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Volume 16, No. 3, Summer 2008 |
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Telework, Telecommute, Telewhat?
Eileen M. Mapes
Information and Outreach Coordinator
DATI
Telework and telecommute may be unfamiliar words, but they may be of interest to you or someone you know. They are interchangeable terms used to describe the full- or part-time work of people who are self-employed as well as those who are employed by a company or organization but who work from a location remote from the employer. Increasingly, people with disabilities are seeking such opportunities because they offer the potential for a more favorable work environment. DATI is available to assist Delawareans with disabilities who may be interested in teleworking.
DATI offers the Delaware Telework Equipment Loan Program (DTELP)—a reduced interest, federally funded loan program established with several Delaware financial institutions—to qualified applicants. Equipment related to employment will be considered for funding. In addition, DATI provides several resources related to our telework loan program. Referrals to agencies and organizations that assist people with business development are available, and consumer counseling is provided to potential applicants in an effort to make sure each person’s best interests are considered. Referrals to other funding mechanisms might also be offered.
Eligibility for the DTELP is multifaceted. Applicants must be either Delaware residents with a disability or a family member or caregiver of an adult Delawarean with a disability. Eligibility is also determined by the nature of the telework to be performed. Telework must enable the individual to overcome a specific barrier to employment. An explanation of the barrier and how telework would enable the applicant to overcome the barrier must be provided. Employers are eligible borrowers only when the loan results in ownership of the equipment by the person with a disability.
Federal guidelines determine the types of equipment that are eligible for purchase using the DTELP. The loan funds must be used for items that become the personal property of the borrower and are directly related to telework goals, processes, and/or products. Equipment may include mechanical or electronic devices or equipment, software or telecommunications systems, the cost of training needed to use the equipment properly, maintenance agreements and extended warranties for the equipment, as well as maintenance and repair expenses for the equipment. Specifically, equipment may include, but is not limited to: computers, printers and related peripherals, software, fax machines, scanners, office machines (e.g. calculators), telecommunication devices, telecommunication system installation charges (e.g. telephone, DSL, high speed and internet hookup fees), office furniture, home modifications for accessibility and/or to create a home office, motor vehicles, and assistive technology. In addition, funds made available through a telework loan may be used to purchase raw materials and/or inventory if there are no other means to acquire the necessary materials or inventory and the purchase is approved by the DATI Loan Review Committee.
There are currently 33 U.S. states and territories offering telework loan programs, and they have provided loans for a wide variety of purposes. For example, a mobile wood worker purchased a trailer to transport his wood working equipment that had been paid for by his state’s vocational rehabilitation service. A hot dog vendor obtained a cart and the inventory to be sold. A person starting a transportation 
service for medical patients bought a modified van. A dog groomer purchased the necessary tools-of-the-trade. A medical transcriptionist purchased a computer and software. Numerous farmers have purchased modified farm equipment. An engraver bought a laser engraving system. A person opening a pizza parlor purchased kitchen equipment. A real estate agent purchased office equipment. A person who operated a customized motorcycle shop had his garage modified. A photographer bought cameras and mounting equipment. A videographer purchased a camcorder and the necessary accessories. As you can see, the possibilities are vast.
Please contact me if you would like additional information about the DTELP. I would be happy to be of assistance. You are welcome to call, 302-651-6869, or email me, emapes@udel.edu. ■
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