Arc of Orange County, NC

Privacy Practices

The following list includes a number of resources, divided into useful categories, that are geared toward helping individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This list is by no means comprehensive. The Arc is unable to personally endorse anyone on this list. We hope you find this list useful.

Download this list as a Word file.

Project Fast

Project FAST (Families Assessing Solutions Together) now called Developmental Disabilities Flex Fund is a program to help individuals with or at risk for developmental disabilities access community supports and resources for immediate or unmet needs. There is no age requirement.

Developmental Disabilities Flex Fund was created and designed to help fill the gaps in services being provided to individuals with special needs. The program uses a family support model and is parent-driven. Parents of children with special needs and professionals who work with developmental disabilities decide how funds may be used to provide services to our community members.

Deveopmental Disabilities Flex Fund also assists with information about, and referral to, existing community resources and support services for the clients that we serve.

Can this program help you or someone you know? Contact: Cheryl Uphoff-Moran, DD Services Authorizer, OPC Area Program, (919) 913-4136 (919) 913-4001 (Fax).

Discounted and Used Equipment

1. Technology Exchange Post--this is a service of Partnerships in Assistive Technology. The TEP is for buying and selling previously owned equipment, i.e. wheelchairs, vehicles, accessories, etc. Contact (910) 630-1134 or www.pat.org.

2. American Discount Medical allows you to obtain medical equipment at a discounted price. Contact (800) 877-9100 or www.AmericanDiscountMed.com.

3. Lending Library at Lennox Baker Hospital--the hospital has a used equipment lending library for children ages 0-5 years old. The program has a variety of equipment available including walkers, mobility equipment, and boardmakers. The equipment may be checked out for up to one month. Call 684-6669 and ask for the occupational therapy department.

4. North Carolina Assistive Technology Program--this is a resource for loaning wheelchairs. Contact 850-2787.

Inclusion Groups/Organizations

1. "Breaking Bread Together" is an ecumenical project that will assist communities of faith in a nine county area in Eastern North Carolina to become more receptive to and inclusive of persons with disabilities and their families. Contact (252) 746-4963 or e-mail ofwbconvhq@coastalnet.com.

Financial and Other Assistance for Equipment, Services and Medical Problems

1. Disabled Children's Relief Fund--DCRF grant applications may be used for modest requests ($25-$200) for assistive devices, rehabilitative services, arts/humanities projects, etc., for children ages 0-18. Although there are no restrictions on the type or eligible disabilities, preference is given to applications that benefit children with physical challenges in need of prosthetic and other assistive devices (not computers). Contact DCRF at (516) 377-1605 or www.dcrf.com.

2. Durham Cerebral Palsy provides assistance to children ages birth through 18 years with cerebral palsy living in NC. Grants are typically made for equipment or other one-time expenditures not covered by other funding sources or personal means. Contact Marion Alston at (919) 474-8370 or e-mail at marion@trianglecf.org.

3. The Roberts-Miller Children's Fund--grants are made to children with disabilities throughout NC covering the following three areas:

a. for the medically or mentally disadvantaged children where public or family resources are not available. Emphasis on special equipment is typical.
b. for the disadvantaged children with orthodontic needs to correct significant disfigurement or threats to the overall health of the child--where public or family resources are not available.
c. special grants to institutions/programs providing assistance to groups of children within the scope of the Fund's purpose and mission.

Applications must be obtained upon request to:

The Community Foundation of Gaston County
P.O. Box 123
Gastonia, NC 28053
Phone: (704) 864-0927
Fax: (704) 869-0222

4. Wheelchair Foundation--a nonprofit organization "leading an international effort to deliver a wheelchair to every man, woman, and child in the world who needs one." Contact www.wheelchairfoundation.org.

5. Modest Needs distributes funds to persons with short-term financial needs and nowhere else to turn. Contact www.modestneeds.org.

6. Easter Seals "Beach Ability"--enables people with disabilities and other mobility impairments to better access the beach and participate in a variety of coastal recreation activities with the aid of adaptive equipment. Contact them at (800)662-7119 or www.esnc.org.

7. Jim's Kids--helps with funding for devices that Medicaid will not pay for and families cannot financially afford. As of 8/02, Jim's Kids only provides wheelchairs in situations where Medicaid will not pay. Contact them at:

Jim's Kids
2262-4 Race Track Rd
Sophia, NC 27350-8900
Phone: (336) 629-1973

8. United Cerebral Palsy of North Carolina--primary goal is to provide programs and services to individuals with physical disabilities and their families. The organization has funds set aside to assist persons residing in NC with specific financial needs (Special Assistance Program). Contact UCP at (919) 832-3787 or www.ucpnc.org.

9. Children's Special Health Services--CSHS is a state agency that pays for specialized health care for children under 21 years of age who have certain chronic medical problems that could keep them from growing and developing normally. Children are eligible for CSHS if they meet all of the following criteria:

a. CSHS income requirements
b. have a chronic medical problem supported by the program
c. are under 21 years of age
d. live in North Carolina

To answer questions about the program, contact the Local Health Department or the following regional office:

Fayetteville and Raleigh Regions
225 Green Street
Wachovia Bank Building, Ste. 506
Fayetteville, NC 28301-5095
Phone: (919) 486-1191

10. Duke University "Devices for People with Disabilities" class--designs and builds products that meet the needs of local people with a wide range of disabilities. Local people who have proposals for consideration by future Duke biomedical engineering students can call Professor Bohs at 660-5155 or e-mail him at Inb@duke.edu.

11. NC Sickle Cell Syndrome Program--for information on services or resources available through this program, contact Daisy Morris, Program Manager at (919) 715-3186.

12. NC Sickle Cell Foundation provides money for crisis situations, hospital bills, etc. for persons/families with Sickle Cell Anemia. Contact Marcia Wright at (910) 346-2510.

*13. AMBUCS provides Am Trykes (adaptive tricycles for children with disabilities)--www.ambucs.com.

14. The Piedmont Carolinas Group LLC--Providing Advice, Services, and Financial Strategies for The Special Needs Community. Located in Durham, the mission is to help families plan for the financial future of their children or other dependents with special needs. Critical areas that must be addressed are:

1. Government benefit eligibility requirements for SSI and Medicaid ($2,000 in assets can disqualify).

2. Ways is which a Special Needs Trusts can help provide lifetime care while still preserving government eligibility as well as appropriate funding vehicles.

3. Guardianship, Conservator and Client Self-Determination and Empowerment Issues and the all important Letter Of Intent.

Contact Sean Godwin (919) 403-9200, sean@piedmontfinancial.com.

Adaptive Clothing

1. Adaptations by Adrian provides adaptive clothing to make dressing and bathrooming easier for persons with disabilities, wheelchair users, g-tubes, and orthopedic limitations. Contact at (877) 6ADRIAN or www.adaptationsbyadrian.com.

Automobile Conversions

1. Elderton Conversion Company offers new and used conversion vans. They are located in High Point, NC. They can be contacted at (800) 859-6066.

Therapy/Treatment Services

1. Total Rehabilitation provides occupational therapy. Contact at 968-3456.

2. North Carolina Central University provides free speech therapy. Contact at 530-7299.

3. Amelia Pediatric Therapy provides in-home speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children 0-21 years of age. Contact at (919) 477-7302 or email trudyto@cs.com.

4. Yasmine White MT-BC--Voices Together P.O. Box 16721 Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Contact her at 919-942-2714 or email her at yasmine@voicestogether.net. www.voicestogether.net.

5. Kimberly Harrer, MT-BC--Music Therapist, Board Certified, Contact her at 919-469-2659, 919-368-9155 or kharrer47@hotmail.com.

6. Emerge-A Child's Place--provides speech and pediatric occupational therapy services including individual and small groups treatment options. Contact at 928-0204 (Chapel Hill Clinic) or 489-7333 (Durham Clinic) or www.emergeachildsplace.com.

7. Developmental Therapy Associates provides occupational and speech therapy services. Contact at 493-7002.

8. Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)--provides treatment to children with autism and related disorders. Contact at 336-855-1700 (Greensboro) or www.centerforautism.com.

9. Division TEACCH--Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children. Contact at (919) 966-2174 or www.teacch.com.

10. Kids-R-Us Therapy, Inc.-- A contract agency providing Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Services in the homes, preschools, schools and pediatric facilities based out of Cary, NC. Contact Donna Greene, OTR/L President/Owner 919-606-1019 or dcgreene@nc.rr.com.

11. Children's Therapy Associates--Provides home based services for Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies serving Orange, Durham and Alamance counties. You can visit their website at www.visitcta.com/ or contact them at 919-933-7720 or cta@fastmail.net.

Information and Advocacy

1. IEP resources-- www.attainmentcompany.com.

2. Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC)--a full service parent training and information center serving families of children with special needs in NC. All services are provided at no charge to parents and families. Parent information line: (800) 962-6817. Website: www.ecac-parentcenter.org.

3. Special Education Law: www.wrightslaw.com and www.reedmartin.com.

4. North Carolina Early Intervention Library--NCEI library houses a large collection of print and video materials that focus on young children with special needs and those who are typically developing, their families, and recommended practices for serving them. Their website is www.ncei-eclibrary.org.

Caregiver Services

1. The Arc of Orange County Respite Care Program--provides respite care to caregivers of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Contact Susan Paul at 942-5119 ext.11.

*2. Visiting Angels--national network of franchised non-medical homecare agencies providing non-medical homecare to help older adults continue to live in their homes. Contact them at (919) 401-8455 or (866) 401-8455. Website: www.visitingangels.com.

*3. Volunteer Families for Children of NC--overnight respite care (up to two days) for at-risk people. May provide planned respite (1-5 days) to reduce parental stress, help serve special needs children. For more information, contact them at (919) 852-5700.

Funding for Speech and Hearing

1. Sertoma Clubs--their primary service project is assisting persons with speech, hearing, and language disorders. Website: www.sertoma.org.

Utility Bills

1. PSNC--can direct you to available sources of financial assistance for energy bills. Visit their website at www.psncenergy.com or call the Customer Care Center toll-free at (877) 776-2427.

2. Bell South's Lifeline and Link-Up programs--provide assistance with monthly recurring and connection charges to qualified residential telephone subscribers. You may be eligible if you currently receive income-based benefits from a plan such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or Federal Public Housing/Section 8 or Medicaid. Call 780-2355 or visit the Lifeline/Link-Up website at www.lifelinesupport.org.

Legal Advice

1. "Arc Works" Legal Advice by Phone Program--a service offered to members of The Arc of NC. Through an agreement with Carolina Legal Assistance (CLA), individual Arc members can have 30 minutes per year of free legal advice from a CLA attorney via telephone regarding the following issues:

a. public education issues related to services and protection of IDEA and Section 504
b. guardianship
c. client rights in treatment settings (services, programs, supports)
d. access to CAP-MR/DD--must have been denied by EDS.
This is an "advice line"; it is not legal representation. if you have any questions on the referral process, please contact Ellen Russell at The Arc of NC-- (800) 662-8706 or (919) 782-4632 or ellen@arcnc.org.

2. Duke University Law School's Children's Education Law Clinic--a legal project focused on protecting the rights of disabled children. The clinic is staffed by law students (under the supervision of two attorneys). The services of the clinic will be provided free to low-income clients in the following counties: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Granville, Franklin, Orange, Person, Vance and Warren. For inquiries and referrals, contact (919) 956-2580.

3. McPherson & Rocamora, PLLC--Larry Rocamora and Tony Nicholson provide estate planning services to families that have a family member with special needs. The firm's areas of practice include estate and trust planning, estate and trust administration, disability and long-term care planning (including Medicaid/SSI/SSDI), guardianship, elder law, charitable planning, and business succession planning. You can find biographies of the firm's lawyers on the legal website called Martindale-Hubbell: www.martindale.com or you can call them at (919) 493-0584.

Financial Assistance for Living Expenses

1. Orange Congregation in Mission (OCIM)--serves northern Orange County by providing assistance with utility bills and food. Contact 732-6194 ext.12.

2. Catholic Social Ministries--provide day by day funds, up to $150. Call by 10:00 am to check on their funding status for that day. Contact 286-1964 (Durham) or 821-9752 (Raleigh).

3. Salvation Army--will give power bill assistance and day by day funds. Be there between 7:30-11:00 am. Bring picture ID, social security card, bill with your name on it, proof of income, and social security cards for everyone in your household. Contact 688-7306 (Durham).

4. Joint Orange Chatham Community Action (JOCCA)--office is on Caldwell Street in Chapel Hill. Self-Sufficiency Program--utility bills, transportation, financial management program, etc. Contact 929-0492.

5. Urban Ministry of Durham--funds for utilities, etc. Contact 682-4340.

6. Interfaith Council for Social Service--provides shelter, food, direct services, advocacy and information to people in need. Contact at 929-6380 or admin@ifcmailbox.org Their website is www.ifcweb.org.

Visually Impaired

1. Industries for the Blind--make their own glasses. Fees are processed on a sliding scale. They work mostly with the Lion's Club. Contact (336) 759-0551 (Winston-Salem).

Transportation

1. "Wheels for Work"--program offered through the Department of Aging. This program receives car donations and gives them to persons who need a car primarily for transportation to work. in order to qualify, the individual has to meet the following criteria:

a. low income
b. have Medicaid
c. be a Work First client
d. currently working (except under special circumstances)
e. be a resident of Orange County

Contact Bill Matthews at 245-2000.

Additional Information

1. Cookbook Resource--"Cooking Made Easy," a cookbook for people with developmental disabilities. The recipes are broken down into detailed, easy to understand steps. The website contains additional information: www.cookingmadeeasy.org The author may be e-mailed at eileen@cookingmadeeasy.org. You may request a flyer and/or an order form by contacting:

Eileen Laird
P.O. Box 2117
Boone, NC 28607

2. Bridges4Kids!--a community of partners coming together to provide a circle of support for all children from birth to adult life, with a special focus on those who have disabilities, special needs, or who are at-risk. One of the main goals of their website is to provide as much timely, useful information as possible to parents and professionals regarding parenting concerns, child development, children with special needs, disabilities, and those who are at-risk. Website: www.bridges4kids.org.

3. Access Ingenuity--a leader in the development of effective access solutions for people with disabilities. AI carries a wide variety of assistive technology devices and products to help people with disabilities maintain their independence. Website: www.accessingenuity.com.

4. Special Olympics North carolina--provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in a variety of Olympic-type sports, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit their website: www.sonc.net or call 919-719-7662 for more information.

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