Free Stuff & Discounts For People With Disabilities List
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It can be challenging to live with a disability or to have a loved one who has a disability or special needs. However, if you are disabled and receive SSI or SSDI, you may be eligible for various free items and services. The services listed below can aid you with everything from free toothpaste to free refrigerators, free park passes, discounts, and more when you need it the most.
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The best 12 ways in which people with disabilities can get free stuff and discounts are below.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Free Stuff And Discounts For People With Disabilities
- 1. Sports & Athletic Gear
- 2. Truck, Car Rental, And Travel
- 3. Education Discounts
- 4. Employment Training
- 5. PWDs Health & Wellness
- 6. Housing Discounts And Aid
- 7. Legal Discounts
- 8. Medical Equipment & Supplies
- 9. Recreation & Amusement
- 10. Service Animals &Pets
- 11. Resources & Services
- 12. Technology Discounts
- Related Questions
Key Takeaways
- Various organizations and foundations are specifically aimed at assisting persons with disabilities, including sports, education, and housing assistance, to name a few. In addition, there are numerous government programs in motion to help PWDs similarly.
- Many international car rental companies and airlines have included PWDs services at a meager rate or no additional costs. The same can be said about amusement parks and recreational activities. In addition, there are often extra perks and services included for PWDs.
- Medical supplies, health, and wellness services have been made more accessible to obtain by various medical companies and foundations to assist the wellbeing of PWDs.
- In addition, educational benefits, sponsorships, and aid have been included in this list, and technology and free apps to help and encourage PWDs to participate in academic growth, including employment training programs.
Free Stuff And Discounts For People With Disabilities
There are several methods to acquire free or discounted items if you’re an adult or a child with a disability, whether looking for medical supplies, financial support, or even educational assistance and scholarships. All you have to do is know where to look! Bring your valid I.D. and evidence of disability with you when you purchase to qualify for disability discounts.
Athletic and sports discounts, transportation savings, V.A. medical benefits, home loans, education benefits, and access to incredible deals through various organizations and many services that PWDs have access to.
As a result, we’ve collected a thorough list of all the top deals for persons with disabilities to simplify your search. So, starting with sports and athletic gear, let’s look at these offers.
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1. Sports & Athletic Gear
If you are looking to partake in sports but don’t know where to start, why not try searching through organizations that specialize in making this a reality? There are plenty of opportunities to get you into your next passion, from sponsorships in snow sports programs to foundations that support disabled athletes. That said, the following are some of the best options to consider.
- Challenged Athletes Foundation: Individuals with disabilities can apply for funding for sporting equipment, coaching and training, and competition costs through the Challenged Athletes Foundation. For application questions, send an email to [email protected].
- Adaptive Sports Foundation: Adult and child PWDs can participate in winter programs such as snowboarding and skiing through the Adaptive Sports Foundation. In addition, athletes with disabilities eligible for the Paralympics can participate in their 12-week competitive racing program.
- Kelly Brush Foundation: The Kelly Brush Foundation has an Active Fund grant that gives adapted sports equipment to those paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury.
- Silverts: All adaptive clothes, footwear, and accessories have special discounts at Silverts, with free shipping for purchases over $20.
2. Truck, Car Rental, And Travel
Travel and transportation for those with disabilities can be challenging, and it typically necessitates extensive planning owing to medical problems or accessibility concerns. There are, however, deals and lodgings available that make travel more convenient and pleasurable. That said, the following are some of the best options to consider.
- Budget: Budget’s dedication to meeting the requirements of clients with disabilities includes hand controls and four assistive and adaptive equipment – spinning knobs, transfer boards, swivel chairs, and panoramic mirrors – all at no additional cost.
Although many Budget outlets stock these goods regularly, demand might fluctuate. Customers with disabilities and their drivers are encouraged to reserve assistive devices within 48 hours of picking up their car.
- American Public Transportation Association (APTA): The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) connects you to local transportation resources and authorities. While regulations and services differ, special pricing savings on community transportation are frequently available.
- 800CharityCars: 1–800-Charity Cars is a non-profit organization that provides charity automobiles to persons in need, particularly those with medical disabilities.
- Greyhound: Greyhound provides preferential seating for passengers with disabilities, as well as help at stops and other amenities.
- ClubGO: Using the unique accessibleGO travel platform for individuals with disabilities, ClubGO members may save up to 60% on certain hotels, resorts, and motels.
- Hertz: Hertz wants to make your rental experience as straightforward as possible. Both the Hertz client and any member of the traveling party can take advantage of a wide range of unique services for physically challenged renters. Customers with disabilities receive complimentary hand controls, spinning knobs, and accessible parking services from Hertz.
Individuals with special needs or disabilities can use specific services provided by several airlines and cruise lines, such as accessible seats, assistance, and assistive gadgets. Check with your preferred airline or cruise operator for their criteria and qualifying requirements since they may differ.
- Angel Flight: Angel Flight comprises pilots who give their time to help families with special needs members. They provide free air transportation to qualifying people or groups, allowing them to receive medical treatment that might otherwise be impossible to obtain under normal conditions.
- Carnival Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Lines provides customers with disabilities with specific accessible amenities and customized services.
- American Airlines: Persons with disabilities must present proper medical documents to be eligible for a hearing, vision, and mobility aids, as well as specific American Airlines services. Reservations can be made by calling 800-433-7300, or for hearing or speech impaired help, call 800-735-2988.
3. Education Discounts
Several organizations and institutions help people and children with disabilities in their educational and professional endeavors.
We’ve included some of the more well-known organizations below. Still, you can also run a local web search using phrases like “office of disability services” or “services for kids with disabilities” and the name of your state, city, or town. That said, the following are some of the best places to start.
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- Cochlear: Cochlear gives up to $2,000 in renewable scholarships to students who have received a Cochlear implant.
- American Association on Health and Disability: Yearly scholarships are awarded by the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) to people with disabilities who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in health and disability-related fields.
- CollefeScholarships.org: CollegeScholarships.org is a website that helps students with disabilities locate scholarships and financial aid from hundreds of organizations and charities.
- Library of Congress: Individuals with visual impairment or reading disabilities can access reading materials in braille or audio forms through the Library of Congress’s National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
- Landmark College Scholarships: Landmark’s college scholarship runs from $5,000 to $34,000 and is provided to students depending on financial need. Furthermore, it is one of only two universities in the United States that exclusively admit students with learning disabilities.
- Microsoft Scholarship: The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is available to high school seniors with disabilities who want to attend a professional or academic college and have a financial need.
- Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation: Students with neurological problems, including those whose parents have neurological disorders, can apply for Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation semi-annual scholarships. Contact them at (262) 547-2083 or [email protected].
4. Employment Training
Many organizations offer employability tools, job training opportunities, and workplace adjustments and assistance for persons with disabilities. As a result, some of the most important sites to start your search are listed below.
- Easterseals: Easterseals offers a variety of programs to children and people with disabilities, ranging from job opportunities to leisure opportunities.
- BroadFutures: Through BroadFutures, young adults with disabilities can find lucrative training, paid internships, and career possibilities.
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The U.S. Department of Labor is a fantastic resource for people with disabilities looking for training and job opportunities. They also have an Employment and Training Administration (ETA), which provides grants to those with disabilities seeking work.
In addition, through its Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program, the ETA offers disabled disabilities access to training, vocational rehabilitation, and other assistance.
- Job Accommodation Network: With the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Job Accommodation Network provides free professional advice on disability-related issues and concerns.
5. PWDs Health & Wellness
Americans with disabilities on Medicare, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for over-the-counter (OTC) benefits as part of their healthcare plan.
The specifics vary by state, but it’s always worth discussing with your healthcare provider. Also, depending on your locality, other groups give medical aid and supplies at reduced costs or free.
- Medicaid: Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical care to persons with disabilities. If you are qualified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may also be eligible for Medicaid. Other options for qualifying, in addition to SSI, include poverty level, working individuals with disabilities, and specific income levels, among others.
- C4HealthLabs: Low-income, jobless, and disabled people can get a 10% discount on CBD oil products from C4 HealthLabs.
- Chanda Center for Health: Individuals with disabilities can benefit from integrative treatments such as acupuncture, adapted yoga and fitness, chiropractic services, and massage therapy at the Chanda Center for Health.
- Medicare: You may be eligible for Medicare if you are under 65 years old and have specific disabilities, end-stage renal illness, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Visit the U.S. government’s official website to check for eligibility, application criteria, and coverage.
6. Housing Discounts And Aid
- Believe in Tomorrow: The Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation helps families with severely sick children find homes and other resources. It offers a hospital housing program and a respite housing program with six locations that provide children and their families with beach and mountain vacations.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: For people with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers rental assistance, homeownership options, and home repair and improvement grants and loans.
- Volunteers of America: Volunteers of America is renowned as a non-profit organization that runs housing facilities and activities for people with intellectual disabilities as well as giving assistance to them.
- The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: Individuals with disabilities can get housing advice and services from the U.S. Department.
7. Legal Discounts
- National Disability Rights Network: Individuals with special needs and persons with disabilities can get legal help from organizations like the National Disability Rights Network and the Special Needs Alliance, which can help them identify expert attorneys in their region.
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): The United States Department of Justice offers residents a comprehensive overview of disability rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, but not restricted to it.
8. Medical Equipment & Supplies
- Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FDAC): Friends of Disabled Adults and Children provides people with disabilities with long-lasting and cheap medical equipment.
- Vitality Medical: Vitality medical’s goods and equipment are available at reasonable pricing. With code DROP10, you may save 10% on qualifying orders over $75 for a limited time.
- Lion’s Club: The Lion’s Club provides financial support to low-income PWDs so that they may afford spectacles and hearing aids, as well as educational and health-related services.
- Travis Roy Foundation: Low-income persons with spinal cord injuries can apply for the Travis Roy Foundation funds. The funding can be used to modify and repair wheelchairs and install ramps and other adaptable equipment in their homes for qualified applicants.
- MTS Medical Supply: Persons with disabilities can get discounted medical equipment and supplies from MTS Medical Supply. On some orders, free delivery is offered.
9. Recreation & Amusement
Many of the nation’s prominent state and national parks are accessible to disabled adults and disabilities for a reduced charge – or, in some cases, for free!
For visitors with disabilities, many museums provide reduced prices, free events, and on-site assistive equipment – just ask ahead to be sure. See how much you may save by looking at our list of passes and parks below.
- America The Beautiful Pass: The “Beautiful Pass” is a $ 10-lifetime permit that grants access to over 2,000 leisure venues to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a confirmed permanent impairment.
- Carowinds: Guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or mobility constraints can use the Carowinds Boarding Pass Program to get customized ride access and timetables, so they don’t have to wait in the standard lines.
- Dollywood: When visiting Dollywood, guests with disabilities have access to a unique entrance and a relaxing chamber for those who may experience sensory overload during their stay. They also get a special Boarding Pass to use on specific rides.
- LEGOLAND: For those with disabilities and one partner, LEGOLAND Florida provides a Hero pass that allows them to skip the line at ride gates.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: For visitors with disabilities, the Metropolitan Museum of Arts provides assistive listening devices, audio guides, extensive print label booklets, wheelchairs, and other accessible services. Caregivers are admitted for free.
- Mystic Seaport: Persons with disabilities and one companion receive a 50% discount at Mystic Seaport, as well as unique parking spots, accessible bathrooms, adaptable strollers, and wheelchair rentals. The use of service animals is also permitted. Inquiries about ticket rates can be made by calling 860-572-0711.
- Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium offers visitors with disabilities $2 off the standard entry and wheelchair assistance and specific accommodations during programs. Service animals are permitted as well.
- Walt Disney World: PWD travelers can use Walt Disney World’s Disability Access Service (DAS) service. PWD parking places, companion-assisted bathrooms, mobility aids, and other amenities are available at the theme parks.
10. Service Animals &Pets
The Assistance Dog United Campaign and BestFriends.org are two organizations and projects that strive to connect individuals with disabilities and service animals together. The former gives financial support to disabled disabilities for them to be able to afford a service animal. People with disabilities can use the latter’s information and guidance on pet help.
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11. Resources & Services
- Federation for Children with Special Needs: The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) provides assistance and information to parents and community members of children with special needs.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): In addition to other programs, the LIHEAP provides federally sponsored financial assistance in managing home energy expenditures to those with disabilities below a specific income level.
- Parents Helping Parents: Parents HelpingParents gives training and resources to families with special needs children and adults, assisting in the improvement of the care system.
- PAN Foundation: The PAN Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps underinsured people with chronic, life-threatening, or uncommon diseases get the treatments and medications they need but aren’t covered by insurance.
- Salvation Army: The Developmental Disabilities Program of the Eastern Salvation Army provides support services and community volunteer programs for people with disabilities (DDP)
- U.S. Department of Energy: There is a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) of the Department of Energy, which lowers the costs of energy heating, consumption, cooling systems, and other services for low-income people with disabilities.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Individuals with disabilities can use the US Small Business Administration’s comprehensive reference guide on starting and operating a business.
- Social Security Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays payments to the disabled with disabilities who qualify.
12. Technology Discounts
Several technical tools are available for persons with disabilities, ranging from specifically built applications to text-to-speech digital books. That said, let’s look at our list of tech discounts and freebies to learn how you might benefit from these offers.
- Apple: For persons with disabilities, every IOS and Mac device has free breakthrough accessibility features like VoiceOver, Guided Access, Assistive Touch, built-in braille support, Sticky Keys, and Slow Keys.
- ConnectHome: Under the ConnectHome Program, SSI and SSDI recipients living in HUD-assisted housing may be eligible for free broadband internet service. Currently, the service is only available in a few places.
- AT&T: Customers who are hearing challenged or have a speech handicap can receive a monthly discount of up to 25% on chosen monthly service plans from AT&T and additional unique features and services.
- Danny’s Wish: Danny’s Wish gives iPads to autistic children. Every year, from September 1 to December 31, they accept applications. To be considered, the person you’re applying for must be diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum.
- Lifeline: The Lifeline Program may be able to provide free or subsidized smartphones and phone services to those with disabilities or special needs. Those who meet the program’s requirements may get a monthly discount of $9.25. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are among the businesses that offer lifeline discounts.
- Ava: When individuals talk into the microphone, this app transcribes what they say. The basic plan covers one-on-one and group chats for up to five hours each month.
- OnlineOCR: OnlineOCR is a free program that extracts text from picture files and transforms them into digital text files that may subsequently be read aloud using the built-in text-to-speech technology.
- Windows: Accessibility Features in Microsoft Windows allow you to customize your computer by assisting with vision, hearing, and mobility interactions.
- Discount Ramps: At Discount Ramps, people with disabilities can get the best deals on wheelchair carriers and scooter lifts.
- Camera Mouse: Camera Mouse is a free freeware developed by Boston College that allows users with disabilities to operate a Windows computer mouse with their heads.
- Natural Reader: Natural Reader is a free application that translates text to audio and allows users to listen to documents, news articles, and websites.
Related Questions
Are There Any Home Delivery Meal Services For PWDs?
PWDs can make use of home delivery services. For example, the Home-Delivered Meals Program provides nutritionally balanced, hot meals to homebound individuals during the day. Some folks receive cold, packed meals as well so that they will have food in the evening.
DSAAPD, known as The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, provides this service. Please visit the DSAAPD services page and the DSAAPD website, or contact DSAAPD for a comprehensive list of services.
Will I Qualify For Freebies And Discounts If I Am Disabled?
If you receive SSI or SSDI and have a low income, you should be eligible for some of these services, depending on what type of disability you have. However, it would always be best to contact the related company or organization to clarify what you are eligible for before applying.
Do Any Disability Benefits Count Against Your SSI?
No, the federal government has granted an exception, like the weatherization program, so any benefits you receive are not considered assets and are therefore not taxable. SSI and SSDI are not affected by the other benefits stated.
Are There Any Caseworkers That Can Help Me Apply?
Yes, with so many alternatives, it’s easy to become perplexed. As an example, If you wish to apply for weatherization, you may contact your county’s Community Action Program, and they may be able to help you.
For the remaining alternatives, the best advice I can give you is to click on each link provided, and if the website has a phone number linked with it, you may contact them and ask for help. You may check up on the name of your plan, phone a representative, and inquire about possible benefits.