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Technology and Training Fund Guidelines

In memory of Vicki Ratcliffe

ABOUT THE FUND
The ACBVA Technology and Training Fund 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.

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, along with the training and technical support needed to use the technology effectively.

Fund Administration

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:

Assistive and Accessible Technology

  • Accessible devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or assistive technology that makes such devices accessible.
  • Braille or tactile technology.
  • Adaptive daily living devices, such as magnifiers, specialty lighting, and other tools that support independent living.

Software and Accessibility Applications

  • Software, applications, or subscriptions, such as screen readers, image-to-text conversion tools, AI visual tools, magnification software, or other accessibility-related technology.

Technology Setup

  • Technology setup for newly acquired devices or accessibility tools.
  • Troubleshooting and technology repairs, upgrades, or modifications related to accessibility and independent use.

Technology Training and Technical Support

  • Training on a newly acquired device.
  • Training on any device or software to increase the user’s proficiency.
  • Specialized technical support that helps the applicant use technology more effectively and independently.

Expenses Not Covered

The fund generally does not cover expenses that are not directly related to blindness, low vision, accessibility, training, or technical support.

  • General household electronics that are not accessibility-related.
  • Monthly internet service.
  • Monthly cellular service.
  • Extended warranties.
  • Software maintenance agreements or subscription renewals after the initial purchase or funded coverage period.
  • Items unrelated to blindness or low vision.

The committee may consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis when justified.

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.
  • Demonstrate efforts to obtain funding from DBVI and/or other primary funding sources when applicable.

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.

Funding Availability

Funding is limited and is awarded based on:

  • Available funds.
  • Applicant eligibility.
  • Demonstrated financial need.
  • Committee approval.

Receiving assistance in the past does not guarantee future funding.

Funding Priorities

The committee may consider several factors when prioritizing applications, including demonstrated need, availability of other funding sources, and the anticipated impact on independence.

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.

Appeals

Applicants who are denied funding may submit additional information and request that the committee reconsider the application.

The committee will review any new information submitted and notify the applicant of its final decision.

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, consisting of up to $500 for assistive technology and up to $500 for training or technical support.
  • Partial funding may be awarded based on need and available funds.

Privacy

Applicant information will be used solely to administer the ACBVA Technology and Training Fund and determine eligibility.

Information will not be shared except as necessary to administer the program or as required by law.

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.

Conflict of Interest

Committee members shall disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest and shall recuse themselves from reviewing or voting on any application in which a conflict exists.

Nondiscrimination

The ACBVA Technology and Training Fund is administered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Guideline Revisions

These guidelines may be reviewed and updated periodically by the ACBVA Board of Directors to ensure the fund continues to meet the needs of blind and low-vision Virginians while remaining financially sustainable.

Effective Date and Board Approval

Version: 1.0
Approved by: American Council of the Blind of Virginia Board of Directors
Effective Date: March 2026