Enkerud said they are so glad they have had this opportunity.
"Having the capability to purchase the van has been incredible for us," she said. "Dave now has the freedom to go out and about. We never dreamed we could get a van, because they are so expensive. Zion's Bank and the UATF provided such affordable rates on our loan."
The UATF was founded in 1991 to help disabled Utahns of all ages obtain financing for needed devices. In addition to wheelchair-accessible vehicles like the Enkeruds', UATF also finances such things as hearing aids, Braille notetakers, scooters, print enlargers and home modifications for individuals with disabilities.
UATF works in cooperation with Zions Bank to provide loans with very low interest rates and no fees to its clients. More than 950 loans have been made to Utahns with disabilities since the organization was founded, amounting to more than $5 million dollars in loans granted.
"We cannot thank the UATF and Zions Bank enough for working with us," LoriAnn Enkerud said.
The UATF is located at the Center for Persons with Disabilities on the Utah State University Campus in Logan, but the organization provides services to individuals statewide.

For more information about the UATF and applying for a low-interest loan, call 1-800-524-5152 or visit www.uatf.org.

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