New York disability grants are readily available to residents from various sources. Many are applicable to buying new or used handicap vans, or to handicap van conversions. The latter includes lowered flooring, access ramps, different styles of wheelchair or scooter lifts, turning automotive seating systems, adaptive driving hand controls and other equipment and modifications.
If you need help affording your wheelchair accessible van, the following New York-based groups are the place to start. Contact any and all that sound relevant to your circumstances. You’ll find that many allow you to apply for financial aid; the others are willing and able to direct you toward sources of disability grants for which you or a family member may be eligible.
Also, contact state branches of nationwide organizations and foundations devoted to your specific cause of limited mobility. These are excellent sources of funding assistance and useful information.
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 YORK DISABILITY GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
ACCESS-VR is a primary resource for disabled New York State residents seeking or trying to hold down a job. It offers an array of services and support to help you get back to work. If this means you need a wheelchair van, a disability grant may be available to you through this agency.
One Commerce Plaza, Room 1609
Albany, New York 12234
(800) 222-5627
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr
[email protected]
Center for Assistive Technology (CAT)
CAT is run by the University of Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professionals. It strives to educate people about assistive technologies and to increase access among those who need it. The Center does not directly provide disability grants or other funding, but its variety of services and resources make it a go-to reference for information about help affording a handicap van.
100 Sylvan Parkway, Suite 400
Amherst, NY 14228
(716) 204-8606 ext. 20
http://www.upmc.com/Services/rehab/rehab-institute/services/
National Disability Institute
The National Disability Institute’s Assistive Technology Loan Program provides referrals for assistive technology grants and funding for hearing and vision aids, standing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications and business equipment. Affordable loans are available for the purchase or refinancing of assistive technology. The loans may be a credit building opportunity for those age 18 or older.
Phone: (202) 449-9521
Website: www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-wellness/assistive-technology-loan-program/
New York Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers (ARDCs)
ADRCs are some of the best sources for information and assistance available to persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Offices are all around the state, serving residents in their immediate vicinity.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs (VA)
The VA in New York is dedicated to providing prompt, comprehensive support to in-state US veterans and their families. For veterans who became disabled while on active military duty or while receiving VA services, or for those whose existing disabilities were aggravated under these circumstances, disability grants are available.
5 Empire State Plaza, 17th Floor
Albany, NY 12223-1551
(888) 838-7697
New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC)
NYSILC is a nonprofit, non-governmental group formed under federal mandate. The majority-disabled council is appointed by the Governor to further the cause of independent living among New York’s disabled population. The body supports statewide Independent Living Centers, and may be able to direct you toward financial aid for your mobility needs.
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 101
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 427-1060 or (877) 397-4126
These are only some of the resources available for New York disability grants and assistance.
If you work with or know of another New York agency or organization that should be listed here, please forward its information to [email protected].
