National Association of the Physically Handicapped-Detroit Metro Chapter
Phone: 313-388-3628 Stefen Florescu
HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, ETC.
Michigan Ability Partners
16136 Eureka
Southgate MI 48195
Phone: 734-246-5600
OR
3810 Packard
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: 734-975-6880
Email: info@mapagency.org
Website: www.mapagency.org
Provides housing support, mental health and substance abuse treatment, employment services, and financial management (payee) service to people with disabilities.
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
2568 Packard Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: 734-971-0277 TTY: 734-971-0310
Website: www.aacil.org
Provides services to people of all ages with disabilities that ensure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
Personal Assisted Living Services, Inc. (PALS Inc.)
Phone: 313-561-3360
Provides homes and support for adults with developmental disabilities.
Neighborhood Legal Services MI
(formerly Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services)
Out-Wayne County Homeless Advocacy Services
1110 Southfield Road
Lincoln Park, MI 48146
Phone: 313-357-2657
Website: www.nlsmlaw.us OR www.freewebs.com/wcnls
Permanent housing for homeless disabled adults and children, legal services in the areas of administrative law (Social Security and Medicaid), probate and landlord/tenant for persons who are living with HIV/AIDS, housing case management and placement services available at Fort Street location for the homeless.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
TELEWORK LOAN FUND: Low-interest loans
available to people with disabilities who want to
buy computer equipment in order to work from home.
Website: MichiganLoanFunds.org
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund
allows people with disabilities and Seniors (or their family
members) to purchase assistive technology devices or services,
including modification of vehicles and homes. Loans may also
cover cost of training to use the purchased equipment, warranties, and service agreements.
Website: MichiganloanFunds.org
(Assistive technology is defined as any item, piece of equipment, or device that enables an individual with a disability to improve individual independence and quality of life).
ASSISTIVE ANIMAL PROGRAMS
Paws With A Cause
4646 South Division
Wayland, MI 49340
Phone: 616-877-7297
Website: www.pawswithacause.org
Trains Assistance Dogs nationally for people with Deafness, Seizures, Blindness, in wheelchairs, or with mental disabilities. Please contact them to see if you qualify for a specially-trained dog. There is no charge to qualified applicants!
HELPING HANDS
(monkey helpers for the disabled)
541 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02134-2023
Phone: 617-787-4419
Website: www.monkeyhelpers.org There is no charge to qualified applicants!
Leader Dogs for the Blind
1039 S. Rochester Road
Rochester MI 48307
Phone: 888-777-5332
Website: www.leaderdog.org
Must be willing to live for 26 days at training center.....free dog if you qualify!
International Hearing Dog Inc.
5901 E. 89th Avenue
Henderson CO 80640
Phone: 303-287-3277 (VOICE/TTY)
Email: ihdi@aol.com
Website: www.ihdi.org
Canine Hearing Companions Inc.
247 E. Forest Grove
Vineland NJ 08360
Email: chcheardog@aol.com
Website: hometown.aol.com/chcheardog/index.html
Dogs for the Deaf Inc.
10175 Wheeler Road
Central Point OR 97502
Phone: 541-826-9220 (VOICE/TTY)
Email: info@dogsforthedeaf.org
Website: www.dogsforthedeaf.org
Fur Angels
2984 Fort Street
Lincoln Park MI 48146
Phone: 734-285-4085
Email: thefurangels@hotmail.com
Website: www.Geocities.com/thefurangels
A local pet therapy group with over 40 volunteers
Dr. Paws
Phone: 248-888-7488
Website: www.Dr.Paws.org
A statewide canine animal-assisted therapy program with over 20
locations and 200 trained members.
Pet-A-Pet
Phone: 734-699-9232
Website: www.PetAPet.org
A 20-year old organization servicing Southeast Michigan
Seeing Eyes
PO Box 375
Morristown NJ 07963
Phone: 973-539-4425
Website: www.seeingeye.org
An organization that also provides seeing-eye dogs.
Ride to Better Health!
To find a therapeutic riding center near you, go to www.narha.org-the website for the
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association--which lists more than 650
accredited centers in the United States.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO FIND EVEN MORE HELPER ANIMAL RESOURCES!
FREE OR LOW-COST HOME RAMPS
Ray West Memorial Ramp Project
(a cooperative joint venture between organized labor and the United Way)
Phone: 800-552-1183
Website: www.uwsem.org/ramp/index.html to
volunteer OR to apply. Labor is free and materials can be bought using grant money.
Project Ramp (for those under 60)
216 N. Monroe Street
Monroe MI 48162
Phone: 734-242-1331
Cooperative effort of unions, businesses, and many organizations coming together to build barrier-free access ramps.
Monroe Center for Independent Living
40 N. Roessler Street
Monroe MI 48161
Phone: 734-242-5919
Website: http://monroecil.tripod.com
M.C.O.P. (for those over 60)
1140 S. Telegraph Road
Monroe MI 48161
Phone: 734-241-2775
Website: www.monroecountyop.org
Neighborhood Senior Services
5361 McAuley Drive
PO Box 996
Southfield MI 48075
Phone: 734-712-7775
Website: www.nssweb.org
Provides access ramps in Wayne and Washtenaw Counties.
Macomb County Temporary Ramp Program
Phone: 586-469-5012 TDD: 586-469-5962
Email: mccsa@macombcountymi.gov
Website: www.macombcountymi.gov
Provides temporary ramps to those in Macomb County
American Kidney Fund
6110 Executive Blvd. #1010
Rockville MD 20852
Email: patientservice@akfinc.org
Website: www.akfinc.org
Has helped with the costs of installation of wheelchair ramps in the homes of kidney patient
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
NOTE: In order to qualify for a POWER wheelchair under Medicare rules, you must be unable to walk on your own and have severe upper body weakness because of a brain, spinal, or muscle condition. You must be unable to operate a manual wheelchair and be able to safely operate the controls on a power wheelchair and have a face-to-face exam and an order from a doctor treating you. You must meet ALL of these conditions to qualify! Medicare of course pays 80% for regular wheelchairs if needed.
The Wheelchair Recycler
54 Linda Circle
Marlboro, MA 01752
Phone: 508-460-6328
Website: http://wheelchairrecycler.org
Has repaird or rebuilt 700 wheelchairs that they've given away or sold for a few hundred dollars to
low-income and underinsured users.
Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
20300 Civic Center Drive, Suite 250
Southfield MI 48076-4154
Phone: 800-377-6226 OR 248-351-7979
Website: www.epilepsyfoundation.org/michigan
Equipment Connection and Mobility Education & Consultant links buyers & sellers of used adaptive
equipment such as modified vans, wheelchairs, bath aids, etc.
Aid in Milan
89 W. Main Street
Milan MI 48160
Phone: 734-439-8420
Provides medical equipment loans
G.A.S.P. (Giving Assistance to Stroke Patients)
Phone: 734-695-0982
Collects used medical equipment to give to stroke patients in Wayne County.
Faith in Action
503 S. Main
Chelsea MI
Phone: 734-475-3305
Website: www.fianationalnetwork.org
Medical equipment closet available to all
Kidney patients: Please see the American Kidney Fund above!
Assistive Technology Xchange
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
780 Lake Lansing Road, Suite 200
East Lansing, MI 48823
Website: www. ATXchange.org
A free Michigan classified-ad website to help people with disabilities get the equipment they need. People can buy, sell, trade or give away assistive technology for free. AT includes everything from walkers, reachers, grab bars, hospital beds, power scooters, custom vans, Braille machines and software that reads computer screens out loud.
HOLLYROD FOUNDATION
9250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite LL15
Beverly Hills CA 90212
Phone: 866-HOLLYROD OR 866-465-5976 OR 310-385-1590
Email: Lynne@hollyrod.com
Website: www.hollyrod.com
Assistance with obtaining adaptive equipment, treatments & therapies not covered by insurance, counseling services and other services and care as needed for Parkinson's disease.
SEE PRESCRIPTION RESOURCES TOO!I
Detroit Area Agency on Aging (1-A)
Brewery Park
1333 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 200
Detroit MI 48207-2635
Phone: 313-446-4444
Website: www.daaa1a.org
Serves cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Harper Woods
AND
Area Agency on Aging (1-B)
29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400
Southfield MI 48034
Phone: 248-357-2255 OR 800-852-7795
Website: www.aaa1b.org
Serves: Counties of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, St. Clair
AND
The Senior Alliance
Area Agency on Aging (1-C)
3850 Second Street, Suite 201
Wayne MI 48184
Phone: 734-722-2830 OR 800-815-1112 (S.E. MI only)
Website: www.TheSeniorAlliance.org
Serves: 34 communities of western and southern Wayne County.
Has loan closet.
AND
Region 2 Area Agency on Aging
PO Box 189
102 North Mail Street
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: 517-467-2204 OR 800-335-7881
Website: www.r2aaa.org
Serves: Counties of Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee
Monroe Center for Independent Living
40 N. Roessler
Monroe MI 48162
Phone: 734-242-5919
Email: mrawlings@aacil.org
Website: http://monroecil.tripod.com
Provides various medical equipment for free.
Paralyzed Veterans of America/Michigan Chapter
Email: chaptechq@michiganpva.org
Website: www.michiganpva.org
AIDS Partnership of Michigan
2751 E. Jefferson Ave. #301
Detroit MI 48207
Phone: 313-446-9800 OR 800-649-3777 (Relay)
Website: www.aidspartnership.org
Helps with home health care and medical equipment among other services.
ALS of Michigan
(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
21311 Civic Center #200
Southfield MI 48076
Phone: 800-882-5764 OR 248-354-6440
Website: www.alsofmi.org
Has loan closet for scooters, wheelchairs, communication devices & more.
Rochester Area Neighborhood House
1234 Inglewood PO Box 80112
Rochester MI 48308-0112
Phone: 248-608-0230
Website: www.ranh.org
Provides medical equipment to Oakland County residents of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Twp.,
Leonard and Auburn Hills (east of I-75).
Project Freedom
Hospitalers Committee
500 Temple Avenue
Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 734-240-2565
Fax: 734-264-0726
Website: www.projectfreedommi.org
Project Freedom is an organization that has purchased more than 70 Lift-Aid 2000 home lifts and is making them available to eligible recipients throughout Michigan. There is no cost to the patient for the installation or use of the lift. All costs are covered by Project Freedom. When the patient no longer needs the lift, the unit will be removed, refurbished and made available to another family.
To be eligible for this program, recipients must demonstrate that they would not otherwise be able to purchase the equipment because of insufficient insurance coverage and lack of financial resources, and live within 75 miles of Detroit. Project Freedom is made possible by funding from the Hospitalers Committee of Detroit Commandery No. 1, a Masonic organization based in Detroit. The Hospitalers Committee has been assisting non-profit and community organizations for more than 150 years as part of their dedication to the local community.
National MS Society/Michigan Chapter, Inc.
21311 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076-3911
Phone: 248-350-0020 OR 800-243-5767 ext. 235
Email: info@mig.nmss.org
Website: www.nationalmssociety.org/mig
Chapter MEMBERS may access medical equipment, window air-conditioners, computers, adult diapers and cooling suits to home and vehicle modifications and also home health aide services.
Services for Older Citizens (S.O.C.)
17150 Waterloo
Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
Phone: 313-882-9600 #249
Website: http://www.socauction.org
Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency
Central Office:
196 Caesar E. Chavez PO Box 430598
Pontiac MI 48343-0598
Phone: 248-209-2600
Email: info@olhsa.org
Website: www.olhsa.org
AND
South Office:
345 E. Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: 248-542-5897
Email: info@olhsa.org
Website: www.olhsa.org
Older adults, age 60 or older, who live in Livingston County, North and West Oakland County can receive safety devices for their home. Items may help assure the safety of older adults in the bathroom, at night, in emergencies, and during every-day routines. OLHSA's loan closet delivers and installs all types of donated devices that allow greater comfort or mobility to frail older adults.
OLHSA also offers Safe Returns Services to individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or other confusion related disorders. Priority is given to lower-income and disabled elderly.
Monroe County Opportunity Program (M.C.O.P.)
1140 S. Telegraph
Monroe MI 48161
Phone: 734-241-2775
Website: under construction
Loan closet of medical equipment for Monroe County residents. Home injury control with adaptive equipment and/or ramps.
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
2568 Packard
Ann Arbor MI 48104
Phone: 734-971-0244 TTY: 734-971-0310
Website: www.aacil.org
World Medical Relief
11745 Rosa Parks Boulevard (The Durable Medical Equipment Program provided 563
Detroit MI 48206-1270 pieces of equipment to 405 people in 2008, a 9% increase
Phone 313-866-5333 over the previous year).
Email: info@worldmedicalrelief.org
Website: www.worldmedicalrelief.org
Monroe Senior Center & Monroe Cancer Connection
15275 S. Dixie Hwy.
Monroe MI 48161
Phone: 734241-0404
Website: www.monroectr.org
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
201 N. River Street
Ypsilanti MI 48198
Phone: 734-482-7121
Website: www.emmanuelypsi.org
Southpoint Community Christian Church (Lending for the Mending)
5699 Fort Street (across from Southshore Hospital)
Trenton MI 48183
Phone: 734-675-7575
Website: www.southpointccc.org
Bedford Senior Center Gibraltar Senior Center
Phone: 734-856-3330 Phone: 734-671-1466
Belleville Senior Center Romulus Senior Center
Phone: 734-461-9373 Phone: 734-955-4120
Trenton Senior Center
Phone: 734-675-0063
A nominal deposit and proof of residency is required.
Joyfield Caregivers
5780 Evergreen
Detroit MI 48228
Phone: 313-271-6390
Loan Closet
A CRUTCH TO LEAN ON/The Loan Closet MACOMB COUNTY
Phone: 586-469-6327
Website: www.macombcountymi.gov/seniorservices/page6.htm
Macomb County supplies small medical equipment, such as wheelchiars and shower chairs, for short-term use, and gives out walkers and canes for free.
CALL FOR HELP
Emergency Senior Cell Phone Program
Sheriff's Office
1200 N. Telegraph Road Bldg. 38E
Pontiac MI
Phone: 248-975-9700
Website: www.oakgov.com/sheriff/community_services/senior_cell.html
Free cell phones that can contact help in an emergency are distributed from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday.
Kenny Foundation
Phone: 248-457-0119
The National Federation of the B lind (NFB)
Website: www.nfb.org
Provides a free cane to anyone who uses or desires to use a long white cane to help them navigate their environment with confidence and safety.
NOTE: Also check with your local churches and Senior Centers, American Legions, City Halls & Recreation Departments as many also have Loan Closets of medical equipment!
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
More than 55% of physically-challenged adults have jobs and a Marriott Hotels poll found that participants had just a 6% turnover rate versus a 58 % for their other employees. If you are a job-seeker or employer, visit www.dmd-aapd.org
The Michigan Department of Career Development
Phone: 800-285-9675
Website: www.michigan.gov/mdcd
Department of Community Health
Phone: 517-373-3740
Website: www.michigan.gov/mdch
DCC MichiganWorks Southgate
15100 Northline Room 179
Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: 734-362-7013
Website: www.michiganworks.org
Note: Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities!
Services Offered:
Basic skills remedial training and computer training, Career Assessment & Advising...Resource Referrals, One-on-One assistance from Career Development Facilitators, On-the-Job or Vocational Training, Supportive Services and Follow-up Services.
Goodwill Detroit
3111 Grand River Ave.
Detroit MI 48208
Phone: 313-964-3900
Website: www.goodwilldetroit.org
Various programs and job training for developmentally disabled, psychiatric disorders, and physical disabilities as well as those living with HIV/AIDS and veterans.
ALSO:
"A Place Of Our Own" Club for those with mental illness (313-931-0901) at 9622 Grand River Avenue, Detroit MI 48204. JWilson@goodwilldetroit.org
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
150 Stinson
Detroit MI 48226
Phone: 313-993-4700
Website: www.drmm.org
Permanent housing help for the disabled.
Community Programs & Services
Phone: 734-728-4201
Educational training & counseling for children & adults with disabilities, 24 hour shelter programs
Affirmative Action Register
Phone: 800-537-0655
Email: aareeo@concentric.net
Website: http://www.aar-eeo.com
The National EEO Recruitment publication directed to females, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons for effective Equal Opportunity Recruitment.
Career Positives
Phone: 313-429-9050
Email: careerpositives.org
Website: www.careerpositives.org
A Lincoln Park based non-profit organization that assists individuals with mental and physical challenges with overcoming barriers to their personal and professional success.
Jo Brighton Skills Center
18th Street
Wyandotte MI 48192
Phone: 734-759-6350
Vocational training for high-functioning mentally-challenged people ages 15-26.
The Foundation for Exceptional Children
Phone: 313-885-8660
Website: www.childrenshomeofdetroit.org/fec.html
A subsidiary of Holy Cross Children's Services that provides educational programs for children with special needs. This includes specialized classroom and recreational opportunities, five days a week,
11 months a year, for children with mental or physical disabilities, such as autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and others. The foundation offers physical, occupational, speech and music therapists
to help the children, half of whom come from impoverished homes. The foundation also provides scholarships for special needs children of impoverished homes and to purchase classroom and developmental necessities such as therapy, transportation and other special equipment, including walkers, computer software, special toys adapted for children with physical disabilities and learning supplies.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Two scholarship programs provide financial aid for intensive rehabilitation therapy in Michigan for people with spinal cord injuries:
The Mary and Charles A. Parkhill Foundation for Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Therapy at the Recovery Project with sites in Livonia and Clinton Twp.
Phone: 734-591-1738
Website: www.recoveryproject.net
Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Scholarship Fund
Therapy for victims of violence who are active in the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Pioneers for Peace Program, which teaches school children about the effects of violence.
Ralph E. Waltenbaugh Scholarship Fund (for post-high school education for Down's Syndrome)
Band of Angels Foundation
3048 Charlwood Drive
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
Phone: 800-963-2237
Website: www.bandofangels.com
See The Foundation for Exceptional Children listed just above also!
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
AARP, Department of Homeland Security, American Red Cross, and the National Organization on Disability developed brochures that can help older Americans OR people with disabilities prepare for emergencies. To download the brochures, go to www.ready.gov
ADVOCACY
Assistance for Community Advocacy
1100 N. Main, Suite 205
Ann Arbor MI 48104
Phone: 734-662-1256
Advocates on behalf of persons with developmental and other disabilities, ensures full access and participation, personal choice in education, employment and community living.
Family Support Network of Michigan
3224 Marvin Drive
Adrian MI 49221
Phone: 517-266-6203
Email: nbadrak@hotmail.com
For parents of children with special needs
Disability Advocacy
104 Lothrop
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: 313-874-5820 ext. 2211
AND
HIV & AIDS Victim Advocacy
104 Lothrop
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: 313-874-5820 ext. 2217
Band of Angels
Phone: 248-377-9308
Website: www.bandofangels.com
A Rochester Hills based international outreach organization dedicateed to helping maximize the
potential of people with Down's syndrome.
CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
State Disability Assistance (Please check under "Financial Resources" webpage!)
The State Disability Assistance (SDA) program provides cash assistance to disabled adults to help them pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food and personal care items.
A person is considered disabled for SDA purposes if he/she, receives certain other disability-related benefits (such as Medicaid based on disability or blindness), resides in a special facility (such as a licensed Adult Foster Care Home), or is certified by FIA medical consultants as unable to work due to a mental or physical disability for at least 90 days. SDA may also be provided to the caretaker of a disabled person or to a person age 65 or older. An SDA group can be either a single person or spouses who live together. Contact your local FIA office for assistance.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a cash benefit to needy persons who are aged (at least 65), blind or disabled. It is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). States are allowed the option to supplement the federal benefit with state funds. In Michigan, SSI benefits include a basic federal benefit and an additional amount paid with State funds. The amount of the state benefit varies by living arrangement.
SSA issues the federal benefit to all SSI recipients. Initially, a lump-sum check may be issued for any retroactive benefits. Thereafter, SSA issues SSI benefits monthly, on the first of the month.
CHORE SERVICES
Faith In Action
Ann Arbor 734-712-3625
Detroit 313-862-2130
Grosse Pointe 313-882-9600
Monroe 734-243-2233
Warren 586-983-3633
West Bloomfield 248-865-1366
Website: www.fianationalnetwork.org
Services offered:
Yard work, social visits, light housekeeping, errands, transportation, reading to sight-impaired seniors.
ALSO:
Michigan Quality Community Care Council Home Help Provider Registry
1115 S. Pennsylvania Suite 203
Lansing MI 48912
Phone: 517-999-3130 OR 800-979-4662
Email: info@mqccc.org
Website: www.mqccc.org
Services Offered:
A service to help people who qualify for the Medicaid Home Help Program find workers to assist them. The QC3 will give you the names of people who are willing to do the tasks you need. The people on their referral list have told them what languages they can speak and what tasks they are willing and able to do. They do a reference check and a limited criminal history check on all of the people on their list. Once you find a Home Help Provider from this list, they must still be approved by your Department of Human Services (DHS) Adult Services Worker. This service is FREE for anyone who qualifies for the Medicaid Home Help Program.
Neighborhood Senior Services
Phone: 734-712-7775
EXERCISE PROGRAMS
Stepping Stones Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program
(for individuals with disabilities in the Downriver and Monroe area)
620 W. Hurd
Monroe MI 48162-8937
Phone: 734-241-0195
Website: www.steppingstonesmonroe.org
Runs from Mid-April thru Mid-October. $75 for 6 weeks at 1 hour per week.
See the info for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association above under Animal-Assistance!
OTHER DISABILITY RESOURCES
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan
600 E. Beecher PO Box 805
Adrian MI 49221
Phone: 517-263-2135
Email: blyell@goodwillsemi.org
Website: www.goodwillsemi-org
Developmental Disability Institute
4809 Woodward Avenue #268
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: 313-577-6368
Email: e.janks@wayne.edu
Website: www.wayne.edu/ddi
Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 5 p.m.
Disability Services
Phone: 800-346-2742
Easter Seals of Michigan
Administration Office:
465 Saladin Drive
Grand Rapids MI 49546
Phone: 800-292-2729
OR Southeastern MI: 248-451-2900
Website: www.easterseals.com
Provides therapeutic programs to children with disabilities.
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
27600 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 150
Southfield MI 48034
Phone: 248-359-1550
Website: www.marchofdimes.com/michigan
Fights to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality thru community services, advocacy, research and education.
Challenged America
15300 Ventura Blvd. Suite 414
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: 203-256-1011
Email: info@challengedamerica.com
Website: www.ChallengedAmerica.com
The Challenged America website is a medium through disadvantaged, physically-challenged children
(or their parents) submit requests for medical attention, rehabilitative therapy and/or assistive devices they would otherwise be unable to obtain. The benefits to the children go beyond the physical. Assistance from Challenged America can improve their quality of life and help them gain confidence and self-esteem, and ease their reentry into the community. The encouragement and support from Randy and his organization alone can result in their becoming inspired to conquer adversity and lead productive and rewarding lives.
The Detroit Institute for Children
5447 Woodward Ave.
Detroit MI 48202
Phone: 313-832-1100
Website: www.detroitchildren.org
Provides outpatient medical and rehabilitative care to children with disabilities.
Trust Fund for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Dept. of Community Health
PO Box 30479
Lansing MI 48909-7979
Phone: 1-800-359-3722
Website: www.michigan.gov/mdch
The Dept. of Community Heath covers more than 2,700 diagnosis's of qualified medical conditions for those 20 or younger OR 21 and older with cystic fibrosis OR certain blood coagulation disorders.
Other conditions may also qualify. Some of the items covered are wheelchair ramps, surgical repair, therapy assistive devices such as therapy tricycles and partial support for van lifts.
Judson Center
4410 W. 13 Mile Road
Royal Oak MI 48073
Phone: 248-549-4339
&
12220 13 Mile
Warren MI 48088
Phone: 586-258-0201
&
23750 Elmira Suite 103
Redford Twp., MI 48239
Phone: 313-794-5653
&
2810 West Grand River Suite 700
Howell MI 48843
Phone: 517-545-0540
&
4925 Packard Suite 200
Ann Arbor MI 48108
Phone: 734-528-1695
Website: www.judsoncenter.org
Serves abused, neglected and developmentally disabled children and their families.
Detroit Radio Information Service
4600 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48201
Phone: 313-577-7684
Email: dris@wayne.edu
Website: www.dris.org
Uses 150 volunteer readers to offer verbatim reading of 100 newspapers and magazines a week, plus shopping and resource guides for blind and reading-disabled residents (this includes those unable to hold reading material as well).
Variety FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts
Main Website: www.VarietyFARconservatory.org
Detroit Website: www.variety-detroit.com
Offers programs for preschoolers to adults in music, art, dance, theatre arts, softball, ice skating, gymnastics, garden club, cooking club, adaptive swimming, and hockey. Teen and adult clubs too!
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
The Monroe Aktion Club meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of every month at the Monroe Center for Independent Living at 40 N. Roessler St. Aktion Club is affiliated with Kiwanis International and is a service club for adults with disabilities. For information call 731-4770 or go to www.aktionclub.org
Next Step Clubhouse
1403 Inkster Road
Inkster MI 48141
Phone: 313-565-2200
Website: http://hegira.net
The Next Step Clubhouse provides services for adults who are in need of assistance with psychosocial and vocational development as a consequence of a severe and persistent psychiatric impairment. Organized Social Activities, Work Order Day Units (Food Service, Clerical, Member Services and Retail Sales), Participation in Community Advocacy Projects, Michigan Rehabilitation Services Referrals, Work Enclaves, Job Coaching and Placement.
Please check under the Education and Employment Resource page as well!
TO SPEAK FOR YOU WHEN YOU CAN'T
Medic-Alert Foundation
Volunteer
Volunteerwww.medic-alertfoundation.org Please use code B0183 when ordering!
This is the ORIGINAL organization that not only supplies you with jewelry and a wallet card detailing many important facts about you (your identity, next-of-kin, allergies, medical conditions, your doctors and their contact info, your blood type, and even if you have a medical directive/donor card!) but also has a 24 hour/7 day a week number the Rescue personnel can call or fax. INVALUABLE when you can't speak for yourself!
This service has proven to be extremely valuable to the webmaster of this site and she VERY MUCH recommends this foundation and is a Volunteer Ambassador for it!
Michigan residents only can also email Senator Bruce Patterson's office for a free medication wallet card that is great for keeping track of important medical information and can fit right in your wallet.
To order, please contact the office toll-free at 866-262-7307 or by email at senbpatterson@senate.michigan.gov
PROGRAMS FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Arc Downriver
4212 13th Street
Wyandotte MI 48192
Phone: 734-283-0710
For more than 40 years, the Arc Downriver, a nonprofit organization, has provided a forum for parents to advocate for programs and services to help people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum potential. The emphasis is on social and recreational activities as well as advocacy. It is one of five Arc organizations in Wayne County, the only county in the country with more than one Arc agency. In 1997, the organization received a grant to offer a day program for the severely disabled.
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Arc Downriver--New Generations Support Group
Same address as above!
This is a support group for parents with children from birth to 17 with developmental disabilities. The meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the above address.
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Arc of Western Wayne County
2257 S. Wayne Road
Westland MI 48186
Phone: 734-729-9100
Email: info@thearcww.org
Website: www.thearcww.org
Exceptional Fun Night
Trinity Lutheran School Building
465 Oak
Wyandotte MI 48192
Phone: 734-282-5877
A group for the mentally challenged; 6 p.m. supper, 6:30 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. crafts, on the third Thursday of each month. FREE and open to all ages.
Jewish Vocational Services
29699 Southfield Road
Southfield MI 48076-2063
Website: www.jvsdet.org
Phone: 248-559-5000 TDD 248-559-5154
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6600 W. Maple Road
West Bloomfield MI 48322
Phone: 248-661-8100
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4250 Woodward Ave.
Detroit MI 48201-1892
Phone: 313-833-8100 TTY 313-833-8321
Training & Treatment Innovations Inc.
1450 S. Lapeer
Oxford MI 48371
Phone: 248-969-9932
Website: www.ttinc.org
God's Chosen Challenged Champions
Walled Lake Missionary Church
1795 N. Pontiac Trail
Walled Lake MI
Phone: 248-624-2595
6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday
A loving outreach to the mentally & physically challenged. Through music, song, dance, interactive skits, exercise, talent nights, cheers, special events all throughout the year & so much more, they simply share the love of Jesus with them and their caregiver.
Services To Enhance Potential (S.T.E.P)
Phone: 313-278-3040
Website: www.stepcentral.org
Community services & Employment services for the developmentally disabled and mentally impaired.
Dearborn North and South, 2 locations in Detroit, Wyandotte, Livonia, Ann Arbor, and Wayne.
Hope Network West Michigan
123 W. First Street (in the Gateway Building)
Monroe MI 48161
Phone: 734-384-0162
A Christian organization dedicated to the mission to enhance the dignity and independence of persons who are disabled and/or disadvantaged.
Neighborhood Service Organization
Life Choices
8600 Woodward Avenue
Detroit MI 48202
Phone; 313-961-5234 Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.nso-mi.org/LifeChoices.asp
Provides a central access point to services for persons with a developmental disability, and advocates on behalf of individuals, secures resources, and provides lifelong support services so individuals may live as independently as possible. Offers a wide variety of services including an Early-On Program for ages 0-3 years, evaluation and planning of programs, guardianship assistance, residential placement and partial day program referrals, crisis intervention & stabilization, training in parenting skills, family support services, individual and group counseling, hospital liaison services, specialized services for nursing home residents (OBRA), specialized community services (HAB and children's waiver). Eligibility Criteria: Someone who has suffered a trauma prior to age 22 that impacts their development is defined as developmentally disabled.
Monroe Center for Independent Living
40 N. Roessler
Monroe MI 48162
Phone: 734-242-5919
Website: www.monroecil.tripod.com
ACCESS
2651 Saulino Court
Dearborn MI 48120
Phone: 313-842-7010
Website: www.accesscommunity.org
SPECIAL CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
Phone: 800-328-5979
Website: www.uhccf.org
Children with special needs who are Underinsured may be eligible for medical assistance grants of as much as $5,000 through the Minneapolis-based UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation. Medical services covered by UHCCF grants include speech therapy, physical therapy, psychological counseling, medical equipment including wheelchairs, braces and dental care. Children must be 16 or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, live in the U.S. and be covered by Medicaid or a private health insurance plan.
Disabled Children's Relief Fund
Website: www.dcf.com
This is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, deaf, amputees and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down's Syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance.
Penrickton Center for Blind Children
26530 Eureka Road
Taylor MI 48180
Phone: 734-946-7500
Website: www.penrickton.com
Penrickton Center is a private, non-profit five-day residential and day care agency serving blind, multi-disabled children ages 1-12. No fees are ever charged to families for services. All financial support is raised from individuals, service clubs, corporations, and foundations.
SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR THE DISABLED
Achilles Track Club----Michigan Chapter
Phone: 248-788-7878 ext. 213
Website: www.achillestrackclub.org
The group practices at 9 a.m. Sundays at the West Bloomfield Trail. Volunteers work with club participants who have disabilities such as low-vision or blindness, developmental disabilities or disorders such as autism.
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUNDS
This organization has helped parents build or modify 150 playgrounds in 24 states! Go to www.boundlessplaygrounds.org for more information.
MEDICAL SUPPLY DISCOUNTS
Check out www.1800diapers.com or call 800-342-7377 for information on how to get adult diapers for up to 40% lower than in stores. You can also purchase regular diapers here.
Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency
3715 W. Jefferson
Ecorse MI 48229
Phone: 313-843-2550 ext. 233
Email: ncoman@waynemetro.org
Website: www.waynemetro.org
Incontinent supplies (as available) are provided without charge when the caregiver/care recipient is at least 60 years or older.
You may also want to join FREECYCLE groups in your area as many times these items are given away by people who no longer need them. Go to www.freecycle.org to find groups in your area. This is a world-wide effort to recycle and keep items from the landfills.
SAFE CITIZEN PROGRAMS
The Plymouth and Plymouth Township police departments have set up a Safe Citizen registry to help residents with physically-or-mentally-impaired relatives. Police will keep a photo of impaired residents and contact information on file. If the residents become disorientated or lost, police can identify them and contact the family. Forms are available at the Plymouth Police Department, 201 S. Main Street, the Plymouth Township Police Department, 9955 N. Haggerty Road, and at www.ci.plymouth.mi.us OR
www. plymouthtwp.org
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) trains older adults to provide a range of services to seniors who may be homebound, developmentally challenged or emotionally impaired. Older Adult Services also provides counseling services to older adults (60+) and their families and caregivers. In-home counseling, information, referral and advocacy services are offered. Post-retirement counseling is also offered. Contact Catholic Social Services of Wayne County (CSSWC) at 313-883-2100 OR visit the website at www.csswayne.org OR email: csswc@csswayne.org
LIBRARY RESOURCES
Wayne Regional Library
30555 Michigan Ave.
Westland MI
Phone: 734-727-7300
Website: www.wayneregional.lib.mmi.us
The library serves about 4,000 registered patrons and is one of the original 14 regional libraries created by the Library of Congress in 1931 to serve people with visual and physical disabilities.
It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Talking Books for Senior Adults
Website: www.loc.gov/nls
If you are blind, physically handicapped, or unable to read standard print (with corrective aids); or if you can't hold or turn the pages of books because of a physical handicap, you can enroll! Even if your condition is temporary you can enroll.
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
Social Security Disability Coalition
www.http://groups.msn.com/SocialSecurityDisability Coalition
A grassroots online group in which people who have been through the process try to help those struggling with it.
Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education
Phone: 800-221-9105 OR 800-517-9167
Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Department of Education
Phone: 216-522-4970 OR 800-420-3481
Advocacy, Rights and Citizens (ARC) of Monroe County
Phone: 734-241-5881
Child Advocacy Network of Monroe County
Phone: 734-240-1760
Michigan Self-Help Clearinghouse
Phone: 800-288-5923
Website: http://www.mpas.org
Michigan Protection and Advocacy (MPAS) Training's
Phone: 800-288-5923
Website: http://www.mpas.org
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Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS)
Phone: 800-288-5923 OR 800-347-5297
Website: http://www.mpas.org
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
Website: http://www.c-c-d.org
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Phone: 800-772-1213
Website: http://www.ssa.gov
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Phone: 866-485-9393
Helps long-term care residents and concerned relatives with complaints and long-term care issues.
Vulnerable Adult HelpLine
Phone: 800-996-6228
Statewide, toll-free, 24 hour/7 days, adult abuse information and adult protective services reporting service.
TECHNOLOGY
Abledata (Information on Assistive Technology)
Phone: 800-227-0216
Website: http://www.abledata.com
Offers technical products and rehabilitative equipment, also hearing aids.
Able Net
Phone: 800-322-0956
Website: www.ablenetinc.com
Apple Computer-Special Needs
Website: www.apple.com/disability
Internet Resource for Special Children
Website: www.irsc.org
Michigan Assistive Technology Clearinghouse (MATCH)
Phone: 800-460-4600
Website: http://www.match.org
OR
Michigan's Assistive Technology Resource (MATR)
Phone: 800-247-7426
Website: http://www.matr.org
MORE HOUSING RESOURCES
Please check under "Low-Income Home-Buying Resources" as well as "Housing (non-emergency) Resources" for programs JUST for those who are disabled! There are special programs that will help you buy your own home.
Easter Seals of Michigan
1105 N. Telegraph
Waterford MI 48238
Phone: 248-451-2900 OR 800-75-SEALS
TDD: 800-649-3777
Website: www.mi.easterseals.com
