Accessibility Assistance
Access Advocates – NV
A team of architects, engineers, and technicians who specialize in providing knowledge of the ADA law and making non-compliant buildings ADA compliant in Nevada. Their services include providing plan checks and audits, as well as serving as an expert witness in ADA compliant cases. Contact them at 702-649-7575 or email hello@accessadvocates.com.
Books, Magazines & Newsletters
New Mobility – magazine for active wheelchair users
Sports N’ Spokes – magazine for wheelchair sports and recreation
PN Magazine – online magazine for better wheelchair living
A Redefined Life – by Ashlee Lundvall, redefining life’s challenges after a paralyzing ranch accident
Dead 13 Times – by Cam Tribolet, a true story of perseverance & hope from an amputee
Guide Dogs and Guns – by Carey McWilliams, America’s first blind marksman fires back
Caregiver and Personal Aide Networks
Care.com
A website created to make it easier to find quality caregivers. This site covers worldwide, although there may be locations that fewer results will be given based on awareness of its existence. They offer child, adult & senior care in the areas of companion care, personal care, dementia & Alzheimer’s care, as well as housekeeping, pet sitting & errands.
Funding & Development Support
Action Mobility Foundation
A non-profit that provides grants to partially fund the purchase of the Action Trackchair and the Action Trackstander for individuals who have limited mobility and financial needs. Call 507-337-2419 or email info@actionmobilityfoundation.org.
America’s Fund
Provides family support grants to injured and critically ill veterans of all branches of the US Military and their families during long hospitalization or rehabilitation stays. Assistance available for adaptive equipment, adapted housing & transportation, education & career development, therapeutic furniture and therapeutic arts. Call 760-725-3680 or 760-207-1588.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Provides people with disabilities the support and opportunities necessary for pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. They provide grants for adaptive equipment, clinics for fitness training and building confidence, and mentorship to help guide challenged athletes to reach their goals. CAF also hosts challenging fundraising events. Call 858-866-0959 or email CAF@challengedathletes.org.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Dedicated to funding research for finding a cure for spinal cord injury, the Foundation also focuses on improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. Their site includes a Resource Center for finding information, resources, and referral services. They also have a grant program to assist non-profit organizations in acquiring adaptive equipment. Call 800-225-0292.
Colorado Adaptive Sports Foundation – CO
Serving athletes of all ages in Colorado who live with a physical disability. They provide financial support, coaching, mentoring and organizational support to individuals wanting to participate in organized team sports programs. Current programs include sled hockey, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball, and wheelchair tennis. Assist with development at all levels from basic instruction to high level competition including Paralympic level. Contact Corey Fairbanks at 303-523-8160 or corey@coloradoadaptivesports.org.
High Fives Foundation
Their Empowerment Fund provides financial help to those who suffering from a life-altering injury when insurance fails to come through. Grant funds paid to service providers for living expenses, insurance, health, travel, High Fives Healing Network, adaptive equipment, and winter equipment. Call (530) 562-4270 or email info@highfivesfoundation.com.
IM ABLE Foundation – PA, NJ, MD, DE, and NY
Awards grants to individuals with a disability and to supportive organizations (especially 501 (c) (3) organizations). Provides hand cycles, adaptive skis, and instructional (on site) training programs. Primarily serve the Mid-Atlantic Region, however, they do review grants from outside this area for consideration. Call 1-800-732-0999 or email info@imablefoundation.org.
Independence Fund
Provides injured and wounded veterans with financial assistance for a variety of Mobility Equipment and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. They also offer peer support through a national Caregiver Program. Call 888-851-7996 or email info@independencefund.org.
Kelly Brush Foundation
Grants awarded for the purchase of adaptive equipment to individuals seeking an active lifestyle but have financial barriers. Types of equipment purchased include handcycles, monoskis, Nordic skis, sports chairs, racing chairs, off-road handcycles and more. Grants awarded spring and fall, nation-wide. Call (802) 846-5298 or email info@kellybrushfoundation.org.
PossAbilities
Grants are awarded through this outreach program of Loma Linda University Health for adaptive equipment, education, social outings, travel, or other disability related needs. Must have a permanent physical disability, be an active member of PossAbilities (do not have to live in CA), and show financial need. Also provided adaptive events, support, and resources. Call (909) 558-6384 or email possabilities@llu.edu.
Score (Spinal Cord Opportunities for Rehabilitation Endowment)
Provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs (not covered by insurance) to young athletes with a spinal cord injury. These costs may include medical co-payments, home modifications, and vehicle adaptations. Also provide resources to assist in achieving independent living. Peer mentoring and supporting spinal cord injury research is also part of their mission. Call (323) 655-8298 or email questions@scorefund.org.
Semper Fi Fund
Provides financial assistance and emotional support to post 9/11 injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Peer & Family Support, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Specialized Equipment, Education & Career Transitioning, and Rehabilitative Sports. Call 760-725-3680 or 760-207-1588.
Triumph Foundation
Provides care packages to new spinal cord injury patients. Have a number of programs to assist with financial and equipment needs including the Fundraising Partnership, Equipment & Supply Exchange Program, and the Keep Moving Forward Grant. For more info or to get an application, email info@triumph-foundation.org.
Informational Resources
There are many excellent websites dedicated to providing information on living with a disability or other related topics. Although similar, there is just too much information to be covered by one source. Find the sites that fit your needs and interests.
AbleThrive
Addiction Resource
Christopher & Diana Reeve Foundation
SPINALpedia
Understanding a Veteran with PTSD
Wheel:Life
Peer and Social Support
Backbones
Founded in 2009 as a place for people with spinal cord injuries & similar disabilities to connect with others for the purpose of sharing ideas, offering support and developing friendships. Connections are made through telephone, in-person, or web based interactions. Contact: 618-724-5484 or info@backbonesonline.com.
CareCure Community Forums
An online forum for people with Spinal Cord Injuries and related conditions. Over 70 forums with topics including day-to-day functioning, caregivers, adaptations, relationships, new therapies, advocacy, legislation, recreation, travel, pain, current research, literature…and much more. This is the place to share your experiences and to get questions answered from individuals who can relate to the SCI lifestyle.
We Connect Now
Created in 2008 through a grant. Designed to connect and integrate college students with disabilities as a virtual community. Emphasis is on issues around higher education and employment. This website has been used as a resource by institutions of higher learning & linked to by colleges, universities and groups serving people with disabilities in all of the United States and at least 10 foreign countries. Also on Facebook.
YouTube Informational Channels
Learn how other individuals go about doing daily living activities, travel, and work through various challenges.
Chris Colwell
Live To Roll
Living Able – Teaching Independence One Task at a Time
Mason Ellis – Living Life Just Like I Would’ve Able-Bodied
Miscellaneous
Adjustable Bed Buyer’s Guide
ConsumerAffairs developed an Adjustable Bed Buyers Guide with over 10,000 verified consumer reviews.
Gear Hunt
Find reviews on the most popular outdoor, survival, and hunting gear. Information provided not specifically related to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Fishing Tips Guru
Find reviews on fishing gear, fishing guides, and tips to help anglers of any skill level.