How To Get Funding for YOUR Home Stair Lift, Wheelchair Or Other Disabled Home Modifications
In Virginia, there is the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA), whose purpose is to finance loans for stair lifts, wheelchairs, and home modifications for the disabled.
It was created in 1995 in Virginia on the recommendations of the Disability Commission. More information on the End Dependence Centre of Virginia can be found at www.ecnv.org. They are a typical state wide organization involved in advocating the rights of the disabled and their full use of their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
The End Dependence Centre of Virginia (EDCV) work on developing public-private funding and partnership to get people who are in dire need, using stair lifts, wheel chairs, and home modification, as this is the private part of the more public package to enhancing the rights and mobility of the disabled.
At an event of theirs planned for late June they will discuss what happens and what measures can protect the disabled in the event of major emergencies. Such events include the Katrina Hurricane disaster, which took over 1,500 lives, and less deadly but also traumatic events like the Spring 2006 floods in New England.
They also have smaller regular support group meetings. The interesting thing is the social aspect of preparedness, training and the use and development of infrastructure. Outside of looking for grants and loans to build stair lifts, buy scooters and construct grab rods in peoples homes, is the necessity to train people to function at the highest level possible.
So for example this group conducts workshops for the disabled on how to operate and what infrastructure they need to function in the kitchen, the bathroom and in the laundry.
Testing is essential
Also there is the need to review and test infrastructure built. Does the ramp for the public building accommodate the disabled, or is it too narrow to function properly? Computers also often have to be remade for the disabled to be used properly.
They may not be able to use a mouse, or in the case of the blind, may be forced to use it and respond to it totally verbally. Likewise in durable devices, while a sleek stair lift may function for the more agile disabled, even those who use wheel chairs, others may need an elevator, or a wheelchair lift.
More and more principles of design for the disabled and the frail elderly are being combined with general design principles in a theory of Universal Design, design for use by everyone.