Most people with disabilities already know that they are considered to be legally disabilities. However, there are some people that may not even know that they too may be considered disabled. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is defined as a “mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities”. This may mean that a person cannot even dress himself.
Other impairments make it so that a person is unable to gain the employment needed to support him or herself. A physical impairment is physiological in nature; such as a cosmetic disfigurement. Physiological impairments may also include certain body systems (cardiovascular or neurological). Mental impairments are psychological or mental in nature; and may include mental retardation, emotional or mental illness.
In other words, you don’t have to have lost a limb to be considered disabled. The following are just some examples of disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Malnutrition, Angina, Hypertension, Epilepsy, Cancer, and many more disorders that may not be obvious disorders (or apparent to the public). Do your research if you are not sure whether or not you have a legal disability or not. When you have your answer, then you may begin to apply for any grants that are available to disabled individuals. Time is the key word in this situation. Applying for grants is easy but the time you will need to put into your research can be extensive. It may beneficial to purchase a reputable Grant Kit to help guide you in your search. This will cut out a great deal of confusion and time that can be associated with the entire grant process.
Once you know that you meet the legal definition of a disabled person, or a person with a disability (be it permanent or temporary), you should be aware that there are grants available to assist you with your needs. You may have already read or heard that it is rare that an individual actually receives a grant from the government and while that is true, the grant money can be obtained through private organizations or local state and government agencies. Before trying to obtain any of this grant money, understand that this category of grant can also be further narrowed down. For example: grants for disabled veterans, minorities, women, students, and so on. Know what grants may be applicable to you or your situation. If you are not sure, again, a kit may help narrow that down for you.
Once you know what category you fall into (such as Disabled Veteran), you may begin to research the types of assistance available to you. For example, if you are a disable veteran, did you know that you can go through the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain monies toward the purchase of an automobile? If you have a disability but would like to find employment, you may qualify for job/career training/placement at no cost. You may also qualify for assistance with your medical needs, purchase of food, Social Security, or other cash assistance. And, like other grant money, you never have to repay.
Be aware that while there are basic definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act, other institutions may utilize additional definitions. To obtain certain grant funds you may have to meet additional requirements under both the ADA and whichever institute from which you may be seeking assistance. Start the grant application process once you have done all your research, know which grants apply to you, and have any required medical documentation. As a person with a disability, there is a great deal available to you but it takes time. If you need a Grant Kit then get it. If you or a loved one is disabled you may have no clue all of the assistance that you may obtain. Consider the fact that the cost of living for disabled individuals may be much higher than the average person. The grant funds and assistance is there because you or your disabled loved one deserves it.
By: Bradley Barks
About Brad
Brad is our lead researcher and editor - he enjoys business, meditation, being active and always learning - his goal is to successfully help you research, find, secure, and enjoy grants and scholarships.
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