Did You Know?
Many free and low-cost services and resources are available in your community, just for the asking. Below are some of those services/resources and the information you need to access them. We have also included some lesser know facts that may make your life easier. When you find out about a service, resource, or some little thing that has helped you, please share it with us. Click here to share what you have found helpful.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Access:
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all people with disabilities have access to housing, parking, government and business offices, shopping, recreation, entertainment, etc.
For more information and a list of print, audio, and video publications addressing accessibility contact the US Department of Justice ADA Information Line:
- Voice: 1-800-524-0301
- TDD: 1-800-514-0383
- On-line: www.ada.gov
Gas Service:
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires gas stations, including self service stations, to provide refueling assistance to people with disabilities without additional cost.
This means that people with disabilities can have someone pump gas for them without paying the higher full-service price. There are limitations, for instance self-service stations with only one person on duty are not required to provide this service, but they are encouraged to do so if at all possible. Develop a relationship with a station near your home and ask them to help you; when traveling stop at newer looking stations and look for the assistance call button to request help. If all else fails, ask another customer to help you. Remember you are not imposing; you are giving them the gift of doing a good deed that day. For more information, contact the US Department of Justice ADA Information Line:
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
If you are out of work and have a disability, even old age (over 50), you qualify for assistance in finding work through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. This is a state agency that provides job related education, training, resume’ writing, and even a job coach to help you through the steps of finding and retaining employment. If you live outside of Wisconsin, this agency may have a different name, so ask about this service at agencies that provide social services or labor statistics.
FREE: America the Beautiful - Federal Lands Access Pass for People with Disabilities
Anytime is a great time to get outdoors and see America the Beautiful. With an America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can visit Federal parks, forests, and lands FREE. This lifetime access pass provides the passholder and their guests FREE access to fee areas (some restrictions apply) and 50% discounts on some expanded amenity fees. The pass can only be obtained in person at the park and documentation of permanent disability is required (statement by a licensed physician; document issued by a Federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency). For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.
FREE Resources for Making Life Easier with a Chronic Illness or Disability
There are a number of national organizations that provide information for people challenged by disabilities. Some are specific to a particular disability, such as the American Council of the Blind or support groups for various conditions such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Others are government agencies that provide information for people with all kinds of disabilities, often listing a variety of resources, agencies, or companies that provide services to this group. For a list of several helpful government agencies, see FREE Resources for Making Life Easier with a Chronic Illness or Disability.
FREE Wheelchair Service at Airports
If you are traveling by air and you cannot manage the long walk from the front door to the gate, ask the airline to schedule a wheelchair escort for you. Whether you have a permanent disability or a temporary one, due to a broken leg or recent surgery (a friend’s daughter used this service to fly home after a Cesarean birth), an escort will meet you at the door to the airport, take you through check-in, baggage, and security and wheel you right to the door of the plane where other assistance and devices such as an aisle chair are available if needed. Upon landing, an escort will meet you at the plane and wheel you to the front door and wait with you until your ride arrives. Ask about this service when booking your flight.
Participate in a Memory Study
If you have a chronic illness and you struggle with memory issues, Quincy Bioscience may be able to help. They are studying the effects of a calcium binding protein, originally found in jellyfish, on brain function. Various research trials focus on specific segments of the population, such as people with multiple sclerosis, autism, neuopathy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and more. Under the name HOPE Trials, research studies are being developed that allow anyone to participate via an Internet connection. If you are interested in learning more about HOPE Trials, go to www.HOPEtrials.com.
Interstate Highway System Aids Navigation
Traveling on the Interstate highways is easier when you understand the system. If you tend to get confused, remember that:
- Odd-numbered roads go north and south while even-numbered roads go east and west.
- Three-digit routes beginning with an even number travel in a circle around a metropolitan area, eventually rejoining the main highway; three-digit routes beginning with an odd number are a spur into the city and end there.
- An easy way to determine whether your exit ramp is to the right or to the left is to observe the position of the small exit number panel on the top of Interstate road signs. If on the right side of the sign, it's a right lane exit ramp. If it's on the left side, it's a left lane exit.
National Council on Independent Living
Independent Living Centers nationwide provide accessibility information and assistance to people with disabilities. Please use the following link to find a Center for Independent Living or Statewide Independent Living Council near you. Click here.
Back to Top