United States Access Board

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Government assistance for individuals with spinal cord injury is available through local, state, and federal programs. Resources include information on how to apply for disability benefits through programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Learn about Spinal Cord Injury Waivers and eligibility to receive health care assistance at home or in the community. Support services can range from locating and paying for attendant care and personal assistance, assistive technology, consumable medical supplies, emergency alert response system installation, environmental accessibility adaptations, personal counseling, rehabilitation engineering evaluation, transportation services, and transition case management.

Other government programs support continuation of 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 that provide access to medical and mental health, and social services.

United States Access Board The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for buildings, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, electronic and information technology, recreation facilities, and healthcare diagnostic equipment. It also provides technical assistance and training on those requirements and on accessible design and continues to enforce accessibility standards for federally-funded facilities.