Cents & Sensibility:
A Common Cents Approach to AT Funding
Handout
Robin Wheeler, Esquire
March 29, 2007
EXPECTATIONS
Think Low Tech
•Not every AT device has to be a technological wonder.
•Low Tech may mean lower price.
THINK LOW TECH!
Rubber handle knob
Rubber handle faucet grips
Rocker knife
Drinking straw holder
Foam Rubber on handles of
utensils
Dishes with raised edges for better
scooping
Weighted utensils
Automatic Eye Drop Dispenser
Flashing kitchen timer
Talking pill box organizer
Magnifier nail clippers
Check writing guides
Vibration Timer
LARGE numbers on Thermostat
Magnifying glass
Electric seat lift
Wheel chair umbrella
Car Caddie
Raised toilet seat
Wireless motion alert sensor
USUAL FUNDING RESOURCES
BIG 5 Review
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Medicaid
Medicare
State Agencies such Vocational Rehabilitation, Commission for the
Blind, and Dept. of Disabilities and Special Needs
Private Insurance
Schools
Medicaid
•For individuals of low income to reimburse providers of approved medical
services.
•Includes diagnosis and treatment of illnesses AND the limiting or
correcting of disabilities.
•Provides only certain services related to technology - "durable medical
supplies” (including power wheelchairs).
Children’s Medicaid
•http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us/dhhsnew/index.asp
•Early Periodic and Screening Diagnostics Testing (EPSDT). Provides free
medical check-ups for all Medicaid eligible children (under the age of 21)
and treatment for medical problems.
•Partners for Healthy Children - SCHIP enables states to insure children at
little or no cost to working families with incomes too high to qualify for
Medicaid, but too low to afford private coverage. 1-877-543-7669
www.insurekidsnow.gov
Medicaid for Adults
•Medicaid funding may also be available to persons over 21 who qualify
for Medicaid assistance.
•Need a physician's prescription to establish the need and supportive
documentation to justify the need.
Medicare
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•http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11045.pdf
•Pays for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies
(DMEPOS).
•Must be prescribed by a doctor for use in the home.
•Must be durable and primarily for medical purposes, such as walkers,
wheelchairs, or hospital beds.
•The equipment must be deemed MEDICALLY NECESSARY.
•If in a Medicare + Choice Plan and need durable medical equipment, may
have to pay part of the cost.
Vocational Rehabilitation
•Options to consider after high school.
•Vocational Rehabilitation assists eligible clients who want to work.
•http://www.scvrd.net/
•South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department
1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15
West Columbia, SC 29171-0015
Voice: (803) 896-6500
TTY: (803) 896-6553
Toll free: 1-800-832-7526
E-mail: info@scvrd.state.sc.us
South Carolina Commission for the Blind
•http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/VocRehab.htm
•Assistive Technology Training (computers) - Job site evaluations,
equipment modification and the application of new technology in the
workplace
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
•http://www.state.sc.us/ddsn/pubs/services_supports/SaS_English.pdf
•Services based on needs identified by the provider.
•Plan routinely evaluated with input from the person receiving the service.
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•Evaluations are based on the actual results satisfaction with the supports
provided.
Private Insurance
•Coverage for prosthetic care and DME varies widely
•May differ by policy
•Things to ask about:
–eligibility requirements
–preexisting condition clauses
–devices that are covered (get it in writing)
–coverage limits
–limits on the number of items per year or per lifetime
–rate of payment (comparable to Medicare)
–Preferred Provider Network
Comparison websites re: insurance coverage
•Insure.com
www.insure.com/health
•INSWEB
www.insweb.com
•netQuote
www.netquote.com
School (age 3 - 21)
•If there is an educational need and the student is part of the special
education program, then federal law requires that the school system meet
that educational need.
•The school must make the particular technology available to the student
whenever and wherever the educational need arises.
School – §504 of the Rehab Act
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•Federal law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
•Applies to ALL programs that receive federal funds, including public
schools.
•Assistive technology may be considered an accommodation.
•Must be written into the 504 Plan for the school to be responsible for
funding.
CHILDREN
The Federal Adoption Assistance Program
•Available to parents who adopt a child with special needs.
•Child must meet SSI eligibility criteria
•Assistance may not be higher than foster care.
•The adoption assistance may continue until age 21.
•Requirements:
–child is unable to return to natural parents;
–child cannot be adopted without adoption assistance; and
–a reasonable but unsuccessful effort has been made to place child
without providing adoption assistance or Medicaid.
•Generally, child with a disability is automatically eligible for Medicaid.
SC Children’s Rehabilitative Services
•For complex problems beyond services offered by the average health care
plan, HMO, or well-trained pediatrician.
•http://www.scdhec.gov/health/mch/cshcn/index.htm
•Telephone: 803-898-0784
FAX: 803-898-0613
•SCDHEC
Division of Children with Special Health Care Needs
PO Box 101106
Mills-Jarrett Complex
Columbia, South Carolina 29011
•Care Line: 1-800-868-0404
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HIKE Now
•Children:
–under the age of twenty (20)
–who are U.S. Citizens and
–have not received a previous HIKE Award within the last four (4)
years and
–who have been identified with
1) a need for a hearing aid(s) or an assistive listening device and
2) a financial need.
•Requires a letter from the applicant's family. Considerations include family
income, size of household, medical expenses for the applicant, and the cost
of the hearing technology requested.
The HIKE Fund, Inc.
c/o A. L. Howe, M.D.
#2 Kentucky Blue Ridge Court
St. Charles, MO 63303-4485
Phone: (636) 928-2101 Fax: (636) 928-3361
E-mail: alhowemd@accessus.net
Miracle-Ear® Children's Foundation http://www.miracleear.com/resources/children_request.asp
Miracle-Ear® Children's Foundation
PO Box 59261
Minneapolis, MN 55459
1-800-234-5422
•Child 16 years old or younger with a hearing loss that requires
amplification;
•A resident of the United States;
•In possession of an audiogram and medical clearance (signed by a
physician) dated within the last 6 months;
•Family income level which does not allow the family to receive public
support. $20,000-$50,000 gross.
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Variety—The Children’s Charity of the United States
http://www.usvariety.org/mobility.html
•Works to assist children.
•Variety of the United States
5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 445
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323/954-0820
info@usvariety.org
Shriners Hospital for Children
•Free orthopedic and burn care to children under 18.
•Open to all children without regard to race, religion, or relationship to a
Shriner.
•Eligibility:
–the child is under the age of 18.
–reasonable possibility the child's condition can be helped.
•Get application:
–www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/_Hospitals_for_Children/Admission/
patient_applications.aspx.
–from any Shrine Temple or Shrine Club.
–toll-free 800/237-5055.
St. Jude Children’s Hospital
•Children receive prosthetic care at St. Jude’s in conjunction with treatment
of illness.
•Based solely on eligibility for an ongoing clinical trial at St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital.
•Child’s physician must:
–Complete referral at
www.stjude.org/Forms/physicianReferralRequest.
–Fax relevant information to 901/495-4011.
–Call 1-866-278-5833.
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Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
Some BCBS established Caring for Children Foundations.
–Provides free or low cost coverage to children who are not insurable
through Medicaid or private insurance.
–Services and eligibility vary.
•www.bcbs.com
Children’s Resources
•Children’s Miracle Network - http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/
•For Transition - http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/transition.html
•NexusKids Computer Buddies http://www.sc.edu/ccfs/nexuskids/buddies.html
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Veterans Health Administration
•prostheses, mobility devices, adaptive driving equipment, medical
equipment, and supplies for a service-connected disability
•Requirements:
–Honorable condition of discharge.
–Minimum of two years military service if discharged after September
7, 1980
–Served as a National Guard member or reservist for the entire period
for which you were called to active duty, other than for training
purposes only.
•Some limitations of who may prescribe benefit.
•www1.va.gov/health/
•Toll-free 877/222-8387 (877/222-VETS).
TRICARE – Dept. of Defense
•Tricare Prime – similar to a health maintenance organization (HMO)
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•Tricare Extra – similar to PPO.
•Tricare Standard – fee for service option.
•Both Tricare Extra & Tricare Standard have annual deductibles and cost-
shares. Maximum out of pocket expense is $3,000 per enrollment or fiscal
year.
•Tricare for Life – for beneficiaries who have become eligible for Medicare.
Required to enroll in Medicare Part B and pay the monthly fee.
•Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) – temporarily provides
the same benefits as Tricare Standard for military personnel who are
discharged or released from active duty (under other than adverse
conditions). See www.humana-military.com/chcbp/main.htm
IMPAIRMENT-RELATED WORK EXPENSE (IRWE)
•For allowable business expenses for attendant care at your workplace and
other expenses that allow you to work.
•IRWEs are not subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limit that
applies to most other employee business expenses.
•To claim this deduction, complete IRS Forms 2106 or 2106-EZ.
THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT UNDER FEDERAL TAX
LAW
•May include medical expenses for eyeglasses and hearing aids; and cost
and maintenance of a wheelchair.
PASS PLAN
•Set aside income or resources to reach a work goal.
•Must receive SSI benefits & have resources other than living expenses.
•Resources to pay for things to reach the work goal.
•Money under approved plan will not count against the resource limit of
$2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
•A plan must:
–Be in writing & approved by SSA;
–Have a specific work goal the person can probably reach;
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–Say how long it
will take to reach goal;
–Say what resources will be set aside & how spent;
–Explain how the income or resources will be kept separate from other
money; and
–Describe goods & services needed to reach goal & explain why
needed.
•www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-545.html
STATE PROGRAMS
SCTEDP
•Distributes amplified telephones, voice carry over telephones, TTYs, large
vision TTYs and telephones, alarm alerts, in-line amplifiers, 2-way pagers,
weather alert radios, artificial larynx, hands free phones with amplification,
and Dynamos.
•Property of the State of South Carolina.
•Eligibility Requirements:
•Must be a South Carolina resident;
•Must have a hearing or speech impairment;
•Must furnish an ID; and
•Must furnish proof of a phone line in residence.
•SCTEDP
100 Executive Center Drive, Suite A-100, Senate Bldg
Columbia, SC 29210
Toll-free 1-877-225-8337 Voice/1-877-889-8337 TTY
Columbia: 803-896-8337 Voice/803-896-8334 TTY
http://www.scsdb.k12.sc.us/TEDP/TEDP%20Instructions.htm
THE CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION FUND
•From the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, to compensate and assist crime
victims, and fund training and technical assistance.
•State Office of Victim Assistance
1205 Pendleton Street, Edgar A. Brown Bldg, Room 401
Columbia, SC 29201
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sova@oepp.sc.gov
Phone: (803) 734-1900 Fax: (803) 734-1708
Victims Only: 1-800-220-5370
•Specific eligibility guidelines.
•Compensation for expenses when attributable to a physical injury from a
compensable crime including:
–Medical expenses; eyeglasses and other corrective lenses, dental
services, prosthetic or other devices.
–Building modification and equipment
•This program is the payor of last resort.
•The maximum amount payable is a total of $15,000.
South Carolina Assistive Technology Exchange
•http://www.sc.edu/scatp/scatpexchange.htm
•Helps citizens with disabilities and older people with functional limitations
find affordable assistive technology devices and equipment.
•Those with devices they no longer need or vendors with returned or
overstocked equipment can list all available devices for use in education,
employment, and community living environments, and connect with the
consumers interested in finding these resources.
•If you don't have email, call Janet Jendron at (803) 935-5273 at SCATP to
have your account information entered for you.
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS
•Assistance with home modifications and securing assistive technology
devices.
•Walton Options for Independent Living – Aiken
http://www.waltonoptions.org/
•Disability Resource Center – North Charleston
E-mail: info@drcilc.org
http://www.drcilc.org/
•Disability Action Center, Inc. - Columbia
www.dacsc.org
•Disability Action Center, Inc. – Greenville
www.dacsc.org
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•Disability Solutions - Hartsville
E-mail: disabilitysol1@aol.com
DISABILITY ASSOCIATIONS & ADVOCACY
ORGANIZATIONS
Muscular Dystrophy Association - Medical Equipment & Supplies
•Medical equipment including gently-used wheelchairs, hospital beds,
walkers, communication devices, etc. made available at no cost to
individuals with neuromuscular disease.
Muscular Dystrophy Association - USA
National Headquarters
3300 E. Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
1-800-FIGHT-MD (344-4863)
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mda.org/help/donate/products.html
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
3475 W. Chester Pike
Suite 230
Newtown Square, PA 19073
1-800-642-8399
•Provides funding to individuals with spinal cord injuries.
•Website maintains database of funding options.
PRIVATE
Discounts On Telecommunications Devices And Services
•www.UnitedTTY.com
Special events where manufacturers offer discounts
Bank of America
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•Bank of America has Access Loans for home or vehicle modifications.
•1-800-900-9000 Voice/1-800-833-2632 TTY
•http://www.bankofamerica.com/vehicle_and_personal_loans/index.cfm?te
mplate=access_loans
•Vehicle loans
•Easy, single loan financing for purchase of new or used cars, vans or
light-duty trucks and necessary adaptive equipment.
•Home improvement loans
•Ideal for financing certain home modification projects such as
building access ramps, installing lifts, widening doors or lowering
cabinets to increase accessibility.
Prentke Romich Company
–http://www.prentrom.com/funding
–Assists people in obtaining the funding needed to purchase, rent or
repair their speech generating devices.
FINANCING PROGRAMS
ABLEDATA
•8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(800) 227-0216
(301) 608-8998 (VOICE)
(301) 608-8958 (Fax)
(301) 608-8912 (TTY)
ABLEDATA@orcmacro.com (E-mail)
http://www.abledata.com
http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/faq/default.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/assistivedevices.html
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/fact_sheets/assist_orgs.html
•Info on assistive devices and rehabilitation equipment.
•Database includes detailed information on products for all aspects of
independent living, including personal care, transportation, communication,
and recreation.
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•Can be searched independently through the Internet.
•Hours:
•8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday (Eastern time, except Federal
holidays).
The Mitarai/Canon Optacon Financing Program
•A large consumer credit system to finance technological aids for
individuals with disabilities
•Telesensory Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 7455
Mountain, View, CA 94039-7455
(415) 960-0920
FOUNDATIONS – Get Started
•The Foundation Directory
•Grants for the Physically & Mentally Disabled
•Directory of Financial Aids for Minorities
•National Directory of Corporate Giving
•Taft Corporate Giving Directory
•Hispanic Americans Information Directory
Association of Blind Citizens AT Fund
•http://www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm
•Funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software.
Products must retail for a minimum of $200 and maximum of $6,000.
•Eligibility:
–Family income of less than $50,000 & cash assets of less than
$20,000.
–Applicants must be legally blind
–Applicants must be a U.S. resident
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Two grant periods per year - June 30th and December 31st
•One grant request per calendar year.
•All applications submitted via e-mail.
•Email request form to: atf@blindcitizens.org.
•
American Kidney Fund
1-800-638-8299
www.kidneyfund.org
•Individual Grants Program - treatment-specific expenses; transportation,
over-the-counter medicines, medication co-payments, kidney donor
expenses and other necessities such as dentures.
•Pharmacy Grant Program - qualified renal patients receive urgently
needed medications, nutritional products, and durable medical supplies.
•Disaster Relief Program - funds to assist patients replace medications,
food and household items and pay for necessities lost because of natural
disasters.
CancerCare
•1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
•http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/index.php
Breast Cancer
•Linking A.R.M.S.™: Limited financial assistance for hormonal and oral
chemotherapy, pain and anti-nausea medication, lymphedema supplies and
durable medical equipment.
Children (ages 18 and under; all cancers)
•Limited financial assistance for homecare, childcare, transportation,
medication and copays.
Barr Foundation
•Barr Foundation
c/o Storage USA
3090 NW 2nd AVE, STE 693
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561/394-6514
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barr@oandp.com
www.oandp.com/barr
•This fund pays for materials and fitting of a new prosthesis after the
prosthetist has established no other sources of funding available.
•The Barr Foundation also accepts used prosthetic devices.
Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation
Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation
100 Spanish Oak Road
Weatherford, Texas 76087
(817)-597-1826
DanaBowman@aol.com
http://www.danabowman.com/danabowman12007_032.htm
•Collects and distributes prosthetic limbs to those in need.
•Raises funds for transportation, lodging, and prosthetic limbs and services.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
•Eligibility:
–disability within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
classifications.
http://www.paralympic.org/release/Main_Sections_Menu/index.html.
–Must demonstrate a financial need.
•Challenged Athletes Foundation
11199 Sorrento Valley RD, STE C
San Diego, CA 92121
858/866-0959
caf@challengedathletes.org
www.challengedathletes.org
•Director of Programs, Jill Prichard
858.866.0959
Email:Jill@challengedathletes.org
Hear Now Starkey Hearing Foundation
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•6700 Washington Ave., South Eden Prairie, MN 55344
•800-648-4327 (48 contiguous states)
•www.sotheworldmayhear.org
•Provides hearing aids for individuals with limited financial resources and
limited family support.
•$100 processing fee for each application.
•Fee is non-refundable income based, and must attempt other funding.
Joni and Friends - Christian Fund for the Disabled - Up to $2500
•Online application at http://www.joniandfriends.org/CFD_Application.pdf
• Grants of up to $2,500 nationally, as well as churches and other Christian
organizations.
•Contact: Karen Johnson,
CFD Coordinator, email: kjohnson@joniandfriends.org
Fax: (818) 707-2391
Limbs for Life Foundation (LOLF)
•Limbs for Life Foundation
5929 N May, STE 511
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405/ 843-5174 or 888/235-5462 (toll-free)
admin@limbsforlife.org www.limbsforlife.org
•Prosthesis Fund - Each qualified applicant is provided with partial or
complete funding for an advanced prosthesis, fitted by a certified prosthetist.
•Financial assistance for a prosthesis
–Send letter explaining financial need and amputation level. LOLF
mails the application.
–Application completed by the amputee and prosthetist.
–Eligibility:
•Legal resident of the United States.
•No felony criminal history.
•Board of Directors reviews application.
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Limbs of Hope Foundation (LOHF)
•Limbs of Hope Foundation
6782 S Dixie DR
West Jordan, Utah 84084
801/548-0553
donate@limbsofhope.org
www.limbsofhope.org/resources.html
•http://www.limbsofhope.org/form.html - online form
•Distributes new prosthetics to amputees.
•Offers medical referrals and financial assistance.
Modest Needs Foundation
•http://www.modestneeds.org/help/grants/
•150 W. 22nd St. 5th Floor NY, NY 10011
•Apply on website, proof of need required.
•Three (3) Grants:
–Self-Sufficiency Grant (short-term emergency)
–Back-to-Work Grant (small, work-related)
–Independent Living Grant (small, irregular)
National Amputation Foundation (NAF)
•National Amputation Foundation
40 Church ST
Malverne, NY 11565
516/887-3600
Fax: (516) 887-3667
amps76@aol.com
www.nationalamputation.org
•Medical Equipment Give-A-Way Program:
Donated medical equipment program is available to any person in need.
Includes wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, canes and crutches. Items must
be picked up at their office.
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Wheelchair Foundation
Wheelchair Foundation World HQ
3820 Blackhawk Road
Danville, California 94506
(877) 378-3839 Toll Free - North America
(925) 791-2340 Fax: (925) 791-2346
Email: info@wheelchairfoundation.org
•Used wheelchairs.
•Submit written request.
•Specific details on the website.
United Cerebral Palsy - Bellows Fund
•The Bellows Fund is able to provide assistive technology devices to
individuals with disabilities in financial need.
•To purchase assistive technology equipment for individuals with
disabilities.
•Available only through UCP affiliates.
•http://www.ucp.org/
TRUSTS
Travelers Protective Association Trust (TPA)
•Financial aid to people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment and
need mechanical devices, medical or specialized treatment or specialized
education as well as speech classes, note takers, interpreters, etc. and in
other areas of need that are directly related to hearing impairment.
•Applications are due by March 1st annually.
•Preference given to applicants with greatest financial regardless of race,
creed, age or sex.
http://www.tpahq.org/
3755 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108-3476
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314- 371-0533
Subsidy Programs
•Competitive subsidies
•Collaborative efforts of business and voluntary organizations
•Rebates for a particular product or product line
•Discounts on telecommunications devices and services
•Special events where manufacturers offer discounts
VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS
Daimler Chrysler
•PO Box 5080 Troy, MI 48007
•1-800-255-9877 http://www.automobility.daimlerchrysler.com/
•Up to $1,000 to cover installation of adaptive equipment
•Must be Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge vehicle.
•Covers only NEW vehicles.
•Requires a prescription or note from a licensed medical doctor on
physician's letterhead for reimbursement.
Ford
•800-952-2248 Voice/800-833-0312 TTY
•http://www.mobilitymotoringprogram.com/programprocess.mob
•Long term financing for purchase of Ford vehicles.
•Application process, income based.
•Up to $1,000 toward the cost of adaptive equipment or up to $200 on alert
hearing devices, lumbar seats and running boards.
•FAQ page - http://www.mobilitymotoringprogram.com/programfaq.mob
GM Mobility Program Headquarters
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PO Box 5053
Troy, MI 48007
•800-323-9935 Voice/800-833-9935 TTY
•Financing for adaptive driving equipment
•Maximum of $1,000 per eligible vehicle
•http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/gm_mobility/fa_gmmrp
.html
Local Toyota Dealer Toyota Financial Services Customer Service Ctr.
•800-874-8822
•Up to $1,000 for installation of adaptive equipment.
•http://www.toyota.com/mobility/
Points to Remember
•Be creative.
•Use the Web:
–http://www.sightexchange.com/
–www.freecycle.org - Freecycle Network™
•Ask friends, families and organizations for help locating what you need.
•Don’t give up.
62+
The Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging
•1301 Gervais Street
Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-9900
Fax: (803) 734-9886 and (803) 734-9887
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E-mail: askus@aging.sc.gov
http://www.state.sc.us/ltgov/aging/Information/ContactUs.htm
•Special purpose information and referral for Alzheimer's hotlines, adult
day care and respite services, nursing home ombudsman assistance,
consumer fraud, in-home care complaints, legal services, elder
abuse/protective services, Medicare/Medicaid/Medigap information, tax
assistance, and transportation.
REVERSE MORTGAGE PROGRAM
•Senior homeowners (62 + years old) may convert part of their home equity
into tax-free income without having to sell the home, give up title, or take on
a new monthly mortgage payment.
•No mortgage payments due during the life of the loan.
•May use the funds for assistive technology as well as home modifications.
•Becomes repayable when the borrower sells or permanently moves out.
•Repayment cannot exceed current value of home.
•Generally by private lenders.
LOAN PROGRAMS
Repair and Rehabilitation Loan
•http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_repairloan.htm
•The lifetime maximum grant amount is $7,500.
•This loan is a 1% loan that may be repaid over a 20-year period.
•Loans and grants to low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or
modernize or to remove health and safety hazards.
•Eligibility:
–Unable to obtain credit elsewhere and incomes below 50 percent of
the area median income.
–Need repairs and improvements to remove health and safety hazards.
–Grants for homeowners who are 62+ years old and cannot repay a
Section 504 loan.
•Terms: Loans up to $20,000 and grants up to $7,500.
•Approval: Within 30 to 60 days of receipt if no backlog exists.
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Financial Loan Programs (FLPs)
•Low cost loans to people with disabilities who meet criteria.
•Operates out of SC VRD.
•S.C. Assistive Technology Loan Program
c/o Denise Koon
1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15
West Columbia, SC 29171-0015
896-6374 in Columbia 1-866-247-8354 toll-free
http://www.scvrd.net/i_assist_tech.html
MISCELLANEOUS
Churches
•Southern Baptist Convention - http://www.cpmissions.net/
•United Methodist Church - http://www.umc.org/
•Reform Judaism – http://rj.org
•Katie and Irwin Kahn Jewish Community Center http://www.jewishcolumbia.org/
•Episcopal Church - http://www.episcopalchurch.org/
•Presbyterian Church USA - http://www.elca.org/
•Lutheran Church Missouri Synod - http://www.lcms.org/
•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - http://www.elca.org/
Medical Discount Programs
•Discounts on medical goods and services ranging from prescription drugs
to office visits to nursing home care.
•While DME is included in the benefits packages provided in the programs,
prosthetic care is not often mentioned.
•Advantages are discounted medical fees, no deductibles and no preexisting
condition clauses, unlimited use of services, no claim forms to fill out, and
relatively low “premiums” or fees.
•This is not insurance and should not replace existing insurance.
•Thoroughly check out any company before commitment.
•HealthCove
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•www.healthcove.com
•800/796-5558
•Care Entrée
•www.careentree.com
•972/522-2000
EMPLOYERS
Funding Strategies for employers
•Small Business Tax Credit –
–http://www.ada.gov/taxpack.htm
–Available to small businesses for 50% of eligible expenditures to
make the business accessible.
–Expenses must exceed $250 but not $10,000 per year.
–Eligible for the credit each year it makes eligible expenditure for
access.
•ElderCare Trust Fund –
–http://www.state.sc.us/ltgov/aging/Providers/ElderCareTrustFund.ht
m
–grants to nonprofit agencies and organizations for programs and
activities that assist older South Carolinians.
Unconventional Resources
•Creative Structuring/Restructuring of a Child Support or Alimony
Agreement to Obtain or Retain SSI and Medicaid
•Workers Compensation
•Fair Housing Act – modifications to rental units, common areas
•Non-profit organizations
•College fraternities and sororities
•Grants – use your public library
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•Fundraisers
Non-profit Clubs & Organizations
•http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/about_index.shtml
•http://www.wesharefoundation.org/serv.proj.direct/serv.proj.direct.1.htm
•http://www.kiwanis.org/about/
•http://www.kofc.org/un/about/index.cfm
•http://www.optimist.org/default.cfm?content=Members/aboutPA.htm
•http://www.sertoma.org/%5ESponsorships/Partnerships.htm
•http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ourscholarships.cfm?CFID=19653669&C
FTOKEN=60837518
•http://www.rotary.org/programs/service_opportunities/index.html
•http://www.civitaninternational.com/templates/cuscivitan/details.asp?id=23
844&PID=155446&Style=
Web resources
•http://www.assistivetech.net/
•http://www.big.com/
•Bookshare http://www.bookshare.org/web/Welcome.html
•CLiCk, Speak (http://clickspeak.clcworld.net/about.html
•E-Speaking http://www.e-speaking.com/download.htm
•Google Accessible Search http://labs.google.com/accessible/
•Head-Tracking Pointer
http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/headpointer/download
•HELP Read™: the Freeware Reader Project
http://www.helpread.net/
•Joystick 2 Mouse http://www.tucows.com/preview/292788
•KMagnifier http://kmag.sourceforge.net/
•Mouse Smoothing Software
http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/mousesmoothing
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•Point-N-Click v. 2.4.18 by Polital Enterprises Windows®
95/98/NT4.x/Me/2000/XP http://www.polital.com/pnc/
•Super Magnify v1.2 http://www.softlookup.com/display.asp?id=9955
•Switch Access To Windows
http://ace-centre.hostinguk.com/index.cfm?pageid=83216478-D613-62F1C85EEB3021CA6B57
•Whistling User Interface http://www.u3i.info/
•Virtual Magnifying Glass http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/
Don’t forget
•College fraternities and sororities
•Used equipment brokers
•Grants – use your public library
•Fundraisers – local television, radio and newspapers will sometimes
sponsor fundraising events
•Fair Housing Act – modifications to rental units and common areas
•South Carolina Bar Association
•National Association of Social Workers – SC Chapter
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc.
3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 208
Columbia, SC 29204
1-866-275-7273 (voice)
1-866-232-4525 (TTY)
(803) 782-0639
www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org
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