If you live in Pennsylvania and are wondering how you’re going to afford a wheelchair van for yourself or a loved one with limited mobility, you’ve come to the right place. State residents have an array of options when looking for funding assistance through disability grants. This money can often be applied toward a handicap van. That includes buying a new or used accessible vehicle or paying for modifications like a ramp or lift and adaptive driving hand controls.
Here you will find a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania state government agencies and various organizations, many of which are under the umbrella of national groups. Some supply money themselves and others help you unearth financial aid opportunities you might otherwise miss.
Also, don’t neglect Pennsylvania-based chapters of associations that focus on the particular disability that you have. These can be key sources of monetary assistance for obtaining a wheelchair van.
Mobility Consultations: If you are unsure about what type of conversion would be best for you — or would like assistance with finding financial resources, you can request a Free Needs Analysis and Mobility Consultation at any of The Mobility Resource dealer locations.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to assist you in your purchase or financing of a wheelchair van, and is in no way an offer or advertisement for a free wheelchair van.
SOURCES FOR PENNSYLVANIA DISABILITY GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE:
Adam Taliaferro Foundation
This organization gives monetary assistance and other help to student athletes in Pennsylvania (and New Jersey and Delaware) who suffer a debilitating injury while playing in a school-sanctioned sporting competition. Its namesake, Adam Taliaferro of Voorhees, NJ, sustained a spinal cord injury while playing football for Penn State.
P.O. Box 8232
Turnersville, New Jersey 08012
(856) 582-0212
http://www.taliaferrofoundation.org/
Pennsylvania Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers (ADRCs)
ADRCs are run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the US Administration on Community Living. This branch supports senior citizens and disabled residents of Pennsylvania in a variety of ways. They can assist you in acquiring a handicapped-accessible vehicle. Use this link to find contact information for the office serving your county.
http://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/pa-link/
Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging (PAAA)
Dedicated to advocacy and assistance for the elderly population in Pennsylvania, PAAA can help aging residents find funding to put towards a handicap van. With more than 50 offices around the state, there’s a location convenient to you; go to the PAAA website for contact information.
http://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/Pages/AAA.aspx
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (VA)
Disabled US veterans can find all sorts of support and assistance through the VA. State branches are equipped to supply aid and grant money. Contact the Pennsylvania VA if you are a state resident with a disability that resulted from (or was aggravated by) your service in the military or VA-sanctioned treatments or other activities.
Bldg S-0-47, FTIG
Annville, PA 17003
(800) 547-2838
Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PDDC)
PDDC exists as the state’s branch of the National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils. It serves anyone with a developmental disability as defined by federally established law. The Council is devoted to bettering their quality of life and furthering their abilities for self-determination.
Harrisburg Office:
Room 561 Forum Building
605 South Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-6057 or (877) 685-4452
Pittsburgh Office:
8500 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 933-1655
Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
Pennsylvania’s SILC operates in the interest of all state residents with any type of disability. It endeavors to enhance an independent lifestyle for all persons with disabilities. The SILC can help you find funding sources for your handicap van.
200 Locust St., Suite 200 A
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 364-1732
Pennsylvania Workforce Development’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
Pennsylvania state’s OVR is an essential source for disability grants if you require a wheelchair van in order to find and hold a job. You can locate your branch office at their website, or you can reach the main office at:
1521 North Sixth Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
http://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/ovr/
These are only some of the resources available for Pennsylvania disability grants and assistance.
If you work with or know of another Pennsylvania agency or organization that should be listed here, please forward its information to [email protected].