Here are several programs for people with Multiple Sclerosis, from a free cooling vest to help with warmer weather. To free walkers or shower chair, even a computer. I personally got the free cooling vest, and it was a life saver still in October. I also got a shower chair when I was first diagnosed when I wasn’t steady on my feet. All these resources are free, so look into any that you think would benefit yourself or someone you know with Multiple Sclerosis.
Cooling Products Program
To qualify for the Cooling Distribution Program:
REQUIREMENTS:
You have not received cooling equipment from MSAA within the last 5 years.
Meet the Income Eligibility Requirement.
Upload a letter or a prescription to show proof of MS diagnosis.
Make your product selection.
Complete the application, sign, and submit all required information.
Upload requirement:
Before beginning the online application, please make sure you have a letter or a prescription to show proof of MS diagnosis ready to upload when asked.
You must upload one file as an image (.jpg, .gif, .png file) or PDF file. Maximum file size is 5MB.
Equipment Products
Individuals with MS can experience difficulty with balance, coordination, fine motor skills, and mobility. The MSAA Equipment Distribution Program offers products designed to improve safety, mobility, activities of daily living, along with exercise/wellness opportunities.
MSAA provides these products at no charge to individuals with MS who qualify for assistance, and items are shipped directly to the client.
Products distributed through the program range from grab bars, shower chairs, and walkers to wide-grip utensil sets and yoga mats.
MSAA can assist in providing clients equipment products every three years.
If you have questions, please call MSAA at (800) 532-7667, ext. 154 or email clientservices@mymsaa.org.
Multiple Sclerosis
Computer Grant Program provides refurbished laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on limited or fixed incomes. For those who do not know how to use a computer, training may be provided. Applications are accepted from July 1 to October 1 of each year.
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Computer-Program
Health & Wellness
MS Focus Health and Wellness Program offers different ways to participate in various forms of adaptive exercise or alternative therapy. If there are enough people interested, classes are formed. If classes are not available, individuals may apply for full or partial funding to participate in activities through local gyms, fitness facilities, and wellness centers.
MS Focus has sponsored classes and programs for individuals including:
- exercise and fitness
- art therapy
- yoga
- dance therapy
- adaptive sports and recreation
- aquatics
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Health-and-Wellness-Program
Home care Assistant Grant
Home care Assistance Grant connects you to the best available local services. Should resources within your community not be available, direct support may be provided on a temporary basis.
Available Services include:
- Coming Home – Returning home from a stay at the hospital. They offer a four-hour visit from an aide who will meet the patient at the hospital, provide transportation home, and then get the patient settled comfortably at home.
- Therapy Visits – Based upon individual need, an appointment with an occupational, physical, or speech therapist can be arranged.
- Home Care – Personal hygiene services, grocery shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation to and from appointments are all services that can be provided for a limited time.
- Respite Care – Allows for primary caregivers to do errands with the assurance that their loved one is being cared for by a properly trained individual. This service is provided on a short-term basis for a scheduled period of time.
Assistive Technology Program
The Assistive Technology (AT) Program helps locate, partially fund, or provide full funding for one of the following devices. These include:
- Computer aids
- Orthotics
- Aids for daily living
- Cooling aids
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Communication devices
- Aids for vision and hearing
- Environmental control systems
- Seating, positioning, and mobility devices
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Assistive-Technology-Program
Emergency Grant
MS Focus’ Emergency Assistance Grant provides full or partial financial assistance for urgent needs related to rent or utilities.
“Disclaimer – MS Focus does not provide assistance with mortgage payments.”
Funds are limited and restrictions apply. Applicants must provide documentation of the need, authorization for the program coordinator to communicate directly with the party to whom the money is owed, and a doctor’s verification of their MS diagnosis. Please note: “this is a one-time-use program. Individuals who have previously received help with rent, utilities, or medications through this program may not apply again.“
“Please note that at this time, because of limited funding, they are only accepting applications from those who have received either an eviction or disconnection notice. Please submit a copy of the notice along with your application and the other required documentation.“
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Emergency-Assistance-Program
The Brighter Tomorrow Grant
Each year, The Brighter Tomorrow Grant allows MS Focus to makes dreams come true across the country.
The goal of the grant is to provide you with goods or services that will improve your life, but are not available through our other programs. These items range in value, with a max of $1,000 per recipient, and can vary from household essentials to hobby supplies.
The Brighter Tomorrow Grant is only open from June 1st – September 1st.
Official Guidelines
Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements to be considered for funding:
- Application must be postmarked/ time-stamped between June 1 and September 1.
- Request must be for specific goods or services.
- Applicant must grant MS Focus the right to use their name and photograph for promotional purposes.
- Cash, medications, or items available through current programs are not included.
- Applicant must be a resident of the United States.
- Applicant must be older than 18 and diagnosed with MS, or be the parent of a minor child with MS.
- Applicant must have no existing financial net (such as Medicaid or private insurance) to cover the request.
- Applicant must agree to sign a disclaimer.
Recipients will be notified by December. This grant is available one time per person.
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Brighter-Tomorrow-Grant
Transportation
The Transportation Assistance Grant program helps ensure all people with MS have the transportation necessary to get the best medical care.
The program provides funding for reasonable paratransit fees. In partnership with Lyft and Uber, the program can also provide funding for transportation to and from appointments for MS care, limited to neurologist visits and infusion centers, at no cost to the person with MS.
https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Transportation-Assistance-Grant
Other Pages:
Other Great Resources:
The National MS Society Facebook Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nationalmssocietycommunity
The Mighty: Multiple Sclerosis Connections
https://themighty.com/groups/multiplesclerosisconnections
https://www.reddit.com/r/MultipleSclerosis
Walk MS
Walk MS unites the MS community in the largest gathering of its kind to raise funds and make a difference for everyone living with MS.
https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=2039