Oregon IDA Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions
for Work Related Equipment and Technology IDAs

1. What is an Individual Account or IDA? IDAs are matched savings accounts—in your name—where you can save for an approved goal. Every $1 you save is matched with $3 more.
2. How can I use the money? You can use your savings to:
   • Buy your first home.
   • Start a business.
   • Go back to school or get specialized training.
   • Repair or modify your existing home to make it accessible, habitable, visitable.
   • Purchase equipment or technology to help you work.
3. Am I eligible? You are eligible if you are:
   • Income qualified.
   • An Oregon resident.
   • Participate in financial education and asset specific training.
   • Make regular deposits towards your goal each month.
   • Are 12 years of age or older.
4. What is the State's definition of work related equipment and technology? In 2007 the Oregon Legislature approved the use of IDAs for, "The purchase of equipment, technology, or specialized training required to become competitive in obtaining or maintaining employment or to start or maintain a business, as specified in the account holder's personal development plan for increasing the independence of the person."
5. What are examples of specialized training for obtaining or maintaining employment?
   • Occupational skill training, including training for nontraditional employment.
   • Skill upgrading or retraining.
   • Job readiness training.
   • Customized training conducted with a commitment by an employer to hire the individual upon successful completion of the training.
   • Training specific to the piece of equipment or technology.
6. What is Assistive Technology? According to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998:
   • The term "assistive technology" means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology device or assistive technology service.
   • The term "assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
7. What are examples of Assistive Technology purchases? Some examples of assistive technology include, but are not limited to:
   • Eyeglasses.
   • Hearing aids.
   • Assistive learning devices.
   • Vehicles or Vehicle Modification—in connection to an employment plan.
   • Computer access equipment—includes a wide array of technology such as software that reads the screen, speech recognition software, Braille displays, adapted keyboards, mice, and input devices. Some of the items necessitate using a fairly new computer with a fast processor and a lot of RAM.
   • Handheld computers for people who are blind.
   • CC TVs for people who are low vision (devices that magnify written material).
   • Communication Devices—which range from communication cards and one message devices to computers with voice output and different types of speech software.
   • Electronic planners for people who have difficulty with memory and organization.
   • Mobility devices—such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, etc.
   • Home or building modifications—such as ramps, elevated toilet seats, grab bars, door openers, etc.
8. What is Competitive Employment? Competitive Employment: paid work in an integrated setting without supports. Competitive Employment describes full or part-time work in the competitive labor market in an integrated setting, for which payment is at or above the minimum wage but not less than the customary wage, and the level of benefits paid by the employer is equal to that for the same or similar work performed by people who aren't disabled.
9. What is Supported Employment? Supported Employment: An employment option that facilitates competitive work in integrated work settings for individuals with the most severe disabilities (i.e., psychiatric, mental retardation, significant learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury) for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, and who, because of the nature and severity of their disability, need ongoing support services in order to perform their job. Supported employment provides assistance such as job coaches, transportation, assistive technology, specialized job training and individually tailored supervision.
10. How much can I receive in match funds? For every $1,000 participants save they can receive up to $3,000 in match funds per 12 month period.
11. What Income can I use to save for my IDA? You can use earned or unearned income, including SSI and SSDI.
12. How will my IDA affect Asset or Income Limits for SSI or other government benefits? Regarding resources, an IDA that is funded through the Oregon IDA Initiative is considered a countable resource for most financial needs-based benefit programs at this time. The importance of an IDA is becoming more widely understood, so it is possible that in the future financial needs-based programs might exclude them from the resource limit. But, at this time it is important to understand that an IDA account that will be matched by the Oregon IDA Initiative is counted toward resource limits at this time. Contact the Work Incentives Network for more information. Regarding income, the money you set aside in an IDA funded through the Oregon IDA Initiative is not excluded from your total monthly income when determining benefit eligibility. IDAs that are funded by the Assets for Independence Act (AFIA) have different rules. IDAs funded under AFIA are excluded from income and resources for SSI purposes.
13. Who can help me with Assistive Technology in my community? A good place to start is with your State Assistive Technology Program.  The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended, supports grants to State to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities. It offers comprehensive statewide technology-related assistance. Services can include: Device Loan Programs, Device Reutilization Programs, Device Demonstration Programs, and state financing activities. Your local Vocational Rehabilitation Office is another resource available for assistive technology information. An online resource for information on accommodations and assistive technology is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is a free service of the office of Disability Employment Policy from the Department of Labor. JAN is designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by: providing individualized worksite accommodations solutions, providing technical assistance regarding the ADA and other disability related legislation, and education callers about self-employment options.
14. How do I enroll in the Oregon IDA Initiative? Find the nearest participating nonprofit organization to you and contact them. Please note that not all organizations provide Assistive Technology IDAs