Funding Resources for Wheelchair Accessible Vans in Florida
Florida is one of the most visited places in the world by people both domestically and internationally. In 2019, nearly 21 million people visited Walt Disney World, the most visited theme park in the world. Known as the Sunshine State because of its warm weather year-round, beautiful beaches, and vibrant communities all across the state, Florida is an ideal destination to not only visit but to call home and approximately 1,000 people a day are moving to Florida. Like many other states around the country, Florida is seeing a growing population that relies on mobility solutions such as wheelchairs, scooters, and handicap accessible vehicles.
From the latest census, over 13 percent of Floridians indicated that they live with a disability. That is over 2.67 million people who need not only access to mobility solutions but also funding resources to buy an accessible vehicle or have their vehicle adapted to fit their needs. Rest assured that there are many businesses and organizations in Florida that offer financial support and resources for veterans and people who need handicap accessible vehicles.
10 Organizations that Offer Resources for Veterans and People with Disabilities in Florida
Below are ten organizations that offer helpful information for veterans and people with disabilities who live in Florida. Be sure to visit the organization’s website (links included below) for contact information and to further your research.
1. Florida Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
The United States VA offers funds and services on the state level. Florida’s VA is a key resource for state residents who serve or have served in a branch of the US military. Veterans with physical disabilities acquired or exacerbated during service can receive partial or complete payments toward a wheelchair van.
http://floridavets.org/
2. Southeast ADA Center
The ADA National Network consists of 10 Regional ADA Centers. The purpose of the ADA National Network Centers is to provide accurate and useful information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to those with rights and responsibilities under the law, including private businesses, government agencies, employers, and people with disabilities. We are not an enforcement or regulatory agency, but a helpful resource supporting the ADA’s mission to “make it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality.”
http://www.adasoutheast.org/
3. Service Source
ServiceSource partners with the State of Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to provide core Vocational Rehabilitation services in ten workforce regions. This partnership between VR and ServiceSource provides increased choices for individuals with disabilities to receive Vocational Rehabilitation services. The goal of this program is to expand and improve the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities through a private provider system.
https://www.servicesource.org/service/vocational-rehabilitation-services
4. Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), State of Florida
APD works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services.
http://apd.myflorida.com/
5. Department of Elder Affairs (DEA), State of Florida
DEA operates under the Florida state government. The department strives to help elderly Floridians (60 years of age and older) remain in their homes and communities. It is a key resource for senior citizens looking to retain mobility and independence.
https://elderaffairs.org/
6. Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is the state agency that helps people with physical and mental disabilities prepare for, get, advance in or keep a job and offer resources to assist you if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle to get to and from work.
http://www.rehabworks.org/
7. Center for Independent Living (CIL)
CILs are consumer-driven, non-profit organizations whose mission is to support community living and independence for people with disabilities based on the belief that all people can live with dignity, make their own choices and participate fully in society. CILs provide tools, resources and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination and respect. CILs serve all disabilities and all ages in every county in Florida.
http://www.floridacils.org/
8. Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
FAAST is a nonprofit reliant on funding from the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. It strives to increase access to services and technologies that improve life for Floridians with disabilities.
https://www.faast.org/
9. Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC)
FDDC was created by a federal law mandating advocacy and assistance for people with developmental disabilities. It helps ensure independence, inclusion and opportunity. Florida law includes autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, Prader-Willi syndrome, spina bifida and a high risk of onset of any of these conditions as developmental disabilities.
http://www.fddc.org/
10. Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is the state agency that helps people with physical and mental disabilities prepare for, get, advance in or keep a job and offer resources to assist you if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle to get to and from work.
http://www.rehabworks.org/
