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Online Medical Information
www.medlineplus.gov
Comprehensive health information. A service of the National
Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance for specific disability-related needs is available. Our Disability Specialist
can provide you with additional information on these programs.
Income Assistance
Income assistance is available both through the state and federal
governments for those who qualify. Key programs are:
• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Home and
Community Office in your
region. You can go to the DSHS web site at www.wa.gov/dshs
for more information.
• Social Security Administration (SSA) in your region or
their web site at: www.ssa.gov
Specialized Assistance
Rent Assistance and Utility Assistance
Although many agencies throughout Seattle/King
County provide assistance with rent or utility bills, the need for
assistance far exceeds the funds available. If the bills cannot
be paid in full, it is very important to contact the utility company
or landlord to try to negotiate a payment plan before eviction or
disconnection occurs.
Generally, agencies require a shut off notice
or eviction notice before they can help a client with financial
assistance. Most agencies are only able to help a client once a
year with monetary assistance, and serve specific zip code areas
of the city/county.
There are a few on-going utility discount
programs. These are usually run through the utility companies
or local government and are available to low income people with
disabilities.
To find
agencies in your area who offer rent and utility assistance,
go
to Community Resources
Online, keyword “rent assistance”
or call the 2-1-1 Community Information Line.
For more information on government housing
and financial programs in Washington State, contact
www.wa.gov/dshs.
Technology
For those who are living with a disability, technology offers many
options to increase independence.
"Assistive technology is any device
or piece of equipment that may be used by a person with a disability
to perform specific tasks, improve functional capabilities, and
become more independent. It can help redefine what is possible for
people with a wide range of cognitive, physical, or sensory disabilities."
from the AZTAP FAQ
A multitude of options are available to
assist people in the following categories:
Communication Devices (ex. specially adapted telephones)
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service provides 24-hour relay
services that link those using teletype phones with those using
voice phones and vice versa.
800.833.6388 TTY to Voice
800.833.6384 Voice to TTY
800.833.6385 Telebraille to Voice
Mobility Assistance (ex.
wheelchairs, physical therapy, occupational therapy)
There are many agencies that provide devices
and services that help maintain or improve the functional capabilities
of a person living with a disability. These are just a few of the
agencies:
Community Services for the Blind
and Partially Sighted
206.322.4996
206.322.5551 Interpreter referral line
Hearing, Speech, and Deafness Center
206.323.5770
Bridge Ministries
425.828.1431
Washington Assistive Technology
Alliance
1.800.214.8731
MS Helping Hands Donor Closet (open to
all in need)
206.718.0426
For more information on communication and mobility assistance, click
on these helpful Web sites...
Washington Assistive Technology
Foundation (WATF):
www.watf.org -
(New Website!)
Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center
www.hsdc.org
Service Animals (ex. seeing eye
dogs, seizure prevention dogs)
For information on service animals:
The Delta Society:
www.deltasociety.org/
Canine Companions for Independence:
www.caninecompanions.org
Helping Hands:
www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org
Purchasing Medical Equipment
To find agencies in your area which either provide or assist with
locating medical equipment go to
Community Resources Online
and type in keyword “medical
equipment”.
Transportation
Transportation services for people with disabilities range from
discount programs, bus
training, and door-to-door van service provided
by volunteers and/or paid staff.
To find agencies in your area offering
transportation assistance,
go to Community Resources
Online, keyword
“transportation”,
or call the 2-1-1 Community Information
Line.
King County Metro Transit
All Metro buses are lift-equipped and Metro provides additional
specialized transportation services for adults, 65 years and older,
and people with disabilities in King County. In addition, Regional
Reduced Fare Permits are offered.
To find out how to register for these programs go to
www.metrokc.gov/kcdot.
Other King County programs include:
Dial-A-Ride-Transit (DART)
DART provides public transportation
in neighborhoods with fewer Metro bus routes and less frequent bus
service
ADA Paratransit Services
Individuals who
are unable to use lift-equipped bus service receive service in the
same areas and at the same hours as Metro bus service.
ACCESS Transportation
Contracts with a
number of service operators for curb-to-curb lift-equipped van service.
Personal care attendants may ride for free; companions may ride
for the same fare as the rider. Rides must be requested 24 hours
to one week in advance.
For more information call 206.263.3113.
Bus Kits and Special Assistance Cards
Kits
for bus riders who are blind, deaf-blind, or have communication
disabilities include lists of bus routes and destinations to assist
in communication.
Options
Eligible King County residents
receive van service and 50% reduced rate on taxi fares. Customers
can purchase up to six books each month. Most major taxi companies
accept scrip but riders should check with individual taxi companies
before riding. Books do not expire.
Travel Training
Free individual and group bus travel training is available.
To find out how to register for these programs
go to http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/,
or call:
206.553.3060 Information on reduced fares
206.553.3000 Rider information
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