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POCKET GUIDE
to Federal Help for Individuals with DisabilitiesProduced by the:
Clearinghouse on Disability Information
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
U.S. Department of Education
Room 3132 Switzer Building
Washington, DC 20202-2524
1993

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20402TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAMS FOR SPECIFIC DISABIlITY GROUPS

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

CIVIL RIGHTS

HOUSING

TAX BENEFITS

TRANSPORTATION

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT


FOREWORD

For more than eighteen years, the POCKET GUIDE TO FEDERAL HELP
FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES has been one of the most widely
distributed publications produced by the U.S. Department of
Education and its predecessor, the Office of Education in the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Since its
inception in 1980, the Department of Education has committed
itself to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities achieve
their full potential as productive, fully-contributing members of
our society. The publication of this booklet is part of this
continuing effort.

Written for people with disabilities, their families, and service
providers, this publication contains information on
government-wide benefits and services for which individuals with
disabilities may be eligible. As we publish this new edition, it
is our sincere hope that it will reach the wide and varied
audience for which it is intended, and that it will increase
awareness and provide useful information.

Knowledge is often the first step toward empowerment. We believe
that the information contained in this POCKET GUIDE will begin to
empower those who read it with the knowledge they need to achieve
independence, which is not a privilege in our country, but every
person's right.

The Clearinghouse on Disability Information
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Servces

PREFACE

This booklet is meant to make you, an individual with
disabilities, or the parent/guardian of a child with
disabilities, aware of the principal government services for
which you or your child may be eligible. This revised edition
describes benefits applicable specifically to those who are
blind, deaf, or developmentally disabled. These persons are also
eligible for the general benefits as outlined in this booklet.

Because so much of the federal contribution to services for
individuals with disabilities is made to states -- and the states
determine how to spend the money, within certain guidelines -- it
would be impossible to pinpoint exactly what you will find in
your own state or locality. What we have tried to outline for
you in this guide is the general scope of federal support for
services to individuals with disabilities. Included are the
names and addresses of the various federal agencies that can
steer you to their state and/or local counterpart offices. You
may also wish to contact us for a listing of key agencies in your
state. These agencies should be your starting point for
exploring the services available to you where you live. Write to
the Federal Headquarters if you are unable to reach your state
service agencies directly.

States and localities may provide services which are financed out
of their own resources. These are not discussed in this guide.
To find out about any of these special programs, contact an
information and referral center in your vicinity to help put you
in touch with the array of services for which you may qualify.

We hope this guide will alert you to the variety of services
which may be of benefit to you and that it will get you started
on the road to contacting those that are pertinent to your needs.
Every time you call a state or local agency, we suggest that you
ask for the names of other people or agencies that might also be
helpful. You may accumulate a number of useful and helpful
contacts in this way.

Veterans

If you are a veteran with disabilities and want to know about the
many programs available to you, apply to your nearest Department
of Veterans Affairs field office, or write to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420

Programs for Low Income, Indian, or Elderly Populations

If you are an American Indian, a person over 65, or a person with
little or no income, you may qualify for additional programs
based on factors other than your disability. For leads on
tracking these down, call your local welfare office, your local
public housing authority, or your Indian tribal housing
authority. If you are elderly, you may be eligible for special
nutrition programs such as Meals on Wheels, or for other special
services. The federal government provides funds for area
resource centers for the aging, usually listed in the Yellow
Pages under "Aged" or "Elderly" or "Social Services."

A Word of Advice

Use this booklet to help you track down the appropriate agencies
nearest you. Remember, not every service is available and not
every person can be helped 100 percent. Keep in mind that every
year new programs begin and some old ones end, particularly at
the state and local levels. Keep in touch with your contacts and
stay as aware as you can, through reading and talking to
knowledgeable people about what is happening in the area of
services to individuals with disabilities. There are many
excellent voluntary organizations, as well as state, local, and
federal offices that can help you. Numerous newsletters are
produced by groups of and for individuals with disabilities.

We hope you will take advantage of all these avenues and that
your search for assistance will be a fruitful one. Programs for Specific Disability Groups

Special programs and benefits for blind and deaf individuals are
listed in the appropriate section (e.g., vocational
rehabilitation or education). Since the Program for
Developmental Disabilities encompasses medical assistance, job
training, and social and other services, and is administered by a
special state agency, it is described below.

Programs for Developmentally Disabled Individuals

The developmental disabilities (DD) program makes use of existing
services in health, welfare, education, and rehabilitation to
provide for the long-range needs of people with developmental
disabilities. These disabilities are defined as severe, chronic
disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairment, which
are manifested before age 22, result in substantial functional
limitations in several areas of life, and require services over
an extended period.

Availability of services will vary in all communities, and
services can include diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of the
disabling condition, personal care, day care, and special living
arrangements, training for jobs, education, and sheltered
employment, recreation programs, social and legal services,
information and referral to services, and transportation.

Under the law, people with disabilities have a right to
"appropriate treatment, services, and habilitation." A major
component in the DD program is the basic state grant -- a formula
grant to states for planning, administration, and services. The
goal of the program is to improve the quality of services through
comprehensive planning, coordination of resources, and developing
programs to fill gaps in services.

Each state has a designated agency to administer the
developmental disabilities program. Also in each state is a
protection and advocacy office where people with developmental
disabilities or their parents can turn if they cannot find help
in their communities. At the national level, the address is:

Administration on Developmental Disabilities
Department of Health and Human Services
Room 329D Humphrey Building
Washington, DC 20201 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

In each state, there is an agency responsible for the
administration of the programs of vocational rehabilitation,
supported employment, and independent living for persons with
disabilities. Each of these programs has different eligibility
criteria and purposes. The vocational rehabilitation program is
designed to assist eligible persons with disabilities to achieve
suitable employment; the supported employment program works with
individuals with severe disabilities who require ongoing support
services to enter or maintain competitive employment; and the
independent living program is focused on working with persons
with severe disabilities to enable them to live independently in
the community and in the home.

All of these programs are state-federal programs in that the
federal government provides the bulk of the funds for their
operation, leadership in program development, technical
assistance in program implementation, and monitoring of program
administration. Each state has designated an agency to be
responsible for the day-to-day administration of the programs.
This agency is responsible for both the determination of
eligibility of persons for the programs and the provision of
services.

Services are tailored to the unique needs of the individual and
are guided by an individualized written rehabilitation program
(IWRP) which is developed by the eligible person and a
representative of the state agency. The services available under
these programs are quite varied and may include the following:

· medical, psychological, vocational, and other types of
assessments to determine the functional strengths and
limitations of the individual as these relate to the program
eligibility criteria and the development of appropriate
rehabilitation programming with suitable objectives and
goals;

· counseling and guidance to assist an eligible person in
selecting suitable rehabilitation programming, including the
types of services needed to achieve the person's choice of a
goal;

· referral to secure necessary services from other agencies;

· physical and mental restoration services necessary to
correct or substantially modify a physical or mental
condition which is stable or slowly progressive;

· vocational and other types of training, including on-the-job
training, trade schools, and training in institutions of
higher education;

· interpreter and reader services;

· services to family members when necessary to achieve the
rehabilitation programming objectives;

· rehabilitation technology services;

· placement in suitable employment;

· post-employment services necessary to maintain or regain
other suitable employment; and

· other goods and services necessary to achieve rehabilitation
objectives.

The state agency can provide some of these services, such as,
counseling and guidance, referral, and placement directly to an
eligible person; while for other services, the agency may arrange
for their provision by a vendor such as a hospital or educational
institution. For many of the services, the state agency will
participate with the eligible person in sharing the costs
connected with the services. The extent of financial
participation will vary depending on the needs and resources of
both the eligible person and the agency's policies.

Since the programs are administered by the states within the
broad framework of federal requirements, the states have a good
deal of flexibility in the administration of these programs.
Thus it is important to seek information on these programs from
the state agency. In some states, the agency will be an
independent agency; in other states, the agency may be part of a
larger agency such as one devoted to education, employment, or
human services.

For People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

In 25 states, a separate commission (and in all other states a
special vocational rehabilitation unit) deals specifically with
services to people with visual impairments. Staff of these units
limit their caseloads to clients who are visually impaired or
serve as consultants to regular vocational rehabilitation
counselors. They are trained to assist these clients in learning
skills of daily living, in mobility training, in filling out job
application forms, and in other rehabilitation needs. These
units also provide funding for reader services for college
students who are visually impaired.

For People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Special emphasis on rehabilitation services to people who are
hearing impaired has its origin at the federal level within the
Rehabilitation Services Administration at the:

Deafness and Communicative Disorders Branch
Switzer Building 3221
Washington, DC 20202-2736
[phone]
[phone] (TDD)

This office provides leadership and consultation to state
agencies in developing rehabilitation programs and services for
persons with deafness and communicative disorders.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration maintains a liaison
staff person in deafness rehabilitation in each of the ten RSA
regional offices, and sponsors numerous rehabilitation counselor
training programs to prepare persons for working with clients who
are deaf. The agency also funds several projects around the
country to train interpreters to assist individuals who are deaf.

For Deaf/Blind People

The federal government provides funds that help support the Helen
Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults. To
explore your or your family member's eligibility for the Center's
rehabilitation programs, write:

Helen Keller National Center
111 Middle Neck Road
Sands Point, NY 11050
[phone] (Voice or TDD) EDUCATION

The federal government provides assistance at many levels to
enable children, youth, and adults to receive education and
training. People with disabilities share the same right to
educational opportunities and services as everyone else.

Your Rights Under the Law

Under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA), formerly the Education of the Handicapped
Act (EHA), your state and local school district must provide a
free appropriate elementary and secondary education for all
children with disabilities from ages 6 through 21. States
receiving funds under Section 619 of IDEA must provide services
to all 3 through 5 year olds. In addition, states receiving
funds under Part H of IDEA must serve infants from birth through
2. Eligibility requirements for infants and toddlers and their
families under the Part H program are determined by the states.

All parents have the right to participate in and approve the
individualized education program (IEP) developed for their child.
When children are placed in private schools by state or local
education systems to receive an appropriate education, it must be
done at no cost to the parent. Additional services such as
transportation and special aids must also be provided at public
expense.

Final responsibility for implementing the special education and
related services for 3 to 21 year olds under IDEA rests with the
state education agency. For further information on special
education programs in your state or locality, contact your state,
county, or local education offices.

Additional information on relevant sources of assistance in your
state, the rights of children with disabilities and their
parents, appeal procedures, and general advocacy information in
the education field is available from:

National Information Center for Children and Youth with
Disabilities
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013-1492
1-800-999-5599

Head Start

In 1965, Project Head Start was developed by state and local
education systems with federal assistance. It is a child
development program which provides comprehensive educational and
social services, parent involvement, and health services,
including medical, dental, nutrition, and mental health services,
to preschool children, age 3 to 5, 90 percent of whom must be
from low-income families. Migrant Head Start programs serve
children from birth, and 35 Parent and Child Centers serve
children from birth to age 2.

Beginning in 1982, federal law has required that at least 10
percent of the total number of placements in Head Start programs
in each state must be available to children who are disabled and
require special services. Head Start is a mainstream placement
option for children whose individualized education program (IEP)
calls for placement with nondisabled children.

For more information about eligibility and available Head Start
programs in your area, look under "Project Head Start" in your
telephone directory, contact your local school board, or write
to:

Head Start Bureau
P.O. Box 1182
Washington, D.C. 20013

Schools for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

There are approximately 55 special schools for children who are
blind or visually impaired throughout the country that provide
specific educational and training curricula for grade levels K
through 12. Examples of courses include: braille, skills of
daily living, orientation and mobility, plus the full range of
regular academic curricula offered in other schools. Many of
these schools will also accept blind students with multiple
disabilities. For further information on schools in your area,
contact your local school district.

Library Services for Special Groups

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped has a network of cooperating regional libraries
throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands. Together they produce and distribute -- on free loan --
an extensive collection of books, magazines, bibliographies,
directories, and reference circulars. These are made available
in braille and recorded form, along with the necessary playback
equipment.

Eligible persons are U.S. citizens (here or abroad) who cannot
read standard printed matter. These include individuals who are
blind, some individuals with physical disabilities, and those who
are learning disabled. Certification by a competent authority
(usually a physician) as to the nature of the disability is all
that is needed to apply for services. For further information on
any of these services, or to locate the regional library in your
area, write to the:

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542

The Department supports the work of the American Printing House
for the Blind (APH) which produces and distributes educational
materials adapted for students who are legally blind and enrolled
in formal education programs below the college level. These
materials include educational tools such as braille typewriters,
textbooks in braille and large type and other supplies. The
Printing House also uses a portion of its annual appropriation to
conduct research related to developing and improving products and
to provide advisory services to consumer organizations. For more
information, write to the:

American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue
P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, KY 40206-0085

For People Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The U.S. Department of Education supports postsecondary education
of individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing through four
regional postsecondary education centers and 49 single and
multi-state projects serving deaf-blind children and youth. For
information, write to the:

Division of Educational Services
Office of Special Education Programs
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, DC 20202

Schools for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

There are more than 16,000 local public school districts that
serve students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Information
under the "Education" section of this booklet refers to local
public education of students with hearing impairments as well as
to people with other disabilities. In addition, there are 62
public residential schools in the United States for children who
are deaf. These schools accept children from infancy through
grade 12. Contact your local or state board of education for the
location of a school within your state.

Gallaudet University is funded by the federal government and was
established to provide a liberal higher education to people who
are deaf. In addition to its undergraduate program, Gallaudet
operates graduate programs at the masters and doctoral levels as
well as a program of research. On agreement with the U.S.
Department of Education (ED), Gallaudet operates a Model
Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) for students from the
District of Columbia and from around the United States. The
University also operates the Kendall Demonstration Elementary
School (KDES) which disseminates materials and technical
assistance to educational facilities serving students who are
deaf and hard of hearing. For more information write to:

Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in
Rochester, NY, was created by public law as a special technical
college for students who are deaf from all states. NTID is a
residential facility for postsecondary technical training and
education for individuals who are deaf whose purpose is to
promote the employment of persons who are deaf by providing
technical and professional education. For more information,
write to:

National Technical Institute for the Deaf
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623

U.S. Department of Education
Special Institutions
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Washington, DC 20202

Postsecondary Information and Resource Center

The HEATH Resource Center, the national clearinghouse for
postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities,
operates under legislative mandate to collect and disseminate
information nationally about disability issues in postsecondary
education. The HEATH Resource Center is designed to:

· provide information on education and training opportunities
for adults with disabilities;

· promote accommodations to enable full participation of
people with disabilities in regular or specialized
postsecondary programs; and

· recommend strategies to enable people with disabilities to
pursue education after high school in the least restrictive
environments.

For additional information contact:

HEATH Resource Center
One Dupont Circle
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
1-800-544-3284

Federal Student Financial Aid

There are no special federal financial aid programs to assist
individuals with disabilities to attend college except when a
state vocational rehabilitation agency has determined that the
best preparation for a job for a particular individual with a
disability is a college education. In these cases financial
assistance may be provided. There are, however, five kinds of
federal financial aid programs available to all students in need:

· grants given on the basis of financial need which do not
have to be repaid;

· loans which must be repaid (Perkins or guaranteed student
loans);

· work-study programs in which students are given part-time
jobs to help them through school;

· benefits, such as GI Bill, Social Security, and Junior GI
which do not have to be repaid.

To learn more about the various federal student aid programs, see
your high school guidance counselor or the financial aid officer
at any college or vocational school, or write to:

Office of Student Financial Assistance
P.O. Box 84
Washington, DC 20044 EMPLOYMENT

There are currently more than 2000 local Employment Service (ES)
offices located throughout the United States. More commonly
referred to as State Employment Services or State Job Services,
these public employment centers exist to help employers find
workers, and workers to find jobs. Helping job seekers with
disabilities is a specific responsibility of the ES, and each
office is mandated by law to employ a specialist trained to work
with persons with disabilities.

For more information or for help in finding a job, look in your
telephone directory under "employment services" or under state
government listings which will refer you to the state agency
responsible for the ES program in your area.

Federal Jobs

All federal jobs for regular appointment must be announced to the
public and are filled on a competitive basis. There are a small
number of special schedule "A" appointment positions for
individuals with disabilities which are not competitive under the
following conditions:

· individuals who are mentally retarded referred by their
vocational rehabilitation counselor;

· individuals with severe physical disabilities referred
through vocational rehabilitation counselors and who are
taking a trial appointment.

Federal Job Information Centers

For more information about federal employment possibilities, you
should contact the nearest Federal Job Information Center. The
Office of Personnel Management maintains many centers to provide
federal job information and to help you apply for federal
employment. Special arrangements are available for individuals
with disabilities. Federal Job Information Centers are listed
under "U.S. Government" in area phone directories. Federal
employment information will also be posted in all State Job
Service agencies.

Some of the tests used in screening federal job applicants can be
taken by a person who is blind or visually impaired in braille,
large type, or in recorded form. If the test is not available in
any of these formats, the Job Information Center is required to
provide reader assistance to ensure that the same standards are
used in screening all applicants.

In addition, all federal agencies have selective placement
coordinators who provide assistance to individuals with
disabilities.

State and Local Government Jobs

State, county, and local governments have their own civil service
systems which can also be explored for possible job
opportunities. In addition, most states have a Governor's
Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities which works
with employers to open up job opportunities for individuals with
disabilities.

Job Training Partnership Program (JTPA)

The Job Training Partnership Program (JTPA) was created to
prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry into the labor force
and to afford job training to economically disadvantaged
individuals and others facing serious barriers to employment who
are in special need of training to obtain productive employment.
Many individuals with disabilities will fit the eligibility
criteria. Your local State Employment Security Service or
Mayor's Office will be able to give you more information about
JTPA programs in your area.

Small Business Administration

People with disabilities who are interested in going into
business for themselves may qualify for federal assistance and
low cost loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). If
there is no listing in your phone book for an SBA office in your
area, write to:

Small Business Administration
Financial Assistance Division
Handicapped Assistance Loan Program
Suite 8300
409 3rd Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20416 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

There are two basic federal programs providing direct and
continuing financial assistance to people with disabilities.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

Social Security disability insurance benefits may be paid to a
worker who is disabled and is under age 65 and his or her family
when earnings are lost or reduced due to the worker's disability.

You may be considered "disabled" if you have a physical or mental
impairment which (1) prevents you from working and (2) is
expected to last for at least 12 months or to result in death. A
person is considered "blind" when he or she has a central visual
acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of
corrective lenses or a visual field reduction of 20 degrees or
less.

Before a worker with a disability and his or her family can apply
for benefits, the worker must have credit for a certain amount of
work under social security. The exact amount of work credit
depends on the worker's age.

Monthly disability benefits can be paid to a disabled worker's:

· unmarried children under age 18 (or under age 19 if
full-time high school or elementary school students);

· unmarried children age 18 or older who were severely
disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled;

· wife or husband age 62 or older;

· wife under age 62 if she is caring for the worker's child
who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving benefits based
on the disabled worker's earnings.

NOTE: Children age 18 or older who were disabled before age 22
also can receive monthly benefits when either parent becomes
entitled to retirement payments or dies after having worked long
enough under social security. A disabled widow or widower or
disabled surviving divorced wife age 50 or older may be eligible
for monthly survivors payments when a worker dies.

For additional information, contact your local social security
office which is listed in the telephone directory under "Social
Security Administration."

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental security income (SSI) makes monthly payments to
people who are aged, disabled, or blind and have limited income
and resources (assets).

To receive SSI payments on the basis of disability or blindness,
you must meet the social security definition of "disabled" or
"blind." You do not need social security work credits to get SSI
payments. People may be eligible for SSI even if they have never
worked. People who receive SSI benefits can also qualify for
social security if they are eligible.

Children who are disabled or blind, as well as adults, may
qualify for SSI payments. To be eligible for SSI, you must have
limited income and resources and be a citizen of the U.S. or its
territories.

States may add to the federal SSI payments. The states also
provide Medicaid, food stamps, and various social and
rehabilitation services.

For more information about SSI, contact your local social
security office. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The primary sources of federal medical assistance for people with
disabilities are Medicare and Medicaid, Maternal and Child Health
Programs, and the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and
Treatment Program.

Medicare

The health insurance program is designed to serve everyone over
65 years of age and people with disabilities under 65 years of
age who:

· have been entitled to receive Social Security disability
benefits for a total of 24 months; or

· who need dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant because
of permanent kidney failure.

The program is not based on income and is available regardless of
financial need.

The Medicare program has two parts:

Part A: Hospital insurance at no premium that helps pay for
care while in the hospital and for related health care
services after leaving the hospital. Certain
deductibles and coinsurance amounts apply.

Part B: Voluntary medical insurance at a monthly premium that
helps pay doctor bills and other approved medical
services.

More information about Medicare is available from your local
Social Security Office, or by writing to:

Health Care Financing Administration
Inquiries Staff
Room GF-3, East Lowrise Building
Baltimore, MD 21207

Medicaid

Medicaid (Medical Assistance Program) is a joint federal/state
program to provide physical and related health care services to
persons with low incomes. People with disabilities may be
eligible for Medicaid on the basis of their income.

Because eligibility is determined by your state program of public
assistance (welfare) on the basis of broad federal guidelines,
there are geographic differences between eligibility requirements
and types of services covered. Generally, persons may be
eligible for Medicaid if they are receiving welfare or other
public assistance benefits or Supplemental Security Income or are
blind or disabled. Medicaid services are available in all
states.

Individuals with higher incomes may be eligible for Medicaid,
Supplemental Medical Care Assistance, or their children may be
eligible if medical expenses exceed a given percentage of their
annual income. Each state establishes its own eligibility
requirements for Medicaid.

Further information on Medicaid is available from your local or
state welfare or public assistance office.

If you cannot get information locally, write to:

Health Care Financing Administration
Inquiries Staff
Room GF-3, East Lowrise Building
Baltimore, MD 21207

Maternal and Child Health Programs

The federal government awards special grants to states for
projects that contribute to the advancement of maternal and child
health. At least 30 percent of the federal awards must be used
for services for children with special health care needs,
including diagnostic services, early intervention training, and
services development.

Up until 1981, this program was entitled, "Maternal and Child
Health and Crippled Children's Services." This program is a
joint federal/state program to provide medical and related
services to children with disabilities from birth to age 21. The
program affords states great flexibility in using the funds to
address the unique health needs of their populations and in the
selection of priority health programs.

All states must provide medical diagnosis and evaluation free for
all children. No state residence period is required before such
services are provided. The range and cost of additional
treatment or hospital care services vary from state to state.
All programs accept third party payments such as Medicaid, Blue
Cross and Blue Shield, and other medical insurance.

For further information on what is available to your child with a
disability, contact your local, county, or state health
department.

Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT)

The Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program
(EPSDT) screens children from economically disadvantaged families
to identify whether health care or related services may be
necessary, and to provide preventive and remedial care.

Children receiving state Aid to Families with Dependent Children
benefits, and children whose parents or guardians are receiving
Medicaid and/or state or local public assistance benefits are
eligible for EPSDT. EPSDT programs vary from state to state and
are administered by either state public assistance (welfare) or
health departments.

For more information on EPSDT contact your local or state health
department or public assistance office. CIVIL RIGHTS

Office for Civil Rights

A person with a disability has rights guaranteed by law to
education, employment, health care, senior citizen activities,
welfare, and any other public or private services in programs or
activities that receive federal assistance.

It is the responsibility of the Office for Civil Rights in the
U.S. Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights in
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to enforce
federal laws prohibiting discrimination against persons on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in
federally assisted programs or activities, and to investigate
discrimination complaints brought by individuals under these
statutes. If you feel your rights have been violated, because of
your disability or your child's disability, by a hospital,
school, or any other institution in any of their federally-funded
programs or activities, write to the Office for Civil Rights of
the U.S Department of Education (ED) about schools and
postsecondary institutions, and to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) about hospitals or social services in
your region.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education
(ED) enforces federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in
programs and activities receiving federal funding from the
Department of Education. OCR also enforces Title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination
on the basis of disability in state and local government
entities, in public elementary and secondary educational systems
and institutions, public institutions of higher education and
vocational education (other than schools of medicine, dentistry,
nursing, and other health-related schools), and public libraries.
OCR investigates complaints filed by individuals, or their
representatives, who believe that they have been discriminated
against. OCR also offers technical assistance to help recipients
voluntarily comply with civil rights laws and to inform citizens
of their rights under these laws. OCR maintains a headquarters
office in Washington, DC, and ten regional offices.

For more information about the civil rights laws enforced by OCR,
how to file a complaint, or how to obtain technical assistance,
contact the OCR regional office that serves your state or
territory.

Region I
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Vermont

Office for Civil Rights, ED
J.W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse
Room 222
Boston, MA 02109-4557
[phone]
TDD [phone]

Office for Civil Rights, HHS
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Room 1824
Boston, MA 02203
[phone]

Region II
New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Office for Civil Rights, ED/HHS
26 Federal Plaza, 33rd Floor
Room 33-130
New York, NY 10278-0082
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone]
HHS: [phone]

Region III
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia,
West Virginia

Office for Civil Rights, ED/HHS
3535 Market Street
Room 6300, 03-2010
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3326
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone]
HHS: [phone]

Region IV
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee

Office for Civil Rights, ED/HHS
101 Marietta Street
Post Office Box 2048
Atlanta, GA 30301-2048
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone] -- 27th Floor
HHS: [phone] -- 15th Floor

Region V
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

Office for Civil Rights, ED
401 South State Street
Room 700C
Chicago, IL 60605-1202
[phone]/TDD [phone]

Office for Civil Rights, HHS
105 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60603
[phone]

Region VI
Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas

Office for Civil Rights, ED/HHS
1200 Main Tower Building
Dallas, TX 75202-9998
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone] -- Suite 2260
HHS: [phone] -- Suite 1360

Region VII
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska

Office for Civil Rights, ED
10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard
8th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64153-1367
[phone]/TDD [phone]

Office for Civil Rights, HHS
601 East 12th Street
Room 248
Kansas City, MO 64106
[phone]

Region VIII
Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

Office for Civil Rights, ED/HHS
Federal Building
1244 Speer Boulevard
Denver, CO 80204
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone] -- Suite 310
HHS: [phone] -- Suite 804

Region IX
California

Office for Civil Rights, ED/HHS
50 United Nations Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94102-4102
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone] -- Room 239
HHS: [phone]/TDD [phone] -- Room 322

Region X
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, American Samoa,Trust Territory of
the Pacific Islands, Washington, Hawaii, Guam

Office for Civil Rights, ED
Jackson Federal Building
915 2nd Avenue, Suite 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
ED: [phone]/TDD [phone]

Office for Civil Rights, HHS
Blanchard Plaza Building, Suite 900
2201 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121-2500
[phone]

Office of Federal Contract Compliance

Every employer doing business with the federal government must
take "affirmative action" to hire people with disabilities. If
you believe that you have been denied a job by such a contractor
because of your disability, a complaint can be filed with the:

Office of Federal Contract Compliance
Department of Labor
Washington, DC 20210

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-480) decreed that
all buildings constructed, leased, or altered with federal funds
since the passage of the Act must be accessible to individuals
with disabilities.

The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(ATBCB) is the federal agency created to enforce the standards.
If you have a complaint about an inaccessible building or you
would like to receive the ATBCB's brochure, "Access America: The
Architectural Barriers Act and You," contact:

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
Office of Technical Assistance
1331 F Street, N.W.
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004
[phone]
800-USA-ABLE (Voice/TDD)

The Board offers technical assistance in a variety of areas
including architectural and attitudinal barriers, housing,
recreation, and transportation. HOUSING

Loans

If you have a disability and need to adapt your home to your
needs, you may be eligible for a Title I Home Improvement Loan
insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). The HUD-insured loan can be used to remove architectural
barriers, hazards, or inconvenient features in the home.
Improvements can be handled on a do-it-yourself basis or through
a contractor. The loans are applied for through banks or other
lending institutions. HUD insures the lender against possible
loss. For further information contact your nearest HUD office,
or write to:

The Assisted, Elderly, and Handicapped Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street, S.W.
Room 6116
Washington, DC 20410

Low income individuals may be eligible for loans from the Farmers
Home Administration to purchase or repair a home which is located
on a farm or in a very rural area. For more information, write
to:

Farmers Home Administration
Department of Agriculture
Washington, DC 20250

Rent Assistance

Low income families (including those with disabilities) may be
eligible for housing assistance payments from HUD. Payments by
HUD are made directly to the owners of rental units to make up
the difference between the HUD-approved rental amount and the
amount the tenant is required to pay. Tenants pay an average of
30 percent of their adjusted income (gross income less certain
deductions and exceptions). Rental assistance payments under
this arrangement are not considered additional income to the
tenant who is also eligible for Supplemental Security Income
payments from the Social Security Administration.

For further information on rent assistance or other housing
programs benefiting people with disabilities, write to:

Special Advisor on the Handicapped
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Room 19184
Washington, DC 20410 TAX BENEFITS

In the computation of income tax, the Internal Revenue Service
allows many medical and dental expenses to be deducted from
income, provided you itemize deductions on Schedule A. Also,
because of recent changes in tax laws, you may deduct only the
amount of total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5 percent of your
adjusted gross income (in this case, of the individual with a
disability or his or her parents). Deductible items may include:

· special equipment such as a motorized wheelchair,
specially equipped automobile, and special telephone for
persons who are deaf;

· special items, including artificial teeth, artificial limbs,
eyeglasses, hearing aids and their component parts,
crutches, and dogs for individuals who are blind or deaf;

· payments for the installation of special equipment in the
home or for similar improvements made for medical purposes,
such as ramps, or elevators for heart patients. If these
improvements increase the value of the property, expenses
incurred will only be deducted to the extent that they
exceed the increase in property value. Also, capital
expenditures that are incurred by a physically disabled
individual for the removal of structural barriers in his or
her personal residence qualify as a medical expense
deduction where the expenditure is necessary to accommodate
the disability;

· payments to a special school for an individual who is
mentally or physically disabled, if the principal reason for
attendance is the institution's resources for alleviating
the disability;

· under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, there is no longer an
additional personal exemption for people who are blind.
However, an individual who is blind is entitled to a higher
standard deduction amount.

In addition, the IRS allows tax credits for the cost of disabled
dependent or disabled spouse care. Payment to relatives who
provide this care can be included if the relative is not your
dependent or your child under age 19.

For additional information, contact the "Federal Tax Information
and Forms" number listed under "Internal Revenue Service" in your
telephone directory. TRANSPORTATION

In recent years, the federal government has stepped up its
efforts to make transportation systems more accessible to
travelers with disabilities. New regulations have been passed
and better information is now available to assist individuals
with disabilities in planning trips and using public
transportation systems.

Barriers still exist, however, and those with physical
disabilities must plan ahead and prepare trips more carefully
than the average traveler.

Air

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now requires each U.S.
airline to have a national company policy (approved by the FAA)
on accessibility and services to individuals with disabilities.
These policies vary from airline to airline, so it is advisable
to make your special needs as an individual with a disability
known at the time you make your reservations and to inquire
whether the airline provides the service you need.

For more information, contact the individual airline directly.
Also helpful is the publication, "Access Travel: A Guide to
Accessibility of Airport Terminals," available from:

The Consumer Information Center
Pueblo, CO 81009

Rail

Amtrak, the country's major passenger rail system, will become
increasingly more accessible to individuals with disabilities
over the next few years. This federally-subsidized rail system
has announced that it will add to its system only new cars fitted
with special facilities for people with disabilities.

Information on accessibility of trains and stations and
assistance available to passengers who are disabled or elderly
may be obtained from an authorized travel agent or by calling
Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

People who are deaf with access to a TDD device may receive
information and make reservations for travel by calling
1-800-523-6590 (except in Pennsylvania, call 1-800-562-6960).

Travelers with disabilities who have a card or physician's letter
showing disability are allowed a 25 percent discount on round
trip travel by Amtrak with the exception of certain holidays.
Dog guides for people who are blind or deaf are the only animals
allowed on Amtrak. Amtrak also has a brochure, "Access Amtrak,"
for travelers with disabilities. To request a copy, write:

Amtrak Distribution Center
P.O. Box 7717
Itasca, IL 60143 THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 guarantees equal
rights for people with disabilities in employment, public
services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting
employment contact:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
1801 L Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20507
[phone]
[phone] (TDD)
[phone] (TDD)

For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting
transportation contact:

Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20590
[phone]
[phone] (TDD)

For more specific information about requirements for accessible
design in new construction and alterations contact:

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
1331 F Street, N.W.
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004
800-USA-ABLE
800-USA-ABLE (TDD)

For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting
telecommunications contact:

Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20554
[phone]
[phone] (TDD)

For more specific information about ADA requirements affecting
Public Services and Public Accommodations contact:

Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 66118
Washington, DC 20035-6118
[phone]
[phone] (TDD)
[phone] (TDD)

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR) of the U.S. Department of Education has funded a network
of 15 grantees to provide information, training, and technical
assistance to businesses and agencies with duties and
responsibilities under the ADA and to people with disabilities
who have rights under the Act. There are ten regional Disability
and Business Technical Assistance Centers, three Materials
Development Projects (two for employment and one for public
accommodation/accessibility), and two National Training Projects,
a peer and family training network and a local capacity-building
program for independent living centers.

Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC)

The ten regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance
Centers (DBTAC) focus on providing, within their respective
regions, information and technical assistance to employers as
well as people with disabilities, to facilitate appropriate
implementation of the ADA, successful employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities, and greater accessibility in
public accommodations. In addition, the DBTACs will develop
information resources, databases, reference guides, and expert
consultant pools that will serve as resources for implementation
of the technical assistance programs.

National Peer Training Projects (NTP)

The two National Peer Training Projects (NTP) conduct training to
enhance the capacity of people with disabilities and their
organizations and to facilitate the implementation of the ADA.
One NTP is focused on peer training of Independent Living Center
staff, associates, and volunteers. The other NTP is focused on
developing a peer and family training network in which
individuals with disabilities or their parents or other family
members will provide training to their peers throughout the
country.

Materials Development Projects (MDP)

These three projects develop and test technical assistance and
training materials and programs for use by the DBTACs and NTPs.
Two of the MDPs are focused primarily on employment issues,
developing training programs, materials and resources, or
repackaging existing materials. The focus of the other MDP is on
accessibility and public accommodation, developing or identifying
and adapting self-administered survey guides, checklists,
materials with information on design alternatives that can be
used by the target audiences to evaluate and create accessible
environments.

For additional information on the DBTACs, NTPs, and MDPs, please
call 1-800-949-4232 (Voice/TDD) or the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) at (202)
205-8123/TDD [phone].