ACL's Paralysis Resource Center (managed by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation) has awarded four High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology (HIIAT) Quality of Life Grants, totaling $300,000. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Funding for this new cycle of grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.
Launched in 2015, in partnership with ACL, the HIIAT grants program has awarded 23 grants totaling $1,684,788. The program funds one-year grants of up to $75,000 to state and territory Assistive Technology (AT) programs funded through the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 for innovative, one-time programs that through assistive technology devices or services: increase access to services, and enhance the independence and inclusion of people living with paralysis, their family members, and caregivers.
The recipients of the HIIAT Grant are:
Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK)
Parsons, KS
$75,000 for the project, Accessible Recreation: Playing Electronic Games Independently to Increase Health & Social Connection, to increase access to electronic gaming through the creation of an accessible gaming equipment loan program. Grant funds will support the development of the accessible gaming equipment loan program in three of ATK’s locations throughout the state.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Louisville, KY
$75,000 for the My New Kentucky Smart Home project to provide smart home AT equipment loans to Kentuckians living with paralysis to enable them to begin automating various functions in their home that will increase and enhance independence, promote safety ,and help make informed smart home AT decisions to affect their quality of life.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Stillwater, OK
$75,000 for #Oklahoma4Ramps, a program that will purchase, store, and provide short-term loans of portable ramps, thresholds and other equipment to Oklahomans with paralysis. #Oklahoma4Ramps will provide free, safe equipment to allow individuals with paralysis and cross disabilities to leave their homes, participate in community activities and live a more active, independent lifestyle.
West Virginia University Foundation
Morgantown, WV
$75,000 for the Pay It Forward WV: Assistive Technology Device Reuse Project. Funds support a loan closet and device reuse program that provides youth aged 3-12 with mobility assistance and other durable medical equipment not covered by West Virginia Medicaid or private insurance. Pay It Forward WV places assistive technology directly into the hands of children and families in West Virginia who would otherwise be unable to access such equipment.
ACL funds the Paralysis Resource Center to provide comprehensive information for people living with spinal cord injury, paralysis and mobility-related disabilities and their support networks. Resources include information and referral by phone and email in multiple languages including Spanish; a peer and family support mentoring program; a military and veterans program; multicultural outreach services; quality of life grants; and a national website.