The upcoming New York Metro Abilities Expo in Edison, New Jersey on May 4-6 will be bigger and better than ever. With internationally known organizations and companies like—including NMEDA—you’ll find tons to wow about. But for people with disabilities and seniors, Abilities Expos offer much more. Read More →
Military service veterans who use wheelchairs don’t just watch sports – they’re part of the action! They enjoy competitive events like air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field events, handcycling, motorized wheelchair rallys, nine-ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. Read More →
Want to participate in a fast action sport? Try sledge hockey (also called sled hockey) – an exciting ice skating experience for people with disabilities. It’s growing in popularity with Americans with disabilities. In fact, every state has a sled team; and both the U.S. and Canada have national sled hockey teams that compete in international tournaments as well as the Paralympics. Read More →
Registration for the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, is now open through April 15, 2012. Scheduled for June 25-30 in Richmond, Virginia, this event offers sports to veterans with disabilities who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological diseases. Read More →
Veterans with disabilities know the special significance of Nov. 11—Veterans Day, which honors veterans of all wars for their patriotism and willingness to serve in the military and sacrifice for our country. One organization in particular—the Wounded Warrior Project—is very involved in raising awareness of our veterans’ needs.
The Wounded Warrior Project enlists the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, and provides unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.
Wounded Warriors include those with visible, physical injuries as well as invisible injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Wounded Warrior Project established Believe in Heroes™ as its signature campaign as an effort to rally Americans to put the Veteran back in Veterans Day. Read More →
As of May 2011, the Veterans Administration provides additional support for eligible post-9/11 veterans who receive care in a home setting from a primary caregiver, plus financial help to caregivers and respite and benefits payments. The stipends pay a monthly average of $1,600. Read More →
Veterans, did you know that the Veterans Administration will help you gain your mobility freedom and get back behind the wheel? The VA provides a one-time payment of up to $11,000 toward the purchase of an automobile if you have a service-connected loss or permanent loss: Read More →
Purchasing a wheelchair van or having your own vehicle modified for your disabilities is costly. To help our veterans and service members with disabilities, the Veterans Administration offers financial assistance to purchase a new or used vehicle and/or have a vehicle adapted. Read More →
Purchasing a wheelchair van or having your own vehicle modified for your disabilities is costly. To help our veterans and service members with disabilities, the Veterans Administration offers financial assistance to purchase a new or used vehicle and/or have a vehicle adapted.
To purchase a vehicle
A grant (up to $11,000) is available for those with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. These do not need to be repaid. In October of 2011, the grant will be increased to $18,000.
A veteran or service member must have one of the following disabilities to qualify:
You may only receive the vehicle grant once in your lifetime.
To have a vehicle adapted
The VA will also pay to have a vehicle adapted. Those qualified for the automobile grant, plus veterans or service members with ankylosis (immobility of the joint) of one or both knees or hips resulting from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated by active military service, may also qualify for the adaptive equipment grant.
Adaptive equipment includes, but is not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact your local VA medical center’s Prosthetic Dept. prior to purchasing any equipment.
This grant may be paid more than once.
This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!
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