Home safety or daily routines
Ask an occupational therapist, center for independent living, area agency on aging, disability resource center, or local home modification program.
Tools and help
Find support for access improvements.
Assistive technology, home changes, transportation support, and funding options can be confusing. Start with practical categories and questions you can bring to local helpers.
Start with your situation
If you are not sure who to call first, match the need to the kind of helper most likely to know the next step.
Transportation or outings
Ask your local transit agency, paratransit office, senior or disability services agency, Medicaid transportation contact if applicable, or travel training program.
Equipment or assistive tech
Ask a doctor, therapist, state assistive technology program, durable medical equipment supplier, reuse program, or lending closet.
Funding or rights questions
Ask about Medicaid waivers, Medicare DME coverage, VA or USDA grants, local nonprofits, fair housing resources, or a disability rights organization.
Assistive technology
Assistive technology can be a device, tool, app, setup, label, reminder, or equipment change that makes a task easier.
Communication and senses
Captioning, amplified phones, visual alerts, screen readers, magnifiers, picture supports, and written instructions.
Mobility and reach
Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, ramps, transfer aids, reachers, lever handles, adjustable tables, and stable seating.
Memory and routines
Timers, reminder systems, pill organizers, task cards, color coding, calendars, checklists, and labeled storage.
Where to ask for help
Local programs vary, but these groups are often good starting points for information, referrals, or hands-on support.
- Centers for independent living may help with peer support, skills training, advocacy, and local accessibility knowledge.
- Area agencies on aging and disability resource centers may know about home modifications, caregiver support, and transportation.
- Vocational rehabilitation agencies may help with access tools related to work or training.
- Housing nonprofits, local government offices, and utility programs may know about repair or modification assistance.
- Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and assistive technology specialists can suggest task-specific solutions.
What to have ready
Good notes make phone calls, applications, estimates, and appointments easier.
- Photos of the space, route, doorway, bathroom, stairs, equipment, or barrier.
- Measurements, including doorway width, step height, bed or chair height, and bathroom space if relevant.
- A short description of the task: what is hard, unsafe, painful, confusing, or too tiring.
- Doctor or therapist notes, insurance information, product names, estimates, denial letters, or support letters if you have them.
Before buying equipment
A tool is only helpful if it fits the person, the space, the routine, and the budget.
- Can we try, borrow, rent, or see this item demonstrated before buying?
- Will it fit our doorway, bathroom, vehicle, bed, table, outlet, or storage space?
- Who installs, adjusts, repairs, cleans, or trains us to use it?
- Will Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, a state AT program, VA, or a local fund cover any part of it?
- What is the return policy if it does not work in real life?
Vetted resource library
These links go to official agencies, university-backed programs, or established national disability organizations.
- ADA.gov resourcesOfficial U.S. Department of Justice ADA guidance on disability rights, public access, mobility devices, service animals, parking, and communication.
- ADA National NetworkRegional ADA centers with plain-language publications, training, and answers to ADA questions.
- ACL Centers for Independent LivingLearn about CILs, which support independent living, peer support, advocacy, skills training, and local referrals.
- ACL Eldercare LocatorFind local services for older adults, caregivers, and families through the federal Eldercare Locator.
- ACL Assistive TechnologyOfficial overview of state assistive technology programs, device loans, demonstrations, reuse, and financing activities.
- AT3 State Assistive Technology Program DirectoryFind your state assistive technology program for device loans, reuse, demonstrations, and local help.
- Medicare durable medical equipment coverageOfficial Medicare information on medically necessary equipment used in the home.
- Medicaid long-term services and supportsOfficial Medicaid starting point for home and community-based services, self-directed services, and state information.
- Social Security DisabilityOfficial Social Security disability benefits information, applications, and account management.
- National Disability Rights Network member agenciesDirectory of Protection and Advocacy agencies for disability rights and legal advocacy in each state and territory.
Keep a simple access folder.
Save measurements, photos, equipment names, estimates, support letters, and notes from calls. Having details ready can make applications and appointments easier.