Grants for Disabled People to Get Vehicles With Hand Controls

Automobiles of any make or model do not run cheap. When adding adaptive technology to a vehicle, such as hand controls, costs rise by $500 to $100,000, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. If a disabled person needs those adaptive technologies but cannot afford them, there are grants that she can apply for. These grants, offered by disability organizations, will pay for some or all of the cost of the modifications.

Blanche Fisher Foundation

• Blanche Fisher Foundation grants are restricted to residents of Oregon.

  Founded in 1981, the Blanche Fisher Foundation provides financial assistance through grants to help pay for disability aids. This grant is restricted to residents of Oregon. A person must also display a physical disability and financial need.

  A BFF grant will rarely pay for the disability aid's cost in its entirety. This serves two purposes; it promotes a sense of independence and allows funds to help others in need as well.

  Once you apply, allow a month for the organization to review your claim.

  Blanche Fisher Foundation
  1509 SW Sunset Blvd.
  Suite 1-B
  Portland, OR 97239
  513-819-8205
  bff.org

Travis Roy Foundation

• A spinal injury will require assistive walking eqipment such as a cane, walker or wheelchair.

  Founded in 1997, the Travis Roy Foundation awards grants to those affected by spinal cord injuries. The foundation gives grants to individuals to help pay the cost of adaptive technology and awards research grants to support scientific efforts to find a cure and improve rehabilitation efforts.

  These grants are only applicable to those residing in the United States. Be aware that grants are not meant for the purchase of vans, but will aid in the modification process.

  Travis Roy Foundation
  Attn: Brenda Taylor, Foundation Coordinator
  60 State Street, 8th Floor
  Boston, MA 02109
  617-619-8257
  www.travisroyfoundation.org

Veterans Benefits Association

• A soldier on active duty becomes a veteran after he or she has been discharged.

  If an injured serviceman or woman has been impaired in the use of hands, feet, hips, knees or other specific joints needed to drive properly and safely, those veterans are eligible for grants to assist in the modifications of a car or van. The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) will pay up to $11,000 to assist in the purchase and alteration of an automobile. Applications are accepted at regional offices or health care facilities associated with the VA.

  United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  800-827-100
  va.gov