I. Tips on Finding Funding
1.Identify exactly what you need in terms of equipment or money
2.Be aware of the type of equipment that you need as well as how much it costs
3.Put together a personal history that includes the following information:
4. Keep accurate records of important medical, employment, and educational documents
5. Keep track of all contacts, physicians, and therapist that you have used
6. Be persistent!
II. Questions to Ask Organizations that Offer Services
III. Sources I have found
1. Name of Organization: National Easter Seal Society Computer Assistant Technology Service
Contact Names and phone numbers: Bill Watson (312-726-6200), Sully Alvarado (312-667-8400), Sara Brewster (312-726-6200)
What they offer: This organization advises people on how to get loans for medical equipment and helps people with low income obtain the computer equipment they need. To receive assistance from them, you must complete an application and be approved.
2. Name of Organization: Department of Rehabilitation Services
Contact Names and phone numbers: Terri Lynn Fowler (410-333-6115)
What they offer: This source offers different things depending upon the person. To obtain help from them you must be working or trying to get back to work. It is necessary for a Therapist or Physician to initiate the application process by referring you to them.
3. Name of Organization: Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
Contact Names and phone numbers: Manuela Bechtel (856-488-4500 ex. 102)
What they offer: They offer a loan closet program for people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. You can initiate the application process by calling to request an application. You will also need to obtain a copy of your diagnosis from your doctor, as well as a copy of the insurance denial for the equipment that you needed. Once they receive your forms, you will receive the equipment as soon as they locate what you need.
4. Name of Organization: Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Contact Names and phone numbers: Derrick (800-441-7055)
What they offer: This foundation offers a loan closet program for people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. You can initiate contact with Derrick yourself (He was very helpful when I spoke with him over the phone).
5. Name of Organization: Muscular Dystrophy Association
Contact Names and phone numbers: Katie McGuire (410-494-7106 or 410-494-7072)
What they offer: The association funds up to $2,000 every 5 years for patients who need wheel chairs or braces. A statement of Diagnosis and reason for the specific type of equipment signed by a physician is necessary in order to receive help. Upon being approved, you will receive funds immediately. You must also be a U.S. citizen and be diagnosed with one of the following neuromuscular disorders:
6. Name of Organization: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Contact Names and phone numbers: Call 410-527-1770 and ask for the person who handles equipment
What they offer: This organization offers durable medical equipment for people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. You must be a member of the National MS Society and claim residency in the state of Maryland (excluding Prince George's and Montgomery Counties). You can initiate the referral to this organization and you must get a statement of what you need and why signed by your doctor. You also need to make three bids for the equipment that you need from three different vendors.
IV. Companies that Offer Special Car Adaptive Equipment Programs
1. Name of Organization: GM Assistance Center
Phone Number: 800-323-9935
What they provide: They will give you up to $1,000 to adapt your GM vehicle to your needs
2. Name of Organization: Chrysler Motors Physically-Challenged Assistance Program
Phone Number: 800-255-9877
What they provide: They will give you up to $500 to adapt your Chrysler Vehicle to your needs
3. Name of Organization: Volkswagen Mobility Access Program
Phone Number: 800-444-VWUS
What they provide: They will give you up to $1500 to adapt your Vanagon or Volkswagon Camper or up to $500 to adapt your Gulf, Jetta, or Passat to your needs.
V. Other Places to Check in Your Area
VI. Additional Resources
Links to Other Sites
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
Mutliple Sclerosis Foundation
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
Division of Rehabilitationn Services
Spinal Cord Injury Network International
