Transcript Cents & Sensibility: A Common Cents Approach to AT Funding Robin Wheeler, Esquire March 29, 2007

Cents & Sensibility:
A Common Cents
Approach to AT
Funding
Robin Wheeler, Esquire
March 29, 2007
1
Objectives
•Expectations
•Introduction to alternatives to the
BIG 5 AT Funding Sources
•Realization that these alternatives
are ever changing and need
constant updates
•Starting points and updates
2
Think Low Tech
• Not every AT device has to
be a technological wonder.
• Low Tech may mean lower
price.
3
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
4
BIG 5 Review
1. Medicaid
2. Medicare
3. State Agencies such Vocational
Rehabilitation, Commission for the
Blind, and Dept. of Disabilities and
Special Needs
4. Private Insurance
5. Schools
5
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).
6
Children’s Medicaid
• http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us/dhhsnew/index.as
p
• Early Periodic and Screening Diagnostics
Testing (EPSDT). Provides free medical checkups 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
7
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.
8
Medicare
• http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/110
45.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.
9
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: [email protected]
10
South Carolina Commission for
the Blind
•http://www.sccb.state.sc.us/VocRe
hab.htm
•Assistive Technology Training
(computers) - Job site evaluations,
equipment modification and the
application of new technology in
the workplace
11
South Carolina Department of
Disabilities and Special Needs
• http://www.state.sc.us/ddsn/pubs/servic
es_supports/SaS_English.pdf
• Services based on needs identified by
the provider.
• Plan routinely evaluated with input
from the person receiving the service.
• Evaluations are based on satisfaction
with the supports provided.
12
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
13
Comparison websites re:
insurance coverage
• Insure.com
www.insure.com/health
• INSWEB
www.insweb.com
• netQuote
www.netquote.com
14
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.
15
School – §504 of the Rehab Act
• 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.
16
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:
(a) child is unable to return to natural parents;
(b) child cannot be adopted without adoption
assistance; and
(c) 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.
17
SC Children’s Rehabilitative Services
• For complex problems beyond services offered
by the average health care plan, HMO, or welltrained pediatrician.
• http://www.scdhec.gov/health/mch/cshcn/inde
x.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
18
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: [email protected]
19
Miracle-Ear® Children's Foundation
http://www.miracle-ear.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.
20
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, STE 445
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323/954-0820
[email protected]
21
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_fo
r_Children/Admission/patient_applications.a
spx.
– from any Shrine Temple or Shrine Club.
– toll-free 800/237-5055.
22
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/physicianReferralR
equest.
– fax relevant information to 901/495-4011.
– call 1-866-278-5833.
23
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
24
Children’s Resources
• Children’s Miracle Network http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/
• For Transition http://www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/transition.ht
ml
• NexusKids Computer Buddies http://www.sc.edu/ccfs/nexuskids/buddies.html
25
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).
26
TRICARE – Dept. of Defense
• Tricare Prime – similar to a health maintenance
organization (HMO)
• 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.humanamilitary.com/chcbp/main.htm
27
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.
28
THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING
ACCOUNT UNDER FEDERAL
TAX LAW
•May include medical expenses for
eyeglasses and hearing aids; and
cost and maintenance of a
wheelchair.
29
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;
– 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
30
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%20Instructio
ns.htm
31
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
[email protected]
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.
32
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
33
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: [email protected] www.drcilc.org
• Disability Action Center, Inc. - Columbia
www.dacsc.org
• Disability Action Center, Inc. – Greenville
www.dacsc.org
• Disability Solutions - Hartsville
E-mail: [email protected]
34
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)
[email protected]
http://www.mdausa.org/help/products.cfm
35
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.
36
Discounts On Telecommunications
Devices And Services
• www.UnitedTTY.com
Special events where manufacturers offer
discounts
37
Bank of America
• 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_pe
rsonal_loans/index.cfm?template=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.
38
Private Companies
• Prentke Romich Company
– http://www.prentrom.com/funding
– Assists people in obtaining the
funding needed to purchase, rent or
repair their speech generating
devices.
39
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)
[email protected] (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.amputeecoalition.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.
• Can be searched independently through the Internet.
• Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
(Eastern time, except Federal holidays).
40
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
41
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
42
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
• 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: [email protected].
43
American Kidney Fund
1-800-638-8299 www.kidneyfund.org
• Individual Grants Program - treatmentspecific expenses; transportation, over-thecounter 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.
44
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
45
copays.
Barr Foundation
• Barr Foundation
c/o Storage USA
3090 NW 2nd AVE, STE 693
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561/394-6514
[email protected]
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.
46
Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation
Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation
100 Spanish Oak Road
Weatherford, Texas 76087
(817)-597-1826
[email protected]
http://www.danabowman.com/danabowman1
2007_032.htm
• Collects and distributes prosthetic limbs to
those in need.
• Raises funds for transportation, lodging,
and prosthetic limbs and services.
47
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
[email protected]
www.challengedathletes.org
• Director of Programs, Jill Prichard
858.866.0959
Email:[email protected]
48
Hear Now Starkey Hearing Foundation
• 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.
49
Joni and Friends - Christian Fund
for the Disabled - Up to $2500
• Online application at
http://www.joniandfriends.org/CFD_Appl
ication.pdf
• Grants of up to $2,500 nationally, as well
as churches and other Christian
organizations.
• Contact: Karen Johnson,
CFD Coordinator, email:
[email protected]
Fax: (818) 707-2391
50
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)
[email protected]
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:
1. Legal resident of the United States.
2. No felony criminal history.
• Board of Directors reviews application.
51
Limbs of Hope Foundation (LOHF)
• Limbs of Hope Foundation
6782 S Dixie DR
West Jordan, Utah 84084
801/548-0553
[email protected]
www.limbsofhope.org/resources.html
• http://www.limbsofhope.org/form.html online form
• Distributes new prosthetics to amputees.
• Offers medical referrals and financial
assistance.
52
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)
53
National Amputation Foundation (NAF)
• National Amputation Foundation
40 Church ST
Malverne, NY 11565
516/887-3600
Fax: (516) 887-3667
[email protected]
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.
54
Wheelchair Foundation
Wheelchair Foundation World HQ
3820 Blackhawk Road
Danville, California 94506
(877) 378-3839 Toll Free - North America
(925) 791-2340Fax: (925) 791-2346
Email: [email protected]
• Used wheelchairs.
• Submit written request.
• Specific details on the website.
55
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/
56
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
314- 371-0533
57
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
58
• PO Box 5080 Troy, MI 48007
• 1-800-255-9877
http://www.automobility.daimlerchrysler.co
m/
• 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.
59
• 800-952-2248 Voice/800-833-0312 TTY
• http://www.mobilitymotoringprogram.com/p
rogramprocess.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/p
rogramfaq.mob
60
GM Mobility Program Headquarters
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/vehicl
e_shopping/gm_mobility/fa_gmmrp.ht
ml
61
• 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/
62
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.
63
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
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.state.sc.us/ltgov/aging/Information/Co
ntactUs.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.
64
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.
65
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.
66
Equipment Loan Programs (ELPs)
• 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.ht
ml
67
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/
68
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.
• HealthCovewww.healthcove.com800/796-5558
• Care Entréewww.careentree.com972/522-2000
69
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/ElderCar
eTrustFund.htm
– grants to nonprofit agencies and organizations for
programs and activities that assist older South
Carolinians.
70
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
71
More resources:
•Non-profit organizations
•College fraternities and sororities
•Grants – use your public library
•Fundraisers
•Web resources (next 3 slides)
72
• 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=Mem
bers/aboutPA.htm
• http://www.sertoma.org/%5ESponsorships/Partners
hips.htm
• http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ourscholarships.cf
m?CFID=19653669&CFTOKEN=60837518
• http://www.rotary.org/programs/service_opportunit
ies/index.html
• http://www.civitaninternational.com/templates/cusc
ivitan/details.asp?id=23844&PID=155446&Style=
73
• 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.espeaking.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/
74
• Joystick 2 Mouse
http://www.tucows.com/preview/292788
• KMagnifier http://kmag.sourceforge.net/
• Mouse Smoothing Software
http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/mousesmoothing
• 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://acecentre.hostinguk.com/index.cfm?pageid=83216478-D61362F1-C85EEB3021CA6B57
• Whistling User Interface http://www.u3i.info/
• Virtual Magnifying Glass
http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/
75
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
76
Thank
you!
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
77