Grants exist to improve the quality of life for Americans with a disability.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 51 million Americans suffer from some type of disability. Of those, more than 32 million have a severe disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act website defines disabilities as "those that place substantial limitations on an individual's major life activities." As a result of the disability, an individual must be limited at least one area. Grants exist to enhance the lives of millions of Americans with an impairment.
Adapted Housing Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers grants specializing in needed home modifications for disabled American veterans. Available programs to provide a level of independence in the residence of a disabled veteran include the Specifically Adapted Housing Grant, the Special Home Adaptation Grant, and the Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grant. Funding may be used to make a home wheelchair-accessible or for improvements to needed lavatory and sanitary facilities. Disabled veterans may be eligible for an adaptive-living grant if they no longer have the use of arms or legs or have suffered loss of a limb. Disabled American service members may also qualify for funding if they have suffered severe burns or lost their eyesight.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420
1-800-827-1000
va.gov
Book Grants
The Library of Congress awards grants for books and other library services to the blind and other disabled Americans. Federal funding provides for books in Braille, cassette, CD, and other forms. To be considered for a grant, an applicant must provide proper documentation of the inability to read printed material. In most cases documentation will come from a medical professional or from a professional from a public or welfare agency. The Library of Congress website reports that in the fiscal year 2008, more than $75 million in grants were awarded to circulate more than 26 million titles produced in Braille or recorded media.
Library of Congress
1291 Taylor St. NW
Washington DC 20542
202-707-5100
loc.gov
Developmental Disabilities Basic Support and Advocacy Grants
Developmental Disabilities Basic Support and Advocacy Grants are available to state agencies through the Department of Health and Human Services. Funding provides basic support and advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities to lead independent and productive lives in their community. A developmental disability is a mental or physical impairment that appears before the age of 22 and requires an individual to need indefinite care. The grant also provides funds to defend the legal rights of individuals with a developmental disability.
Department of Health and Human Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW
Washington DC 20447
202-690-5982
acf.dhhs.gov
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