Grants for Disabled People in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state in the south-central region of the United States, with a population of about 4 million people. It is known for its diverse landscape, rich history and cultural heritage. Oklahoma also has a large community of disabled people, who face various challenges and barriers in their daily lives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16.4% of Oklahomans have some type of disability, which is higher than the national average of 12.7%. Luckily for Oklahomans with disabilities, there are many grants and assistance programs available.
State Assistance
One of the grants that disabled people in Oklahoma can benefit from is the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT), which is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services. The organization offers financial options for eligible applicants, who can use the funds to buy, repair, or upgrade their assistive technology devices and services. Read more at https://www.okabletech.org/.
Another assistance program for disabled Oklahomans is the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). This is a state agency that provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living and disability determination services.
DRS offers a variety of services and programs for disabled people in Oklahoma, such as counseling, training, education, employment, assistive technology, transportation, home modifications and personal assistance. The agency also administers several grants and scholarships for disabled students and workers. For more information, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs.html.
Health Assistance for Disabled People
Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is the state agency that administers the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Oklahoma. Medicaid and CHIP are federal and state-funded health insurance programs that provide health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. For further information, visit https://oklahoma.gov/ohca.html.
Another program that can help disabled people in Oklahoma with their healthcare needs is the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). The state agency offers a range of services and programs for Oklahomans with disabilities, including counseling, therapy, medication, crisis intervention, peer support, case management and residential care. ODMHSAS also administers several grants and initiatives for disabled people in Oklahoma. To see more information, visit https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas.html.
Social Security
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that pays monthly benefits to people who have worked long enough and paid social security taxes, but are unable to work due to a disability that is expected to last at least a year or result in death. The amount of benefits depends on the person’s work history and earnings. SSDI also provides health insurance through Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. To learn more, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefits to disabled people who have low income and resources. SSI also provides health insurance through Medicaid, which is administered by OHCA in Oklahoma. Read more at https://www.ncoa.org/article/ssi-vs-ssdi-what-are-these-benefits-how-they-differ.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and other services to disabled parents or children. The amount of cash assistance depends on the family size, income and other factors. TANF also provides services such as job training, education, child care, transportation and counseling. More information is available at https://www.okdrs.gov/guide/OKDHS-temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial assistance to low-income households with paying for their heating and cooling bills. The amount of assistance depends on the household size, income, energy costs and other factors. LIHEAP also provides services such as weatherization, energy audits and energy education. For further information, visit https://www.okdrs.gov/guide/OKDHS-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal and state-funded program that provides rental subsidies to disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. The program allows households to choose and rent a suitable housing unit in the private market and pays a portion of their rent directly to the landlord. The households pay the remaining rent, which is based on their income and family size. The program also provides reasonable accommodations for disabled people. For more information, visit https://www.ohfa.org/housingchoicevoucher/.
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) is a state agency that provides affordable housing opportunities for disabled Oklahomans. The agency offers various programs and services, such as home loans, down payment assistance, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention and rental assistance. The agency also administers the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). HOME provides grants to states and local governments to create and preserve affordable housing for low-income households, including disabled people. To learn more, visit https://www.ohfa.org/.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free energy efficiency improvements to disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. The program helps households save money on their utility bills, improve their comfort and safety and protect the environment. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) includes services like installing insulation, sealing air leaks, repairing heating and cooling systems and replacing inefficient appliances. Read more at https://www.okcommerce.gov/weatherization/.
The Telephone Lifeline Program provides discounted phone service to disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. The program helps the households stay connected, access emergency services and communicate with their family, friends and health care providers. The program offers a variety of benefits, ranging from reducing your monthly phone bill, to waiving the installation or activation fee, to providing toll-free access to customer service. For further information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers.
Charitable Assistance Programs for Disabled People
The Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation (OLSF) is a non-profit organization that supports the vision and hearing needs of Oklahomans, especially children and seniors. The foundation provides free eye exams, eyeglasses, hearing aids and surgeries for eligible applicants, as well as scholarships for visually impaired students. To learn more, visit https://www.oklionsfoundation.org/.
The Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) provides financial assistance for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services, as we mentioned earlier. In addition to its low-interest loans, grants and other financial options, OkAT also operates a Device Exchange Program, which is a service that allows people to buy, sell, or donate used assistive technology devices. Read more about the program at https://www.okabletech.org/resources/program-partnerships/oklahoma-assistive-technology-foundation/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers monthly benefits to low-income households, including disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. The benefits are loaded on an electronic card, which can be used to buy food items at authorized retailers. The amount of benefits depends on the household size, income and other factors. Find out more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/snap.html.
Oklahoma Food Banks are non-profit organizations that collect, store and distribute food to people in need, including disabled people who face food insecurity. There are four regional food banks in Oklahoma, which are affiliated with the Feeding America network. You can find more information about the Oklahoma Food Banks and their programs on their website: https://www.regionalfoodbank.org/.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is a state agency that oversees the transportation system in Oklahoma, including highways, bridges, railroads, airports and public transit. ODOT provides various services and programs for disabled people in Oklahoma, For more information, visit https://oklahoma.gov/odot.html.
The Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA) is a non-profit organization that represents and supports the public transit industry in Oklahoma, including urban, rural, tribal and specialized transit providers. OTA provides various services and programs for disabled Oklahomans. To apply for OTA’s services and programs, visit https://www.oktransit.org/.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People
Oklahoma Disability Law Center (ODLC) is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that provides legal services and advocacy for Oklahomans with disabilities. The organization focuses on issues related to abuse and neglect, discrimination, education, employment, health care, housing and voting rights. To learn more, visit https://rarediseases.org/organizations/oklahoma-disability-law-center-inc/.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) provides free civil legal services to disabled people who meet certain eligibility criteria. They handle cases in family law, domestic violence, consumer law, housing law, public benefits and immigration law. To qualify for LASO’s services and programs, you must call the LASO hotline, provide proof of income and disability and qualify for the service or program. You can find more information about LASO and its services and programs on its website: https://www.legalaidok.org/.
Clothing Assistance For Disabled People
The Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation (OkAT) offers grants and loans for assistive technology, including clothing and accessories. OkAT can help disabled people purchase adaptive clothing, such as magnetic buttons, Velcro closures, zipper pulls and easy-on shoes. They can also help with customizing clothing To apply for OkAT funding, visit their website at https://www.okabletech.org/.
Another clothing assistance program for disabled people in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), which offers vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. DRS can help disabled people with employment-related clothing needs, such as uniforms, protective gear, or professional attire. To access DRS services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs.html.
Business Support for Disabled People
The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) provides free and low-cost business consulting, training and research for small businesses. They can help disabled business owners with business planning, marketing, financing and more. OKSBDC also has a special program for veterans and service-disabled veterans who want to start or grow a business. To see more information, visit https://www.oksbdc.org/.
The Oklahoma ABLE Tech is a federally funded program. They provide assistive technology devices and services for people with disabilities. Oklahoma ABLE Tech can help disabled business owners with finding, acquiring and using assistive technology that can enhance their productivity, independence and quality of life. Oklahoma ABLE Tech also offers loans and grants for assistive technology, as well as training and technical assistance. Read more at https://www.okabletech.org/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) helps disabled veterans and their families access the benefits and services they deserve. DAV provides free assistance with VA claims, advocacy, transportation and employment. To learn more about DAV and how to join, visit https://www.dav.org/.
Volunteers of America Oklahoma (VOAOK) provides housing assistance and money management services to individuals challenged by mental illness who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. VOAOK also offers employment and housing for disabled veterans, service-enriched housing for seniors and residential and vocational support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can contact VOAOK or visit https://www.voaok.org/ to learn more about their programs and how to get involved.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) offers financial assistance to disabled seniors who need help with Medicare premiums, prescription costs, or other care needs. OKDHS also administers the AD vantage program, which provides home and community-based services to eligible individuals who are at risk of nursing home placement. To find out more about the eligibility criteria and application process, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html.
Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled (OKFD) provides adult-day health services for adults with specialized developmental needs. OKFD offers a variety of activities and programs that promote physical, mental and social well-being, such as arts and crafts, music, games, exercise and field trips. OKFD also provides transportation, meals and personal care assistance. For more information, visit https://www.okfd.org/.
