Disability Resources

Resources and information

There are a variety of resources and tools that can help myositis patients who are no longer able to work, able to work but require accommodations, need to file for Social Security Disability, and many others. Also, knowing your rights as a person with a disability is important and we have provided some information about The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Disability for some with myositis is the requirement of a mobility device such as a cane, walker, rollator, wheelchair, or power chair. Some may require a wheel-or-power chair at all times, while others may be “ambulatory” wheelchair users. No matter which, the resources for traveling with a disability are the same and we have provided resources below.

Others with myositis may require oxygen due to lung disease, medications, and medical supplies for feeding tubes.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.  View the ADA and amendments. 

ADA Agencies by Category

Assisted Living

Disability Rights

  • Administration for Children and Families

    An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF provides information about programs for people with disabilities, including education, energy assistance, health insurance for children and more.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Find information and technical assistance pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Government Benefits

Medical Benefits

Employment

  • Disability.gov

    Search for practical information about securing employment, job accommodations, employment rights of people with disabilities and more.

  • Job Accommodation Network

    A service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy that offers comprehensive resources for workplace accommodations.

  • Office of Disability Employment Policy

    An agency of the U.S. Department of Labor and the site includes a ton of helpful information.

Equipment Resources

  • Better Life Mobility

    How to choose a wheelchair, scooter, and home accessibility solutions.

  • ChairDex

    This is an independent website that offers information about types of wheelchairs, wheelchair maintenance and resources for those who use wheelchairs.

  • NMEDA

    NMEDA provides adaptive transportation solutions for you, your family and caregivers. NMEDA Dealer Members provide independence and the ability to get behind the wheel through mobile technology. With equipment installed by a dealer who participates in NMEDA’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP™), a wheelchair accessible or modified van, truck or car can provide the assurance you need to feel confident and secure on the road once more.

  • Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)

    Focused on technology and disability, RESNA promotes research and development of assistive technology, education, advocacy and the provision of assistive technology devices for people with disabilities.

  • Wheelchair Net

    Created by the RERC on Wheeled Mobility at the University of Pittsburgh, this site contains a lot of information about purchasing and using a wheelchair.

Independent Living

  • Centers for Independent Living

    Private, nonprofit agencies offering services aimed at maximizing the independence of people with disabilities. Services vary by location, but often include independent living skills training, as well as information and referrals.

  • National Council on Independent Living

    NCIL advances independent living and rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy. NCIL’s website contains a wide range of helpful resources.

Safety for the disabled

Transportation

  • Air Carrier Access Act (Summary)

    The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel and requires air carriers to accommodate the needs of passengers with disabilities. There are also many other resources on the website this link takes you to.

  • Air Travelers Hotline

    Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide general information about rights of air travelers with disabilities and assist air travelers with disability-related issues.

  • Department of Motor Vehicles

    Contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a permit to park in designated accessible parking spots, which will help you avoid fatigue from having to traverse long distances in parking lots.

  • Easter Seals Project ACTION

    Project ACTION was created to promote universal access to transportation for people with disabilities under federal law and beyond by partnering with transportation providers, the disability community and others through the provision of training, technical assistance, applied research, outreach, and communication.

  • Transportation Security Administration

    Learn about air travel security procedures for people with disabilities and medical conditions.

  • Traveling with Disabilities

    Learn about international travel with a disability from the U.S. Department of State.

  • Traveling with Oxygen

    Some helpful websites about traveling with oxygen.

    FAA Portable Oxygen

    Rules for Traveling With Oxygen on Airplanes

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Additional Disability Resources

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