Personal Stories

William Forgrave

After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, William Forgrave never imagined having to fight just to get into his own home. But, after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, renal failure and diabetes, that’s just what happened to the Philadelphia resident.

A wheelchair user since 2005, Forgrave lives in a row home in the city and needed a porch lift to get in and out of his home. He was able to get a partial grant for a lift from the Veterans Administration (VA), but he was sill short the full cost of preparing the site for final installation. Fortunately, the VA’s Chief of Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service was able to suggest that Forgrave contact the PATF for a low-interest loan that could cover the remaining balance.

Forgrave was able to get the financing needed from PATF. He then spent a frustrating year battling the city for the necessary permits, but finally the lift was installed. “This lift helps me get in and out of my house so I don’t have to stay inside! I can now get out and go to stores and doctor appointments without any help,” said Forgrave.

Mr. Forgrave is one of over 1,100 Pennsylvanians who have purchased such items as adapted vehicles, ramps, roll-in showers, hearing aids, computers with specialized software, and low-vision aids.

For almost a decade, PATF has been helping people with disabilities and older residents buy the assistive technology they need and want.