Program Notes
Different MSAA Programs Share Goal of Improving Home Safety and Accessibility
MSAA offers a number of programs and services aimed at improving safety and accessibility in the home. The three most frequently utilized programs to address client needs in this area are: Equipment Distribution, Portable Ramps, and Home Modification. Knowing the difference between the programs can help individuals choose the program that best suits their particular needs.
MSAA's Equipment Distribution Program provides a varied inventory of equipment to clients at no charge.
The Equipment Distribution Program offers clients a wide array of safety and home accessibility products as well as daily living aids. Recognizing that bathroom safety is a top concern among individuals with limited mobility, the program features an extensive selection of durable medical equipment including grab bars, shower chairs, transfer bench, and other items for the toilet and bathtub. These pieces of adaptive equipment offer simple, yet very effective solutions to common safety issues and help alleviate the need to undertake costly and disruptive home renovations. The program also provides a selection of specialty products, such as "reachers" (lever-controlled pinchers to take hold of items out of reach) and easy-grip eating utensils, to help with common household chores and daily functions.
Another frequent request is the need to address home access with a ramp. MSAA offers two programs to assist with this need. The Portable Ramp Program is a division of the Equipment Distribution Program and offers a range of ramp sizes to address small inclines such as door thresholds and curbs. The program does offer larger, folding ramps up to 12 feet in length. However, this type of ramp will usually only cover one to two steps, as federal safety guidelines specify that for every inch of vertical rise there must be one linear foot of ramp. Therefore, a 12-foot ramp is only suitable for a 12-inch rise. For ramps larger than 12 feet in length, individuals are encouraged to apply to MSAA's Home Modification Program.
MSAA's home modifications can range from the purchase of adaptive equipment such as grab bars and shower chairs, to the construction of ramps (pictured at left) and wider doorways.
The Home Modification Program coordinates a home assessment to learn about a client's needs and pays for various modifications (where approved) up to a budgetary limit. Once it has been determined that the client's needs cannot be met through the Equipment Program, MSAA will help offset the cost of various home projects including large ramps, wider doorways for wheelchairs and scooters, and reasonable bathroom alterations for shower stalls and sinks. The Home Modification Program is more time consuming than the first two programs. From start to finish, the client (or his or her care partner) participates in a step-by-step process to apply for the program and enable MSAA to assess the needs, obtain estimates, and complete the work. Adding safety and convenience to one's home is an invaluable service and well worth any extra time involved.
Those interested in any of these or other MSAA programs may contact MSAA at (800) 532-7667 or visit the website at www.msaa.com. Applications for the Equipment Program and Portable Ramp Program can be downloaded from MSAA's website. Requests for the Home Modification Program may be sent via email by visiting the program's web page within the website.
— Peter Damiri
