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Government Programs

This is a list of federal and state programs that provide disability related information on benefits, law, services, education and accessibility.

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  • Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs

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    Funded by the federal Assistive Technology Act (AT Act), this organization offers programs in every state which feature information about assistive technology and are dedicated to making it available to people with disabilities. Here you can learn what support your state offers for acquiring assistive technology. The website also contains updates on federal legislation dealing with disability and adaptive technology.

    Where to Start:
    From the menu bar at the top select ATAP Community. This provides an update on the assistive technology available in each state. By selecting your state from the State AT Programs list on the right you can get contact information and the website of your state program.

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  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

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    This Site Features: Medical Research Reports Publications

    This helpful U.S. government website explains all things Medicare/aid. Here you'll find questions and answers about health plans, providers etc. There are also research articles, statistics and tips on applying for various services and programs.

    Where to Start:
    Begin by selecting the service you want to know about from the top menu bar. If you're not sure what to look for, take a glance at the Top 10 Links section on the right.

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  • Department of Veteran Affairs - Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders

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    The VA’s Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders (SCI&D) system of care provides a coordinated life-long continuum of services for eligible veterans with spinal cord injury. This website is intended for veterans with spinal cord injury and disorder, their family members, and others.

    Where to Start:

    Although this website doesn't offer service to the general public, it has a variety of SCI resources.  

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  • DisabilityInfo.gov

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    This Site Features: Medical Research Reports Publications

    Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), this website is dedicated to providing in-depth online access to disability-related information. Here you'll find details on benefits, laws, services, education, and other tools for helping individuals who are living with a disability.

    Where to Start:
    On the left is a list of subjects to browse. Click on Benefits to find information about available financial assistance. Here you'll be able to find information on Social Security Cash Benefit Programs and other Benefit Programs and get fact sheets, tips on applying for benefits and take a short online screening test to learn about which benefits apply to your situation.

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  • GovBenefits.gov

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    This Site Features: Español

    Created through a partnership of federal agencies, this website is an excellent tool for finding and accessing the government programs designed to help you. The website offers the option to search for benefits according to category, location, or federal agency.

    Where to Start:
    Select Benefits at the top and decide how you would like to search for available benefits from the options under the tab. A good way to start is by selecting Take Questionnaire to help you decide which benefits to look for.

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  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

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    This Site Features: Español Publications

    Provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, JAN is a service intended to help employees and employers create a more accessible environment by providing information about job accommodations and legal information for people with disabilities. JAN provides consulting services to decide the best course of action in making a business accessible as well as ideas for accommodating disabilities in the work place.

    Where to Start:
    Click through the Frequently Asked Questions on the lower menu to get acquainted with the program. Then, select the category that best defines your situation under the For Individuals tab. This displays the accommodations that can be made.

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  • Medicare.gov

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    This website describes the services provided by Medicare, which offers insurance for people over the age of 65 or individuals under 65 with certain disabilities. On the home page, you'll find useful healthcare tools, such as links that offer comparisons of hospitals, nursing homes and home health care agencies.

    Where to Start:
    From the menu on the left, select the Am I Eligible? tab and answer the questions that follow to determine your eligibility. There are also detailed instructions on how to apply.

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  • National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information

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    This Site Features: Publications

    Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website offers extensive information and resources on long-term-care options. There is basic information about services, cost and planning as well as advice on employing long-term care for your loved one. These pages are also full of useful articles and tools, such as the Long-Term Care Savings Calculator.

    Where to Start:
    Begin with Understanding Long-Term Care in the middle of the page and work your way through the Planning and Paying sections. This is a good way to cover your bases and get informed on long-term care.

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  • National Council on Disability

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    This Site Features: Publications

    Appointed by the President of the United States, this council exists to advocate for disability rights and legislation. This website keeps you informed of programs designed to foster a more accessible society. Here you'll find reports and newsletters about ongoing research, new legislative initiatives as well as conferences and events dedicated to creating national policies on disability.

    Where to Start:
    If you're searching for specific legislation, look through Publications by Subject, found in the left-hand column. This lists subjects such as the Americans with Disabilities Acts, Health Care, Technology, etc.

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  • National Resource Directory

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    The National Resource Directory aims to connecting Wounded Warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families and caregivers with those who support them. It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics including benefits & compensation, education & training, employment, family & caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation & travel, volunteer opportunities and other services & resources. For help on how to find resources on the site, visit the How to Use this Site section of the NRD.

    Where to Start:

    Start by selecting Search For Resources on the homepage.

     

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  • Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS)

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    This Site Features: Medical Research Reports Publications

    OSERS is part of the U.S. Department of Education committed to improving opportunities in education and employment for people with disabilities by supporting programs that facilitate equal access to disabled individuals. Here you'll find research, policies and programs dedicated to this initiative. The website offers detailed information on understanding and implementing important legislation as well as publications and tools for making education and employment more accessible.

    Where to Start:
    Within the index in the center of the home page, select Reports & Resources. This page offers publications and fact sheets about employment and educational opportunities, and disability rights.

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  • Social Security Administration

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    This Site Features: Español Publications

    This website covers Social Security issues specific to disabled individuals. Here you can get information on applying for benefits and finding employment. There are also extensive lists of links to pages that answer questions about how Social Security works and how it applies to your situation.

    Where to Start:
    Select the Benefits Planner tab on the left. Then, chose the situation that best fits you, such as, When you become disabled. This will lead you to a page specifically geared toward acquiring the related benefits.

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  • United States Access Board

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    This Site Features: Español Medical Research Reports Publications

    The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for buildings, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training on those requirements and on accessible design and continues to enforce accessibility standards for federally-funded facilities.

    Where to Start:
    The Publications tab at the top of the page takes you to a list of useful resources that will help you get acquainted with some of the important disability-rights laws. Under the General section, select About the ABA and Other Disability Rights Laws. This page offers a quick reference and a basic introduction to accessibility regulations.

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