A disability often requires changes in how a person lives, works, travels or spends free time. If you’ve developed a disability, you may need physical or occupational therapy. You may also have to make adjustments to your daily routine. Perhaps you have to find a new living arrangement or change jobs or hobbies. Maybe you need to make structural changes to your home. An occupational therapist can help you with these changes. If your doctor agrees, ask him or her to recommend one.

Keep in mind that community services and household help may make the difference that enables you to continue living at home. Examples of help that’s available are:

There are also products available to help with daily living activities. For more information, contact: ABLEDATA, 8401 Colesville Road, Ste. 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Phone: 800/227-0216, 301/608-8998 or 301/608-8912 (TTY); Fax: 301/608-8958; www.abledata.com
 
ABLEDATA is a federally funded project that provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment. Information specialists are available to provide specific information about a particular device, manufacturer or distributor of the 25,000 assistive technology products listed in their database.

If your home requires major structural changes or remodeling, you can contact the following organizations for information. Keep in mind that specific questions need to be addressed by legal, medical and rehabilitation professionals who can address the issues that may be unique to your city, town or state.

Adaptive Environments Center, Inc.
374 Congress Street, Suite 301, Boston, MA 02110; Phone (V/TTY): 617-695-1225; Fax: 617-482-8099
www.adaptenv.org

U.S. Dept. of Housing/Urban Development (HUD)
24-hour housing counseling referral line: 800/569-4287
www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm

U.S. Access Board
Phone (voice): (202) 272-0080 toll free: (800) 872-2253
Phone (TTY): (202) 272-0082 toll free: (800) 993-2822 
www.access-board.gov