There are a few organizations that provide grants for home modifications for accessibility purposes. Typically, these grants and supports are available for people with a specific medical or disability situation.
Grant Options for Home Modifications
Spinal Cord Injury Association of Connecticut (SCIACT)
The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Connecticut (SCIACT), a chapter of United Spinal, is a group of individuals that join together with the hopes of improving the lives of people who have been affected by a spinal-related injury or disease in Connecticut.
SCIACT offers Connecticut residents with spinal cord injuries Quality of Life grants to meet a variety of needs, including some for home accessibility modifications.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a grant, applicants must be a resident of Connecticut and have a SCI. They will need a brief letter from their doctor or physical therapist detailing the injury and the resulting limitations.
Types of Support
Grants have been given to individuals for transportation needs, education expenses, wheelchair cushions, to help pay for some home and vehicle modifications and a variety of adaptive equipment/technology needs. Grants range from $250 to $500.
SCIACT also offers support groups, peer assistance for newly injured persons, and educational programs. The organization allows people with SCIs the opportunity to socialize, share experiences and provide assistance to others in similar situations.
Apply
Email the Connecticut Chapter at nsciact@gmail.org for an application.
Learn more: Visit the United Spinal Association, Connecticut Chapter website for information.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a non-profit national organization that advocates for research and services that help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families.
Their website offers a broad range of educational resources and tools and assistance to connect people with MS and their families with the support they need to live their best life. Subjects include guidance on how to manage the disease, advance care needs, maintaining personal health at a holistic level and more. There are also resources to get involved with fundraising, volunteer events and advocate for social and political change.
Types of Support
Visitors can access a range of tools for people with MS. These include:
- MS Navigators: These highly skilled professionals can help connect visitors with the right information, resources and supports they need. A Navigator can be contacted through online live chat, email or phone at 1-800-344-4867.
- Online MS Community: People with MS and family members can join a community of thousands to share experiences, access educational resources and connect with others.
- Peer Connections: People with MS can speak one-on-one with a trained peer support volunteer who can provide guidance and emotional support to help them navigate the challenges of MS.
- Edward M. Dowd Personal Advocate Program: This program’s goal is to increase independence and quality of life for people living with MS. Trained case management professionals help find sustainable solutions. To apply, speak with an MS Navigator, email or call the MS Society at 1-800-344-4867.
The MS Society also offers numerous resources to help people with MS make home modifications or access assistive technologies. Visit the Accessibility page for more information. Other resources include:
- Affordable Accessible Housing Guide: This guide is a practical tool to help families living with MS evaluate their housing needs and better understand the range of housing options that are available to them, from home modifications to rental assistance to assisted living.
- Housing challenges Q&A
