The National Organization on Disability (a Washington-based nonprofit) has established an accessible web site at www.nod.org Here is a set of answers to frequently asked questions about disability, retrieved from this site. ---------- National Organization on Disability Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers March 1997 1. I am seeking funding to purchase a computer for an individual who is blind and need to know if that is possible? Every state in the country has established an agency for assistive technology to handle services as training for new equipment or a loan program for the purchase. You should contact your governor's office for people with disabilities. 2. Since my injury, I cannot do the same job that I used to and my employer is unwilling to accommodate me, what do I do? As a person with a disability, you have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. You can call 1-800-514-0301 and speak to an expert on the law. Also, N.O.D. has an ADA fact sheet that outlines the law. 3. Because my disability has progressed to a stage where I cannot work anymore, what benefits am I entitled to? You can contact the local office of the Social Security Administration and make an appointment with a counselor to determine your eligibility. 4. How can I locate accessible housing? You can contact the Housing and Urban Development User, the U.S. Government agency at P.O.Box 6091, Rockville, MD 20849 or 1-800-245-2691. You can also call the office of your city agency of Housing and Community Development. 5. What can be done to prevent people who are not disabled from parking in a designated space for a drivers with disabilities? You can telephone the ADA/Transportation Hotline at 1-800-605-6605. You should also contact your mayor's office for people with disabilities, as well as parking enforcement division of the police department. 6. Since my injury, I am unable to perform the job I held for many years, what can I do now? You can call the local office of the department of vocational rehabilitation and request an appointment with a counselor. You should have available all the documentation of your disability. This agency will evaluate your abilities and provide you with education and/or training for different employment. 7. I have been seeking employment but have not received any offers and I suspect it is because of my disability. Do you have any ideas for me? N.O.D. has a list of resources such as agencies and publications which can assist you in your job search. 8. I am looking for a school for my child who has a disability. . You can call the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHY) at 1-800-695-0285. If the disability is cerebral palsy, you can contact the Cerebral Palsy Association at 1-800-872-5827 and ask if there is a local chapter in your city or county. Such a group would be an excellent source for support and advocacy. 9. Medicare pays for my physician's visits, but only very little for my medication, where can I obtain additional funding? There is a Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Program which publishes a directory of manufacturers of various drugs that participate in this program. You can ask your physician to apply for assistance on your behalf; you cannot apply for yourself. The address is as follows: Pharmacology Manufacturers & Research of America 1100 Fifteenth St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005 10. I am an individual with a disability and wish to start my own business. Where can I obtain a grant or some type of funding? The following people can be contacted for advice on self-employment for people with disabilities: Urban Miyares, San Diego, CA 619-586-1199 Rose Anne Herzog, Detroit, MI 313-971-0277 Kay Shriner, Arkansas 501-575-6417 Nancy Maxson Montana 406-243-2458 11. My church is thinking about initiating a renovation project but has no idea where to begin. What can we do? N.O.D. can send you a brochure that describes our publication entitled: "That All May Worship", an interfaith guide to help congregations become more welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities. This book will give you and the congregation many great ideas on how to proceed. More information about N.O.D.'s Religion and Disability Program can be found on this web site. 12. There are many people with disabilities in this town but the local government does not have any interest in providing any accommodations in public buildings. What can I do? Information on N.O.D.'s Community Partnership Program can be found on this web site. This program may be of assistance. In addition, many communities have ADA compliance specialists who should contact