|
What is WATF?
The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation ("WATF")
was created under the leadership of the Washington Assistive Technology
Alliance (WATA) to help individuals with disabilities in Washington
State purchase AT needed for education, employment and independent
living. The Foundation is a non-profit tax exempt organization under
the laws of the state of Washington and section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code meaning that donations to it are tax deductible.
Our tax ID Number is: 91-2094889.
Who is WATF?
Executive Director
Frances E. Pennell, J.D, was the Policy & Funding
Specialist for the Washington Assistive Technology Alliance from
April 1995 to December 2000. This position provided a first-hand
opportunity to observe the financial barriers that make it difficult
if not impossible for many people with disabilities to obtain the
AT they need to realize their potential -- whether it be at home,
work, school, at play or in the community. Prior to joining WATA,
Ms. Pennell was an attorney in private practice in Seattle.
WATF Board of Directors
January 2003
Berl Colley, is a computer programmer with OCLC/WLN, and
is President of the Washington Council of the Blind. Berl supports
the Access Fund as a much needed resource to help members of the
disability community, many of whom are low income, purchase adaptive
computer systems and other critically needed AT and to make home
and vehicle modifications.
Brian J. Dudgeon, is an Assistant Professor of Occupational
Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington
Medical School. He teaches classes in occupational therapy and AT
and serves on the UW Access Committee and the Governor's Committee
on Disability Issues & Employment. Dr. Dudgeon views the Access
Fund as way to empower consumers: "As a mobility device user,
I know full well the power of choice in forming expectations from
service providers and suppliers of assistive technology devices
and services."
Susan Gjolmesli, is Director of the Disability Support Program
for Bellevue Community College. In that capacity, she is responsible
for providing reasonable classroom adjustments and auxiliary aids
for students with a wide range of disabilities in the school's labs,
classrooms and libraries. Susan is active in the state Disability
Support Services Council and is on the Board of WAPED - a professional
organization for disability professionals in higher education. Susan
is an active AT user both in her personal life and on the job.
Gina Iandola is Vice President and Branch Manager for the
Wedgwood Branch of Homestreet Bank, formerly Continental Savings
and Loan. Ms. Iandola is an experienced investment adviser and loan
officer with a background in both consumer and real estate lending.
Ms. Iandola is particularly interested in the role of the Access
Fund in helping low and moderate income consumers -- and especially
seniors -- pay for the modifications they need to make their homes
accessible.
Steve McDonald is a realtor with Windermere. Prior to becoming
a realtor, Steve worked with Fidelity Investments for many years.
He also has a background in marketing and documentary filmmaking.
Steve is particularly interested in providing opportunities for
individuals with disabilities to live independently in an affordable
home of their own.
Anthony Oliver is an attorney with the Seattle office of
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. He comes to us with a wide range of legal
experience in commercial, consumer and mortgage lending. Mr. Oliver's
goal is to provide the Access Fund with expertise on the legal aspects
of lending as it continues to develop and expand the availability
of affordable financing for AT to persons with disabilities in Washington
State.
Dr. Steven Stiens, M.D., M.S., is a physician with the VA
Puget Sound Health Care System, a national expert in the treatment
and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries and a prolific
writer on rehabilitation issues. At the VA, Dr. Stiens sees many
patients who would benefit from access to affordable credit to help
them purchase assistive technology not covered under the VA system
of benefits and which they could use for education and employment
purposes.
Ken Strausz, worked as a National Bank Examiner for the
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for 30 years serving as
Manager of the Seattle office for 15 years prior to his retirement
in 1997. At present, he serves as a banking consultant to banks
throughout the Northwest and as a technical advisor to the National
Bank of Ukraine and the Bulgaria National Bank. He is an expert
in lending practices and procedures. His interest in the Access
Fund derives, in part, from his experiences as a parent of a child
with autism.
Bill Virgin is an experienced journalist and a business
writer for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He writes a twice-a week
column on business and economic trends and also covers such topics
as banking, forest products, manufacturing, the regional economy
and radio.
|
