Mobility beyond the wheelchair is out there, but so often, it’s out
of reach financially for individuals with disabilities who have spent
thousands on medical care. There are several avenues that lead to funds
for a wheelchair accessible vehicle or adaptive equipment for driving,
like loans, government assistance, mobility rebates and grants. So
what’s great about grants?
Grant money doesn’t need to be repaid, which makes it especially
attractive. What’s more, grant opportunities are plentiful; relevant
grant-making organizations and foundations will supply partial or
complete funding on wheelchair accessible vans for sale or assistive
equipment; and you can combine funds from several sources to purchase
the freedom and independence an accessible vehicle provides. Obtaining a
grant to fund an accessible vehicle requires patience, perseverance and
a detailed application process. Though it sounds daunting, these tips
will help you navigate the process:
Grant providers don’t work in your time frame. They process thousands
of applications just like yours, so you may wait longer than you’d like
for a response. Expressing your aggravation to the grant provider might
be counterproductive. Lowering your expectations will also
lower your level of frustration during your quest for grant money. If
you’re prepared for progress to move slowly, you’ll be thrilled if it
takes less time than you expect.
- Be Prepared with Necessary Information
With the likelihood you’ll want to apply to several granting
institutions, it simply makes sense to have your basic information
gathered and quickly accessible, so you can begin filling out an
application as soon as you’ve identified another potential grant
opportunity. Though the requirements on grant applications vary, you’ll
need personal information on all of them, such as your Social Security
Number, driver’s license number (if you have one), marital status,
financial information and personal background details. It’s all about
expediting the application process on your end. Keep in mind that
funding organizations have different policies and requirements, so
you’ll need to be flexible.
- Line up Medical Records and References
Granting institutions will want to see your medical records. Your
physician can provide you with a copy. Some physicians prefer to send
your records directly to the granting institution. Either way, be sure
your physician understands why you need your medical records. While
you’re at it, ask your physician to write a letter of recommendation.
It’s not necessary, but a letter from your physician, written on
letterhead stationery, can often be helpful when applying for a grant.
Ask that the letter be addressed to a generic individual (“Dear Sir or
Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”), so you can include a copy with each
application.
Now’s the time to get references to support your efforts – ask close
friends, neighbors, colleagues, church members and anyone who you
believe will provide convincing, compelling input about your character
and disability. Funding organizations want their personal perspective
about your accomplishments, your attitude and how you manage your
disability on a daily basis. Your references can also comment on how
grant money to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle would improve your
present lifestyle.
Your mission is to help the funding organization understand your
personal history, your challenges and the impact any hardships have had
on your life. Be honest and persuasive in telling your story to the
grant provider (including an articulate, straightforward narrative, 1-2
pages in length), describing your plans for the funding and its
potential positive effect on your future. Focus on setting yourself
apart from other applicants with an emotional, inspiring account. You’re
in competition for a limited amount of money, so this is important.
- Research and Identify Appropriate Granting Institutions
You
now have the necessary documents and backing to begin applying for
grants. Start your research with these handicap van grants,
sorted by location, medical need, veterans, special needs children and
others to find one or more grants for your specific situation. If you
search the Internet, use “disability grant providers,” “disability
grants” and other relevant keyword phrases to find foundations and
organizations. If you’re a disabled veteran, check with the Veterans
Administration. Remember, you can combine sources to amass as much money
as possible for your wheelchair van or adaptive equipment.
Organizations that support specific conditions often provide grants
to people living with that disorder. Examples include United Cerebral
Palsy, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Muscular
Dystrophy Association (MDA).
When you’ve identified a potential granting organization, read their
mission statement and get an application form. Craft a cover letter in
which you align your needs with the organization’s goals to demonstrate
how you can help achieve the provider’s objectives. This is essential
information for the funding organization.
- Contact the Grant Providers
If at all possible, speak or write to the person in charge when you
begin the application process to fund your handicap van. Typically,
assistance programs will assign a project officer or contact person to
help you through the details. Always be polite and thank them for their
time. Through this direct line of communication, you can have your
questions and concerns addressed. Get a contact name, phone number and
email address for every organization to obtain status updates on your
application. Request information on their timeline for choosing a
candidate for the funding opportunity.
With multiple applications at different stages in the process, it’s
essential to keep track of your documents and deadlines. You should be
able to put your hands on documents and paperwork at any given moment.
Devise a system to remind yourself of important dates and deadlines, and
be sure everything is submitted on time. Stand out from other
applicants by demonstrating your desire to earn their financial
assistance – meet all deadlines and stay up-to-date on the status of
your applications.
Keep copies of all of your applications (electronic or paper copies,
or both), and save any confirmation numbers or application numbers you
may receive in a safe, readily accessible place. You may be asked for
them at some point.
It may take time and effort to get the funding you need for a
wheelchair van or adaptive equipment, but it’s absolutely worth it to
gain the freedom and independence that can change your life.
