Technology and Training Fund Guidelines

In memory of Vicki Ratcliffe

Webpages included in this Technology and Training Fund are:

Guidelines for ACBVA Technology and Training Fund
In memory of Vicki Ratcliffe

Purpose of the Fund

The ACBVA Technology and Training Fund was established by the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) to expand access to essential assistive and accessible technology for individuals who are blind or who have low vision in Virginia.

Access to the right technology can be life-changing. It allows individuals to communicate, work, learn, manage daily tasks, and remain independent. However, cost and lack of access often create barriers. This fund exists to help remove those barriers.

Through financial assistance and support, the fund helps individuals gain tools that promote independence, confidence, and full participation in their communities and the training and technical support needed to use the technology effectively.

This fund also serves as a lasting tribute to Vicki Ratcliffe’s legacy—her belief in inclusion, her love of technology, and her commitment to helping others live more independently.

Recommended Fund Structure

The fund will be established as a restricted memorial fund administered within ACBVA.

This structure ensures that all donations are used specifically for assistive and accessible technology, training, and related services while allowing the fund to operate within ACBVA’s existing nonprofit and financial framework.

At this time, the fund will not be established as an endowment. This allows flexibility so funds can be used as they are received to respond to immediate and real-time needs.

This approach creates a fund that is practical, responsive, and impactful.

Eligible Uses of Funds

Funding may be used for assistive and accessible technology, training, technical support, and related services that support independence. These include but are not limited to:

• Accessible devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or assistive technology to make such devices accessible
• Software, application, and subscription (e.g., Screen reader, image to text conversion, AI visual tool),
• Accessible daily living devices, e.g., magnifiers and special lighting

Technology Setup

Training on newly-acquired device or on any device or software to increase user’s proficiency
Troubleshooting and technology repairs, upgrades, or modifications

Training Support Guidelines

• Applicants select their own trainer
• ACBVA does not employ, assign, or manage trainers
• ACBVA will maintain a list of individuals interested in providing training, along with their relevant qualifications
• Funding may support training costs
• Payments will be made directly to trainers with appropriate documentation

Applicant Eligibility

• Be blind or have low vision
• Reside in Virginia
• Attest to financial need for the assistive or accessible technology or training
• Having been determined ineligible for assistive technology devices and services by the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and other primary funding sources

Complimentary Membership

• Applicants who are not current ACBVA members will be offered a complimentary one-year membership upon receiving assistance.
• Membership is optional
• Accepting or declining membership does not affect eligibility or funding decisions

Financial Management and Oversight

• The fund will be tracked separately within ACBVA financial records
• All donations and disbursements will be clearly documented
• Regular summaries will be provided to the board
• All standard ACBVA financial controls and approval processes will apply
• Maximum award amount per applicant: $1,000 ($500 for assistive technology device and $500 for training)
Partial funding may be awarded based on need and available funds

Transparency and Public Information

General impact data may be shared while protecting recipient privacy.

Outreach and Awareness:

The availability of these funds will be publicized widely throughout Virginia, and at a minimum, outreach will include contacting:
• Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
• Virginia Voice, Metropolitan Washington Ear, and other radio reading services
• Independent Living Centers
• Vision rehabilitation providers
• Schools and transition programs
• Libraries providing accessible reading materials to individuals who are blind or who have low vision
• Retirement communities
• Community organizations and support groups
• Media

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by the ACBVA Technology and Training Fund Review Committee consisting of at least three members. Selection of applicants will be based on:
• Demonstrated need
• Potential impact on independence and quality of life
• Appropriateness of the requested technology or service
• Lack of other funding resources for the needed technology or service
• Availability of funds

The committee may request additional information when needed and may also provide guidance to applicants who are unsure of what technology or services would best meet their needs. All application information will be handled with care and confidentiality.

If questions arise, please contact:

Technology and Training Review Committee

Phone: (540) 318-3450

Email: tech-fund@acbva.org

Mailing address:
ACB of Virginia
415 W. Rocky Run Rd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22406