Ferol Smith of Rochdale has been appointed director of the Easter Seals Assistive Technology Loan Program, which provides reduced-rate loans to help Massachusetts residents with disabilities acquire technology to increase their independence.
In her new role, Smith will work to publicize the program, which has loaned more than $7.5 million to people with disabilities and their families since its launch in 2005.
Most of the loans have been for used vehicle modifications, hearing aids, mobility aids and specially modified computer equipment. The Assistive Technology Loan Program has a higher loan approval rate and low-interest options than traditional banks.
Smith also will oversee Easter Seals’ Long-Term Device Loan Program, a free program that loans technology and other devices costing $500 or less to people with disabilities and their families.
Both programs are managed by Easter Seals through a contract with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Previously, Smith had been Easter Seals’ operations data manager for programs and services for four years.
