Disability Resource Links
This page contains links to useful information for persons with disabilities assembled by category as shown below in the page menu. The State Council for Persons with Disabilities hopes that you will find these resource links useful and that you will bookmark the page to access the information frequently.
➤
This site does not accept requests for placement of links on our website.
Acts, Statutes and Regulations
- Air Carrier Access Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Architectural Barriers Act
- Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
- Delaware Attorney General Consumer Protection
- Delaware Equal Accommodations Law
- Delaware Fair Housing Act
- Delaware Labor Law Enforcement - Dept. of Labor ensures fair and equitable treatment.
- Delaware Regulations - The Office of the Registrar of Regulations is a section of the Division of Research and the official repository for all administrative regulations for the State of Delaware.
- Landlord Tenant Code
- Mental Health Patient's Rights
- Rehabilitation Act
- Statute Citations
- Supported Decision-Making Agreement – Delaware Code Title 16, Chapter 94A, Section 9401A.
- Telecommunications Act
- Your Legal Disability Rights - Know your rights under federal law.
Advocacy Organizations
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware
- Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
- Delaware Division of Human Relations – Administers Delaware Fair Housing an Equal Accommodation Laws.
- Delaware Family Voices – Supporting families & children with special needs
- Mental Health Association in Delaware
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Parent Information Center of Delaware
- Single Mother Grants (Directory)
- The ARC of Delaware
Assessments
- Efficient Home Solutions
26111 Green Briar Rd.
Seaford, DE 19973
Contact: Steve Tull
(302) 629-3448
(302) 228-2633 - EmpowerAbility, LLC – Home Accessibility Assessment by an Occupational Therapist.
107 Syracuse Drive
Newark, DE 19713
Contact: Debra Young, Med., OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CAPS
(302) 504-6067
dyoung@empowerability.com - University of Delaware, Center for Disabilities Studies
461 Wyoming Road
Newark DE 19716-7355
Contact: Karen Latimer, Assistive Technology Specialist, DATI
(302) 831-7469
TDD: (302) 831-4689
(302) 831-4690 - Easterseals Seating Assessments: Comfort and Safety for Wheelchair Users
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore
61 Corporate Circle
New Castle, DE 19720
(800) 677-3800
Proper fit of the wheelchair and seating components is essential for any mobility device. The correct wheelchair and seating system can increase independence, prevent skin breakdown and improve comfort. Easterseals is one of only two providers who use computerized pressure mapping when skin breakdown is a concern. If you have wheelchair concerns, their seating assessment service may be the answer. Click here for more details.
Assistive Technology
- Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI)
Funded by the Administration on Community Living, the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) helps Delawareans find and try tools that support learning, communication, personal care, employment and leisure pursuits. - Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) - Inclusion – The University of Delaware, Center for Disabilities blog.
- Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative AT Messenger Archives
- Easterseals
Communication Aids/Assessments: The ability to communicate is something we take for granted, until you no longer have it. Speech generating devices can help someone who has a communication limitation, i.e. due to stroke, multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairments, etc. successfully communicate with others. Through Easterseals Augmentative Communications assessment service, various devices can be tried to determine what works best for the client. Learn more!
For more information on Augmentative-Alternative Communication devices or to schedule an appointment please call: Phone: 302-221-2087 or Toll-Free: 800-677-3800 - Easterseals - Low-Interest Loans for More Accessible Living
The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Easterseals’ partnerships with lending institutions can help finance assistive technology for home, work, or even vehicle modifications, with lower interest loans. Their Case Manager will help guide you through the process. For more information, email resources@esdel.org or call (302) 221-2076. Click here for more information.
Click here for the FYI: Finance Your Independence flyer. - Easterseals Resource and Technology Demonstration Center
- Easterseals Workplace Accessibility
Are you someone with a disability who needs assistive technology to work more independently or more successfully? Through the Telework Program, Easterseals’ Case Manager will guide you through the process to apply for a lower interest loan to purchase the assistive technology you need. Check out our Telework Program here. - Easterseals Workforce Development Services
Tailored to prepare people with disabilities find and keep a job through services like career exploration, job search assistance, job placement, and coaching. - Nowhere Else To Turn
Nowhere Else to Turn is a new home modification & assistive technology program from CDS, DATI and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, is available for eligible individuals who are unable to live safely and comfortably in their homes because of a paralysis-causing condition, who cannot afford needed renovations to their residence, and who have exhausted their search for funding from other sources.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources
- Assistive Technologies for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Hearing assistive technologies (HATs) are used to assist people with hearing disabilities in their day-to-day tasks and needs. HATs vary greatly and can fulfill many functions, depending on the situation and the needs of the individual person. For example, some HATs may help a person with a hearing aid focus on a specific sound to the exclusion of other auditory stimuli, whereas others might provide captions, or visual alerts for events signaled by sound (such as doorbells). - Choices Delaware
Making language choices available to Delaware families of children with hearing loss. - Delaware Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Provides information on making arrangements for sign language interpreters, finding assistive technology resources, sign language classes and so much more. - Delaware Relay
Connecting people to people once call at a time! Facebook site. - Delaware School For The Deaf
Educating students with rigorous achievement standards to develop their linguistic competence in both ASL and English. - Text to 911
- Visor Communication Card – Deaf & Hard of Hearing Card from DVR
Disability Resources
- Autism Delaware
- Brain Injury Association of Delaware
- Center for Disabilities Studies - At a Glance
- Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is your one-stop access point for aging and disability information and resources in Delaware. - Delaware ASSIST
This website allows individuals and community based organizations access to screen and apply for a broad range of social service programs. ASSIST uses the latest technology to make the program easier for people with disabilities to use, reducing any barriers for those with visual, hearing, physical or cognitive disabilities to obtain assistance without having to go into an office. Use ASSIST to apply for long term care, health care coverage, low income home energy assistance program and more. - Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council
- Delaware Disability Hub – Youth and Teens transitioning to Adulthood
- Delaware Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
- Delaware Special Voices-Family Health Care Needs
- DHSS, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
- DHSS, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
- DHSS, Division of Management Services Birth to 3 Early Intervention System.
- DHSS, Division of Visually Impaired
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware
- Guide To Services For Older Delawareans and Persons with Disabilities Resources book
- National Organization for Victim Assistance
- Supported Decision Making
Learn more about Supported Decision Making to help people with disabilities in making decisions, the Supported Decision-Making Agreement, and the Supported Decision Making-Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) from the Delaware Disability Hub website. - The Arc of Delaware
Driving Accessibility
- Moss Rehabilitation Hospital
offers in-state driving assessments and driver training in New Castle and Sussex Counties. Independence is a major goal of every rehabilitation program and for many, driving a vehicle is the ultimate freedom.
For additional program information or to schedule an appointment, please call 215-886-7706 x2 or e-mail DrivingProgram@einstein.edu. A Referral Form must be completed by a physician prior to making appointments for evaluations or lessons at the Driving Program.Beebe Rehabilitation Services
19324 Lighthouse Plaza Blvd
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Christiana Care Health System
Physical Therapy Plus
Foulkstone Plaza
1401 Foulk Road, Suite 100A
Wilmington, DE 19803 - Vehicle Discounts
- The BMW Mobility Program allows for a one-time reimbursement of up to $2,500 for expenses that come with adapting their vehicle to be disability-friendly.
- The Chrysler Automobility Program provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance toward the installation of adaptive equipment on new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.
- Ford Mobility Motoring offers up to $1,000 of assistance toward the cost of adaptive equipment on a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle. Ford Mobility Motoring Customer Care Center.
- GM Mobility Program with OnStar offers up to $1,000 reimbursement ($1,200 on Chevy Express/GMC Savana vans) plus two extra years of the OnStar safety and security service on any eligible new GM vehicle (except Cadillac).
- Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for installing qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle.
- Hyundai Mobility Program offers $1,000 toward the cost of adaptive equipment. See dealer for more.
- The Infiniti Mobility Assist Program is designed to support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities by providing a reimbursement of up to $1,000 towards the purchase of adaptive equipment on eligible purchased or leased vehicles. Call: 800-255-3987 or contact your local Infiniti dealer for more information.
- The Subaru Mobility Assist Program provides reimbursement up to $1,000 on new Subaru vehicles in the United States so that qualifying owners can modify their vehicle to accommodate for physical disabilities. Call: 800-782-2783
- Toyota Mobility Program provides cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 toward aftermarket adaptive equipment or conversion installed on any eligible purchased or leased new Toyota.
- Volkswagen will provide up to $1,000 towards the purchase and installation of lift equipment, carriers, hand controls, pedal extensions or other assistance equipment on any eligible new Volkswagen model. Call: 800-822-8987 or contact your local VW dealer for additional information.
- Volvo Mobility Program provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance toward the cost of adding adaptive equipment to an eligible new model Volvo and up to $200 on alert hearing devices.
- Medicaid, Medicare, Supplmental Security Income & IRS
- Medicaid
Medical equipment is approved on a case-by-case basis when a request for funding is presented through a prior approval process. After being placed on a Medicaid Waiver list, Medicaid may pay for adaptive equipment. For additional information in Delaware, please contact the Delaware Division of Medical Assistance. - Medicare
In special cases, Medicare will cover the cost of adaptive vehicle equipment provided a qualified practitioner performs a specialty evaluation. More information can be obtained by calling toll free at 800-633-4227. - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI eligibility and payment amounts for assistive vehicle components are based on income and other variables on a case-by-case basis. SSI offers a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program which helps those with disabilities pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific employment goal, inclosing assistive vehicle technologies. - Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Often sales-tax exemptions and other out-of-pocket costs on assistive equipment can qualify for tax deductions as medical expenses. If an adaptation qualifies as a medical necessity, it can be deducted from federal taxes. For more information, contact a tax professional at 800-829-1040 and ask for IRS publications with extensions 3966, 907 and 502.
- Medicaid
- State Programs
A vast number of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies are able to assist drivers with the costs associated with purchasing adaptive vehicle equipment, provided the vehicle is necessary in order for a person to get to and from work. In Delaware contact the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.- State Assistive Technology Loan Programs
State Assistive Technology Loan Programs can be used to provide assistance to a person paying for mobility modifications to their vehicle. In Delaware contact the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative. - Centers for Independent Living
Your state Center for Independent Living is often able to provide additional information on various mobility programs that may be offered in your state. In Delaware contact The Freedom Center for Independent Living, Inc. while Independent Resources Inc. serves Upper New Castle County, Kent, and Sussex Center for Independent Living.
- State Assistive Technology Loan Programs
- Veteran Programs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an Automobile Adaptive Equipment program to veterans with certain physical injuries. The program provides reimbursement for necessary equipment and vehicle conversions, and also trains veterans how to safely operate their vehicles.
- Additional Resources
We encourage you to reach out to support groups and organizations, including:
- Accessible Vans of America (AVA) rents and sells full-size and lowered floor minivans.
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a trade group of companies that sell adaptive driving equipment.
- National Highway Traffic and Transportation Safety Administration offers advice on driver training, vehicle selection and vehicle modification. Search under “adaptive.”
- Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals rents wheelchair and scooter accessible transportation by the day, week, month and longer.
Education
- College Accessibility for Students with Disabilities: Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Delaware Department of Education
- Delaware Department of Education - Exceptional Children Resources
Mediation, Administrative Complaints, & Due Process Complaints
Contact: Jennifer Kline (302) 735-4000
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901 - Special Education Partnership for the Amicable Resolution of Conflict (SPARC)
Contact: Fran Fletcher (302) 831-8158
177 Graham Hall
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716 - Delaware Law Related Education Center
- Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
- Financial Resources and Discounts for Students with Disabilities
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Parent Information Center of Delaware
- Teacher Resources for Special Needs
Special Education
- Delaware Exceptional Children Resources - Special Education
- Delaware Learning Resource System
- Department of Education Notice to Persons with Disabilities
- Parent Information Center of Delaware
Employment
- Delaware Department of Labor
- Delaware Employment Link
- Delaware Job Link
- Employment First Oversight Resources
- Guide on Employing People with Disabilities – U.S Dept. of Labor.
- Job Seekers Resources
Job Seekers
- ABILITY Jobs for Job Seekers - Post a résumé on this site that provides a place where people with disabilities can seek employment.
- Benefits.gov - Use this confidential tool designed to help people find government benefit programs for which they may be eligible.
- Disability.gov - Discover extensive information regarding people with disabilities, and link to numerous web sites offering resources, services, and technical assistance.
- HirePotential - Specializing in placing people with disabilities in rewarding, competitive jobs with attractive benefits at leading companies across the country. You can send your resume using their online tool, or view current job openings on their database.
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - Link to comprehensive information about employing and retaining workers with disabilities, including resources for job accommodations.
- Mid-Atlantic ADA Center - Learn about this regional center and its resources including, services to promote awareness about the ADA, accessible information technology, and the rights and abilities of people with disabilities.
- National Organization on Disability - Access current disability-related news as well as a wide range of resources and information about increasing the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) - Link to this U.S. Department of Labor office which helps increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities through education, training, assistive technology, and awareness programs.
- National Business and Disability Council - The National Business and Disability Council (NBDC) offers resources for career-seekers with disabilities, including links to local resources and webcasts on resume writing and disclosure. You can post your resume in their national resume database or search through job listings.
- The Work Site - This Social Security Administration (SSA) web site facilitates the employment of beneficiaries with disabilities through partnerships and program innovation.
- Delaware Department of Insurance - This site is intended to answer many of the questions faced by people with disabilities regarding their insurance or health plan coverage - from what you can expect when it comes to purchasing different types of insurance to situations you may face when seeking coverage for treatment to how to insure your medical equipment.
- Delaware Helpline - free on-line service where you can search for human service referrals to community resources.
Financial Planning
- Chesapeake Legal Counsel LLC - John F. Robert
29H Atlantic Avenue
Ocean View, DE 19970
(302) 537-4559 - DEPENDABLE
New DEPENDABLE helps individuals save, while preserving their SSI and Medicaid. - Disability and Credit Scores
- Financial Planning for Special Needs Seniors
- Merrill Lynch Branch Office, Global Wealth Management
19535 Camelot Drive
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
(302) 227-5300 - Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC
Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC helps clients in various stages of planning to protect their assets from the costs of long term care. They also do Medicaid Planning, VA Pension Planning, and Miller Trusts. - Special Needs Planning and Resources LLC - Diann Jones
226 Horseshoe Drive
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 530-1234
Government
- Delaware General Assembly
- Delaware House of Representatives Agenda
- Delaware Senate Agenda
- Delaware State Agency Directory
- Delaware State Government
- Department of Education
- Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
- DHSS, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
- DHSS, Division of Health Care Quality
- DHSS, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
- DHSS, Division of Social Services
- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC)
- U. S. Department of Justice ADA Responsibilities
- U. S. Department of Labor Disability Resources
Healthcare
- ChooseHealth Delaware
- Delaware Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS)
- Delaware Department of Justice Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
- Delaware Department of Insurance
- Delaware Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- DHSS, Division of Public Health
Homeowners
- Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child Can Thrive
- Home Remodeling For People With Disabilities: Resources, Grants & Ideas
- Keeping Disabled Persons Safe while Remodeling
- Services for Homeowners
- Statewide Emergency Repair Program Brochure
- Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
Housing Discrimination
- Delaware Fair Housing Act
- Delaware Housing Finance Agency (DSHA)
- Delaware Human Relations - Commission
- Delaware State Housing Authority
- Delaware State Housing Authority has a booklet entitled Delaware Affordable Housing Services Directory. Information can be found for many housing issues.
(888) 363-8808 - Disability Rights in Housing
- HUD Information for Disabled Persons
- U. S. Fair Housing Act
Journalism
- National Center on Disability and Journalism, Disability Language Style Guide
Legal Resources
- Community Legal Aid Society, Inc.
- Delaware Board of Bar Examiners
- Delaware Constitution
- Delaware Divorce Law Information
- Delaware Trial Lawyers Association
- Delaware State Bar Association
- Delaware Volunteer Legal Services
- Legal Resources for Special Needs
Guardianships, Trusts, and Specialized Legal Services
- Delaware Volunteer Legal Services
Pro-bono legal representation.
Must meet income requirements.
Adult guardianships
Call the Legal Helplink
(302) 478-8850 Wilmington
(888) 225-0582 Kent/Sussex - Law offices of James E. Deakyne, Jr. PA
Family law and guardianships
323 D Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
(302) 226-1200 - McAndrews Law Offices
Foulk & Wilson Professional Centre
910 Foulk Road, Suite 200
Wilmington, DE 19803-3159
(302) 380-4975 - Morris James Law
Estate planning, fiduciary consultation, guardianships, special needs trusts - Paul Enterline Esq.
Legal Social Security Disability
First Consult is Free
113 S. Race Street
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 856-9585 - Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC
Website
1519 Savannah Road
Lewes, DE 19958
Phone: (302) 703-6993
Fax: (302) 703-6487Website225 High Street
Seaford, DE 19973
Phone: (302) 628-4140
Fax: (302) 628-4150
Mental Health Resources
- ARC of Delaware, The
- Autism Delaware
- Community Mental Health-Wilmington Facility
- Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth
- Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Dover Behavioral Health System
- Mental Health Association in Delaware
- NAMI Delaware
- Rockford Center
- University of Delaware’s Center for Counseling and Student Development
Respite Services
Check out FAQs about Respite!- DDDS Respite
The state Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) provides respite funds to caregivers who are caring for individuals who qualify for services though DDDS. Easterseals works with DDDS to support these families through the respite process. If you are unsure if you already receive respite funding or qualify for services through DDDS, contact the Easterseals office at (302) 221-2076 for help! - Lifespan Respite Program
Through Easterseals Lifespan Respite Program, whether you are caring for a child with special needs, a spouse with a disability or an aging relative, you may apply for up to $500 in grant funding to pay for respite. This program, a result of the Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network, is partially funded through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities but serves caregivers and care recipients across the lifespan. Click here to learn more about the program and to apply. - Relative Respite
If you are a grandparent or other relative 55 or older, caring for a child under 18, you may qualify for the Relative Respite Program. Through this program, partially funded through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, relatives raising children whose parents are no longer able to, can apply for funds of up to $250 per child for respite care. Click here to learn more about the program and to apply.
Social Security
- Social Security Office Locator for Delaware
- Social Security Disability Benefits
- Social Security Disability Evaluation
- Social Security forms, information, rulings, regulations
- Social Security Online
- Benefits Check-up (For senior citizens)
- AARP Social Security Information
Travel/Transportation
- DART ADA Application
- DART Fixed Route Bus Schedules – Including DART Bus Schedules in Accessible Screen Reader Format, Statewide Bus Stop List, System Maps, How To Ride Guide, and Rider Alerts.
- DART First State or call (800) 553-3278
- Delaware Department of Transportation Accessibility
- Delaware Department of Transportation
- Delaware Handicapped Plates or Placards – Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Handicapped Plates or Placards website.
- Delaware Real Time Traffic Advisories
- Delaware Live Traffic Cameras
- Delaware Transit Corporation
- Paratransit Reservations or call 1-800-652-DART (3278), Option 3
- Paratransit Services - Find Application, Riders Guide, Fares, and ADA Service Area information here.
- Delaware Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights – DelDOT's Civil Rights Section is responsible for overseeing all external civil rights programs, insuring compliance with all federal and state civil rights and non-discrimination laws and requirements and acting to move forward the goals and objectives of civil rights provisions. This link also includes the DelDOT ADA transition plan and ADA questions, comments and complaint quick links.
- U. S. Department of Transportation – Passengers with Disabilities
Supreme and Superior Court Cases
- Delaware Supreme Court Official Website
- Delaware Supreme Court Opinions and Orders
- Delaware Superior Court
- Delaware Superior Court Opinions and Orders
Voting
- Commissioner of Elections in Delaware
- Department of Election for Kent County
- Department of Elections for New Castle County
- Department of Elections for Sussex County
- Delaware State Board of Elections - Meeting Minutes
- Election Protection in Delaware
- National Voter Registration Act
- Voters with Special Needs
- Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act
- Voting in Delaware Information -- Vote411.org