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
Travis Roy Foundation
The Travis Roy Foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries and promoting their independence and mobility through adaptive equipment grants. Their work aims to raise awareness of the effects of spinal cord injuries (SCI) and to find a cure through increased funding of research.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a grant from the Travis Roy Foundation, applicants must demonstrate a financial need for assistance and may be required to provide documentation. They must be a spinal cord injury survivor with paraplegia or quadriplegia caused by an accident. There is no age requirement.
During the application process, individuals must request a specific dollar amount and only one modification or one single piece of equipment. Requests for multiple items or “anything you can give” will not be considered.
In addition, applicants must wait at least one year before a new submission can be considered.
Types of Support
These grants, known as Quality of Life grants, help pay for the adaptive equipment needed to address the daily challenges people with SCIs face. Recipients of the grant can upgrade and maintain a wheelchair and computer. Vehicle and small home modifications such as a ramp or lift may also be provided. Grants, on average, range from $2,000 to $5,000 and there is no minimum amount.
Apply
Download the Travis Roy Foundation Grant Application here to begin.
Once completed, mail the application to:
Travis Roy Foundation
101 Huntington Avenue, Suite 520
Boston, MA 02199
It is important to understand that to be considered for a grant, applicants must submit estimates for the cost of equipment or modifications requested from at least two potential suppliers. Be sure to include the name, address, contact information and price quoted in the application.
Learn More: Visit the Travis Roy Foundation to for more information.
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
- Accessibility Room by Room: This PowerPoint and recording addresses the accessibility challenges of people living with MS at home.