Disability,
Mobility and Accessibility: Achieving Independent Living in Florida
The Division
of Disability Determinations (DDD) is the agency that makes decisions regarding
the medical eligibility of Florida citizens applying for disability benefits
under the federal Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs,
and the state Medically Needy program. Florida is the fourth largest state
that disability determinations service in the nation, processing approximately
6% of the national workload each year.
The
DDD is also responsible for conducting reviews of existing beneficiaries
under the federal programs and determining continuing eligibility.
Applications for disability benefits are filed at the claimant’s local
Social Security office. When the claimant is seeking disability benefits
under the Social Security Act, or at a local office of the Department of
Children and Families (DCF) when benefits are being sought under the Medically
Needy program. In both cases the application is forwarded to DDD for a
determination of medical eligibility. The claim is then returned to either
SSA or DCF for a final determination of non-medical eligibility and effectuation
of any benefits due the claimant.
Ability1st
is a non-profit, community-based agency in Tallahassee, serving Florida,
which provides services to persons with all kinds of disability and mobility
issues. Ability1st is part of a nation-wide network that assists
with independent living for those with disabilities.
They
offer a Medical Mobility Loan Equipment Program that provides needed, durable
medical equipment to people with temporary or permanent disabilities, and
includes wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, walkers, canes and transfer
benches. Equipment is available on loan for a 90-day period. Often, these
items are loaned whilst the person with a disability is waiting for Medicaid
or Medicare to provide long-term assistance.
Ability1st,
in conjunction with United Way, and community volunteers, will also build
wheelchair ramps for people on low-income with disabilities who lack access
to their community. This assists people with disabilities to remain as
independent as possible within their home and community. Ramps and minor
home modifications increase mobility, reduce isolation and offer opportunities
for self care, thus maintaining each person's sense of dignity and self
worth.
The
Able Trust in Florida provides support to disabled people seeking employment.
The Trust supports individual non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs
throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness
of disability issues.
A number
of Mobility suppliers and Rental companies in Orlando, Florida support
the Kids Wish Network & Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.
This means that they donate scooters for use to these children’s charitable
organizations to help fulfill children’s and families dreams when these
organizations arrange visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea
World or any of the other great attractions Orlando has to offer.
Electric
Mobility Scooters are welcome at all Orlando-area theme parks and attractions.
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