Veterans with Disabilities
Assistive Technology, Adaptive Equipment, Home Modifications
Assistive technology, adaptive equipment and home modifications are essential for people with certain types of disabilities. Assistive technology is a device used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person. Adaptive equipment and home modifications make it possible for a person to access and navigate their homes and community. This section lists organizations that provide services or funding to obtain assistive technology or modifications.
Adapted Housing Grants
There are several housing grants available through the Department of Veterans Affairs for constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home.
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: Provides funding to veterans or service members who have specific service-connected disabilities to build an adapted home or modify an existing home within a specified cost range.
- Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: Provides funding to veterans who are blind in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or who have the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow to modify an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The grant is limited to a certain amount of funding.
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant: Provides assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities or veterans with nonservice-connected disabilities for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a SHA or SAH grant.
- Temporary Residence Grant: Provides specially adapted housing grants to veterans with disabilities
and service members temporarily living in a home owned by a family member up to pre-determined amounts for either a SAH or SHA grant.
For more information: Specially Adapted Housing Program
Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants
Provides a grant through the US Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans and service members to purchase an automobile or other means of transportation if they have certain service-connected disabilities. This is a one-time payment for a pre-determined amount. Certain veterans who need to have a vehicle adapted due to their service-connected disability may qualify for the adaptive equipment grant. For more information: Fact Sheet: Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants (opens a Word document)
Clothing Allowance
Provides compensation for an annual clothing allowance for veterans who are entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability and who use prosthetic or orthopedic devices. The allowance also is available to any veteran whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages the veteran's outer garments. For more information, contact your nearest VA Regional Office. See also the application form: Application for Annual Clothing Allowance (PDF file)
Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Wounded Member Services Initiative
Provides services for assistive technology needs and support and accommodations during recovery and rehabilitation, transition, and employment for veterans with vision or hearing loss, dexterity impairments, upper-extremity amputees, communication and cognitive difficulties, and traumatic brain injury. For more information: CAP Wounded Service Members Initiative
Disability Rights Advocates for Technology
Works to increase access to, provision of, and funding for, assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to veterans with disabilities. Segs4Vets, a program of this organization, provides Segways to service members who have a service-related disability. For more information: Disability Rights Advocates for Technology
Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service
Provides prescribed prosthetic equipment, sensory aids, and devices to veterans with disabilities. For more information: Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service
Utility Assistance for Military Families in Ohio
Some Ohio utilities have plans that can assist families who lose an income because a member of their household is away on active duty and some have established special programs to assist military personnel. For more information: Utility Assistance for Military Families (PDF file)
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This page contains links to other resources that may be of assistance to people with disabilities. OLRS does not guarantee that the information provided within the destination link is accurate or right for the particular needs of the person. Once you follow a link away from the OLRS Web site, refer to that site's privacy policy and disclaimer statements.
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