Are you trying to figure out how you’ll afford the wheelchair van you or a loved one needs? For New Mexico residents, state-based disability grants may be the answer. An array of sources award such monetary assistance. It’s often applicable toward the lease or purchase of a used or new handicap van, or toward conversions and equipment like vehicle access ramps, scooter and wheelchair lifts, dropped flooring, pivoting seats and hand controls for adaptive driving.
But where do you go for New Mexico disability grants? We here at The Mobility Resource decided to help out. We looked into the most promising places to turn and listed the results here. Below you’ll be introduced to government departments run by the state and organizations that either provide financial aid themselves or that specialize in helping you track down and apply for such assistance; some even do both, since you can always apply for multiple grants.
State chapters of other organizations dedicated to specific disabilities are other key resources. These include foundations, research associations and other organizations, many of which offer grant money, and all of which are well-equipped to help you find other sources.
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 NEW MEXICO DISABILITY GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE
Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) of New Mexico
With locations around the state, the ILRC of New Mexico strives to encourage and facilitate community participation for the state’s disabled. The majority of its Board of Directors and staff have disabilities. This is an important resource as you seek to enhance your mobility with a handicap van or accessibility accessories and modifications.
New Mexico Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
Individual ADRCs are dedicated to specific counties. These centers are go-to sources for current and comprehensive aid and information. When you’re looking for a wheelchair van or vehicle equipment and conversions, this should be one of your first stops.
http://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/adrc.aspx
New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department
This agency of the State of New Mexico government is devoted to promoting the independence, dignity and quality of life for residents who are senior citizens or living with a disability. It is a source for essential services and information, and it can help if you need a handicapped-accessible vehicle to maintain a participatory lifestyle.
2550 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-4799 or (866) 451-2901
http://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS)
NMDVS is an important contact for disabled US veterans who require financial assistance getting a handicap van. In many cases, it will pay for the vehicle or conversions if your need resulted from military service or VA-overseen care.
Bataan Memorial Bldg.
407 Galisteo St., Room 142
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(866) 433-8387
New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC)
The DDPC of New Mexico advocates for and assists state residents with developmental disabilities and their families. It awards disability grants to individuals and gives you access to an in-depth information network.
810 West San Mateo, Suite C
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-7321 or (888) 779-6183
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMATP)
NMATP is a statewide program facilitating the acquisition and skilled use of assistive technology for disabled New Mexico residents. It will help you learn about the technologies available to you and how to operate them. It also lends out some equipment for a trial period prior to purchasing decisions, and it can assist you in securing financial aid.
435 St. Michael’s Dr., Bldg. D
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(800) 866-2253
http://www.tap.gcd.state.nm.us/
State of New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
If you need a handicapped-accessible van to look for a job and to get to it every day, New Mexico’s DVR should be one of the first places—if not the first—you go to for a disability grant. Your need is in line with what this agency was set up by the Public Education Department to do: help persons with disabilities work. Contact your local division.
Southwest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Ten ADA Centers around the country serve Americans with disabilities. As a New Mexico resident, the Southwest ADA Center is your branch for services and assistance. The center can provide many of the things you need to improve your life, and they can point you in the right direction for finding what they can’t offer directly themselves.
2323 S. Shepherd, #1000
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 520-0232 or (800) 949-4232
University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability (UNM CDD)
UNM’s CDD maintains a library and provides outreach and other assistance to persons with disabilities living in New Mexico. It has “information specialists” on hand to help you locate and make use of community resources. They can direct your toward sources of disability grants for which you may qualify that can be applied toward a wheelchair van.
2300 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 272-3000
These are only some of the resources available for New Mexico disability grants and assistance.
If you know of or work with another New Mexico foundation, agency or other organization that belongs here, please forward its information to [email protected].
