Grants for Disabled People in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to a large population of disabled individuals, seniors and veterans who face numerous challenges in their daily lives. In order to help disabled individuals live a comfortable and fulfilling life, the state of Arkansas offers a range of assistance programs and services. In this article, we will take a look at the various assistance programs available to disabled individuals in Arkansas covering areas such as healthcare, social security, financial assistance, housing and rent assistance, utility bill assistance, charity or church assistance, transportation assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance and business support.
State Assistance
Arkansas’ Department of Health and Human Services assists disabled people, children and seniors in Arkansas. Programs offered by the department include Arkansas Medicaid and Arkansas Works. For more information, visit https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/.
Health Assistance
The Arkansas Medicaid Program presents healthcare coverage to individuals including those with disabilities. The program covers services, such as doctor visits hospital stays, prescription drugs and more. To determine your potential Medicaid eligibility in Arkansas, check out https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/health-care-programs/.
The Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a pediatric hospital located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Established in 1912, it is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the United States and is ranked as one of the top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital provides a wide range of medical services, including general pediatrics, cardiology, gastroenterology, neonatology, orthopedics and many others.
ACH is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to children with disabilities, as well as their families. The hospital’s specialized clinics, rehabilitation services and diagnostic testing support children with disabilities in their development and recovery. ACH also has a Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy department that helps children and families cope with hospitalization and medical procedures through play and creative activities. Read more at https://www.archildrens.org/.
Social Security
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides benefits to disabled individuals in Arkansas who have worked and contributed to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To be eligible for SSDI disabled individuals must have a severe disability that prevents them from working for at least a year and have earned enough credits through work to qualify for benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources. To be eligible for SSI individuals must be 65 or older, blind or disabled and have limited income and resources.
To learn more, visit https://www.ssa.gov/.
Financial Assistance
The Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) provides financial assistance to disabled individuals, veterans and seniors to help them live independently. ARS offers services such as job training, employment services and financial assistance to disabled individuals in Arkansas. More information is available at https://dws.arkansas.gov/.
The Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Council offers financial assistance to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The program provides funding for a variety of needs; including transportation, housing, equipment and respite care.
For more information on the Arkansas Developmental Disabilities Council Financial Assistance Program, visit https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/intergovernmental-services/grant-programs/arkansas-developmental-disabilities-council
Housing and Rent Assistance
The Arkansas Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals seniors and veterans including those with disabilities. The initiative aids people in locating and paying for inexpensive housing. More details are available at https://nwregionalhousing.org/housing-choice-voucher-program/.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and repairing homes for low-income families including those with disabilities. The organization partners with families in need to construct affordable and safe housing. Habitat for Humanity also provides home repairs, homeownership education and community outreach services to needy families.
In Arkansas, Habitat for Humanity works with local communities to build and repair homes for families in need, including those with disabilities. The organization has several active projects and builds homes in various locations across the state.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity in Arkansas, visit https://www.habitat.org/local/affiliate-by-state?state=AR
Utility Bill Assistance
Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income individuals pay their energy bills, including heating and cooling expenses. The program also provides emergency heating and cooling assistance for eligible households. Visit https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/liheap.aspx for more information.
Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program assists eligible low-income individuals make their homes more energy efficient and reduce energy bills. The program provides energy-saving measures to eligible households in Arkansas, including those with disabilities. More information can be found at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/wap.aspx.
Charities/Nonprofits Assistance
Arkansas Independent Living Council (ILC): This organization provides various programs and services to help individuals with disabilities live independently, including information and referral services, advocacy and independent living skills training. The ILC also operates the Arkansas Assistive Technology Program, which provides various forms of assistive technology to eligible individuals with disabilities. Find out more at https://arsilc.org/.
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas provides various programs and services to help individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages, including employment services, job training and youth programs. Goodwill Industries of Arkansas also operates thrift stores, which provide low-cost clothing and household items to the community. More details are available at https://www.goodwillar.org/
Transportation Assistance
Arkansas Paratransit offers transportation services to eligible individuals with disabilities who are unable to use regular public transportation. The program operates in various communities throughout Arkansas and provides door-to-door service to eligible riders. Find out more at https://parking.uark.edu/transit-services/paratransit.php.
Food Assistance
Arkansas Food Bank operates a network of food banks and pantries that provide food and grocery products to low-income people, including those with disabilities. The Arkansas Food Bank also operates programs that provide meals to eligible individuals, including disabled veterans, mothers, seniors and children. To learn more, visit https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/arkansas-foodbank.
Meals on Wheels in Arkansas provides hot, nutritious meals to disabled individuals in Arkansas who are unable to prepare meals for themselves due to age, physical disability or other reasons. The program is funded by the state and federal government, as well as private donations. Meals are delivered by trained volunteers who provide a friendly visit and wellness check for each individual.
More details are available at https://agingarkansas.org/services/meals-on-wheels/.
Clothing Assistance
The Salvation Army provides individuals with disabilities in Arkansas with clothing, as well as other essential items such as furniture and household goods. Assistance is provided on an as-needed basis and is subject to availability.
For more information on The Salvation Army in Arkansas, visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/central-arkansas/
Business Support for Disabled People
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (DWS) offers support for people with disabilities in Arkansas looking to start or grow a small business. The program provides training, counseling and other resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. More information can be found at https://dws.arkansas.gov/
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) provides a range of resources and services to help small businesses in Arkansas, including those owned by disabled people. Services include business counseling, training and access to funding. Read more about the resource at https://asbtdc.org/.
