Disability Grants and Funding for New York Residents
Disability grants for New York residents are readily available from various sources. Many are applicable for buying new or used handicap equipment such as stair lifts, wheelchair platform lifts, curved stair lifts, ramps and more. The latter includes wheel chair accessible vans/vehicles 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 any handicapped mobility equipment or devices, the following disability grants for New York residents listed are a good 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; while others are willing and able to direct you toward sources of disability grants for which you or a family member may be eligible.
In addition, if you live in Albany or other New York location, 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.
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 accessible vehicle, 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
accesadm@mail.nysed.gov
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 regarding assistance with mobiliity needs funding.
100 Sylvan Parkway, Suite 400
Amherst, NY 14228
(716) 204-8606 ext. 20
http://www.upmc.com/Services/rehab/rehab-institute/services/cat/Pages/default.aspx
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.
https://washingtoncountyny.gov/148/Office-for-Aging?PREVIEW=YES&PREVIEW=YES&PREVIEW=YES
New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC)
The New York DDPC works to further the self-determination and full participation of state residents with a developmental disability. To this end, they assist such people and their families with acquiring the information, services, technologies and other support they require. You may qualify for a disability grant from the council.
99 Washington Avenue, 12th Floor, Suite 1230
Albany, New York 12210
(518) 486-7505 or (800) 395-3372
http://ddpc.ny.gov/
ddpc@ddpc.ny.gov
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
https://www.veterans.ny.gov/
DVAInfo@veterans.ny.gov
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
Northeast Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Among the National Network of ADA Centers, the Northeast branch serves persons with disabilities residing in New York state. It is one of the single best resources for information and assistance. Get in touch to learn about many disability grants for which you may qualify that can be put toward your wheelchair accessible vehicle, accessibility equipment or other modifications.
Employment and Disability Institute
Cornell University
ILR School
201 Dolgen Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-6686 or (800) 949-4232
http://www.northeastada.org/
northeastada@cornell.edu
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), New York State
The State of New York’s OTDA provides financial assistance and a variety of other services to people with disabilities. It is also a good place to check in with to find other sources of funding if you’re trying to buy or lease a wheelchair accessible vehicle or to have accessibility conversions installed in your current vehicle.
40 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12243
(518) 473-1090
https://otda.ny.gov/
nyspio@otda.ny.gov
New York Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in New York and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in New York, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.