Resource Guide: Support and Resources for Power Chair Users
National Organizations and Advocacy Groups
United Spinal Association
- Website: www.unitedspinal.org
- Phone: 1-800-962-9629
- Services: Advocacy, peer support, resource referrals
- Notable Programs:
- "Tech Access Initiative" - grants for adaptive technology
- Free membership includes quarterly magazine
- Local chapter connections
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
- Website: www.pva.org
- Phone: 1-800-424-8200
- Services:
- Advocacy for veterans and all wheelchair users
- Research funding
- Accessible design consulting
- Legal assistance for accessibility issues
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
- Website: www.ncil.org
- Services:
- Directory of local Independent Living Centers
- Policy advocacy
- Resource connection
- Programs: Annual conference on independent living
Financial Assistance and Equipment
The CareCredit Healthcare Credit Card
- Website: www.carecredit.com
- Purpose: Medical equipment financing
- Coverage: Power chair purchases, repairs, and modifications
- Note: Subject to credit approval
Help Hope Live
- Website: www.helphopelive.org
- Services:
- Fundraising support for medical expenses
- Tax-deductible equipment funding
- Community-based fundraising assistance
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
- Find your state agency: www.askearn.org/state-vocational-rehabilitation-agencies
- Services:
- Work-related equipment funding
- Job accommodation assistance
- Career development support
Equipment and Maintenance
National Seating and Mobility
- Website: www.nsm-seating.com
- Services:
- Equipment evaluation
- Custom fitting
- Repair services
- Insurance navigation
- Available: Nationwide service centers
Numotion
- Website: www.numotion.com
- Phone: 1-800-500-9150
- Services:
- Power chair sales and service
- Custom modifications
- Remote troubleshooting
- Mobile repair services
Travel Resources
Wheelchair Travel
- Website: www.wheelchairtravel.org
- Features:
- Detailed city guides
- Airport accessibility information
- Hotel reviews
- Transportation tips
AccessibleGO
- Website: www.accessiblego.com
- Services:
- Accessible travel booking
- Hotel accessibility details
- Transportation arrangements
- Travel tips and reviews
Mobile Apps and Technology
AccessMap
- Platform: iOS/Android
- Purpose: Route planning optimized for wheelchair users
- Features:
- Slope information
- Construction updates
- Accessibility barriers
Wheelmate
- Platform: iOS/Android
- Purpose: Locating accessible bathrooms and parking
- Features:
- User-generated content
- Offline access
- Rating system
Local Resources and Support Groups
Independent Living Centers Database
- Website: www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory
- Purpose: Find your local Independent Living Center
- Services typically include:
- Peer counseling
- Equipment loans
- Local resource referrals
- Advocacy support
Power Chair User Groups on Social Media
1. Facebook Groups:
- "Power Chair Users United" (50,000+ members)
- "Wheelchair Life" (30,000+ members)
- "Accessible Travel Club" (25,000+ members)
2. Reddit Communities:
- r/wheelchair
- r/disability
- r/accessibility
Emergency Resources
Power Chair Emergency Battery Service
- Available through many local medical equipment providers
- Keep these numbers programmed in your phone:
- Local equipment provider
- Backup provider
- Emergency repair service
Emergency Preparedness Resources
- Ready.gov Disability Resources: www.ready.gov/disability
- Includes:
- Emergency preparedness checklists
- Power outage planning guides
- Evacuation strategies
Legal Resources and Advocacy
Disability Rights Legal Center
- Website: www.drlcenter.org
- Services:
- Legal advocacy
- Education
- Accessibility compliance assistance
ADA National Network
- Website: www.adata.org
- Phone: 1-800-949-4232
- Services:
- Technical assistance
- Training
- Resource referrals
- Regional center connections
Equipment Recycling and Exchange
The Wheelchair Foundation
- Website: www.wheelchairfoundation.org
- Services:
- Equipment donation
- Recycling program
- International assistance
Local Equipment Exchange Programs
Contact your state's Assistive Technology Program:
- Find your program: www.at3center.net/stateprogram
- Services typically include:
- Equipment reuse programs
- Loan closets
- Training on equipment use
Insurance Navigation Support
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)
- Website: www.shiphelp.org
- Services:
- Medicare counseling
- Insurance appeals assistance
- Coverage optimization
Medicare Rights Center
- Website: www.medicarerights.org
- Phone: 1-800-333-4114
- Services:
- Medicare counseling
- Appeals assistance
- Educational resources
*Note: Contact information and services may change. Always verify current availability and eligibility requirements directly with the organization.*
