Government Grants for People with Disabilities

Government Grants for People with Disabilities

Find government grants and financing for handicap vehicles for people with disabilities nationwide. Money can be located with a little patience and a lot of research through various government programs. We've compiled a list of the most well-known government grant programs to assist your search for help funding a wheelchair van.

When paying for a handicap van, you can use money from government grant programs for people with disabilities, as well other funding resources like disability grants, loans, fundraiser money, foundation endorsements, or any other funding source. We'll work with your chosen foundations or any government grant program, after they verify financial assistance, to get you on the road!

To learn more about applying for wheelchair van grant funding to buy a handicap van or convert a pre-owned minivan, read "How to Apply for a Grant for Wheelchair Vans, Mobility Equipment, or Minivan Conversions."


Government Wheelchair Van Financing Resources
Fund your wheelchair van with these government grant programs provided by the U.S. government and locally in your state.

Administrationfor Children & Families
On this website, new funding opportunities are displayed as they become available.

Grants.gov
The U.S. government resource listing federal grants available.

Medicaid
Sometimes provides assistance when children or other special circumstances are involved.

Medicaid/Department of Human Services (DHS)
Children are screened as part of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program of Medicaid. Under Medicaid's "rehabilitative services," people often receive handicap van or lift funding to achieve their "best possible functional levels."

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Located within each state's Department of Human Services (per state), helps you prepare for work, train for a job, find a job, or keep a job as early as high school. Services are prioritized according to the severity of the disability.

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
Check your state's branch for grant availability.

Division of Developmental Services (DDS)
Check your state's branch for grants.

Those with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration can contact the agency about its Plan to Achieve Self Support(PASS). A PASS plan sets aside income to buy equipment or services in a way that keeps income, as well as resources, below the SSI eligibility cut-off so there are no reductions in benefits. The emphasis is on whether the handicap van or equipment will help the SSI recipient become vocationally self-sufficient. It's important for an individual to contact and receive the approval of Social Security before setting up a PASS plan. Once money has been set aside for a PASS, spending it on something else can result in the loss of SSI benefits.

Please note: You can use multiple sources of funding that include grants, loans, and other funding assistance. If you're unable to find government grants for people with disabilities or need to acquire more money to help pay for your wheelchair van and/or mobility needs, check out more opportunities at our mobility finance page.

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Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA

 508-697-6006

Rhode Island Mobility Van Resources

 Vocational Rehabilitation Program

What is the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program?
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is the public state and federally funded program that assists individuals with disabilities to choose, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Employment being the successful outcome of services provided through the public vocational rehabilitation program. It is expected that individuals with disabilities who apply for services are interested in becoming employed and understand that this is the focus of the VR program.

Who is Eligible for VR Services?
Do you want to work?
Do you have a condition that limits your job opportunities?

 
To be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, you must - 1) have a physical, intellectual or emotional impairment which is a substantial barrier to employment, and 2) require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment, and 3) be able to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of an employment outcome. If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your vocational rehabilitation office will presume that you are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.

How Do You Obtain Services Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program?
Individuals with disabilities must first apply for the VR program and be determined eligible before services can be provided. Individuals with significant disabilities are presumed eligible for the program if an application is completed and there is documentation of disability. All applicants for the VR program are encouraged to present documentation of their disability and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) to speed up the eligibility process.

Employment Plan 
(Individualized Plan for Employment)
The eligible individual with a disability and a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will work together to develop an employment plan called the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The Employment Plan considers the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, skills, abilities, preferences, capabilities, interests, and values, as well as the barriers to employment. The Employment Plan identifies the employment goal that the individual has chosen, the time it is expected to reach the goal, the services that the individual chooses as necessary to reach the employment goal, and how the services will be provided. Some of the services may be provided directly by the VR Counselor, others may be available through other public sources such as netWORKri (One Stop Career Centers), and others may be purchased with funds provided by the VR agency. The individual may develop the Employment Plan with the assistance of the VR Counselor, another individual, or by him or herself. The VR Counselor is always available to provide assistance in this process, and a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who works for the public VR program must approve the Employment Plan before any services are provided through the VR agency. The partnership between each individual with a disability and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is a key component in the Vocational Rehabilitation process.

What Are Some of the Services that can be Included in an Employment Plan?
Vocational rehabilitation services that may be included in an Employment Plan are:

• Counseling and Guidance to help plan vocational goals and services
• Transition Services from School to Career
• Rehabilitation Technology Services
• Assistive Technology Services
• Diagnostic Evaluations
• College or Vocational Training
• Job Training and Job Supports
• Job Development and Placement Services
• Vehicle Modifications
• Housing Modifications
• Post-Employment Services

What Are Some Services After an Employment Goal is Achieved?
Employment is the successful outcome for the individual with a disability and the VR program. Once employed, however, the VR agency may assist with post-employment services to assist the individual to retain or advance in employment. 

If you are interested in applying for these services, please print, fill out and sign the completed Application (Espanol) and return to Intake, Office of Rehabilitation Services, 40 Fountain Street, Providence, RI 02903.

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Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations 

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA    

508-697-6006

Nurses: Quality and Innovation in Patient Care: This is National Nurses Week

 VA Nurses: Quality and Innovation in Patient Care: 

VMi New England and Automotive Innovations are proud to Raise Awareness for National Nurses Week.

“Veterans and Nurses, in partnership, make a world class patient experience,” says Cathy Rick, VA Chief Nursing Officer.

Celebrate National Nurses Week with VMi New England and Automotive Innovations.

The American Nurses Association has designated this year’s National Nurses Week theme: “Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care.”

Join us in celebrating the men and women who serve this country by caring for its Veterans.

80,000 Nurses Caring for America’s Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs has one of the largest nursing staffs of any health care system in the world.

Numbering more than 80,000 nationwide, the VA integrated nursing team provides comprehensive, complex, and compassionate care to our nation’s Veterans.

The Veterans Affairs nurses are a dynamic, diverse group of respected, honored, and compassionate professionals. The VA is the leader in the creation of an organizational culture where excellence in nursing is valued as essential for quality health care to those who served America.

“VA nursing is at the center of generating value-based innovation. Their work is a demonstration of integrity, commitment, respect and excellence as we shape efforts to ensure access to personalized, proactive health care for Veterans,” according to Cathy Rick, VA’s Chief Nursing Officer.

She adds, “I am extremely proud to call myself a VA nurse.”
 National Nurses Week: Every year — May 6th through May 12. May 12 is Florence Nightingale’s birthday. 

VA nursing provides the largest clinical training and cooperative education opportunities in association with undergraduate and graduate programs at numerous colleges and universities.

The VA nursing team is composed of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), nursing assistants, and intermediate care technicians.

In the 1990s, VA provided clinical experience to one out of every four professional nursing students in the country. VA nurses are highly valued members and leaders of the health care team, contributing their expertise and knowledge to the care of patients.

In addition to clinical care, VA nursing is also a significant part of advancing research in VA and keeping up with the latest technological innovations. Nurse researchers help to promote inclusion of evidence into practice to provide quality care for Veterans.

 
Components of VA Nursing
Professional nursing supports the mission of the VA health care system by providing state-of-the-art, cost-effective care to patients and families as they respond to illness and health issues.

In addition to medical, surgical and psychiatric units, VA nurses work in intensive care, spinal cord injury, geriatric, dialysis, blind rehabilitation, specialty care (such as diabetes clinics), hospice, domiciliary, oncology, and organ transplant units.

VA nurses provide care across a variety of settings including primary, ambulatory, acute, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and extended care settings.

They work in outpatient clinics, community living centers, and home-based primary care programs.

VA nurses also play a considerable role in emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.

VA nurses proudly serve America’s heroes by practicing the art and science of nursing in order to provide holistic, evidence-based, high quality care.

Interested in a career as VA nurse? Start here: VA Careers

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VMi New England · Automotive Innovations

Veteran Mobility · Veteran Grants · Veteran Equipment

Our goal for the past 25+ years has been to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

 

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA

508-697-6006

 

Massachusetts Disability Agencies in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)

Description: 

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) is the state advocacy agency for people with disabilities. MOD's goal is to make sure that people with disabilities have the legal rights, opportunities, support services, and accommodations they need to take part in all aspects of life in Massachusetts. MOD helps people of all ages.

One of MOD's main duties is to make sure that the state government, the local governments, and private organizations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. MOD informs residents about their rights under the law, investigates complaints, and works to correct any violations. MOD services are free.

Services: The Massachusetts Office of Disability has three main programs:

• The Government Services Program provides technical assistance and advice to stateand local governments on all disability-related issues. MOD makes sure that government regulations and policies meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. MOD offers guidance to public service agencies and makes public policy recommendations on behalf of residents with disabilities.

• The Client Services Program helps individuals who need help with disability-related problems. MOD operates an information and referral system to help residents find the services they need and learn about their legal rights. MOD also investigates complaints and helps correct civil rights violations. MOD's Client Assistance Program (CAP) helps residents who are having problems with federally funded vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs.

• The Community Services Program helps communities become more responsive to the needs of residents with disabilities. MOD trains individuals and community organizations to advocate for the rights of the disabled. MOD offers technical assistance and information about accessibility laws. The goal is to improve access to public and private places, programs, and services for people with all types of disabilities.

Contact Information:

• Massachusetts Office on Disability 
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305
 Boston, MA 02108

• Telephone:617-727-7440
 Toll-free: Voice/TTY: 800-322-2020
 Fax: 617-727-0965

• Web site: Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)
 

 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Description:

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) helps people with disabilities find employment and live independently. The MRC serves Massachusetts residents age 18 and older. The MRC helps people with all types of disabilities except blindness. Legally blind residents can get services from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

Services:

• The MRC is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Community Services (CS), and Disability Determination Services (DDS). The MRC also assists with public benefit programs, housing, transportation, and consumer issues. Some MRC programs and services have specific eligibility requirements. Most are free.

• The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program helps people with disabilities find work or go back to work. The VR program works with various organizations in the community to help create jobs for Massachusetts residents with disabilities.

• The Office of Community Services (CS) offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities live independently in their communities:

1. The Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services (BISSCS) program helps Massachusetts residents who have externally caused traumatic brain injuries.
2. Protective Services tries to prevent the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of people with disabilities by their caregivers.
3. Independent Living Centers provide advocacy, personal care management, and independent living skills training.
4. The T22 (Turning 22) Independent Living Support Program helps young people with physical mobility disabilities who want to live independently in their communities.
5. The Home Care Assistance Program for disabled adults under age 60 provides help with homemaking tasks (see Home Care Assistance Program).
6. Other in-home and community living support services are also available.
7. The Assistive Technology (AT) Program buys and installs assistive devices and provides training and follow-up for users.

• Disability Determination Services (DDS), funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Disability examiners use medical and vocational information to make their decisions.

MassMATCH:

Web site: MassMATCH

 

MassMATCH is a statewide program to help Massachusetts residents with disabilities find, pay for, and use assistive technology (AT) that can make a difference in their lives. The MassMatch web site offers information and advice about:

• assistive technology (AT) products
• AT demonstration centers
• AT funding sources (insurance, loans, government assistance, private charities)
• where to buy, borrow, swap, and sell AT equipment

MassMATCH (Maximize Assistive Technology in Consumers' Hands) is a partnership between the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, other state human services agencies, and community-based organizations. 


Contact Information:

• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 
Fort Point Place, Suite 600
27 Wormwood Street
 Boston, MA 02210-1616

• Telephone: Voice/TTY: 617-204-3600
 Toll-free: Voice/TTY: 1-800-245-6543

• Disabled Persons Protection Hotline: 1-800-426-9009

• Ombudsman: 617-204-3603

• Fax: 617-727-1354
• 
Web site: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
• Abuse and Neglect Intervention
• Independent Living Programs and Services
• Disability Determination Services
• Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology
• Contact the MRC

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)

Description:

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) provides rehabilitation and social services to legally blind Massachusetts residents of all ages. These services help people who are legally blind live independently as active members of their communities. The MCB contacts all legally blind people in the state to offer support services.

Eye care providers in Massachusetts are required by law to report all cases of legal blindness to the MCB. The MCB keeps a confidential registry of all legally blind people in the state. The Commission issues Certificates of Legal Blindness to people on its register. These certificates allow legally blind residents to get exemptions and deductions on income tax, property tax, and auto excise tax. The Commission also issues an identification card, similar to a driver's license, for personal identification and proof of legal blindness.

Services: The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind provides the following services:

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), including diagnostic studies, counseling and guidance, individual plans for employment (IPE), restorative and training services, rehabilitation and mobility instruction, assistive technology, adaptive housing, job placement, and post-employment services
• Assistive technology
• Independent living social services, including homemaking assistance, assistive devices, mobility instruction, and peer support groups
• Specialized services for blind seniors (BRIDGE program)
• Specialized services for blind children, including referrals for early intervention, public benefits, respite care, and socialization and recreation programs
• Specialized services for blind/deaf individuals and others with multiple disabilities
• Rehabilitation instruction, including Braille and typing, use of low-vision devices, labeling and record keeping, food preparation, home safety, and self-care techniques
• Orientation and mobility instruction, including guide dogs
• MassHealth services for financially eligible people who are legally blind, including long-term care services, hospital services, personal care attendants, private duty nursing, and transportation services
• Consumer assistance and advocacy for issues related to blindness such as housing and job discrimination, guide dog issues, or transportation problems

Most services are offered free of charge to all registered legally blind Massachusetts residents. Some services have additional eligibility requirements.

Contact Information:

•  Massachusetts Commission for the Blind 
48 Boylston Street 
Boston, MA 02111

• Toll-free Voice: 800-392-6450
 Toll-free TDD: 800-392-6556
 Fax: 617-626-7685

• Web site: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)

• Vocational Rehabilitation Client Services Manual 
• Technology for the Blind
• Laws and Regulations
• Locations of MCB offices

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

Description:

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) is the state government agency that works on behalf of Massachusetts residents who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The MCDHH serves as an advocate to make sure that deaf and hard-of-hearing residents have the same access to information, services, education, and other opportunities as the hearing population.

Services: Some of the services that the MCDHH provides are:

• Communication access, training, and technology services
• Case management services, including specialized services for children
• Interpreter and CART translation services
Note: CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) service translates spoken words into a visual print display that can be read on a computer monitor or other display device.
• Independent Living Programs, including peer mentoring, assistive technology, consumer education, self-advocacy, and other independent living skills

Contact Information:

• Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) 
Executive Office of Health and Human Services 
600 Washington Street 
Boston, MA 02111

• Telephone: 617-740-1600 / TTY: 617-740-1700
 
• Toll-free: Voice: 1-800-882-1155 / TTY: 1-800-530-7570
 Fax: 617-740-1880
• 
Web site: Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

• The Savvy Consumer's Guide to Hearing Loss
•  MCDHH Resource Directory
• Regional Offices of the MCDHH
• Interpreter and CART Services
• Independent Living Services

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH)

Description:

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is the state agency that oversees treatment programs, support services, regulations, and public policy for Massachusetts residents with mental illness. The DMH supports a community-based system of care.

The Department of Mental Health serves adults with long-term or serious mental illness, and children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. For adults, the mental disorder must be persistent and must interfere with the ability to carry out daily life activities. For children, the disorder must limit the child's ability to function in family, school, or community activities.

Residents must file an application and get DMH approval before they can get services. Applications are available on the DMH web site at DMH Service Application Forms and Appeal Guidelines. Applicants can get short-term services while waiting for DMH approval for continuing care.

Services:

The DMH provides continuing care services to Massachusetts residents who cannot get needed services from other agencies or programs. DMH services include:

• continuing care inpatient facilities
• residential treatment centers
• in-home treatment
• outpatient services
• skills training
• supported employment
• case management

Contact Information:

• Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) 
Central Office 
25 Staniford Street 
Boston, MA 02114
• 
Telephone: 617-626-8000
 TTY: 617-727-9842
• 
E-mail: DMH Email

• Web site: Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

• DMH Local Offices: DMH Offices

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Description:

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the state agency that provides support services to Massachusetts residents with intellectual disabilities. The DDS works with many provider agencies throughout the state to offer services to adults and children and their caregivers. Individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families play an active role in making decisions about their lives and in choosing the support services they want and need.

The DDS has an application for services that must be completed before services can be approved. The application is available on the DDS web site: Application for DDS Eligibility

Services: The DDS offers a wide range of support services for adults, including:

• Service coordination
• Housing options
• Employment skills training and transportation to work
• Non-work related skills training
• Family support services, including respite care
• Life skills training and support (food shopping, cooking, etc.)

DDS's services for children include:

• Service coordination
• Family support services, including respite care
• Partnership program for families of children with significant health care needs
• Autism support centers
• After-school and summer camp programs

Contact Information:

• Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
 Central Office 
500 Harrison Avenue 
Boston, MA 02118
• 
Telephone: Voice: 617-727-5608 
TTY: 617-624-7783
 Fax: 617-624-7577

• Web site: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

• Local DDS offices: DDS Area Office Locator

Disability Law Center (DLC)

Description:

The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private non-profit law firm that gives free legal assistance to Massachusetts residents with disabilities who have been discriminated against because of their disability.

The Disability Law Center helps people with all types of disabilities, including physical, psychiatric, sensory, and cognitive. The DLC provides legal help with problems such as discrimination, abuse or neglect, or denial of services, when they are related to a person's disability.

Services:

Services include information and referral, technical assistance, legal representation for individuals and groups, and advocacy. The Disability Law Center helps with disability-related legal problems in these areas:

• Access to community services
• Special education
• Health care
• Disability benefits
• Rights and conditions in facilities

The DLC does not have the resources to help everyone who has a disability-related legal problem. The DLC sets priorities each year based on the needs of the community. See DLC Priorities. The DLC chooses cases that will have the most impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

Contact Information:

• Disability Law Center (DLC)
 11 Beacon Street, Suite 925
 Boston, MA 02108
• 
Voice telephone: 617-723-8455 / 800-872-9992
 TTY: 617-227-9464 / 800-381-0577
• 
Web site: Disability Law Center

DisabilityInfo.org

Description:

The DisabilityInfo.org web site helps people with disabilities, their families, and service providers find disability-related resources in Massachusetts. It has information on a wide variety of programs, agencies, and services for Massachusetts residents with disabilities.

The site is maintained by New England INDEX, a nonprofit technology group. New England INDEX collects information from over 100 members of the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers for People with Disabilities (MNIP) and puts the information on one web site for easy access.

Services:

On the DisabilityInfo.org web site, you can find:

• disability programs, services, and agencies in Massachusetts
• disability consultants, including advocates, educators, therapists, counselors, and other specialists
• physicians and dentists with experience working with people with disabilities
• local and regional offices for human service agencies
• local disability agencies that you can call for help
• fact sheets about many different types of disabilities
• disability-related laws and regulations
• disability news
• information about assistive technology
• other resources for people with disabilities

Contact Information:

• Web site: DisabilityInfo.org

• Database search
• Get help from a local agency
• Fact sheet library
• Contact us

• New England INDEX 
200 Trapelo Road 
Waltham, MA 02452-6319

• Telephone: 781-642-0248 
Toll-free: Voice: 800-642-0249
Toll-free: TTY: 800-764-0200

• E-mail: info@DisabilityInfo.org

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Our goal for the past 25+ years here at Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA, Massachusetts, is to provide our customers with access to the best sales, service and repair for all the leading wheelchair accessible mobility vehicles, hand controls and devices that can offer you greater freedom and independence. We are your New England adaptive mobility equipment dealer and offer a full line of VMI wheelchair accessible vans, or Vantage Mobility International products, and we have a team of Certified Mobility Consultants who are always ready to help you learn about the benefits and features of full sized handicap vans, new and used wheelchair vehicles, Ricon lifts, adaptive mobility equipment, and more.

Automotive Innovations 

1000 Main St  Bridgewater, MA  

508-697-6006