Having a disability shouldn’t keep you from getting around town! Here you’ll find resources to access public transportation in your city or town as well as ways to find a car, and modify it to meet your specific disability needs.
Public Disability Transportation
Paratransit is an umbrella term for ‘on-demand’ transportation services offered to seniors and persons with disabilities. Dial-a-ride, ADA paratransit, and on-demand service through your local public transportation system are all examples of services potentially offered within your community. Because the services are dependent upon what is offered in your city or county, the best way to search for services is to dial 2-1-1 or Google your city’s Dial-a-ride, paratransit or ‘pick up’ services.
Adapted Vehicle Resources
National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority:
Before choosing a vehicle to accommodate your disability needs, take a look at the National Highway Transportation and Safety Authority’s guide.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association:
When evaluating mobility equipment dealers check with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association to ensure that they are properly qualified to perform the specific modifications on your vehicle. The NMEDA website also has resources for exploring different equipment options, safety reviews and information on financing your vehicle modifications.
Private Sector Grants to Purchase Vehicles or Mobility Modifications
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation Grant:
Non-profit organization offering grants for specific modifications or equipment. Awards of up to $10,000 to patients suffering with a neurological disorder, with an award preference going to those with spinal cord injuries.
Grant provided by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation of up to $1,000 for goods or services that would improve the life of patients or caregivers of minor patients with MS.
Grants of as little as $1,000 and up to $7,500 to individuals sustaining a spinal cord injury during sports or athletic recreation and who demonstrate financial need.
Automaker Discounts for Auto Mobility Modifications
Most major automakers offer reimbursements of up to $1,000 towards the installation of aftermarket adaptive mobility equipment on a newly purchased vehicle:
Fiat Chrysler Automotive Driveability Program
Ford Motor Company Upfit Program
Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program
Toyota Mobility Financial Assistance
Donated Car Programs for Needy Families
Working Cars for Working Families:
Database maintained by the National Consumer Law Center aiding in finding organizations offering free or low-cost vehicles in your area.
Organization providing donated vehicles to needy families for 25 years. Applications are reviewed based on availability of cars to donate. So if the application is closed, keep checking back!
Non-profit organization that provides transportation to veterans, first-responders and their families.
Giving Center Charitable Network:
Free cars to needy families based on availability.
Bad Credit Auto Loans
There are multiple opportunities out there for people with bad credit to get auto loans. You may be surprised to know that some lenders accept disability benefits as a form of income to be considered in the application process. Most lenders require that disability benefits to have been received at least 6 months prior to loan applications, and confirm they will continue to be received for the duration of the loan. Just remember to bring your proof of benefits along with you when you go car shopping.
Another option is Buy Here Pay Here dealerships. These dealerships typically do their financing in-house which means they can lend without credit checks. There are a few drawbacks to this option however. The choice of cars may be limited to higher mileage cars and you may be paying a little more than the car is actually worth. Also, the dealership may require you to make the payments in person at the dealership, and because they are financed in-house, on-time payments may not go towards boosting your credit score. Although, more BHPH dealerships are starting to report payments to credit agencies.
When searching for dealerships that cater to bad credit buyers, sticking with larger nationwide car companies guarantees a wider selection of vehicles that will most fit with your needs. Some examples of dealerships that have a wide selections, online searchable databases and online credit applications are:
