Recommended Links

These are links that have recommended by our community members. Please let us know if you have a new one! We are interested in links for services, products and information that are nationally applicable, or, cover a large geographic (multi-state) area.

Index:

Aide Dogs

Bladder Control
Canes, walking sticks and walkers
Career and employment
Communication devices
Educational links
Emergency response and assistance systems
For caregivers
For parents
Housing
Legal information, resources and services
Magazines
Medical products and services
Recreation
Related organizations
Sources of free or low cost drugs
Stem Cell Research

Synapse Publication
Travel

Wheelchairs and Scooters
Other links of interest

American Dog Trainers Network 

Canine Assistants

Canine Companions

East Coast Assistance Dogs

Northwest Aide Dog Foundation

National Education for Assistance Dog Services

Service Dog FAQ 

Wolf Packs - Service Dogs Directory

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Bladder Control

Bladder control summary articles from medical websites:

www.emedicinehealth.com

www.urologychannel.com

www.urologyhealth.com

Toilet adaptors that turn your toilet into a "bidet"

http://www.juscuzz.com/?source=overture
http://www.biffy.com
http://www.cleanrite.com/html/naisbidet.htm
http://www.sandman.com/intimst.html
http://www.lubidet.com/
http://www.totousa.com - select Consumer and then Toilets
http://www.brondell.com/Swash-600-400-0505promo.php4?promoCode=BID0505
Webpage with many links for different types of Bidets: http://www.mini-bidet.com/

Bladder Control Forum

National MS Society webpage with information and brochure

TravelJohn products

TravelMate Urinary products

Intermittent self catheterization information and procedures for women, for men

Catheters for intermittent use

Poise and Depends briefs and pads; Serenity products; Tena products

Clothing considerations (women)

Medtronic website with information

Interstim therapy: mild electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves that influence the behavior of the bladder, sphincter, and pelvic floor muscles. Free educational teleconferences

Interstim article from George Washington hospital

Alternative therapies:  Acupuncture  Biofeedback

New drug: Enablex

Support groups and urology journals

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Canes, Walking Sticks and Walkers

Allysa Medical Products  Hand painted and fabric-covered canes and other mobility products and helpful hints, highly recommended by community.
Autofold, Inc.  Decorative and unusual canes from around the world.
Bruce Medical Supply
Canes and Such  Many interesting and unusual canes including seat canes.
Canes Canada  Stylish daily use and collectors' canes and walking sticks.
Canes Galore  Claims to have the largest assortment of canes online.
Exerstrider Poles  Fitness walking poles.

Fashionable Canes  Big variety of canes
House of Canes  Impressive selection plus tips on selecting the right cane, send in your own fabric for a fabric-covered cane, highly recommended by community.

Liberty Cane  Features special features including an Assist Pin
Leki Hiking and Trekking Poles 

Mada Medical
Mayo Clinic - Choosing What's Right  How to select the right type of device.

MobilityCare

MobilityStore.com
Ray's Cane Co Unusual hand-made wooden walking canes, made to order.

Seat To Go
The Cane Lady  Hand painted canes, painted to order.

The Walking Cane Store
Walking Equipment  Variety of walking aids, a "buying guide" provides information on how to match a walking device with personal needs.

Winnie Walker

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Career and Employment

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Communication Devices

Asyst  Communication and home control products.
Bruce Medical Supply  Features speech aids.
ChatterVox Voice amplification system.
Communication aid Manufacturer's Association  Non-profit organization representing the world’s leading manufacturers of AAC software and hardware technology.
Communication Independence for the Neurologically Impaired, disseminates information about communication technology.
Dynavoxtech Researches new augmentative techniques and communication interfaces.
E-trioloquist  PC-based communication aid, serves as an electronic voice for those who can't speak on their own.
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Motor Speech Disorders  Treatment.

VitalStim therapy - only neuromuscular electrical stimulation that is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to treat dysphagia.

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Educational Links

Brain Facts  Primer on the brain and nervous system (pdf file)

Genetics Home Reference  from National Institutes of Health

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

Clinical Trial Process - FAQ

EMG and NCV tests  from the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation

Muscle biopsy tests  from the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation

Exercise and Muscle Directory: Comprehensive site that describes all the muscles and best exercise for each muscle.  Gives exercise instructions, photos and video clips.

Overview on Spasticity

Exploring Spasticity

NOVA broadcast show on gene therapy  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3210/02.html

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Emergency Response and Assistance Systems

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For Caregivers

AARP's Caregiving Webplace  Offers support, long term care financing, help with home care and housing options.
Caregiver Magazine 
Caregiver Network  Based in Toronto Canada; provides an information source for caregivers and a bulletin board.
Caregiving Online   Offers support, information and resources for caregivers; subscription fee applies to the monthly newsletter but there are good tips online.

Family Caregiver Alliance  FCA is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face, offering assistance and championing their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.
Through the Looking Glass  TLG has pioneered clinical and supportive services, training and research serving families in which one or more members - whether parent or child - has a disability or medical issue.

National Family Caregiver Support Program  A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Program that calls for states, working in partnership with local area agencies, to offer direct services to meet the range of caregivers’ needs.

Well Spouse Association  Well Spouse is a national, not for profit membership organization which gives support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. There are support groups in many states and a quarterly newsletter.

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For Parents

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Housing

AbleData's Informed Consumer's Guide to Accessible Housing
Accent Products  "Ideas for Making Your Home Accessible" booklet.
Accessible apartments  National database of accessible apartments.
Accessible Bathroom Fixtures  from the Bob Vila Website.
Accessible Bathroom Plans  from the Bob Vila Website.
Accessible Housing Plans  Accessible Versions of 77 UDA Ideal Home Plans.

Access Industries  elevators, stairway lifts, wheelchair lift

Acorn  Stair lifts
ALFA Consumer Information and Resources  Assisted Living Federation of America provides a consumer checklist and other information about assisted living.
Assisted Living INFO  Tools to help evaluate needs, facility selection tips, and a map-based search engine to find a facility near family and friends. Click on the "Consumers' Corner" link for lots of great resources.
Bruno  Stair lifts

Fall Prevention
Home Modification  Publication of the National Rehabilitation Information Center.
Iowa State University Extension  Home Modification and Repair.
Iowa State University Extension  Universal Design and Accessible Housing Resources.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
NCAL Consumer Guide to Assisted Living  The National Center For Assisted Living represents the assisted living industry's perspective.
Sizing Up Assisted Living   CNN article about assisted living.
Universal Design - Does Your Home Fit Your Needs?

University at Buffalo  Center for inclusive design
Wheelchair Accessible Homes  Classified ads for accessible housing, find realtors who specialize in accessible housing.

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Legal Information, Resources and Services

NEW  - Benefits Check-Up is the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for  seniors and disabled citizens with limited income and resources. 

Govbenefits online screening tool is free, easy-to-use, and completely confidential. They do not require your name, phone number, Social Security number, or any other information that could be used to identify you. This site is designed to ensure that you are getting all the benefits available to you.

Handi-Ramp Foundation will assist with funding to help those people who cannot afford to build ramps and lifts at  their home.  The Foundation was formed out of a need to provide services for people with disabilities and their families. Insurance companies (including Medicare and Medicaid) will readily pay thousands of dollars for wheelchairs and scooters for their clients, but they will not pay for any home modifications. The result is that thousands of people become prisoners in their own homes while others cannot visit family and friends. 

Home Access Program helps individuals and families find realtors who can assist in the search for a handicap accessible home or consultants who can modify a current home to meet the needs of people (and family members) with a disability.
 

Americans with Disabilities Act homepage
American Association of People with Disabilities

Disability-Related  Federal Government's one-stop website for disability related information and resources. There are nine subject tags to chose from - benefits, civil rights, community life, education, employment, health, housing, technology and transportation.

National Coalition for Disability Rights
Handicapped Individuals and the Law
Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center  ADA Statute, Regulations, ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines), Federally Reviewed Tech Sheets, and Other Assistance Documents.
Code of Federal Regulations  A codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
ADA Enforcement - this is the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) website with numerous links regarding discrimination under the ADA
Genetic Discrimination Resources - enter "genetic discrimination" in the search box at this site (National Society of Genetic Counselors)

National Patient Advocate Foundation  Policy organization committed to national and state initiatives that enhance and ensure patients' access to care and reimbursement.
American Association of People With Disabilities  The largest national nonprofit cross-disability member organization in the US, dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for Americans with disabilities, works in coalition with other disability organizations.
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities  A coalition of 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society
The Council for Disability Rights Advocates the rights of people with disabilities.

Social Security Disability Questions

Social Security Overview

Social Security Behind the Scenes
Tax deductions information - the Muscular Dystrophy Association has a number of information articles. Visit MDA and then enter "tax deductions" into the search engine

U.S. Department of Justice Service Animal Information  Provides information about legal requirements regarding individuals who use service animals.
Yahoo Disabilities News
Ragged Edge Online  News regarding disability issues.

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Magazines

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Medical Products and Services

NEW  - The Bath Lift is a battery powered lift chair designed to help with safe transfers in and out of the bathtub. It gently lowers you or your loved one to the bottom of the tub, allowing for comfortable bathing. When ready, it raises its passenger back up to the top.

Ableware Independent living products

Thyssenkrupp Access  Stairway lifts, wheelchair lifts, elevators

Active Forever  Variety of daily living aids
Assistive Technology Library of Alaska  Assistive devices plus manufacturing of special items

Assistive Technology  Manufactures durable medical equipment for the home
Bruce Medical Supply  Leading health and medical supplier
Disability Products Postcards  Product information source

Dr. Leonard's   Wide variety of healthcare products
Dynamic Living  Aids to daily living.
Dysphagia Resource Center  Resources for swallowing and swallowing disorders
Active Forever  Aids to daily living.
M.O.M.S. - Mail Order Medical Supply  Wide variety of products
Mobility, Inc.  Mobility assistance devices.
North Coast Medical  Aids to daily living.

Physical Therapy Information on neurological physical therapy
Sammons Preston  Aids to daily living
The Boulevard  Directory for disability-related products and services

http://www.grabbarspecialists.com/ Grab Bar Specialists offers huge collection of safety equipment meeting all ADA guidelines 

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Recreation

NEW  - Easy Boarding Bike - www.BIRIA.com 

New Mobility encourages the integration of active-lifestyle wheelchair users into mainstream society, while simultaneously reflecting the vibrant world of disability-related arts, media, advocacy and philosophy.

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability exercise and recreational videos:

http://www.ncpad.org/videos/?PHPSESSID=c34ded6dce94d8eaae973f28163fb437

National Center on Accessibility Study -  http://ncaonline.org/research/volunteer.shtml

Buckmasters Disabled Services  Comprehensive site for disabled hunters

Disabled Sports USA

Wheelchair Basketball Federation
Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Federation
Wheelchair Football
Bowling
Fishing
Water sports

Skiing
U.S. Paralympics
Tennis

Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Adventures 

Outdoor Buddies (Colorado)

Adaptive Sports Center

Adaptive Adventures

Special cycles

Three wheel bike
Special exercisers
Pool lifts
Skiing

Fishing

Disabled Sports

Disabled Gardening  Garden tools for the disabled

Enabled Gardener 

Raised Bed Gardening

Gardening for the Disabled  Products (click Gardening link on left Navigation column)

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Related Organizations

Ability Awareness  A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities through housing, education, employment, media and volunteer opportunities.
ALS Association  Promotes fund raising for research and provides referrals, equipment loan programs and assistance to patients.
American Association of People with Disabilities The largest national nonprofit cross-disability member organization in the United States.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  Provides information about communication disorders and serves as a referral system.
Communication Independence Information about communication technology.
Disability Info  Web-zine dedicated to advancing an exchange of information and research about the international independent living movement.
Disability Resources  Nonprofit organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information.
Easter Seals  Helps children and individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Genetic Alliance  International of millions of individuals with genetic conditions and more than 600 advocacy, research and health care organizations.
Institute on Independent Living Serves self-help organizations of disabled people who work for equal opportunities, self-determination and self-respect, offers training materials, technical assistance and information on personal assistance, advocacy, access, legislation and peer support.
Mountain States Genetics Network  Medical genetics knowledge and resources.
Muscular Dystrophy Association  PLS and HSP are not included in the diseases covered by the national MDA. However, many local MDA groups do provide service and resources for those with HSP and PLS. Check with your local MDA office.
National Ataxia Foundation  This organization welcomes people with HSP although HSP is not one of the Ataxia disorders, 45 affiliated Chapters offer support group meetings (note: HSP is frequently initially diagnosed as Ataxia).
National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders
National Institutes of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke
National Organization for Rare Disorders  Federation of voluntary health organizations, committed to the identification, treatment and cure of rare disorders.

United Spinal Association  Provides service to people with spinal cord injury and disease
World Wide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders  Comprehensive resource for movement disorder information and activities.

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Sources of free or low cost drugs

Cost containment research

Cost cutting advice
Disability Resources

List of resources on the new Medicare drug benefit
National Organization for Rare Disorders

Patient assistance programs list for those without insurance
PhRma
RXAssist

Drug price comparison
The Medicine Program

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Stem Cell Research

FAQ about stem cells (Stem Cell Research Foundation)
Stem cell information (NIH)
Stem cell research news (DataTrends)
Stem cell research news (Yahoo)

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Travel

Access Tours  Specializes in all-accessible tours
Access-Able Travel  Tips plus a travel database with accessibility information.
Accessible Travel  Moss Rehab Resource Net.
Accessible Vacation Home Exchange  Swap homes with other persons with similar needs in other parts of the world.
Ford Mobility Motoring Program  Provides financial assistance up to $1,000 for the installation of adaptive equipment (any device that makes it easier for persons with disabilities to drive or to be transported in a vehicle)  to a new 2002, 2003 or 2004 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, van or light truck.
Accessible motor homes - Click "Products" at the top, then scroll down to select "Commercial and Specialty Vehicles" under "Other Products" and then click "Ability Equipped"
Adaptive Adventures  Outdoor sports and recreation.
Adaptive Sports Center  Non-profit organization that provides year-round recreation activities for people with disabilities and their families.
Book:  Room at the Inn - Inns and B&Bs for Wheelers and Slow Walkers, by Candy Harrington
Cruise Ship Assist  Rental of mobility equipment for use on cruises
Disability Travel  Designs accessible holidays and escorts groups on vacations for slow walkers, wheelchair travelers, their families and their friends.
Emerging Horizons  Magazine about accessible travel.
Freedom Motors  Alternatives to a full-size handicapped lift van or side entry lowered floor minivan.
Global Access  Disabled Travel Network; tips, links, articles, resources, message board.
Infinitec Accessible Travel Information  Nice section on accessible travel.
Scoot Around  Scooter and Wheelchair rental in 500 locations including for cruises
Society for Accessible Travel  Provides information on air, rail and bus travel, hotels and services worldwide.
Wilderness Inquiry  Outdoor adventure trips.
Aviation Consumer Protection - Accessibility accommodations
Aviation Consumer Protection - Information for air travelers with a disability
Wheelchair Getaways  Rent a wheelchair or scooter, accessible van rentals
Segway Tours  Directory of guided tours featuring the Segway
Accessible vacation home exchange   Swap your house for another accessible home for a vacation
Article  Travel tips for traveling by airplane with a wheelchair or scooter
Article on traveling with a battery in your scooter or wheelchair
Books on Travel (when you order through the SPF Shopping Mall link to Amazon, a portion of your order is donated to SPF):

AAA's Barrier-Free Travel Hawaii
Access for Disabled Americans - A Guide for The Wheelchair Traveler
Around the World Resource Guide, Fifth Edition 2003
Able to Travel - True Stories by and for People With Disabilities
Access America Guide to the Rocky Mountain National Parks
Access to Air Travel for People With Reduced Mobility
Accessible Trails in Washington's Backcountry - A Guide to 85 Easy Outings
Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2004 - includes section for the physically challenged.
California Parks Access - A Complete Guide to the State and National Parks for Visitors With Limited Mobility
Easy Access to National Parks - The Sierra Club Guide for People With Disabilities
Exotic Destinations for Wheelchair Travelers - Hotel Guide to the Orient Hong Kong MacAu Singapore Taiwan Thailand
Fodor's Great American Vacations for Travelers With Disabilities (2nd Ed) - With Complete Accessibility Information on Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions
Handicapped in Walt Disney World : A Guide for Everyone
Hawaii - A Guide for The Wheelchair Visitor
How to Travel-A guidebook for Persons with a Disability
Rick Steves' Easy Access Europe 2004
Rollin' on : A Wheelchair Guide to U.S. Cities
The Rough Guide to Travel Health
Travel Access in London : A Guide for Those Who Have Problems Getting Around
Travel for the Disabled : A Handbook of Travel Resources and 500 World Wide Access Guides
Travelability - A Guide for Physically Disabled Travelers in the United States
Traveling...Like Everybody Else - A Practical Guide for Disabled Travelers
Walks in Welcoming Places - Walks in the Northeast for the Not So Young and the Disabled
Wheelchair Around the World
Wheels and Waves - A Cruise-Ferry Guide for the Physically Handicapped

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Wheelchairs and Scooters

AbleProject  Mission is to empower people with disabilities and care providers and to locate needed devices faster, easier, and at a competitive price.
Apsco mobility equipment.
Bruce Medical Supply  A leading health and medical supplier.
Disabled Dealer  Access to new and pre-owned adaptive equipment, services, resources, and events throughout the nation.
Pride Mobility  Leading designer and manufacturer of power wheelchairs, electric scooters and life chairs.
Electric three-wheel bikes  by Palmer Industries.
Horizon Mobility  Mission is to provide assistance, information, and service to seniors and physically handicapped individuals, serves individuals in 19 states.
Mobility and Transportation List.

Pass It On Center A National Collaboration for the Reutilization and Coordination of Assistive Technology
Rascal scooters and powerchairs.
Remote Ability
SpinLife Walkers, Wheelchairs, and Mobility Aids  Huge selection of wheelchairs, scooters, and accessories.
Wheelchair Junkie Offers lots of helpful information and a message board.
Wheelchair pouches and bags 
Wheelchair Travel Cases  Protects wheelchairs or scooters from airline damage.
Wheelchairs and Scooters  Contains good information about maintenance and how to select a chair, scooter, or dealer.

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Other links of interest

Adaptations by Adrian  Clothing adapted for wheelchair users
Alexander Technique 

Clothing

Disabilities Books
Disability is Natural  Public speaker, author, businesswoman promoting "Disability is Natural" theme
Disability Resource Site  Disability links and resources

Disabled Peoples' International   Huge collection of links, organized by country

Information and Resources for Canadians
Interwork Institute Links Links page containing many different categories

Invisible Disabilities Advocates  Site provides links to sites and organizations of several diseases, disorders and conditions, as well as a support board
Life @ Home  Provider of home modification products and services to create a healthier living environment through preventative home modifications

Paralysis Community - Join this online community for networking, support and information http://spinal-cord-injury.clinicahealth.com/

Personal Development:

www.more-selfesteem.com  Learning more about yourself
www.ericdigests.org/1996-03  Assessment of Self-Concept
www.accessiblesociety.org  Centers for an Accessible Society
http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/regsys/self.htm Education Psychology : Self Concept and Self Esteem
www.4women.gov  Illnesses and Disability of Women
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/self_image  Self Image Definition
www.coping.org  Self Image and other issues such as Loss and Assertiveness
www.sexualhealth.com  Sexual Health Network
www.awomansjourney.com  Spirituality Resources
www.mayoclinic.com/health/time-management  Time Management and other resources
www.fire.or.cr/disabilities  Women with Disabilities on FIRE homepage

PubMed search for journals
State Resource Directory  Find disability organizations or agencies in your state
TRI Online!  Thousands of disability related links, plus a mailing list
WebMDHealth

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Email your recommended links!