Cents

1
Cents Sensibility A Common Cents Approach to
AT Funding

• Robin Wheeler, Esquire
• March 29, 2007

2
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

3
Think Low Tech

• Not every AT device has to be a technological
  wonder.
• Low Tech may mean lower price.

4
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

5
BIG 5 Review

• Medicaid
• Medicare
• State Agencies such Vocational Rehabilitation,
  Commission for the Blind, and Dept. of
  Disabilities and Special Needs
• Private Insurance
• Schools

6
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).

7
Childrens Medicaid

• http//www.dhhs.state.sc.us/dhhsnew/index.asp
• Early Periodic and Screening Diagnostics Testing
  (EPSDT). Provides free medical check-ups 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

8
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.

9
Medicare

• http//www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/1104
  5.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.

10
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
  Department1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15West
  Columbia, SC 29171-0015
• Voice [phone]TTY [phone]
• Toll free 1-800-832-7526
• E-mail info_at_scvrd.state.sc.us

11
South Carolina Commission for the Blind

• http//www.sccb.state.sc.us/VocRehab.htm
• Assistive Technology Training (computers) - Job
  site evaluations, equipment modification and the
  application of new technology in the workplace

12
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and
Special Needs

• http//www.state.sc.us/ddsn/pubs/services_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.

13
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

14
Comparison websites re insurance coverage

• Insure.comwww.insure.com/health
• INSWEB www.insweb.com
• netQuote www.netquote.com

15
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.

16
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.

17
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
• child is unable to return to natural parents
• child cannot be adopted without adoption
  assistance and
• 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.

18
SC Childrens Rehabilitative Services

• For complex problems beyond services offered by
  the average health care plan, HMO, or
  well-trained pediatrician.
• http//www.scdhec.gov/health/mch/cshcn/index.htm
• Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
• SCDHEC Division of Children with Special Health
  Care NeedsPO Box 101106Mills-Jarrett
  ComplexColumbia, South Carolina 29011
• Care Line 1-800-868-0404

19
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 [phone] Fax [phone]
• E-mail alhowemd_at_accessus.net

20
Miracle-Ear Children's Foundation
http//www.miracle-ear.com/resources/children_requ
est.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.

21
VarietyThe Childrens Charity of the United
States

• http//www.usvariety.org/mobility.html
• Works to assist children.
• Variety of the United States 5757 Wilshire BLVD,
  STE 445Los Angeles, CA 90036 323/954-0820
  info_at_usvariety.org

22
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_for_Childr
  en/Admission/patient_applications.aspx.
• from any Shrine Temple or Shrine Club.
• toll-free 800/237-5055.

23
St. Jude Childrens Hospital

• Children receive prosthetic care at St. Judes in
  conjunction with treatment of illness.
• Based solely on eligibility for an ongoing
  clinical trial at St. Jude Children's Research
  Hospital.
• Childs physician must
• complete referral at www.stjude.org/Forms/physicia
  nReferralRequest.
• fax relevant information to 901/495-4011.
• call 1-866-278-5833.

24
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

25
Childrens Resources

• Childrens Miracle Network - http//www.childrensm
  iraclenetwork.org/
• For Transition - http//www.ataccess.org/resources
  /fpic/transition.html
• NexusKids Computer Buddies - http//www.sc.edu/ccf
  s/nexuskids/buddies.html

26
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).

27
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.humana-military.com/chcbp/main.htm

28
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.

29
THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT UNDER FEDERAL TAX
LAW

• May include medical expenses for eyeglasses and
  hearing aids and cost and maintenance of a
  wheelchair.

30
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

31
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 RequirementsMust be a South
  Carolina residentMust have a hearing or speech
  impairmentMust 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 29210Toll-free
  1-877-225-8337 Voice/1-877-889-8337
  TTYColumbia   803-896-8337 Voice/803-896-8334
  TTYhttp//www.scsdb.k12.sc.us/TEDP/TEDP20Instruc
  tions.htm

32
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 Assistance1205 Pendleton
  Street, Edgar A. Brown Bldg, Room 401Columbia,
  SC 29201sova_at_oepp.sc.govPhone [phone]
  Fax [phone]
• 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.

33
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
• [phone] at SCATP to have your account
  information entered for you.

34
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 info_at_drcilc.org www.drcilc.org
• Disability Action Center, Inc. - Columbia
• www.dacsc.org
• Disability Action Center, Inc. Greenville
• www.dacsc.org
• Disability Solutions - Hartsville
• E-mail disabilitysol1_at_aol.com

35
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 - USANational
  Headquarters3300 E. Sunrise DriveTucson, AZ
  857181-800-FIGHT-MD (344-4863)mda_at_mdausa.orghtt
  p//www.mdausa.org/help/products.cfm

36
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.

37
Discounts On Telecommunications Devices And
Services

• www.UnitedTTY.com Special events where
  manufacturers offer discounts

38
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_personal_
  loans/index.cfm?templateaccess_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.

39
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.

40
ABLEDATA

• 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930Silver Spring, MD
  20910(800) 227-0216 [phone] (VOICE)
• [phone] (Fax) [phone] (TTY)
• ABLEDATA_at_orcmacro.com (E-mail)http//www.abledat
  a.com
• http//www.ataccess.org/resources/fpic/faq/defaul
  t.htmlhttp//www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/assistiv
  edevices.htmlhttp//www.amputee-coalition.org/fac
  t_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 830 a.m.530 p.m., MondayFriday
• (Eastern time, except Federal holidays).

41
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
• [phone]

42
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

43
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 atf_at_blindcitizens.org.

44
American Kidney Fund 1-800-638-8299
www.kidneyfund.org

• Individual Grants Program - treatment-specific
  expenses transportation, over-the-counter
  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.

45
CancerCare

• 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
• http//www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/inde
  x.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 copays.

46
Barr Foundation

• Barr Foundationc/o Storage USA 3090 NW 2nd AVE,
  STE 693 Boca Raton, FL 33431561/394-6514
  barr_at_oandp.comwww.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.

47
Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation

• Bowman Siciliano Limb Bank Foundation
• 100 Spanish Oak Road
• Weatherford, Texas 76087
• (817)-597-1826
• DanaBowman_at_aol.com 
• http//www.danabowman.com/danabowman12007_032.htm
  
• Collects and distributes prosthetic limbs to
  those in need.
• Raises funds for transportation, lodging, and
  prosthetic limbs and services.

48
Challenged Athletes Foundation

• Eligibility
• disability within the International Paralympic
  Committee (IPC) classifications.
  http//www.paralympic.org/release/Main_Sections_Me
  nu/index.html.
• Must demonstrate a financial need.
• Challenged Athletes Foundation 11199 Sorrento
  Valley RD, STE C San Diego, CA 92121
  858/866-0959 caf_at_challengedathletes.orgwww.chal
  lengedathletes.org
• Director of Programs, Jill Prichard
• 858.866.0959
• EmailJill_at_challengedathletes.org

49
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.

50
Joni and Friends - Christian Fund for the
Disabled - Up to 2500

• Online application at http//www.joniandfriends.or
  g/CFD_Application.pdf
• Grants of up to 2,500 nationally, as well as
  churches and other Christian organizations.
• Contact Karen Johnson, CFD Coordinator, email
  kjohnson_at_joniandfriends.org Fax [phone]

51
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) admin_at_limbsforlife.org
  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
• Legal resident of the United States.
• No felony criminal history.
• Board of Directors reviews application.

52
Limbs of Hope Foundation (LOHF)

• Limbs of Hope Foundation 6782 S Dixie DRWest
  Jordan, Utah 84084 801/548-0553
  donate_at_limbsofhope.org www.limbsofhope.org/resou
  rces.html
• http//www.limbsofhope.org/form.html - online
  form
• Distributes new prosthetics to amputees.
• Offers medical referrals and financial
  assistance.

53
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)

54
National Amputation Foundation (NAF)

• National Amputation Foundation
• 40 Church ST Malverne, NY 11565 516/887-3600
  Fax [phone]
• amps76_at_aol.com
• www.nationalamputation.org 
• Medical Equipment Give-A-Way ProgramDonated
  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.

55
Wheelchair Foundation

• Wheelchair Foundation World HQ
• 3820 Blackhawk Road
• Danville, California 94506
• [phone] Toll Free - North America
• [phone] Fax [phone]
• Email info_at_wheelchairfoundation.org
• Used wheelchairs.
• Submit written request.
• Specific details on the website.   

56
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/

57
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 

58
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

59

• PO Box 5080 Troy, MI 48007
• 1-800-255-9877 http//www.automobility.daimlerchry
  sler.com/
• 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.

60

• 800-952-2248 Voice/800-833-0312 TTY 
• http//www.mobilitymotoringprogram.com/programproc
  ess.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/
  programfaq.mob

61

• 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/vehicle_shopping/gm_m
  obility/fa_gmmrp.html

62

• 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/

63
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.
• Dont give up.

64
The Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging

• 1301 Gervais StreetSuite 200Columbia, SC
  29201Phone [phone]Fax [phone]
  and [phone]E-mail askus_at_aging.sc.govhttp
  //www.state.sc.us/ltgov/aging/Information/Contact
  Us.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.

65
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.

66
Repair and Rehabilitation Loan

• http//www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_repairloa
  n.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.

67
Equipment Loan Programs (ELPs)

• Low cost loans to people with disabilities who
  meet criteria.
• Operates out of SC VRD.
• S.C. Assistive Technology Loan Programc/o Denise
  Koon1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15West Columbia,
  SC 29171-0015896-6374 in Columbia
• 1-866-247-8354 toll-free
• http//www.scvrd.net/i_assist_tech.html

68
Churches

• Southern Baptist Convention - http//www.cpmission
  s.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/

69
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

70
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/Elder
  CareTrustFund.htm
• grants to nonprofit agencies and organizations
  for programs and activities that assist older
  South Carolinians.

71
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

72
More resources

• Non-profit organizations
• College fraternities and sororities
• Grants use your public library
• Fundraisers
• Web resources (next 3 slides)

73

• http//www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/about_index.s
  html
• 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?contentMember
  s/aboutPA.htm
• http//www.sertoma.org/5ESponsorships/Partnership
  s.htm
• http//www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ourscholarships.c
  fm?CFID19653669CFTOKEN60837518
• http//www.rotary.org/programs/service_opportuniti
  es/index.html
• http//www.civitaninternational.com/templates/cusc
  ivitan/details.asp?id23844PID155446Style

74

• http//www.assistivetech.net/
• http//www.big.com/
• Bookshare http//www.bookshare.org/web/Welcome.htm
  l
• CLiCk, Speak (http//clickspeak.clcworld.net/about
  .html
• E-Speaking http//www.e-speaking.com/download.htm
• Google Accessible Search http//labs.google.com/ac
  cessible/
• Head-Tracking Pointerhttp//www.alphaworks.ibm.co
  m/tech/headpointer/download
• HELP Read the Freeware Reader
  Projecthttp//www.helpread.net/

75

• Joystick 2 Mouse http//www.tucows.com/preview/292
  788
• 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/displ
  ay.asp?id9955
• Switch Access To Windowshttp//ace-centre.hosting
  uk.com/index.cfm?pageid83216478-D613-62F1-C85EEB3
  021CA6B57
• Whistling User Interface http//www.u3i.info/
• Virtual Magnifying Glass http//magnifier.sourcefo
  rge.net/

76
Dont 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

77
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)
• [phone]