Is there any assistance out there?

[brandynabel]

Is there any assistance in the US available to young adults who need help in affording an adapted vehicle?

I am getting ready to go to college away from home, and a means of private transportation would be very beneficial as I recently had surgery and will have many doctor appointments, but my family can not afford to get me a vehicle... So, does anyone know of anything out there to help?

[Burgerman]

In the US? Dunno.

Here UK there are a few ways, non of them fast.

[ex-Gooserider]

Check with your states Occupational Rehabilitation agency - ask your doctors and such how to contact them, or search on your state's website. Often they will be something like "<state> Rehabilitation"

These agencies have the job of trying to help disabled people re-enter the workforce and thus become tax-payers as opposed to being a benefits consumer. To do this they can help with providing vehicles, education tuition and adaptive equipment as needed to help you get back to work.

Be aware that these are government agencies, and as such they are SLOW to move, it was almost 8 months from the time I got out of the rehab hospital as a paraplegic before I could even get my first appointment.

However they are helping us get me a converted drive-from-the-chair van, and it looks like they will be paying at least some of the costs for me to attend the local state university to study some sort of engineering.

It will require some payment on your end as well, for instance to do my van it was required that we buy the minivan, which had to be new or barely used, and then they would pay for the costs of converting it and training me in how to drive it. With everything that we had to pay, it's costing us around $22K, but the state is going to be paying over $30K for the conversion...

I actually just got the word earlier today that the company I was hoping to get the job has won the bid on the deal, so as soon as we finish paying for the van (currently just has a down-payment on it) it will be heading out to Braun for conversion - probably late next week.

It may be more of a problem if you are wanting to go to an out of state school, don't know what they will do for you then.

The other option seems to be looking for a used van - we found a pretty good number of used drop-floor minivans for $9-15K, though these were all fairly old, and high mileage - but still better than nothing, and the Chrysler / Dodge minivans seem to last forever if well cared for... (Our current non-accessible 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan has over 190K miles on it, and aside from needing to replace the tranny once (a common weak point on these we are told) it has been very trouble free...)

Also see if you have an "Independent Living Center" in your area, they are able to do some direct help, but are especially good at helping you link up with other sources. One of them may be able to help with a low-interest long term loan to help pay for a van.

ex-Gooserider

[Martin O Refurbisher]

I assume that you or your parents are not VETS? If there is any such family link, I'm told its the way to go in US

Best,

Martin

[ex-Gooserider]

Agreed, the vets get a much better deal than the rest of us, especially if it's service related.

As one example, Mass. Rehab will not replace the van they are getting me for at least seven years, and then only if I still meet their requirements for eligibility, and I have to pay for the pre-converted van. I've been told by a dealer that a disabled vet will be able to get a new van every three years, paid for 100% by the VA. (This has an interesting effect on the used van market, as there is a good supply of 3 year old vans out there...)

I didn't mention the veteran stuff because I'd gathered the impression that the OP wasn't a vet. Most vets that are eligible to get stuff will be aware of it, but it is worth checking if in doubt.

ex-Gooserider

[brandynabel]

Thanks for the info guys. No, I'm not a vet, but I will keep that in mind in case any of the vets I know ever need it.

Ive found places that will do the conversion but I can't find anywhere that will assist in paying for the van itself, I guess Ill just have to get my student loans and use some of the money to buy one.

[Scores]

Thanks for the info guys. No, I'm not a vet, but I will keep that in mind in case any of the vets I know ever need it.

Ive found places that will do the conversion but I can't find anywhere that will assist in paying for the van itself, I guess Ill just have to get my student loans and use some of the money to buy one.

Have you consider trying to contact your state or local government hot line? There might be agencies that could help you in your quest. There are a few alternatives to finding assistance, but there are some.

[Martin O Refurbisher]

I suggest you explore the many links at:

http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/finance/

Best,

Martin

[ex-Gooserider]

I got this list from a supplier of a piece of equipment that I ended up not getting (testing showed it wouldn't work on me)... Some of the resources may be specific to Mass. but may have similar programs in your state. Similarly some may be specific to SCI, and won't work with your condition, but again it will at least give you an idea of what sort of support groups to look for...
Grants:

1. Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Fort Point Place
27 Wormwood Street
Boston, MA 02210
617-204-3600/800-245-6543 (In State Only)
617-204-3868 (TTY or Voice)
617-727-1354 (Fax)
Internet Address: www<dot>state.ma.us/mrc

2. Faith In Action
This national program provides links to local programs that can provide transportation, respite care relief and other support services. Each local chapter (many states have more than one) provides different help to different population of people. Diseases or conditions include mental illness, terminal illness, physical disability, etc.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Phone: 877-324-8411
Phone: 336-716-0101
Fax: 336-777-3284
Website: http:<slash slash>www<dot>fianationalnetwork.org/index.cfm

3. The Travis Roy Foundation
This foundation has an Individual Grant to help paraplegics or quadriplegics paralyzed due to spinal cord injury to pay for upgrade and maintenance of wheelchairs, vehicle modifications, home modifications including ramp and elevator installation and other adaptive equipment. Grants ranges from $4,000 to $7,500 and will be paid directly to the suppliers of the desired equipment.
Download the application from the website. Mail completed application to the foundation
Attn: Brenda Taylor, Foundation Coordinator
111 Huntington Ave,
Prudential Center, 19th Floor
Boston, MA 02199

4. Kate Kimberly Foundation (Individual Life Grant Program)
This foundation provides grants for adaptive sport, recreation and exercise equipment to people with paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. Grants usually range from $1,000 to $4,000. Applications are only accepted during specified Individual Grant funding periods. Applications for the KKF SUMMER Individual Grant cycle are accepted from June 1st through August 1st with decisions typically released around September 15th. Applications for the KKF WINTER Individual Grant cycle are accepted from January 1st though March 1st, and applicants can typically expect to receiva decision around February 15th.
Organization Grant Program
9226 Galway Rd
Boulder, CO 80303
Email: kkimberly<at>katekimberlyfoundation.org
Website: http:<slash slash>www<dot>katekimberlyfoundation.org/

5. WYNGS (AIMS Program)
The AIMS Program (Awards in Motions to Succeed) provides financial assistance to people with spinal cord injuries who have exhausted all other funding options to pay for essential equipment and services. The program may provide non-durable medical supplies such as urinary catheters and pressure-relieving positioning boots, durable medical equipment such as fully supported, reclining, rolling shower chairs, pressure-relieving wheelchair cushions, wheelchair ramps for homes, hydraulic lifts and hand controls for automobiles. The program has also provided assistance for voice-activated computers, textbooks or tuition as well as personal and professional services, repairs equipment, and emergency rent. Most grants have been between $200 and $2,000
Attn: AIMS Chairperson7900 Nelson Road
Panorama City, CA 91402
Phone:
818-267-3031
Fax: 818-267-3095
http:<slash slash>http<slash slash>www<dot>wyngs.org/

6. United Spinal Association
This foundation has two grants to assist clients in need of equipment to help promote mobility and independence. The Adaptive Automotive Grant will assist up to $500 to aid in the installing or adapting an auto to improve independence. The Residential Accessibility Modification Grant will provide assist up to $5000 to help with needed home modifications. The applicant needs to be a member of the Association (or include a membership application with the grant application), be in financial need and have a spinal cord injury or disability.
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370
Phone: 800-404-2898
Phone: 718-803-3782
Fax: 718-803-0414
Email: info<at>unitedspinal.org
Website: http:<slash slash>www<dot>unitedspinal.org/

7. United Cerebral Palsy Bellows Fund
This program provides funds to individuals with disabilities for assistive technology equipment or the repair of equipment. Applications will only be accepted through United Cerebral Palsy Affiliate. Funds will only be sent to UCP Affiliates for the needed equipment.
Phone: 800-872-5827/ 202-776-0406
Fax: 202-776-0414
Email: jschill497<at>aol.com
Website: http:<slash slash>www<dot>ucp.org/
1660 L Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036

Fundraising:

1. NTAF Catastrophic Injury Program. They are an organization that helps people do fundraising. A number of our patients are using this organization and have given good reviews. They can be reached on 800-642-8399 or www<dot>NTAFund.org. Some of our patients do an annual fundraiser and combine it with an organization, so that they get their needs met and also contribute to a cause. Donations through NTAF are tax deductible.

2. You may also want to look into GiveForward, where you can create a personal fundraising page then easily collect donations from friends and family all over the world. http:<slash slash>www<dot>giveforward.org/

Low interest loans:

Another option you can look into is low interest loans. Personal Loans for Special Needs allow you to borrow money from the bank to finance the purchase of durable medical equipment. The loans have lower minimum loan amounts with longer repayment periods as well as fixed interest rates.

1. Digital Credit Union
Phone: 508.263.6700 or 800.328.8797
Fax: 866.874.7820
Digital Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 9130
Marlborough, MA 01752-9130
https:<slash slash>www<dot>dcu.org/infodesk/contactus-index.html

2. Assistive Technology Program
MATP Center
Children’s Hospital
1295 Boylston Street, Suite 310
Boston, MA 02215
V/TTY: 800/848-8867 (in state only).
V: 617/355-7153.
Fax: 617/355-6345.
E-mail: matp<at>matp.org and web: http:<slash slash>www<dot>matp.org

3. Bank of America offers three types of Access Loans: Durable Medical Equipment, "All-In-One" Vehicle Loans, and
Home Modification Loans for Homeowners and Personal Loans for Special Needs.
http:<slash slash>www<dot>bankofamerica.com/vehicle_and_personal_loans/index.cfm?template=access_loans


Tried posting this a few days ago, but the system gave me some weird problems and I lost it, had to reconstruct - I had some more problems today, so I'm trying doing a "munge" on the e-mail and net addresses, make appropriate changes..... Hope it's helpful...
ex-Gooserider

[LorrieT]

You may also want to talk with the conversion places to see if they know of ways to get financing or assistance. Many of them have worked with plenty of different insurance, disabled non-profits and other groups to know where to get help. While you aren't a vet, you may want to contact the Veteran Administration to see what they do with the barely used vans that vets trade-in for new ones.