Resource Guide: Home Accessibility Modifications
National Organizations and Programs
Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
- Website: https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory
- Phone: 1-713-520-0232
- Services:
* Free accessibility assessments
* Equipment loan programs
* Peer support
* Information and referral
* Independent living skills training
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
- Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov
- Phone: 1-800-677-1116
- Services:
* Home modification programs
* Financial assistance
* Resource connections
* Local contractor referrals
USDA Rural Development
- Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs
- Phone: 1-800-670-6553
- Services:
* Home repair loans and grants
* Rural housing assistance
* Technical assistance
Financial Assistance Programs
Home Improvement Loans and Grants
1. HUD Title 1 Property Improvement Loans
- Website: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/title/title-i
- Phone: 1-800-767-7468
- Maximum amount: $25,000 for single-family homes
- Terms: Up to 20 years
2. FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage
- Website: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k
- For: Major rehabilitation and repair
- Includes Purchase and renovation costs
Veterans Services
1. VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
- Website: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants
- Phone: 1-877-827-3702
- Maximum amount: Updated annually
- For Veterans with service-connected disabilities
2. HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) Grant
- Through the VA healthcare system
- For Medically necessary improvements
- Lifetime benefits up to $6,800
Equipment and Supplies
Medical Equipment Loan Closets
1. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Loan Program
- Website: https://www.nationalmssociety.org
- Phone: 1-800-344-4867
2. ALS Association Equipment Loan Program
- Website: https://www.als.org
- Phone: 1-800-782-4747
Discount Medical Supply Companies
1. Performance Health
- Website: https://www.performancehealth.com
- Phone: 1-800-323-5547
2. Allegro Medical
- Website: https://www.allegromedical.com
- Phone: 1-800-861-3211
Professional Services
Home Assessment Professionals
1. Occupational Therapists
- Find a therapist: https://www.aota.org/conference-events/otfind
- Specializing in home modifications
- Medicare may cover assessment
2. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS)
- Directory: https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialist-CAPS
- Phone: 1-800-368-5242
Contractors and Installers
1. National Association of Home Builders
- Website: https://www.nahb.org
- Find certified accessibility specialists
- Local contractor listings
2. National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers
- Website: https://www.nrrts.org
- Find certified equipment specialists
DIY Resources
Tool Lending Libraries
- Search local libraries
- Community tool banks
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Training Resources
1. Home Depot Workshops
- Website: https://www.homedepot.com/workshops
- Free in-store classes
- Online tutorials
2. Lowe's How-To Library
- Website: https://www.lowes.com/diy
- Project guides
- Video tutorials
Support Organizations
Disability-Specific Organizations
1. Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Website: https://pva.org
- Phone: 1-800-424-8200
- Architecture services
- Accessibility consulting
2. National Council on Independent Living
- Website: https://www.ncil.org
- Phone: 1-833-624-5468
- Advocacy
- Resource connection
Local Support Networks
1. Rebuilding Together
- Website: https://rebuildingtogether.org
- Phone: 1-800-473-4229
- Free home repairs for qualified homeowners
- Volunteer assistance
2. Habitat for Humanity
- Website: https://www.habitat.org
- Local chapter finder
- Home preservation program
- ReStore locations
Emergency Resources
24/7 Support Services
1. Local Emergency Home Repair Programs
- Contact your city/county housing department
- Emergency repair assistance
- Senior services
2. Area Agency on Aging Emergency Services
- Website: https://eldercare.acl.gov
- Phone: 1-800-677-1116
- Emergency response systems
- Crisis assistance
Legal Resources
Disability Rights Organizations
1. Disability Rights Legal Center
- Website: https://drlcenter.org
- Phone: 1-866-999-3752
2. National Disability Rights Network
- Website: https://www.ndrn.org
- Phone: 1-202-408-9514
Educational Resources
Online Learning Platforms
1. Universal Design Living Laboratory
- Website: https://www.udll.com
- Virtual tours
- Design concepts
- Case studies
- Best practices guide
2. AARP HomeFit Guide
- Website: https://www.aarp.org/homefit
- Free downloadable guides
- Room-by-room assessments
- Safety checklists
- Modification recommendations
Video Resources
1. AbleData's YouTube Channel
- Channel: youtube.com/abledata
- Product reviews
- Installation tutorials
- Technology demonstrations
- User testimonials
2. Home Modification Information Network
- Website: https://homemods.org
- Training videos
- Webinar archives
- Research publications
- Technical assistance
Product Research and Reviews
Accessibility Product Databases
1. AbleData
- Website: https://abledata.acl.gov
- Phone: 1-800-227-0216
- Product comparisons
- User reviews
- Manufacturer information
2. National Rehabilitation Information Center
- Website: https://www.naric.com
- Phone: 1-800-346-2742
- Research database
- Product information
- Technical assistance
Consumer Reviews
1. Assistive Technology Forums
- Website: https://www.atforums.com
- User experiences
- Product discussions
- DIY solutions
- Peer advice
2. Disability Equipment Reviews
- Website: https://www.disabilityequipmentreviews.org
- Independent reviews
- User ratings
- Cost comparisons
- Installation tips
Technology Resources
Smart Home Solutions
1. Smart Home America
- Website: https://www.smarthomeamerica.org
- Integration guides
- Product recommendations
- Installation support
- Training resources
2. Voice Control Systems
- Amazon Accessibility
* Website: https://www.amazon.com/accessibility
* Phone: 1-888-283-1678
- Google Accessibility
* Website: https://www.google.com/accessibility
* Support: accessibility@google.com
Assistive Technology Programs
1. State Tech Act Programs
- Website: https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram
- Device demonstrations
- Equipment loans
- Financial assistance
- Training programs
2. iCanConnect
- Website: https://www.icanconnect.org
- Phone: 1-800-825-4595
- Communication technology
- Installation support
- Training services
Insurance and Healthcare Resources
Medicare Coverage
1. Durable Medical Equipment Coverage
- Website: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
- Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE
- Coverage guidelines
- Provider directory
- Appeals process
2. Home Health Benefits
- Website: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Medical social services
Private Insurance Navigation
1. Patient Advocate Foundation
- Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org
- Phone: 1-800-532-5274
- Insurance assistance
- Appeals support
- Resource Directory
2. Healthcare Advocacy Organizations
- Website: https://www.advoconnection.com
- Professional advocates
- Insurance navigation
- Resource connections
Community Support Networks
Volunteer Organizations
1. Elder Helpers
- Website: https://www.elderhelpers.org
- Free service
- Background-checked volunteers
- Home assistance
2. Faith-Based Organizations
- Catholic Charities
* Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
* Local chapter finder
- Lutheran Services in America
* Website: https://www.lutheranservices.org
* Phone: 1-800-664-3848
Professional Associations
1. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- Website: https://www.nahb.org
- Phone: 1-800-368-5242
- Certified aging-in-place specialists
- Professional directory
- Educational resources
2. American Occupational Therapy Association
- Website: https://www.aota.org
- Phone: 1-301-652-6611
- Practitioner directory
- Home modification resources
- Research publications
Emergency Preparedness
Disability-Specific Emergency Planning
1. Ready.gov Disability Resources
- Website: https://www.ready.gov/disability
- Emergency kit checklists
- Communication plans
- Evacuation strategies
2. FEMA Office of Disability Integration
- Website: https://www.fema.gov/disability
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362
- Emergency preparedness guides
- Resource connections
Medical Alert Systems
1. National Organizations
- Life Alert
* Website: https://www.lifealert.com
* Phone: 1-800-360-0329
- Medical Guardian
* Website: https://www.medicalguardian.com
* Phone: 1-800-668-9200
*Note: All contact information should be verified before use. Programs, services, and contact details may change over time. This guide is updated regularly but should be used as a starting point for finding current assistance.*
