Medicare and Medicaid are two of the primary sources of federal medical assistance for people with disabilities. Most people think of Medicare as providing health coverage to those who are over age 65. But it is also available to people under age 65 who have been entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits for a total of 24 months or who have severe kidney disease. The program is not based on income and is available regardless of financial need.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health services to people with low incomes. The eligibility requirements vary by state. Generally, you may be eligible for Medicaid if you are receiving welfare benefits or SSI or are blind or disabled.

For more information about Medicare and Medicaid visit www.medicare.com and www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp.

Section 504
A federal law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities in programs and activities conducted or funded by the federal government. These activities include housing, education and transportation. Section 504 requires the provision of "reasonable accommodations" to allow persons with disabilities to participate in the federally conducted or assisted activities.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA was enacted in 1990 to protect people with disabilities. This federal law generally forbids discrimination in employment, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications and services provided by state and local governments. The U.S. Department of Education supports regional technical assistance centers to provide information about the ADA and its implementation. These centers may be reached toll free at 1-800-514-0301. Your call will be automatically routed to the center in your area. Generally, the protection provided by the ADA extends to:

• Those who have a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities (working, learning, walking, seeing, speaking).
• Those who once had a disability but no longer have it (for example, cancer or heart disease).
• Those who are perceived as having a disability, even if they do not (for example, someone with severe facial scarring from burns).
• Those who do not have a disability but are discriminated against because they are associated with someone who does (for example, the spouse of a person who has emphysema or the parent of someone with AIDS).