Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS)

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Government assistance for individuals with spinal cord injuries is available through various local, state, and federal programs. Resources include information on applying for disability benefits through programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Additionally, individuals can learn about Spinal Cord Injury Waivers and eligibility criteria for receiving health care assistance at home or in the community.

Find support services that encompass a wide range of assistance, including locating and funding attendant care and personal assistance, providing assistive technology and consumable medical supplies, installing emergency alert response systems, adapting environments for accessibility, offering personal counseling, conducting rehabilitation engineering evaluations, providing transportation services, and offering transition case management.

Other government programs support continuing education and training, employment, family and caregiver support, housing needs, and transportation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs supports VA specialty centers for veterans with spinal cord injuries, providing access to medical, mental health, and social services.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) OSERS is part of the U.S. Department of Education committed to improving opportunities in education and employment for people with disabilities by supporting programs that facilitate equal access to disabled individuals. Here you’ll find research, policies and programs dedicated to this initiative. The website offers detailed information on understanding and implementing important legislation as well as publications and tools for making education and employment more accessible. Within the index in the center of the home page, select Reports & Resources. This page offers publications and fact sheets about employment and educational opportunities, and disability rights.