Government Assistance Programs

DisabilityInfo.gov is the federal government's one-stop Web site for people with disabilities, their families, employers, veterans, workforce professionals and many others. To support the goals of the New Freedom Initiative President George W. Bush directed federal agencies to create DisabilityInfo.gov in order to connect people with disabilities to the information and resources they need to actively participate in the workforce and in their communities.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays monthly checks to people who are 65 or older, or blind, or have a disability and who don't own much or have a lot of income. SSI isn't just for adults. Monthly checks can go to disabled and blind children, too.

• What is Supplemental Security Income?
• Benefits for Children with Disabilities
• SSI State Guides

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is the provision of services to enable individuals with disabilities to pursue meaningful careers and employment commensurate with their abilities and capabilities.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
• Rehabilitation Services Administration

Telecommunications Services Equipment Distribution Programs are organizations that assist consumers with disabilities locate and obtain telecommunications equipment. For some of the programs, service areas may cover an entire state. Others are smaller organizations whose service area may cover only a city or county. Many of these programs are financed through state funding while others receive money through grants or private sources.

• Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program Association:
  National association website with links to each state program
• Relay Services:
  Relay is for anyone who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, or speech disabled, and who uses a videophone, TTY/TDD, or standard telephone to communicate.

Deaf Assistance and Assistance for the Blind

There are numerous organizations that provide services to the deaf and blind community. Some of these associations are geared toward helping individuals obtain an independent lifestyle through education and workforce support. Other groups are focused on providing assistance for the deaf-blind in the form of a guide animal or even financial reimbursement for communication equipment. There are also numerous resources available online, as well as in local communities, for parents of children who are deaf or blind.

• National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness Geared toward children who are deaf-blind, along with their parents, the NCDB focuses on the needs and advocacy in the deaf-blind community.
• Deaf Services Center The Deaf Services Center is a community resource pertinent which presents a variety of resources including American Sign Language classes, a deaf equipment modification program and an advocacy support group.
• Hearing Loss Association of America A list of resources where the deaf or hard of hearing may be able to obtain financial assistance for hearing aids and other communication equipment.
• Dogs for the Deaf An organization that focuses on rehabilitating homeless dogs in a manner that allows them to assist the deaf community. These hearing dogs are able to let their owner know when the telephone is ringing, the security system has been tripped or even when a smoke alarm is going off.
• Beach Center on Disability The Beach Center on disability offers educational, therapeutic and other needs assistance to people who have lost their vision and/or hearing.
• American Association of the Deaf-Blind The AADB takes the time to search out service providers can make a difference in the life of a deaf-blind person. The service providers help the deaf blind to communicate their needs.
• American School for the Deaf The ASD concentrates on helping individuals who are in need of vocational, occupational and everyday living skills training. They also help with adjustments to independent living as well as offering employment assistance.
• Perkins School for the Blind Perkins offers a variety of services for a visually impaired as well as the deaf-blind. Educational programs, health care and even occupational assistive devices are among the list of services available.
•  The Guide Horse Foundation Guide horses are increasingly becoming a popular alternative to other animals. Their lifespan is much longer than a dog, so this makes it easier on the blind handler who will be able to maintain a long-term companionship with the guide animal.
• American Council of the Blind A comprehensive list of financial assistance resources for the blind.
• Baruch College Baruch College features a computer center where the blind and visually impaired receive personal training to enable them to independently use a computer.
• Braille through Remote Learning This program helps the blind, visually impaired and their families to learn Braille through a self study program at no charge.
• Deaf Blind A broad resource that includes information on equipment suppliers for the hearing impaired.
• Helen Keller National Center The HKNC encourages the deaf-blind to lead an independent life. They provide assistance by means of community information, vocational training, rehabilitation services and a list of available job opportunities.
• Better Hearing Institute A listing of financial assistance resources for deaf individuals need help with funding hearing aids, medical costs and other expenses which remain uncovered by insurance or due to a lack of income.