Being mobile is an important way for a physically disabled person to maintain his independence. However, vans and cars retrofitted for handicapped drivers can be expensive because of the adaptations to the base model that are necessary. Grants are available to help defray some of the cost of these vehicles.
Run through the Department of Veterans Affairs, a program called Automobiles and Adaptive Equipment for Certain Disabled Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces offers financial assistance to disabled service members to buy a car and adaptive equipment needed to make it usable. The equipment does not have to be new. Funds may also be used to repair, replace or reinstall the equipment.
These are one-time payments, and the veteran needs to have been honorably discharged. The veteran also needs to have a service-connected disability from the loss of one or both feet, one or both hands or permanent vision loss. For adaptive equipment, additional eligible disabilities include ankylosis of one or both knees or one or both hips.
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20420
202-461-9700
va.gov
The law requires employers to pay for assistive technologies and mobility equipment to meet the reasonable accommodation provision in the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can include wheelchair vans or adaptive equipment for cars. Businesses with fewer than 30 employees can get a tax credit to cover half the cost of the accommodations, up to $5,000 per year.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section-NYA
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20530
800-514-0301
ada.gov
Medicaid sometimes helps disabled enrollees. Medicaid recipients who need transportation can sometimes get help in purchasing a handicapped van or wheelchair lift under the rehabilitative services available through Medicaid in order to help patients become independent.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
7500 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21244
800-633-4227
cms.gov
The Go Out and Live Successfully program focuses on helping people with spinal cord injuries. One of the organization's goals is to help those with spinal cord injuries become more mobile and independent. Applicants for funding must explain their need and provide an estimate of the cost of a vehicle or adaptive equipment. The program will not fund the entire cost of a van, but will make the down payment.
Go Out and Live Successfully
P.O. Box 7106
Albany, NY 12224
561-212-6499
goalsinc.net
