Handicap-Accessible Buildings: Resources for Staying Up to Code

By Michelle Seitzer

Universal design and aging in place: these industry buzz words are the signs of the times. Though there is still progress to be made, it seems that builders, designers, architects and planners are recognizing the importance of creating accessible spaces for people of all ages and abilities.

We can all contribute to an age-friendly, disability-inclusive community, whether we’re builders or not. What does an age-friendly, disability-inclusive community look like? Here are a few features, compliments of this checklist from the World Health Organization (WHO):

• non-slip pavements that are free of barriers, reserved for pedestrians and wide enough for wheelchairs (with dropped curbs to the road)
• adequate signage outside and inside of public buildings; visible and well-placed traffic signs and intersections
• accessible elevators, ramps, railings, stairs, and non-slip floors
• specialized transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities
• sufficient street lighting, police patrols and community education to support outdoor safety
• in homes and buildings, interior spaces and level surfaces that allow freedom of movement in all rooms and passageways

Review the rest of the 4-page checklist here.

From the small changes to the great, consider these suggestions for making your home, office, church or business age-friendly and disability-inclusive:

1. Install grab bars in residential and business bathrooms.
2. Create at least one no-step entry into the home or building.
3. Make sure every room, hallway, entryway and exit is well-lit.
4. Swap round/twist-turn door knobs and handles for lever-style handles on doors and sinks. Automatic door openers may also be a good solution.
5. Install flooring made of non-slip, non-skid materials — or use non-slip coatings on floors — throughout the home or building.
6. Remove or adequately secure loose rugs and carpets so that individuals using mobility equipment (wheelchairs, power scooters, walkers, canes, etc.) can move with ease.
7. Install stairlifts or eliminate the need for using the stairs if possible.

For more specifics, check out this list of 2010 ADA standards for accessible design.

Also, watch and learn from aging in place experts Louis Tennebaum and Patrick Roden share tips on adjusting your home to accommodate people of all ages and abilities:

 Want to speak with a professional about integrating one or several of these items in your home, work or community space? Reach out to the 101 Mobility serving your city/state: start here.

101 Mobility Chicago Opens to Bring Mobility Solutions to Chicago Doorsteps

Nick and Elizabeth Lopez are proud to announce the opening of 101 Mobility Chicago. Nick and Elizabeth represent 101 Mobility’s 21^st franchisee. The husband and wife team have always dreamed of starting a business that leverages their combined experiences while contributing something more meaningful within the community.

With backgrounds in business and finance, Nick and Elizabeth’s skill-sets are well balanced to start and grow the 101 Mobility business that will service Chicago and surrounding areas. Nick brings twenty years of progressive marketing and sales operations experience to their new venture, gained working in the mobile-telecom industry. Familiar with working in a small start-up environment, he understands the importance and power of true customer service. Elizabeth, with skills in project management and accounting manages the financial operations of 101 Mobility Chicago. Both continue to volunteer and lead in their local community school programs.

The Lopez family makes it a point to stay engaged in their children’s schools and with local community events.

“We’ve always shared with our children the importance of following your dreams, working hard, to love what you do and find ways to give back to your community. So when we found that a 101 Mobility franchise system was available in Illinois it was immediately clear to us that this is a business we wanted to be part of, launch and grow in the broader Chicagoland area.”

Nick and Elizabeth recognize that residents of Chicago and surrounding suburbs are becoming increasingly concerned about the thought of having to leave their home as they age. This means leaving behind familiar faces, comforts and precious memories.

“A certain amount of control is lost when one leaves home and this control provides the underpinning to our feelings of dignity, quality of life and independence. Home provides a strong sense of security. But the incidence of limited mobility in our communities is far more common than most people realize and when a solution is needed to restore personal mobility, 101 Mobility should be the first on the list to contact.”

101 Mobility Chicago is a one-stop shop for accessibility solutions. Nick and Elizabeth Lopez are committed to providing customers with  handshake style customer service paired with a variety of quality mobility products ranging from wheelchair ramps to stair lifts.  The top-notch product offerings are matched with friendly, local authorized service technicians to ensure things are done right the first time. Day by day, the Lopez’ are increasing their reach with a focused marketing campaign and building community alliances with non-profits, state agencies and other organizations concentrated on improving the lives of Chicago’s aging and disabled population. They invite people to call and to ask questions about their mobility or accessibility situation – the 101 Mobility team is there to listen first and offer guidance second.  Nick and Elizabeth further explain,

“We are small family owned business that relies on referrals and we welcome calls from people to ask questions, share stories, their comments and suggestions.”

Call 312.462.0430 or visit http://chicago.101mobility.com/ for assistance or additional information.

Pittsburghers Open 101 Mobility to Improve Mobility Across Western PA

Greg Slepecki, Franchise Owner and his son Brad are proud to announce the opening of 101 Mobility Pittsburgh. These Pittsburgh natives are committed to helping Western Pennsylvania families improve their mobility inside and outside of the home. 101 Mobility Pittsburgh represents 101 Mobility’s 22^nd national franchise opening.

101 Mobility Pittsburgh is a locally owned, family operated business. The Slepeckis were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and understand the unique mobility needs of residents from the rough, hilly Pittsburgh terrain. They explained how most homes in the area are two to three level homes with upstairs bathrooms and downstairs kitchens, making stair lifts a must-have for those who plan to successfully age in place.

This charismatic father and son team have seen first-hand how people with mobility challenges have become an under-served demographic. It is their goal to provide the reliable mobility solutions that every Pittsburgh resident should have at their fingertips. Greg adds,

“The residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas are good people, blue-collar families who just want to stay in the home that they raised their children in.”

Greg recalled a personal experience with his late mother to describe how his parents relied on a stair lift to age comfortably in their home,

“My mother was nearly blind to the point of counting steps…she would count each step as she climbed the stairwell. We searched everywhere for something to help and there was no go-to name or business for mobility equipment in Pittsburgh; I think there is a general lack of awareness for what’s available.”

Prior to joining the 101 Mobility family, Greg Slepecki worked in one of Pittsburgh’s oldest companies as the President of Matthew’s International Architectural Group. He ran seven international manufacturing plants from Australia to Canada, California and New York. From constructing the memorial for Elvis Presley’s grave to engraving super bowl trophies, Greg has been a part of it all. Son, Brad Slepecki is experienced in disaster restoration/construction with a talent for exemplary customer care and relationship building. Brad will join the service and sales teams as Greg oversees the operation. The Slepeckis are also happy to have Primio LaLama join their 101 team as the top sales and technical person.  Primio has been providing Pittsburgh families with 101 Mobility products for over three years.

Brad and Greg believe that their broader breadth of mobility products ranging from wheelchair ramps to porch lifts and more, in-depth product knowledge and franchise support system which allows for more ingenuity, will give them an upper hand over any competition. This Pittsburgh duo is working hard to brand themselves as the number one source for accessibility solutions across Western Pennsylvania with the goal of becoming a household name.

Call 412.428.9485 or visit http://pittsburgh.101mobility.com/ for assistance or additional information.

Best Wheelchair Lifts for Your Porch or Deck

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair or experiences difficulty with steps, there are now a variety of mobility solutions to choose from, including ramps, vertical platform lifts, incline platform lifts and even outdoor stair lifts. These products significantly increase outdoor independence; Yet, many people are unaware of the outdoor accessibility options available.

Gordon Raney, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and the owner/operator of 101 Mobility franchises in Tulsa and Dallas, has a few guidelines to help you pick the best product to meet your mobility needs:

Wheelchair Ramps

Best for? Ramping is the most common way to address accessibility issues within the home. They are perfect for individuals using wheelchairs, scooters, or who simply struggle with stairs.  Folding ramps provide a solid threshold over smaller steps or curbs. More substantial modular ramps are suggested for higher landings.

How much ramp will I need? For every inch of vertical rise, a foot of ramp is necessary. The slope of your property will also dictate the amount of ramping needed. If your property is sloped downhill, more ramping will be needed to create a steady incline and vice versa.

How will I maintain it? Aluminum EZ Access Ramps require basically no maintenance; no rust, rot or decay. Aluminum modular ramps can be disassembled, moved, and easily rebuilt should families move or decide to re-sell.

Incline Platform Lifts (aka Wheelchair Lifts)

Best for? An incline lift may be a viable option for those who have difficulty making transfers to and from their chair or scooter.

How do I use the incline platform lift? The lift includes a large platform onto which the individual can drive their wheelchair or scooter. The platform then follows the incline of the stairs by a rail installed into the staircase, not the wall.

Do I have the space for it? Incline platform lifts generally work well with larger staircases as enough space for the platform to stop at top and bottom landings is required. Keep in mind that average platform size is 28” x 36” and they fold up when not in use.

Vertical Platform Lifts (aka Porch Lifts)

Best for? The platforms are large enough for a wheelchair or scooter; similar to the incline lift, vertical platform lifts are great options for people who are unable to independently make transfers from their chair.

How is this different from an incline lift? Vertical Platform Lifts are essentially mini platforms that lift in a vertical fashion as opposed to an incline platform lift which follows the route of the stairs. Vertical platforms lifts are generally used for porches.

When should I choose a vertical platform lift over a wheelchair ramp? Porch lifts take up considerably less space than wheelchair ramps and certain models enable the user to travel up to two stories high. At approximately 30” of vertical rise, a wheelchair ramp would need to be 30 feet long and likely contain 2 landing platforms.  At this point, it becomes more cost effective to opt for a porch lift instead of a modular wheelchair ramp.

Outdoor Stair Lifts

Best for? Outdoor stair lifts are ideal for someone who is able to walk but experiences difficulty with stairs.

How does an outdoor stair lift work? Similar to indoor stair lifts, they safely transport a person from ground to porch by following the route of the stair case.

How do I keep it protected from the elements? Outdoor stair lift models have marine-grade vinyl seats and other standard features to withstand weather conditions. Ordering a cover to keep the lift free of any dirt or debris is recommended, especially if you live in an area where it frequently snows and rains.

Still have questions? No problem, find your nearest 101 Mobility location by clicking here. Learn more from Gordon Raney about accessibility enhancing modifications in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!

Accessible Destination Travel for the Disabled and Elderly

Most Americans have a destination in mind that they would love to explore. Unfortunately, too many Americans feel confined by aches and pains or disability. According to a study by Dr. Liza Lezzoni of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, arthritis and other joint problems, back problems, accidental falls, heart disease, motor vehicle accidents, and chronic lung disease are the primary causes behind adult mobility issues. However, mobility difficulties are not exclusive to the elderly community by any means. Children who endured traumatic injuries or have been diagnosed with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions also face accessibility issues. Discover how today’s medical equipment and tourism programs are enabling the mobility challenged to sightsee in foreign lands or visit cherished yet distant family members.

Road

Nothing like the open road!

Scooters or power chairs are a great investment for someone with respiratory or heart problems who enjoys being on the go. If you would love to hit the road but are worried about transporting a scooter or power chair, an auto lift or turning seat may be the perfect solution for you or your loved one.

• Auto lifts and turning seats can be universally fit for any sedan, van, SUV, or pick-up truck and because they are professionally installed into existing drill holes, these automatic mobility solutions can be switched from car to car!
• The super portable suitcase ramp also works as an excellent mobility aid when on the road – roll the wheelchair or scooter out the car and over curbs or other thresholds for increased accessibility.

Ask a 101 Mobility Expert about these multi-faceted travel enhancing options!

Rail – Amtrak

As with any travel plan, time is of the essence!

Book reservations well in advance. Amtrak recommends at least 14 days of notice. To prevent anything from slipping through the cracks, call a few days before departure to confirm that all the necessary accommodations will be in place. Amtrak offers the following choices to increase freedom and ease of travel:

• Wheeled mobility device space
• Transfer accessible seats to stow a wheelchair under your seat – added convenience!
• Accessible bedroom accommodations available by reservation
• Train platforms, no problem! Request in advance for use of mobility lifts.
• If you or a loved one requires an oxygen tank, be sure the tank can operate without the use of electrical power supplied onboard for at least 4 hours in the case of a power outage.
• If you or the one you care for requires assistance bathing, using the restroom, dining or other related activities, please make arrangements for companionship.
• Amtrak offers a 15% discount to those traveling with a disability in addition to a caregiver with acceptable documentation.

Escape

“…throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Check the resorts below for ideas on your next trip. There are accessible travel options out there to make visiting your dream destination a reality! From snow covered mountains to the Bacardi clear waters of the Caribbean, there is someplace to be enjoyed by everyone.

• Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico – Founded by a US Marine veteran who suffered a spinal cord injury and is now a quadriplegic, this resort is designed to meet the very unique needs of mobility challenged tourist.

• Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort of Utah – Looking for an outdoor adventure? This full service family oriented resort features a variety of adaptable activities including archery and horseback riding.

• African Safari – Hear mighty lions roar and watch elegant gazettes on the African Savannah  Accessible Safari Tours, lodging accommodations, and landmarks are all at your fingertips with Access Africa.

• Ski Resorts in Vancouver – These magnificent resorts offer a wide range of amenities including wheelchair accessible playground to watch the kids or grandchildren play and wheelchair friendly shopping centers!

• Cruise – Royal Caribbean Cruise lines provide support and comfortable accommodations for guests with mobility impairments.

Generous Stair Lift Donation in Rochester Exemplifies 101 Mobility’s Core Values

1. Be Available
2. Customer Care
3. Exceed Expectations
4. Operate with Integrity
5. Be Passionate

Last week, Miguel Millan, Franchise Owner of 101 Mobility Rochester donated a stair lift valued at $4,200 to his local Sea Breeze Volunteer Fire Department. His generous gift ended the department’s 10 year financial struggle to purchase a stair lift. 101 Mobility prides itself in operating with integrity and exceeding expectations. Volunteer Firefighter, Mark Champion attests that this custom installation was no different,

“Our volunteer firefighters are aging and a lot of them are senior citizens, one of our former firefighters is a double amputee; we don’t have to carry him or anyone else up the stairs in their wheelchairs anymore! We also raise money for the department by renting out the upstairs reception hall and now we can bring in more groups, there is a lot of excitement within the department. We really appreciate what Miguel has done and his donation has made a huge difference!”

Although Miguel opened his Rochester franchise just eight and a half months ago, when he received a call from the Sea Breeze Volunteer Fire Department’s chief, Miguel simply did the right thing. After working for years as an EMT and firefighter, Miguel explains,

“I know the hardships that they go through and they [emergency responders] are just good people……we at 101 Mobility saw a need and took the opportunity to help by donating and installing a stair lift”.

Across the United States, local 101 Mobility franchisees are available to take your call and work with you to find the perfect solution for you or your family member’s mobility issues. 101 Mobility is the nation’s first full-service provider and installer of personal mobility products such as Stair Lifts, Auto Lifts, Wheelchair Ramps, Vertical Lifts, Porch Lifts, Overhead Lifts, Home Modifications, and Much More. Call 1.888.258.0652 to find your first course in mobility solutions for yourself or a loved one today.

Where the heart is: how to pay for home modifications

By Michelle Seitzer

Aging in place (AIP) costs considerably less than assisted living care, but it’s not free.

Though funds are dwindling for many senior-related programs (Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security have all spent ample time on the chopping block lately), there are still a number of federal, state, local and private organizations that offer financial support to seniors who want to stay where the heart is.

To begin – because first you might need to sell the idea to skeptical family members, or just figure out what modifications are needed before getting the capital to do it – get to know what services and resources are offered in your home state via these helpful sites:

• Search for home repair and modification resources in your region at Eldercare.gov.
• HomeMods.org is a national information clearinghouse on all things related to home modifications. Professionals and consumers alike can peruse an extensive resource directory on the site.
• Not sure if your own home or a senior loved one’s residence is adaptable for AIP? Most are, but the WellCome Home site helps you clearly see the potential and know where to direct your energies and efforts when it’s time to transform the home.
• Download this Home Safety Checklist from Rebuilding Together, Inc. to remove fall hazards and resolve accessibility issues, many of which may be implemented without spending a dime.

Should the need arise for assistive equipment (such as power chairs or stair lifts) or home modifications (like wheelchair ramps or door-opening systems), here are a few ways to ease the burden of purchasing or installing these costly components.

Claim a deduction. Russell Glickman, a DC-based home design and remodeling expert, recommends conferring with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to find out whether you or a loved one is eligible to deduct the cost of home modifications on your federal income tax. You need a written recommendation from your doctor as proof that the modifications are medically necessary. Glickman also states that you can claim a deduction for the costs of operating and maintaining the modifications, whether or not the stair lift, ramp, or other equipment qualified as a medical expense. Home improvements (or capital expenses) that may be deducted per the IRS.gov are as follows:

• Constructing entrance or exit ramps for your home.
• Widening doorways at entrances or exits to your home.
• Widening or otherwise modifying hallways and interior doorways.
• Installing railings, support bars, or other modifications to bathrooms.
• Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets and equipment.
• Moving or modifying electrical outlets and fixtures.
• Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house).
• Modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other warning systems.
• Modifying stairways.
• Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere (whether or not in bathrooms).
• Modifying hardware on doors.
• Modifying areas in front of entrance and exit doorways.
• Grading the ground to provide access to the residence.

Note: You can only itemize these deductions if the main purpose of installation is medical care for you, a spouse or dependent (modifications made for aesthetic, architectural or other personal reasons do not qualify). Permanent improvements that boost your property’s value may be partially included as a deduction; in this case, the cost of the home modification is reduced by the amount of the property value increase (whatever the difference is what your qualified medical expense to deduct will be). If the home modification does not increase your property value, you can deduct the whole cost as a medical expense.

Visit the Area Agency on Aging. Every state offers different incentives, programs, and benefits to their senior residents. The best way to learn about them all, in addition to any tax credits or federal monies available through Medicare, Medicaid (in some states, you may be able to qualify for funding via the Medicaid HCBS – home and community-based services – waiver), HUD, the VA, or the USDA that would be disbursed through the state, is at your local Area Agency on Aging. The AAA is a one-stop-shop neighborhood branch of your state’s department that handles senior care (i.e. Department of Aging, Department of Public Welfare, etc.). Go to Eldercare.gov or N4A.org to find your AAA by zip code, city or county.

Apply for grants or take advantage of state assistive technology projects to make your home wheelchair accessible. According to HomeMods.org, funding is available for this specific modification through the Department of Veteran Affairs (call 800-827-1000 or your local VA for more details) and via the United Cerebral Palsy Association (call 800-872-5827). The IRS also permits those with disabilities to claim some of these expenses as a tax deduction. Check in with the National Council on Independent Living Center (call 703-525-3406) to get local funding information and referral services.

Get a loan to add a room. If Mom is moving in and she has health needs or disabilities, you may be eligible for government funding. FannieMae offers the HomeChoice program, Home Keeper program, and the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (get more details at eFanniemae, or visit the local office). In Texas, New Mexico, California and Illinois, residents can apply for a Home Modifications Loan for Homeowners (with fixed interest rates and low minimum loan amounts) via Bank of America, under the “Access Loans” category. For more information, call 800-843-2632 (in CA, IL) or 800-900-9000 (in TX, NM).

Contact local foundations and non-profit organizations. Some may offer financial assistance or services referrals for those providing care for someone with disabilities or diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Easter Seals and Rebuilding Together both offer low- or no-cost community-based home modification and repair programs.

Take out a second/reverse mortgage. If you have the equity, this is a good way to secure a loan for a home modification, which, if done well, should add value to the home as more people will be seeking homes where aging in place is possible. You must be over 62 to secure funding via a reverse mortgage. (Learn more about reverse mortgages here.)

Check your insurance policies. The National Association of Home Builders says that some programs (auto insurance, worker’s compensation, long term care policies, state catastrophic accident insurance plans, and medical trust funds) might cover the costs of a home modification.

Move your parents in. If you have decided it’s best for Mom and Dad to just move in with you so you can provide care more readily, Glickman says you may be able to use proceeds from the sale of their home to make an accessible suite at your residence. He adds that adult children can avail themselves of the space in the future too, as their own care needs change.

Ready to consider a home modification for a family member’s residence, or your own? 101 Mobility has a full line of products (stairlifts, auto lifts, ramps, and more) and a team of highly-trained professional installers standing by to get AIP construction underway. Learn more about our services and find the local office serving you at http://101mobility.com/locator/.

Additional Sources:

• HomeMods.org
• National Association of Home Builders 

Meet the New ADA Regulations Deadline of March 15, 2012 with Help from 101 Mobility

March 15, 2012 is the deadline set by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II and III Regulations that set a new level of accessibility standards for swimming pools, wading pools, and spas. 101 Mobility can help you to meet this deadline and remain compliant with federal regulations.

Adopted on September 10, 2010, these new regulations are the first new set of scoping and technical standards for accessibility in nearly 20 years.  The new 2010 Standards cover state and local government facilities as well as public and commercial facilities. Both existing and newly constructed swimming pools, spas, and wading pools are covered under the new regulations.

What’s Included in the New Regulations

The 2010 Regulations require any swimming pools with less than 300 linear feet of pool wall to provide one means of access either by sloped entry or by the installation of a pool lift. Additionally, those pools with over 300 linear feet of pool wall must provide two means of access, which can by be any of the following:

1. Pool lift
2. Sloped entry
3. Transfer wall
4. Transfer system
5. Accessible pool stairs

Wading pools must have sloped entry. Spas, whether in ground or portable, must provide one means of entry in the form of a lift, transfer wall, or transfer system.

What It Means to You

The implications are clear. By March 15, 2012, most owner and operators will need to have retrofitted their existing pools and spas with a pool lift or some other means of accessible entry to accommodate those with disabilities. For more information on how the new ADA Title II and III Regulations affect your business, please visit the ADA website. Click here to view the various PDF files for Standards of Accessible Design.

If your facility has a pool or spa on site, let the experts at your local 101 Mobility office help you to bring it into compliance with the new ADA regulations. Find and call your local 101 Mobility location now!

Grab Bars Keep You Safe and Steady

Did you know the installation of grab bars is one of the easiest ways to stay safe in the bathroom? Grab bars provide confidence to many people who worry about falling in the bathroom or have issues with their equilibrium.  These common and effective bathroom safety devices are easy to install and are a cost effective way to provide the confidence you need when entering and exiting the bath.

At 101 Mobility, we offer a wide variety of grab bars to meet your design and style preferences. From polished chrome to stainless steel and bronze to satin nickel, we have the variety of styles and finishes to meet your needs. We also offer folding and locking grab bars for those who desire a grab bar that can be moved out of the way when not in use. As your full service mobility professionals, we can order nearly any style of grab bar for your bathroom. We also offer expert installation of grab bars so you can be confident they will support you at all times.

We always recommend choosing a grab bar that meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. ADA approved grab bars are rated for a 250# dead weight pull. This will ensure the grab bar can hold your entire body weight should you slip and use the grab bar to steady you. We only sell grab bars that meet or exceed ADA requirements.

The most common placement for grab bars is at entrance and exit point of the shower for assistance in stepping over the tub wall. Grab bars can also be placed inside the shower for extra assistance should you lose your balance while in the shower. Next to the toilet is another common area in the bathroom to see grab bars; especially if your bathroom is small and can’t accommodate a safety seat frame. The installation of grab bars near the toilet will help with moving to and from a sitting position.  Grab bars can also be installed at the top or bottom of a staircase for assistance steadying yourself before climbing the stairs or as you enter or exit a stairlift. Grab bars can also be helpful when placed near a door. For those who suffer from vertigo or are unsteady on their feet, the simple act of opening a door can be difficult. The addition of a grab bar allows you to have something to hang on to as you reach to open or close the door.

If you have questions about the purchase and installation of grab bars for your home, please contact the 101 Mobility location nearest you.

Veterans! Do You Qualify for a HISA Grant?

Are you a U.S. military veteran? Do you suffer from a disability due to your service? There is a lot of help out there for funding improvements to your home to assist you with your comfort and recovery.

The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant can be used for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. Among the improvements a HISA Grant will cover are:

• Allowing entrance or exit from veteran’s home;
• Improving access for use of essential lavatory and   sanitary facilities;
• Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters;
• Handrails and grab rails;
• Lowered Electrical outlets and switches;
• Improving paths or driveways;
• Improving plumbing and electrical work for dialysis patients

A HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of a disability. A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant (below) or a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant (below).Home improvement benefits up to $4,100 are available to veterans with a service-connected disability, and up to $1,200 is available to veterans with non-service-related disabilities.To apply, the veteran must first have a prescription from a VA or a fee-basis physician. This must include:

• Specific items required;
• The diagnosis with medical justification;
• The veteran’s name, address, SSN, and phone number(s);

In addition, a list of other items regarding the exact work to be completed, costs, and site drawings must be compiled and submitted as well.101 Mobility is glad to help in this process from start to finish. We are here to make sure that you get the modifications and the equipment that you need in order to live a more comfortable and accessible life.Call us today at 1.888.236.6917 or visit us at: www.101Mobility.com and let us help get you the assistance you need without any hassle or inconvenience to you. Source: http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/docs/HISA_english.pdf