Information about Disability
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 person with a disability is important and we have providing some information about the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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
- ADA Guidelines: U. S. Access Board
- Education: U.S. Department of Education
- Employment: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Health Care: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Labor: U.S. Department of Labor
- Telephone Relay Service: Federal Communications Commission
Assisted Living
- Find Assisted Living resources on our Caregiver Resources page.
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
- BenefitsCheckUp
Developed by the National Council on Aging, this site connects older adults with information about a wide range of benefits programs, including assistance with prescription drugs, health care, rent, utilities, transportation and more.
- Disability.gov
A federal website providing quick and easy access to information and resources designed to help people with disabilities lead full and independent lives.
- Find Social Security Offices
Find your local social security office
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
An agency of the U.S. Department of Labor and the site includes a ton of helpful information.
- Social Security Administration
The official website of the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI provides benefits to individuals with disabilities (and certain family members) who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Find the SSA office serving your area.
- SSDI Online Application
The website to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Supplemental Security Income
SSI pays benefits to adults with disabilities who have never worked and who have minimal financial assets. Find the SSA office serving your area.
- U.S. Administration on Aging
Administration for Community Living – Through its Eldercare Locator, this agency helps individuals find local resources that can help older people and their families access home and community-based services such as transportation, meals, home care, caregiver support services and much more.
Medical Benefits
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The official website for Medicare and Medicaid services.
- Department of Veteran Affairs
If you’re a U.S. military veteran, learn about medical benefits for which you may be eligible. Also, see more Veterans Resources here.
- Medicaid
State-administered programs designed to ensure that certain low-income individuals receive the health care they need. Each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility and covered benefits.
- Medicare.gov
The official U.S. site for people eligible for and/or covered by Medicare.
- Medicare Rights Center
A national, nonprofit organization working to help individuals navigate the complexities of Medicare through web-based education, Medicare counselors, e-newsletters and resource referrals.
- Medicare Savings Program
Learn about state programs that help Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources save money on Medicare premiums, deductibles and/or co-pays.
- State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
State offices provide information about choosing Medicare plans, understanding your Medicare bills, how to appeal Medicare decisions and more.
- State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAP)
Many states have SPAPs that help eligible individuals pay for prescription medications based on financial need, age or medical condition. Each SPAP establishes its own eligibility and coverage criteria. To learn about the SPAP in your state, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Information about Fire Safety
Transportation
- 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.
Looking for Support?
Check out a listing we have compiled of Myositis, and related, Facebook support groups.
MSU provides groups for patients, family members, friends, caregivers, and care partners.
Join an online support group today and get the best support, education, and tools you deserve.
Additional Disability Resources
- ABLE Act (financial savings)- http://cqrcengage.com/mda/ableact
- ABLE Act Resources- http://ablenrc.org/resources
- Traveling with a Disability – https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/disabilities.html
- How to successfully file for disability View PDF
- Your Complete Guide to Disability Benefits – View article
- Social Security Compassionate Allowances – View article
- Social Security Disability Grid Rules by Age – View article
- A guide to SSDI – http://www.thesimpledollar.com/disability-benefits-guide/
- Ultimate Social Security Disability Guide – View guide
- Disability Employment – https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/
- Small Business Assoc., Disability – https://www.sba.gov/content/people-with-disabilities
- Assistive Tech – http://assistivetech.net/
- Job Accommodation Network – http://askjan.org/
- Home Health Care – http://www.homehealthcareagencies.com/
- Council for Disability Awareness – http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/
- Women with Disabilities – http://womenshealth.gov/
- Voting, Disable Access- https://www.usa.gov/features/usagovs-guide-for-voters-with-a-disability
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