Category Archives: VA Boston

Continental Army: Happy Birthday

Two hundred thirty-eight years ago, our nation’s leaders established the Continental Army, beginning a rich heritage of successfully defending this great country and her citizens. Today, we celebrate the continued strength, professionalism and bravery of our ready and resilient Soldiers in the all-volunteer force. Our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a lifelong commitment to our core values and beliefs. Following more than 12 years of war, the Army remains committed to the readiness, training and advancement of the Total Army through the Army initiatives: Ready and Resilient, The Army Profession and Soldier for Life!

 

Grants/Funds Available for People with Disabilities – By State

Grants/Funds Available for People with Disabilities – By State

Wheelchair Van Massachusetts VMi New England Toyota Sienna Northstar

Alabama
People with developmental disabilities and their families may apply for Short-Term Assistance & Referral Programs (STAR) to address short-term needs, maximum of $2,500 per recipient. Used for: environmental modifications, adaptive equipment; services such as behavioral training, personal care, medical appointments. It also offers an alternative loan program. Contact: Helen Baker, 334-293-7012.

Alaska
The state of Alaska provides Developmental Disabilities (DD) Mini-Grants, maximum of $2,500/year for beneficiaries with disabilities with funding from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA). Used for: unmet medical, dental, hearing, therapeutic equipment and services; home improvement needs. Contact: Amy Westfall, amyw@stonesoupgroup.org.

People with developmental disabilities and their families may apply for Short-Term Assistance & Referral Programs (STAR) to address short-term needs, maximum of $2,500 per recipient. Used for: environmental modifications, adaptive equipment; services such as behavioral training, personal care, medical appointments. It also offers an alternative loan program. Contact: Laurie Cooper, 907-465-3135,laurie.cooper@alaska.gov.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Alaska may provide funding for those living in Alaska. Contact: 907-562-7347.

Paralyzed Veterans Association (PVA) provides support to paralyzed veterans. Contact: Northwest Chapter of PVA, 800-336-9782.

Arizona
Arizona Loan$ for Assistive Technology (AzLAT) provides two financial loan programs for those with physical disabilities, AzLAT and S.E.E.D. Loan$ to support self-employed entrepreneurs with disabilities. Loans range from $500 to $10,000 Contact: Pamela Alcala, 602-776-4670, pamela.alcala@nau.edu.

The Arizona Technology Access  Program (AzTAP) provides a network for people with disabilities to find adapted equipment or assistive technology (AT) in the hands of someone who can benefit it. These are listed by individuals; some items are listed as free, others do have an associated cost.

Arkansas
Independent Choices focuses on helping adults with physical disabilities receive direct care in the home. They may provide funding support. Contact: 800-682-0044.

California
Access for Athletes – Challenged Athletes Foundation offers grants for athletes with physical disabilities. Grants are awarded to purchase equipment including sports wheelchairs, handcycles, mono skis and sports prosthetics. Contact: JulieAnne White, 858-210-3506, julieanne@challengedathletes.org.

Colorado
University of Colorado Denver services the AT Funding $ources website, which helps those with physical disabilities in Colorado find state and county funding opportunities. Searchable by age, disability, county and area of need. Contact: 800-255-3477, at@at-partners.org.

Connecticut
Assistive Technology Loan Programs provide low-interest loans for individuals with physical disabilities. The loan money can be used to purchase various equipment and technology, including mobility vehicles. Contact: 203-392-5799.

The Digital Federal Credit Union offers loans specifically for mobility vehicles and adaptive assistance. You must be a member of the credit union to apply and receive a loan. Contact: 508-263-6700.

The Obie Harrington Foundation offers resources to help people fund equipment, including adaptive equipment and home modifications. Contact: 888-265-5859.

Funds may also be available from the Connecticut Spinal Cord Injury Association. Contact: 203-284-1045.

The Connecticut Chapter of the National MS Society offers financial assistance for medical equipment, including auto modifications. Contact: 860-913-2550, programs@ctfightsMS.org.

Small grants are available for adaptive equipment from the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Contact: 860-633-4466.

The United Cerebral Palsy Association has three associations that may offer funding opportunities for those with cerebral palsy. UCP of Eastern Connecticut, 860-443-3800. UCP of Greater Hartford, 860-236-6201.UCP of Southern Connecticut, 203-269-3511.

Delaware
The Adam Taliaferro Foundation provides financial support to student-athletes who are injured in sanctioned team events. Contact: ostrumg@yahoo.com.

The Specialized Services Fund (SSF) from DSAAPD provides funding to help those with physical disabilities with the costs of transportation, home modification and AT devices. Maximum lifetime funds: $10,000. Contact: New Castle County, 302-453-3820; Kent & Sussex Counties, 302-424-7310.

District of Columbia
Assistive Technology Program offers various resources to help people with physical disabilities find technology to improve their quality of life. It includes funding opportunities as well as resources to find the right solutions. Contact: 202-547-0918.

Florida
The Millennium Angel Foundation provides grants to those who have a physical disability because of an accident. Contact: 800-573-8853, angelfoundation@msettlements.com.

Georgia
Tools for Life offers a variety of services to ensure those with physical disabilities have access to technology in their lives. Programs include demonstrations, funding opportunities, reuse program, evaluations and assessments. Contact: 404-638-0390, info@gatfl.org.

Hawaii
Assistive Technology Resource of Hawaii offers various resources to help people with physical disabilities find technology to improve their quality of life. It includes funding opportunities as well as resources to find the right solutions. Contact: 808-532-7110.

Idaho
Idaho Assistive Technology Project provides assistive technology resources for those with physical disabilities in Idaho. Resources include financing, exchange program and training. Contact: 208-885-6097,sueh@uidaho.edu.

The University of Idaho offers Operation Education for military veterans who have been disabled in service. It offers scholarships and funding opportunities for college. Contact: 208-885-9026,operationeducation@uidaho.edu.

The Arlen B. Crouch Foundation may offer funding for those with physical disabilities. Contact: 208-324-3117.

Illinois
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offers the Brighter Tomorrow Grant to provide goods/services to improve quality of life of those with disabilities. Max award of $1,000. Contact: 1-888-MSFOCUS.

Illinois’ Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers a scholarship for young adults with disabilities that wish to further their education after high school. Contact: 847-328-0127, mkbcfsf@aol.com.

Indiana
Indiana Assistive Technology Act provides alternate funding options for assistive technology equipment and services. In addition, the office provides device training and loans. Contact: 888-466-1314.

Iowa
In partnership with the University of Iowa, the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology offers funding, training and other programs to help those with physical disabilities obtain assistive technology equipment and services. Contact: 319-356-4463.

Kansas
The Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative (KATCO) is an organization run by consumers that coordinates and provides finances for the purchase of assistive technology services and equipment to help people with disabilities gain economic and functional independence. Contact: 866-465-2826.

Assistive Technology for Kansans provides financing options for assistive technology equipment. It also offers device training and “try out” programs. Contact: 800-KAN-DOIT.

Kentucky
The Kentucky Assistive Technology Service offers financing options for assistive technology equipment. It also offers device training and equipment loan programs. Contact: 502-429-4484.

The Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky offers financial programs and options for families of those and those with spina bifida. Contact: 502-637-7363.

Louisiana
The Louisiana Assistive Technology Network provides loans, funding opportunities, training and other programs to provide assistive technology equipment and services to those with physical disabilities. Contact: 225-925-9500.

Maine
Multiple Sclerosis Society – Maine Chapter provides funding for software, tools and durable medical equipment. Contact: 800-344-4867, info@msmaine.org.

Keep Seniors Home provides funding to help seniors with mobility issues as they age. Funding is available for home modifications and renovations. Contact: 207-645-3764.

Maryland
With the Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, the Jill Fox Memorial Fund provides a grant to help those with physical disabilities fund expenses. A referral is required. Contact: 410-727-4828 x322.

The Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation also provides funding for those with physical disabilities. Grants can be used for equipment purchase/repairs, respiratory devices, accessibility and vehicle modifications. Contact: 800-544-1213.

The United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland offers grants for those with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities. Average grant amount is $300. Contact: 410-574-7696 ext. 217.

Massachusetts
Travis Roy Foundation offers individual grants to help those with spinal cord injuries. The funds can be used to upgrade and maintain equipment, including vehicles. Contact: 617-619-8257.

MassMatch provides funding opportunities for assistive technology. It also offers programs including device training and equipment loans. Contact: 617-204-3851.

Michigan
The Michigan Assistive Technology Program provides training, funding opportunities and other programs to help those with physical disabilities obtain assistive technology equipment and services. Contact: 517-333-2477.

Minnesota
The STAR Program offers funding resources for those with physical disabilities to obtain assistive technology equipment and services. Contact: 651-201-2640.

Mississippi
The Mississippi Assistive Technology Division provides training, funding opportunities and other programs to help those with physical disabilities obtain assistive technology equipment and services. Contact: 800-443-1000.

Missouri
Missouri Assistive Technology provides funding opportunities, device loans and training programs for those with physical disabilities. Contact: 816-655-6700, moat1501@att.net.

Montana
MonTech provides funding opportunities, device loans and training programs for those with physical disabilities. Contact: 406-243-5751, montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu.

Nebraska 
Assistive Technology Partnership provides funding opportunities, device loans and training programs for those with physical disabilities. Contact: 888-806-6287.

Nevada
The Assistive Technology for Independent Living provides funding and resources for assistive technology equipment and services for those with physical disabilities. The organization offers other programs, including training. Contact: Northern Nevada, 775-353-3599; Southern Nevada, 702-333-1038.

New Hampshire
Assistive Technology in New Hampshire offers funding opportunities for those with physical disabilities. Funding can be used for assistive technology equipment, services, etc. It also offers training and other programs. Contact: 603-862-4320.

New Jersey
The Adam Taliaferro Foundation provides financial support to student-athletes who are injured in sanctioned team events. Contact: ostrumg@yahoo.com.

The Assistive Technology Center provides funding resources for those with physical disabilities who wish to obtain assistive technology equipment or services. Contact: 888-322-1918.

New Mexico
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program offers loans, donation programs, training and other resources to help those with physical disabilities. The program focuses on helping those with disabilities obtain the assistive technology they need. Contact: 505-425-3690.

New York
United Cerebral Palsy of New York may provide funding opportunities and resources for those with cerebral palsy. Contact: 877-UCP-CONNECT, ext. 720.

North Carolina
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program provides funding and training for assistive technology equipment and services. Contact: 919-850-2787.

North Dakota
North Dakota Association for the Disabled may provide funding for those with physical disabilities. Contact: 888-363-6323.

The North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 701-365-4728.

Ohio
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Ohio Buckeye Chapter may provide financial assistance and funding to those with multiple sclerosis. Contact: 800-344-4867.

Assistive Technology of Ohio offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 866-801-7306.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma Assistive Technology Center offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 405-271-3625.

Oregon
Assistive Technology offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 541-440-4791.

Incight Education offers a scholarship for those with disabilities. The scholarship is used for those who are full-time students at a trade school, college or university. Contact: 971-244-0305.

The Blanche Fischer Foundation provides grants to those with physical disabilities residing in the state of Oregon. To be considered, residents must show a financial need for funding relating directly to the disability. Grants can be used to pay for disability equipment, access ramps and transportation to related conferences.  Contact: 503-819-8205.

Mobility Unlimited helps those with physical disabilities obtain mobility equipment so they are able to live independently as well as maintain employment. Contact: 877-516-0605.

Pennsylvania
The Adam Taliaferro Foundation provides financial support to student-athletes who are injured in sanctioned team events. Contact: ostrumg@yahoo.com.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 484-674-0506.

Rhode Island
Assistive Technology Access Partnership offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact:requests@ors.ri.gov.

South Carolina
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 803-935-5263.

South Dakota
DakotaLink offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 803-645-0673.

Tennessee
United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee may provide funding for those with physical disabilities. Contact: 615-242-4091.

Tennessee Association for Assistive Technology offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: Ann Bird,abird@taat.org.

Texas
Texas Assistive Technology Network offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 713-744-6559.

Utah
Utah Assistive Technology Program offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 435-797-9032.

Vermont
Vermont Assistive Technology Program offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 802-241-1464.

The Northeast Disabled Athletic Association provides opportunities for those with disabilities to participate in sports. Funding may be available. Contact: 802-862-6322.

Virginia
Virginia Assistive Technology System offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 804-662-9990.

Washington
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 800-214-8731.

West Virginia
West Virginia Assistive Technology System offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 304-293-4692.

Wisconsin
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 608-758-6232, ext. 340.

The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation offers scholarships for individuals with neurological disabilities. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Wyoming
Daniel’s Fund offers scholarships to help individuals with disabilities fund college. Scholarship amounts vary. Contact: 307-673-1987.

WIND Assistive Technology Resources offers resources so people with disabilities are able to obtain assistive technology. The agency offers programs including funding and training. Contact: 888-989-9463.

Come visit with VMi New England tomorrow at the Veterans Inc. 8th Annual Stand Down

Come and learn more about wheelchair van’s, Free wheelchair van service (Service for those Who have Served) along with Operation Independence tomorrow at

Veterans Inc.
59 South St.
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
(800) 482-2565

Veterans Inc. has been serving Veterans and their families across America for 20 years, with an award-winning model that affirms dignity and re-establishes independence.

Their mission is to provide safe housing, hot meals, and a variety of services that address the causes of homelessness. We help veterans re-gain control of their lives and, ultimately, we save lives.

8th Veterans Inc Stand Down VMi New England

Service Provider Registration

More than 40 providers to participate: representing non-profits, for-profits, and government agencies offering veterans’ services, health & human services, and much more. Veterans at the event will be able to obtain FREE food, clothing, personal care items, haircuts, massages, acupuncture, counseling, legal services; and services and  advice related to employment & training, housing, healthcare, and a career fair  on Friday. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or VA card as proof of veteran status.

General Allison Hickey’s Visit to VMI

General Allison Hickey’s  Visit to VMI

VMI’s Operation Independence continues to gain momentum. Jeff Weston, VMI vice president of business development and a former US Army Captain has been establishing relationships and raising awareness with high ranking officials about the program. His effort recently resulted in a visit by retired Air Force Brigadier General Allison Hickey, the Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veteran Affairs, who was in the Phoenix area during a visit to the VA regional office there. 

Gen Hickey, Doug Eaton, Capt. Jeff Weston

Gen Hickey, Doug Eaton, Capt. Jeff Weston

Under Secretary Hickey oversees more than 20,000 employees in VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration, which is responsible for administering VA programs that provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Major benefits include veterans’ compensation, veterans’ pension, survivors’ benefits, rehabilitation and employment assistance, education assistance, home loan guaranties, and life insurance coverage.

General Hickey in the VMI Factory

General Hickey in the VMI Factory

Under Secretary Hickey toured our Phoenix factory on June 4 and met with the management team.  Veteran employees and customers joined Weston and the Under Secretary on a factory tour and then shared ideas in an open town hall format.    

General Hickey with VMI Veteran Employees and Customers

General Hickey with VMI Veteran Employees and Customers

“Even though we have provided more benefits to Veterans over the last three years than at any other time in our history, we’re transforming our processes to better deliver the benefits they’ve earned and deserve,” said Under Secretary Hickey. “I always enjoy visiting with fellow veterans and particularly like seeing what other organizations are doing to improve the lives of our veterans.”

Hal Wochholz, General Hickey and Mike West

Hal Wochholz, General Hickey and Mike West

Access, in all forms, is a priority at the VA because of the enormous impact on the life of a veteran. Mobility is critical for access to medical care and employment opportunities.

VMI continues to pioneer programs that improve the buying experience for customers and improve dealer profitability,” noted Weston. “Since my time in the military, I’m particularly interested in programs that benefit fellow veterans. During the meeting with Under Secretary Hickey, VMI pledged to support the goals of VA’s transformation by improving awareness of mobility benefits for veterans through Operation Independence.”

General Hickey and Hal Wochholz

General Hickey and Hal Wochholz

Weston is a graduate of West Point, as well as the Army’s Airborne, Air Assault and Helicopter Flight schools. He was one of the few dual rated pilots (helicopter and airplanes) in the Army.  After leaving the military, he helped companies nationwide develop and grow their sales strategies and teams.

General Hickey with VMI Employees/Veterans

General Hickey with VMI Employees/Veterans

“Raising veteran awareness of their benefits is a top objective of Operation Independence;” commented Weston. “By educating veterans and then working closely with VA, we can help expedite the delivery of the vans. VMI’s approach will result in a better life with greater job opportunities for our veterans, as well as better business processes for our dealers.”

VMI Honda Odyssey Patriot Edition Van

VMI Honda Odyssey Patriot Edition Van

VMi New England 
Mobility Center: Automotive Innovations
 · Where Everyday is an Ability Expo

Discover mobility solutions at VMi New England Where Everyday is an Ability Expo
The Community has spoken! Vmi New England is an Ability Expo everyday and the trusted source where people with disabilities (their families, seniors, vets, caregivers and healthcare professionals) gain knowledge and empowerment (along with having a little fun). For more than 25 years, Vmi New England and Automotive Innovations have provided an excellent forum for individuals to find quality disability products and services.

 Our goal for more than 25 years has been to reach out and enhance the lives of this Community and with our cutting-edge technologies, products and services we easily expand your possibilities and improve your day-to-day activities.


Events and Activities everyday at VMi New England make it a total Ability experience
There’s a lot going on at VMi New England every day.

Add some exciting new products to enhance your life! We showcase a wide range of mobility products that not only assist, but also give you the opportunity to try new things, expand your interests and discover ways to be more involved in the local Boston area.

FREE workshops!

Take advantage of Free Workshops that focus on everything from tips for traveling with a disability and eye gaze technology to the steps for getting the best accessible vehicle. Discover how a positive attitude really can enhance your life and learn how to advocate for what you need, from the best wheelchair, to accommodations at work and access to public places.

Workshops are FREE! All attendees are welcome – you don’t need to register or sign up in advance. Just arrive early to the workshop to make sure you can get a seat!

VMi New England Abilities Expo showcases essentials for seniors
Most seniors will tell you that they do not have a disability. They just need a little help every now and then. We get it and we can be that help.

VMi New England’s every day Abilities Expo approach has customized its vast offerings into a targeted list of equipment, workshops and activities geared toward anyone eligible for AARP.

VMi New England Assistive Technology Showroom: Interact with Tomorrow’s Technology Today
The assistive technology that innovators like Jim Sanders have devised to bridge the divide between ability and disability for more than 25 years is nothing short of amazing. We welcome you to visit our Assistive Technology Dealership in Bridgewater, MA, where products from the best companies and organizations are featured including the latest AT products for people of all ages with wide ranges of physical and sensory disabilities. You or your loved ones will have the unique opportunity to experience how these adaptive technologies can enhance day-to-day life.

Used fold out wheelchair ramp.

Pre-owned wheelchair vans available for immediate delivery.

''VMi New England's Indoor Showroom" 1000 Main Street Bridgewater MA 02324

”VMi New England’s Indoor Showroom”
1000 Main Street Bridgewater MA 02324

VMi New England Service Department

VMi New England Service Department

wheelchair van Hand controls for parapalegic wheelchair van honda

''VMi New England's Indoor Showroom" 1000 Main Street Bridgewater MA 02324

Located at 1000 Main Street in Bridgewater MA.

Inside Wheelchair Van