All those steps taken to help disabled people become enormously relevant when we are pregnant, are temporarily disabled after an accident (try ­naviga­ting stairs with a broken limb), or begin to experience the surprising number of disabilities that may accrue as we age. Life is different when you can’t see or hear as well or get around with the same physical ease you once had. Luckily many aids and support programs are available. Check them out. If you don’t know where to begin, try the useful directory of topics at Family Village.

• Equipment, services, and advice
• Legal matters

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EQUIPMENT, SERVICES, AND ADVICE

Abledata (objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources)

Abuse and disability (Family Village links)

Accessible Web page design (for those serving disabled readers)

Alzheimer’s Association Carefinder

Alzheimer’s Store

Americans with Disabilities Act home page

Answers for families (Nebraska site that may be generally helpful)

Assistivetech.net (searchable database on assistive technology (AT) and disability-related information)

Babyboomer demand boosting universal home design (Realty Times)

Bathroom design (AARP)

Bathroom safety checklist (AARP)

Center for Aging with Dignity (scroll down to find useful articles on various aspects of aging and caregiving, for practical advice on safety concerns with aging drivers, and for insights into grieving)

CAST (Center for Aging Services Technologies, some useful links for disabled or older people)

Checklist for safety, lighting, and storage (AARP)

Design Guidelines for Adult Day Services (Keith Diaz Moore, PDF file)

Designing for Dementia (radio interview with Keith Diaz Moore on how the design of living spaces affects the mood and performance of people with dementia)

DisabilityInfo.gov (online resource for Americans with disabilities)

Disaster preparedness for people with special needs (Red Cross)

Discussion groups and chat rooms about specific problems (assistivetech.net)

Doctors say medication overused in dementia (AARP Bulletin)

Doors, floors, and hallways (AARP’s checklist for accessibility)

Eldercare locator (you can download their useful booklets on transportation and housing options)

Everyone Communicates (augmentative and alternative communication, for when a person loses the ability to speak)

Family Support 360 Initiative (providing grants to local service providers to help families with developmental disabilities)

*Family Village (a global community for disability-related resources)

Independent Living Centers (a directory)

Independent Living Institute (promoting disabled people’s self-determination)

International Longevity Center (navigating the age boom)

Leonardo’s Laptop (Ben Shneiderman interview about human needs and computer design)

National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information

*National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (Library of Congress, free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail)

Network of care

Talking Book Program (Library of Congress, answers to frequently asked questions)

Universal home design (AARP)

Vocational rehabilitation

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LEGAL MATTERS

Disability Planning (ElderLawAnswers)

How to apply for SSI

Nolo online law center (provides legal assistance in preparing documents for elder care)

Social Security cash benefit programs for people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities

­Supplemental needs trusts and planning for disabled children (ElderLawAnswers)

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