Dollars & Sense AT Resource Center
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I get funding to pay for home modifications?
There are a variety of different funding opportunities for home modifications. Listed below are a few:
- Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
- Credit-Able - Georgia's Alternative Loan Program for Georgian’s with disabilities
- Social Security PASS Plan, allows for individuals to save money for a specific purchase
- 211- United Way telephone number to find human service answers
- Aldergate, homes for developmental disabilities
- Brain and Spinal Cord Trust Fund
- Joni Foundation
- USDA Rural Development Section 502 Rural Housing Loan Guarantee-The purpose of this loan program is to enable eligible low- and moderate-income rural residents to acquire modestly priced housing for their own use as a primary residence. The program is available for the purchase and repair of existing and newly constructed dwelling. There is no required down payment, but families must be able to afford the mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance. In addition, applicants must be without adequate housing and be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, yet have acceptable credit histories.
2. How do I get funding to buy a modified van or to pay for modifications for a van?
There are a variety of different funding opportunities to pay for modifications. Here are a few listed below:
- Credit-Able does loans for modified vehicles or for just modifications
- Vocational Rehabilitation may purchase modifications if the individual is working or needs modifications to continue working.
- Social Security PASS Plan, allows for individuals to save money for a specific purchase
- SSI - Impairment Related Work Expenses
- Veterans Affairs
- Organizations related to specific disabilities i.e. MD, Paralyzed Veterans Associations, brain and spinal cord injuries may offer grants to help assist in the purchase of these modifications
- Dealers may offer $1500 off for modifications
- gTrade- Georgia online equipment exchange program
- 211- United Way telephone number to find human service answers
- Brain and Spinal Cord Trust Fund
- Joni Foundation
3. Where can I get funding for the purchase for a hearing aid?
There are a variety of different funding opportunities for hearing aids. Listed below are a few:
- Hear Now- Hear Now is a national non-profit program committed to assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources who permanently reside within the United States.
- Vocational Rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities whose goal is employment
- 211- United Way telephone number to find human service answers
4. My child is having difficulty in school and I suspect he may have a disability. What obligation(s) does the school have to help out?
Public school systems have a responsibility to identify children who qualify for special education and related services and to provide them with a free appropriate public education.
5. Are there any programs available to someone to get their home more energy efficient in the winter if they are low income?
There are a variety of different funding opportunities for weatherizing your home. Listed below are a few:
- Georgia Weatherization and Low-Income Energy Programs
- Georgia Home Weatherization Assistance Program - The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) administers the Weatherization program in the state. Crews replace broken windows, caulk, and weather-strip door and window frames, install storm windows, insulate attics, and perform other energy saving repairs on the homes of elderly, disabled, and low-income Georgians. The result is a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.
6. I have a disability and want to travel, are there any suggestions?
Whatever you do, ALWAYS PLAN AHEAD! Many travel agencies will be more than happy and willing to assist you. Be sure to be as specific as possible when stating your needs. For example, instead of saying "I need a widened doorway.", say "My wheelchair is 28 inches wide so I need to be sure all doorways are at least 36 inches wide." Give as many details as possible.
Here are a few websites that provide some more information and resources on accessible travel:
Access-Able Travel Source: www.access-able.com
Accessible Journeys: www.disabilitytravel.com
Connie George Travel Associates: www.cgta.com
Moss Rehab ResourceNet, Accessible Travel: www.mossresourcenet.org/travel
Disability Travel and Recreation Resources: www.makoa.org/travel
SATH - Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality: www.sath.org
7. How do I find funding to purchase a computer?
- ReBoot - ReBoot-ATRC also operates the ReBoot project, a computer recycling program that refurbishes donated computer equipment and redistributes the rebuilt computers to people with disabilities. ReBoot staff also can customize new computers to the individual’s specifications and repair computers as needed.
- Credit-Able - Georgia's Alternative Loan Program for Georgian's with disabilities
- Vocational Rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities whose goal is employment
- Brain and Spinal Cord Trust Fund
- Joni Foundation
8. I am on a tight fixed income and use a wheelchair. How do I find assistance to have a ramp made for my home?
- FODAC - Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
- disAbility Links
- Tools for Life Assistive Technology Resource Centers
9. I am an individual with a disability currently enrolled or will be enrolled in school and am looking for scholarships to help with funding; what is available?
- Visually impaired - American Federation for the Blind
- Financial Aid for the Disabled and their Families Too By Gail A. Schlachter and R. David Weber
- Look up grants online