My mission is to advance the rights of all persons with disabilities.

Glossary of Housing Finance Terms

2011-11-10T10:01:00.001-08:00

Glossary Of Financing Terms

1. 203(b): FHA program which provides mortgage insurance to protect lenders from default; used to finance the purchase of new or existing one- to four family housing; characterized by low down payment, flexible qualifying guidelines, limited fees, and a limit on maximum loan amount.

2. 203(k): this FHA mortgage insurance program enables home buyers to finance both the purchase of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage loan.

A

3. Amenity: a feature of the home or property that serves as a benefit to the buyer but that is not necessary to its use; may be natural (like location, Woods, water) or man-made (like a swimming pool or garden).

4. Amortization: repayment of a mortgage loan through monthly installments of principal and interest; the monthly payment amount is based on a schedule that will allow you to own your home at the end of a specific time period (for example, 15 or 30 years)

5. Annual Percentage Rate (APR): calculated by using a standard formula, the APR shows the cost of a loan; expressed as a yearly interest rate, it includes the interest, points, mortgage insurance, and other fees associated with the loan.

6. Application: the first step in the official loan approval process; this form is used to record important information about the potential borrower necessary to the underwriting process.

7. Appraisal: a document that gives an estimate of a property's fair market value; an appraisal is generally required by a lender before loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property.

8. Appraiser: a qualified individual who uses his or her experience and knowledge to prepare the appraisal estimate.

9. ARM: Adjustable Rate Mortgage; a mortgage loan subject to changes in interest rates; when rates change, ARM monthly payments increase or decrease at intervals determined by the lender; the Change in monthly -payment amount, however, is usually subject to a Cap.

10. Assessor: a government official who is responsible for determining the value of a property for the purpose of taxation.

11. Assumable mortgage: a mortgage that can be transferred from a seller to a buyer; once the loan is assumed by the buyer the seller is no longer responsible for repaying it; there may be a fee and/or a credit package involved in the transfer of an assumable mortgage.

B

12. Balloon Mortgage: a mortgage that typically offers low rates for an initial period of time (usually 5, 7, or 10) years; after that time period elapses, the balance is due or is refinanced by the borrower.

13. Bankruptcy: a federal law Whereby a person's assets are turned over to a trustee and used to pay off outstanding debts; this usually occurs when someone owes more than they have the ability to repay.

14. Borrower: a person who has been approved to receive a loan and is then obligated to repay it and any additional fees according to the loan terms.

15. Building code: based on agreed upon safety standards within a specific area, a building code is a regulation that determines the design, construction, and materials used in building.

16. Budget: a detailed record of all income earned and spent during a specific period of time.

C

17. Cap: a limit, such as that placed on an adjustable rate mortgage, on how much a monthly payment or interest rate can increase or decrease.

18. Cash reserves: a cash amount sometimes required to be held in reserve in addition to the down payment and closing costs; the amount is determined by the lender.

19. Certificate of title: a document provided by a qualified source (such as a title company) that shows the property legally belongs to the current owner; before the title is transferred at closing, it should be clear and free of all liens or other claims.

20. Closing: also known as settlement, this is the time at which the property is formally sold and transferred from the seller to the buyer; it is at this time that the borrower takes on the loan obligation, pays all closing costs, and receives title from the seller.

21. Closing costs: customary costs above and beyond the sale price of the property that must be paid to cover the transfer of ownership at closing; these costs generally vary by geographic location and are typically detailed to the borrower after submission of a loan application.

22. Commission: an amount, usually a percentage of the property sales price, that is collected by a real estate professional as a fee for negotiating the transaction..

23. Condominium: a form of ownership in which individuals purchase and own a unit of housing in a multi-unit complex; the owner also shares financial responsibility for common areas.

24. Conventional loan: a private sector loan, one that is not guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government.

25. Cooperative (Co-op): residents purchase stock in a cooperative corporation that owns a structure; each stockholder is then entitled to live in a specific unit of the structure and is responsible for paying a portion of the loan.

26. Credit history: history of an individual's debt payment; lenders use this information to gouge a potential borrower's ability to repay a loan.

27. Credit report: a record that lists all past and present debts and the timeliness of their repayment; it documents an individual's credit history.

28. Credit bureau score: a number representing the possibility a borrower may default; it is based upon credit history and is used to determine ability to qualify for a mortgage loan.

D

29. Debt-to-income ratio: a comparison of gross income to housing and non-housing expenses; With the FHA, the-monthly mortgage payment should be no more than 29% of monthly gross income (before taxes) and the mortgage payment combined with non-housing debts should not exceed 41% of income.

30. Deed: the document that transfers ownership of a property.

31. Deed-in-lieu: to avoid foreclosure ("in lieu" of foreclosure), a deed is given to the lender to fulfill the obligation to repay the debt; this process doesn't allow the borrower to remain in the house but helps avoid the costs, time, and effort associated with foreclosure.

32. Default: the inability to pay monthly mortgage payments in a timely manner or to otherwise meet the mortgage terms.

33. Delinquency: failure of a borrower to make timely mortgage payments under a loan agreement.

34. Discount point: normally paid at closing and generally calculated to be equivalent to 1% of the total loan amount, discount points are paid to reduce the interest rate on a loan.

35. Down payment: the portion of a home's purchase price that is paid in cash and is not part of the mortgage loan.

E

Earnest money: money put down by a potential buyer to show that he or she is serious about purchasing the home; it becomes part of the down payment if the offer is accepted, is returned if the offer is rejected, or is forfeited if the buyer pulls out of the deal.

EEM: Energy Efficient Mortgage; an FHA program that helps home buyers save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy efficiency features to a new or existing home as part of the home purchase

Equity: an owner's financial interest in a property; calculated by subtracting the amount still owed on the mortgage loon(s)from the fair market value of the property.

Escrow account: a separate account into which the lender puts a portion of each monthly mortgage payment; an escrow account provides the funds needed for such expenses as property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, etc.
F

Fair Housing Act: a law that prohibits discrimination in all facets of the home buying process on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Fair market value: the hypothetical price that a willing buyer and seller will agree upon when they are acting freely, carefully, and with complete knowledge of the situation.

Fannie Mae: Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA); a federally-chartered enterprise owned by private stockholders that purchases residential mortgages and converts them into securities for sale to investors; by purchasing mortgages, Fannie Mae supplies funds that lenders may loan to potential home buyers.

FHA: Federal Housing Administration; established in 1934 to advance home ownership opportunities for all Americans; assists home buyers by providing mortgage insurance to lenders to cover most losses that may occur when a borrower defaults; this encourages lenders to make loans to borrowers who might not qualify for conventional mortgages.

Fixed-rate mortgage: a mortgage with payments that remain the same throughout the life of the loan because the interest rate and other terms are fixed and do not change.

Flood insurance: insurance that protects homeowners against losses from a flood; if a home is located in a flood plain, the lender will require flood insurance before approving a loan.

Foreclosure: a legal process in which mortgaged property is sold to pay the loan of the defaulting borrower.

Freddie Mac: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLM); a federally-chartered corporation that purchases residential mortgages, securitizes them, and sells them to investors; this provides lenders With funds for new home buyers.
G

Ginnie Mae: Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA); a government-owned corporation overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ginnie Mae pools FHA-insured and VA-guaranteed loans to back securities for private investment; as With Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the investment income provides funding that may then be lent to eligible borrowers by lenders.

Good faith estimate: an estimate of all closing fees including pre-paid and escrow items as well as lender charges; must be given to the borrower within three days after submission of a loan application.
H

HELP: Home buyer Education Learning Program; an educational program from the FHA that counsels people about the homebuying process; HELP covers topics like budgeting, finding a home, getting a loan, and home maintenance; in most cases, completion of the program may entitle the homebuyer to a reduced initial FHA mortgage insurance premium-from 2.25% to 1.75% of the home purchase price.

Home inspection: an examination of the structure and mechanical systems to determine a home's safety; makes the potential homebuyer aware of any repairs that may be needed.

Home warranty: offers protection for mechanical systems and attached appliances against unexpected repairs not covered by homeowner's insurance; ,overage extends over a specific time period and does not cover the home's structure.

Homeowner's insurance: an insurance policy that .combines protection against damage to a dwelling and Is contents with protection against claims of negligence )r inappropriate action that result in someone's injury or )property damage.

Housing counseling agency: provides counseling and assistance to individuals on a variety of issues, including loan default, fair housing, and homebuying.

HUD: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; established in 1965, HUD works to create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans; it does this by addressing housing needs, improving and developing American communities, and enforcing fair housing laws.

HUD1 Statement: also known as the "settlement sheet," it itemizes all closing costs; must be given to the borrower at or before closing.

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; a home's heating and cooling system.
I

Index: a measurement used by lenders to determine changes to the Interest rate charged on an adjustable rate mortgage.

Inflation: the number of dollars in circulation exceeds the amount of goods and services available for purchase; inflation results in a decrease in the dollar's value.

Interest: a fee charged for the use of money .

Interest rate: the amount of interest charged on a monthly loan payment; usually expressed as a percentage.

Insurance: protection against a specific loss over a period of time that is secured by the payment of a regularly scheduled premium.
J

Judgment: a legal decision; when requiring debt repayment, a judgment may include a property lien that secures the creditor's claim by providing a collateral source.
L

Lease purchase: assists low- to moderate-income homebuyers in purchasing a home by allowing them to lease a home with an option to buy; the rent payment is made up of the monthly rental payment plus an additional amount that is credited to an account for use as a down payment.

Lien: a legal claim against property that must be satisfied When the property is sold

Loan: money borrowed that is usually repaid with interest.

Loan fraud: purposely giving incorrect information on a loan application in order to better qualify for a loan; may result in civil liability or criminal penalties.

Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio: a percentage calculated by dividing the amount borrowed by the price or appraised value of the home to be purchased; the higher the LTV, the less cash a borrower is required to pay as down payment.

Lock-in: since interest rates can change frequently, many lenders offer an interest rate lock-in that guarantees a specific interest rate if the loan is closed within a specific time.

Loss mitigation: a process to avoid foreclosure; the lender tries to help a borrower who has been unable to make loan payments and is in danger of defaulting on his or her loan
M

Margin: an amount the lender adds to an index to determine the interest rate on an adjustable rate mortgage.

Mortgage: a lien on the property that secures the Promise to repay a loan.

Mortgage banker: a company that originates loans and resells them to secondary mortgage lenders like :Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Mortgage broker: a firm that originates and processes loans for a number of lenders.

Mortgage insurance: a policy that protects lenders against some or most of the losses that can occur when a borrower defaults on a mortgage loan; mortgage insurance is required primarily for borrowers with a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price.

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP): a monthly payment -usually part of the mortgage payment - paid by a borrower for mortgage insurance.

Mortgage Modification: a loss mitigation option that allows a borrower to refinance and/or extend the term of the mortgage loan and thus reduce the monthly payments.
O

Offer: indication by a potential buyer of a willingness to purchase a home at a specific price; generally put forth in writing.

Origination: the process of preparing, submitting, and evaluating a loan application; generally includes a credit check, verification of employment, and a property appraisal.

Origination fee: the charge for originating a loan; is usually calculated in the form of points and paid at closing.
P

Partial Claim: a loss mitigation option offered by the FHA that allows a borrower, with help from a lender, to get an interest-free loan from HUD to bring their mortgage payments up to date.

PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance - the four elements of a monthly mortgage payment; payments of principal and interest go directly towards repaying the loan while the portion that covers taxes and insurance (homeowner's and mortgage, if applicable) goes into an escrow account to cover the fees when they are due.

PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance; privately-owned companies that offer standard and special affordable mortgage insurance programs for qualified borrowers with down payments of less than 20% of a purchase price.

Pre-approve: lender commits to lend to a potential borrower; commitment remains as long as the borrower still meets the qualification requirements at the time of purchase.

Pre-foreclosure sale: allows a defaulting borrower to sell the mortgaged property to satisfy the loan and avoid foreclosure.

Pre-qualify: a lender informally determines the maximum amount an individual is eligible to borrow.

Premium: an amount paid on a regular schedule by a policyholder that maintains insurance coverage.

Prepayment: payment of the mortgage loan before the scheduled due date; may be Subject to a prepayment penalty.

Principal: the amount borrowed from a lender; doesn't include interest or additional fees.
R

Radon: a radioactive gas found in some homes that, if occurring in strong enough concentrations, can cause health problems.

Real estate agent: an individual who is licensed to negotiate and arrange real estate sales; works for a real estate broker.

REALTOR: a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, and its local and state associations.

Refinancing: paying off one loan by obtaining another; refinancing is generally done to secure better loan terms (like a lower interest rate).

Rehabilitation mortgage: a mortgage that covers the costs of rehabilitating (repairing or Improving) a property; some rehabilitation mortgages - like the FHA's 203(k) - allow a borrower to roll the costs of rehabilitation and home purchase into one mortgage loan.

RESPA: Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act; a law protecting consumers from abuses during the residential real estate purchase and loan process by requiring lenders to disclose all settlement costs, practices, and relationships
S

Settlement: another name for closing .

Special Forbearance: a loss mitigation option where the lender arranges a revised repayment plan for the borrower that may include a temporary reduction or suspension of monthly loan payments.

Subordinate: to place in a rank of lesser importance or to make one claim secondary to another.

Survey: a property diagram that indicates legal boundaries, easements, encroachments, rights of way, improvement locations, etc.

Sweat equity: using labor to build or improve a property as part of the down payment
T

Title 1: an FHA-insured loan that allows a borrower to make non-luxury improvements (like renovations or repairs) to their home; Title I loans less than $7,500 don't require a property lien.

Title insurance: insurance that protects the lender against any claims that arise from arguments about ownership of the property; also available for homebuyers.

Title search: a check of public records to be sure that the seller is the recognized owner of the real estate and that there are no unsettled liens or other claims against the property.

Truth-in-Lending: a federal law obligating a lender to give fuII written disclosure of aII fees, terms, and conditions associated with the loan initial period and then adjusts to another rate that lasts for the term of the loan.
U

Underwriting: the process of analyzing a loan application to determine the amount of risk involved in making the loan; it includes a review of the potential borrower's credit history and a judgment of the property value.
V

VA: Department of Veterans Affairs: a federal agency which guarantees loans made to veterans; similar to mortgage insurance, a loan guarantee protects lenders against loss that may result from a borrower default.

Sell Hair..

2011-10-18T13:10:00.001-07:00

I decided to research and write this page on selling hair after reading about hair thefts around the country. That's right, the news magazine This Week reported in May 2011 that a thief in Houston stole $150,000 worth of human hair from a salon that does extensions and make wigs. He took a couple big bags of "Remy" hair, which is the most durable and silky kind and typically comes from women in India. Apparently this is becoming more common. Recent thefts include $10,000 worth from a San Diego salon, $85,00 worth in Missouri City, Texas, and hair valued at $60,000 San Leandro, CA. A theft in Dearborn Michigan resulted in the owner of the beauty supply store being killed.

Obviously there is money in that pony tail - if you have one. How do you cash in? There are a couple ways, and you'll find two resource below. One is a company that directly buys your hair, but you are likely to make more if you list it for sale on a site where people bid on it. You can see what your type of hair is worth by browsing through the listings to find those that are most similar. There are all sorts of factors that influence price. It is better if you have never dyed it, don't wash it too often, keep it covered, and so on. Some sellers even list the vitamins they take.

Now for the bad news. You will generally need to have ten inches of hair to get any decent price, and it can take almost two years to grow that much, so you won't be able to cash in too often. Of course growing hair is not difficult work, but obviously selling your hair is not going to be a regular income source. It is just a quick way to raise some money if you are willing to chop off that ponytail. And as one writer on the subject says, it is "less painful than selling any other body part."

How Much Money Can You Make?

What is referred to as "virgin hair" (no chemical treatment) is the most valuable. Longer hair gets more of course, as does hair that has some natural shine to it. Younger might be better, but in looking at the listings for sale on one website, I did see this: 17" mostly pepper, little salt, European hair, weighs 5 ounces; virgin hair – never colored, last perm done when 16, now 60! She was asking $681.

In looking at websites direct buyers it became apparent that the higher prices are found on the sites where you accept bids. One company paid just $10 per ounce for hair, for example, which would make the woman's hair mentioned above worth just $50.

Some other listings I found included:

10-12 inches dark brown; $600
12" thick, dark blond, Scandinavian; $1,000
15 inches wavy brown, healthy lifestyle and diet; minimum bid $750

Ways to Make More | Related Opportunities | Tips

Well, you could convince your friend with the long blond pony tail that she would look better with short hair, then buy the hair from her for $50 to resell for $1,000. If you have a few friends with long hair you might have a temporary business doing this! If you know someone who works at a beauty salon you might make a deal to buy any long hair cut off.

Qualifications / Requirements

Hair.

Instructions

Grow your hair. Take photos. Cut it off. Sell it.

Resources

http://www.bloombrook.com - This is an example of company that buys hair directly. This one prefers that it be at least 12 inches and "has not been dyed or permed."

http://www.hairwork.com - You'll almost certainly make more money selling hair on listing or auction sites like this.

Dan Kennedy's Gamechanger DNA Contest

2011-09-21T23:33:00.001-07:00

Wise Words...

2011-08-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

A few hundred years ago, there was a very learned scholar , who was also famous for his great character.One day an acquaintance met the great scholar and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?””Hold on a minute,” the scholar replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.””Triple filter?””That’s right,” the scholar continued. “Before you talk to me about my friend it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say.That’s why I call it the triple filter test.The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?””No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and..””All right,” said the scholar. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not.Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?””No, on the contrary…””So,” the scholar continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left: the filter of usefulness.Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?””No, not really.””Well,” concluded the scholar, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”Dear Reader, how many times do we come across these kind of situations. Share your experiences on how to avoid such kind of evil talks like backbiting & gossip.8,789 Words of Wisdom

In other words...

2011-08-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few words or phrases that may not be getting you the results you want, and some possibly more productive alternatives. They are just to get you thinking. Use them if they make sense for you, but experiment with your own alternatives as well, always thinking in terms of the goal, and which words are most likely to help achieve it.
"I can't..." Possible replacements: "I can..." or "I choose not to right now.."
"It's always the same..." Possible replacement: "Sometimes this happens..."
"I always do that... Possible replacement: "Sometimes I make this mistake..."
"It's so overwhelming..." Possible replacement: "I am busy with many goals..."
"I have to..." Possible replacement: "I choose to..."
That last one reminds you to accept responsibility for your actions, and so you either reaffirm them, or you change them. Either way it can prevent you from thinking that others or the "situation" forces you to do things - a very negative and unproductive belief. Find areas like this where your beliefs or repeated statements are getting in the way of your success, and start finding better words.
You'll notice that "never," and "always" commonly show up in phrases that are counter-productive. These can be powerful demotivators. "I always screw up," or "This never works for me," are not likely to help you get results that you want. Avoid this kind of over-generalizing, unless it is more like, "I always find a way to achieve my goals." In other words, start using other words.

Self CPR

2011-08-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Pay Attention ~~This could save your life, or the life of a loved one!

Let's say it's 6:15 p.m. And you're driving home
(alone of course), after an usually hard day on the job.
You're really tired, upset and frustrated.
Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain
In your chest that starts to radiate out
Into your arm and up into your jaw.
You are only about five miles from the hospital
Nearest your home.
Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be
Able to make it that far.
What can you do?
You've been trained in CPR
But the guy that taught the course didn't tell
You what to do if it happened to yourself.

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this article seemed to be in order.
Without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint,
Has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.
However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.
A deep breath should be taken before each
Cough, and the cough must be deep
And prolonged, as when producing sputum
From deep inside the chest.
A breath and a cough must be repeated
About every two seconds without let up
Until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and
Keep the blood circulating.
The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.
Tell as many other people as possible about this, it could save their lives!
From Health Cares, Rochester General Hospital via Chapter 240s newsletter
'AND THE BEAT GOES ON '
(reprint from The Mended Hearts, Inc. Publication, Heart Response)

Home Based Business Search Terms

2011-08-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

Smart Google Search Phrases
While "work at home" is a common "hook" for scammers, "this is a work at home position" is more "natural" to the phrasing used in legitimate work ads. Bottom line, there are far fewer legitimate home-based jobs than there are scams, and using the right search terms is a great way to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Bear in mind that these good terms will help to weed out the scams, but some will still slip through. Likewise, not all hits on a bad search term are scams. Use your common sense when assessing any job listing.

"This is a telecommuting position"
"this is a remote position"
"this home-based position"
"must have home office"
"must have a home office set-up"
"must have a home office set up"
"must have quiet home office"
"Must have your own PC"
"1099 position"
"this is a 1099 position"
"independent contractor position"
"virtual office arrangement"
"remote contractor"
"will have the option to work from home"
"off-site position"
"qualified individual will work from home"
"must be willing to work from home"
"remote work"
“remote workers”
“virtual company”
“virtual office”
"this is a freelance position"
“contract worker”
"must have high-speed Internet"
"this is a telecommuting position"
"this is a work from home position"
"this is a home-based position"
"must have DSL"
"contract freelance"
"we are seeking a freelance"
"may work from anywhere"
"may work from anywhere in the world"
"may work from anywhere in the US"
"work from anywhere in the United States"
"can work from anywhere in the United States"
"may work from anywhere in the country"
"virtual company" + "will work from home"
"this is an off-site position"
"this is a telecommute position"
"full telecommute"
"full telecommute position"
"this is a virtual position"
"candidate will work from a home office"
"this is an off-site position"
"this is an independent contractor position"
"home office with up-to-date computer"
“we are a virtual company”
"work from your own location"
"will work offsite"
"you will work offsite"
"work from a remote office"
"call center" + "customer service" + "your home office"
"customer service" + "quiet home office"
"our employees work from home"
"able to create your own hours"
"able to set your own hours"
"position can be based anywhere"
"this is an Internet based job"
"must have" + "home office" + "quiet environment" + "high speed"
"will work from a home office"

Patriot Guard Riders Funeral Attendance

2011-06-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Procedure to Request a Mission

We have five types of missions which have an order of precedence in case we have multiple missions on the same day, same time.

It is our intent to attend every mission we are invited to. We never do a mission without being invited by the Immediate Family. When we are invited to more than one mission on a given day this will be the priority:

1. KIA or in theater death

2. Any other active duty death

3. Any Veteran with no family

4. Veterans from any era

5. Welcome home/send offs, HOTH.

In case of a priority 1 or 2 request the request MUST COME VIA THE CAO/ CACO. I will take family information and initially contact the family if necessary, but after a CAO/CACO has been assigned by the Military, all communications between the PGR and the Family must go through the CAO/CACO. CAO/CACOs are assigned very quickly, so if anyone including a family member asks for something, take the information but reinforce with them it has to be confirmed and communicated to me by the CAO/CACO (this is necessary because the CAO/CACOs interface with a single person in the family, next of k! in, and that person is the only person authorized to make decisions for the family).

In the case of multiple priority 4 requests it will be on a first come first posted basis. All priority 4, -mission requests must come from the next of kin, as show below in order of precedence:

First living person in this list -

Spouse

Children (over the age of 18)

Parents

Grandchildren (over the age of 18)

Siblings

Grandparent

Great-Grandchild (over the age of 18)

Niece/Nephew (over the age of 18)

Aunt/Uncle

I prefer to have an email with ALL necessary information to schedule a mission. If the NOK does not have email please ask them to contact me by phone 916 214-9534, please do not send me an email asking me to contact the NOK, I will not make initial contact the next of kin by phone or email, that comes off like ambulance chasing. If you are the Next Of Kin (if you are not then please have the next of kin) forward the needed information to me at pgr.steiner@hotmail.com. ( you can! forward an email from the NOK to me if that is more expeditious):

Deceased’s Information:

Full Name

Branch of service

Rank ( if a veteran then Rank at the time of discharge)

Years of service both total and range e.g. 26years, 1965 to 1991

A brief military service history (Include important assignments, combat tours, Awards and decorations)

A complete itinerary of the fune! ral services with Dates, Times, and complete addresses, name of the funeral home and funeral director and his/her contact information.

Name and contact information for the person requesting the mission.

When we are asked to do a priority 5 Welcome Home or Sendoff missions. We cannot do entire units without command involvement so have someone in the chain of command contact me. If we are asked to welcome home an individual we will do missions at the beginning and/or completion of a tour. The requirements to schedule a mission are the same as priority 4 (above), except of course name of person returning or leaving and requestor’s relation to that person.

The faster I get all the information above, from the next-of-kin, the faster the mission announcement goes out.

Make no commitment on behalf of the PGR to do a mission.

John Steiner,

Assistant State Captain

PGR NorCal Capitol Region

The Old 666

2011-06-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

As we approach the July weather and festivals of fireworks, I introduce a story of the Old 666.

Can you imagine...

2011-06-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing story...

Look at this lady - Let us never forget!

Irena Sendler

There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena.

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.

She had an 'ulterior motive'.

She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews (being German).

Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids).

She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.

The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.

During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely.

Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.

After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family.

Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

In MEMORIAM - 63 YEARS LATER
THIS MEMORIAL DAY WE REMEMBER AND TREASURE THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN EVERYTHING TO PRESERVE OUR AMERICAN FREEDOMS BUT MAY WE NEVER FORGET MILLIONS WHO SUFFERED AND DIED AT THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO TREASURE NEITHER FREEDOM OR FAITH.........

2011-06-08T10:13:00.001-07:00

IT HAPPENS EVERY FRIDAY! WERE YOU AWARE?

Mornings at the Pentagon

By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY
McClatchy Newspapers
Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war.

Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.

This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former roommate, Army Lt. Col.. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty and is now back at the Pentagon.

Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.

"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.

"This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.

"Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area.

"The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. "10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.

"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class.

"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden ... Yet.

"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel.

"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.

"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt. Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.. Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.

"They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals Some are wheeled along. Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.

"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.

"These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome
them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.”

Did you know that? .

Acupuncture for Veterans...

2011-06-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Military Stress Recovery (Veterans) Clinics

All of the clinics listed below are independent entities run by local acupuncture volunteers, and have no legal affiliation with AWB. We support each other as part of AWB's Military Stress Recovery Project (formerly called the Veterans Project). AWB makes no guarantees as to the services provided.

Clinic and event information will be posted as it becomes available. Please check back often. You do not need to call ahead to attend a free clinic.

California

BAYVAC - Bay Area Veteran's Acupuncture Clinic - Member Clinic

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (community ear clinic), 555 Deharo Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Thursdays 5-8pm

For more information contact Carla Cassler, LAc, (510) 847-0629 or (415) 796-2283 or email carlatcm@earthlink.net or write to BAYVAC, c/o Carla Cassler, LAc, 1500 Oakview Avenue, Kensington, CA 94607

Humboldt Veterans Acupuncture Project - Member Clinic

Redwoods Vet Center, 2830 G St., Eureka CA

Third Thursday of each month, 2 PM.

Treatments available to combat veterans (and families) associated with the Redwoods Vet Center. Please call (707)444-8271, or jeff@humboldtacupuncture.com, or, info@jadedragonmedicalspa.com for info.

Colorado

Denver Metro Military Acupuncture - Member Clinic

Full Moon Books, 9106 West 6th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80215

Wednesdays 5:30pm-7:00pm, latest check-in is at 6:20pm.

Contact (720) 431-2779, DenverMetroMilitaryAcupuncture@gmail.com DenverMetroMilitaryAcupuncture.vpweb.com

ITEA Free Acupuncture Clinic for Veterans - Member Clinic

Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture, 325 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 2, Louisville, CO 80027

Every Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 pm

For more information, call (720) 890-8922 or email president@itea.edu

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Military Acupuncture Clinic (DC MAC) - Member Clinic

908 New Hampshire Avenue, NW #500
Washington, DC 20037

Accessible by the Foggy Bottom Metro. Wednesdays 10 am - 12 noon

For more information on the program, call Nina at (202) 296-3555.

Florida

Fort Myers Veterans Clinic - Member Clinic

Lotus Blossom Clinic, 12811 Kenwood Lane Suite114, Fort Myers, Florida 33907

Mondays from 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Contact David Martin at (239) 277-1399 for more information.

Orlando Veterans Acupuncture Clinic - Member Clinic

Loi Acupuncture Clinic, 5425 S. Semoran Blvd., Ste. 1E, Orlando, FL 32822

Wednesday: 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (Treatment Sessions: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00)

Contact Kimberly Loi at (407) 285-1856 for more information.

Miami-Dade Veteran's Acupuncture Clinics - Member Clinic

Acupuncture Center for Wellness-North Miami Beach, 16663 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Wednesdays 1-2pm

Acupuncture Center for Wellness-South Miami Center, 7550 SW 57th Avenue, Ste 116, South Miami, FL 33143

Fridays 1-2pm

For more information contact Elena Ochoa, LAc, (305) 940-7763, email acupuncturemiamicenter@gmail.com or write to Miami-Dade Veteran's Acupuncture Clinics, c/o Elena Ochoa, 16663 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162.

St. Petersburg Veterans Clinic - Supporting Clinic

Unity of St. Petersburg, 6168 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Thursdays, 7:30pm

Contact JoAnne Lehrfeld,AP at 727-204-5203 or FiveElementAcu@ymail.com for more information

Idaho

Hailey, Idaho - Member Clinic

Veterans' Acupuncture Clinic of the Wood River Valley (Cody Acupuncture Clinic) 12 East Walnut St. Hailey, Idaho, 83333

Every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

For more info call Rosemary Cody, L.Ac. phone 208.720.7530

Illinois

Chicago Veterans Clinic - Member Clinic

Healing Junction Clinic, 3322 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60657

Monday-Thursday, 11:00am -7:00pm by appointment only

Contact Kirk Moulton at 773-880-9120 for more information.

Maine

Portland Veterans Acupuncture Clinic - Member Clinic

Williston West Church 32 Thomas St., Portland, ME

Tuesdays, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Contact (800) 871-9012 Extension: 90895# (be sure to press the pound key at the end), Mailing Address: PMB #140 / PVAC / 110 Marginal Way / Portland ME 04101-2492

Please note, all attendees must be signed in by 6:30 to receive treatment. www.portlandvetsacuclinic.org

Rockland Maine Veterans Clinic - Member Clinic

Red Bird Acupuncture, 328 Main Street., #302, Rockland ME

Mondays, 5:00pm - 6:00pm and Thursdays 11:00am - 12:00am

Contact (207) 594-4766 for more information.

It is best to call ahead to reserve a space, especially around the holidays.

Maryland

Annapolis Veterans Acupuncture Clinic (AVAC) - Member Clinic

Trinity United Methodist Church, 1300 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

Every Thursday, 5:30 -7:00 PM

For more information about AVAC go www.annapoliscommunityacupuncture.com or contact Mina Johns at (240) 472-7589/AVAC21401@gmail.com.

Massachusetts

Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) Boston Clinic - Member Clinic

Veterans Benefit Clearinghouse, located at Charlestown Yoga, 191 Main St. Charlestown, MA

Held 3rd Saturday of each month from 2:30-4:30pm.

For more information on the program, call Pathways to Wellness at 617-859-3036

Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) - Supporting Clinic

St. Andrew's Church, 3 Maple Street Framingham, MA 01702

Saturdays 10 am - 12 noon.

Contact (508) 626-0896 or see the wesite: vac.anotherexample.com for more information

Veterans Acupuncture Care (VAC) Worcester - Member Clinic

Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Rd., Worcester, MA 01606

Near the Higgins Armory. Exit 1 off of 190 or WRTA bus route 30/31. Enter through the rear entrance.

2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 pm.

For more information, call (508) 890-8899

New Mexico

Albuquerque Veterans Clinic - Supporting Clinic

Menual School "Old Brick" Common Room, 301 Menual Blvd NE (at Menaul and Broadway), Albuquerque NM

Menual School is located on the northeast corner of Menual and Broadway Boulevards. The entrance is just east of Broadway and has a big red arch over the driveway. After turning in at the gate, parking lot is on the right. Old Brick is the two story building just east. Handicapped accessible.

Wednesdays, 5:00pm - 6:30pm (except the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years)

Contact (505) 804-8285 for more information

Pojoaque Veterans Clinic (Santa Fe area) - Member Clinic

Pojoaque Pueblo Wellness Center
101 Lightening Loop D
Santa Fe, NM

Wednesdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Contact 505-455-0317 for more information

UNM Veterans Acupuncture Clinic- Member Clinic

University of New Mexico (UNM) Student Health Center, Building 73 MSC06 3870,1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
Santa Fe, NM

Tuesdays 4:00-5:30pm

For more information contact Keith Drummond, D.O.M at 505-850-0022 or Doctordrummond@gmail.com.

New York

Acupuncture & Company - Member Clinic

1-11 Schwab Road
Melville, NY 11747

Exit 40 on the NSP or Exit 49 on 495, North on Rte 110, 4-5 miles, on the right. Free treatments for Veterans, Monday-Thursday 8-11am & 4-7pm/ Fri & Sat 8-11am

For more information call 631-923-1405 or visit www.acupunctureandcompany.com

Ithaca Veterans Acupuncture Clinic - Member Clinic

Center for Health
Dewitt Office Complex 2nd Floor

By Appointment Only

Contact Abigail Thomas-Costello (607) 274-7520 for more information

Times Square area Low Cost Community Style Acupuncture Clinic: $35 for Veterans and the Community - Friend Clinic

Healthy Tao - Center for Well-Being, 250 w 49th St. Ste. #503 (Between Broadway and 8th Ave), New York, NY

All day every Tuesday!

Contact Yolanda Vasquez at (212) 586-2100 or by email at YolandaV1111@yahoo.com for more information

Oregon

Grants Pass, Oregon Veterans Clinic: Acupuncture at Riverside - Member Clinic

957 SE 7th Street, Grants Pass OR 97526

Saturdays from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Contact Ellen Leonard at (541) 474-1974 for more information.

Portland Veterans Acupuncture Project (PVAP) - Portland, Oregon - Friend Clinic

Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, 2828 SE Stephens, Portland OR

Thursdays, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Contact Prudence Marshall at pvap3@yahoo.com or 503-538-4524 for more information, or visit www.pvap.org.

*PVAP is a good friend of AWB, but is not directly associated with the organization.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA Area Military and Veterans Treatment Locations- Friend Clinic

Group of practitioners offering no or low-cost acupuncture to military and vets in the Philadelphia area

Contact PAVAP website www.pavap.org for locations and times.

Virginia

Central Virginia Community Acupuncture's Veterans Clinic*
(*also for active duty, reservists and family members) - Member Clinic

JABA, 674 Hillsdale Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Contact: Jody Forman, MSW, L.Ac. 434-975-0025
Cali Gaston, L.Ac. 434-960-8464
Anne Smucker, L.Ac. 434-825-4181

All treatments are free of charge. No appointment necessary. Just show up, sign the consent form, and have a seat.

Washington

Seattle Acupuncture for Veterans - Member Clinic

Solid Ground (1st Floor Conference Room), 1501 N. 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

Mondays 6-8pm

For more information contact David Smart, L.Ac. (206) 794-1606 or email dave@smartacupuncture.com.

Wisconsin

Madison Veterans Project - Member Clinic

Quarry Arts Building Room 170, 715 Hill Street, Madison, WI 53705

Thursdays, 7:15pm-8:30pm

Contact info@madisonveteransproject.org or visit http://www.madisonveteransproject.org for more information.

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Healing Community Trauma Trainings

Military Stress Recovery (Veterans) Clinics

TSA Expands Wounded Warrior Security

2011-06-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

Many Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) members have made complaints about problems with airport security, such as being requested to get out of their wheelchairs, remove their shoes, or display personal medical devices. Now an existing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program for injured service members has recently been expanded to permit all veterans to proceed through security safely and with dignity.
Initially, the TSA worked with the Department of Defense (DOD) to create a program to ease the airport screening process for injured service members. Since 2005, DOD’s Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center Program has included TSA staff on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis. When an injured service member provided flight information to the center, TSA staff would guide the passenger through the security process. The TSA liaison officer notified the appropriate federal security director at relevant airports to ensure that any security screening required at those airports would be conducted by TSA screening experts with empathy and respect.
Recently, this program became available to all veterans, so anyone who has served in the military can take advantage. The veteran or service member should contact the Operations Center’s 24–72 hours before a confirmed flight at the toll-free number (888) 262-2396 with flight information. The passenger may also email the call center at MSIJSOC@DHS.GOV with the itinerary. Callers will be connected to a TSA liaison officer who will notify security officials as described above. The hotline will not be able to assist if the call is more than 72 hours or less than 24 hours before the flight is scheduled to leave before the flight is scheduled to leave.
Several Paralyzed Veterans members have used this program with positive results and good things to say about TSA!
Download a wallet card with airport security assistance information

PTSD?

2011-05-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Signs of PTSD
Thought this might be helpful. It is pretty informative!

Combat-Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or Combat PTSD) is not just something that happens to a soldier when they have to kill someone (though that can play a part). It’s about what happens, physically and psychologically, inside of a soldier’s brain when they are faced with weeks, months, and years of constant fear, death, adrenaline, and danger. This enormous, prolonged stress literally changes the way their brain looks and functions.

Physical Changes

HIPPOCAMPUS - The hippocampus is a section of our brain that plays an important part in short-term memory and the regulation of our emotions. Researchers, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI’s), have been able to determine that the hippocampus of veterans with PTSD has actually suffered damage. They believe this damage may be caused by repeated exposure to cortisol, the hormone our body releases when we’re under stress.

PREFRONTAL CORTEX – Our Prefrontal Cortex helps us decide how we experience and react to an emotion and resolve conflicts. It also tells our brain when a threat has passed.   People with PTSD have altered blood flow to this area of their brain (the more change in flow, the more severe the symptoms of PTSD). This decrease in function causes their brain to sort of be stuck in a permanent fear mode, because it doe sn’t relay the “all clear” message.

ADRENALINE RESPONSE – When we’re in danger, our brain flips into “fight or flight” mode, a place where it is primed to decide whether or not we should run or engage a threat. Our bodies make two handy hormones that cause this response: noradrenaline that handles fight, and adrenaline which is responsible flight. In “normal” brains, these hormones are released by a current threat (i.e., when someone is standing face to face with a bear). But, in a brain affected by PTSD, these hormones are triggered not by actual threats but by reminders of threats that occurred months or years before.

GRAY MATTER – The gray matter section of our brain is responsible for processing information from our body (sensory neurons) and sending information to our body (motor neurons). Veterans have 5% - 10% less gray matter after developing PTSD. This means their neurons (their communication signals) have been damaged.

Psychological / Mental Changes

HOSTILITY / AGGRESSION – Veterans with PTSD exhibit significantly higher levels of hostility and aggression than the general public, or even than other soldiers who have experienced combat. Since they have lived for a long period of time where they needed to aggressively react at a moment’s notice in order to stay alive, this way of acting has become an ingrained habit. Spouses often joke that it is not safe to wake a sleeping veteran from anywhere close by. This is because, when startled awake, the vet can react with an unbelievably strong amount of aggression because he believes he is responding to an unknown threat. On a wider scale, it is very common for individuals with PTSD to get into fights, drive aggressively, become angry at insignificant things, and drastically overreact to any sort of challenge.

GUILT – The guilt associated with post traumatic stress disorder is often called survivor’s guilt. The veteran feels a great deal of guilt because he survived an attack when a comrade did not. He feels guilty because a friend lost his legs in an explosion while he remained mostly untouched. He feels guilty that he is at home in safe surrounding while others he fought with are in harm’s way.

DEPRESSION / SUICIDE – People with post traumatic stress disorder are seven times more likely to be depressed than someone in the general population. It is one of the most complaints associated with PTSD. And, unfortunately, this depression goes hand in hand with high rates of suicide among our nation’s returning heroes. As of April, 2010 (the last time data was published), eighteen of our nation’s heroes were committing suicide each day.

PARANOIA – In Iraq, a paranoid soldier is a soldier who stays alive. Every item in his environment, from a pothole to a child carrying a backpack, must be regarded as a potential threat. When that same soldier, whose mind has been changed by PTSD, returns home, he is often unable to shut off his vigilant behavior. Veterans will often almost constantly “patrol” their homes to check for intruders, insist that they sit with their backs to a wall and facing the door so that they can analyze every person who enters a room, or even drive off the road in order to avoid discarded trash (because this often indicated an Improvised Explosive Device or IED in combat).

LACK OF TRUST – This change in a veteran with PTSD is also caused by his time in combat. While in Iraq or Afghanistan he had to assume that everyone he met, even those who were called allies, were possible enemies. The only people he knew he could rely on in order to stay alive were himself and those in his immediate group - people who had proven themselves to each other in combat. After that same Veteran returns home, he feels alone and without the protection of his battle-tested counterparts. He doesn’t trust anyone else (even people he’s known for his entire life) to be able to watch out for him. He feels that he, alone, is the only one he can count on or trust.

POOR COPING SKILLS - Due to the physical and mental changes Veteran with PTSD has, they are often unable to cope in what most people would consider “normal” circumstances.   They are easily overwhelmed by too much noise, too many people, too many changes, or too much stimuli of any sort. Dealing with post traumatic stress disorder and all of its symptoms takes most of their energy and concentration. Anything else, especially something that is unexpected, can cause a violent reaction or simply cause the Veteran to shut down.

Understanding these changes helps many people understand for the first time just how “real” post traumatic stress disorder is. Unfortunately, hidden wounds (like PTSD), are often hard for people to grasp and empathize with. Hopefully, after learning more about the “mechanics” behind PTSD, you will be better able to talk about PTSD and the real impact it can have on the life of a Veteran and on those who love and care for him or her.

This article was written by Brannan Vines, the proud wife of an OIF Veteran with TBI and PTSD and founder of FamilyOfaVet.com, an organization devoted to helping heroes and their loved ones survive and thrive after combat by providing real world education and resources about PTSD, TBI, and other post-combat issues. You can contact Brannan by e-mail at brannan -at- familyofavet.com or through Facebook at
facebook.com/familyofavet.

God Bless You!
Rose - Military Family Support Group Facilitator
Check out our website at: www.mfsgofedc.com
Newly formed 501(c)3!

AbleData Publication

2011-05-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

ABLEDATA Informed Consumer's Guide to Funding Assistive Technology

A tremendous variety of assistive technology (AT) is now available to enable people with disabilities to live independently, to achieve higher levels of education, to participate in activities of the workplace, and to engage in hobbies and recreational activities. When people with disabilities and their families seek to purchase these products, they often find that AT products can be expensive and that locating and obtaining financial assistance to purchase them can be a frustrating experience. Funding is often difficult to find and may seem to be unavailable. Even when people with disabilities and their families locate a source of funding, they are often confronted with a maze of eligibility requirements, restrictions, paperwork, rules, regulations, and denials and refusals. This Informed Consumer Guide discusses a broad range of potential sources of funding and funding information for assistive technology and provides lists of specific organizations and programs from which funding and funding information are available. The guide also discusses other sources of information on funding issues and organizations that assist people to find the funds that they need.

Sources of Funding Information and Assistance

A range of public, private and non-profit organizations assists people seeking funding to purchase AT. While most of these organizations do not offer financial assistance themselves, they can provide information on available funding sources as well as strategies for applying to receive funding. Some of these organizations are national in scope, while others serve a specific state or region.

State Assistive Technology Projects

Each U.S. state and territory has a federally-funded assistive technology project with up-to-date information on assistive technology resources in that state. The state AT project should be the first source of information consulted by state residents seeking financial assistance to purchase assistive products.

In addition to information about financial assistance within their respective states, some state assistive technology projects offer funding programs such as low-interest loans for the purchase of assistive products. Some state AT projects also offer other types of assistance, including direct provision of assistive products; equipment loans, with which equipment owned by the project may be borrowed for short- or long-term use; and equipment exchanges, with which used products can be obtained at a discount or free of charge.

The ABLEDATA Web site offers a State Assistive Technology Projects Resource Center with updated contact information on each state’s AT project. In Appendix A of this guide, there is a complete list of the state assistive technology projects with contact information that is current as of October 2007.

Centers for Independent Living

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are local or regional organizations managed and staffed by individuals with disabilities that provide information and support to help individuals with disabilities live independently in the local community. CILs do not provide direct funding, but they are excellent sources of information about funding resources available locally. There are too many local Centers for Independent Living to include a complete list in this Guide; however, the following sources provide contact information for most CILs:

The Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Directory of Centers for Independent Living: http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/.
Centers for Independent Living Management Center Directory: http://www.wnyilp.org/database/directory.php
University of Montana Rural Institute CIL List: http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/CIL/centersShowAll.asp.
This directory can be searched by state, county, or zip code.
ABLEDATA Centers for Independent Living Resource Center: http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113573&top=16035&ksectionid=19326.
This Resource Center lists many local centers for independent living, with related resources.

ABLEDATA Funding Resource Center

The ABLEDATA Web site offers a Funding Resource Center in the "Resources" area of the site. The Funding Resource Center lists organizations at the national, state, and local levels that actually provide funding for the purchase of assistive products or are sources of funding-related information. Full contact information is provided for each organization or program.

Note: ABLEDATA is an information resource only. ABLEDATA does not provide any funding of any kind.

Sources of Funding

Funding for assistive technology can be found from both public and private sources. Some funding programs are specifically designed to support the purchase of needed assistive products. Others may provide for the acquisition of one or more products as part of a larger purpose, such as enabling a child with disabilities to participate in school or an adult with disabilities to perform a job. Still more provide funding to adapt commercial products for use by people with disabilities. The sources of funding for assistive technology described below cover a broad range of options available to anyone seeking to purchase assistive products or to adapt a product for use by a person with a disability.

Alternative Financing Programs

Since 2000, the U.S. government has supported the establishment of state-based Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) to provide funding to offset the cost of assistive technology that can enhance the ability of people with disabilities to participate in activities in the home, at work, at school, and in the community. AFPs include Assistive Technology Loan Programs funded under Title III of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, and Access to Telework Loan Programs funded under the under section 303(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Federal AFP grants to the states are administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration.

Assistive Technology Loan Programs

Assistive Technology Loan Programs may offer several types of loans for AT services, equipment, or training, including home or vehicle modifications. Each state’s program decides which types of loans to offer as part of its program. The types of loans offered include:

Direct Loans that are provided by the AT loan program itself
Guaranteed Loans that are provided by banks to people with disabilities who would not qualify for loans without the program providing the bank with a guarantee that the loan will be repaid
Interest Rate Buy-down Loans for which the program pays a fee to the commercial lender to reduce the interest rate on the loan
Principal buy-down Loans for which the AT loan program pays part of the loan’s principal.

Each state’s AT loan program is funded in part by a Federal grant.

Access to Telework Loan Programs

Individuals with disabilities experience many barriers to employment, including inadequate transportation, fatigue, inaccessible work environments, and the need for personal assistance. For many individuals with disabilities, one way that these barriers can be reduced or eliminated is through telework. Access to Telework Loan programs provide loans to people with disabilities to allow them to purchase computers and other equipment so that they either become self-employed or are able to work from home or other remote sites as employees or contractors. The loans can be made to support full-time or part-time employment.

Access to Telework Loans are provided through alternative financing mechanisms, such as low-interest loan funds; interest buy-down programs; revolving loan funds; loan guarantee or insurance programs; and programs operated by a partnership among private entities for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of computers and other equipment, including adaptive equipment. As with other loans, the borrower must demonstrate an ability to repay before the loan will be made. Access to Telework Loan programs are funded in part by federal grants to states and Indian tribes.

For more information on the Alternative Financing Programs, visit the Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project’s (AFTAP’s) Web site at http://www.resna.org/AFTAP/. AFTAP provides detailed descriptions of each state’s AFP, information and statistics on each AFP’s lending practices as well as success stories describing how individuals with disabilities used AFP loans to enhance their lives.

ABLEDATA’s Alternative Financing Programs Resource Center provides current contact information on each state’s AFP. A list of Alternative Financing Programs for each state and territory, with complete contact information updated as of October 2007, can be found below in Appendix B.

Insurance

Medicare, Medicaid, private health or disability insurance, and Worker’s Compensation may pay for some assistive technology. In most cases, a demonstration of the medical necessity for the product or equipment and a prescription from a doctor or other professional will be required. Applying for funding from any private or public insurance program may be difficult as the applicant usually must be very familiar with the application process and the program’s regulations. Below, this guide provides a section entitled, “The Application Process,” that can provide some guidance and other tips that may be especially helpful when applying for funding from insurance programs.

Schools and Educational Systems

For a child with disabilities, local school districts may pay for devices and auxiliary aids used by the child if the products are necessary for that child to function in the classroom. Parents must be prepared to demonstrate how the device will enhance their child’s ability to obtain an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible, which is the legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that describes the goals set for the child for each school year, as well as any special supports that are needed to help achieve those goals. The IEP is developed jointly by teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate). Including a detailed justification for the purchase of one or more assistive products in a child’s IEP is one of the most frequently used methods to obtain funding for the product(s) from a school system. The “Publications” list at the conclusion of this Guide includes publications on AT funding in schools.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Sources to Fund AT for Employment

State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies will often pay for assistive technology if the technology will enhance the worker’s ability to prepare for, get, or keep a job. Many VR agencies are more likely to pay for AT to help a worker keep a job than to help a worker prepare for a possible job. In some states, the agency may also pay for AT even if employment is not an expected outcome, as long the device will improve the individual’s ability to function independently. In most cases, the person seeking assistance is required to meet eligibility requirements and be a client of the agency. The ABLEDATA Vocational Rehabilitation Resource Center on the ABLEDATA Web site provides contact information for state vocational rehabilitation agencies.

Some private and public employers may also provide funding to purchase assistive products for use by their employees with disabilities in the workplace. In fact, purchase of AT may be required as a reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Job Accommodation Network (http://www.jan.wvu.edu/), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, provides a free consulting service to aid employers and employees to create individualized worksite accommodations solutions and develop strategies to fund the acquisition of any necessary AT.

State Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Programs

Many states have established programs to provide adaptive telecommunications equipment for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and others who need adaptive equipment for telecommunications. While the equipment offered varies by program, the products available generally include the following:

text telephones (TTs)
visual or tactile signalers
voice carry over (VCO) telephones
amplified telephones
in-line amplifiers
large visual display text telephones
voice activated telephones
braille telecommunication devices
ringers
speech aids.

A list of the state telecommunications equipment distribution programs is available in Appendix D. Contact the program for a specific state to determine the eligibility requirements and application procedures as well as the types of equipment available.

Other State or Local Agencies

Other state or local agencies that may provide funding for assistive technology include agencies for the aging, for persons who are blind or visually impaired, for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and for persons with developmental disabilities. Program details and organizational structure vary widely by state and locality. The State Assistive Technology Programs are reliable sources of information about the resources that are available through state and local government programs. To see a list of state agencies that offer disability-related information, funding or other resources, go to the ABLEDATA State Government Resource Center on the ABLEDATA Web site.

Motor Vehicle Adaptive Equipment Reimbursement Programs

Most major auto manufacturers offer partial reimbursement for adaptive equipment such as hand controls, ramps or lifts installed on new or late-model vehicles purchased from the company through an authorized dealer. Leased vehicles may also qualify, depending on the specific program. Usually, the reimbursement limit is $1,000. Many reimbursement programs are part of larger programs that help vehicle owners locate and select adaptive equipment that is best suited to their cars or trucks. A list of the mobility equipment/reimbursement programs offered by the major auto companies is available in Appendix E.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans may be entitled to assistive technology equipment or devices as part of their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits if the equipment or device is determined to be medically necessary. In addition, the VA’s Blind Rehabilitation Service may pay for devices for veterans who are blind or visually impaired, and the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service may provide employment-related AT as part of its Independent Living Program. Contact information for each of these VA programs is provided in the list of National Funding Sources in Appendix F.

The Application Process

As a general rule, it is rarely possible to simply walk into an organization that provides funding for assistive technology and walk out with the needed product(s), without going through some kind of application or eligibility process.

Laying the Groundwork

To lay the groundwork for an AT funding application, two basic steps are required—(1) determining what assistive technology is needed and (2) assembling and organizing all documentation needed to complete the application process.

Individuals with long-term disability may already be familiar with the types of devices they need, and may only wish to replace old or outdated technology with newer technology of the same general type. But if the user does not already know what sort of device is needed, there are several possible sources of information and advice:

Therapist, physician, or rehabilitation professionalMany public and private funding sources require a prescription from a doctor, a therapist or another professional in the healthcare or rehabilitation field. Individuals who have not previously selected or purchased AT or whose disabilities have changed should have an appropriate, thorough evaluation to determine what specific products are best suited to their needs.
AT consulting serviceAssistive technology consulting services are offered by public, nonprofit, and private organizations and companies. Some State Assistive Technology Projects, Centers for Independent Living, and state and local government agencies offer consulting services staffed by professionals and/or consumers. If these organizations do not provide the service, their staff members may be able to provide referrals to local private consultants or occupational or other therapists who specialize in this area.
Consumer or caregiver support group Many support groups offer consultations and advice, either formally or informally. They also may maintain resource lists that include information on local private consultants or occupational or other therapists.

The second step in the process is to gather and organize the information and documentation necessary to support the application for funding. Whether assistance is sought from an insurance company, a community organization, a government agency, or another resource, having the supporting information organized and available is critical and will help alleviate frustration and unnecessary delays. The following information is commonly required for an application for AT funding:

Primary Disability
Time of Onset
Cause of Disability
Secondary Disability
Time of Onset of Secondary Disability
Cause of Secondary Disability
Employment History
Family Gross Income
Monthly Expenses (such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, outstanding loans and bills, medical expenses)
Health Insurance Information
Names, Ages, and Relationship of Dependents.

An organization may require that an applicant have documentation (such as pay stubs, tax returns, identification cards or recent bills) to verify some or all of this information. Documentation requirements usually are included in an application’s instructions.

Preparing a Justification Statement

Whatever the funding source, it is likely that a statement of justification will be required. This is particularly true for government programs. The nature of the required justification varies, and individuals seeking assistance should inquire about the requirements of the organization from which they seek funding prior to making the application. The following are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when preparing a justification statement:

When the funding source is a public or private insurance policy, the statement is usually required to indicate the medical necessity of the purchase, and it should come from a physician or therapist.
State vocational rehabilitation agencies need a statement of justification focusing on how the technology will enhance the individual’s ability to prepare for, get, or keep a job, or how it will improve the individual’s ability to function independently.
Schools need a statement showing how the assistive technology will enhance the child’s ability to obtain an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible.

Other funding sources have their own specific requirements. Success in securing funding frequently depends on the applicant’s ability to address each agency’s unique requirements in a funding request.

What to Do if the Application is Rejected

When an application for funding is denied, two federally funded programs may be able to provide advice and assistance in case the applicant wants to appeal or otherwise seek to overturn the denial. Congressionally mandated Client Assistance Programs and Protection and Advocacy Programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education in each U.S. state and territory.

Client Assistance Programs

Each state has a Client Assistance Program (CAP) that provides information and assistance to individuals with disabilities who are seeking or receiving services from certain government-funded programs, including vocational rehabilitation, CILs, agencies for the blind, and other programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Some of the programs covered by the CAP, notably vocational rehabilitation, often provide funding for AT, and the CAP may be able to help a client who is having trouble getting needed AT funding. A CAP also may provide valuable advice and assistance to a person who is unsure about the funding program(s) to which he or she should apply.

Protection and Advocacy Programs

In addition to a CAP, each state has a Protection and Advocacy (P&A) program whose job is to advocate for the legal rights of persons with disabilities, such as full access to inclusive educational programs, financial entitlements, health care, accessible housing, and employment. The scope of a P&A program is broader than the scope of a CAP, and P&A programs have the authority to provide legal representation as part of their advocacy services. However, P&A programs are entitled to set priorities and make judgments regarding which cases to pursue legally.

A complete list of state CAPs and P&A programs can be found in Appendix C.

Additional Sources of Funding-Related Information and Assistance

This list of resources was derived from the ABLEDATA Web site’s Funding Resource Center. The Funding Resource Center provides a full list of organizations at the national, state, and local levels that actually provide funding for the purchase of assistive products or are sources of funding-related information.

1-88-88-DISABLED

United States
Telephone: 888-834-7225 toll free.
Email: disabled@1-88-88-disabled.com.
This national system of lawyers aids people with disabilities to become SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Social Security Income) recipients.

Let Them Hear Foundation Insurance Advocacy Program

149 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 1014
Menlo Park, California 94025
Telephone: 877-432-7435 toll free.
Web site: http://advocacy.letthemhear.org.
The Foundation offers a nationwide program to assist individuals appealing insurance denials for cochlear implants.

Medicaid Reference Desk

Web site: http://www.thedesk.info.
This site offers information on Medicaid for people with cognitive disabilities. It also has links to regional, State and local organizations that may be of assistance to all people with disabilities.

National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
237 Main Street, 4th Floor
Buffalo, New York 14203
Telephone: 716-847-0650.
TT: 716-847-1322.
Fax: 716-847-0227.
Email: mgustas@nls.org.
Web site: http://www.nls.org/booklets.htm.
The Neighborhood Legal Services web site features the Funding of AT booklet series. Booklets are available for download, or a hard copy may be requested through email. Funding sources discussed include public school special education, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and SSDI and SSI work incentive programs.

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)

8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 600
Landover, Maryland 20785
Telephone: 800-346-2742 toll free or 301-459-5900.
TT: 301-459-5984.
Email: naricinfo@heitechservices.com.
Web site: http://www.naric.com.
NARIC’s library of rehabilitation and disability literature includes several items in the Publications list below. Copies can be ordered from NARIC using the NARIC accession number.

Social Security Administration

Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21235
Telephone: 800-772-1213 toll free.
TT: 800-325-0778 toll free.
Web site: http://www.ssa.gov.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the U.S. Government’s major income support programs for the elderly, people with disabilities, and their dependents. The SSA Web site offers comprehensive information on these programs.

Publications

Addressing the Assistive Technology Needs of Individuals with Disabilities Through Financial Loans, Report on the Fourth and Fifth Years of Operation of the Alternative Financing Program for Individuals with Disabilities. Arlington, Virginia: RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America), 2006.
Link to text: http://www.resna.org/AFTAP/library/afp/report1006.pdf.
This report provides a detailed description and extensive statistics that illustrate the lending practices, funding levels, and successes of the state AT loan programs in 2004 and 2005.

"AT Funding: An Expert Forecasts a Mixed Future," Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) Newsletter, Vol. 38 (May 2005), pp. 1-15.
Link to text: http://www.fctd.info/resources/newsletters/displayNewsletter.php?newsletterID=10021.
In this interview with Edward L. Myers III, an attorney who represents families seeking AT funding for their children with disabilities, Mr. Myers provides tips relating to IEPs, trial periods, alternative financing, and universal design requirements in IDEA 2004.

Brooke, Valerie, Jennifer McDonough, and Sandy Hardy, "Benefit Specialists: Key Resources for Supporting the Use of Social Security Work Incentives to Fund Assistive Technology," Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Vol. 24, No. 2 (2006), pp. 121-126.
NARIC Accession Number: J50605.
This article discusses securing AT funding through Social Security work incentive programs.

Discovering Hidden Resources: Assistive Technology Recycling, Refurbishing, and Redistribution. Arlington, Virginia: RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America), 2000.
NARIC Accession Number: O13578.
Link to text: http://www.resna.org/taproject/library/pubs/recycling/RMtoc.htm.
This book presents a concise but thorough overview of assistive technology recycling, refurbishment, and redistribution programs around the world.

Dubbels, Kursten, "Assistive Technology in the Individual Education Plan Outline," Buffalo, New York: Neighborhood Legal Services, no date.
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/atiep.htm.
Based on a presentation made at Closing the Gap in 1998, this booklet discusses the inclusion of AT when developing an Individual Education Plan.

Hager, Ronald M., "Funding of Assistive Technology: State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and Their Obligation to Maximize Employment," Buffalo, New York: Neighborhood Legal Services, 1999.
NARIC Accession Number: O13195.
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/vrbooklt.htm.
This booklet contains information on funding assistive technology through the vocational rehabilitation system, including AT for students making the transition from school to work and for college students.

Hager, Ronald M., and Diane Smith, "The Public School's Special Education System as an Assistive Technology Funding Source: The Cutting Edge," Buffalo, New York: Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., 2003 (second edition).
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/specedat.htm or http://www.nls.org/pdf/special-ed-booklet-03.pdf.
This 71-page booklet is a comprehensive treatise on the rights of students with disabilities to assistive technology under IDEA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Kemp, Crystal E., Howard P. Parette, and Jack J. Hourcade, "Funding Assistive Technology and Related Health Services in Service Settings," Early Childhood Education Journal, Vol. 28, No. 3 (Spring 2001), pp. 189-192.
The authors discuss funding options for assistive technology devices in client service settings, including Medicaid, the School Health and Related Services Program, and the Early Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT). A sample letter of justification to Medicaid is included.

"Medicaid and Assistive Technology: A Fresh Look at Medicaid as an AT Funding Source," AT Advocate, Volume 9, Issue 2 (Winter 2005), pp. 302-312.
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/av/spring05.htm or http://www.nls.org/av/spring05.pdf.
This article provides a general overview of funding for assistive technology under Medicaid for both children and adults.

"Medicaid, Assistive Technology, and the Courts: An Updated Summary of AT-Related Federal and State Court Decisions," AT Advocate, Volume 11, Issue 1 (Winter 2006-2007), pp. 370-380.
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/av/winter06-07.htm or http://www.nls.org/av/winter06-07.pdf.
The article summarizes important court decisions related to Medicaid funding of AT since the mid-1980s. Topics include state Medicaid agencies’ use of “exclusive lists” of DME products; denial of funding on the basis of age; EPSDT and children under age 21; and specific AT products (augmentative communication devices, standing frames and wheelchairs, stair lifts, power tilt-in-space wheelchairs, back-up manual wheelchairs, CCTVs, body braces, swimming pool lifts, and binaural hearing aids).

Quintero, Alyssa, "A.T. Funding Challenge," Quest, Vol. 14, No. 1 (January/February 2007), pp. 46-53.
Link to text: http://www.mdaquest-digital.com/mdaquest/20070102/.
The author provides a broad overview of the resources available to fund assistive technology.

Pynoos, Jon, and Christy M. Nishita, "The Cost and Financing of Home Modifications in the United States," Journal of Disability Policy Studies, Vol. 14, No. 2 (Fall 2003), pp. 68-73.
NARIC Accession Number: J46116.
This article recounts the history and projects the future of loan programs for financing home modifications and the acquisition of assistive technology.

Rosenthal, Paula, "Resources for People Who Can't Afford Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants," Hearing Exchange, 2004.
Link to text: http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/paulas-110601.htm.
This article provides tips and a resource list for people with hearing loss who cannot afford hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Sheldon, James R., Jr., "Work Incentives for Persons with Disabilities Under the Social Security and SSI Programs," Buffalo, New York: Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., 2002 (Second Edition)
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/work_incentives.htm or http://www.nls.org/pdf/work_incentives.pdf.
Aimed at attorneys, this 35-page booklet emphasizes the role of SSI and SSDI work incentives in ensuring that AT is available to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries as they are preparing for and going to work.

Sheldon, James R., and Ronald M. Hager, "Funding of Assistive Technology to Make Work a Reality: Funding for Work-Related Assistive Technology Through Special Education Programs, State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, Medicaid, Medicare and SSI's Plan for Achieving Self Support," Buffalo, New York: Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., 2004.
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/Work%20&%20AT.htm or http://www.nls.org/pdf/Work%20&%20AT.pdf.
This 38-page booklet is built around the scenario of a 16-year-old with a severe physical disability who will face multiple needs for AT as she completes her special education program, attends college, and eventually moves on to her employment goal.

Sheldon, James R., and Diana M. Straube, "Supplemental Security Income and the Family Law Attorney: Using Creative Alimony, Child Support and Property Settlements to Maximize SSI, Medicaid and Create Funding for Assistive Technology," Buffalo, New York: Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., 1999.
NARIC Accession Number: O13361.
Link to text: http://www.nls.org/ssifmaty.htm.
This booklet is intended for attorneys and discusses how to maximize AT funding for spouses or children with disabilities during divorce settlements.

Telework Program: Increasing Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities, A Report on the First Two Years of Program Operations of the Telework Program FY 2004 – FY 2005. Arlington, Virginia: RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America), 2006.
Link to text: http://www.resna.org/AFTAP/telework/report1006.pdf.
This report provides a detailed description and extensive statistics that illustrate the lending practices, funding levels, achievements, challenges and successes of the 20 state AT loan programs that existed in 2004 and 2005.

Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Public Affairs, "Fact Sheet: VA's Prosthetics and Sensory Aids," February 2006.
Link to text: http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/pros-sensory.asp.
The VA pamphlet discusses devices available to veterans through the VA’s Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS).

Waterland, Laura J., “Home Modifications: Essential but Difficult to Fund,” AT Messenger, Vol. 12, No. 1 (Winter 2004), pp. 4-6.
Link to text: http://www.dati.org/newsletter/issues/2004n1/Winter_AT_messenger_2004.pdf.
This article discusses barriers to obtaining funds for home modifications for persons who need accessible housing. A resource list is included.

Appendix A: State Assistive Technology Projects

For further information on any state assistive technology project, call the project at the number given or visit the project’s Web site. For the most up-to-date list of state assistive technology projects, visit the ABLEDATA State Assistive Technology Project Resource Center on the ABLEDATA Web site.

Alabama

Alabama STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response System)
2125 East South Boulevard
Montgomery, Alabama 36120-0752
Telephone: 800-782-7656 toll free or 334-613-3481.
TT: 334-613-3519.
Fax: 334-613-3485.
Web site: http://www.rehab.alabama.gov/star/.

Alaska

Alaska Assistive Technology Program
Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
801 West 10th Street, Suite A
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Telephone: 800-478-2815 toll free or 907-465-6969.
Email: sean_obrien@labor.state.ak.us.
Web site: http://www.labor.state.ak.us/at.

American Samoa

American Samoa Assistive Technology Services Project
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Human Resources
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Telephone: 011-684-699-1529 or 011-684-699-1373.
TT: 011-684-233-7874.
Fax: 011-684-699-1376.
Email: apisap26@yahoo.com.
Web site: http://americansamoa.gov/departments/depts/human_resources.htm.

Arizona

Arizona Technology Access Program
Northern Arizona University
Institute for Human Development
2400 N. Central Avenue, Suite 300
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Telephone: 800-477-9921 toll free or 602-728-9534.
TT: 602-728-9536.
Fax: 602-728-9535.
Email: Jill.Pleasant@nau.edu.
Web site: http://www.nau.edu/ihd/aztap.

Arkansas

Arkansas ICAN (Increasing Capabilities Access Network)
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
26 Corporate Hill Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
Telephone: 800-828-2799 toll free (voice or TT) or 501-666-8868.
Fax: 501-666-5319.
Email: ljmorgan@ars.state.ar.us.
Web site: http://www.arkansas-ican.org.

California

AT Network
Alliance for Technology Access
1304 Southpoint Boulevard, Suite 240
Petaluma, California 94954
Telephone: 800-390-2699 toll free or 707-778-3011.
TT: 800-900-0706 toll free.
Fax: 707-765-2080.
Email: info@atnet.org.
Web site: http://www.atnet.org.
Note: The AT Network is coordinated by the Alliance for Technology Access under a contract with the California Assistive Technology System (CATS).

California Assistive Technology System (CATS)
California Department of Rehabilitation
Assistive Technology Unit
2000 Evergreen Street
Sacramento, California 95815
Telephone: 916-274-6325.
TT: 916-263-8685.
Fax: 916-263-7472.
Email: atinfo@dor.ca.gov.
Web site: http://www.atnet.org/index.php?page=california-at-system-cats.

Colorado

Assistive Technology Partners
601 E. 18th Avenue, Suite 130
Denver, Colorado 80203
Telephone: 800-255-3477 toll free (Colorado only) or 303-315-1280.
TT: 303-837-8964.
Fax: 303-837-1208.
Email: cathy.bodine@uchsc.edu.
Web site: http://www.uchsc.edu/atp.

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

CNMI System of Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with DisabilitiesCNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities
P.O. Box 502565
Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands 96950-2565
Telephone: 011-670-664-7000 (voice or TT).
Fax: 011-670-664-7030.
Email: straid@cnmiddcouncil.org.

Connecticut

Connecticut Tech Act Project
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
25 Sigourney Street, 11th floor
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Telephone: 800-537-2549 toll free (Connecticut only) or 860-424-4881.
TT: 860-424-4839.
Fax: 860-424-4850.
Web site: http://www.cttechact.com.

Delaware

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
P.O. Box 269, 1600 Rockland Rd
Wilmington, Delaware 19899-0269
Telephone: 800-870-3284 toll free (Delaware only) or 302-651-6790.
TT: 302-651-6794.
Fax: 302-651-6793.
Web site: http://www.dati.org.

District of Columbia

Assistive Technology Program for the District of Columbia
220 I Street, NE, Suite 130
Washington, D.C. 20002
Telephone: 202-547-0198.
TT: 202-546-2657.
Fax: 202-645-2662.
Email: ajohns@uls-dc.org.
Web site: http://www.atpdc.org.

Florida

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
325 John Knox Road
Building 400, Suite 402
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Telephone: 888-788-9216 toll free or 850-487-3278.
Fax: 850-487-2805.
Email: faast@faast.org.
Web site: http://www.faast.org.

Georgia

Georgia Tools for Life Program
Georgia Dept. of Labor - Vocational Rehabilitation
1700 Century Circle B-4, Suite 300
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
Telephone: 800-497-8665 toll free.
TT: 866-373-7778 toll free or 404-486-6333.
Web site: http://www.gatfl.org.

Guam

Guam System for Assistive Technology Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Services
University of Guam
UOG Station
Dean Circle, House 29
Manigilao, Guam 96923
Telephone: 671-735-2481.
TT: 671-735-6531.
Fax: 671-734-5709.
Email: heidisan@ite.net.
Web site: http://www.uog.edu/cedders/gsat.htm.

Hawaii

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii 414 Kuwili Street, Suite 104
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Telephone: 800-645-3007 toll free (Hawaii only) or 808-532-7110 (voice or TT).
Fax: 808-532-7120.
Email: atrc-info@atrc.org.
Web site: http://www.atrc.org.

Idaho

Idaho Assistive Technology ProjectCenter on Disabilities and Human Development
129 West Third Street
Moscow, Idaho 83843
Telephone: 800-432-8324 toll free or 208-885-3557.
Fax: 208-885-3628.
Email: rseiler@uidaho.edu.
Web site: http://www.idahoat.org.

Illinois

Illinois Assistive Technology Program
1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100
Springfield, Illinois 62701
Telephone: 800-852-5110 toll free (Illinois only) (voice or TT) or 217-522-7985.
TT: 217-522-9966.
Fax: 217-522-8067.
Email: wgunther@iltech.org.
Web site: http://www.iltech.org.

Indiana

Attain, Inc.
5333 Commerce Square Drive, Suite G
Indianapolis, Indiana 46237
Telephone: 800-528-8246 toll free.
TT: 800-743-3333 toll free.
Email: attaininfo@attaininc.org.
Web site: http://www.attaininc.org.

Iowa

Iowa Program for Assistive Technology
Center for Disabilities and Development
100 Hawkins Drive, Room S295
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011
Telephone: 800-331-3027 toll free or 319-356-0550.
TT: 877-686-0032 toll free.
Email: jane-gay@uiowa.edu.
Web site: http://www.iowaat.org.

Kansas

Assistive Technology for Kansans Project
2601 Gabriel
Parsons, Kansas 67357
Telephone: 800-526-3648 toll free or 620-421-8367 (voice or TT).
Fax: 620-421-0954.
Email: ssack@ku.edu.
Web site: http://www.atk.ku.edu.

Kentucky

Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network
Charles McDowell Center
8412 Westport Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40242
Telephone: 800-327-5287 toll free or 502-429-4484.
Fax: 502-429-7114.
Email: Chase.Forrester@ky.gov.
Web site: http://www.katsnet.org.

Louisiana

Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network3042 Old Forge Drive, Suite D
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70898
Telephone: 800-270-6185 toll free or 225-925-9500.
TT: 800-270-6185 toll free.
Fax: 225-925-9560.
Email: cpourciau@latan.org.
Web site: http://www.latan.org.

Maine

Maine CITE (Consumer Information and Technology Training Exchange)
University of Maine System University College
46 University Drive
Augusta, Maine 04330
Telephone: 207-621-3195.
TT: 207-621-3482.
Fax: 207-621-3193.
Web site: http://www.mainecite.org.

Maryland

Maryland Technology Assistance Program
2301 Argonne Drive, Room T-17
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Telephone: 800-832-4827 toll free.
TT: 866-881-7488 toll free.
Fax: 410-554-9237.
Email: mdtap@mdtap.org.
Web site: http://www.mdtap.org.

Massachusetts

Assistive Technology Program
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
600 Washington Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Telephone: 617-204-3851.
TT: 617-204-3815.
Fax: 617-727-1354.
Email: Karen.Langley@mrc.state.ma.us.
Web site: http://www.mass.gov/mrc.

Michigan

Michigan's Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
780 West Lake Lansing Road, Suite 200
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Telephone: 800-760-4600 toll free (Michigan only) or 517-333-2477 (voice or TT).
Fax: 517-333-2677.
Email: ndelisle@prosynergy.org.
Web site: http://www.copower.org/AT/index.htm.

Minnesota

Minnesota STAR Program50 Sherburne Avenue, Room 309
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
Telephone: 888-234-1267 toll free or 651-201-2640.
TT: 800-627-3529 toll free.
Fax: 651-282-6671.
Email: star.program@state.mn.us.
Web site: http://www.starprogram.state.mn.us.

Mississippi

Mississippi STARTP.O. Box 1698
Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1698
Telephone: 800-852-8328 toll free (Mississippi only) or 601-987-4872.
TT: 800-852-8328 toll free (Mississippi only).
Fax: 601-364-2349.
Email: contactus@msprojectstart.org.
Web site: http://www.msprojectstart.org.

Missouri

Missouri Assistive Technology Project
4731 South Cochise, Suite 114
Independence, Missouri 64055-6975
Telephone: 800-647-8557 toll free (Missouri only) or 816-373-5193.
TT: 800-647-8558 toll free (Missouri only) or 816-373-9315.
Fax: 816-373-9314.
Email: matpmo@swbell.net.
Web site: http://www.at.mo.gov.

Montana

MonTECH
Rural Institute, University of Montana
634 Eddy Avenue
Missoula, Montana 59812
Telephone: 800-732-0323 toll free or 406-243-5676.
TT: 800-732-0323 toll free.
Fax: 406-243-4730.
Email: montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu.
Web site: http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu.

Nebraska

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership5143 South 48th Street, Suite C
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
Telephone: 888-806-6287 toll free or 402-471-0734.
Fax: 402-471-6052.
Email: atp@atp.ne.gov.
Web site: http://www.atp.ne.gov.

Nevada

Nevada Assistive Technology Act Program
Office of Disability Services
3656 Research Way, Suite 32
Carson City, Nevada 89706
Telephone: 775-687-4452.
Fax: 775-687-7560.
Email: drandall@dhhs.nv.gov.
Web site: http://dhhs.nv.gov/ODS_Programs.htm#State%20Assistive%20Technology%20Act%20Program.

New Hampshire

Assistive Technology in New Hampshire10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Telephone: 603-862-4320 (voice or TT).
Fax: 603-862-0555.
Email: assistive.technology@unh.edu.
Web site: http://www.iod.unh.edu/atinnh.html.

New Jersey

New Jersey Assistive Technology Advocacy Center
New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
210 South Broad Street, Third Floor
Trenton, New Jersey 08608
Telephone: 800-342-5832 (NJ only) or 609-777-0945.
TT: 609-633-7106.
Fax: 609-777-0187.
Email: advocate@njpanda.org.
Web site: http://www.njpanda.org/atacprogram.htm.

New Mexico

New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
435 St. Michaels Drive, Building D
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Telephone: 800-866-2253 toll free or 505-954-8521.
Fax: 505-954-8608.
Email: andy.winnegar@state.nm.us.
Web site: http://www.nmtap.com.

New York

TRAID Project
New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
Telephone: 800-522-4369 toll free (New York only) (voice or TT) or 518-388-2892.
TT: 518-473-4231.
Fax: 518-388-2890.
Email: webmaster@cqcapd.state.ny.us.
Web site: http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us/Asst-Tech-TRAID.htm.

North Carolina

North Carolina Assistive Technology Program
805 Ruggles St, Haywood Building
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699
Telephone: 919-855-3500 or 919-855-3548.
Fax: 919-733-1628 or 919-715-0616.
Email: tkoger@ncatp.org.
Web site: http://www.ncatp.org.

North Dakota

North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology
Fargo Technology Access Center
3509 Interstate Boulevard
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
Telephone: 800-895-4728 toll free or 701-365-4728.
Fax: 701-365-6246.
Email: jlee@polarcomm.com.
Web site: http://www.ndipat.org.

Ohio

Assistive Technology of OhioOhio State University
445 E. Dublin-Granville Road
Building L
Worthington, Ohio 43085
Telephone: 800-784-3425 toll free or 614-293-9134.
TT: 614-293-0767.
Email: atohio03@osu.edu.
Web site: http://www.atohio.org.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma State University Seretean Wellness Center
1514 West Hall of Fame
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078
Telephone: 800-257-1705 toll free (voice or TT) or 405-744-9748 (voice or TT).
Fax: 405-744-2487.
Email: mljwell@okstate.edu.
Web site: http://www.ok.gov/abletech.

Oregon

Access Technologies, Inc.
3070 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem, Oregon 97305-1396
Telephone: 800-677-7512 toll free (Oregon only) (voice or TT) or 503-361-1201 (voice or TT).
Fax: 503-370-4530.
Email: info@accesstechnologiesinc.org.
Web site: http://www.accesstechnologiesinc.org.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology
Institute on Disabilities/University Services Building
1601 N. Broad Street, Suite 610
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122
Telephone: 800-204-7428 toll free.
TT: 866-268-0579 toll free.
Email: atinfo@temple.edu.
Web site: http://www.disabilities.temple.edu.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program
Universidad de Puerto Rico
Administracion Centrale/Instituto FILIUS
P.O. Box 364984
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-4984
Telephone: 888-981-6033 toll free (Puerto Rico only), 888-633-6035 toll free (United States only) or 787-764-6035.
TT: 787-767-8642.
Fax: 787-754-8034.
Email: pratp@pratp.upr.edu.
Web site: http://www.pratp.upr.edu.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Assistive Technology Partnership
Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Telephone: 800-916-8324 toll free or 401-421-7005.
TT: 401-421-7016.
Fax: 401-222-3574.
Email: kburrell@ors.ri.gov.
Web site: http://www.atap.state.ri.us.

South Carolina

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
USC School of Medicine/Center for Disability Resources
Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29203
Telephone: 800-915-4522 toll free or 803-935-5263.
Fax: 803-935-5342.
Email: evelyne@cdd.sc.edu.
Web site: http://www.sc.edu/scatp.

South Dakota

DakotaLink
1161 Deadwood Ave., Suite #5
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
Telephone: 800-645-0673 toll free (voice or TT) or 605-394-6742 (voice or TT).
Email: info@dakotalink.net.
Web site: http://dakotalink.tie.net.

Tennessee

Tennessee Technology Access Project
Citizens Plaza State Office Building
400 Deadrick Street, 14th Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37248
Telephone: 800-732-5059 toll free or 615-313-5183.
TT: 615-313-5695.
Email: tn.ttap@state.tn.us.
Web site: http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/rehab/ttap.htm.

Texas

Texas Technology Access ProjectTexas Center for Disability Studies
University of Texas at Austin
10100 Burnet Road, Commons Center, Building 137, Room 1.154
Austin, Texas 78758-4445
Telephone: 800-828-7839 toll free, 512-232-0740, or 1-8-SPEAK-UP-TX (for people with speech disabilities).
TT: 800-RELAY-TX toll free or 512-232-0762.
Fax: 512-232-0761.
Email: txcds@uttcds.org.
Web site: http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu.

Utah

Utah Assistive Technology ProgramCenter for Persons with Disabilities
Utah State University
Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322-6855
Telephone: 800-524-5152 toll free or 435-797-3824.
Fax: 435-797-2355.
Email: uatpat@cc.usu.edu.
Web site: http://www.uatpat.org.

Utah Center for Assistive Technology
1595 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104-5236
Telephone: 888-866-5550 toll free (Utah only) (voice or TT) or 801-887-9500 (voice or TT).
Web site: http://www.usor.utah.gov/ucat.

Vermont

Vermont Assistive Technology Program
Vermont Dept. of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
103 South Main Street, Weeks Building
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2305
Telephone: 800-750-6355 toll free or 802-241-2620.
TT: 802-241-1464.
Fax: 802-241-2174
Email: atinfo@dail.state.vt.us.
Web site: http://www.dad.state.vt.us/atp/.

Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
University of the Virgin Islands
#2 John Brewer Bay
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802
Telephone: 340-693-1323 (St. Thomas) or 340-692-1919 (St. Croix).
Fax: 340-692-5599.
Email: frock@uvi.edu.
Web site: http://www.uvi.edu/pub-relations/viuapindx.htm.

Virginia

Virginia Assistive Technology System
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23229
Telephone: 800-552-5019 toll free (central office), 800-435-8490 toll free (information and referral), or 804-662-9990.
Fax: 804-622-9478.
Email: Robert.Krollman@drs.virginia.gov.
Web site: http://www.vats.org.

Washington

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
University of Washington
Box 357920
Seattle, Washington 98195-7920
Telephone: 800-214-8731 toll free or 206-685-4181.
TT: 866-866-0162 toll free or 206-616-1396.
Fax: 206-543-4779.
Email: uwat@u.washington.edu.
Web site: http://watap.org.

West Virginia

West Virginia Assistive Technology System
Center for Excellence in Disabilities
955 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, West Virginia 26505
Telephone: 800-841-8436 toll free or 304-293-4692.
TT: 800-518-1448 toll free.
Fax: 304-293-7294.
Email: contact@cedwvu.org.
Web site: http://www.cedwvu.org/programs/wvats/.

Wisconsin

WisTech
Office of Independence and Employment
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 951
P.O. Box 7851
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7851
Telephone: 608-266-8905.
TT: 608-267-9880.
Fax: 608-266-3386.
Email: lauxhm@dhfs.state.wi.us.
Web site: http://www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/wistech/.

Wyoming

WIND Assistive Technology Resources
University of Wyoming Department 4298
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
Telephone: 307-766-2051.
TT: 307-766-2720.
Fax: 307-766-2763.
Email: watr@uwyo.edu.
Web site: http://www.wind.uwyo.edu/watr/.

Appendix B: Alternative Financing Programs

The following list provides contact information for the Assistive Technology Loan and Access to Telework Loan programs in each state. The types of loan programs administered by an organization are listed under the contact information. For an up-to-date list of Alternative Financing Programs, go to the ABLEDATA Alternative Financing Program Resource Center.

Alabama

Alabama Alternative Financing Loan Program
Department of Rehabilitation Services
2125 East South Boulevard
P.O. Box 20752
Montgomery, Alabama 36120-0752
Telephone: 334-613-2217.
TT: 334-613-3480.
Email: jhelm@rehab.state.al.us.
Web site: http://www.rehab.state.al.us/Home/default.aspx?url=/Home/Services/VRS/STAR+System/Alternative+Finance+Program.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Arizona

Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology ProgramNorthern Arizona University
Institute for Human Development
4105 North 20th Street, Suite 260
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Telephone: 800-477-9921 toll free or 602-728-9532.
TT: 602-728-9536.
Fax: 602-728-9535.
Email: jill.sherman@nau.edu.
Web site: http://www.azlat.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Arkansas

Arkansas Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
4601 West Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
Telephone: 501-683-3008.
Fax: 501-666-5319.

Email: jdmoreland@ars.state.ar.us.

Web site: http://www.arkansas-ican.org/Alternate%20Financing.htm.

Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Delaware

Delaware Loan ProgramDelaware Assistive Technology Initiative
University of Delaware
1600 Rockland Road
P.O. Box 269

Telephone: 302-651-6869.
TT: 302-651-6794.
Fax: 302-651-6793.
Email: mineo@asel.udel.edu.
Web site: http://www.dati.org/funding/LowInterestLoan.html.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Florida

Florida Alternative Financing Program
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
325 John Knox Road, Bldg 400, Suite 402
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Telephone: 888-788-9216 toll free (Florida only) or 850-487-3278.
Fax: 850-487-2805.
Email: faast@faast.org.
Web site: http://www.faast.org/AlternativeFinancing.cfm.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Georgia

Credit-Able, the Georgia Assistive Technology Loan Guarantee Program
1114 Brett Drive, Suite 100
Conyers, Georgia 30094
Telephone: 866-922-6790 toll free or 770-922-6790.
Fax: 770-922-6769.
Email: info@credit-able.org.
Web site: http://www.credit-able.org.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Guam

Guam Options for Alternative Loans for Assistive TechnologyUniversity of Guam CEDDERS - UOG Station
303 University Drive, House #19 Dean Circle

Telephone: 671-735-2490.
TT: 671-735-2491.
Fax: 671-734-8378.
Email: gsat@ite.net.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Illinois

TechConnect Low Interest Loan ProgramIllinois Assistive Technology Project
1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 100

Telephone: 800-852-5110 toll free or 217-522-7985.
TT: 217-522-9966.
Fax: 217-522-8067.
Email: techconnect@iltech.org.
Web site: http://www.techconnect.iltech.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Iowa

Iowa Loan ProgramAbilities Fund
410 North 18th Street
Centerville, Iowa 52544
Telephone: 888-222-8943 toll free or 641-856-2173.
Fax: 641-856-3101.
Email: info@abilitiesfund.org.
Web site: http://www.abilitiesfund.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Kansas

Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative 625 Merchant, Suite 205
Emporia, Kansas 66801
Telephone: 866-465-2826 toll free (voice or TT) or 620-341-9002 (voice or TT).
Fax: 620-342-6400.
Email: katcomail@sbcglobal.net.
Web site: http://www.katco.net.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Kentucky

Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation209 St. Clair Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Telephone: 877-675-0195 toll free or 502-564-4440.
Fax: 502-564-1268.
Email: edu.katlc@ky.gov.
Web site: http://www.katlc.ky.gov.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Louisiana

Louisiana Alternative Financing ProgramLouisiana Assistive Technology Access Network
3042 Old Forge Road, Suite D
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
Telephone: 800-270-6185 toll free (voice or TT) or 225-925-9500 (voice or TT).
Fax: 225-925-9560.
Email: info@latan.org.
Web site: http://www.latan.org.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Maine

mPower – Maine’s Adaptive Equipment Loan Fund
Alpha One
127 Main Street
South Portland, Maine 04106
Telephone: 800-640-7200 toll free (voice or TT).
Email: info@mpowerloans.org.
Web site: http://www.mpowerloans.org.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Maryland

Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program and Telework Loan Program
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP)
2301 Argonne Drive, Room T-17
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Telephone: 800-832-4827 toll free (voice or TT).
Fax: 410-554-9237.
Email: mdtap@mdtap.org.
Web site: http://www.mdtap.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts AT Loan ProgramEaster Seals Massachusetts
484 Main Street
Worchester, Massachusetts 01608
Telephone: 800-244-2756, ext. 428 or 431, toll free.
TT: 800-564-9700 toll free.
Email: massatloan@eastersealsma.net.
Web site: http://www.massatloan.org.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Michigan

Michigan Assistive Technology and Telework Loan Fundsc/o United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan
3401 E. Saginaw, Suite 216
Lansing, Michigan 48912
Telephone: 800-828-2714 toll free or 517-203-1200.
Fax: 517-203-1203.
Email: march@ucpmichigan.org.
Web site: http://michiganloanfunds.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Minnesota

Assistive Technology of Minnesota
1800 Pioneer Creek Center, Box 310
Maple Plain, Minnesota 55359-0310
Telephone: 866-535-8239 toll free or 763-479-8239.
TT: 800-627-3529 toll free.
Fax: 763-479-8243.
Email: info@atmn.org.
Web site: http://www.atmn.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Missouri

Show Me LoansMissouri Assistive Technology
4731 South Cochise, Suite 114
Independence, Missouri 64055-6975
Telephone: 800-647-8557 toll free (Missouri only) or 816-373-5193.
TT: 800-647-8558 toll free (Missouri only) or 816-373-9315.
Fax: 816-373-9314.
Email: mexline@swbell.net.
Web site: http://www.at.mo.gov/loans.shtm.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Montana

MonTECH
University Of Montana Rural Institute
634 Eddy, 009 CHC
Missoula, Montana 59812
Telephone: 877-243-5511 toll free (Montana only) or 406-243-5751.
Email: montech@ruralinstitute.umt.edu.
Web site: http://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/financial.asp.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Nebraska

Nebraska Loan ProgramsEaster Seals Nebraska
638 North 109th Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68154-1722
Telephone: 800-650-9880 toll free or 402-345-2200.
Fax: 402-345-2500.
Email: rfitzke@ne.easterseals.com.
Web site: http://ne.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=NEDR_loan.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Nevada

Nevada Assistive Technology Loan FundCareChest
7910 N. Virginia Street
Reno, Nevada 89506
Telephone: 775-829-2273.
Fax: 775-829-8745.
Email: loans@carechest.com.
Web site: http://www.carechest.com/HELP/HELP.html#Assistive_Technology_Loans.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

New Mexico

Access Loan New Mexico San Juan Center for Independence
3535 E. 30th, Suite 101
Farmington, New Mexico 87402
Telephone: 505-566-5831.
Fax: 505-566-5842.
Email: lmccabe@sjci.org.
Web site: http://www.sjci.org/afp.html.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

New Mexico Tele-Work Loan ProgramNew Mexico Technology Assistance Program
435 St. Michael's Drive, Building D
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Telephone: 800-866-2253 toll free or 505-954-8533.
TT: 800-659-4915 toll free.
Fax: 505-954-8608.
Email: andy.winnegar@state.nm.us.
Web site: http://www.nmtap.com/NMTeleWorkLoan.html.
Program: Access to Telework Loan Program.

New York

TRAID Project – Equipment Loan Fund
New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
Telephone: 800-522-4369 toll free (New York only) (voice or TT) or 518-388-2892.
TT: 518-473-4231.
Fax: 518-388-2890.
Email: webmaster@cqcapd.state.ny.us.
Web site: http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us/Asst-Tech-TRAID.htm.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

North Dakota

North Dakota Alternative Financial Loan Program North Dakota Association for the Disabled, Inc.
1913 South Washington
Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201
Telephone: 800-532-6323 toll free or 701-795-6609.
TT: 800-265-4728 toll free.
Fax: 701-239-7229.
Email: tladouceur@ndad.org.
Web site: http://www.ndipat.org/services/default.asp?ID=321.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Northern Mariana Islands

Trankilu Loan ProgramCommonwealth of the Northern Marianas Council on Developmental Disabilities
P.O. Box 502565
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands 96950-2565
Telephone: 670-664-7000.
TT: 670-664-7000.
Fax: 670-664-7010.
Email: tchong@cnmiddcouncil.org.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Alternative Financing ProgramOklahoma ABLE Tech
1514 West Hall of Fame
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-2026
Telephone: 888-885-5588 toll free or 405-744-9748.
TT: 800-257-1705 toll free.
Fax: 405-744-2487.
Email: gmiliss@okstate.edu.
Web site: http://www.ok.gov/abletech/Financing_Activities/.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation1004 West Ninth Avenue, First Floor

Telephone: 888-744-1938 toll free or 484-674-0506.
TT: 877-693-7271 toll free.
Fax: 484-674-0510.
Email: patf@patf.us.
Web site: http://www.patf.us.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

South Carolina

South Carolina Assistive Technology Loan ProgramVocational Rehabilitation Department
1410 Boston Avenue
West Columbia, South Carolina 29171
Telephone: 866-247-8354 toll free or 803-896-6374.
Fax: 803-896-6510.
Email: dkoon@scvrd.state.sc.us.
Web site: http://www.scvrd.net/i_assist_tech.html.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Utah

Alternative Financing ProgramUtah Assistive Technology Foundation
Center for Persons with Disabilities
6835 Old Main Hill

Telephone: 800-524-5152 toll free or 435-797-2025.
TT: 435-797-7089.
Fax: 435-797-2355.
Email: uatf@cpd2.usu.edu.
Web site: http://www.uatf.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Vermont

Independence Fund
Opportunities Credit Union
18 Pearl Street
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Telephone: 800-865-8328 toll free or 802-865-3404.
Fax: 802-860-6123.
Email: ecarvey@oppsvt.org.
Web site: http://www.oppsvt.org.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Alternate Financing Program
Virgin Islands Assistive Technology Foundation
Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
#2 John Brewer’s Bay
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Telephone: 340-776-9200, ext. 2334 (St. Thomas) or 340-692-1919 (St. Croix).
Fax: 340-692-5599 (St. Croix).
Email: yyohann@uvi.edu (St. Thomas) or wevans@uvi.edu (St. Croix).
Web site: http://www.uvi.edu/pub-relations/VIUCEDD/community_outreach/viatf.htm.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Virginia

Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107
Richmond, Virginia 23229
Telephone: 866-835-5976 toll free or 804-662-9000 (voice or TT).
Fax: 804-662-9533.
Email: atlfa@atlfa.org.
Web site: http://www.atlfa.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Washington

Washington Access FundWashington Assistive Technology Foundation
100 South King Street, Ste. 280
Seattle, Washington 98104
Telephone: 800-214-8731 toll free or 206-328-5116.
TT: 888-808-8942 toll free.
Fax: 206-328-5126.
Email: info@watf.org.
Web site: http://www.watf.org.
Programs: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Wisconsin

WisLoan and Wisconsin Telework Loan ProgramsIndependenceFirst
600 West Virginia St., Suite 401

Telephone: 877-463-3778 toll free or 414-226-8306.
TT: 414-291-7520.
Fax: 414-291-7525.
WisLoan Email: pkraemer@independencefirst.org.
Telework Loan Email: kaltman@independencefirst.org.
WisLoan Web site: http://www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/wistech/wisloan.htm.
Wisconsin Telework Loan Web site: http://www.independencefirst.org/services/other/telework.asp.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program; Access to Telework Loan Program.

Wyoming

Wyoming Technology Access ProgramWyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, Inc.
305 West First Street
Casper, Wyoming 82601
Telephone: 800-735-8322 toll free or 307-226-6956 (voice or TT).
Fax: 307-266-6957.
Email: webmaster@wilr.org.
Web site: http://www.wilr.org/wytap.html.
Program: Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Loan Program.

Appendix C: State Client Assistance and Protection and Advocacy Programs

In many states, the same organization provides CAP and P&A services. In other states, CAP and P&A services are provided by separate agencies. For states in which the CAP and P&A functions are provided by the same agency, a single organization is stated. In states where separate organizations fulfill these functions, the contact information for each project is listed separately. For an up-to-date list, go to the ABLEDATA Client Assistance Program Resource Center and the ABLEDATA Protection and Advocacy Program Resource Center.

Alabama

Client Assistance Program

State of Alabama Client Assistance Program
2125 East South Boulevard
Montgomery, Alabama 36116-2454
Telephone: 800-441-7607 toll free or 334-613-2208.
TT: 334-288-1104.
Fax: 334-288-1104.
Email: jnorsworthy@sacap.org.
Web site: http://www.sacap.org.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
P.O. Box 870395
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0395
Telephone: 800-826-1675 toll free (Alabama only) (voice or TT) or 205-348-4928 (voice or TT).
Fax: 205-348-3909.
Email: adap@adap.ua.edu.
Web site: http://www.adap.net.

Alaska

Client Assistance Program

Alaska Client Assistance Program
ASIST, Inc.
2900 Boniface Parkway, #100
Anchorage, Alaska 99504-3195
Telephone: 800-478-0047 toll free (voice or TT) or 907-333-2211 (voice or TT).
Fax: 907-333-1186.
Email: akcap@alaska.com.
Web site: http://home.gci.net/~alaskacap/.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Disability Law Center of Alaska
3330 Arctic Boulevard, Suite 103
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Telephone: 800-478-1234 toll free (Alaska only) (voice or TT) or 907-565-1002 (voice or TT).
Fax: 907-565-1000.
Email: akpa@dlcak.org.
Web site: http://www.dlcak.org.

American Samoa

American Samoa Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled
P.O. Box 3937
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Telephone: 011-684-633-2440.
Fax: 011-684-633-7286.
Email: pt_tauanuu@yahoo.com.
Web site: http://americansamoa.gov/departments/depts/protection.htm.

Arizona

Arizona Center for Disability Law
100 North Stone Avenue, Suite 305
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Telephone: 800-922-1447 toll free (voice or TT) or 520-327-9547 (voice or TT).
Fax: 520-884-0992.
Email: center@azdisabilitylaw.org.
Web site: http://www.acdl.com.

Arkansas

Arkansas Disability Rights Center, Inc.
1100 North University, Suite 201
Little Rock, Arkansas 72207
Telephone: 800-482-1174 toll free (Arkansas only) (voice or TT) or 501-296-1775 (voice or TT).
Fax: 501-296-1779.
Email: panda@arkdisabilityrights.org.
Web site: http://www.arkdisabilityrights.org.

California

Client Assistance Program

California Client Assistance Program
California Department of Rehabilitation
2000 Evergreen Street
Sacramento, California 95815
Telephone: 800-952-5544 toll free or 916-263-7367.
TT: 866-712-1085 toll free.
Email: capinfo@dor.ca.gov.
Web site: http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/cap/.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Protection and Advocacy, Inc.
100 Howe Ave., Suite 185-N
Sacramento, California 95825
Telephone: 800-776-5746 toll free or 916-488-9955.
TT: 800-719-5798 toll free.
Email: infor@pai-ca.org.
Web site: http://www.pai-ca.org.

Colorado

Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People
455 Sherman Street, Suite 130
Denver, Colorado 80203-4403
Telephone: 800-288-1376 toll free or 303-722-0300.
TT: 303-722-3619.
Fax: 303-722-0720.
Email: tlcmail@thelegalcenter.org.
Web site: http://www.thelegalcenter.org.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System, Inc.
P.O. Box 503529
Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands 96950
Telephone: 670-235-7273.
TT: 670-235-9506.
Fax: 670-235-7274.
Web site: http://www.nmpasi.com.

Connecticut

Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
60 B Weston Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06120-1551
Telephone: 800-842-7303 toll free (voice or TT) (Connecticut only) or 860-297-4300.
TT: 860-297-4380.
Fax: 860-566-8714.
Email: james.mcgaughey@po.state.ct.us.
Web site: http://www.state.ct.us/opapd.

District of Columbia

University Legal Services
220 I Street, NE, Suite 130
Washington, D.C. 20002
Telephone: 202-547-0198.
TT: 202-547-2657.
Fax: 202-547-2083.
Email: jbrown@uls-dc.org.
Web site: http://www.uls-dc.org.

Delaware

Client Assistance Program

Delaware Client Assistance Program
United Cerebral Palsy, Inc.
700 A River Road
Wilmington, Delaware 19809-2746
Telephone: 800-640-9336 toll free or 302-764-2400.
Fax: 302-764-8713.
Email: capdir@magpage.com.
Web site: http://www.ucp.org/ucp_localsrv.cfm/52/7501/11439/492.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Delaware Disabilities Law Program
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Community Services Building
100 West 10th Street, Suite 801
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Telephone: 800-773-0606 toll free (Delaware only) or 302-575-0690.
TT: 302-575-0696.
Fax: 302-575-0840.
Email: clasincc@declasi.org.
Web site: http://www.declasi.org/dis.html.

Florida

Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.
2728 Centerview Drive, Suite 102
Tallahassee, Florida 32301-5024
Telephone: 800-342-0823 toll free (Florida only) or 850-488-9071.
TT: 800-346-4127 toll free.
Fax: 850-488-8640.
Email: info@advacacycenter.org.
Web site: http://www.advocacycenter.org.

Georgia

Client Assistance Program

Georgia Client Assistance Program
123 North McDonough Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Telephone: 800-822-9727 toll free (voice or TT) or 404-373-3116 (voice or TT).
Fax: 404-373-4110.
Email: rehab@dol.state.ga.us.
Web site: http://www.vocrehabga.org/lev3j.html.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Georgia Advocacy Office, Inc.
150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Telephone: 800-537-2329 toll free or 404-885-1234.
Fax: 404-378-0031.
Email: info@thegao.org.
Web site: http://www.thegao.org.

Guam

Client Assistance Program

Guam Client Assistance Program
Parent-Agencies Network
P.O. Box 23474
2238 Route 16, Suite 1-B
J. Madarang Dental Building
Harmon, Guam 96921
Telephone: 671-637-4227 (voice or TT).
Fax: 671-637-4211.
Email: capguam@ite.net.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Guam Legal Services Corporation
113 Bradley Place
Hagatna, Guam 96910
Telephone: 671-477-9811.
Email: fvin@netpci.com.
Web site: http://www.lawhelp.org/GU/.

Hawaii

Hawaii Disability Rights Center
900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1040
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Telephone: 800-882-1057 toll free (voice or TT) or 808-949-2922 (voice or TT).
Fax: 808-949-2928.
Email: info@hawaiidisabilityrights.org.
Web site: http://www.hawaiidisabilityrights.org.

Idaho

Comprehensive Advocacy, Inc.
4477 Emerald Street, Suite B-100
Boise, Idaho 83706
Telephone: 866-262-3462 toll free or 208-336-5353 (voice or TT).
Fax: 208-336-5396.
Email: coadinc@cableone.net.
Web site: http://users.moscow.com/co-ad/.

Illinois

Client Assistance Program

Illinois Client Assistance Program
100 North First Street
1st Floor West
Springfield, Illinois 62702
Telephone: 800-641-3929 toll free (voice or TT).
Email: dhscap@dhs.state.il.us.
Web site: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/ors/cap.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Equip for Equality
20 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 300
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Telephone: 800-537-2632 toll free or 312-341-0022.
TT: 800-610-2779 toll free.
Fax: 312-341-0295.
Email: contactus@equipforequality.org.
Web site: http://www.equipforequality.org.

Indiana

Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services
4701 N. Keystone Avenue, Suite 222
Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
Telephone: 800-622-4845 toll free.
TT: 800-838-1131 toll free.
Email: kpedevilla@ipas.in.gov.
Web site: http://www.state.in.us/ipas.

Iowa

Client Assistance Program

Iowa Client Assistance Program
Division of Persons with Disabilities
Iowa Dept. of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
321 E. 12th Street, 22nd Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Telephone: 888-219-0471 toll free (voice or TT).
Fax: 515-242-6119.
Email: dhr.disabilities@iowa.gov.
Web site: http://www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/pd/client_assis_program/.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Iowa Protection and Advocacy Services, Inc.950 Office Park Road, Suite 221
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Telephone: 800-779-2502 toll free or 515-278-2502.
TT: 515-278-0571.
Fax: 515-278-0539.
Email: info@ipna.org.
Web site: http://www.ipna.org.

Kansas

Disability Rights Center of Kansas
635 S.W. Harrison Street, Suite 100
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3726
Telephone: 877-776-1541 toll free and 785-273-9661.
TT: 877-335-3725 toll free.
Fax: 785-273-9414.
Web site: http://www.drckansas.org.

Kentucky

Client Assistance Program

Kentucky Client Assistance Program
Education Cabinet
209 St. Clair Street, 5th floor
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Telephone: 800-633-6283 toll free or 502-564-8035.
Fax: 502-564-1566.
Email: VickiL.Staggs@ky.gov.
Web site: http://kycap.ky.gov.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Kentucky Protection and Advocacy
100 Fair Oaks Lane, Third Floor
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Telephone: 800-372-2988 toll free (voice or TT) or 502-564-2967 (voice or TT).
Fax: 502-564-0848.
Web site: http://www.kypa.net.

Louisiana

Advocacy Center
1010 Common Street, Suite 2600
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Telephone: 800-960-7705 toll free (voice or TT) or 504-522-2337.
Fax: 504-522-5507.
Email: advocacycenter@advocacyla.org.
Web site: http://www.advocacyla.org.

Maine

Client Assistance Program

C.A.R.E.S, Inc.
47 Water Street, Suite 104
Hallowell, Maine 04347
Telephone: 800-773-7055 toll free (voice or TT) or 207-622-7055 (voice or TT).
Fax: 207-621-1869.
Email: steve.beam@caresinc.org.
Web site: http://www.caresinc.org.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Disability Rights Center
P.O. Box 2007
Augusta, Maine 04338-2007
Telephone: 800-452-1948 toll free (voice or TT) or 207-626-2774 (voice or TT).
Fax: 207-621-1419.
Email: advocate@drcme.org.
Web site: http://www.drcme.org.

Maryland

Client Assistance Program

Maryland Client Assistance Program
Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services
2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Telephone: 800-638-6243 toll free or 410-554-9361.
TT: 410-554-9360.
Fax: 410-554-9362.
Email: cap@dors.state.md.us.
Web site: http://www.dors.state.md.us/DORS/ProgramServices/cap.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Maryland Disability Law Center
Walbert Building
1800 N. Charles Street, 4th floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone: 800-233-7201 toll free (Maryland only) or 410-727-6352.
TT: 410-727-6387.
Fax: 410-727-6389.
Web site: http://www.mdlcbalto.org.

Massachusetts

Client Assistance Program

Massachusetts Office on DisabilityClient Assistance Program
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Telephone: 800-322-2020 toll free (voice or TT) or 617-727-7440.
Fax: 617-727-0965.
Email: Barbara.Lybarger@modi.state.ma.us.
Web site: http://www.mass.gov/mod/ClientAssistance.html.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Disability Law Center, Inc.
11 Beacon Street, Suite 925
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Telephone: 800-222-5619 toll free or 413-584-6337.
TT: 413-582-6919.
Fax: 413-584-2976.
Email: mail@dlc-ma.org.
Web site: http://www.dlc-ma.org.

Michigan

Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc.
4095 Legacy Parkway, Suite 500
Lansing, Michigan 48911-4263
Telephone: 800-288-5923 toll free (Michigan only) (voice or TT) or 517-487-1755 (voice or TT).
Fax: 517-487-0827.
Email: molson@mpas.org.
Web site: http://www.mpas.org.

Minnesota

Minnesota Disability Law Center
430 1st Avenue N., Suite 300
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401-1780
Telephone: 800-292-4150 toll free (Minnesota only) or 668-612-332-1441.
TT: 612-332-4668.
Fax: 612-334-5755.
Email: mndlc@midmnlegal.org.
Web site: http://www.mndlc.org.

Mississippi

Client Assistance Program

Mississippi Client Assistance Program
Mississippi Society for Disabilities
500 G Woodrow Wilson Drive, P.O. Box 4958
Jackson, Mississippi 39296-4958
Telephone: 800-962-2400 toll free (voice or TT) or 601-362-2585 (voice or TT).
Fax: 601-982-1951.
Web site: http://www.mississippicap.com.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Mississippi Protection and Advocacy System, Inc.
5305 Executive Place, Suite A
Jackson, Mississippi 39206
Telephone: 800-772-4057 toll free or 601-981-8207 (voice or TT).
Fax: 601-981-8313.
Email: info@mspas.com-ms.
Web site: http://www.mspas.com.

Missouri

Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services
925 South Country Club Drive, Unit B-1
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Telephone: 800-392-8667 toll free or 573-893-3333.
TT: 800-735-2966 toll free.
Fax: 573-893-4231.
Email: mopasjc@earthlink.net.
Web site: http://www.moadvocacy.org.

Montana

Montana Advocacy Program
P.O. Box 1681
400 North Park, 2nd Floor
Helena, Montana 59624
Telephone: 800-245-4743 toll free (voice or TT) or 406-449-2344 (voice or TT).
Fax: 406-449-2418.
Email: advocate@mtadv.org.
Web site: http://www.mtadv.org.

Nebraska

Client Assistance Program

Nebraska Client Assistance Program
301 Centennial Mall South
Box 94987
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
Telephone: 800-742-7594 toll free (voice or TT) or 402-471-3656.
Email: victoria.rasmussen@cap.ne.gov.
Web site: http://www.cap.state.ne.us.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Nebraska Advocacy Services, Inc.
Center for Disability Rights, Law and Advocacy
134 South 13th Street, Suite 600
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
Telephone: 800-422-6691 toll free or 402-474-3183 (voice or TT).
Fax: 402-474-3274.
Email: info@nebraskaadvocacyservices.org.
Web site: http://www.nebraskaadvocacyservices.org.

Nevada

Client Assistance Program

Nevada Client Assistance Program
Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
2800 East St. Louis
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
Telephone: 800-633-9879 toll free or 702-486-6688.
Email: detrcap@nvdetr.org.
Web site: http://detr.state.nv.us/rehab/reh_cap.htm.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center
6039 Eldora Avenue, Suite C, Box 3
Las Vegas, Nevada 89146
Telephone: 888-349-3843 toll free or 702-257-8150.
TT: 702-257-8160.
Fax: 702-257-8170.
Email: ndalc@ndalclv.org.
Web site: http://www.ndalc.org.

New Hampshire

Client Assistance Program

New Hampshire Client Assistance Program
Governor's Commission on Disability
57 Regional Drive
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Telephone: 800-852-3405 toll free or 603-271-4175.
TT: 603-271-2774.
Fax: 603-271-2837.
Email: bill.hagy@nh.gov.
Web site: http://www.state.nh.us/disability.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Disabilities Rights Center, Inc.
18 Low Avenue
Concord, New Hampshire 03301-4971
Telephone: 800-834-1721 toll free (voice or TT) or 603-228-0432.
Fax: 603-225-2077.
Email: advocacy@drcnh.org.
Web site: http://www.drcnh.org.

New Jersey

New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.210 South Broad Street, Floor 3
Trenton, New Jersey 08608
Telephone: 609-292-9742.
TT: 609-633-7106.
Fax: 609-777-0187.
Email: advocate@njpanda.org.
Web site: http://www.njpanda.org.

New Mexico

New Mexico Protection and Advocacy
1720 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Suite 204
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Telephone: 800-432-4682 toll free (New Mexico only) or 505-256-3100 (voice or TT).
Email: info@nmpanda.org.
Web site: http://www.nmpanda.org.

New York

New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities401 State Street
Schenectady, New York 12305-2397
Telephone: 800-522-4369 toll free (voice or TT) or 518-388-1281.
Fax: 518-388-1276.
Email: webmaster@cqcapd.state.ny.us.
Web site: http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us.

North Carolina

Client Assistance Program

North Carolina Client Assistance Program
2806 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-2806
Telephone: 800-215-7227 toll free or 919-855-3600 (voice or TT).
Fax: 919-715-2456.
Email: nccap@ncmail.net.
Web site: http://cap.state.nc.us.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Carolina Legal Assistance
2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550
Raleigh, North Carolina 27608
Telephone: 877-235-4210 toll free or 919-856-2195.
Fax: 919-856-2244.
Email: clamdlp@mindspring.com.
Web site: http://www.cladisabilitylaw.org.

North Dakota

Client Assistance Program

North Dakota Client Assistance Program
1237 West Divide Avenue, Suite 3
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501-1208
Telephone: 800-207-6122 toll free (North Dakota only) or 701-328-8947.
TT: 701-328-8968.
Email: cap@state.nd.us.
Web site: http://www.state.nd.us/cap.

Protection and Advocacy Program

North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project
Wells Fargo Bank Building
400 East Broadway, Suite 409
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501-4073
Telephone: 800-472-2670 toll free.
TT: 800-366-6888 toll free.
Email: panda@state.nd.us.
Web site: http://www.ndpanda.org.

Ohio

Ohio Legal Rights Service
50 West Broad Street, Suite 1400
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5923
Telephone: 800-282-9181 toll free (Ohio only) or 614-466-7264.
TT: 800-858-3542 toll free (Ohio only) or 614-728-2553.
Fax: 614-644-1888.
Email: webmaster@olrs.state.oh.us.
Web site: http://www.state.oh.us/olrs.

Oklahoma

Client Assistance Program

Client Assistance Program
Oklahoma Office of Handicapped Concerns
2401 NW 23rd, Suite 90
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107
Telephone: 800-522-8224 toll free or 405-521-3756.
TT: 405-522-6706.
Fax: 405-522-6695.
Email: cap@ohc.state.ok.us.
Web site: http://www.ohc.ok.gov/cap.htm.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc.
2915 Classen Boulevard
300 Cameron Building
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106
Telephone: 800-880-7755 toll free (voice or TT) or 405-525-7755 (voice or TT).
Fax: 405-525-7759.
Email: kayla@okdlc.org.
Web site: http://www.oklahomadisabilitylaw.org.

Oregon

Oregon Advocacy Center
620 S.W. 5th Avenue, 5th Floor
Portland, Oregon 97204-1428
Telephone: 800-452-1694 toll free or 503-243-2081.
TT: 800-556-5351 toll free or 503-323-9161.
Fax: 503-243-1738.
Email: welcome@oradvocacy.org.
Web site: http://www.oradvocacy.org.

Pennsylvania

Client Assistance Program

Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program
Center for Disability Law and Policy
1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 800
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Telephone: 888-745-2357 toll free or 215-557-7112 (voice or TT).
Fax: 215-557-7602.
Email: info@equalemployment.org.
Web site: http://www.equalemployment.org.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
1414 N. Cameron Street, Suite C
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17103
Telephone: 800-692-7443 toll free or 717-236-8110.
TT: 877-375-7139 toll free or 717-346-0293.
Fax: 717-236-0192.
Email: drnpa-hbg@drnpa.org.
Web site: http://www.drnpa.org.

Puerto Rico

Oficina del Procurador de las Personas con Impedimentos
Oficina Central, Caribbean Office Plaza
Ave. Ponce de León 670
Miramar, Puerto Rico 00907-3207
Telephone: 800-981-4125 toll free or 787-725-2333.
Email: oppi@oppi.gobierno.pr.
Web site: http://www.oppi.gobierno.pr.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Disability Law Center, Inc.
349 Eddy Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Telephone: 800-733-5332 toll free (Rhode Island only) or 401-831-3150.
TT: 401-831-5335.
Fax: 401-274-5568.
Email: info@ridlc.org.
Web site: http://www.ridlc.org.

South Carolina

Client Assistance Program

South Carolina Client Assistance Program
Office of the Governor
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29205
Telephone: 800-868-0040 toll free (South Carolina only) or 803-734-0285.
TT: 803-734-1147.
Fax: 803-734-0546.
Email: mbutler@gooepp.state.sc.us.
Web site: http://www.govoepp.state.sc.us/cap.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc.
3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 208
Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Telephone: 866-275-7273 toll free or 803-782-0639.
TT: 866-232-4525 toll free (South Carolina only).
Email: info@protectionandadvocacy-sc.org.
Web site: http://www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org.

South Dakota

South Dakota Advocacy Services
221 South Central Avenue
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Telephone: 800-658-4782 toll free (voice or TT) or 605-224-8294 (voice or TT).
Fax: 605-224-5125.
Email: sdas@sdadvocacy.com.
Web site: http://www.sdadvocacy.com.

Tennessee

Disability Law and Advocacy Center of Tennessee
2416 21st Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
Telephone: 800-342-1660 toll free or 615-298-1080.
TT: 888-852-2852 toll free.
Fax: 615-298-2046.
Email: gethelp@dlactn.org.
Web site: http://www.dlactn.org.

Texas

Advocacy, Inc.
7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite #171-E
Austin, Texas 78757-1024
Telephone: 800-252-9108 toll free (voice or TT) or 512-454-4816 (voice or TT).
Fax: 512-323-0902.
Email: infoai@advocacyinc.org.
Web site: http://www.advocacyinc.org.

Utah

Disability Law Center
The Community Legal Center
205 North 400 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
Telephone: 800-662-9080 toll free.
TT: 800-550-4182 toll free.
Email: info@disabilitylawcenter.org.
Web site: http://www.disabilitylawcenter.org.

Vermont

Client Assistance Program

Vermont Client Assistance ProgramDisability Law Project of Vermont Legal Aid, Inc.
57 North Main Street
Rutland, Vermont 05701
Telephone: 800-769-7459 toll free or 802-775-0021.
Email: nbreiden@vtlegalaid.org.
Web site: http://www.dad.state.vt.us/DVR/cap.htm.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Vermont Protection and Advocacy
141 Main Street, Suite 7
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
Telephone: 800-834-7890 toll free or 802-229-1355.
Email: info@vtpa.org.
Web site: http://www.vtpa.org.

Virgin Islands

Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands
63 Cane Carlton
Fredriksted, Virgin Islands 00840
Telephone: 340-772-1200.
TT: 340-772-4641.
Fax: 340-772-0609.
Email: info@drcvi.org.
Web site: http://www.drcvi.org.

Virginia

Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy
1910 Byrd Avenue, Suite 5
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Telephone: 800-552-3962 toll free (Virginia only) (voice or TT) or 804-225-2042 (voice or TT).
Fax: 804-662-7057.
Email: general.vopa@vopa.virginia.gov.
Web site: http://www.vopa.state.va.us.

Washington

Client Assistance Program

Washington State Client Assistance Program
2531 Rainier Avenue, South
Seattle, Washington 98144
Telephone: 800-544-2121 toll free or 206-721-5999.
TT: 888-721-6072 toll free or 206-721-6072.
Email: caprogram@qwest.net.
Web site: http://www.washingtoncap.org.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Washington Protection and Advocacy System
315 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 850
Seattle, Washington 98104
Telephone: 800-562-2702 toll free or 206-324-1521.
TT: 800-905-0209 toll free or 206-957-0728.
Fax: 206-957-0729.
Email: wpas@wpas-rights.org.
Web site: http://www.wpas-rights.org.

West Virginia

West Virginia Advocates, Inc.
Litton Building, Suite 400
1207 Quarrier Street
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
Telephone: 800-950-5250 toll free (voice or TT) or 304-346-0847.
Fax: 304-346-0867.
Email: WVAinfo@wvadvocates.org.
Web site: http://www.wvadvocates.org.

Wisconsin

Client Assistance Program

Wisconsin Client Assistance Program
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
2811 Agriculture Drive, P.O. Box 8911
Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8911
Telephone: 800-362-1290 toll free or 608-224-5070 (voice or TT).
Fax: 608-224-5069.
Web site: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/cap.htm.

Protection and Advocacy Program

Disability Rights Wisconsin
131 W. Wilson Street, Suite 700
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Telephone: 800-928-8778 toll free or 608-267-0214.
TT: 888-758-6049 toll free.
Fax: 608-267-0368.
Web site: http://www.disabilityrightswi.org.

Wyoming

Protection and Advocacy System, Inc.
320 West 25th Street, 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Telephone: 307-632-3496.
Fax: 307-638-0815.
Email: wypanda@vcn.com.
Web site: http://www.wypanda.vcn.com.

Appendix D: State Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Programs

For further information on any state telecommunications equipment distribution program, call the program at the number provided or visit the program’s Web site.

Alaska

Alaska Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
Alaska Relay
3820 Lake Otis Parkway, Suite 105
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Telephone: 907-562-2520.
TT: 866-338-0035 toll free or 907-338-0035.
Fax: 907-563-8453.
Email: dcampbell@c-s-d.org.
Web site: http://www.alaskarelay.com/tedp.aspx.

Arizona

Arizona Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
1400 West Washington, Room 126
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Telephone: 800-352-8161 toll free (voice or TT) or 602-542-3323.
TT: 602-364-0990.
Fax: 602-542-3380.
Email: info@acdhh.az.gov.
Web site: http://www.acdhh.org/teleprogram.

Arkansas

Arkansas Telecommunications Access Program
26 Corporate Hill Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
Telephone: 800-981-4463 toll free or 501-686-9694.
TT: 501-686-9693.
Email: glvigneault@ars.state.ar.us.
Web site: http://www.arkansas-ican.org/TAP.htm.

California

California Telephone Access Program
CTAP Call Center
P.O. Box 30310
Stockton, California 95213
Telephone: 800-806-1191 toll free.
TT: 800-806-4474 toll free.
Fax: 800-889-3974 toll free.
Email: consumeraffairs@ddtp.org.
Web site: http://www.ddtp.org/CTAP.

Colorado

Colorado Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program
Marion Downs Hearing Center
1793-2 Quentin Street
Aurora, Colorado 80045
Telephone: 720-848-2970.
TT: 720-848-2979.
Fax: 720-848-2976.
Email: mdhc@uch.edu.
Web site: http://www.uch.edu/mariondowns/content/index.asp.

Connecticut

Connecticut TRS Distribution Program
c/o Converse Communications
34 Jerome Avenue
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
Telephone: 800-743-1219 toll free.
Fax: 860-243-1320.
Email: info@conversecommunications.com.
Web site: http://www.conversecommunications.com.

Florida

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.
1820 East Park Avenue, Suite 101
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Telephone: 800-222-3448 toll free.
TT: 888-447-5620 toll free.
Email: jforstall@ftri.org.
Web site: http://www.ftri.org.

Georgia

Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired
4151 Memorial Drive, Suite 103-A
Decatur, Georgia 30032
Telephone: 888-297-9461 toll free (voice or TT) or 404-297-9461 (voice or TT).
Fax: 404-297-9465.
Email: morr@gachi.org.
Web site: http://www.gachi.org/gatedp/index.htm.

Illinois

Illinois Telecommunications Access Corp.
3001 Montvale Drive, Suite D
Springfield, Illinois 62704
Telephone: 800-841-6167 toll free (voice or TT) or 217-698-4170 (voice or TT).
Fax: 217-698-0942.
Web site: http://www.itactty.org.

Indiana

Indiana Equipment Distribution Program
Indiana Telephone Relay Access Corporation
7702 Woodland Drive, Suite 250
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Telephone: 800-743-3333 toll free (voice or TT) or 317-334-1413 (voice or TT).
Email: greg.gantt@relayindiana.com.
Web site: http://www.relayindiana.com.

Iowa

Telecommunications Access Iowa
6925 Hickman Road
Des Moines, Iowa 50322
Telephone: 800-606-5099 toll free or 515-282-5099.
TT: 515-282-5130.
Fax: 515-282-5130.
Email: teleiowa@aol.com.
Web site: http://www.relayiowa.com/tai/about_tai.htm.

Kansas

Telecommunications Access Program of Kansas
c/o Pioneer Communications
P.O. Box 707, 120 West Kansas Avenue
Ulysses, Kansas 67880
Telephone: 785-234-0200 or 620-356-3211.
Fax: 620-356-3242.
Web site: http://www.pioncomm.net/telephone/tap.htm.

Kentucky

Kentucky Telecommunication Access Program
Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
632 Versailles Road
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Telephone: 800-372-2907 toll free (voice or TT) or 502-573-2604 (voice or TT).
Fax: 502-573-3594.
Web site: http://www.kcdhh.ky.gov.

Maine

Maine Center on Deafness Equipment Program
68 Bishop Street, Suite 3
Portland, Maine 04103
Telephone: 800-639-3884 toll free (voice or TT) or 207-797-7656 (voice or TT).
Fax: 207-797-9791.
Email: emoran@mcdmaine.org.
Web site: http://www.mainecenterondeafness.org/tep.htm.

Maryland

Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program
State of Maryland, Department of Budget and Management
301 W. Preston Street, Suite 1008A
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone: 800-552-7724 toll free (voice or TT).
Fax: 410-767-4276.
Email: moreinfo@mdrelay.org.
Web site: http://www.mdrelay.org/equipment.html.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program
c/o Boston Center for Independent Living
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Downtown Crossing
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Telephone: 800-300-5658 toll free (voice or TT).
Email: phones@bostoncil.org.
Web site: http://www.massedp.com.

Michigan

Michigan Statewide TTY Distribution Program
Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2929 Covington Court, Suite 200
Lansing, Michigan 48912-4939
Telephone: 800-YOUR-EAR toll free or 517-487-0066.
TT: 517-487-0066.
Email: yourear@madhh.org.
Web site: http://www.michdhh.org/assistive_devices/text_telephone.html#madhstty.

Minnesota

Minnesota Telephone Equipment Distribution Program
Minnesota Department of Human Services
444 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-3814
Telephone: 800-657-3663 toll free.
TT: 888-206-6555 toll free.
Email: ted.program@state.mn.us.
Web site: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=id_002714.

Missouri

Missouri Telecommunications Access Program
Missouri Assistive Technology
4731 South Cochise, Suite 114
Independence, Missouri 64055-6975
Telephone: 800-647-8557 toll free (Missouri only) or 816-373-5193.
TT: 800-647-8558 toll free (Missouri only) or 816-373-9315.
Fax: 816-373-9314.
Email: matpmo@swbell.net.
Web site: http://www.at.mo.gov/tap.shtm.

Montana

Montana Telecommunications Access Program
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Last Chance Gulch, Suite 2B
Helena, Montana 59604
Telephone: 800-833-8503 toll free or 866-735-2968 toll free (voice or TT).
Email: relay@mt.gov.
Web site: http://www.montanarelay.org.

Nebraska

Nebraska Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Program
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
4600 Valley Road, Suite 420
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510-4844
Telephone: 800-545-6244 toll free (voice or TT) or 402-471-3593 (voice or TT).
Fax: 402-471-3067.
Email: lincoln.office@ncdhh.ne.gov.
Web site: http://www.ncdhh.ne.gov/nedp.htm.

Nevada

Nevada Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center
2881 South Valley View Boulevard, Suite 12
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
Telephone: 702-363-3323 (voice or TT).
Fax: 702-363-3323.
Email: dhharcor@dhharc.org.
Web site: http://www.dhharc.org.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program
Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
125 Airport Road
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Telephone: 603-224-1850.
TT: 603-224-0691.
Email: programspec@ndhhs.org.
Web site: http://www.ndhhs.org/services/nhtedp.html.

New Mexico

New Mexico Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
Accessible Technology Unit
2500 Louisiana NE, Suite 400
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Telephone: 505-881-8824 (voice or TT).
Email: suzanne.ruble@state.nm.us.
Web site: http://www.cdhh.state.nm.us/Technology.html.

North Carolina

North Carolina Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
North Caroline Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
2301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-2301
Telephone: 800-999-5737 toll free (voice or TT).
Email: thomas.kuszaj@ncmail.net.
Web site: http://www.dsdhh.dhhs.state.nc.us/division/tanc/tedp.html.

North Dakota

North Dakota Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Service
North Dakota Interagency Program for Assistive Technology
3509 Interstate Boulevard
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
Telephone: 800-265-4728 toll free or 701-365-4728.
TT: 701-365-6242.
Email: crawls@ndipat.org.
Web site: http://www.ndipat.org/services

Oregon

Oregon Telecommunication Devices Access Program
Public Utility Commission of Oregon
RSPF, P.O. Box 2148
Salem, Oregon 97308-2148
Telephone: 800-848-4442 toll free or 503-373-7171.
TT: 800-648-3458 toll free.
Email: puc.consumer@state.or.us.
Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/PUC/rspf/summary.shtml.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Telecommunication Device Distribution Program
Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology
University Services Building
1601 N. Broad Street, Suite 610
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122
Telephone: 800-204-7428 toll free.
TT: 866-268-0579 toll free.
Fax: 215-204-9371.
Email: tddp@temple.edu.
Web site: http://www.disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program
c/o Vocational Resources, Inc.
100 Houghton Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904
Telephone: 401-276-0875.
TT: 401-861-6677.
Web site: http://www.riatelprogram.org.

South Carolina

South Carolina Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind
101 Executive Center Drive
Suite 120, Saluda Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29210
Telephone: 877-225-8337 toll free or 803-896-8337.
TT: 877-889-8337 toll free or 803-896-8334.
Fax: 803-896-8345.
Email: sctedp@scsdb.org.
Web site: http://www.scsdb.org/outreach/SCTEDP_2007.htm.

South Dakota

South Dakota Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services
Hillsview Plaza, 500 East Capitol
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Telephone: 800-265-9684 toll free or 605-773-5990.
Email: infors@state.sd.us.
Web site: http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/deafserv/tedp.aspx.

Texas

Texas Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program
Public Utility Commission of Texas
P.O. Box 13326
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78711-3326
Telephone: 512-407-3250.
TT: 512-407-3251.
Email: stap@dars.state.tx.us.
Web site: http://www.puc.state.tx.us/relay/stapc/what.cfm.

Utah

Relay Utah
Public Service Commission
160 E. 300 South, 4th Floor
Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0585
Telephone: 801-530-6638.
TT: 801-530-6638.
Email: mbgreen@utah.gov.
Web site: http://www.relayutah.gov/equipment.html.

Vermont

Vermont Equipment Distribution ProgramVermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
130 Austine Drive
Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
Telephone: 888-254-3323 toll free.
Fax: 802-258-9574.
Email: vtedp@austine.pvt.k12.vt.us.
Web site: http://www.vermontrelay.com/edp1.php.

Virginia

Virginia Technology Assistance Program
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 203
Richmond, Virginia 23229-5012
Telephone: 800-552-7917 toll free (voice or TT) or 804-662-9502 (voice or TT).
Email: frontdsk@vddhh.virginia.gov.
Web site: http://www.vddhh.org/techintro.htm.

Washington

Washington Telecommunication Equipment Distribution
DSHS Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
P.O. Box 45301
Olympia, Washington 98504-5301
Telephone: 800-422-7930 toll free or 360-902-8000 (voice or TT).
Email: odhh@dshs.wa.gov.
Web site: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/hrsa/odhh/ted.shtml.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program
Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 7854
Madison, Wisconsin 73707-3957
Telephone: 608-231-3305.
TT: 800-251-8345 toll free (Wisconsin only) or 608-267-1479.
Fax: 608-266-3957.
Email: pscrecs@psc.state.wi.us.
Web site: http://www.psc.wi.gov/consumerinfo/assistancePgms/tepp/tepp-ind.htm.

Wyoming

Wyoming Relay/Deaf Services Program
Department of Workforce Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
851 Werner Court, Suite 120
Casper, Wyoming 82601
Telephone: 800-452-1408 toll free (voice or TT) or 307-577-0539.
Email: lcieli@state.wy.us.
Web site: http://www.wyomingworkforce.org/how/vr_wyrdstele.aspx.

Appendix E: Motor Vehicle Adaptive Equipment Reimbursement Programs

Acura Mobility Assistance Program

U.S. Acura Client Services
1919 Torrance Boulevard, P.O. Box 2964
Torrance, California 90509-2964
Telephone: 800-382-2238 toll free.
Fax: 310-783-3535.
Web site: http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?initPath=AboutAcura_AcuraMobility_AcuraMobility.

Chrysler Automobility Program

P.O. Box 5080
Troy, Michigan 48007-5080
Telephone: 800-255-9877 toll free.
Web site: http://www.automobility.daimlerchrysler.com.

Ford Mobility Motoring Program

Customer Care Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
Telephone: 800-952-2248 toll free.
TT: 800-833-0312 toll free.
Email: mobilitymotoring@fordprogramhq.com.
Web site: http://www.mobilitymotoringprogram.com/programassistance.mob.

General Motors Mobility Reimbursement Program

P.O. Box 5053
Troy, Michigan 48007
Telephone: 800-323-9935 toll free.
TT: 800-833-9935 toll free.
Web site: http://www.gm.com/shop/services/gm_mobility/reimbursement/.

Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 2964
Torrance, California 90509-2964
Telephone: 800-999-1009 toll free.
Web site: http://automobiles.honda.com/information/mobility-assistance.aspx.

Lexus Mobility Assistance Program

Lexus Customer Satisfaction
19001 South Western Avenue
Mail Drop L201
Torrance, California 90501
Telephone: 800-255-3987 toll free.
TT: 800-443-4999 toll free.
Web site: http://www.lexus.com/mobility.

Toyota Mobility Program

Toyota Customer Experience Center, Mail Drop WC10
19001 South Western Avenue
Torrance, California 90509-2714
Telephone: 800-331-4331 toll free.
TT: 800-443-4999 toll free.
Web site: http://www.toyota.com/mobility/.

Volvo Mobility Program

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
1 Volvo Drive
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647
Telephone: 800-458-1552 toll free.
Email: customercare@volvocars.com.
Web site: http://www.volvocars.us/salesandservices/MobilityProgram/.

Appendix F: National Funding Sources

American Association of People with Disabilities

1629 K Street NW, Suite 503
Washington, D.C. 20006
Telephone: 800-840-8844 toll free (voice or TT) or 202-457-0046 (voice or TT).
Fax: 202-457-0473.
Email: aapd@aol.com.
Web site: http://www.aapd.com.
Members of AAPD are eligible to join the Digital Federal Credit Union, which offers Mobility Vehicle Loans and Access Loans for adaptive equipment and modifications.

Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) - Assistive Technology Fund

P.O. Box 246
Holbrook, Massachusetts 02343
Telephone: 781-654-2000.
Fax: 781-961-0004.
Email: atf@blindcitizens.org.
Web site: http://www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm.
The ABC’s Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) makes grants to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. Legally blind residents of the United States are eligible.

AUDIENT Program

Northwest Hearing Care
901 Boren Avenue, Suite 810
Seattle, Washington 98104-3534
Telephone: 877-283-4368 toll free or 206-838-7194.
Fax: 206-838-7195.
Email: info@audientalliance.org.
Web site: http://www.audientalliance.org.
This nationwide program helps seniors, children, and families obtain discounted hearing aids.

Cochlear Implant Assistance Program

Colorado Neurological Institute
701 East Hampden Avenue, Suite 330
Englewood, Colorado 80113
Telephone: 303-788-4010.
Email: npyle@thecni.org.
Web site: http://www.thecni.org/hearing/assistance.htm.
This program provides cochlear implants at no charge to qualified candidates. However, only the device is free. Patients are responsible for physician, hospital, anesthesiology, and audiological fees.

Digital Federal Credit Union

220 Donald Lynch Boulevard
P.O. Box 9130
Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752-9130
Telephone: 800-328-8797 toll free or 508-263-6700.
Web site: http://www.dcu.org.
The Digital Federal Credit Union offers Mobility Vehicle Loans and Access Loans for adaptive equipment and home or vehicle modifications. Members of the American Association of People with Disabilities are eligible to join the credit union.

GiveTech

4630 Geary Boulevard, Suite 101
San Francisco, California 94118
Telephone: 415-750-2576.
Fax: 415-387-1516.
Email: info@givetech.org.
Web site: http://www.givetech.org.
GiveTech provides computer input technology for individuals with severe physical disabilities who lack the financial ability to purchase it.

Lions Clubs International

300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842
Web site: http://www.lionsclubs.org.
Lions Clubs International is a volunteer organization with a focus on service to the blind and visually impaired. Local clubs provide free eye care, eyeglasses, braille writers, large print texts, white canes, and guide dogs. The Lions Clubs International Web site includes a locator for finding local clubs.

National Organization Caring for Kids

P.O. Box 1822
Tacoma, Washington 98401
Telephone: 253-851-6625.
Web site: http://www.nockonline.org.
The National Organization Caring for Kids (NOCK) helps parents of children with disabilities to fund assistive technology products after traditional funding sources have been exhausted. Its focus is on mobility and communication devices. Participants must be referred by one of NOCK’s partners, which include Dynavox Systems, United Seating and Mobility, Care Medical, Olympic Pharmacy, and Sunrise Medical.

Muscular Dystrophy Association

National Headquarters
3300 E. Sunrise Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85718
Telephone: 800-344-4863 toll free.
Email: mda@mdausa.org.
Web site: http://www.mdausa.org.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association assists with the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication devices for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases. The AT must be medically prescribed by the local MDA clinic physician. The maximum allowable assistance is established by MDA annually.

SHARE Foundation

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747
Telephone: 508-999-8482.
Email: share@umassd.edu.
Web site: http://www.share.umassd.edu.
The SHARE Foundation helps individuals with disabilities to obtain customized computer input systems, and often donates needed systems free of charge to those who cannot afford them and who are unable to find other financial support.

Travis Roy Foundation

111 Huntington Avenue
Prudential Center, 19th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7613
Telephone: 617-239-0556.
Fax: 617-227-4420.
Email: administrator@travisroyfoundation.org.
Web site: http://www.travisroyfoundation.org.
The Foundation makes grants to individuals with spinal cord injury for specific adaptive modifications or equipment. Grants typically range from $4,000 to $7,500.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20420
Telephone: 800-827-1000 toll free or 202-273-5400.
Web site: http://www.va.gov.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides funding for assistive technology through the following three programs:

Veterans Health Administration: http://www1.va.gov/health/
Blind Rehabilitation Service: http://www1.va.gov/blindrehab/
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program / Independent Living Program: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ilp.htm.

This Informed Consumer’s Guide was written by David G. Johnson and Stephen W. Lowe and produced by ABLEDATA. ABLEDATA is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) under contract number ED-02-CO-0038 and is operated by Macro International Inc.

ABLEDATA
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Telephone: 800-227-0216 toll free in the U.S.; 301-608-8998 local call in the Washington, D.C. area.
TT: 301-608-8912.
Fax: 301-608-8958.

All ABLEDATA publications, the ABLEDATA database of assistive technology, and other ABLEDATA resources are available on the ABLEDATA Web site, http://www.abledata.com.

Measurement of quality of life

2011-05-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Measurement of quality of life: Current state of the art. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Volume 63(2) , Pgs. 56-59.

NARIC Accession Number: J60214. What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Flanagan, John C.
Publication Year: 1982.
Number of Pages: 4.
Abstract: Article describes an empirical approach to defining the main determinants of quality of life (QOL) and the development and application of procedures for surveying the importance of each component in representative samples of 3 age groups of Americans. These age groups included people 30, 50, and 70 years of age. The survey also included reports by these subjects concerning the extent to which their needs and wants were met with respect to each of these components. Using the critical incident technique it was found that there were 15 components that included all of the 6,500 activities and experiences reported by a wide variety of Americans from various geographic areas as contributing either positively or negatively to their QOL. The survey of 500 men and 500 women at each of the 3 age levels was found that the 5 dimensions they most frequently described as important included: health, children, understanding oneself, work, and spouse. The 5 dimensions for which they reported their needs and wants were least well met were: participating in government, active recreation, learning and education, creative expression, and helping others. The 5 dimensions that correlated most highly with their reports of overall QOL at present were: material comforts, work, health, active recreation, and learning and education. Suggestions are made for revising these procedures for use with people with a disability to improve their QOL.
Descriptor Terms: AGING, NATIONAL SURVEYS, NEEDS ASSESSMENT, QUALITY OF LIFE.

Can this document be ordered through NARIC's document delivery service?: Y.

Citation: Flanagan, John C. (1982). Measurement of quality of life: Current state of the art. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 63(2), Pgs. 56-59. Retrieved 5/19/2011, from REHABDATA database.

More information about this publication:
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.http://www.naric.com/research/rehab/record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J60214&phrase=no&rec=114512

Technology to advance high school and undergraduate students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

2011-05-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Technology to advance high school and undergraduate students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Journal of Special Education Technology (JSET) , Volume 25(3) , Pgs. 3-8.

NARIC Accession Number: J59854. What's this?
ISSN: 0162-6434.
Author(s): Leddy, Mark H.
Publication Year: 2010.
Number of Pages: 6.
Abstract: Article discusses the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for students with disabilities (SWD) through a focus on postsecondary education. Discussion includes an overview of the National Science Foundation’s Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program, of technology use by SWD in STEM, and of the rigorous research designs needed to examine which technology interventions have the highest impact on high school and undergraduate degree completion rates for SWD in STEM. Studies are needed to examine how technologies advance undergraduate SWD in their STEM degree programs, contribute to graduation, and facilitate successful transitions to graduate STEM study and/or the workforce. This body of research contributes to the success of postsecondary implementation programs for SWD in STEM, resulting in the graduation of more SWD in STEM fields and advancing the country’s science, engineering, and technology competitiveness in the world.
Descriptor Terms: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, ENGINEERING, INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS, MATH SKILLS, SPECIAL EDUCATION, STUDENTS, TECHNOLOGY.

Can this document be ordered through NARIC's document delivery service?: Y.
Get this Document: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7633/is_201007/ai_n56444861/.

Citation: Leddy, Mark H. (2010). Technology to advance high school and undergraduate students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Journal of Special Education Technology (JSET), 25(3), Pgs. 3-8. Retrieved 5/19/2011, from REHABDATA database.

More information about this publication:
Journal of Special Education Technology (JSET).http://www.naric.com/research/rehab/record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J59854&phrase=no&rec=114373

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill

2011-04-29T18:06:00.001-07:00

Be authentic. Be true to yourself. – Judy Garland once said, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.” Live by this statement. There is no such thing as living in someone else’s shoes. The only shoes you can occupy are your own. If you aren’t being yourself, you aren’t truly living – you’re merely existing. And ask yourself this: If you don’t like who you really are, why should I like you?
Care about people. – If you don’t genuinely care about people, they won’t care about you. The more you help others, the more they will want to help you. Love and kindness begets love and kindness. And so on and so forth.
Make others feel good. – People will rarely remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Be honest and take ownership of your actions. – Nobody likes a liar. In the long-run, the truth always reveals itself anyway. Either you own up to your actions or your actions will ultimately own you.
Smile often. – Everyone likes the sight of a genuine smile. Think about how you feel when a complete stranger looks into your eyes and smiles. Suddenly they don’t seem like a stranger anymore, do they?
Respect elders. Respect minors. Respect everyone. – There are no boundaries or classes that define a group of people that deserve to be respected. Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother. People will notice your kindness.
Address people by their name. – People love the sight and sound of their own name. So make sure you learn to remember names. Use them courteously in both oral and written communication.
Say “Please” and “Thank you.” – These two simple phrases make demands sound like requests, and they inject a friendly tone into serious conversations. Using them can mean the difference between sounding rude and sounding genuinely grateful.
Excel at what you do. – I am impressed by great guitarists, writers, bloggers, painters, motivational speakers, internet entrepreneurs, computer engineers, mothers, fathers, athletes, etc. There is only one thing they all have in common: They excel at what they do. There’s no point in doing something if you aren’t going to do it right. Excel at your work and excel at your hobbies. Develop a reputation for yourself, a reputation for consistent excellence.
Help others when you’re able. – In life, you get what you put in. When you make a positive impact in someone else’s life, you also make a positive impact in your own life. Do something that’s greater than you – something that helps someone else to be happy or to suffer less. Everyone values the gift of unexpected assistance and those who supply it.
Put a small personal touch on everything you do. – Think of it as branding your work. If you’re funny, add a little humor into it. If you’re an artist, decorate it with illustrations. Whatever you do, customize it with a little personal touch of ‘you.’
Over-deliver on all of your promises. – Some people habitually make promises they are just barely able to fulfill. They promise perfection and deliver mediocrity. If you want to boost your personal value in the eyes of others, do the exact opposite. Slightly under-sell your capabilities so that you’re always able to over-deliver. It will seem to others like you’re habitually going above and beyond the call of duty.
Get organized. – How can you get anything accomplished if you aren’t organized? You can’t. Make a regular habit of organizing your living space and working space. For some practical organizational guidance, I recommend David Allen’s Getting Things Done.
Do your research and ask clarifying questions. – Don’t be that clueless dude in the room who just nods like he knows what’s going on. Prepare yourself by doing research ahead of time. And if something still doesn’t make sense to you, ask questions. The people involved will respect your desire to understand the material.
Share knowledge and information with others. – When you can, be a resource to those around you. If you have access to essential information, don’t hoard it. Share it openly.
Be positive and focus on what’s right. – Everything that happens in life is neither good nor bad. It just depends on your perspective. And no matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should. Either you succeed or you learn something. So stay positive, appreciate the pleasant outcomes, and learn from the rest. Your positivity will rub off on everyone around you.
Listen intently to what others have to say. – Eyes focused, ears tuned, mobile phone off. In a world that can’t move fast enough, someone who can find time to listen to others is always appreciated.
Be faithful to your significant other. – Tiger Woods was everyone’s hero until recently, wasn’t he? Sustained fidelity in a long-term intimate relationship is not only impressive, it creates a healthy foundation for everything else you do.
Learn to appreciate and love Mother Nature. – Those who truly appreciate and love the natural world surrounding us typically exhibit the same high regard for all humanity. It’s a positive way to live, and it’s something people notice.
Invest time, energy and money in yourself every day. – When you invest in yourself, you can never lose, and over time you will change the trajectory of your life. You are simply the product of what you know. The more time, energy and money you spend acquiring pertinent knowledge, the more control you have over your life and the more valuable you will be to everyone around you. For fresh ideas on self improvement and lifestyle design, I recommend The 4-Hour Workweek.
Perform random acts of kindness on a regular basis. – Pay for a stranger’s coffee in line at Starbucks. Buy the office receptionist flowers just to say, “Thank you.” Help an elderly lady with her groceries. There’s nothing more rewarding than putting smiles on the faces around you.
Compliment people who deserve it. – Go out of your way to personally acknowledge and complement the people who have gone out of their way to shine. Everybody likes to hear that their efforts are appreciated.
Speak clearly and make eye contact. – Most people have a very low tolerance for dealing with people they can’t understand. Mystery does not fuel strong relationships and impressiveness. Also, there’s little doubt that eye contact is one of the most captivating forms of personal communication. When executed properly, eye contact injects closeness into human interaction.
Make yourself available and approachable. – If people cannot get a hold of you, or have trouble approaching you, they will forget about you. Your general availability and accessibility to others is extremely important to them. Always maintain a positive, tolerant attitude and keep an open line of communication to those around you.
Be self-sufficient. – Freedom is the greatest gift. Self-sufficiency is the greatest freedom. And self-sufficiency is quite impressive too. In the business world, it’s one of the primary dreams that inspire people to give-up their day jobs to pursue entrepreneurship.
Exploit the resources you do have access to. – The average person is usually astonished when they see a physically handicap person show intense signs of emotional happiness. How could someone in such a restricted physical state be so happy? The answer rests in how they use the resources they do have. Stevie Wonder couldn’t see, so he exploited his sense of hearing into a passion for music, and he now has 25 Grammy Awards to prove it.
Be a part of something you believe in. – This could be anything. Some people take an active role in their local city council, some find refuge in religious faith, some join social clubs supporting causes they believe in, and others find passion in their careers. In each case the psychological outcome is the same. They engage themselves in something they strongly believe in. This engagement brings happiness and meaning into their lives. It’s hard not to be impressed by someone who’s passionate about what they’re doing.
Stand up for your beliefs without flaunting them. – Yes, it is possible to stand up for your beliefs without foisting them down someone else’s throat. Discuss your personal beliefs when someone asks about them, but don’t spawn offensive attacks of propaganda on unsuspecting victims. Stand firm by your values and always keep an open mind to new information.

Of course, the coolest thing about this list is that everything you need to impress everyone around you is already contained within you. So stop trying to impress people with the possessions you own and start inspiring them with who you are and how you live your life.

Google Hacks...

2011-04-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Below I have compiled a list of 7 clever Google tricks that I believe everyone should be aware of. Together I think they represent the apex of the grand possibilities associated with Google search manipulation tricks and hacks. Although there are many others out there, these 7 tricks are my all-time favorite. Enjoy yourself.
1. Find the Face Behind the Result – This is a neat trick you can use on a Google Image search to filter the search results so that they include only images of people. How is this useful? Well, it could come in handy if you are looking for images of the prominent people behind popular products, companies, or geographic locations. You can perform this search by appending the code &imgtype=face to the end of the URL address after you perform a standard Google Image search.

Examples (notice the differences in each URL):

2. Google + Social Media Sites = Quality Free Stuff – If you are on the hunt for free desktop wallpaper, stock images, Wordpress templates or the like, using Google to search your favorite social media sites is your best bet. The word “free” in any standard search query immediately attracts spam. Why wade through potential spam in standard search results when numerous social media sites have an active community of users who have already ranked and reviewed the specific free items that interest you. All you have to do is direct Google to search through each of these individual social media sites, and bingo… you find quality content ranked by hundreds of other people.

Examples:

3. Find Free Anonymous Web Proxies – A free anonymous web proxy site allows any web browser to access other third-party websites by channeling the browser’s connection through the proxy. The web proxy basically acts as a middleman between your web browser and the third-party website you are visiting. Why would you want to do this? There are two common reasons:

You’re connecting to a public network at a coffee shop or internet café and you want privacy while you browse the web. You don’t want the admin to know every site you visit.
You want to bypass a web content filter or perhaps a server-side ban on your IP address. Content filtering is common practice on college campus networks. This trick will usually bypass those restrictions.

There are subscription services and applications available such as TOR and paid VPN servers that do the same thing. However, this trick is free and easy to access from anywhere via Google. All you have to do is look through the search results returned by the queries below, find a proxy that works, and enter in the URL of the site you want to browse anonymously.

Examples:

4. Google for Music, Videos, and Ebooks - Google can be used to conduct a search for almost any file type, including Mp3s, PDFs, and videos. Open web directories are one of the easiest places to quickly find an endless quantity of freely downloadable files. This is an oldie, but it’s a goodie! Why thousands of webmasters incessantly fail to secure their web severs will continue to boggle our minds.

Examples:

5. Browse Open Webcams Worldwide – Take a randomized streaming video tour of the world by searching Google for live open access video webcams. This may not be the most productive Google trick ever, but it sure is fun! (Note: you may be prompted to install an ActiveX control or the Java runtime environment which allows your browser to view certain video stream formats.)

Examples:
- Axis Webcams: inurl:/view.shtml or inurl:view/index.shtml
- Cannon Webcams: sample/LvAppl/
- MOBOTIX Webcams: control/userimage.html
- FlexWatch Webcams: /app/idxas.html
- JVC Webcams: intitle: intitle:”V.Networks [Motion Picture(Java)]”
- More info. - More info.

6. Judge a Site by its Image – Find out what a site is all about by looking at a random selection of the images hosted on its web pages. Even if you are somewhat familiar with the target site’s content, this can be an entertaining little exercise. You will almost surely find something you didn’t expect to see. All you have to do is use Google’s site: operator to target a domain in an image search.

Examples:

7. Results Based on Third-Party Opinion - Sometimes you can get a better idea of the content located within a website by reading how other websites refer to that site’s content. The allinanchor: Google search operator can save you large quantities of time when a normal textual based search query fails to fetch the information you desire. It conducts a search based on keywords used strictly in the anchor text, or linking text, of third party sites that link to the web pages returned by the search query. In other words, this operator filters your search results in a way such that Google ignores the title and content of the returned web pages, but instead bases the search relevance on the keywords that other sites use to reference the results. It can add a whole new dimension of variety to your search results.

Examples (notice the added variety between search results):
allinanchor:”google hacks” vs. basic search for Google hacks
allinanchor:”wordpress exploits” vs. basic search for Wordpress exploits
More info.

Bonus Material:
Here is a list of my favorite Google advanced search operators, operator combinations, and related uses:

link:URL = lists other pages that link to the URL.
related:URL = lists other pages that are related to the URL.
site:domain.com “search term = restricts search results to the given domain.
allinurl:WORDS = shows only pages with all search terms in the url.
inurl:WORD = like allinurl: but filters the URL based on the first term only.
allintitle:WORD = shows only results with terms in title.
intitle:WORD = similar to allintitle, but only for the next word.
cache:URL = will show the Google cached version of the URL.
info:URL = will show a page containing links to related searches, backlinks, and pages containing the url. This is the same as typing the url into the search box.
filetype:SOMEFILETYPE = will restrict searches to that filetype
-filetype:SOMEFILETYPE = will remove that file type from the search.
site:www.somesite.net “+www.somesite.net” = shows you how many pages of your site are indexed by google
allintext: = searches only within text of pages, but not in the links or page title
allinlinks: = searches only within links, not text or title
WordA OR WordB = search for either the word A or B
“Word” OR “Phrase” = search exact word or phrase
WordA -WordB = find word A but filter results that include word B
WordA +WordB = results much contain both Word A and Word B
~WORD = looks up the word and its synonyms
~WORD -WORD = looks up only the synonyms to the word

Brain Injury Doctor Search...What questions should I ask?

2011-04-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

	Doctor Finder Checklist

	Background Information
1.	What type of license and certification does the doctor have?
2.	Is the doctor Board Certified, Board Eligible?	Yes No
3.	Does the doctor have special training in brain injury?	Yes No
4.	Is the doctor's license current, has it ever been suspended?	Yes No
5.	Is the doctor in good standing with professional organizations?	Yes No
6.	Is the doctor viewed favorably by the medical and rehabilitation professional community outside the program ?	Yes No
7.	Is the doctor affiliated with any area hospitals?	Yes No
8.	Does the doctor carry malpractice insurance?	Yes No

	TBI Expertise & diagnostic Tests
1.	How much experience do you have treating cases like mine?
2.	When was your practice founded, what is its guiding philosophy?
3.	Will you spend time with me and my and family to truly understand our needs?	Yes No
4.	What sources of funding /payment plan do you accept?	Yes No
5.	Are treatments custom-tailored to individual client's needs?	Yes No
6.	Which diagnostic tests will you employ in my case? Why?	Yes No
7.	What are they designed to reveal?	Yes No
8.	Will you review the results with me?	Yes No
9.	Are such tests painful or disorienting?	Yes No
10.	Will I need an escort following such tests?	Yes No
11.	Will you provide patient education materials, and written instructions?	Yes No
12.	Will the diagnostic evaluation include a thorough review of past medical/rehabilitative care and treatment?	Yes No
13.	Will you get previous medical, school records, other information that might be needed to evaluate my case?	Yes No
14.	Will the evaluation include objective, quantifiable goals for the treatment to be evaluated against?	Yes No
15.	Will the evaluation specify the length of time the treatment would take to accomplish the goals stated in the evaluation?	Yes No
16.	Will the evaluation include a detailed projection of program cost and outcome goals?	Yes No
17.	Is my condition the type that you commonly treat? With what results?	Yes No
18.	What type of program options and / or support services are available for my family? Will they need special training regarding my return home?	Yes No
19.	How will this treatment support me in my return to work.
20.	Will you arrange for me and my family to speak with former patients?	Yes No

	Treatment & Patient Care
1.	What is your approach to treatment?
2.	How do you view my role in treatment?
3.	What are my rights & responsibilities? Do you have a written policy? May I have a copy?
4.	Do you have a procedure for receiving and resolving patient and family complaints concerning the quality of care?	Yes No
5.	Are you willing to help me appreciate and manage my condition?	Yes No
6.	How should I prepare for our appointments?
7.	May I expect reminder calls prior to our appointments?	Yes No
8.	What type of treatments do you anticipate in my case?	Yes No
9.	What are the relative risks of such treatments?
10.	Will you provide all of my evaluation and treatments yourself?	Yes No
11.	What are the qualifications of other staff who provide such evaluation and treatments?
12.	If equipment, is used in procedures, are staff properly trained to use and care for the equipment?	Yes No
13.	How often is the procedure is performed? With what success?
14.	How long after treatment begins can I expect to notice improvement?
15.	What form will such improvements take?
16.	Are such improvements gradual or sudden?
17.	When will I feel like myself again?
18.	Are such improvements measurable?	Yes No
19.	What will you use to measure them?	Yes No
20.	Does such treatment involve pain or discomfort?	Yes No
21.	Are such treatments very time consuming? How so?	Yes No
22.	Can the treatments be performed at home?	Yes No
23.	Can treatments be self administered? Or do they require assistance? Are they difficult to learn?	Yes No
24.	What are the side effects of such treatments?	Yes No
25.	Should I discontinue treatment if side effects appear?	Yes No
26.	Are such side effects permanent or temporary?	Yes No
27.	What are the costs for treatment?	Yes No
28.	What is the length of treatment?	Yes No
29.	How will missed appointments be billed.
30.	Will I have access to my medical file upon request?
31.	Will you coordinate my care with other doctors?	Yes No
32.	Will I be given periodic progress reports, and detailed cost statements?	Yes No
33.	Will the treatment be adjusted to reflect progress and / or setbacks
34.	Will you develop a discharge plan to ensure appropriate community re-integration after I leave your care?	Yes No
35.	How do you choose the other programs, agencies or individuals to whom you refer patients?
36.	How will you preserve the confidentially of communication between us?
37.	Under what circumstances is specific patient information released?

	Sensibilities & General Impressions
1.	Demeanor, attitude, appearance of doctor and staff?
2.	Are the buildings and grounds suitable to the nature of the services provided to the patients served?	Yes No
3.	Office decor, lighting, atmosphere?
4.	Timely service, friendly, helpful staff	Yes No
5.	Did doctor & staff seem knowledgeable about your condition?	Yes No
6.	Does s/he have trial or personal injury claims resolution experience? With what success?	Yes No
7.	Willingness and /or qualifications to testify for you?	Yes No
8.	Did s/he seem to care about you as a person?	Yes No
9.	Were your questions answered to your satisfaction?	Yes No
10.	Were answers provided in terms that you understood?	Yes No
11.	Were billing cycles or payment plans discussed with you?	Yes No

Prepare yourself...Just in case.

2011-03-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Be Prepared for an Emergency You will be more effective when crisis comes if you are prepared for it. These steps will help. On this page: Learn about mental illness Learn to recognize red flags Know the laws in your state Recruit backup support Develop an Emergency Contacts list Get a signed release of information form Build a CARE Kit Learn about mental illness READ ABOUT mental illness and its treatment in books or online and/or watch educational videos like the PBS special "Minds on the Edge." ATTEND public lectures or classes about mental illness offered in your community. Your public library, community college and local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) affiliate are typical sponsors. ENROLL in NAMI’s 12-week “Family-to-Family” course for families of people with severe mental illness. The course is free, and the information is practical and useful. ASK TO MEET with your loved one’s mental health provider(s) to get specific information about triggers and effective interventions in your own loved one. READ“Hope for Overwhelmed Family Caregivers ” on our website. This special issue of the Treatment Advocacy Center's newsletter Catalyst is devoted entirely to family-member strategies. DOWNLOAD AND PRINT "Eliminating Barriers: Tips for Advocates on Busting Through." This one-page flier is a quick summary of the strategies in the Catalyst family issue. Learn to recognize red flags (Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2001 by Irene S. Levine. All rights reserved.) BE ALERT to new symptoms or changes in severity of old ones. Differentiate normal from prolonged responses lasting more than 4-6 weeks. REMEMBER that it is "normal" to react to extreme stress with symptoms of depression, anxiety, changes in eating patterns, sleep disturbances, difficulties concentrating, and irritability. ENCOURAGE your family member to talk to their clinician for careful assessment if symptoms do not abate. REMIND your family member that now is not the time to forget to take medicine that is already being taken. Going off meds against medical advice can only make things worse. MONITOR the inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. PAY ATTENTION to physical problems that may compound mental health issues. Know the laws in your state. Several forms of psychiatric intervention exist to address mental health crises, but they differ from state to state. You must know the ones that apply where your loved one resides. Use our website to learn about the laws and standards that apply in your state. Recruit backup support. Ask a stable and reliable family member, friend, neighbor, associate or other interested person to be on standby to back you up in an emergency. You may need more than one, e.g., someone who could personally look in with a loved one if you cannot; someone who could go with you to an ER and be an effective advocate for you and your loved one if you are too upset; someone who will stay at home with your other children while you go to the police station, etc. Develop an emergency contacts list. List telephone numbers, email addresses and any other information for reaching all the following that are applicable: Your standby support person(s) Mobile crisis team Psychiatric case manager Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) or PACT team Local mental health center or department Telephone hotline numbers for different crises: mental illness, suicide, domestic violence Local hospital/local emergency room 24/7 non-911 police/paramedic numbers Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), if local law enforcement has one Local advocates who can advise or support you Sympathetic public official with whom you’ve established a relationship Homeless shelter(s) Friends of your family member Employers or others who will need to be notified immediately if your loved one is hospitalized Private attorney/Legal Aid Services/public defender familiar with mental health law Make multiple copies of the list or store it in your portable electronic device. Provide copies to your standby support person and anyone who might be called upon to act in your absence. Never leave home without your list. Keep a copy at home, at work, in your car, in the briefcase you carry on trips – anywhere you might be when a crisis arises. Revisit and revise it regularly to make sure numbers and names are not out of date. Get a signed release of information form. If possible, have your loved one sign an authorization/release of information form so that health care providers can talk with you in a crisis. Your local hospital, mental health department, medial provider or similar should be able to supply you with the form. File a copy with any local facility where your loved one might be treated in a crisis and keep the original in your CARE Kit (below). Build a CARE Kit In addition to a “short list” of essential telephone numbers, a portable CARE (Critical Advocacy Resources for Emergencies) Kit will equip you for meeting with the variety of professionals you may encounter in a crisis. We suggest keeping your CARE Kit in a three-ring binder, file box or other easy-to-carry system and using letter-sized, one-sided paper or another format that can easily be faxed or e-mailed to police and mental health agencies. Keep your CARE kit where you can find it immediately and transport it easily in an emergency. Among the items it should contain? Psychiatric and medical history A brief, easy-to-read summary of vital statistics, psychiatric history and medication records to help medical providers make informed choices during a crisis. Limit this page to key facts. Leave space to add a description of clothing last worn in case that information is needed. Full name and date of birth Full address Psychiatric diagnosis(e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder) Age at diagnosis Any other pertinent medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, allergies) Current symptoms Current condition (e.g., suicidal, homeless, missing, vulnerable, violent, abusing substances, other) Psychiatrist’s name and number Local service provider’s name and provider (e.g., mental health clinic, therapist) Current medication name(s) Dates of previous hospitalizations and locations Past medication(s) that have helped Past medication(s) that have not helped Past history of symptomatic behaviors (e.g., running up huge debt, getting into car accidents, threatening family members, failing to care for basic needs) Dates of previous arrests or incarceration and charge(s) Current photograph Key physical characteristics: height, age, weight, hair color Full name, contact numbers and address for person to be contacted in an emergency Leave space to add a description of clothing last worn in case that information is needed. Handouts, forms and other informational materials. Examples might include: State standards for emergency psychiatric evaluation State standards for civil commitment Petition forms for civil commitment – multiple blank copies. Complete any general information ahead of time. Handouts, brochures, or other materials supplied to you by hospitals, law enforcement, mental health agencies, or others Authorization for release of information already signed by your loved one, if applicable Advance directive, if applicable. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals with mental illness to dictate aspects of their care in the event they become incapacitated by illness. The specific details of these legal documents vary widely from state to state but may include such information as who is authorized to make medical decisions if the individual is incapacitated. Most advance directives are immediately revocable, which is a significant limitation on the effectiveness of these instruments as that can allow individuals to nullify their previous treatment decisions even when suffering from impaired judgment. Identify resources Locate the NAMI chapter nearest you. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a family support and advocacy organization for people with psychiatric disorders and their families. Local chapters hold regular meetings. Local and state leaders are usually knowledgeable and willing to advise on the treatment options and procedures. Find your chapter online or via the national hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Network with other families you can identify who have loved ones with mental illness. Ask them what strategies worked – or didn’t – in getting intervention for their loved ones in your community. Ask for the names of caring and effective service providers they know and other resources they have used with success. Your experience may be different, but it’s good to know what others’ have been. Identify the local facility or emergency room that performs emergency psychiatric evaluations. Call or visit and find out what procedures are followed when someone in a mental illness crisis presents there. Request copies of any relevant handouts they have outlining procedures. Identify any resources in your community for averting crisis or preventing one from escalating. One example is a hospital “safe room” where families or law enforcement may take someone who is becoming symptomatic, but not yet ill enough to be committed, and get temporary supervision or medication. A mobile crisis team is another. Privacy Policy | Sitemap Copyright © 2009 Treatment Advocacy Center 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 730, Arlington, VA 22203 703 294 6001/6002 (phone) | 703 294 6010 (fax) info@treatmentadvocacycenter.org

7 Steps to Starting a Profitable Online Business

2011-03-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

7 Steps to Starting a Profitable Online Business by Steve Strauss Q: Steve: I am looking to start an online business. This stuff is all new to me and I am not even sure where to start, but my first question is this: Where do I find products to sell? I don't know any distributors. Who do I call? I don't want to look like a dummy. Thanks for any help you can give me. — Dory A: Consider these startling statistics: According to Forrester Research retail sales rose 2.5% in 2009. While that is surprising enough, consider this: Online sales rose 11%. If you are looking to start a business, even a part-time business, you would be hard-pressed, in this economy, to find a sector growing at an 11% clip. Forrester forecasts that e-sales in the U.S. will go from about $173 billion this year to about $250 billion in 2014. That's booming China kinda growth my friends. So the answer is yes, starting an online business is a smart move. Here are the pros and cons: Pros: The cost of entry is low; you have access to global markets; it is an automated, 24/7 profit center; you can look every bit as big as the big boys; the overhead is low (more on that in a minute); and the profit potential is large. Cons: It takes work to get people to learn of the site; there is no personal contact as with a retail store; creating credibility (and thus customers) can be a challenge; it takes time to get things really cooking; and customers cannot physically see or feel your products. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. Here are 7 Steps to Starting a Profitable Online Business: Create a great site: This is No. 1 for a reason. You have to have a great-looking, intuitive, easy-to-navigate site if you are going to be taken seriously by potential e-customers. Your site must look professional. Pictures and content must load quickly. There can be no dead links. Have a robust "About" page. The good news is that it is easy and affordable to create a great site – look for online hosts that have pre-made templates you can customize. Web surfers who come to your site will judge it in about three seconds. That's all you've got. You better impress them the moment they hit it. Pick your products: I have a buddy who owns an antiques store. His business success motto is: "It's all in the buying." He knows if he can find the right product at the right price, he will make a profit. The same is true for you. Where do you find great, inexpensive products? It depends on what you plan to sell. It may be a matter of spending weekends at yard sales and on Craigslist picking up some good, cheap stuff. If you want a more formal arrangement, there are wholesalers and distributors for almost any product you need. Have an online catalog or store: When you shop online, there is usually a catalog of products to choose from: Tiny pictures with product descriptions. That is what you have to do. Happily, you do not have to create this from scratch. Your e-commerce site host (see below) will offer a store creation tool, with point-and-click ways to add products, pictures, and descriptions. Have the ability to process payments: This issue is two-fold: The financial ability to process credit card payments comes when you have a merchant account. Search for that term online. The physical ability to process such payments is, again, something your host will offer. Search for "online merchant services" or "E-commerce hosting." Market and promote your site: All these steps are important, but this one may be a little more important. People have to find your site. No matter how nice it looks or how cool your products, if no one knows about the site, it is a waste of time, money, and effort. Master search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. Engage in viral marketing. Tweet. Have a Facebook fan page. Try pay-per-click. Advertise. Fulfillment: You have to deliver what you sell, on budget and on time. Don't forget to add the cost of shipping to your prices. After-sales support: How will you handle returns? What should you upsell? Support is the difference between a one-time sale and creating a customer for life. -- Steven D. Strauss is a lawyer, author and speaker who specializes in small business and entrepreneurship. Steve’s business column, Ask an Expert, appears weekly on USAToday.com. Visit his web site at www.mrallbiz.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stevestrauss. Copyright 2010 Steven D. Strauss.

The Gratitude Campaign

2011-03-12T19:56:00.001-08:00

Well written letter...

2011-03-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 12, Ms Cindy Williams (from Laverne and Shirley TV show) wrote a piece for the Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise(s) coming servicemembers' way this year -- citing that the stated 13% wage was more than they deserve. A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this."Ms Williams: I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40, after. I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000-host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington, D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly,this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum .I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions. Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience." As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also ! take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone -- obviously they've been squandering the "vast" piles of cash the government has been giving them. Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night; and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready-to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor. Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of! the points you present in your opened piece. But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it. You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies. And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve? Rubbish! A1C Michael Bragg Hill AFB AFNCC"

The Remembrance Technique

2011-02-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

this technique is an old Buddhist trick for tapping into the problem solving power of your brain. It is used to overcome the feeling of hopelessness that can immobilize a person when facing a difficult situation. I like to use it to solve difficult problems that I encounter from day to day. The idea is that when you are trying to decide what to do to solve a problem, you tell yourself to remember the solution. You might say to yourself "Remember! How did I solve this problem?" This essentially tells your brain that there is a solution, and that the answer is somewhere in there. The brain responds to this assumption by searching for "the" solution. Our brains are always more powerful than we realize - we just need little "tricks" like this to get beyond our self-imposed limitations. Try this technique several times a week in order for it to work more naturally.

Does the VA owe you $$$?

2011-02-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Does the VA Owe You Money? The Department of Veterans Affairs has over $33 million in unclaimed money dating back to WWI. The monies include unclaimed life-insurance policy payments, dividend checks and refunds. To find out if the VA owes you money, visit the VA's Unclaimed Insurance funds Search webpage at https://insurance.va.gov/liability/ufsearch.htm. You will need as much of the following information as you can provide: the veteran's first name, middle name, last name, date of birth, and date of death. You can also call the toll-free phone number 1-800-669-8477. Important Note: The unclaimed funds search does not include SGLI and VFLI policies for those in service from 1965 to the present. Please do not use this search feature if you are a SGLI or VGLI policyholder.

Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd Lyrics

2011-01-29T16:05:00.000-08:00

Leaders Praise New Approach to Military Family Support

2011-01-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

By Elaine Wilson American Forces Press Service http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=62575 WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2011 – Leaders from the top echelons of the Defense Department and other government agencies have stepped forward to voice their unanimous approval of a groundbreaking new effort to support and strengthen military families. President Barack Obama announces a whole-of-government initiative to benefit military families as Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and First Lady Michelle Obama look on during a Jan. 24, 2011, White House event. DOD photo by Elaine Wilson (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. President Barack Obama unveiled yesterday a new, whole-of-government approach to military family support, with agencies uniting to create new resources and support programs for military families worldwide. From health care to child care to spouse employment, Obama announced the government has made nearly 50 commitments to improving families’ quality of life and well-being, with numerous agencies -- ranging from the Veterans Affairs Department to the Education Department -- involved in the effort. “Through this effort, you now have the entire Cabinet and other agencies literally saying, ‘This is one of our top priorities,’” Sarah Farnsworth, deputy assistant secretary of defense for community outreach, told American Forces Press Service today. “This is not a political discussion. … We all have a responsibility to our military families and our troops.” This effort opens doors for agencies with a longstanding desire to help, Farnsworth noted. “Some agencies that may not have previously realized they could help make a difference now have a way to get involved,” she said. And in turn, she added, DOD and VA have access to resources they may not otherwise have been able to tap. “By having military families elevated in some of the other Cabinet agencies, it brings more federal resources to the table,” she said. While the announcement was made at the government level, Farnsworth emphasized the community-based nature of many of the upcoming support efforts, noting plans for a greater outreach to mayors, business communities and chambers of commerce. “It’s more about reaching out and empowering communities that may not have understood or had the resources to help support military members and their families,” she explained. “It’s the kind of effort where there’s room at the table for everybody. Military families are part of all of our lives, no matter where you sit across the agency or country.” VA officials also stepped forward to voice their approval of the family support effort. Tammy Duckworth, VA’s assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, reiterated in a blog yesterday the department’s longstanding commitment to families. “War takes a toll on families,” she wrote. “Therefore, to ensure the families of service members and veterans have programs that meet their needs, the Department of Veterans Affairs has joined the White House and other federal agencies to strengthen services for family members.” VA plans to roll out several new programs and cooperative efforts in the coming months, many of which are outlined in the White House Report, titled: “Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment.” For example, VA plans to develop and expand family caregiver support programs, expand and enhance services to combat suicide in the veteran population, and, working with DOD, implement a multiyear mental health strategy to promote early recognition of mental health conditions. Additionally, VA will continue working with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Housing and Urban Development Department to reduce the number of homeless veterans to 59,000 by June 2012, and to end homelessness completely by its goal year of 2015. This government wide effort is “something in which we’re very excited to participate,” Duckworth wrote. Education Secretary Arne Duncan pledged to continue expanding educational opportunities for military families yesterday in a news release. “The men and women who serve in our nation's armed forces place a high value on education and the availability of quality educational opportunities for their children,” Duncan said. “The U.S. Department of Education is committed to providing children of military families the support and education they need to thrive, as well as expanding educational opportunities for military spouses and veterans.” The Education Department will focus its efforts on educational opportunities for military children, particularly during deployments and times of transition, a department news release said. The department also will work to simplify the financial aid application process for military families. Agriculture Department officials also reiterated their commitment to military families and highlighted some upcoming efforts on behalf of military families. “Military families face many challenges as a result of their commitment to our country, and I believe USDA’s programs can play a significant role in helping and supporting these families through their sacrifice,” Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said in a news release yesterday. “We are committed to further strengthening our 25-year relationship with the Defense Department and using the resources of the Cooperative Extension Service to serve the entire military community.” The 4-H National Headquarters plans to enhance its relationship with active, Guard and Reserve services to support 4-H clubs and activities for military youth, the release said. And, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will work with the Defense, Health and Human Services and Education departments to increase child care availability across the nation. Ken Salazar, secretary of the interior, outlined some of the Interior Department’s planned initiatives while expressing his full support of the effort in a statement issued yesterday. “We must honor the remarkable service and sacrifices of our military families by doing all we can to provide them the support and quality of life they deserve,” he said. “As stewards of America’s great natural, cultural and historic treasures, the Department of the Interior can help provide our service members, their families, and our veterans with unique opportunities for recreation, rehabilitation and solitude.” The department plans to work with DOD to offer military families use of Interior lands and recreational facilities for recovery, the statement said, particularly wounded warriors “in their efforts to regain psychological health, reintegrate with family and rehabilitate.” Also, the department will work with the DOD to expand employment opportunities for military families in conservation, the release said. “Under President Obama’s leadership and on behalf of a grateful nation, I look forward to working across the federal family to expand opportunities for military families and to honor their commitment to our country,” Salazar said.

Are you or do you know any woman on chemotherapy?

2011-01-28T10:39:00.001-08:00

Free Housecleaning for Chemo Patients Cleaning for a Reason If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

Stubborn Splinter?

2011-01-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

How To Get A Stubborn Splinter Out Do you want to remove a stubborn splinter? Just apply a coin-sized piece of raw onion to it overnight. Hold it in place with tape or a bandage. It will usually draw the splinter to the surface by morning. Then you can remove it with your tweezers.

Small Business Loans and Grants

2011-01-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Small Business Loans and Grants

The U.S. Federal Government is the nation's largest provider of financial assistance for small businesses!

Since 1953 the Federal Government's Small Business Administration has helped small businesses succeed, from start-up through the many stages of growth.

Many big businesses whose names are now household words -- FedEx, Intel, Nike, Apple, Ben & Jerry’s, Compaq and AOL, just to name a few -- received money from the Federal Government along the way.

Small Business Loan Programs

The Small Business Administration is Congressionally mandated to assist the nation’s small businesses in meeting their financing needs. The agency’s mall business loan programs enhance the ability of lenders to provide long- and short-term business loans to small businesses that might not qualify through normal business loan channels.

There are basically four types of Small Business Administration business loan and equity investment programs available: the 7(a) Business Loan Guaranty Program, the 7(m) MicroLoan Program, the 504 Certified Development Company Business Loan Program and the Small Business Investment Company Program.

Basic 7(a) Business Loan Guaranty Program

The 7(a) Business Loan Guaranty Program is the Small Business Administration's primary small business loan program. It is also the most flexible small business loan program, since the agency can guarantee financing under this loan program for a variety of general business purposes. In guaranteeing a small business loan, the Small Business Administration (SBA) assures the lender that, in the event the small business owner does not repay the business loan, the Small Business Administration will reimburse the small business lender for its loss. The small business owner however, still remains obligated for the full amount due.

How It Works

You submit a business loan application to an SBA participating small business lender for initial review. If the business lender approves the business loan subject to an SBA guaranty, a copy of the business loan application and a credit analysis are forwarded by the business lender to the Small Business Administration.

Following SBA approval, the business lending institution closes the business loan and disburses the funds to the small business owner. The small business owner makes monthly loan payments directly to the business lender.

No balloon payments, loan application fees or points are permitted with 7(a) business loans. The small business lender can tailor the repayment plan for each small business.

Use of Proceeds

A start-up small business or existing small business may use the proceeds of a 7(a) guaranteed business loan to —

• expand or renovate facilities;
• purchase machinery, equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements;
• finance receivables and augment working capital;
• refinance existing debt (under some circumstances);
• finance seasonal lines of credit;
• construct commercial buildings; and/or
• purchase land or buildings.

SBA Loan Prequalification Program

The SBA Small Business Loan Prequalification Program is offered to armed forces veterans, minorities, women, exporters, rural small business owners and business owners in certain specialized industries, this small business loan program enables the SBA to pre-qualify an applicant for a 7(a) loan guaranty before the applicant goes to a bank.

504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Program

The 504 Certified Development Company Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate business loans for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Approximately 270 CDCs nationwide work with the Small Business Administration and private-sector business lenders to provide financing to small businesses. CDCs are nonprofit corporations set up to contribute to the economic development of their local communities.

Low Documentation Loan (SBALowDoc)

SBALowDoc is the Small Business Administration’s quick and easy small business loan program that provides a guaranty on small business loans of $150,000 or less. You complete the front of a one-page business loan application. The agency processes completed loan applications within 36 hours.

SBAExpress Loans

SBAExpress Loans provide small business loans of $250,000 or less. The SBA provides a rapid response through its PLP processing center in Sacramento, Calif.— within 36 hours of receiving the complete application package. Lenders use their own procedures to approve and service the loans.

7(m) Microloan Program

The SBA’s Microloan Program provides very small business loans up to $35,000 to small businesses and not-for-profit child-care centers through a network of locally based intermediary business lenders.

CAPLines Loan

Through CAPLines, the Small Business Administration helps small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working-capital needs.

Defense Loan and Technical Assistance (DELTA) Program

If you own a defense-dependent small business that has been adversely affected by defense cuts or that is located in a defense-impacted community, the DELTA Program can help you diversify into the commercial market.

CommunityExpress Loans

The CommunityExpress Loans pilot program is designed to spur economic development and job creation in untapped rural and inner city communities by providing small business loans in low and moderate income urban and rural areas.

Community Adjustment & Investment (CAIP)

CAIP loans are intended to create new, sustainable jobs and preserve existing jobs in businesses at risk due to changing trade patterns with Canada and Mexico.

Export Working Capital (EWCL) Loan

The EWCP provides short-term loans to small businesses for export-related transactions. Under the EWCP, the SBA can guarantee up to 90 percent of a secured loan or $750,000.

International Trade Loan (ITL) Program

The International Trade Loan Program provides small business loans to businesses engaged in international trade, prepared to engage in international trade, or adversely affected by competition from imports.

Energy & Conservation Loan

Small business loans are available for businesses engaged in engineering, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, and installing or servicing products or services designed to conserve the nation’s energy resources.

Pollution Control Loan

This program provides small business loans to businesses that are planning, designing or installing a "pollution control facility". Unlike the Energy Conservation Loan, the Pollution Control Loan is for the end-user of the pollution control facility.

Qualified Employee Trusts Loan

The Small Business Administration can guarantee 7(a) business loans to employee trusts that are part of a plan sponsored by their employer, and qualify under the Internal Revenue Code as an (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) or the Department of Labor (under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act). Loan proceeds may be used by an employee trust for a growth and development loan, whereby the trust re-lends the loan proceeds to the employer by purchasing qualifying securities in the employer's business; or a change of ownership loan, whereby employees acquire controlling interest in the employer's business. Collateral for the loan includes the assets of the employer's business.

SBA ExportExpress Loans

SBA ExportExpress Loans may be used for most export-related business purposes.

Small Business Grants

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, 10 federal agencies having annual external research and development requirements of more than $100 million, must reserve 2.5% of these funds for award to small businesses.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

Under the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, five agencies with annual external research and development budgets of more than $1 billion, must reserve .15% of these funds for award to collaborative efforts between small businesses and non-profit research institutions.

Venture Capital

Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs)

Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) put venture capital, in the form of small business loans and equity financing, into small businesses for growth, modernization and expansion. SBIC's are investment companies licensed by the Small Business Administration. They make venture capital investments and long-term small business.

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Business Loan Information Site Map

Government Grants & Loans For Small Businesses!
The U.S. Federal Government is the nation's largest provider of financial assistance for small businesses!

SBA Loan: Qualifying and Applying
In 1953 the United States government established the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a way of assisting entrepreneurs in forming successful small businesses through government guaranteed loans.

SBA Loan: Options, Benefits, and Lenders Part 2 of 2
In this second installment, we will further examine what kinds of SBA loan options are available, and for what kinds of businesses they are most advantageous. We will also discuss the different types of SBA lenders. There are several different lending programs for those who qualify for an SBA loan.

Alternative Venture Finance: Federal Grants and Loans
While most companies seeking venture capital initially think about angel investors and venture capitalists, a large alternative source of financing is federal grants and loans. The two largest federal grant programs are run by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and by Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs).

How to Get a Business Loan in Five Steps
Need funds to startup or expand your business? Follow these steps: A lender looks at a loan request in three sections known as the "three C's". They are: Credit, Capacity, and Collateral

Finance Your Home Business: Six Ways Under Your Nose
There are lots of ways to get additional capital to expand a home-based business. But before you look outside for financing, leaving the decision about your company's progress and merits to someone else, consider these six ways under your nose to finance your home-based business.

Seven Tips For Credit-Enhancing Your Business Loan
What are the avenues available to businesses with weak credit profiles or to companies pursuing credit transactions that are perceived as too risky by credit providers?

Business Credit Scoring: Is It a Killer Application or Application Killer?
Computers now make important credit decisions for major banks and financing companies. By gaining a better understanding of the credit scoring process, you may be able to help your firm maneuver in the new world of credit scoring. Here are some key points about business credit scoring worth noting.

Making Your Business Happen with a Commercial Lender
There are literally hundreds of commercial lenders waiting to provide new businesses with growth capital. With so many lenders to choose from, how can you get past the gimmicks to find the one that will fill your needs?

Business Loans from Family - A Good Idea?
One option is to ask your family for help. Asking for financial help is always a tough decision, but sometimes it is the best option. In most cases a loan from the family would be interest free.

My mission is to advance the rights of all persons with disabilities.

Glossary of Housing Finance Terms

Sell Hair..

Dan Kennedy's Gamechanger DNA Contest

Wise Words...

In other words...

~~Self CPR~~

Home Based Business Search Terms

Patriot Guard Riders Funeral Attendance

The Old 666

Can you imagine...

Acupuncture for Veterans...

TSA Expands Wounded Warrior Security

PTSD?

AbleData Publication

ABLEDATA Informed Consumer's Guide to Funding Assistive Technology

Sources of Funding Information and Assistance

State Assistive Technology Projects

Centers for Independent Living

ABLEDATA Funding Resource Center

Sources of Funding

Alternative Financing Programs

Assistive Technology Loan Programs

Access to Telework Loan Programs

Insurance

Schools and Educational Systems

Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Sources to Fund AT for Employment

State Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Programs

Other State or Local Agencies

Motor Vehicle Adaptive Equipment Reimbursement Programs

Veterans Benefits

The Application Process

Laying the Groundwork

Preparing a Justification Statement

What to Do if the Application is Rejected

Client Assistance Programs

Protection and Advocacy Programs

Additional Sources of Funding-Related Information and Assistance

1-88-88-DISABLED

Let Them Hear Foundation Insurance Advocacy Program

Medicaid Reference Desk

National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)

Social Security Administration

Publications

Appendix A: State Assistive Technology Projects

Alabama

Alaska

American Samoa

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Guam

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

Self CPR